[Elecraft] K3 clicks on release (one more thing)

[Tom W8JI]

Locking the K3 on TX prevents the click on key release. Of course the 
receiver does not work well with the TX locked on. :-)

Any help or suggestions appreciated.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Tom W8JI" <w8ji at w8ji.com>
To: <Elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Sunday, November 20, 2011 1:10 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 clicks on release


> I'm working on duplexing on 160 meters, so I have not checked other bands.
>
> When the key line on the K3 is released, there is a very broad bandwidth
> click on a receiver. This is with a transmit antenna about 1000-3000 feet
> from the RX antenna. I am in a good low noise location.
>
> This click occurs:
>
> 1.) with the K3 VOX on or off. That's right, it happens with sidetone only
> and no RF!!
>
> 2.) It goes away when I pull the RF output coax from the K3, so it is out
> the antenna port.
>
> 3.) The click extends up to around 1980 kHz, and is unaffected by the VFO
> frequency in the K3 (this makes some sense, since no real RF is involved)
>
> 4.) Level increases as I lower RX  frequency from 1980 kHz or so down to
> about 1800 kHz, then it starts rolling off again (but that could likely be
> because I have HP filters for the AM BCB). It is pretty strong at 1800 
> kHz,
> I'd guess about 40 dB out of noise floor or more.
>
> 5.) I hear a similar click when I change bands in the K3 without actually
> transmitting!!! When I hear the K3 relays change something inside going 
> from
> 160 to 40, the other outside receivers "pop" and the S meters go over S 9 
> in
> the pop.
>
> 6.) It pops going from 20 meters to 30 meters (either direction), without
> transmitting. This goes away when I take the TX antenna off the K3. The 
> same
> is true for 30 to 40. 40-80, but NOT so much if at all between 80-160.
>
> 7.) Some really loud relay in the K3 is clicking when this happens, but 
> the
> same mechanical noise happens going from 160-80 with no radio click.
>
> 8.) This happens with VOX on or off on CW.
>
> 9.) This happens in SSB mode or any other mode
>
> 10.) This happens when I change bands with the memory
>
> 11.)  Don't hear it on 80 at all.
>
> 12.) on 160 meters, with VOX off on CW mode, I can hear like a loud wide
> phase or composite noise while sending!! With the K3 on 1805 kHz the noise
> is from 1803.6 to about 1806 kHz.  This noise always follows the VFO 
> around,
> while the click does not. Even with no RF output (the VOX is off) I have
> this noise.
>
> I have the latest firmware and reset, etc etc. It did it with old firmware
> that was about a year old. No change.
>
> Any ideas??
>
> 73 Tom
>
>
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>
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