[Elecraft] K3 transmit audio cuts out

[Keith Heimbold]

While operating last night on 20m on my K3 serial 1391, I had an issue with my transmit audio cutting out during PTT transmit. Also power output simultaneously dropped out completely in mid sentence. I could see this both on the power meter and hear it on monitor. 

I currently use a Heil proset 4 and a heil hand switch with that rig. I then decided to switched headsets and switch to my heil proset 5 and my foot switch which is on my other K3 to determine if it was an issue with headset / PTT switch combination.  Upon transmitting it continued to cut out the audio and power. I was alerted by the ham I was communicating with that I was having an issue with my audio.  This issue continued to persist so I decided to shutdown the system. 

My configuration last night also consisted of this K3 unit being connected to my Yaesu Quadra amplifier to my SteppIR three element Yagi. I was operating at about 500W.

This is the first time I have had any issue with this K3 unit though I do experience some unusual receive issues with spurious and higher noise levels with this unit versus my other K3 and my KX3.

Turns out that I am coincidentally sending up my other K3 1526 to Elecraft today for several mods and some additional features to be added. I would like to get the older 1391 unit working before sending 1526 up north.

Any thoughts on what might be happening or troubleshooting options would be great.

Thanks,

Keith
AG6AZ



Keith

Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos