[Elecraft] KX3 - Keying problem - First Dit Going AWOL

stan levandowski sjl219 at optonline.net
Thu Jun 28 21:42:28 EDT 2012


Randomly, and always after a short period of "rest" (for example, while 
in QSO and listening to the other ham sending), the first 'dit' goes 
missing.

Does *not* occur in HAND mode; only occurs when using the KX3 internal 
keyer.

Happens at slow speeds as well as higher speeds (my typical range is 13 
wpm to 25 wpm).

Occurs with the KXPD3 as well as with external paddles (i.e. KEY1 and 
KEY2)

Once sending is resumed within the QSO, it *never* happens again -- 
until after the next "rest" period while the other guy is sending, but 
it does so *randomly*, never predictably.

Some QSOs proceed perfectly to the end; others get messed up.  In fact, 
it might work fine all night and make me think it's fixed itself.  Then 
it returns in a future session.

Shot the KXPD3 with De-Oxit again. No joy.

The externally connected paddles were four Begalis - rather improbable 
that all four + the KXPD3 have mechanical issues or dirty contacts.  In 
fact one of them, the HST, got a good soaking of De-Oxit just in case. 
Each Begali has its own cord and plug so rule out a common line issue.

My KX3 is #0325 and it was factory-built.  I'm running with the original 
firmware it was shipped with.

I have *not* moved to the new release as Wayne has suggested - yet - 
because I'd prefer to wait until the production release on Monday when 
the download process will be less work.

This problem is about a week old now. I wanted to gather as much info as 
I could on it.

Anyone else having similar problems or am I out front and all alone on 
this one?

73, Stan WB2LQF








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