[Elecraft] DB-36 issue

[Don Wilhelm]

David,

Check *every* connection in your antenna system - or better yet, re-do 
all the connections.  If you have any purely mechanical connections that 
are not soldered, those are suspicious.
Connections with wire nuts are *supposed* to be "gas tight", but in 
outdoor conditions they usually are not after a period of good 
operation.  That 'dit' is enough to break through the oxidation for a 
short time, but it will return after a while.
Loose PL259/SO239 connections will behave similarly - those should be a 
bit tighter than 'finger tight', so lightly twist them a bit more with 
pliers.  If you have PL-259 connectors exposed to the weather, they 
should be not only tight, but then wrapped with electrical tape followed 
by a layer of coax seal to keep the elements out - the only reason for 
the electrical tape is so you can disconnect them later - direct 
application of coax seal works too, but you have a very difficult time 
getting it off the connection.

Due diligence will find it.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 4/4/2014 5:50 PM, David B. Ritchie wrote:
> I have a K3/P3/9500/DB36 setup. Occasionally something sticks and the radio is deaf. If I send a DIT it clears and I can hear again. It's not the K3, it's not the cable connecting the K3 to the amp and it's not the TR relays in the amp.  Have people experienced this before?  What is the solution?  Tnx.
> David. W6DR at ARRL dot NET
>