[Elecraft] K3 with erratic QSK and CW Delay

[Vic Rosenthal K2VCO]

First, are you using any auxiliary devices connected to PTT? If so, 
disconnect all the 'interfaces', etc., and try it just with a paddle. 
Try it with a dummy load to rule out RF as a problem. Or even in TX TEST 
mode. I can't think of any menu parameters that would cause this.


On 2/20/2014 9:10 AM, RLVZ at aol.com wrote:
>
> My K3 has always had erratic QSK.  I asked Elecraft to  check this out when
> the K3 was returned to Elecraft on another repair  issue and the Tech said
> the QSK "checked out fine".  I don't  doubt the Tech's word as he was even
> nice enough to phone me while he was  working on the radio.  So crazy as it
> seems,  the K3's QSK works while  in California... but it does not work when
> it gets home  to Florida!  Here's the issues:
>
> QSK: The QSK will often work when the radio is cold and  first turned on.
> But after the first or second transmission, the  QSK quits working, and acts
> like it's in semi-break-in.  Seldom will  the QSK ever work again until the
> radio is powered off.  Therefore, I've  given up on QSK and operate
> semi-breakin.
>
> SEMI-BREAKIN:  Until recently, semi-breakin worked  fine and would quickly
> return to receive as it should with the DELAY set at  0.  But today it's
> acting up as there's a substantial delay after the last  CW character is sent
> before it returns to receive.  I'd estimate a half  second delay before it
> returns to receive.  This issue is the same  whether the VOX is on or off and
> the same with the QSK on or  off.  I did double check the Delay setting and
> it is set to ).   (zero)  I'm sure you will agree that trying to  "run"
> stations in a contest with a half second delay before returning  to receive is a
> horrible experience.
>
> Question:  Are there any settings besides  "DELAY" that can effect how long
> it takes the K3 to return to receive after  transmitting the last CW
> character?  Perhaps a Menu setting needs  changing?
>
> Thanks & 73,
>
> Dick- K9OM


-- 
73,

Vic, K2VCO

Fresno CA

http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/