[Elecraft] K3 won't unkey properly: Rear panel PTT

[CAS]

I have had this problem for a long time with the 
KX3 and ultimately figured out that the solution 
is exactly what Dan had stated.  When using the 
SignalLink USB only use VOX (on the KX3), or on 
the K3 use the back panel PTT and do not use the 
CAT for PTT.  Without this the combination 
consistently creates exactly the race condition 
that puts the K3/KX3 in an indeterminate state 
requiring the XMIT panel button to clear.  I 
think the problem is that the delay in the 
SignalLink release of the PTT line.  That is the 
CAT control tries to open PTT while the 
SignalLink USB is still grounding PTT so the 
radio does not know what state it is in.

I use this system and it works fine as long as I 
do not try CAT control for PTT.

Thanks,
-CAS

At 09:23 7/14/2014, David Cole wrote:
>Interestingly enough I have something like that happen now and then as
>well...
>
>I am driving the K3 directly with a serial port from my computer, and in
>DATA A mode, so far only when in DATA A.  I operate 90% in DATA A so
>take that last one with a grain of salt...  Although it has never
>happened in CW mode.
>
>Once the problem has been triggered, if I tap the XMIT button and it
>drops out of transmit.  Next time, I'll try a different button...
>
>I am using no interface...
>--
>Thanks and 73's,
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>
>
>On Sun, 2014-07-13 at 19:01 -0700, Dan Sherwood wrote:
> > I have discovered an issue with my K3, (ser 5820).
> >
> > When using my Tigertronics Signalink USB 
> device, the unit keys the rig fine,
> > but when the interface unkeys, transmission 
> ceases, but red XMIT light stays
> > on and reception is muted.  Like an indeterminate state.
> >
> > I did the following:
> >
> > Updated firmware ­ no difference.
> >
> > Unplugged Signalink rig cable to r/o a short ­ no difference.
> >
> > Ran a different digital program on laptop ­ no difference.
> >
> > The rig is configured to accept audio input from the line in jack on the
> > rear when placed in DATA-A mode.  In SSB mode it accepts input from either
> > the front panel or the rear MIC jack depeng on whether I am using a headset
> > or the boom mic.  PTT is asserted through a foot switch via the front panel
> > MIC jack.  This keys and UNKEYS normally.
> >
> > The Signalink assertes PTT through the PTT 
> jack on the rear panel of the K3.
> > It has an internal relay acting like VOX.
> >
> > When I use the signalink to key up in data mode, it works OK for a few
> > cycles, then reverts to the indeterminate 
> state.  Rig will not receive until
> > I tap one of the keys mentioned below.
> >
> > To rule out RF feedback issues, I keyed the signalink in SSB mode, so
> > line-in not selected,  Rig keys up but no power made, (signalink audio not
> > selected).  Problem persists.
> >
> > Normal CW and SSB using foot switch PTT and either full or semi break in CW
> > has no issues, even when driving an amp and lots of RF.
> >
> > CW through FLDIGI uses CAT keyup and release.  No issues there.  PSK uses
> > PTT asserted through rear panel.  Issue seems with rear panel PTT only.
> >
> > Now here¹s the really strange thing:  When in this indeterminate muted
> > state, if I tap band up or down, mode up or 
> down, AFX, XIT, or RIT keys, the
> > unit goes back to normal receive.  That initial tap DOES NOT perform the
> > key¹s design function.  This is like a 
> computer keyboard when a screensaver
> > is running ­ the first keypress is 
> ³swallowed² to wake up the screen, then
> > subsequent keypresses work normally.  Any ideas here?
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Dan Sherwood W6DAS
> >
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