[Elecraft] Fwd: K2: OK to use a bypass cap on the key?

[Rick Bates, WA6NHC]

Apparently I can't type this morning without more coffee...  sorry for the repeat, I didn't catch the typos...

Wouldn't it be of higher concern to keep (greatly reduce) the RF coming back into the shack first?  That would eliminate the need for bypassing the key and may help with your click issue.

What happens with lower power?  If there is no click and the key operates normally, that's a HUGE hint you need better RFI work.  

I'd start with copious applications of ferrites (or even coax coils) as a common mode choke although if it's like some shacks I've seen, improved housekeeping would be the first step on bands like 6M where stray capacitance makes a huge difference in functionality.

Rick, WA6NHC

iPad = small keypad = typos = sorry ;-)

Begin forwarded message:

> From: "Rick Bates, WA6NHC" <happymoosephoto at gmail.com>
> Date: June 6, 2014 at 9:19:06 AM PDT
> To: Elecraft Reflector <Elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2: OK to use a bypass cap on the key?
> 
> Wouldn't it be of higher concern to keep (greatly reduce) the RF out of the shack first?  That would eliminate the need for bypassing the key and may help with your click issue.
> 
> What happens with lower power?  It there is no click and the key operates normally, that's a HUGE hint you need better RFI work.