[Elecraft] K3 - WinkeyUSB Keying Issue

[Don Wilhelm]

Jed,

If shorting the RCA plug that goes into the WinKeyer 'fixes' the 
problem, I would suggest that the problem is in the WinKeyer.  The 
optoisolator (U1 or U3) that 'closes' the key contact may have enough 
resistance to keep the K3 from keying reliably.  It would be informative 
to hang a DC coupled 'scope probe across that WK output to see if the 
voltage is really going to zero during keydown periods.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/5/2014 7:09 PM, Jed Petrovich wrote:
> Hello all:
>
> For the past several months, there are times when my Winkey won't key my
> K3. At first, it was after I'd change from SSB to CW. The WK sidetone is
> still audible, but the rig won't key. Lately, I've had it quit in the
> middle of a QSO as I'm sending. This morning, it happened when I tried to
> reply about midway through the QSO. It seems to be happening with more
> frequency.
>
> On Monday night, I did perform a reset/restore of the K3 configuration.
>
> I've been able to get things going again by disconnecting the RCA end (K3
> to WK cable) from the back of the WK and shorting out the tip/ground. I can
> then plug it back into the WK and continue. Also, it happens even with only
> 5 watts output.
>
> I realize this is a odd issue, but hope someone may have had a similar
> experience or can offer some tips for diagnosing the problem.
>
>