[Elecraft] T/R switching problem

[Don Wilhelm]

Jan,

Before deciding it is a K3 problem, take a look at your antenna system 
coax.  If you bought cables from DX Engineering in the past year, be 
aware that they had a crimping problem that could result in the bhavior 
that you are experiencing.  A transmit 'sets it straight', but the RX 
diminishes after that.

Fortunately, DX Enginerring has corrected the problem and has 
acknowledged it.

If you do not have the defective DXengineering cable problem, then you 
should check your coax couplings for possible causes of problems.  UHF 
connectors should be  more than finger tight.  The shield connection 
depends on a good tight connection, use pliers lightly and tape each 
outdoor connection with electrical tape covered by CoaxSeal.

If you find no problems in you antenna system, contact 
K3suppot at elecraft,com for further assistance.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/25/2014 9:40 PM, Jan wrote:
> I am having a problem with T/R switching in my K3.  The symptom is 
> that, after I transmit, the receive signals are sometimes very 
> attenuated.  This problem has gotten worse.  At first, simply a quick 
> tap on the PTT switch fixed everything, but now, at least on phone, I 
> must make a brief additional transmission to get the receive to 
> return.  Today, the problem got worse, and sometimes I have to really 
> fuss with things to get receive back.  Here are some questions:
>
> 1. Is there a T/R relay in the K3, and does this sound like it is
>    sticking, at least to the extent that it does not make good contact
>    on receive?
> 2. Has anyone had the similar problem, and what was the solution?
> 3. If it is a relay, can it be replaced easily, or is this a return to
>    Elecraft situation?
> 4. If it is simply a relay replacement, where is the relay located?
>