[Elecraft] T/R switching problem

[Vic Rosenthal K2VCO]

As Don suggests, the problem can be anywhere in the antenna system, and 
in my experience it is much more likely to be a connector than the K3.

I once had a similar problem that drove me nuts until I discovered a 
corroded solder joint INSIDE an encapsulated balun.

A film of oxide on a poor connection can often be temporarily cleared 
when you transmit (you are probably transmitting a little RF when you 
just tap the PTT) but will fail to pass the tiny current from a received 
signal.

There are various relays in the K3, but the t/r switching is performed 
by diodes.

If you have a different antenna with a different feedline, then that can 
provide a way to tell if it is the rig or the antenna system.

On 3/25/2014 6:40 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?
>
> Thank you,
>
> Jan, KX2A

-- 
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/