[Elecraft] Loud relay click on CW using RX ant only on some bands

[dmb at lightstream.net]

Chris,

You've received solid advice from others about the front-end protection. I
happen to use the Array Solutions product and it works great. But as you
evaluate your possible solutions, consider that if your loop is near other
antennas or large metal objects, it will to some degree 'couple' to them
and your loop will not be working as effectively as it otherwise might.

I use several magnetic loops here for receiving, and even my small 40'
self-supporting tower acts as a noise/signal re-radiator, which is most
noticeable when I'm trying to use the deep nulls of the loop to eliminate
or reduce a local noise source. It frequently ends up with the best null
on the tower -- even though I know the tower is not the originator of the
noise. Since the null is on the tower instead, the noise from the true
origin is still being picked up by the loop. Fortunately, the loops are
small and easily moved, so you can experiment to find the best location.

An easy way to test if a particular antenna, such as your vertical, is
coupling to your loop is to alternatively short and then open the
connector on the feedline to your vertical while listening to the noise
floor of the band of interest on your K3 (the P3 helps a lot here too!).
(make sure your antenna is not in the NULL of your loop though) If you
hear a difference, there is some coupling. If not, you're probably not
getting enough coupling on receive to cause any problems -- though you may
still need to add the rx protection device to protect the K3 from
excessive rf while transmitting.

73, Dale WA8SRA



> Many thanks to all who replied.  Now that I know what it is, I have many
> options to resolve it.  My verticals are quite close to the loop, so that
> must be the issue.  I'll do a little homework and decide on the best
> course
> of action.  Thanks again!
>
> 73,
>
> Chris
> K1AY
>