[Elecraft] K3 Locks up in Transmit in data mode.

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

> The key factor in avoiding the hang (which happens in both DN780 and
> FLdigi seems to be not sending audio with the CAT cable connected,
> but the off-off setting should surely cause the CAT control lines to
> be ignored, shouldn't it?

It's not the CAT control (RTS-DTR) lines you need to worry about.
It is sending TX ON and OX OFF commands via CAT that causes the
problem.  *Either* use PTT via CAT COMMANDS *or* use the VOX in
Signalink/K3 but don't use both.  It is when you mix CAT commands
and external PTT or VOX that you get the "hang" problem.

In DM780 you can use PTT on the DTR line *don't* use CAT commands.
In Fldigi *do not* use "CAT command for PTT" - instead use "Toggle
DTR for PTT".

*Many* rigs appear to have a race condition in processing CAT based
PTT commands and hardware (DTR) PTT.  I do not know the internals
but it appears they ignore the hardware PTT while processing the CAT
command and if the hardware PTT disappears at the wrong time the CAT
TX OFF is ignored and then there is no hardware PTT off.  In almost
every case simply "bumping" the PTT button on the mic will release
the stuck PTT.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


On 2015-02-25 5:30 PM, Stewart Bryant wrote:
> Hi Don
>
> Thanks for the reply.
>
> On 25/02/2015 22:23, Don Wilhelm wrote:
>> Stewart,
>>
>> By saying you are "using VOX in Signalink to control PTT" are you
>> saying that you are using the PTT output of Signalink to control
>> transmission?  With a cable to the PTT jack?
> Yes, that is how it is configured.
>>
>> You mentioned the "RS-232 cable" which makes me wonder which of the
>> Signalink "Radio Cables" you are using.  I am going to assume you are
>> using the SLUSBK3 cable which connects to the K3 reap panel audio
>> jacks and the PTT jack.
> Correct.
>>
>> If so, do you also have VOX set on in the K3.
> No, I turned this off.
>>
>> This is a common problem if both Signalink PTT and the K3 VOX are
>> active.  Unplug the PTT cable from the Signalink and just use the VOX
>> in the K3, or turn off VOX in the K3 and use the PTT from Signalink -
>> your choice, but do not use both.
> The key factor in avoiding the hang (which happens in both DN780 and
> FLdigi seems to be not sending audio with the CAT cable connected, but
> the off-off setting should surely cause the CAT control lines to be
> ignored, shouldn't it?
>
> 73
>
> Stewart/G3YSX
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>> On 2/25/2015 4:35 PM, Stewart Bryant wrote:
>>> Hi
>>>
>>> This is probably finger trouble, but I cannot see
>>> what the problem is, so I wonder if anyone
>>> knows what is going on.
>>>
>>> I have a K3, Sigalink and HRD/DM780.
>>>
>>> For voice and CW including using the winkeyer all
>>> works fine including CAT.
>>>
>>> However I get a transmit lockup in data mode.
>>>
>>> I am using vox from the Sigalink to control the K3 PTT.
>>>
>>> I have K3 power turned to zero.
>>>
>>> I set the K3 in data mode and send some data and all is well
>>> relays go over tries to send some data goes back to receive.
>>>
>>> If I plug in the RS232 cable and send some data all works
>>> well, the Sigalink drops PTT, buy the K3 locks in
>>> transmit and will not come out of transmit until I power
>>> cycle the K3. Removing the RS232 cable has no effect unless
>>> I power cycle the K3.
>>>
>>> Removing the RS232 cable and all works exactly as expected.
>>>
>>> I have configured ptt to off-off.
>>>
>>> Does anyone have any idea what I am doing wrong here?
>>>
>>> Many thanks
>>>
>>> Stewart/G3YSX
>>>
>>> ______________________________________________________________
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>>> Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>>>
>>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>>> Message delivered to w3fpr at embarqmail.com
>>>
>>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to lists at subich.com
>