[Elecraft] [KX3/PX3] Bonding

[Joel Black]

I figured out most of my problems with all the spikes on the PX3 - the switching P/S in my iMac. To a lesser extent, I can hear the MFJ-4125 switching P/S I use to power the KX3 and PX3. I cannot remember if I tried looking at the spectrum using the Astron RS-35 as a power source and plugging in the 4125 or not. I will try that today. I did use the RX SHFT and was able to move a huge spike off the carrier. Does RX SHFT still nullify the roofing filter or was that fixed in a F/W update?

I’m pretty sure I can bond the KX3, PX3, and MFJ-4125 but I don’t have a *clue* how to bond the iMac. It’s a late 2012 27” iMac. It’s an all-in-one with *no* external screws. It’s the model with the “pregnant” bulge in the back. However, if it means I have to go to a Windows computer, I’ll live with the noise or build a Hackintosh. I also use this computer for other things - editing video, etc.

I *did* try my wife’s Mac Book Pro with the power supply plugged in and I did not notice the P/S noise on the PX3; however, her computer is not powerful enough to edit video unless you have time to wait. ;)

Just to make sure I understand what I need to do:

1. Bond the KX3 to the power supply.
2. Bond the KX3 to the PX3.
3. Bond the KX3 to the computer (somehow).
4. Bond the KX3 to the sound card (in my case, a Focusrite 2i2).

Trying to use ASCII to draw, I’m guessing it should look like this:

PX3————KX3———MFJ-4125
      /   \
     /     \
  iMac     Focusrite 2i2


My KX3 antenna connection goes to a 4-way switch to switch between my OCF, NVIS, vertical, and dummy load. Does the KX3 need to be bonded to that as well? All of the feed lines run up through the wall, into the attic, and out a soffit vent to surge protectors attached to a ground rod. That ground rod is bonded to house ground. The OCF and the NVIS are on a fiberglass pole in the middle of the back yard. There is no ground rod there. The vertical is over to the side and is bonded to a ground rod there. That ground rod is not bonded but, from my reading, it should be.

Does this look/sound right? Please be critical. I cannot learn unless you tell me where I screwed up. I have pretty thick skin. ;)

73,
Joel - W4JBB