[Elecraft] ERR KEY

[Dennis]

I wrote earlier today about what triggers the ERR KEY error on the 
screen of the K3.  I have had several suggestions about what it is, so 
I'll reply to them generically.

The contest this past weekend was an SSB contest.  The ERR KEY message 
(and not ERR PTT) appeared 40 or 50 times.  Yes, there was a cw keying 
line attached to the radio, but it was never used.

The CONFIG:PTT-KEY in the K3 menu is OFF-OFF.  The radio control part of 
the N1MM+ software had DTR and RTS both off.  None of the PTT via 
hardware options was checked.

I happen to be using an SO2R Box, but others that have told me they are 
having the same higher incidence of ERR KEY messages

The ERR KEY message seemed to be associated with use and stopping of the 
Dueling CQ function of the N1MM+ software.  The Dueling CQ function 
would be stopped by entering something in an EW.

Both radios were connected to the computer via real Com ports.  No USB 
to Serial converters were involved.

I have been told by at least 6 other ops that they have seen an 
increased incidence of ERR KEY messages.  I don't know what firmware 
they are using, but I know I am using 5.38.

The ERR KEY seems to be related to PTT timing, but I'm not totally sure.

If I could find other reasons why the K3 was producing that error, I may 
be able to come up with a fix, either in software,  in someone's 
firmware, or in some setting within the K3 Config menu or N1MM+. Right 
now, the only definition I have of the ERR KEY concerns shorting the 
keying line when the rig is turned on, which definitely is not the case 
here.

Dennis W1UE