[Elecraft] K3 - "Birdies" on P3 that tracks VFO A

[Jim Brown]

On Mon,9/5/2016 11:17 AM, J.K. Hooper wrote:
> What factors might be at work that result in this phenomenon?

Hoop,

I've encountered this as well. There are two problems (at least). The 
strong, intermittent birdies are probably caused by a flaky shield 
connection in the coax cable between the P3 and the radio. Wiggle that 
cable at both connectors (and make sure that the connectors are tight) 
and they should go away. If they don't, replace the cable.

There are weaker birdies that show up on a quiet band -- I see them a 
LOT on 6M, and they are a PITA when you're trying to use the P3 to look 
for weak CW signals when the band is trying to open for double-hop 
E-skip. Band noise will cover them if you have a high noise level. They 
move in the opposite direction of the VFO, and they move much faster 
than the VFO. I suspect they are the result of circuit layout issues 
within the radio.

73, Jim K9YC