[Elecraft] [K3S] Radio transmits when computer powered on

[Don Wilhelm]

Jim,

No need to turn the K3/K3S off while the computer is booting, just hold 
the right hand side of the Mode rocker switch to turn TX TEST on.  No RF 
will be transmitted although the K3 will still go into transmit and 
light the red TX LED.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 7/22/2018 7:44 PM, Jim N7US wrote:
> My K3S is at F/W 5.64 and have the option set to USB-SAFE.
>
> I identified the cause.  I recently went back to FSK after trying AFSK and am again using my HB FSK/PTT/CW (not using the CW part) interface on https://www.aa5au.com/rtty/fsk-interface/ .  The PTT line is connected to Pin 7, RTS, of a serial port in my computer and runs to the ACC connector on the K3S through a Y-adapter from Elecraft .
>
> I don’t remember this happening during the years I used the interface with my K3, which preceded the K3S.
>
> It's not a big deal.  I'll either just watch the radio when I start the computer or will turn the radio off.
>
> Thanks very much for the help.
>
> 73, Jim N7US
>
> -----Original Message-----
>
> Jim,
>
> What is the firmware level of your K3/K3S?
> If it is 5.33 or later, there is a SAFE/UNSAFE mode for PTT-Key.  An excerpt from the 5.33 Firmware Release Notes is below:
>
> * PTT/KEY USE WITH THE USB PORT IMPROVED:  PC applications can activate PTT and KEY at the K3S via the USB port's RTS/DTR signals. However, initial setup of the rig's USB port by the PC may cause pulsed or continuous activation of the transmitter. This can happen if the computer is turned on after the K3S, or if the USB cable is not connected. There is now a "Safe" mode (the default) which disables PTT-KEY transmit until the K3S receives a command via USB, such as a read of the rig's VFO frequency. To turn on safe mode on/off, go into CONFIG:PTT-KEY and tap '1' to select "USB SAFE" or "UNSAFE". Exit the menu and turn the K3S off/on. Applications that use PTT-KEY via USB but never send commands may require "UNSAFE" mode. In this case, unwanted transmit can be avoided by turning the PC on before the K3S.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 7/22/2018 5:07 PM, Jim N7US wrote:
>> I've lost track of the (menu?) setting that prevents the K3 or K3S
>> from going into TX when the attached computer is powered on.  The
>> radio goes into TX two or three times when the computer starts.
>>
>>    
>>
>> 73, Jim N7US
>
>