[Elecraft] KIO3 failure mode

[Geert Jan de Groot]

> Many faults occur via the station ground system.? This fault indicated a
> difference in potential between the station ground and the AC Mains
> ground.? In many cases, the station equipment is connected between
> station ground and the AC Mains ground.?? 

I think we're seeing monthly reports of KIO3 ports being blown up by 
having it connected to a PC and creating a ground loop. I wonder why 
this keeps happening over and over.

The proper solution is to have an entry panel through which EVERYTHING 
is grounded and connected together. There have been a fair number of 
publications on this over the years.

I do wonder though, if a full galvanic isolator would also help? It 
won't replace the ground panel, but having heard the stories (followed 
by "I need the KIO3 repaired and can't get parts / Elecraft repair is 
backed up") I wonder about this measure.

How such an isolator box is powered would be another matter though. But 
I wonder who tried this?

73, Geert Jan PE1HZG