[Elecraft] K3 & K3S Options Last Time Buy Update, (12/02/2022)

[Dave New, N8SBE]

Ed,

Likely the 'clicking' you are hearing is the PC initializing the USB 
ports on boot up.
If you watch closely, you will see the K3 PTT/XMIT come on a few times 
during the computer boot up.

It's harmless, but annoying, although if I recall correctly, on CW it 
actually ends up sending a carrier.

There was a firmware update for the K3/K3S that makes it ignore those 
computer PTT by leaving the VOX turned
off on CW until you transmit something (not from the computer).  This 
happens if you power cycle
the K3 before turning on the computer.

Of course, you could just turn off the K3 and leave it off until the 
computer finishes booting.

I don't have an explanation as to why moving the USB cable to the front 
ports seemingly has
stopped the issue.  Perhaps you just didn't happen to trigger the issue 
(see above)?

Hope that helps,

-- Dave, N8SBE

On 2022-12-04 16:24, Ed Cole wrote:
> Nice to hear about.
> 
> I contacted sales at elecraft regarding getting on the KI03B list (more
> than a year ago) and was told, at that time I would be added.
> 
> I have the KI03A (original with my K3) which Elecraft repaired about
> two years ago and has worked well, so far.  I decided I should have a
> backup so ordered the B board (A NLA).
> 
> But not being one of the original list, but an add-on, I wonder if
> inventory will be sufficient to fill my order?
> 
> I encountered a strange phenomena, as the K3 would constantly click
> whenever the computer I/F cable (from Elecraft) was connected and
> computer turned on.  I have 4 USB ports on rear of computer and 2 on
> front.  Moving to a front USB connector ceased the clicking.  BTW the
> clicking appears not to affect the K3 operation (port uses Com5).
> 
> I use my K3 on FT8 and for eme (JT65 or Q65), so very important the
> computer I/F works correctly. B version uses direct USB/USB interface
> so might not be an issue.
> 
> 73, Ed - KL7UW