[Elecraft] K3 has ticking sound

[Ed Cole]

I thought this might be of interest:

I use my K3 for digital modes which requires a USB/RS232 conversion 
cable.  A couple years ago my FTDI cable quit working and also one I 
bought locally would not work.

I had a Western Mountain Nomic soundcard which came with a Prolific 
cable, so I tried it with my K3 and it worked (for awhile).

The computer would shut off the com port after running about 4-hours, 
and only way to restore was to plug into a different USB jack (and 
different com port).

Then, lately, my K3 would begin ticking whenever the computer was turned 
on.  It sounds like a mini relay being switched 2x per second.  Radio 
ticked whether turned on or off.  Only went away if I pulled the com 
cable or shut down the computer.  Almost had me wondering if Elecraft 
installed timer.

My first thought it was PTT being toggled, but PTT works normal even 
with radio ticking.  I could not find anything being affected as far as 
the radio functions.

So I reasoned the problem was the cable and ordered a new KUSB cable; 
arrived two days ago.  It works fine and no ticking.

73, Ed - KL7UW
PS: see my use of the Nomic with the KX3:
http://www.kl7uw.com/KX3_Computer_Interface.htm