[Elecraft] PTT-Key Settings won't save

[Josh Fiden]

This is the solution. Bob showed me how to do it before the UNSAFE option existed AFAIK. I wasn’t aware it was a fixable problem beyond booting computer first and only powering radio after everything was stable, or setting TX TEST mode. All a pain. 

Do this. 

73
Josh W6XU 

> On Jul 5, 2024, at 11:39 AM, Bob Wilson, N6TV <n6tv at arrl.net> wrote:
> 
> Once you learn how to fix this unwanted keying issue in Windows, there's
> little reason to ever use the default UNSAFE option of *CONFIG:PTT-KEY*
> (tap '1' to toggle between "USB SAFE" or "UNSAFE").  The K4 does not have
> any equivalent option because it is simply not needed.
> 
> To prevent unwanted keying of your K3 or K4 about 6 or 7 times when using
> DTR or RTS to key the rig, just disable two COM port settings (Serial
> Enumeration and Modem Control at Startup) using Windows Device Manager.
> Just follow the instructions and screenshots in this short document, linked
> from my QRZ.COM page <https://www.qrz.com/db/N6TV>:
> 
>   - How to prevent unexpected transmissions when using FTDI USB-to-Serial
>   adapters <https://bit.ly/FTDItip> (online Google Doc, from post
>   <http://elecraft.85.s1.nabble.com/Preventing-unexpected-transmissions-when-using-FTDI-devices-tp7644324.html>
> to
>   Elecraft Reflector, August 12th, 2018)
> 
> This applies to the Elecraft K3S, or a K3 with the FTDI version of the
> Elecraft KUSB, or the Elecraft K4, or the CW / FSK / PTT keying circuits in
> my S-BOX-USB <https://bit.ly/S-BOX>.
> 
> If using a legacy 9-pin serial port on a PC like COM1: for keying, a simple
> registry edit is required.  See pages 29 to 33 in this PowerPoint
> Presentation for the details, or contact me OFF LINE for help via TeamViewer
> QuickSupport <https://www.teamviewer.com/en-us/download/windows/> if you
> don't want to attempt this yourself:
> 
>   - Everything You Need to Know About USB and Serial Interfaces
>   <https://bit.ly/USBserial2021>, updated for 2021, presented to Spokane
>   DX Association, Feb. 3rd, 2022
>      - Watch YouTube recording of this presentation here
>      <https://youtu.be/X1yLJ9mi0gY>.
> 
> Note that moving a rig's USB cable to a new USB hub (internal or external),
> or using commercial "device driver updater" software (not recommended), or
> a major Windows update like upgrading from Windows 10 to Window 11, will
> usually reset these important driver options back to defaults, so if the
> keying problem returns, simply perform this procedure again.
> 
> Then set CONFIG:PTT-KEY to UNSAFE and there will be no more hassles.
> 
> 73,
> Bob, N6TV
>