[Elecraft] K3 delayed sidetone?

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

On 2025-11-17 4:35 PM, Tom Redfern via Elecraft wrote:
 >
 > Bluetooth has a slight time delay.

"Slight" delay may be optimistic, particularly for older
bluetooth devices.  If the bluetooth headphones have even
60 ms of latency (as in older bluetooth standards), that
represents one dit period at 30 WPM.

Delays of 100 ms in one's own voice (voice sidetone) will
cause significant problems for most speakers.  A delay
that represents any significant part of a dit period on
CW is also a significant problem on CW.

Bluetooth/wireless headsets (or USB headsets where the audio
is routed through the computer for processing/filtering) are
most certainly not a good match to a radio!

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV


On 2025-11-17 4:35 PM, Tom Redfern via Elecraft wrote:
> 
> I should pontificate a bit.
> 
> Bluetooth has a slight time delay.  You don't notice it when listening 
> to CW.  When you send, it becomes a delay between key down and sound in 
> your headset.  It'll drive you crazy and you'll think there's something 
> wrong with your radio.
> 
> Sounds like that might be the problem.
> 
> On 11/17/25 11:33, Chuck Chandler via Elecraft wrote:
>> A local who is getting serious about CW recently purchased a used K3.  It
>> just came back from the mothership and he is experiencing a sort of 
>> delayed
>> echo of his sidetone that is making it hard for him to send CW, as the
>> sidetone isn't tracking the keying.
>>
>> I don't know the exact specifics of how his station is set up, but can
>> certainly ask.
>>
>> I'm not near his radio, though I may be able to squeeze in a short 
>> visit in
>> ten days or so.  Any suggestions for what this might be, or what I should
>> check if I can get there in person?
>>
>> 73 de Chuck, WS1L
>>
>> chandlerusm at gmail.com