K3 Abberation

[Paul Gussow]

Hi All,

I've noticed an odd behavior on my K3.  From the time power is applied,
the TX light begins to flutter on and off in a random manner.  When it's on,

the K3 transmits, this in CW mode.  It doesn't matter which band is selected. 

I've just recently installed firmware version 4.60, but this has been going on

for a while.  This condition lasts for as long as 45 seconds, then stops on its

own (so far).

ANY help will be very much appreciated!

TNX + 73 de Paul  W6GMU
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[ve3dvy]

The other day as I went to sit down after a short break I too saw a
flickering TX light and thought Oh Oh     then while I settled in my
chair my foot tapped the foot switch and it stopped.     issue here with
the foot switch.

Since its keying CW do you have a straight key or bug installed? a weak
short or breaking down insulator could do that.   try with the key
unplugged.

Also does only do it when you first power on the K3 and perhaps other
stuff at the same time like a computer?   my computer will key the K3 CW
key 7 times in boot-up,  I ensure that its booted before I power on the
k3 or I put it in TX test

P.S.  sorry Paul if you got this twice.   I sent reply to you in error
meaning to send it to the reflector.  so I sent it again to the group.

On 12/9/2012 5:41 PM, Paul Gussow wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
> I've noticed an odd behavior on my K3.  From the time power is applied,
> the TX light begins to flutter on and off in a random manner.  When it's on,
>
> the K3 transmits, this in CW mode.  It doesn't matter which band is selected.
>

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[k6mkf]

Further do David's suggestions - do you have an RS232 keying circuit keying
the K3?  If so, a component in that circuit could be starting to fail.

Just a thought ...

- 73 de Mike, K6MKF, W6NAG, VP NCDXC, Conway Reef 2012, K3-P3 Addict,
Dachshund Rescue, Maui


-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of david Moes
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2012 9:01 AM
To: [hidden email]
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Abberation

The other day as I went to sit down after a short break I too saw a
flickering TX light and thought Oh Oh     then while I settled in my
chair my foot tapped the foot switch and it stopped.     issue here with
the foot switch.

Since its keying CW do you have a straight key or bug installed? a weak
short or breaking down insulator could do that.   try with the key
unplugged.

Also does only do it when you first power on the K3 and perhaps other
stuff at the same time like a computer?   my computer will key the K3 CW
key 7 times in boot-up,  I ensure that its booted before I power on the
k3 or I put it in TX test

P.S.  sorry Paul if you got this twice.   I sent reply to you in error
meaning to send it to the reflector.  so I sent it again to the group.

On 12/9/2012 5:41 PM, Paul Gussow wrote:
>
> Hi All,
>
> I've noticed an odd behavior on my K3.  From the time power is
> applied, the TX light begins to flutter on and off in a random manner.  
> When it's on,
>
> the K3 transmits, this in CW mode.  It doesn't matter which band is
selected.
>

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[K5WA]

Paul,

One possible explanation is if you currently have CW Keying enabled via your
COM port AND you had just turned on your computer prior about the same time
as turning on the rig.  Your computer COM port randomly fires DTR/CTS
signals on power-up which would present itself as you describe.

If you don't use COM CW keying, I'm stumped.  ;-)

GL,
Bob K5WA


Message: 12
Date: Sun, 9 Dec 2012 14:41:49 -0800 (PST)
From: Paul Gussow <[hidden email]>
To: "[hidden email]" <[hidden email]>
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Abberation
Message-ID:
        <[hidden email]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1



Hi All,

I've noticed an odd behavior on my K3.? From the time power is applied,
the TX light begins to flutter on and off in a random manner.? When it's on,


the K3 transmits, this in CW mode.? It doesn't matter which band is
selected.?

I've just recently installed firmware version 4.60, but this has been going
on

for a while.? This condition lasts for as long as 45 seconds, then stops on
its

own (so far).

ANY help will be very much appreciated!

TNX + 73 de Paul? W6GMU

______________________________________________________________
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:[hidden email]

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html