[K3] CW "dash" sometimes inhibited?

[Kurt Bilinski]

When sending code on a single paddle keyer, sometimes there's a disruption in "dash" generation; all connections were checked but it has persisted. The last time it happened, I held the paddle motionless in the "dash" position to see if it would regain its senses. After about 5 seconds, the K3 resumed dash generation as if nothing was wrong. The keyer is a new N3ZN unit, which is awesome, and I double checked that the connected on the bottom of the unit are secure. No problem there. 

If it were an electrically intermittent connection, I'd expect it to be just that, intermittent and random. However, when it stops working, it's always about five seconds before it starts working again. There are no connections to my PC other than HRD, so no external keying is involved.

Has anyone seen this before, and if so, what's causing it?

Thanks,

Kurt KK6IPF
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[Kurt Bilinski]

I should add a couple more things:
1. The "5 seconds" is more like "5-10 seconds."
2. It is happening when I'm practicing code, so RF can't be an issue. I haven't used the keyer on the air yet so I don't know if it happens there as well. Obviously, being unable to transmit dashes for 5-10 seconds is a bit of a no-go.
3. VOX is off, so I don't see how external sounds could be causing the issue.

The fact that it stops working for so long makes me think it's something other than a simple loose or dirty connection. (While I'm an EE, in this sort of situation isn't always a good thing, as I overthink the issue...)

Kurt KK6IPF
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[Phil Wheeler-2]

Disconnect the key from the rig and measure
resistance across the dash contact. May be some
dirt or some other mechanical issue (yeah, we EEs
always think it's electronics, but .. ) :-)

I have an iambic paddle that had such an
intermittent and it was a piece of hair or some such.

73, Phil w7ox

On 3/2/14, 11:55 AM, Mini Builder wrote:

> I should add a couple more things:
> 1. The "5 seconds" is more like "5-10 seconds."
> 2. It is happening when I'm practicing code, so RF can't be an issue. I haven't used the keyer on the air yet so I don't know if it happens there as well. Obviously, being unable to transmit dashes for 5-10 seconds is a bit of a no-go.
> 3. VOX is off, so I don't see how external sounds could be causing the issue.
>
> The fact that it stops working for so long makes me think it's something other than a simple loose or dirty connection. (While I'm an EE, in this sort of situation isn't always a good thing, as I overthink the issue...)
>
> Kurt KK6IPF
>
>

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[Don Wilhelm-4]

Kurt,

Try cleaning the paddle contacts - do not use anything abrasive, just
slip a strip of paper between the contacts, put a little pressure on the
paddle and withdraw the paper.  Repeat until the paper comes out clean.

Contacts normally "wipe" to clear out and dirt, dust, oils, etc. that
might cause a bad contact closure, but after a while it builds up and
must be removed manually.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 3/2/2014 2:32 PM, Mini Builder wrote:
> When sending code on a single paddle keyer, sometimes there's a disruption in "dash" generation; all connections were checked but it has persisted. The last time it happened, I held the paddle motionless in the "dash" position to see if it would regain its senses. After about 5 seconds, the K3 resumed dash generation as if nothing was wrong. The keyer is a new N3ZN unit, which is awesome, and I double checked that the connected on the bottom of the unit are secure. No problem there.
>
> If it were an electrically intermittent connection, I'd expect it to be just that, intermittent and random. However, when it stops working, it's always about five seconds before it starts working again. There are no connections to my PC other than HRD, so no external keying is involved.
>
>

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[Kurt Bilinski]

Well that didn't take long...

Thanks for all the suggestions. While it was in its failed state, I held the keyer in the "dash" position, and reached around to the back of the K3, and barely touched the plug... ah hah.

When I bought the keyer, the manufacturer asked if I wanted an 1/8" or 1/4" plug on it. I said 1/4", so he sent along a 1/8-to-1/4 converter plug. I suspect that's the trouble maker. That'll be dealt with right now.

After being out of ham radio for 40 years, it's like a brave new world to me, what with the integration of microprocessors and into all aspects of the gear and logging programs. Now it's a matter of getting the gray matter back up to speed on the code.

Thanks again!

Kurt KK6IPF
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[Phil Wheeler-2]

Glad you got it fixed!

Phil

On 3/2/14, 12:03 PM, Mini Builder wrote:

> Well that didn't take long...
>
> Thanks for all the suggestions. While it was in its failed state, I held the keyer in the "dash" position, and reached around to the back of the K3, and barely touched the plug... ah hah.
>
> When I bought the keyer, the manufacturer asked if I wanted an 1/8" or 1/4" plug on it. I said 1/4", so he sent along a 1/8-to-1/4 converter plug. I suspect that's the trouble maker. That'll be dealt with right now.
>
> After being out of ham radio for 40 years, it's like a brave new world to me, what with the integration of microprocessors and into all aspects of the gear and logging programs. Now it's a matter of getting the gray matter back up to speed on the code.
>
> Thanks again!
>
> Kurt KK6IPF
> ______________________________________________________________
>
>

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