1. Elecraft-K3
  2. Topics

Elecraft K3S keying problems with bugs

IK4EWX <ik4ewx@...>
 

The Elecraft K3S doesnt accept some semi automatic keys, the bugs.
It produce real dots even when receive at his key input a short bounce, between real contacts closure, bounces barely visible on Audacity recording.
I know that this problem is known and seem that other modern rigs, for example TS590SG and same Yaesu, have the same problems.
Here I have this problem only with same great bugs (the wonderful Mecograph and Intrepid for example) and only at speed higher than 20 wpm. With the Mecograph on the K3S I have lot of dots junk emitted.
I tried to add a good electronic debouncer, but it doesnt solve the problem.
Apart my TenTec Corsair II and Cubic 102BXA, that have perfect keying with every bug and every speed up more than 30wpm, I had a big surprise with my Elecraft KX2.
Yesterday, with KX2 and Mecograph I had a long qso with a local friend, IK4DCT, at more than 25-27wpm, an hour long.
In an hour qso the KX2 doent produced a single erratic false dots.
What is the difference in the input keying circuitry between K3S and KX2?
I hope in your help, I would like to solve the K3S problem.
Thanks,
Ian IK4EWX
Brian K0DTJ
 

I wedge a small piece of plastic foam inside the U-shaped spring on the dot side. It serves to damp the vibrations of the contact as it makes and breaks. It may take several tries to get it right. I use a Vibroplex Lightning from ~1947. 

73,
Brian, K0DTJ

On Aug 19, 2021, at 08:15, IK4EWX <ik4ewx@...> wrote:

The Elecraft K3S doesnt accept some semi automatic keys, the bugs.
It produce real dots even when receive at his key input a short bounce, between real contacts closure, bounces barely visible on Audacity recording.
I know that this problem is known and seem that other modern rigs, for example TS590SG and same Yaesu, have the same problems.
Here I have this problem only with same great bugs (the wonderful Mecograph and Intrepid for example) and only at speed higher than 20 wpm. With the Mecograph on the K3S I have lot of dots junk emitted.
I tried to add a good electronic debouncer, but it doesnt solve the problem.
Apart my TenTec Corsair II and Cubic 102BXA, that have perfect keying with every bug and every speed up more than 30wpm, I had a big surprise with my Elecraft KX2.
Yesterday, with KX2 and Mecograph I had a long qso with a local friend, IK4DCT, at more than 25-27wpm, an hour long.
In an hour qso the KX2 doent produced a single erratic false dots.
What is the difference in the input keying circuitry between K3S and KX2?
I hope in your help, I would like to solve the K3S problem.
Thanks,
Ian IK4EWX

1 - 2 of 2