Like the K3, the Ameritron QSK-5 uses PIN diodes to perform the T/R function. I hear the same "tick" from the QSK-5, only louder. Because there's a relay inside the QSK-5, some ops have come to the conclusion that the relay is generating the tick. It's not. The relay is used only for bypass purposes. To prove this, I removed the relay from the unit and the tick remained. As best I can tell, the tick noise is made as the diodes are biased. Now, why that would happen needs to by explained by a semiconductor subject matter expert. Some of the noise may be amplified by the manner in which the diodes are mounted -- much like the transfer of sound from a string bridge to the top plate of a violin.
Paul, W9AC ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jessie Oberreuter" <[email protected]> To: "Graham Smith" <[email protected]> Cc: <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, December 02, 2011 5:53 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CW transmitting - any clicks? > > The last time this came up, Wayne theorized that it might be the > sound of slight mechanical adjustments in the relays as power is > redistributed. They aren't being switched, but the coil voltages may be > changing slightly, inducing an audible modulation in the electrically > shiftable parts. Hunting it down was on his rainy day list :). > > > On Fri, 2 Dec 2011, Graham Smith wrote: > >> My K2 emits a very faint "tick" sound at the end of each dot and dash - I >> can hear it if I put my ear near the back of the K3. >> This happens using the internal keyer and a straight key, although it's >> extremely hard to hear using a straight key as the mechanical sound from >> the >> key itself masks it even when releasing it very gently. >> It's not coming from the speaker. >> >> Have other people noticed this? >> I wonder what is causing it? It does this even with the power level set >> to >> zero and I have VOX+QSK set. >> >> 73 de Graham G3ZOD FISTS #8385 >> http://www.fists.co.uk >> >> -----Original Message----- >> Steve, >> >> The K2, K1, KX1 and K3 all have electronic Transmit/Receive switching, >> and I >> would expect the KX3 will as well, so there will be no relay clicking >> noise. >> >> 73, >> Don W3FPR >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:[email protected] >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[email protected] > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:[email protected] This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
