Please help!
To simplify all of the accessories that go with my QRP rigs, I've put a power
supply, LDG tuner and a curtis keyer (FAR board) all in one box. Seemed like
a slick accessory and works well until I get a minute or so into a QSO or CQ.
Then the keyer begins sending alternating dots and dashes whenever the dash
paddle is pressed. I can wait 10 or 15 seconds and it "resets" and is normal
again for a 30 seconds or so. A string of dashes, brings the problem back
much faster.. 5 to 10 seconds.
I reasoned that RF was at least part of the problem..since when rigs are
connected direct to the antenna the problem disappears. I have bypassed (.01
uf) the power lead (a 9V battery in the box), and have sheilded the board
itself with PCB material. I resoldered all of the leads to the 8044 ABM,
and this seemed to increase the time before the onset of the problem..but it
is still there (this, by the way, was the only change that made any
difference..I made the changes one at a time). The next step would probably
be shielded wire to all of the controls and connectors, but since the
shielding of the board made no difference, I wonder if this will have any
impact.
Any thoughts, short of deleting the keyer from the box (or trying the TICK
keyer)? How about anyone who has put one of these keyers inside your
rig..(similar RF environment) ...?
Thanks!!
Harry KG5LO
Saline, MI
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