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XTS 3K PTT Button Sticking

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N1SQB

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Well, I've been enjoying my XTS3K for about a week now since I programmed it the way I wanted. Yesterday it developed a nasty little problem. I accidentally pressed the ptt button on a channel that is rx only. It gave me that annoying tone letting me know I could not TX on that channel. That's fine because it's supposed to do that. The problem is, now the sound stays on no matter what. I have to hit the radio a few times with my hand to get it to stop. Even pressing the button a few times won't make it go a away. After a few hits, all is normal again unless I accidentally touch or hit the ptt button. Now, has this ever happened to anyone? How do I fix this problem? I have a chassis removal tool on the way in case I have to pop it open. The radio is working fine and is flawless otherwise.

Manny
 

Skypilot007

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Sounds like the flex cable in the housing has failed. You will either need to replace the flex cable within the housing or find a replacement housing with a good flex cable. Make sure you determine if the part number of your radio ends with AN or BN as the flex cables are slightly different.
 

N1SQB

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Solved the issue!

On a hunch that that actual button itself might be sticking, I applied electrical contact spray. Then I hit the PTT button several times. Did this a few times and PRESTO! It now makes the same sound only on a hard press of the PTT button and stops immediately as soon as your finger releases the button. The button itself was in fact sticking! Radio operating normal now... PHEW! That was close...

Manny
 

jim202

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On a hunch that that actual button itself might be sticking, I applied electrical contact spray. Then I hit the PTT button several times. Did this a few times and PRESTO! It now makes the same sound only on a hard press of the PTT button and stops immediately as soon as your finger releases the button. The button itself was in fact sticking! Radio operating normal now... PHEW! That was close...

Manny

Fine dirt tends to get into the space around the button or under the membrane if you have one. I would be careful using contact spray as most of them have an oil base. If that is the case, you might see the problem come back with a vengeance.

You might try flushing it out with something that will evaporate and not leave an oily film. I would consider trying some alcohol. It will evaporate and not leave an oily film. It also will not harm the plastic. Some cleaning chemicals will soften plastics. So read the label carefully before using.
 

TDR-94

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Alcohol will eventually damage any rubber buttons or gaskets that it also happens to get sprayed on.
 

N1SQB

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So far so good. I only TX on 1 of the 40 channels programmed which is on my company frequency. So the button does not get used often. It's been a few days and I have occasionally tested the button just to check and it's good. Let's see what happens. I tend to stay away from alcohol in these situations.

Manny
 
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