I got my first scare of the K4 era yesterday when I noted a sudden high SWR on ten meters. I checked the antenna and found no issue there, I even setup the IC-7610 on 10m with the same antenna without seeing a problem. I assumed something was fried and the new transceiver would require a return visit to its point of origin.

But first a quick note to the K4 group to see what the hive-mind had to say about it.

First reply was, “Did you select the correct antenna PORT?” - the K4 includes multiple antenna ports and these can be configured on a per band basis. Sure enough, 10 meters was set to ANT3 where there was no antenna. Setting it back to ANT1 and all was right with the world again, at least with regards to my SWR on 10 meters. I must have accidentally hit the ANT button the last time I was on 10 meters. Now I have set it so that can’t happen again. I feel kinda stupid, but I’m glad it was a non-issue and the radio is okay.

This has caused me to re-think the original plan where I would purchase a new Elecraft K4 and sell the IC-7610. Now I’m thinking it’s probably a good thing to maintain a capable back-up, just in case. While I would hate to be without the K4 for a repair cycle, having the 7610 “on-deck” wouldn’t be a bad thing, would it?