Having the laptop charger connected to AC and the KIO3 connected to the laptop is NOT having everything disconnected, Dave. This has been discussed here numerous times and Elecraft warns us each spring to reduce their revenue while saving us from frustration.
A recent article in QEX talked about avoiding cable loops (not antennas) in the shack during lightning storms. The nearby strikes and associated EMP can generate sufficient Voltage to damage connected circuits. My rule is to unplug ALL devices associated with my station from commercial AC power and disconnect ALL antennas from any shack connections. Soon, I'll have an entry panel where I can bond the coax/control cables to the external station ground too. I have a spare radio or two just in case the precautions I take don't work. I also have an AC-powered lightning detector to warn me of approaching lightning (and my wife who just texted me 22 miles out"). I unplug and disconnect within 10 miles, if not sooner, even during a contest. I have not lost a KIO3 in either K3 or had a similar problem with my other rigs. 73, Bill Mader, K8TE ARRL New Mexico Section Manager *ARRL - The national association for Amateur Radio**™* Secretary/Treasurer and Past President, Albuquerque DX Association W6H NM Coordinator, Route 66 On-the-Air 10-18 Sep 2022 New Mexico QSO Party 8 Apr 2023 Duke City Hamfest Chairman www.dukecityhamfest.org 15-17 Sep 2023 ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com