[Kenwood] Weird happening on TS-850

Fri Nov 28 08:37:05 EST 2008

Hello all,
Over the last couple years I've noticed a weird thing going on with my
TS-850. During transmission in SSB I normally have an eye on my meters
showing power out and SWR. Been noticing during this time that my output
will drop down to zero sometimes between words or phonetic signings of my
call. Started to notice it when using my Heil headset using VOX and other
stations were telling me I was breaking up. 
At first I thought it was maybe the VOX settings so I adjusted them. Problem
remained. Then I looked at the adapter and noticed a loose conection inside.
Fixed that and the problem remained. Checked the mic element in the headset
and it was OK. No loose connections. So I unplugged the headset and plugged
in my desk mic, a Shure 444 which I have used for years. Problem is still
there. Went back to both mics and reset my compression and ALC settings on
each according to the manual but I'm still getting a cutoff problem. It's
intermittent on both but still very aggravating. I'm thinking that maybe the
next thing to check would the mic connector on the rig itself. 
Has anyone else run into a problem like this? If so, what did you have to
do.
Open to any other possiblities to check.
Thanks,
Ed Swiderski KU4BP