The template component is bound to the same model as the field editor.  The component is listening for changes to the model and refreshing with these changes.  In this case that cuases lots of problems.  Change the template to be associated with a different model (or better yet “none”) and you won’t have the problem. 

If you need model data to pass into the iFrame, you can make two models that grab the same record information.  One will accept changes and the other won’t.  Or you can use global merge syntax. 

cloning the model and using it for the iframe reference fixed it - thanks!