[Elecraft] UK Elecraft net report for Sunday 22nd March

[Dave G4AON]

Conditions seemed quite variable this week with several stations
complaining of high noise levels which seemed to be local to them. Here
the general background noise was similar to normal at around -110 dBm
(S3). The net was on 3627 KHz from 1000 hours onwards.

Discussions included the K3-EZ software package
(http://home.roadrunner.com/~n2bc/SW.htm) and how one of our colleagues
managed to foul up his K3 during the net with it...

Version 3.03 of the K3 firmware seemed to be generally OK with most
stations (as far as I know) on the net using it. I think everyone has
had a fiddle with the AGC parameters with no real surprises.

Doug had a problem with his K3 where one of the SWR/power measuring
diodes failed. Replacement diodes from Farnell fixed the problem (diodes
D36 and D37).

Mike had been in dialogue with Elecraft over a high phase noise problem
with the synthesiser in his K3, the problem now appears to be resolved.

The "cheap" headset I was using on the net is a Labtec Axis-302 with a
Heil HC-5 insert fitted. The headset came from an eBay seller and was
quite cheap (£6-99), the headset can be used "as is" on a K3 with low
gain and bias set to "on", or can have alternative inserts fitted
without too much effort. The insert sits in a small housing where the
cover is secured with a Philips screw. A HC-5 insert can be hot melt
glued in place of the original insert, which also requires a larger foam
windshield than that supplied. As noted previously, how good a
microphone sounds is very dependant on the voice characteristics of the
user.

Doug also reported good results with a recently purchased KAF2 audio
filter for his K2.

Peter will be running an Elecraft stand at the Blackpool Rally on 5th
April. Many of those on the net will be at the rally. Details of the
rally from: http://www.g1gyc.demon.co.uk/narsa/

Stations this week were:

G4DQP, Vince
G0VGS, Ian
M1PAF, Paul
GM0ELP, Doug
G0MJW, Mike
G3UCA, Peter
GM3SEK, Ian
GM4ESD, Doug

73 until next week
Dave, G4AON
K3/100, Acom 1000, dipole