From ayoshida at my.email.ne.jp Mon Sep 1 02:07:33 2014 From: ayoshida at my.email.ne.jp (ayoshida) Date: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 15:07:33 +0900 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and YAMAHA CM-500 In-Reply-To: <5402D29B.4010408@my.email.ne.jp> References: <5402D29B.4010408@my.email.ne.jp> Message-ID: <54040D25.4000307@my.email.ne.jp> Hi all Thanks for suggestions. My problem has been fixed. a) Pin 1 is connected to Tip and Pin 7 is connected to sleeve. b) Set FPH Bias and tap "7". Again tap "7" Everything works as expected. I have same level now with FPH Bias. I do not know why I need to tap "7" 73 de aki ja1nlx (2014/08/31 16:45), ayoshida wrote: > If CM-500 is connected to rear panel mic jack it works fine, however > if it is connected to front panel mic jack via conversion connector > I have a very low mic lebel with max mic level setting. > If CM-500 is connected to KX3 it works fine. > > CM-500 mic plug to 8p plug connection in conversion connector is like > this..... > tip to pin-1 > ring to pin 6 (K3 provides 8V regardless Bias ON/OFF) > sleeve to pin 7 > > I have another electret condenser hand mic. If this mic is connected to > K3 front panel mic jack it works fine. > > If CM-500 is connected to K2 (where 5V is provided to pin 6 of mic jack) > using same > conversion connector it works fine. > > Any suggestions please. > From gary.hvizdak at cfl.rr.com Mon Sep 1 03:04:30 2014 From: gary.hvizdak at cfl.rr.com (Gary W. Hvizdak) Date: Mon, 1 Sep 2014 03:04:30 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) Message-ID: <004101cfc5b2$fa88e5c0$ef9ab140$@cfl.rr.com> An independent head-to-head thermal performance evaluation of several aftermarket KX3 heatsinks was recently concluded by Adrian Ryan (5B4AIY), who holds degrees in Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. The clear winner of his testing is the Cooler KX PlusT, which is produced by VE7FMN of Simply Better Manufacturing! This means claims that the PAE-Kx31 is "best-performing" are not substantiated by fact! (Actually, such claims are hereby dispelled by fact!) Adrian's test report can be found at ... http://www.ve7fmn.ca/this-is-cool/pdfs/performance_page/head-to-head.pdf --- - - - --- In other news ... 1) The Cooler KXT installation guide has (finally) been published. 2) Tech-Note #3 (PEM nut thread repair) was completely rewritten. 3) I recently added some of the nicest customer-submitted photos to Fred's homepage. Thanks to Matt (N2IDW) and Ed (W6ELA). 4) Before too long I hope to implement "instant checkout" for most if not all Cooler KXT customers. What makes this task particularly challenging, is that unlike the USPS (which offers flat-rate international mail) the cost of shipping via Canada Post varies by country. 73, Gary KI4GGX webmaster http://www.ve7fmn.ca/ Posted on behalf of VE7FMN From hms4 at Lehigh.EDU Mon Sep 1 06:46:25 2014 From: hms4 at Lehigh.EDU (Howard Sherer) Date: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 06:46:25 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Swap a serial to a USB cable Message-ID: <54044E81.5050404@lehigh.edu> I have a new in the bag Serial cable for the KX3, KAT etc, that I would like to swap for a USB cable. Is anyone interested? Howard AE3T From phuff at mi.rr.com Mon Sep 1 11:52:21 2014 From: phuff at mi.rr.com (Paul and Sue Huff) Date: Mon, 1 Sep 2014 11:52:21 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Special Sprint to honor WZ8C Message-ID: <9E4C308E-E17A-4B4F-AE08-763AF7EE6A33@mi.rr.com> On September 3rd (the evening of the 2nd in North America), from 0000-0300 UTC, The North American QRP CW Club and FISTS are jointly sponsoring a special CW sprint to honor the memory of CW advocate and CQ Hall of Fame inductee Nancy Kott, WZ8C. All are welcome to participate. Details can be found at http://www.naqcc.info/nancy.html . 73, Paul - N8XMS NAQCC Club Manager From ai4co at outlook.com Mon Sep 1 12:29:09 2014 From: ai4co at outlook.com (Randy Moore) Date: Mon, 1 Sep 2014 12:29:09 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) In-Reply-To: <004101cfc5b2$fa88e5c0$ef9ab140$@cfl.rr.com> References: <004101cfc5b2$fa88e5c0$ef9ab140$@cfl.rr.com> Message-ID: Thank you very much for the comparison of the available heat sinks for the KX3. I bought the KB8UHN heat sink and I am quite happy with it. Using his heat sink I am able to run Digital modes at 10 watts on 20 and 40 meters with no problems and my radio temperature is lower than the comparison at 5 watts. I did use the included heat sink compound so perhaps that makes a difference. I did some testing on my own using assorted heat sinks from old audio and video cards and found that almost any heat sink will make a big difference. Thank you for supporting the Elecraft KX3 with your aftermarket accessories. Randy Moore AI4CO -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Gary W. Hvizdak Sent: Monday, September 01, 2014 3:05 AM To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Cc: Adrian Ryan; Fred; Edouard Lafargue; matt421421 at gmail.com Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) An independent head-to-head thermal performance evaluation of several aftermarket KX3 heatsinks was recently concluded by Adrian Ryan (5B4AIY), who holds degrees in Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. The clear winner of his testing is the Cooler KX PlusT, which is produced by VE7FMN of Simply Better Manufacturing! This means claims that the PAE-Kx31 is "best-performing" are not substantiated by fact! (Actually, such claims are hereby dispelled by fact!) Adrian's test report can be found at ... http://www.ve7fmn.ca/this-is-cool/pdfs/performance_page/head-to-head.pdf --- - - - --- In other news ... 1) The Cooler KXT installation guide has (finally) been published. 2) Tech-Note #3 (PEM nut thread repair) was completely rewritten. 3) I recently added some of the nicest customer-submitted photos to Fred's homepage. Thanks to Matt (N2IDW) and Ed (W6ELA). 4) Before too long I hope to implement "instant checkout" for most if not all Cooler KXT customers. What makes this task particularly challenging, is that unlike the USPS (which offers flat-rate international mail) the cost of shipping via Canada Post varies by country. 73, Gary KI4GGX webmaster http://www.ve7fmn.ca/ Posted on behalf of VE7FMN ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 ai4co at outlook.com From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Mon Sep 1 17:02:15 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Michael via Elecraft) Date: Mon, 1 Sep 2014 17:02:15 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [Elecraft] New Elecraft K2/100 #7556 is on the air! Message-ID: <1a0e1.1537344a.413638d7@aol.com> Just built a new K2 for Mike C in Nevada....K2/100 Serial #7556! One of the first contacts was with an airplane up at 30,000 feet headed my way to North Carolina (10 Meters/ QRP)! 73's Michael n2zdb http://n2zdb.com/n2zdb From rcrgs at verizon.net Mon Sep 1 17:43:07 2014 From: rcrgs at verizon.net (Robert G Strickland) Date: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 21:43:07 +0000 Subject: [Elecraft] New Elecraft K2/100 #7556 is on the air! In-Reply-To: <1a0e1.1537344a.413638d7@aol.com> References: <1a0e1.1537344a.413638d7@aol.com> Message-ID: <5404E86B.4080008@verizon.net> I bought K2 #5957 in Jan '07. Near as I can figure, that's an average of 4x per week that Elecraft has sold since I bought mine. Given the understandable popularity of the K-line - I've got K3 #6232 - it's good to see that the little K2 is still going out the door. May it live forever! ...robert On 9/1/2014 21:02, Michael via Elecraft wrote: > Just built a new K2 for Mike C in Nevada....K2/100 Serial #7556! > > One of the first contacts was with an airplane up at 30,000 feet headed my > way to North Carolina (10 Meters/ QRP)! > > 73's Michael > n2zdb > http://n2zdb.com/n2zdb > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 rcrgs at verizon.net > -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rcrgs at verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA From w7ox at socal.rr.com Mon Sep 1 18:20:13 2014 From: w7ox at socal.rr.com (Phil Wheeler) Date: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 15:20:13 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] New Elecraft K2/100 #7556 is on the air! In-Reply-To: <5404E86B.4080008@verizon.net> References: <1a0e1.1537344a.413638d7@aol.com> <5404E86B.4080008@verizon.net> Message-ID: <5404F11D.8000600@socal.rr.com> Of course the K2 is very unique as a kit building opportunity. that's a good part of the fun! I've pretty much run out of things to do with mine (#380) after adding the MAB last month. Too bad there's no PX2 out there ;-) I also have the K3/100+ and the KX3. But there will always be a special affection for the "melt-solder" K2 and it's smaller Elecraft brethren. 73, Phil W7OX On 9/1/14, 2:43 PM, Robert G Strickland wrote: > I bought K2 #5957 in Jan '07. Near as I can > figure, that's an average of 4x per week that > Elecraft has sold since I bought mine. Given the > understandable popularity of the K-line - I've > got K3 #6232 - it's good to see that the little > K2 is still going out the door. May it live > forever! > > ...robert > > On 9/1/2014 21:02, Michael via Elecraft wrote: >> Just built a new K2 for Mike C in >> Nevada....K2/100 Serial #7556! >> >> One of the first contacts was with an airplane >> up at 30,000 feet headed my >> way to North Carolina (10 Meters/ QRP)! >> >> 73's Michael >> n2zdb >> http://n2zdb.com/n2zdb From w1xt at cox.net Mon Sep 1 19:05:54 2014 From: w1xt at cox.net (Bob Myers) Date: Mon, 1 Sep 2014 16:05:54 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] New Elecraft K2/100 #7556 is on the air! In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Nice going Michael. Does anyone remember the location of the list of K2 builders with s/n and dates? I can?t seem to find it. Thanks, Bob W1XT Sun City West, AZ On Sep 1, 2014, at 2:02 PM, Michael via Elecraft wrote: > Just built a new K2 for Mike C in Nevada....K2/100 Serial #7556! > > One of the first contacts was with an airplane up at 30,000 feet headed my > way to North Carolina (10 Meters/ QRP)! > > 73's Michael > n2zdb From rckchp at comcast.net Mon Sep 1 20:36:14 2014 From: rckchp at comcast.net (rckchp at comcast.net) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 00:36:14 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [Elecraft] New Elecraft K2/100 #7556 is on the air! In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <1080537606.10346776.1409618174861.JavaMail.root@comcast.net> http://www.zerobeat.net/qrp/elowners.html ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob Myers" To: "Elecraft" Sent: Monday, September 1, 2014 7:05:54 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Elecraft K2/100 #7556 is on the air! Nice going Michael. Does anyone remember the location of the list of K2 builders with s/n and dates? I can?t seem to find it. Thanks, Bob W1XT Sun City West, AZ On Sep 1, 2014, at 2:02 PM, Michael via Elecraft wrote: > Just built a new K2 for Mike C in Nevada....K2/100 Serial #7556! > > One of the first contacts was with an airplane up at 30,000 feet headed my > way to North Carolina (10 Meters/ QRP)! > > 73's Michael > n2zdb ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 rckchp at comcast.net From vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk Mon Sep 1 20:37:17 2014 From: vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk (Johnny Siu) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 08:37:17 +0800 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) In-Reply-To: References: <004101cfc5b2$fa88e5c0$ef9ab140$@cfl.rr.com> Message-ID: <1409618237.8978.YahooMailNeo@web193505.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> Hello Randy, I concur with your findings though I believe the Cooler plus should be the best product in accordance with the performance assessment. Perhaps, I would like to summarise my views as follows: 1. It is correct that any old heat sink obtained from other electronic device attached to the KX3 will make a real difference (I experimented some of them). Of course, those heat sinks may not look good as a purpose built product (the Cooler plus is beautifully made as I saw one in VR2); 2. I struggled for a long time whether I should spend over USD100 (including shipping) for a piece of metal as heat sink. It implies over 1/10th of the KX3 kit price; 3. I eventually settled with a KB8UHN heat sink to strike a balance between items 1 and 2 above. I run the KB8UHN heat sink under 10m FM full power without any noticeable power drop or problems. I subsequently suggested KB8UHN to make some minor changes in his heatsink dimensions so that it will fit the Side KX covers / plates as well. Therefore, KX3 users now have a range of choices from an abandoned heat sink of any old electronic device at $0 to the high end Cooler plus at $100. 73 Johnny VR2XMC ________________________________ ???? Randy Moore ???? 'Gary W. Hvizdak' ; elecraft at mailman.qth.net ??(CC)? 'Fred' ; 'Adrian Ryan' ; matt421421 at gmail.com; 'Edouard Lafargue' ????? 2014?09?2? (??) 12:29 AM ??? Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) Thank you very much for the comparison of the available heat sinks for the KX3. I bought the KB8UHN heat sink and I am quite happy with it. Using his heat sink I am able to run Digital modes at 10 watts on 20 and 40 meters with no problems and my radio temperature is lower than the comparison at 5 watts. I did use the included heat sink compound so perhaps that makes a difference. I did some testing on my own using assorted heat sinks from old audio and video cards and found that almost any heat sink will make a big difference. Thank you for supporting the Elecraft KX3 with your aftermarket accessories. Randy Moore AI4CO -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Gary W. Hvizdak Sent: Monday, September 01, 2014 3:05 AM To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Cc: Adrian Ryan; Fred; Edouard Lafargue; matt421421 at gmail.com Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) An independent head-to-head thermal performance evaluation of several aftermarket KX3 heatsinks was recently concluded by Adrian Ryan (5B4AIY), who holds degrees in Electrical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. The clear winner of his testing is the Cooler KX PlusT, which is produced by VE7FMN of Simply Better Manufacturing! This means claims that the PAE-Kx31 is "best-performing" are not substantiated by fact! (Actually, such claims are hereby dispelled by fact!) Adrian's test report can be found at ... http://www.ve7fmn.ca/this-is-cool/pdfs/performance_page/head-to-head.pdf --- - - - --- In other news ... 1) The Cooler KXT installation guide has (finally) been published. 2) Tech-Note #3 (PEM nut thread repair) was completely rewritten. 3) I recently added some of the nicest customer-submitted photos to Fred's homepage. Thanks to Matt (N2IDW) and Ed (W6ELA). 4) Before too long I hope to implement "instant checkout" for most if not all Cooler KXT customers. What makes this task particularly challenging, is that unlike the USPS (which offers flat-rate international mail) the cost of shipping via Canada Post varies by country. 73, Gary KI4GGX webmaster http://www.ve7fmn.ca/ Posted on behalf of VE7FMN ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net/ Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.htmlMessage delivered to ai4co at outlook.com ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk From david at g4dmp.fsnet.co.uk Tue Sep 2 03:00:22 2014 From: david at g4dmp.fsnet.co.uk (David G4DMP) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 08:00:22 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] New Elecraft K2/100 #7556 is on the air! In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Yes, Bob, the URL of the Elecraft Owners' Database is.... http://www.zerobeat.net/qrp/elowners.html You can search by Callsign, Elecraft equipment, serial number or any other field on the database. Putting my callsign in will reveal six items I have registered on there. I don't know how many people bother to enter their Elecrafts on the database these days so you may find it somewhat out of date. 73 de David G4DMP In a recent message, Bob Myers writes >Nice going Michael. > >Does anyone remember the location of the list of K2 builders with s/n >and dates? I can?t seem to find it. Thanks, > >Bob W1XT >Sun City West, AZ -- + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + | David M Pratt, Kippax, Leeds. | | Website: http://www.g4dmp.co.uk | + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + From matt.vk2rq at gmail.com Tue Sep 2 08:12:47 2014 From: matt.vk2rq at gmail.com (Matt VK2RQ) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 22:12:47 +1000 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] Foxhunting with the KX3 2m module Message-ID: <3ADD1BE2-3FD5-4320-8760-B8E658C6E991@gmail.com> I saw the following blog post about someone using the KX3 with 2m transverter for fox hunting: http://www.n4kgl.info/2014/09/the-kx3-2-meter-module-is-handy-for-fox.html This sounds like a great idea, and would work well with the adjustable attenuator mini module, if you put it in a metal box. Not too sure about the strain of mounting an antenna directly on the SMA connector though. If the KX3 had a feature where it would output a tone proportional to signal strength, then this might be a good convincer when deciding on the 2m module. 73, Matt VK2RQ From m5kvk at m5kvk.org Tue Sep 2 08:13:40 2014 From: m5kvk at m5kvk.org (Gareth - M5KVK) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 13:13:40 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] [K2] KSB2 Filter alignment question Message-ID: K2 serial 03885 fitted with KSB Rev C board. When I installed the KSB2 board recently, I went through the process of setting up the BFOs as per the KSB2 manual. However, I just downloaded Spectrogram and went through N0SS's procedure for setting up the filters. Most of the adjusted settings were within 2-300Hz of those in the manual (all on the higher side), but a couple were moved quite a bit. I'm interested in others' experiences in this area. The outliers were USB FL2 which needed to be 500Hz higher and USB FL3 which needed to be 700Hz higher. The main issue when looking with Spectrogram was that the USB spectrum was far too bassy when the BFOs were set as per the manual. Regards Gareth - M5KVK From matt.vk2rq at gmail.com Tue Sep 2 08:26:30 2014 From: matt.vk2rq at gmail.com (Matt VK2RQ) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 22:26:30 +1000 Subject: [Elecraft] [K2] KSB2 Filter alignment question In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: You did the right thing using spectrogram to align the filters -- the values in the manual are really only a rough guide for those who don't have access to more advanced alignment methods such as spectrogram. 73, Matt VK2RQ > On 2 Sep 2014, at 10:13 pm, Gareth - M5KVK wrote: > > K2 serial 03885 fitted with KSB Rev C board. > > When I installed the KSB2 board recently, I went through the process of > setting up the BFOs as per the KSB2 manual. However, I just downloaded > Spectrogram and went through N0SS's procedure for setting up the filters. > > Most of the adjusted settings were within 2-300Hz of those in the manual > (all on the higher side), but a couple were moved quite a bit. I'm > interested in others' experiences in this area. > > The outliers were USB FL2 which needed to be 500Hz higher and USB FL3 which > needed to be 700Hz higher. > > The main issue when looking with Spectrogram was that the USB spectrum was > far too bassy when the BFOs were set as per the manual. > > Regards > > Gareth - M5KVK > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 matt.vk2rq at gmail.com From EagleEyeDennis at gmx.com Tue Sep 2 08:33:08 2014 From: EagleEyeDennis at gmx.com (Dennis Griffin) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 05:33:08 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] Fox hunting with the KX3 2M module In-Reply-To: <3ADD1BE2-3FD5-4320-8760-B8E658C6E991@gmail.com> References: <3ADD1BE2-3FD5-4320-8760-B8E658C6E991@gmail.com> Message-ID: <2796DD15-EB39-4CD8-A3B1-7BB20DBC5052@gmx.com> Yes, Matt, I cringed when I saw those pics of the attenuator and loop antenna mounted directly to the KX3's 2M module SMA jack. I would do that using a solid BNC on something like my IC-T7A (very sensitive receiver), IC-W32A, IC-V82 or TH-D7A, but that setup using an SMA connection, IMNSHO, should have a jumper cable between the SMA jack and the attenuator/antenna assembly. 73 de Dennis KD7CAC Scottsdale, AZ On Sep 2, 2014, at 5:12 AM, Matt VK2RQ wrote: > I saw the following blog post about someone using the KX3 with 2m transverter for fox hunting: > http://www.n4kgl.info/2014/09/the-kx3-2-meter-module-is-handy-for-fox.html > > This sounds like a great idea, and would work well with the adjustable attenuator mini module, if you put it in a metal box. Not too sure about the strain of mounting an antenna directly on the SMA connector though. If the KX3 had a feature where it would output a tone proportional to signal strength, then this might be a good convincer when deciding on the 2m module. > > 73, > Matt VK2RQ From n0ye at comcast.net Tue Sep 2 08:39:09 2014 From: n0ye at comcast.net (Don Nelson) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 06:39:09 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] Foxhunting with the KX3 2m module In-Reply-To: <3ADD1BE2-3FD5-4320-8760-B8E658C6E991@gmail.com> References: <3ADD1BE2-3FD5-4320-8760-B8E658C6E991@gmail.com> Message-ID: <5405BA6D.1050503@comcast.net> The suggested attachment to the KX3 is risky because of the stress the mass presents on the SMA connector. The same risk exists for BNC antenna attached to SMA connectors on HTs. I mitigated that risk, a bit, on my HT by using an adaptor that has a male SMA connector that has a flat surface that snugs up to the HT body when the connector is attached to the HT. This same adaptor could be used on the KX3. Here is an example of such a connector on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1pce-Conversion-Adapter-BNC-female-F-to-SMA-male-M-RF-connector-for-radio-gold-/271590922716?pt=US_Radio_Comm_Coaxial_Cables_Connectors&hash=item3f3c1499dc Shop around - I have no idea if this ebay seller is the right choice. Don, N0YE On 9/2/2014 6:12 AM, Matt VK2RQ wrote: > I saw the following blog post about someone using the KX3 with 2m transverter for fox hunting: > http://www.n4kgl.info/2014/09/the-kx3-2-meter-module-is-handy-for-fox.html > > This sounds like a great idea, and would work well with the adjustable attenuator mini module, if you put it in a metal box. Not too sure about the strain of mounting an antenna directly on the SMA connector though. If the KX3 had a feature where it would output a tone proportional to signal strength, then this might be a good convincer when deciding on the 2m module. > > 73, > Matt VK2RQ > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 n0ye at comcast.net > From dm4im at t-online.de Tue Sep 2 08:48:27 2014 From: dm4im at t-online.de (Martin) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 14:48:27 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] 4m-Transverter for K3? Message-ID: <5405BC9B.1020305@t-online.de> Maybe this was discussed before, sorry when i missed it: Will there be a 4m-Transverter -external or internal -for the K3 ? In EU there are only a very small number of manufacturers. The Kuhne transverters, although top notch, are out of range for many. There is one from Hungary, but still more expensive than the XV-line. -- Ohne CW ist es nur CB.. 73, Martin DM4iM From EagleEyeDennis at gmx.com Tue Sep 2 09:22:59 2014 From: EagleEyeDennis at gmx.com (Dennis Griffin) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 06:22:59 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] Foxhunting with the KX3 2m module In-Reply-To: <5405BA6D.1050503@comcast.net> References: <3ADD1BE2-3FD5-4320-8760-B8E658C6E991@gmail.com> <5405BA6D.1050503@comcast.net> Message-ID: <532B1AF6-60C4-4F79-B7E3-3EA425F84DC3@gmx.com> Here is the OM that has been offering these adapters for years, with good comments from those using them. Stephen would have to advise as to which adapter would be physically appropriate and would provide the proper amount of pin insertion into the KX3 2M SMA jack. Using such an adaptor, sparing the SMA jack from the potential high number of make/break cycles, and a 4 - 6' jumper coax, allowing for easy manipulation while aiming the antenna, would be the ideal setup. The additional insertion losses and jumper cable attenuation shouldn't be a consideration when fox hunting, and might be of benefit if one were to accidentally transmit while using this setup. http://wa8lmf.net/miscinfo/Gulyas_SMA-to-BNC_Adapters.htm 73 de Dennis KD7CAC Scottsdale, AZ On Sep 2, 2014, at 5:39 AM, Don Nelson wrote: > The suggested attachment to the KX3 is risky because of the stress the mass presents on the SMA connector. > > The same risk exists for BNC antenna attached to SMA connectors on HTs. I mitigated that risk, a bit, on my HT by using an adaptor that has a male SMA connector that has a flat surface that snugs up to the HT body when the connector is attached to the HT. This same adaptor could be used on the KX3. > > Here is an example of such a connector on ebay: > > http://www.ebay.com/itm/1pce-Conversion-Adapter-BNC-female-F-to-SMA-male-M-RF-connector-for-radio-gold-/271590922716?pt=US_Radio_Comm_Coaxial_Cables_Connectors&hash=item3f3c1499dc From peter.torry at talktalk.net Tue Sep 2 09:28:37 2014 From: peter.torry at talktalk.net (Peter Torry) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 13:28:37 +0000 Subject: [Elecraft] 4m-Transverter for K3? In-Reply-To: <5405BC9B.1020305@t-online.de> References: <5405BC9B.1020305@t-online.de> Message-ID: <5405C605.9040202@talktalk.net> Martin, Have a look at the Nacton soon to be renamed Anglian transverter http://g4ddk.com/4m%20web%20doc.pdf or the one from http://www.qrp-shop.biz/EA7HGXV70K3 There are a number of others such as http://rudius.net/oz2m/70mhz/ but at the end of the day the Kuhne module is probably the best one. 73 Peter G3SMT On 02/09/2014 12:48, Martin wrote: > Maybe this was discussed before, sorry when i missed it: > > Will there be a 4m-Transverter -external or internal -for the K3 ? > > In EU there are only a very small number of manufacturers. The Kuhne > transverters, although top notch, are out of range for many. > > There is one from Hungary, but still more expensive than the XV-line. > > From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Tue Sep 2 10:02:03 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (XE3/K5ENS via Elecraft) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 07:02:03 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] 4m-Transverter for K3? In-Reply-To: <5405C605.9040202@talktalk.net> References: <5405BC9B.1020305@t-online.de> <5405C605.9040202@talktalk.net> Message-ID: <1409666523439-7592702.post@n2.nabble.com> How about an internal 432mhz for the K3??? Keith -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/4m-Transverter-for-K3-tp7592699p7592702.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Tue Sep 2 10:06:11 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 10:06:11 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] 4m-Transverter for K3? In-Reply-To: <5405BC9B.1020305@t-online.de> References: <5405BC9B.1020305@t-online.de> Message-ID: <5405CED3.3070906@embarqmail.com> There has been mention of converting an XV50 transverter to 70 MHz in the past on this reflector. I do not believe it is a difficult mod. You may want to do a search of the reflector archives. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/2/2014 8:48 AM, Martin wrote: > Maybe this was discussed before, sorry when i missed it: > > Will there be a 4m-Transverter -external or internal -for the K3 ? > From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Tue Sep 2 10:20:34 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 10:20:34 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [K2] KSB2 Filter alignment question In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <5405D232.1030101@embarqmail.com> Gareth and all, Yes, Spectrogram (or other audio spectrum analyzer) is *the* way to set up the K2 filters with ease. A slight variation on the N0SS plots, which were done with the original 2.1 kHz OP1 filter is to alter the position of the 2.4 kHz width OP1 filter slightly. Set markers at 300 Hz and 2600 Hz and move the BFO to position the passband between those two markers. If you align it that way, you will have a suitable filter in FL1 for both transmit and receive. In other words, there is no need to also set FL2 to the OP1 filter. I have aligned many SSB filter sets that way for my customers and have never heard a complaint. I adjust the other 3 filters to be progressively 200 Hz more narrow than the prior filter (using Spectrogram to measure the actual width of the filter). I normally adjust FL2 to a measured 2.2 kHz width, FL3 to 2.0 and FL3 to 1.8 kHz. On many K2s, the actual filter width is greater than width shown on the display. The low frequency -6dB passband corner of the FL2 filter is set at 350 Hz, FL3 at 400 Hz and FL4 at 450 Hz. The low frequency end of the passband cannot be cut very much without loosing intelligibility, but the high end can be cut considerably to eliminate QRM while retaining intelligibility. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/2/2014 8:13 AM, Gareth - M5KVK wrote: > K2 serial 03885 fitted with KSB Rev C board. > > When I installed the KSB2 board recently, I went through the process of > setting up the BFOs as per the KSB2 manual. However, I just downloaded > Spectrogram and went through N0SS's procedure for setting up the filters. > > Most of the adjusted settings were within 2-300Hz of those in the manual > (all on the higher side), but a couple were moved quite a bit. I'm > interested in others' experiences in this area. > > The outliers were USB FL2 which needed to be 500Hz higher and USB FL3 which > needed to be 700Hz higher. > > The main issue when looking with Spectrogram was that the USB spectrum was > far too bassy when the BFOs were set as per the manual. > > Regards > > From david at g4dmp.fsnet.co.uk Tue Sep 2 09:13:44 2014 From: david at g4dmp.fsnet.co.uk (David G4DMP) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 14:13:44 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] 4m-Transverter for K3? In-Reply-To: <5405BC9B.1020305@t-online.de> References: <5405BC9B.1020305@t-online.de> Message-ID: <1$QvgfAIKcBUFwnH@g4dmp.fsnet.co.uk> No, Martin, there is not an internal 4m transverter for the K3. I modified the external Elecraft XV50 for 4 metres and it works very well. If you can obtain an XV50 with the later power output module, it can be modified. Here are my details: http://www.g4dmp.co.uk/XV70mods.pdf 73 de David G4DMP In a recent message, Martin writes > >Will there be a 4m-Transverter -external or internal -for the K3 ? > >In EU there are only a very small number of manufacturers. The Kuhne >transverters, although top notch, are out of range for many. > >There is one from Hungary, but still more expensive than the XV-line. -- + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + | David M Pratt, Kippax, Leeds. | | Website: http://www.g4dmp.co.uk | + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + From arcticpeak at yahoo.no Tue Sep 2 11:13:15 2014 From: arcticpeak at yahoo.no (Martin Storli - LA8OKA) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 16:13:15 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] Vedr: 4m-Transverter for K3? In-Reply-To: <1$QvgfAIKcBUFwnH@g4dmp.fsnet.co.uk> References: <5405BC9B.1020305@t-online.de> <1$QvgfAIKcBUFwnH@g4dmp.fsnet.co.uk> Message-ID: <1409670795.67800.YahooMailNeo@web133104.mail.ir2.yahoo.com> I wish Elecraft could offer this as a ready package! Martin Storli LA8OKA Oslo, Norway ARCTICPEAK's Radio pages! http://www.arcticpeak.com/radio.htm ________________________________ Fra: David G4DMP Til: Martin Kopi: elecraft Sendt: Tirsdag, 2. september 2014 15.13 Emne: Re: [Elecraft] 4m-Transverter for K3? No, Martin, there is not an internal 4m transverter for the K3. I modified the external Elecraft XV50 for 4 metres and it works very well. If you can obtain an XV50 with the later power output module, it can be modified. Here are my details: http://www.g4dmp.co.uk/XV70mods.pdf 73 de David G4DMP In a recent message, Martin writes > >Will there be a 4m-Transverter -external or internal -for the K3 ? > >In EU there are only a very small number of manufacturers. The Kuhne >transverters, although top notch, are out of range for many. > >There is one from Hungary, but still more expensive than the XV-line. -- + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + | David M Pratt, Kippax, Leeds. | | Website: http://www.g4dmp.co.uk/| + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 arcticpeak at yahoo.no From allan.duncan at allanduncan.co.uk Tue Sep 2 11:38:48 2014 From: allan.duncan at allanduncan.co.uk (Allan G Duncan) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 16:38:48 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] 4m-Transverter for K3? Message-ID: <001201cfc6c3$fdf814d0$f9e83e70$@duncan@allanduncan.co.uk> I have been using an Elecraft XV50 transverter converted to 70MHz now for many years. It was originally used with my K2 and now with my K3. This combination has won many contests here in the UK. RX sensitivity is good and strong signal handling seems more than adequate for me. I would not recommend it for FM use at full rated output, however, as the heatsinking of the PA module is marginal for that mode. I had considered making up kits of parts to convert XV50 to 70MHz as it's quite a simple modification especially with the new PA module that now ships with the XV50 kit. It takes more time ordering parts from various suppliers than actually carrying out the modification. The only part that cannot be obtained is the front panel "XV70" backlit label to replace the original "XV50" one. There are a few SMD capacitors to change which may put off some constructors, although I found it straightforward. I believe EA7HG sells an internal transverter for the K3 although I have not yet heard one on air. There is lots of further reading about 70MHz at http://www.70mhz.org 73 Allan GM4ZUK > There has been mention of converting an XV50 transverter to 70 MHz in > the past on this reflector. > I do not believe it is a difficult mod. > You may want to do a search of the reflector archives. > > 73, > Don W3FPR From tony.kaz at verizon.net Tue Sep 2 12:35:38 2014 From: tony.kaz at verizon.net (N2TK, Tony) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 12:35:38 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots Message-ID: <016b01cfc6cb$ee0305f0$ca0911d0$@verizon.net> What happened to the 5-pole and 8-pole filter plots on the Elecraft web site? I can't seem to find them anymore. Any ideas where I might look? Tnx N2TK, Tony From alorona at sbcglobal.net Tue Sep 2 13:19:20 2014 From: alorona at sbcglobal.net (Al Lorona) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 10:19:20 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) In-Reply-To: <1409618237.8978.YahooMailNeo@web193505.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> References: <004101cfc5b2$fa88e5c0$ef9ab140$@cfl.rr.com> <1409618237.8978.YahooMailNeo@web193505.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1409678360.48743.YahooMailNeo@web181601.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> Here's a dumb question from a person with little thermal engineering knowledge: As these various heat sinks are being compared, does 1? deg C. really matter? Al W6LX From gary.hvizdak at cfl.rr.com Tue Sep 2 13:26:08 2014 From: gary.hvizdak at cfl.rr.com (Gary W. Hvizdak) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 13:26:08 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots Message-ID: <00e801cfc6d2$fbe05a90$f3a10fb0$@cfl.rr.com> On Tue Sep 2 2014 at 12:35:38 EDT Tony, N2TK posted ... What happened to the 5-pole and 8-pole filter plots on the Elecraft web site? --- - - - --- Tony, the page is "broken"! --- - - - --- Brandon, The page http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3_filter_plots.htm is "broken" in that the plots are no longer displayed. TNX & 73, Gary KI4GGX From n6kr at elecraft.com Tue Sep 2 13:32:31 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 10:32:31 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) In-Reply-To: <1409678360.48743.YahooMailNeo@web181601.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> References: <004101cfc5b2$fa88e5c0$ef9ab140$@cfl.rr.com> <1409618237.8978.YahooMailNeo@web193505.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> <1409678360.48743.YahooMailNeo@web181601.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1126A0AB-3CF0-4D65-AF60-D101450EBBF9@elecraft.com> Al Lorona wrote: > Here's a dumb question from a person with little thermal engineering knowledge: As these various heat sinks are being compared, does 1? deg C. really matter? Not a dumb question at all. (There are no dumb questions, in fact. Just varying degrees of patience in answering them.) A 1-degree difference might matter if you were trying to eek out every last second of operating time before the KX3's firmware drops power from 10-12 watts down to 5 watts (or some other metric). For the vast majority of KX3 users, the factory-provided "slim" heat sink is entirely adequate, and an extra degree C isn't really relevant. Of 6000+ radios shipped, only a few hundred have felt compelled to add larger heat sinks. That's a good thing, since we designed the rig to be compact and lightweight. 73, Wayne N6KR From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Tue Sep 2 13:34:58 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 13:34:58 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) In-Reply-To: <1409678360.48743.YahooMailNeo@web181601.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> References: <004101cfc5b2$fa88e5c0$ef9ab140$@cfl.rr.com> <1409618237.8978.YahooMailNeo@web193505.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> <1409678360.48743.YahooMailNeo@web181601.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <5405FFC2.4020903@embarqmail.com> Al, Without knowing the specifications and most recent calibration data for the measurement equipment as well as the complete setup info, environment info and details of how the procedure was performed, I would suggest that 1 degC could be within the range of 'measurement error'. For example: If the ambient environment was not precisely controlled, there could be as much as a 2 degC variation in the ambient temperature as well. If performed in an air conditioned space, consider the hysteresis in the thermostat controlling the AC (if the thermostat is set for 72 degF, it may come on when the room temperature reaches 74 degF and turn off when the room temperature drops to 70 degF - it all depends on the characteristics of the thermostat). So without that kind of seemingly unrelated details, small variations in the measurements can be disregarded. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/2/2014 1:19 PM, Al Lorona wrote: > > Here's a dumb question from a person with little thermal engineering knowledge: As these various heat sinks are being compared, does 1? deg C. really matter? > > Al W6LX > > From tony.kaz at verizon.net Tue Sep 2 13:35:36 2014 From: tony.kaz at verizon.net (N2TK, Tony) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 13:35:36 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots In-Reply-To: <00e801cfc6d2$fbe05a90$f3a10fb0$@cfl.rr.com> References: <00e801cfc6d2$fbe05a90$f3a10fb0$@cfl.rr.com> Message-ID: <019e01cfc6d4$4ea16480$ebe42d80$@verizon.net> Thanks Gary, A friend just bought a K3 and was asking about filter recommendations, which I made. But wanted to show him the filter characteristics. 73, N2TK, Tony -----Original Message----- From: Gary W. Hvizdak [mailto:gary.hvizdak at cfl.rr.com] Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2014 1:26 PM To: brandon at elecraft.com Cc: tony.kaz at verizon.net; elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots On Tue Sep 2 2014 at 12:35:38 EDT Tony, N2TK posted ... What happened to the 5-pole and 8-pole filter plots on the Elecraft web site? --- - - - --- Tony, the page is "broken"! --- - - - --- Brandon, The page http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3_filter_plots.htm is "broken" in that the plots are no longer displayed. TNX & 73, Gary KI4GGX From ai4co at outlook.com Tue Sep 2 13:37:21 2014 From: ai4co at outlook.com (Randy Moore) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 13:37:21 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) In-Reply-To: <000601cfc61e$8b36b2d0$a1a41870$@cfl.rr.com> References: <000601cfc61e$8b36b2d0$a1a41870$@cfl.rr.com> Message-ID: Monday (Labor Day) I setup my buddipole in the backyard as a 20 meter vertical and operated portable for about 3 hours sitting in the shade and enjoying the 96 degree F temperature in the shade and the high humidity. I ran both SSB and data (PSK31) during the time I was outside. With the temperature in the shade at 96 degrees, running 10 watts on 20 meters I made a lot of contacts. At no time did the radio overheat, or have any performance issues with the KB8UHN hat sink installed. I was quite happy with the operation and plan to repeat the setup on the coast once the temperatures drop. I am quite confident that the KB8UHN heat sink will serve my needs. I have tested it running JT-65 at 10 watts and may do the mode, but it is not very exciting. 73 Randy Moore AI4CO -----Original Message----- From: Gary W. Hvizdak [mailto:gary.hvizdak at cfl.rr.com] Sent: Monday, September 01, 2014 3:54 PM To: 'Randy Moore' Subject: RE: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) P.S. I deleted several comments from my Reflector post before sending it (for the sake of brevity), including?... 1) Mentioning that the KB8UHN heatsink might have performed slightly better (versus the factory heatsink) had the tests been run at higher power. (Essentially higher power would have magnified the difference between each candidate.) Adrian probably chose those power levels so he wouldn't over-stress his radio. 2) Pointing out that the PAs got hotter running 0.5 Watts on 6 meters, than they did running 5.0 Watts on 20 meters! 3) Mentioning that a lower ambient temperature might have magnified the difference between the heatsinks. Reference http://www.ve7fmn.ca/this-is-cool/pdfs/performance_page/theoretical_performa nce_c.pdf -----Original Message----- From: Randy Moore [mailto:ai4co at outlook.com] Sent: Monday 01 Sep 2014 1229 To: 'Gary W. Hvizdak'; elecraft at mailman.qth.net Cc: 'Adrian Ryan'; 'Fred'; 'Edouard Lafargue'; matt421421 at gmail.com Subject: RE: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) Thank you very much for the comparison of the available heat sinks for the KX3. I bought the KB8UHN heat sink and I am quite happy with it. Using his heat sink I am able to run Digital modes at 10 watts on 20 and 40 meters with no problems and my radio temperature is lower than the comparison at 5 watts. I did use the included heat sink compound so perhaps that makes a difference. I did some testing on my own using assorted heat sinks from old audio and video cards and found that almost any heat sink will make a big difference. Thank you for supporting the Elecraft KX3 with your aftermarket accessories. Randy Moore AI4CO From droese at necg.de Tue Sep 2 13:47:14 2014 From: droese at necg.de (=?ISO-8859-1?Q?Oliver_Dr=F6se?=) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 19:47:14 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] 4m-Transverter for K3? In-Reply-To: <5405BC9B.1020305@t-online.de> References: <5405BC9B.1020305@t-online.de> Message-ID: <540602A2.2040009@necg.de> Hi Martin, EA7HG offers a K3 internal transverter: http://www.transverters.net/84298715 For external ones there are several choices. Besides Kuhne the HA1YA transverters are top-notch (performance like Kuhne but just 1/3 of the price). EA7HG has an external one, too. If you want to build your own (or buy a kit) google for OZ2M, SP2DMB, DF2FQ, G4DDK, etc. 73, Olli - DH8BQA Contest, DX & radio projects: http://www.dh8bqa.de Am 02.09.2014 14:48, schrieb Martin: > Maybe this was discussed before, sorry when i missed it: > > Will there be a 4m-Transverter -external or internal -for the K3 ? > > In EU there are only a very small number of manufacturers. The Kuhne > transverters, although top notch, are out of range for many. > > There is one from Hungary, but still more expensive than the XV-line. > > From gary.hvizdak at cfl.rr.com Tue Sep 2 13:55:18 2014 From: gary.hvizdak at cfl.rr.com (Gary W. Hvizdak) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 13:55:18 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) Message-ID: <00f301cfc6d7$0f2142a0$2d63c7e0$@cfl.rr.com> On Tue Sep 2 2014 at 13:19:20 EDT, Al Lorona? (W6LX) posted ... Here's a dumb question ... does 1? deg C. really matter? --- - - - --- Al, On the contrary, you've asked an excellent although slightly ambiguous question. Are you referring to the one degree C difference between the top three heatsinks, or are you referring to the roughly 1 degree C difference between the factory heatsink and the heatsink that came in last place? FYI, the purpose of this testing was primarily to determine how the various offerings compared to one another. In addition, Adrian didn't want to unnecessarily overstress his PAs in the process. Had he chosen higher power levels, then the separation between each of the candidates would have been greater. In fact, it very well might have been possible to break the tie for second place. Keep in mind that this testing was particularly challenging due to the KX3 firmware's 1 degree C displayed temperature resolution. BTW, I know that the PAs generated 8.5 Watts of waste heat running 5 Watts out on 20 meters, and I used a polynomial approximation to estimate that they generated 9.3 Watts of waste heat while running 0.5 Watts out on 6 meters! (No, that's not a typo!) 73, Gary KI4GGX webmaster http://www.ve7fmn.ca/ P.S. Don, Adrian's test report clearly states that he conducted all of his tests in "still air" and that the ambient temperature remained between a half degree of 25 degrees C. From EagleEyeDennis at gmx.com Tue Sep 2 14:02:24 2014 From: EagleEyeDennis at gmx.com (Dennis Griffin) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 11:02:24 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) In-Reply-To: References: <000601cfc61e$8b36b2d0$a1a41870$@cfl.rr.com> Message-ID: <05F1BFAA-5A1B-46FF-814C-D180E0AF2A92@gmx.com> Hi Gary, I find it curious that there was no mention in Adrian's report of what surface coating or surface finishing process the tested heat sinks had been subjected to. Last I knew, Fred is using powder coat on his newly designed higher cost heat sink, with the lower cost version having an as machined finish, with no further processing. I believe the PAE Kx31 heat sinks are now hard anodized, and I don't know how the KB8UHN units are finished. Can you please comment on this, since the type of surface finishing can play a role in the efficiency of heat transfer of a heat sink? I'm also curious if Fred's lower cost version is still the original size, with less radiating surface area than the newer one. 73 de Dennis KD7CAC Scottsdale, AZ > Subject: RE: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of > Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) > > P.S. I deleted several comments from my Reflector post before sending it > (for the sake of brevity), including ... From fptownsend at earthlink.net Tue Sep 2 14:08:38 2014 From: fptownsend at earthlink.net (Fred Townsend) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 11:08:38 -0700 (GMT-07:00) Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) Message-ID: <16761782.1409681318254.JavaMail.root@elwamui-rustique.atl.sa.earthlink.net> Al Lorona wrote: > Here's a dumb question from a person with little thermal engineering knowledge: As these various heat sinks are being compared, does 1? deg C. really matter? As Wayne wrote not a dumb question at all but a highly complex one. Again I agree with Wayne's answer of 'probably not'. In fact your heatsink will operate more effeciently at higher temperatures because radiation effects are proportional to the forth order meaning a small change can make a big difference. On the other hand Elecraft builds in a huge safety margin and monitors and halts if that margin is exceeded. On the other side one degree is one more degree of margin or which of your comfort zone does your wallet reside? 73 Fred, AE6QL -----Original Message----- >From: Al Lorona >Sent: Sep 2, 2014 10:19 AM >To: "elecraft at mailman.qth.net" >Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) > > >Here's a dumb question from a person with little thermal engineering knowledge: As these various heat sinks are being compared, does 1? deg C. really matter? > >Al W6LX >______________________________________________________________ >Elecraft mailing list >Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 fptownsend at earthlink.net From w7ox at socal.rr.com Tue Sep 2 14:11:17 2014 From: w7ox at socal.rr.com (Phil Wheeler) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 11:11:17 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots In-Reply-To: <019e01cfc6d4$4ea16480$ebe42d80$@verizon.net> References: <00e801cfc6d2$fbe05a90$f3a10fb0$@cfl.rr.com> <019e01cfc6d4$4ea16480$ebe42d80$@verizon.net> Message-ID: <54060845.40300@socal.rr.com> This link can be useful and still works: http://www.elecraft.com/K3/Roofing_Filters.htm Phil W7OX On 9/2/14, 10:35 AM, N2TK, Tony wrote: > Thanks Gary, > A friend just bought a K3 and was asking about filter recommendations, which > I made. But wanted to show him the filter characteristics. > 73, > N2TK, Tony > > -----Original Message----- > From: Gary W. Hvizdak [mailto:gary.hvizdak at cfl.rr.com] > Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2014 1:26 PM > To: brandon at elecraft.com > Cc: tony.kaz at verizon.net; elecraft at mailman.qth.net > Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots > > On Tue Sep 2 2014 at 12:35:38 EDT Tony, N2TK posted ... > > What happened to the 5-pole and 8-pole filter plots on the Elecraft web > site? > > --- - - - --- > > Tony, the page is "broken"! > > --- - - - --- > > Brandon, > > The page http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3_filter_plots.htm is "broken" in > that the plots are no longer displayed. > > TNX & 73, > Gary KI4GGX From bw_dw at fastmail.fm Tue Sep 2 14:11:50 2014 From: bw_dw at fastmail.fm (dw) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 11:11:50 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] FTDX5000 Design Flaw Message-ID: <1409681510.4166283.162800829.1DBAB1CC@webmail.messagingengine.com> Super impressed!!!! Wonderful piece of work Jim!!! -- Bw_dw at fastmail.net From w7ox at socal.rr.com Tue Sep 2 14:13:00 2014 From: w7ox at socal.rr.com (Phil Wheeler) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 11:13:00 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) In-Reply-To: <1409678360.48743.YahooMailNeo@web181601.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> References: <004101cfc5b2$fa88e5c0$ef9ab140$@cfl.rr.com> <1409618237.8978.YahooMailNeo@web193505.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> <1409678360.48743.YahooMailNeo@web181601.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <540608AC.7020404@socal.rr.com> It seems like the difference between 59 deg-C and 60 deg-C might matter :-) Phil W7OX On 9/2/14, 10:19 AM, Al Lorona wrote: > > Here's a dumb question from a person with little thermal engineering knowledge: As these various heat sinks are being compared, does 1? deg C. really matter? > > Al W6LX From tony.kaz at verizon.net Tue Sep 2 14:33:07 2014 From: tony.kaz at verizon.net (N2TK, Tony) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 14:33:07 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots In-Reply-To: <54060845.40300@socal.rr.com> References: <00e801cfc6d2$fbe05a90$f3a10fb0$@cfl.rr.com> <019e01cfc6d4$4ea16480$ebe42d80$@verizon.net> <54060845.40300@socal.rr.com> Message-ID: <01b101cfc6dc$578236d0$0686a470$@verizon.net> Tnx Phil, but it doesn't work here. N2TK, Tony From: Phil Wheeler [mailto:w7ox at socal.rr.com] Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2014 2:11 PM To: N2TK, Tony; 'Gary W. Hvizdak'; brandon at elecraft.com Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots This link can be useful and still works: http://www.elecraft.com/K3/Roofing_Filters.htm Phil W7OX On 9/2/14, 10:35 AM, N2TK, Tony wrote: Thanks Gary, A friend just bought a K3 and was asking about filter recommendations, which I made. But wanted to show him the filter characteristics. 73, N2TK, Tony -----Original Message----- From: Gary W. Hvizdak [mailto:gary.hvizdak at cfl.rr.com] Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2014 1:26 PM To: brandon at elecraft.com Cc: tony.kaz at verizon.net; elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots On Tue Sep 2 2014 at 12:35:38 EDT Tony, N2TK posted ... What happened to the 5-pole and 8-pole filter plots on the Elecraft web site? --- - - - --- Tony, the page is "broken"! --- - - - --- Brandon, The page http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3_filter_plots.htm is "broken" in that the plots are no longer displayed. TNX & 73, Gary KI4GGX From gary.hvizdak at cfl.rr.com Tue Sep 2 14:35:26 2014 From: gary.hvizdak at cfl.rr.com (Gary W. Hvizdak) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 14:35:26 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) In-Reply-To: <05F1BFAA-5A1B-46FF-814C-D180E0AF2A92@gmx.com> References: <000601cfc61e$8b36b2d0$a1a41870$@cfl.rr.com> <05F1BFAA-5A1B-46FF-814C-D180E0AF2A92@gmx.com> Message-ID: <00f801cfc6dc$aa94ffb0$ffbeff10$@cfl.rr.com> Dennis (KD7CAC) recently posted ... "I find it curious that there was no mention ... of what surface coating or surface finishing process the tested heat sinks had been subjected to. ... I'm also curious if Fred's lower cost version is still the original size ..." --- - - - --- Hi Dennis, The details regarding finish were omitted from his report for the sake of brevity. In fact, Adrian evaluated four Cooler KX(TM) configurations, one each painted and unpainted Lite and Plus model. The reason this information wasn't included, is that the coating had no discernable impact on performance. Addressing your questions about size ... Fred offers two models: his original (Lite) model is 1.25 inches deep and his newer Plus model (which was introduced back in April as "Tropical") was originally 1.5" deep. However, in July he increased its depth by 7% to 1.59 inches. And yes, Fred's Matte Black finish is electrostatically applied / heat cured power coat paint, although the entire bottom (heat transfer) surface is unpainted. Fred also offers two choices of unpainted finish: a premium Clear Chromate Conversion undercoat; and raw aluminum (straight from the mill). 73, Gary KI4GGX webmaster http://www.ve7fmn.ca/ P.S. I encouraged Fred to rebrand his Tropical model as Plus, after one reviewer (on the eHam website) seemed to imply that the heatsink could be operated in direct sunlight without concern. Intuition suggests that an unpainted finish would be preferable for operating under intense tropical sun, although even that should be avoided (IMHO). From ed at w0yk.com Tue Sep 2 14:38:43 2014 From: ed at w0yk.com (Ed Muns) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 11:38:43 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots In-Reply-To: <54060845.40300@socal.rr.com> References: <00e801cfc6d2$fbe05a90$f3a10fb0$@cfl.rr.com><019e01cfc6d4$4ea16480$ebe42d80$@verizon.net> <54060845.40300@socal.rr.com> Message-ID: <75FD7BE34D344DB088212DDEBD16695F@h81420t> Yes, the link below works, but the link to the crystal filter plots that is at that top of that webpage is broken. Ed W0YK --------------------------------------------- Phil W7OX wrote: This link can be useful and still works: http://www.elecraft.com/K3/Roofing_Filters.htm From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Tue Sep 2 14:39:33 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 14:39:33 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) In-Reply-To: <00f301cfc6d7$0f2142a0$2d63c7e0$@cfl.rr.com> References: <00f301cfc6d7$0f2142a0$2d63c7e0$@cfl.rr.com> Message-ID: <54060EE5.2040102@embarqmail.com> That is true, but that is still inadequate information for environmentally related measurements. Exactly how was that measured? What was the measurement device, when was it last calibrated, was the calibration traceable to a secondary NIST standard? Was the point where the temperature was measured identified and consistent from test to test? How were the initial conditions determined? Within what degree of certainty? Was the air flow actually monitored during the test and from test run to test run - how was it measured and at what position(s) - why does still air have to be in quotes? Without that kind information, we have to make assumptions that may or may not be valid. Making system level measurements on environmentally related tests requires that every piece of the environment be specified - down to the placement of the DUT in the environment. My 10 years professional experience with engineering level measurements has lead me to question every piece of test equipment as well as how it is used as well as identification of the test setup. That information is important to determine that degree of error in the overall measurements. Environmental testing requires much more setup and environment data than making voltage checks because there are many factors that may alter the data. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/2/2014 1:55 PM, Gary W. Hvizdak wrote: > P.S. Don, Adrian's test report clearly states that he conducted all of his > tests in "still air" and that the ambient temperature remained between a > half degree of 25 degrees C. > > From EagleEyeDennis at gmx.com Tue Sep 2 14:50:57 2014 From: EagleEyeDennis at gmx.com (Dennis Griffin) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 11:50:57 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) In-Reply-To: <00f801cfc6dc$aa94ffb0$ffbeff10$@cfl.rr.com> References: <000601cfc61e$8b36b2d0$a1a41870$@cfl.rr.com> <05F1BFAA-5A1B-46FF-814C-D180E0AF2A92@gmx.com> <00f801cfc6dc$aa94ffb0$ffbeff10$@cfl.rr.com> Message-ID: OK, thanks Gary. On several occasions, I've seen mention, relative to heat sink color, of a black coating absorbing direct sunlight, causing warming of the object. Living in the Phoenix area, I fail to understand why anyone would operate, at least for any length of time, in direct sunlight. I'm not going to subject my equipment, whether it be my KX3, any other electronic device, or the leather seat on my Vespa, to solar exposure that I wouldn't expose my head to. I most always wear a hat or helmet if I'm out in it, and I show my equipment the same consideration of being shaded whenever possible. Maybe only desert dwellers think this way, hi. 73 de Dennis KD7CAC Scottsdale, AZ On Sep 2, 2014, at 11:35 AM, Gary W. Hvizdak wrote: > Dennis (KD7CAC) recently posted ... > > "I find it curious that there was no mention ... of what surface coating or > surface finishing process the tested heat sinks had been subjected to. ... > I'm also curious if Fred's lower cost version is still the original size > ..." > > --- - - - --- > > Hi Dennis, > > The details regarding finish were omitted from his report for the sake > of brevity. In fact, Adrian evaluated four Cooler KX(TM) configurations, > one each painted and unpainted Lite and Plus model. The reason this > information wasn't included, is that the coating had no discernable impact > on performance. > > Addressing your questions about size ... Fred offers two models: his > original (Lite) model is 1.25 inches deep and his newer Plus model (which > was introduced back in April as "Tropical") was originally 1.5" deep. > However, in July he increased its depth by 7% to 1.59 inches. And yes, > Fred's Matte Black finish is electrostatically applied / heat cured power > coat paint, although the entire bottom (heat transfer) surface is unpainted. > > Fred also offers two choices of unpainted finish: a premium Clear > Chromate Conversion undercoat; and raw aluminum (straight from the mill). > > 73, > Gary KI4GGX > webmaster http://www.ve7fmn.ca/ > > P.S. I encouraged Fred to rebrand his Tropical model as Plus, after one > reviewer (on the eHam website) seemed to imply that the heatsink could be > operated in direct sunlight without concern. Intuition suggests that an > unpainted finish would be preferable for operating under intense tropical > sun, although even that should be avoided (IMHO). > > From kissov at me.com Tue Sep 2 14:56:00 2014 From: kissov at me.com (Richard Thorpe) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 15:56:00 -0300 Subject: [Elecraft] PX3 Message-ID: <9AB50995-36A9-41F3-A1A8-947EAA2B9F65@me.com> Has anyone got their PX3 shipping notice yet? K6CG/VE1 Nova Scotia Canada From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Tue Sep 2 14:56:49 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 14:56:49 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) In-Reply-To: <00f301cfc6d7$0f2142a0$2d63c7e0$@cfl.rr.com> References: <00f301cfc6d7$0f2142a0$2d63c7e0$@cfl.rr.com> Message-ID: <540612F1.3090907@embarqmail.com> All factors that I have mentioned in prior emails relate to determination of the potential error range in the testing. That and that alone will determine whether a 1 degC difference shown on the graphs is real or should be disregarded. Note that is *only* related to the data points shown. In other words, what is the uncertainty range of the data. OTOH, if the question relates to whether 1 degC matters to the hardware, then one must consider the temperature on which the question is based. 1 degC is not likely to matter around 40 degC, but *will* be significant at 59 or 60 degC. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/2/2014 1:55 PM, Gary W. Hvizdak wrote: > On Tue Sep 2 2014 at 13:19:20 EDT, Al Lorona (W6LX) posted ... > > Here's a dumb question ... does 1? deg C. really matter? > > --- - - - --- > > From gary.hvizdak at cfl.rr.com Tue Sep 2 15:23:21 2014 From: gary.hvizdak at cfl.rr.com (Gary W. Hvizdak) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 15:23:21 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) Message-ID: <010201cfc6e3$5c29c1b0$147d4510$@cfl.rr.com> Don (W3FPR) recently wrote ... "why does still air have to be in quotes?" Hi Don, That was done so the wording "in still air" wouldn't seem like a grammatical error. More importantly, here's an excerpt from a recent email from Adrian, addressing your inquiry regarding ambient temperature: "The ambient temperature was constantly monitored on the test bench by the transceiver using a very sensitive aviation anemometer. This instrument can measure airflow down to fractions of a knot, and does so by monitoring temperature changes of a heated thermistor, as well as using a ducted fan whose speed is measured via a pulse-counting technique for higher speeds. I managed to keep the ambient temperature stable throughout the test to within an indicated 0.5 degree C, so I was quite pleased with the actual test results." --- - - - --- I certainly could have included details like this in the final report, but tried to avoid providing too much information, and also tried to limit the document to two pages without resorting to a tiny font. More importantly, IMHO Adrian's test environment and methodology were sufficient for his intended objective, which was to compare the performance of the various aftermarket offerings to one another, for the purpose of ranking them. Yes, higher resolution temperature measurements would have made the results more meaningful; but that evaluation is left as an exercise for the reader. BTW, check out http://www.ve7fmn.ca/faqs/#about_testing for a description and photo of the setup Adrian had used for his original comparison of the factory/stock heatsink and his Cooler KX(TM) Lite, which used an entirely different methodology. 73, Gary KI4GGX webmaster http://www.ve7fmn.ca/ From houston.thomas at gmail.com Tue Sep 2 15:28:55 2014 From: houston.thomas at gmail.com (Thomas R. Houston) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 12:28:55 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots In-Reply-To: <75FD7BE34D344DB088212DDEBD16695F@h81420t> Message-ID: Actually, Ed, both the link and the link to the crystal filter plots work for me. Tom K6OKE -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Ed Muns Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2014 11:39 AM To: 'Phil Wheeler'; 'N2TK, Tony'; 'Gary W. Hvizdak'; brandon at elecraft.com Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots Yes, the link below works, but the link to the crystal filter plots that is at that top of that webpage is broken. Ed W0YK --------------------------------------------- Phil W7OX wrote: This link can be useful and still works: http://www.elecraft.com/K3/Roofing_Filters.htm ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 houston.thomas at gmail.com From lists at subich.com Tue Sep 2 15:39:51 2014 From: lists at subich.com (Joe Subich, W4TV) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 15:39:51 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <54061D07.2010006@subich.com> They certainly don't work for me. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-09-02 3:28 PM, Thomas R. Houston wrote: > Actually, Ed, both the link and the link to the crystal filter plots work > for me. > > Tom K6OKE > > -----Original Message----- > From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Ed Muns > Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2014 11:39 AM > To: 'Phil Wheeler'; 'N2TK, Tony'; 'Gary W. Hvizdak'; brandon at elecraft.com > Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots > > Yes, the link below works, but the link to the crystal filter plots that is > at that top of that webpage is broken. > > Ed W0YK > > --------------------------------------------- > > Phil W7OX wrote: > > This link can be useful and still works: > http://www.elecraft.com/K3/Roofing_Filters.htm > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 houston.thomas at gmail.com > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 lists at subich.com > From alan at wilcoxengineering.com Tue Sep 2 15:44:27 2014 From: alan at wilcoxengineering.com (Alan D. Wilcox) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 15:44:27 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Build, Rescue, or Service your Elecraft? Message-ID: <54061E1B.60301@wilcoxengineering.com> Hello, Have you always wanted an Elecraft? A KX1, K1, K2, K3, whatever? I build and service them all! See what my clients have said about my construction and service work at http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/6768 See the popular "Twins" ... the KPA100 and KAT100 in EC2 enclosure at http://wilcoxengineering.com/kpa100-in-ec2/ In addition to tuning your rig, I can also rescue a building project you might have started some time ago. Cheers, Alan Alan D. Wilcox, W3DVX (K2-5373, K3-40) 570-478-0736 Williamsport, PA 17701 From ppauly at gmail.com Tue Sep 2 15:48:45 2014 From: ppauly at gmail.com (Peter Pauly) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 15:48:45 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) In-Reply-To: <010201cfc6e3$5c29c1b0$147d4510$@cfl.rr.com> References: <010201cfc6e3$5c29c1b0$147d4510$@cfl.rr.com> Message-ID: The Canadian heatsink looked fine, but for me, the deciding factor was price - with shipping the Canadian product was much more than the PAE one. On Tue, Sep 2, 2014 at 3:23 PM, Gary W. Hvizdak wrote: > Don (W3FPR) recently wrote ... > > "why does still air have to be in quotes?" > > Hi Don, > > That was done so the wording "in still air" wouldn't seem like a > grammatical error. More importantly, here's an excerpt from a recent email > from Adrian, addressing your inquiry regarding ambient temperature: > > "The ambient temperature was constantly monitored on the test bench by the > transceiver using a very sensitive aviation anemometer. This instrument > can > measure airflow down to fractions of a knot, and does so by monitoring > temperature changes of a heated thermistor, as well as using a ducted fan > whose speed is measured via a pulse-counting technique for higher speeds. > I > managed to keep the ambient temperature stable throughout the test to > within > an indicated 0.5 degree C, so I was quite pleased with the actual test > results." > > --- - - - --- > > I certainly could have included details like this in the final report, > but tried to avoid providing too much information, and also tried to limit > the document to two pages without resorting to a tiny font. More > importantly, IMHO Adrian's test environment and methodology were sufficient > for his intended objective, which was to compare the performance of the > various aftermarket offerings to one another, for the purpose of ranking > them. Yes, higher resolution temperature measurements would have made the > results more meaningful; but that evaluation is left as an exercise for the > reader. > > BTW, check out http://www.ve7fmn.ca/faqs/#about_testing for a > description and photo of the setup Adrian had used for his original > comparison of the factory/stock heatsink and his Cooler KX(TM) Lite, which > used an entirely different methodology. > > 73, > Gary KI4GGX > webmaster http://www.ve7fmn.ca/ > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 ppauly at gmail.com > From kl7uw at acsalaska.net Tue Sep 2 16:06:14 2014 From: kl7uw at acsalaska.net (Edward R Cole) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 12:06:14 -0800 Subject: [Elecraft] 4m-Transverter for K3? Message-ID: <201409022006.s82K6EVq006869@ingra.acsalaska.net> Another source of 4m transverters is Down East Microwave. I build their kits on order and recently sent a L70-28 25w transverter to Europe. http://www.kl7uw.com/kits.htm yes- you can go to my website safely, now - but only partially restored Currently, I am building a DEMI 902-144 10w transverter for a ham in NY. DEMI is now back in stock of kits for 50-432 MHz. 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com "Kits made by KL7UW" Dubus Mag business: dubususa at gmail.com From fptownsend at earthlink.net Tue Sep 2 16:23:43 2014 From: fptownsend at earthlink.net (Fred Townsend) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 13:23:43 -0700 (GMT-07:00) Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) Message-ID: <17799175.1409689424029.JavaMail.root@elwamui-rustique.atl.sa.earthlink.net> Gary radiation effects do not vary linearly as a function of ambient temperature and are IMHO, a bigger error factor than anything Don has mentioned therefore ambient temperature should be stated. Also, again IMHO thermal resistance is a much better comparison between heatsinks. Ambient temp is needed if thermal resistance is to be computed. 73 Fred, AE6QL -----Original Message----- >From: "Gary W. Hvizdak" >Sent: Sep 2, 2014 12:23 PM >To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net >Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) > >Don (W3FPR) recently wrote ... > >"why does still air have to be in quotes?" > >Hi Don, > > That was done so the wording "in still air" wouldn't seem like a >grammatical error. More importantly, here's an excerpt from a recent email >from Adrian, addressing your inquiry regarding ambient temperature: > >"The ambient temperature was constantly monitored on the test bench by the >transceiver using a very sensitive aviation anemometer. This instrument can >measure airflow down to fractions of a knot, and does so by monitoring >temperature changes of a heated thermistor, as well as using a ducted fan >whose speed is measured via a pulse-counting technique for higher speeds. I >managed to keep the ambient temperature stable throughout the test to within >an indicated 0.5 degree C, so I was quite pleased with the actual test >results." > >--- - - - --- > > I certainly could have included details like this in the final report, >but tried to avoid providing too much information, and also tried to limit >the document to two pages without resorting to a tiny font. More >importantly, IMHO Adrian's test environment and methodology were sufficient >for his intended objective, which was to compare the performance of the >various aftermarket offerings to one another, for the purpose of ranking >them. Yes, higher resolution temperature measurements would have made the >results more meaningful; but that evaluation is left as an exercise for the >reader. > > BTW, check out http://www.ve7fmn.ca/faqs/#about_testing for a >description and photo of the setup Adrian had used for his original >comparison of the factory/stock heatsink and his Cooler KX(TM) Lite, which >used an entirely different methodology. > >73, >Gary KI4GGX >webmaster http://www.ve7fmn.ca/ > > >______________________________________________________________ >Elecraft mailing list >Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 fptownsend at earthlink.net From fptownsend at earthlink.net Tue Sep 2 16:29:07 2014 From: fptownsend at earthlink.net (Fred Townsend) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 13:29:07 -0700 (GMT-07:00) Subject: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots Message-ID: <11550128.1409689747710.JavaMail.root@elwamui-rustique.atl.sa.earthlink.net> Have you refreshed your page? -----Original Message----- >From: "Joe Subich, W4TV" >Sent: Sep 2, 2014 12:39 PM >To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net >Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots > > >They certainly don't work for me. > >73, > > ... Joe, W4TV > > >On 2014-09-02 3:28 PM, Thomas R. Houston wrote: >> Actually, Ed, both the link and the link to the crystal filter plots work >> for me. >> >> Tom K6OKE >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Ed Muns >> Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2014 11:39 AM >> To: 'Phil Wheeler'; 'N2TK, Tony'; 'Gary W. Hvizdak'; brandon at elecraft.com >> Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net >> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots >> >> Yes, the link below works, but the link to the crystal filter plots that is >> at that top of that webpage is broken. >> >> Ed W0YK >> >> --------------------------------------------- >> >> Phil W7OX wrote: >> >> This link can be useful and still works: >> http://www.elecraft.com/K3/Roofing_Filters.htm >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 houston.thomas at gmail.com >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 lists at subich.com >> >______________________________________________________________ >Elecraft mailing list >Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 fptownsend at earthlink.net From EagleEyeDennis at gmx.com Tue Sep 2 16:36:40 2014 From: EagleEyeDennis at gmx.com (Dennis Griffin) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 13:36:40 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) In-Reply-To: <54060EE5.2040102@embarqmail.com> References: <00f301cfc6d7$0f2142a0$2d63c7e0$@cfl.rr.com> <54060EE5.2040102@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <3BCE4E68-0A17-4353-BE0A-A557A0A67F19@gmx.com> I too had to wonder about a few of the report comments. At what distance from the KX3 was the "still air" temperature taken, and how was it maintained within plus or minus .5? C if it was still, but in fact was being acted on by the convective currents caused by the heat radiated by the heat sink. Certainly the room may have held temp within that tolerance, but surely the air immediately around the heat sink didn't. Was the still air around the KX3 allowed to normalize between tests, or was each successive test performed in an increasingly warmer envelop of air immediately around the test unit? What instrument was used for the air temp measurement to a resolution of at least .5? C, that couldn't also have been used to measure the temperature at some fixed point relative to the heat sinks, whether it reported NIST accurate values, or only just relative and repeatable values. Since the temp reported by the KX3 only has 1? C of resolution, I can see the potential to have a .9? C margin of error in reported values, or a .1? C actual difference leading to a reported 1? C difference. How representative is 25? C as an ambient operating temperature for someone who feels the need for the benefit of a heat sink? Probably close enough for someone operating in their shack. But how do the results translate to any noted differences when operating portable at 0? C, or 37? C, or at 25? C & 90% RH? Fine points, admittedly, but curiosities none the less. 73 de Dennis KD7CAC Scottsdale, AZ On Sep 2, 2014, at 11:39 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > That is true, but that is still inadequate information for environmentally related measurements. > Exactly how was that measured? What was the measurement device, when was it last calibrated, was the calibration traceable to a secondary NIST standard? Was the point where the temperature was measured identified and consistent from test to test? How were the initial conditions determined? Within what degree of certainty? Was the air flow actually monitored during the test and from test run to test run - how was it measured and at what position(s) - why does still air have to be in quotes? Without that kind information, we have to make assumptions that may or may not be valid. > > Making system level measurements on environmentally related tests requires that every piece of the environment be specified - down to the placement of the DUT in the environment. > > My 10 years professional experience with engineering level measurements has lead me to question every piece of test equipment as well as how it is used as well as identification of the test setup. > That information is important to determine that degree of error in the overall measurements. > Environmental testing requires much more setup and environment data than making voltage checks because there are many factors that may alter the data. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 9/2/2014 1:55 PM, Gary W. Hvizdak wrote: >> P.S. Don, Adrian's test report clearly states that he conducted all of his >> tests in "still air" and that the ambient temperature remained between a >> half degree of 25 degrees C. From hhoyt at mebtel.net Tue Sep 2 16:47:49 2014 From: hhoyt at mebtel.net (Howard Hoyt) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 16:47:49 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] A Comparative Performance Assessment of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks Message-ID: <54062CF5.509@mebtel.net> Hi All, I read the report with interest, and thank those involved for reporting what they observed. I will share some observations on my website, I believe it is not a good use of list bandwidth to have two manufacturers discussing each others wares on an Elecraft list. Cheers & 73, Howie - WA4PSC www.proaudioeng.com From w7ox at socal.rr.com Tue Sep 2 17:42:48 2014 From: w7ox at socal.rr.com (Phil Wheeler) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 14:42:48 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots In-Reply-To: <54061D07.2010006@subich.com> References: <54061D07.2010006@subich.com> Message-ID: <540639D8.5040906@socal.rr.com> The links work for me -- but the plots are blank. Phil W7OX On 9/2/14, 12:39 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: > > They certainly don't work for me. > > 73, > > ... Joe, W4TV > > > On 2014-09-02 3:28 PM, Thomas R. Houston wrote: >> Actually, Ed, both the link and the link to the >> crystal filter plots work >> for me. >> >> Tom K6OKE >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Elecraft >> [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On >> Behalf Of Ed Muns >> Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2014 11:39 AM >> To: 'Phil Wheeler'; 'N2TK, Tony'; 'Gary W. >> Hvizdak'; brandon at elecraft.com >> Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net >> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots >> >> Yes, the link below works, but the link to the >> crystal filter plots that is >> at that top of that webpage is broken. >> >> Ed W0YK >> >> --------------------------------------------- >> >> Phil W7OX wrote: >> >> This link can be useful and still works: >> http://www.elecraft.com/K3/Roofing_Filters.htm From matt.vk2rq at gmail.com Tue Sep 2 18:00:49 2014 From: matt.vk2rq at gmail.com (Matt VK2RQ) Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 08:00:49 +1000 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots In-Reply-To: <540639D8.5040906@socal.rr.com> References: <54061D07.2010006@subich.com> <540639D8.5040906@socal.rr.com> Message-ID: You are probably using a cached version of the K3 roofing filter page. In the current version of that page, the URL to the filter plots is missing the "K3" directory in the URL. If you add it in manually, you get: http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3_filter_plots.htm Which does work, but the filter plots are all blank. Again, probably due to missing elements in the directory path in the URLs to the images. This is similar to a problem that was reported with the K3 FAQ page -- it would seem whatever software Elecraft is using to manage their web page is ignoring the site directory structure when forming links and is pointing them all to the root document directory. 73, Matt VK2RQ > On 3 Sep 2014, at 7:42 am, Phil Wheeler wrote: > > The links work for me -- but the plots are blank. > > Phil W7OX > >> On 9/2/14, 12:39 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: >> >> They certainly don't work for me. >> >> 73, >> >> ... Joe, W4TV >> >> >>> On 2014-09-02 3:28 PM, Thomas R. Houston wrote: >>> Actually, Ed, both the link and the link to the crystal filter plots work >>> for me. >>> >>> Tom K6OKE >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Ed Muns >>> Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2014 11:39 AM >>> To: 'Phil Wheeler'; 'N2TK, Tony'; 'Gary W. Hvizdak'; brandon at elecraft.com >>> Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net >>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots >>> >>> Yes, the link below works, but the link to the crystal filter plots that is >>> at that top of that webpage is broken. >>> >>> Ed W0YK >>> >>> --------------------------------------------- >>> >>> Phil W7OX wrote: >>> >>> This link can be useful and still works: >>> http://www.elecraft.com/K3/Roofing_Filters.htm > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 matt.vk2rq at gmail.com From eric at elecraft.com Tue Sep 2 18:00:56 2014 From: eric at elecraft.com (Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 15:00:56 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots In-Reply-To: <540639D8.5040906@socal.rr.com> References: <54061D07.2010006@subich.com> <540639D8.5040906@socal.rr.com> Message-ID: Sorry about that! We are in the process of fixing the broken plot images. 73, Eric elecraft.com _..._ > On Sep 2, 2014, at 2:42 PM, Phil Wheeler wrote: > > The links work for me -- but the plots are blank. > > Phil W7OX > >> On 9/2/14, 12:39 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: >> >> They certainly don't work for me. >> >> 73, >> >> ... Joe, W4TV >> >> >>> On 2014-09-02 3:28 PM, Thomas R. Houston wrote: >>> Actually, Ed, both the link and the link to the crystal filter plots work >>> for me. >>> >>> Tom K6OKE >>> >>> -----Original Message----- >>> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Ed Muns >>> Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2014 11:39 AM >>> To: 'Phil Wheeler'; 'N2TK, Tony'; 'Gary W. Hvizdak'; brandon at elecraft.com >>> Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net >>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots >>> >>> Yes, the link below works, but the link to the crystal filter plots that is >>> at that top of that webpage is broken. >>> >>> Ed W0YK >>> >>> --------------------------------------------- >>> >>> Phil W7OX wrote: >>> >>> This link can be useful and still works: >>> http://www.elecraft.com/K3/Roofing_Filters.htm > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 elist_copy at elecraft.com From lists at subich.com Tue Sep 2 18:18:59 2014 From: lists at subich.com (Joe Subich, W4TV) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 18:18:59 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots In-Reply-To: References: <54061D07.2010006@subich.com> <540639D8.5040906@socal.rr.com> Message-ID: <54064253.2060202@subich.com> The "Roofing filters" page works. The link on that page: does not work. When one adds an extra K3 in the link the page opens but the images do not work unless "K3" is added after elecraft.com 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-09-02 6:00 PM, Matt VK2RQ wrote: > You are probably using a cached version of the K3 roofing filter page. In the current version of that page, the URL to the filter plots is missing the "K3" directory in the URL. If you add it in manually, you get: > > http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3_filter_plots.htm > > Which does work, but the filter plots are all blank. Again, probably due to missing elements in the directory path in the URLs to the images. > > This is similar to a problem that was reported with the K3 FAQ page -- it would seem whatever software Elecraft is using to manage their web page is ignoring the site directory structure when forming links and is pointing them all to the root document directory. > > 73, > Matt VK2RQ > >> On 3 Sep 2014, at 7:42 am, Phil Wheeler wrote: >> >> The links work for me -- but the plots are blank. >> >> Phil W7OX >> >>> On 9/2/14, 12:39 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: >>> >>> They certainly don't work for me. >>> >>> 73, >>> >>> ... Joe, W4TV >>> >>> >>>> On 2014-09-02 3:28 PM, Thomas R. Houston wrote: >>>> Actually, Ed, both the link and the link to the crystal filter plots work >>>> for me. >>>> >>>> Tom K6OKE >>>> >>>> -----Original Message----- >>>> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Ed Muns >>>> Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2014 11:39 AM >>>> To: 'Phil Wheeler'; 'N2TK, Tony'; 'Gary W. Hvizdak'; brandon at elecraft.com >>>> Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net >>>> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots >>>> >>>> Yes, the link below works, but the link to the crystal filter plots that is >>>> at that top of that webpage is broken. >>>> >>>> Ed W0YK >>>> >>>> --------------------------------------------- >>>> >>>> Phil W7OX wrote: >>>> >>>> This link can be useful and still works: >>>> http://www.elecraft.com/K3/Roofing_Filters.htm >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 matt.vk2rq at gmail.com > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 lists at subich.com > From elecraft at ozy.us Tue Sep 2 18:41:54 2014 From: elecraft at ozy.us (Chris Johnson) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 15:41:54 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [PX3] Bandwidth Question Message-ID: <555F7BF5-A176-405C-8084-014E49A6C39F@ozy.us> I'm curious how the PX3 is getting nearly 200Khz of bandwidth from the I/Q out on the KX3. Using a really high quality sound card, I barely get 60Khz wide if that and there is significant roll off. Is there a hidden super secret high BW output magic trickery going on here? Anxiously awaiting shipment.. Chris K6OZY From pauls at elecraft.com Tue Sep 2 18:56:11 2014 From: pauls at elecraft.com (Paul Saffren N6HZ) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 15:56:11 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] [PX3] Bandwidth Question In-Reply-To: <555F7BF5-A176-405C-8084-014E49A6C39F@ozy.us> References: <555F7BF5-A176-405C-8084-014E49A6C39F@ozy.us> Message-ID: <1409698571811-7592745.post@n2.nabble.com> Hi Ozy, At 200 KHz span, we're sampling 24 bits at 216 KHz and then using equalization to correct for the roughly 10 dB of roll-off which starts around 50 KHz . 73, Paul Ozy wrote > I'm curious how the PX3 is getting nearly 200Khz of bandwidth from the I/Q > out on the KX3. Using a really high quality sound card, I barely get > 60Khz wide if that and there is significant roll off. Is there a hidden > super secret high BW output magic trickery going on here? > > Anxiously awaiting shipment.. > > Chris > K6OZY > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: > Elecraft at .qth > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to > lists+1215531472858-365791 at .nabble -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/PX3-Bandwidth-Question-tp7592744p7592745.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From k6dgw at foothill.net Tue Sep 2 19:09:05 2014 From: k6dgw at foothill.net (Fred Jensen) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 16:09:05 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [PX3] Bandwidth Question In-Reply-To: <555F7BF5-A176-405C-8084-014E49A6C39F@ozy.us> References: <555F7BF5-A176-405C-8084-014E49A6C39F@ozy.us> Message-ID: <54064E11.4040800@foothill.net> On 9/2/2014 3:41 PM, Chris Johnson wrote: > I'm curious how the PX3 is getting nearly 200Khz of bandwidth from > the I/Q out on the KX3. Using a really high quality sound card, I > barely get 60Khz wide if that and there is significant roll off. Is > there a hidden super secret high BW output magic trickery going on > here? Yes. They fold the rest of the BW up into hyperspace. :-) Actually, I don't have a clue. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org From forums at david-woolley.me.uk Tue Sep 2 19:11:47 2014 From: forums at david-woolley.me.uk (David Woolley) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 00:11:47 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) In-Reply-To: <5405FFC2.4020903@embarqmail.com> References: <004101cfc5b2$fa88e5c0$ef9ab140$@cfl.rr.com> <1409618237.8978.YahooMailNeo@web193505.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> <1409678360.48743.YahooMailNeo@web181601.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> <5405FFC2.4020903@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <54064EB3.2050102@david-woolley.me.uk> Air-conditioning controllers should have a much smaller hunting range than that. Cooling systems are not common in the UK, but even bi-metal thermostats, for heating systems, had a built in heating element, so the thermostat would switch off much faster than would be the case it you had to wait for the air in the room and the hysteresis of the switch. Substituting on for off, that should work for cooling as well. Whilst this produces a de facto pulse width modulation, electronic controllers explicitly pulse width modulate based on the analogue value of the process variable, when it is close to the set point. Mine has a default pulse frequency of 1.6666... mHz, although it is adjustable between about 0.8333 mHz and 3.3333 mHz, in 0.8333 mHz steps. The hunting range is really too small to resolve on an alcohol analogue thermometer. -- David Woolley Owner K2 06123 On 02/09/14 18:34, Don Wilhelm wrote: > If performed in an air conditioned space, consider the hysteresis in the > thermostat controlling the AC (if the thermostat is set for 72 degF, it > may come on when the room temperature reaches 74 degF and turn off when > the room temperature drops to 70 degF - it all depends on the > characteristics of the thermostat). From tony.kaz at verizon.net Tue Sep 2 19:14:35 2014 From: tony.kaz at verizon.net (N2TK, Tony) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 19:14:35 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots In-Reply-To: <11550128.1409689747710.JavaMail.root@elwamui-rustique.atl.sa.earthlink.net> References: <11550128.1409689747710.JavaMail.root@elwamui-rustique.atl.sa.earthlink.net> Message-ID: <024b01cfc703$a9b1e0f0$fd15a2d0$@verizon.net> Boy, do I feel dumb. Tnx for reminding me to refresh the page. It works fine now. Now I will crawl away with my tail between my legs. It must be beer-thirty somewhere. N2TK, Tony -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Fred Townsend Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2014 4:29 PM To: Joe Subich,W4TV; elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots Have you refreshed your page? -----Original Message----- >From: "Joe Subich, W4TV" >Sent: Sep 2, 2014 12:39 PM >To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net >Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots > > >They certainly don't work for me. > >73, > > ... Joe, W4TV > > >On 2014-09-02 3:28 PM, Thomas R. Houston wrote: >> Actually, Ed, both the link and the link to the crystal filter plots >> work for me. >> >> Tom K6OKE >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of >> Ed Muns >> Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2014 11:39 AM >> To: 'Phil Wheeler'; 'N2TK, Tony'; 'Gary W. Hvizdak'; >> brandon at elecraft.com >> Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net >> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 filter plots >> >> Yes, the link below works, but the link to the crystal filter plots >> that is at that top of that webpage is broken. >> >> Ed W0YK >> >> --------------------------------------------- >> >> Phil W7OX wrote: >> >> This link can be useful and still works: >> http://www.elecraft.com/K3/Roofing_Filters.htm >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 >> houston.thomas at gmail.com >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 >> lists at subich.com >> >______________________________________________________________ >Elecraft mailing list >Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 >fptownsend at earthlink.net ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 tony.kaz at verizon.net From jim at jtmiller.com Tue Sep 2 19:58:02 2014 From: jim at jtmiller.com (Jim Miller) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 19:58:02 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] P3 grounding lug? Message-ID: I'm chasing noise in my headphones. I've noticed that turning off the P3 lowers the noise and I noticed there isn't a bonding point on the back of the case. How have others bonded the P3? jim ab3cv From tomb18 at videotron.ca Tue Sep 2 19:58:54 2014 From: tomb18 at videotron.ca (Tom) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 19:58:54 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [PX3] Bandwidth Question Message-ID: Hi Chris,? You are doing something wrong if you only get 60 kHz.. My experience at least with win4k3suite, ?is that 192 kHz is pretty routine with any card that supports it.? 73s Tom? -------- Original message -------- From: Chris Johnson Date: 02/09/2014 18:41 (GMT-05:00) To: Elecraft List Subject: [Elecraft] [PX3] Bandwidth Question I'm curious how the PX3 is getting nearly 200Khz of bandwidth from the I/Q out on the KX3.?? Using a really high quality sound card,? I barely get 60Khz wide if that and there is significant roll off.?? Is there a hidden super secret high BW output magic trickery going on here? Anxiously awaiting shipment.. Chris K6OZY ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 tomb18 at videotron.ca From pastormg2 at verizon.net Tue Sep 2 20:06:59 2014 From: pastormg2 at verizon.net (pastormg2 at verizon.net) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 19:06:59 -0500 (CDT) Subject: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences Message-ID: <18396409.224957.1409702819680.JavaMail.root@vznit170184> Good Evening, This is Mark Griffin, KB3Z and I have some questions regarding the SWR readings I get at my tower versus what I get on my K3. I will give the SWR readings that I got at my tower for a 40 meter rotatable dipole at 55 feet. Tower: 7000 2.2 7025 1.8 7050 1.5 7075 1.3 7100 1.0 7125 1.1 7150 1.3 7175 1.6 7200 2.0 7225 2.2 K3 Readings: 7000 3.5 7025 3.2 7050 2.9 7075 2.6 7100 2.4 7125 2.3 7150 2.4 7175 2.5 7200 2.6 7225 2.9 What would cause such a big difference. The cable run from my antenna switch on the tower to my K3 is only an additional 75 feet. I am using RG-213 cable. Is there anyway that I can test the SWR reading that my K3 is giving me? Mark Griffin, KB3Z From vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk Tue Sep 2 20:12:15 2014 From: vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk (Johnny Siu) Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 08:12:15 +0800 Subject: [Elecraft] P3 grounding lug? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <1409703135.19171.YahooMailNeo@web193501.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> Hello Jim, Did you replace the coaxial jumper between the P3 and K3 with a new one (with proper shielding) ? Some of the jumpers supplied by elecraft are defective (or not up to standard). 73 Johnny VR2XMC ________________________________ ???? Jim Miller ???? Elecraft Reflector ????? 2014?09?3? (??) 7:58 AM ??? [Elecraft] P3 grounding lug? I'm chasing noise in my headphones. I've noticed that turning off the P3 lowers the noise and I noticed there isn't a bonding point on the back of the case. How have others bonded the P3? jim ab3cv ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk From jim at jtmiller.com Tue Sep 2 20:16:57 2014 From: jim at jtmiller.com (Jim Miller) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 20:16:57 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] P3 grounding lug? In-Reply-To: <1409703135.19171.YahooMailNeo@web193501.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> References: <1409703135.19171.YahooMailNeo@web193501.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Replaced the coax cable a long time ago when the P3 was acting up. That's not the problem right now. Actually I now have everything disconnected from the K3 and I'm still getting some audio noise. I suspect I've got pickup some computer equipment. Working on that now. Still would like to bond the P3. jim On Tue, Sep 2, 2014 at 8:12 PM, Johnny Siu wrote: > Hello Jim, > > Did you replace the coaxial jumper between the P3 and K3 with a new one > (with proper shielding) ? Some of the jumpers supplied by elecraft are > defective (or not up to standard). > > 73 > > Johnny VR2XMC > > ------------------------------ > *????* Jim Miller > *????* Elecraft Reflector > *?????* 2014?09?3? (??) 7:58 AM > *???* [Elecraft] P3 grounding lug? > > I'm chasing noise in my headphones. I've noticed that turning off the P3 > lowers the noise and I noticed there isn't a bonding point on the back of > the case. > > How have others bonded the P3? > > jim ab3cv > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk > > > From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Tue Sep 2 20:33:34 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 20:33:34 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] P3 grounding lug? In-Reply-To: References: <1409703135.19171.YahooMailNeo@web193501.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <540661DE.1020802@embarqmail.com> Jim, Remove any convenient screw and put an internal tooth #4 solder lug under it to serve as a bonding point for the P3 enclosure. Jim, K9YC will likely point out the "pin 1" problems and may offer additional suggestions. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/2/2014 8:16 PM, Jim Miller wrote: > Still would like to bond the P3. > > From jim at jtmiller.com Tue Sep 2 20:40:22 2014 From: jim at jtmiller.com (Jim Miller) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 20:40:22 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] P3 grounding lug? In-Reply-To: <540661DE.1020802@embarqmail.com> References: <1409703135.19171.YahooMailNeo@web193501.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> <540661DE.1020802@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: Don Thanks! jim On Tue, Sep 2, 2014 at 8:33 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > Jim, > > Remove any convenient screw and put an internal tooth > #4 solder lug under it to serve as a bonding point for the P3 enclosure. > > Jim, K9YC will likely point out the "pin 1" problems and may offer > additional suggestions. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > > On 9/2/2014 8:16 PM, Jim Miller wrote: > >> Still would like to bond the P3. >> >> >> > > From vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk Tue Sep 2 20:47:59 2014 From: vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk (Johnny Siu) Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 08:47:59 +0800 Subject: [Elecraft] Off-topic : discussion forum of Mercedes Benz (not radio related) Message-ID: <1409705279.39391.YahooMailNeo@web193501.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> Dear elecrafters, It is off-topic and not radio related, please delete now if you are not interested. I have been driving a 2001 Mercedes C200k W203 M111 since Jun 2001. I would like to learn more knowledge about repair, maintenance and spare parts of my car. Is there any discussion forum in USA (or other English speaking countries) about Mercedes with member quality comparable to this Elecraft mail listing? I should be grateful if you could reply OFF-THE-LIST and apologize for the S9+60db QRM here. Thanks for your patience and tolerance as always. 73 Johnny VR2XMC From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Tue Sep 2 21:03:09 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 18:03:09 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] P3 grounding lug? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <540668CD.3020705@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Tue,9/2/2014 4:58 PM, Jim Miller wrote: > How have others bonded the P3? I've never bonded the P3. I do use serial cables that bond connector shell to connector shell between computer and P3, and I don't use the BNC cables that Elecraft provides. As others have noted, there have been problems with their BNC cables. My first (of three) P3s came with an open BNC cable. I have very little negative to say about the K3, EXCEPT for their treatment of cable shields (The Pin One Problem). The ONLY proper termination of a cable shield is the shielding enclosure (the chassis). Elecraft fails to do this on most of the audio and control lines, and this sort of construction error is a common cause of hum, buzz, and RFI. 73, Jim K9YC From dick at elecraft.com Tue Sep 2 21:37:00 2014 From: dick at elecraft.com (Dick Dievendorff) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 18:37:00 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences In-Reply-To: <18396409.224957.1409702819680.JavaMail.root@vznit170184> References: <18396409.224957.1409702819680.JavaMail.root@vznit170184> Message-ID: <006501cfc717$8ec03490$ac409db0$@elecraft.com> Can you use the same SWR bridge in the shack that you used at the base of the tower so you're comparing apples to apples? I'd take the K3 out of the equation and figure out why your SWR differs at the base of the tower compared to in the shack through a 75' coax run and switch. I'd expect the SWR to be lower in the shack. If it isn't, then I'd put a dummy load at the base of the tower, thru the switch, and measure the SWR in the shack of that dummy load. Dick, K6KR -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of pastormg2 at verizon.net Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2014 5:07 PM To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences Good Evening, This is Mark Griffin, KB3Z and I have some questions regarding the SWR readings I get at my tower versus what I get on my K3. I will give the SWR readings that I got at my tower for a 40 meter rotatable dipole at 55 feet. Tower: 7000 2.2 7025 1.8 7050 1.5 7075 1.3 7100 1.0 7125 1.1 7150 1.3 7175 1.6 7200 2.0 7225 2.2 K3 Readings: 7000 3.5 7025 3.2 7050 2.9 7075 2.6 7100 2.4 7125 2.3 7150 2.4 7175 2.5 7200 2.6 7225 2.9 What would cause such a big difference. The cable run from my antenna switch on the tower to my K3 is only an additional 75 feet. I am using RG-213 cable. Is there anyway that I can test the SWR reading that my K3 is giving me? Mark Griffin, KB3Z ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 dick at elecraft.com From ve7day at telus.net Tue Sep 2 21:50:56 2014 From: ve7day at telus.net (John) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 18:50:56 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Cracked knobs and Elecraft support Message-ID: What a company! I sent an email to Elecraft re broken knobs and a parcel arrived in the mail today with replacements. No charge. Again, what a company! Thank you. 73. John. From fptownsend at earthlink.net Tue Sep 2 21:57:38 2014 From: fptownsend at earthlink.net (Fred Townsend) Date: Tue, 2 Sep 2014 18:57:38 -0700 (GMT-07:00) Subject: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences Message-ID: <16294648.1409709458647.JavaMail.root@mswamui-swiss.atl.sa.earthlink.net> Hello Mark: Question? What is the SWR of a mile long piece of coax if it is unterminated. Answer 1:1. That is because a long length coax will act as a matching transformer. Actually it doesn't have to be too long as you found out. If reading is not better in the shack something is wrong. Mark what you are seeing is entirely normal. If you want to measure the antenna impedance from the shack you should use something like Time Domain Reflectometer. 73 Fred -----Original Message----- >From: pastormg2 at verizon.net >Sent: Sep 2, 2014 5:06 PM >To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net >Subject: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences > >Good Evening, >This is Mark Griffin, KB3Z and I have some questions regarding the SWR readings I get at my tower versus what I get on my K3. I will give the SWR readings that I got at my tower for a 40 meter rotatable dipole at 55 feet. > >Tower: > >7000 2.2 >7025 1.8 >7050 1.5 >7075 1.3 >7100 1.0 >7125 1.1 >7150 1.3 >7175 1.6 >7200 2.0 >7225 2.2 > >K3 Readings: > >7000 3.5 > >7025 3.2 > >7050 2.9 > >7075 2.6 > >7100 2.4 > >7125 2.3 > >7150 2.4 > >7175 2.5 > >7200 2.6 >7225 2.9 > >What would cause such a big difference. The cable run from my antenna switch on the tower to my K3 is only an additional 75 feet. I am using RG-213 cable. Is there anyway that I can test the SWR reading that my K3 is giving me? > >Mark Griffin, KB3Z > >______________________________________________________________ >Elecraft mailing list >Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 fptownsend at earthlink.net From k6dgw at foothill.net Tue Sep 2 22:54:12 2014 From: k6dgw at foothill.net (Fred Jensen) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 19:54:12 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences In-Reply-To: <18396409.224957.1409702819680.JavaMail.root@vznit170184> References: <18396409.224957.1409702819680.JavaMail.root@vznit170184> Message-ID: <540682D4.6020601@foothill.net> I left your message on this, don't normally do that but I think it is important for context. 1. If the feed point impedance at your antenna is equal to the characteristic impedance of your coax *at any given frequency,* then the SWR you measure at the rig will be nominally 1:1. Note that not all SWR measuring instruments are created equal. 2. Measuring the feed point impedance at an antenna is usually somewhat hard ... up in the air, maybe not accessible ... you probably get the idea. 3. Measuring the SWR at the accessible bottom of the tower [I'm assuming that's where you're measuring it], and finding it to be anything other than 1:1 means that the line is not matched to the antenna impedance, and begins acting as an RF transformer. 4. The SWR you will see in the shack, and remember that all SWR indicators are not created equal, will be whatever results in the impedance transformation along the length of the coax from the tower to the shack. 5. A Time Domain Reflectometer will help clarify this for you if you know how to use one. Sadly, they're very expensive and hard to interpret if you've never used one. Check around among your friends but don't hold your breath. Bottom line, you can prune or un-prune your antenna [if it's wire] a little, and you can adjust the length of the coax transformer to the shack to get acceptable SWR at the rig. Or, if your K3 accepts the SWR, ignore it. Honestly Mark, you'll never know the difference while operating. There's also the KAT3, your SWR's are easily within it's range. There was a time, in my lifetime, when "Standing Wave Ratio" was NOT an amateur radio term. You "loaded the antenna" and called CQ. Today's radios are significantly more particular to SWR, but if it works, it works. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org On 9/2/2014 5:06 PM, pastormg2 at verizon.net wrote: > Good Evening, This is Mark Griffin, KB3Z and I have some questions > regarding the SWR readings I get at my tower versus what I get on my > K3. I will give the SWR readings that I got at my tower for a 40 > meter rotatable dipole at 55 feet. > > Tower: > > 7000 2.2 7025 1.8 7050 1.5 7075 1.3 7100 1.0 7125 1.1 7150 > 1.3 7175 1.6 7200 2.0 7225 2.2 > > K3 Readings: > > 7000 3.5 > > 7025 3.2 > > 7050 2.9 > > 7075 2.6 > > 7100 2.4 > > 7125 2.3 > > 7150 2.4 > > 7175 2.5 > > 7200 2.6 7225 2.9 > > What would cause such a big difference. The cable run from my antenna > switch on the tower to my K3 is only an additional 75 feet. I am > using RG-213 cable. Is there anyway that I can test the SWR reading > that my K3 is giving me? > > Mark Griffin, KB3Z From k6dgw at foothill.net Tue Sep 2 23:19:16 2014 From: k6dgw at foothill.net (Fred Jensen) Date: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 20:19:16 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences In-Reply-To: <16294648.1409709458647.JavaMail.root@mswamui-swiss.atl.sa.earthlink.net> References: <16294648.1409709458647.JavaMail.root@mswamui-swiss.atl.sa.earthlink.net> Message-ID: <540688B4.1090903@foothill.net> Just so we all don't confuse Mark, I think he asked a really good question, If the coax is loss-less [we'll all let you know when you can buy that kind:-))], then what the other Fred said is true. Unfortunately, all transmission lines, of whatever flavor, do have losses. Compared to open wire lines, loss in coax is high. In the early 60's at Keesler AFB, I passed my free time at K5TYP ... I enjoyed the people and the activity there. We had a tribander that seemed to receive [sort of}, but we couldn't work anyone on it, and the SWR was 1:1 on 20, 15, and 10. A puzzle. During one of the testing sessions, someone swept the frequency from 10 down to 20 to go do it again, and the SWR was 1:1 all the way down. Our coax had lain open on the ground for several years in Biloxi MS, and was full of water. It was basically the longest dummy load in Harrison County MS before any RF got to the antenna. And, it had a 1:1 SWR Depending on the loss in your coax, your feedline will look more or less like a transformer. More loss means it begins to dominate the transformer equation and your SWR at the shack looks better and better. Again, the bottom line ... Don't stress about SWR unless it causes a problem for your transceiver. If the transmitter is happy, so you should be. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org On 9/2/2014 6:57 PM, Fred Townsend wrote: > > Hello Mark: Question? What is the SWR of a mile long piece of coax if > it is unterminated. Answer 1:1. That is because a long length coax > will act as a matching transformer. Actually it doesn't have to be > too long as you found out. If reading is not better in the shack > something is wrong. From k2vco.vic at gmail.com Wed Sep 3 00:18:48 2014 From: k2vco.vic at gmail.com (Vic, K2VCO) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 07:18:48 +0300 Subject: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences In-Reply-To: <18396409.224957.1409702819680.JavaMail.root@vznit170184> References: <18396409.224957.1409702819680.JavaMail.root@vznit170184> Message-ID: <540696A8.9080200@gmail.com> If your line is lossless (it isn't) you would expect the same SWR readings anywhere along the line. With practical lines that have some loss, the SWR should be LOWER farther away from the antenna. You are getting the opposite result. One cause of erroneous SWR readings is RF flowing on the outside of the coax. If your rotary dipole doesn't have a balun, this could be the cause. It's also possible that you have a bad connector or bad piece of coax between the tower and the K3. On 9/3/14 3:06 AM, pastormg2 at verizon.net wrote: > Good Evening, This is Mark Griffin, KB3Z and I have some questions > regarding the SWR readings I get at my tower versus what I get on my > K3. I will give the SWR readings that I got at my tower for a 40 > meter rotatable dipole at 55 feet. > > Tower: > > 7000 2.2 7025 1.8 7050 1.5 7075 1.3 7100 1.0 7125 1.1 7150 > 1.3 7175 1.6 7200 2.0 7225 2.2 > > K3 Readings: > > 7000 3.5 > > 7025 3.2 > > 7050 2.9 > > 7075 2.6 > > 7100 2.4 > > 7125 2.3 > > 7150 2.4 > > 7175 2.5 > > 7200 2.6 7225 2.9 > > What would cause such a big difference. The cable run from my antenna > switch on the tower to my K3 is only an additional 75 feet. I am > using RG-213 cable. Is there anyway that I can test the SWR reading > that my K3 is giving me? > > Mark Griffin, KB3Z -- Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP Rehovot, Israel http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ From krellan at krellan.net Wed Sep 3 04:24:28 2014 From: krellan at krellan.net (Josh Lehan) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 01:24:28 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KXPA100 not making antenna connection Message-ID: <5406D03C.7060508@krellan.net> Hi there! I assembled my KXPA100 (with ATU) recently, serial number 0595. Unfortunately, it isn't working. The link to the KX3 works great (rather slick, everything was instantly recognized), but the KXPA100 is not making any antenna connection cleanly. KX3 is properly configured to link with the KXPA100. I heard nothing at all, on any band, as if the antenna wasn't connected at all. I tried initiating an ATU tuning cycle, only to see a SWR fault on the KXPA100 almost instantly, so I stopped that rather quickly. The SWR wouldn't improve below 32.0-1 (terrible). I opened it up again and removed then reconnected the tricky little TMP connectors, and that helped a little. Using needlenose pliers made all the difference. I am now pretty confident I have the TMP connectors fully inserted (they weren't, earlier). Now, I can hear stations very faintly, S0 at most (not enough to light up any signal bars on the KX3). This is still very bad, because when bypassing the KXPA100 by using a barrel connector to connect the KX3 to the antenna directly (for testing), it's loud and clear, around S5-S9, which is normal for my antenna. I can transmit just fine, using the KX3 and its built-in ATU, without the KXPA100, so I can rule out anything else in my setup that might be causing a problem. Both antenna and dummy load normally work great. Ruled out cables by using barrel connector to join two cables together directly (cutting the KXPA100 out of the circuit) and that also worked great. I just can't get a good connection when going through the KXPA100. Now, I'm at a loss what to do. I think there might be a fault with the ATU connection internally of the KXPA100. It was straightforward to put it together, though, I don't think I made any mistakes there, but probably will disassemble it all and try again. Switching between antenna 1 and antenna 2 makes an audible difference in the noise level, so I know that works. However, the ATU switch on the KXPA100 doesn't seem to make a difference at all, there is no difference in noise level between bypass/manual/auto. Shouldn't there be an audible difference here? There also is no difference when KXPA100 is powered off vs. on, which seems strange to me. Same SWR fault happens instantly when trying to tune with ATU, or doing any transmission for that matter. What should be my next step in troubleshooting? Thanks! Josh K6JSH From kurtt at pinrod.com Wed Sep 3 06:17:54 2014 From: kurtt at pinrod.com (Kurt Pawlikowski) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 05:17:54 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] KXPA100 not making antenna connection In-Reply-To: <5406D03C.7060508@krellan.net> References: <5406D03C.7060508@krellan.net> Message-ID: <5406EAD2.3040705@pinrod.com> Josh, Unfortunately, I'm not familiar enough with the KXPA100 to know if, when bypassing the unit internally, there is DC continuity between the input and output. If there is (I suspect so), you should be able to measure between them with a regular ohm meter. While not 100% definitive, if it fails this test (again, assuming DC continuity), that would be a major indicator of some connection problem. Hope that helps! kurtt WB9FMC 2015 Hamfesters Hamfest Chairman Looking for my replacement since 2014! http:\\ham-ham.org On 9/3/2014 03:24, Josh Lehan wrote: > Hi there! > > I assembled my KXPA100 (with ATU) recently, serial number 0595. > Unfortunately, it isn't working. The link to the KX3 works great > (rather slick, everything was instantly recognized), but the KXPA100 is > not making any antenna connection cleanly. KX3 is properly configured > to link with the KXPA100. > > I heard nothing at all, on any band, as if the antenna wasn't connected > at all. I tried initiating an ATU tuning cycle, only to see a SWR fault > on the KXPA100 almost instantly, so I stopped that rather quickly. The > SWR wouldn't improve below 32.0-1 (terrible). > > I opened it up again and removed then reconnected the tricky little TMP > connectors, and that helped a little. Using needlenose pliers made all > the difference. I am now pretty confident I have the TMP connectors > fully inserted (they weren't, earlier). Now, I can hear stations very > faintly, S0 at most (not enough to light up any signal bars on the KX3). > This is still very bad, because when bypassing the KXPA100 by using a > barrel connector to connect the KX3 to the antenna directly (for > testing), it's loud and clear, around S5-S9, which is normal for my antenna. > > I can transmit just fine, using the KX3 and its built-in ATU, without > the KXPA100, so I can rule out anything else in my setup that might be > causing a problem. Both antenna and dummy load normally work great. > Ruled out cables by using barrel connector to join two cables together > directly (cutting the KXPA100 out of the circuit) and that also worked > great. I just can't get a good connection when going through the KXPA100. > > Now, I'm at a loss what to do. I think there might be a fault with the > ATU connection internally of the KXPA100. It was straightforward to put > it together, though, I don't think I made any mistakes there, but > probably will disassemble it all and try again. > > Switching between antenna 1 and antenna 2 makes an audible difference in > the noise level, so I know that works. However, the ATU switch on the > KXPA100 doesn't seem to make a difference at all, there is no difference > in noise level between bypass/manual/auto. Shouldn't there be an > audible difference here? There also is no difference when KXPA100 is > powered off vs. on, which seems strange to me. Same SWR fault happens > instantly when trying to tune with ATU, or doing any transmission for > that matter. > > What should be my next step in troubleshooting? > > Thanks! > > Josh > K6JSH > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 kurtt at pinrod.com > From arcticpeak at yahoo.no Wed Sep 3 06:18:07 2014 From: arcticpeak at yahoo.no (Martin Storli - LA8OKA) Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 11:18:07 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] Vedr: SWR Readings:Differences In-Reply-To: <18396409.224957.1409702819680.JavaMail.root@vznit170184> References: <18396409.224957.1409702819680.JavaMail.root@vznit170184> Message-ID: <1409739487.98387.YahooMailNeo@web133103.mail.ir2.yahoo.com> The first thing you need to do is to use the same SWR-meter both at the tower and at you're K3. When measurering close to the K3 and if it is a big difference between you're SWR meter and the K3, the K3 is probably indicating the wrong SWR, or the K3 tuner is coupled in making the SWR to be something quite different than it actually is. If both SWR-meters show higher SWR in the shack than at you're tower, there is probably something wrong in the last coax run, hook it up to a dummyload and measure SWR. The SWR shall normally be lower in the shack than at you're tower due to the losses in the coax. Martin Storli LA8OKA Oslo, Norway ARCTICPEAK's Radio pages! http://www.arcticpeak.com/radio.htm ________________________________ Fra: "pastormg2 at verizon.net" Til: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Sendt: Onsdag, 3. september 2014 2.06 Emne: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences Good Evening, This is Mark Griffin, KB3Z and I have some questions regarding the SWR readings I get at my tower versus what I get on my K3. I will give the SWR readings that I got at my tower for a 40 meter rotatable dipole at 55 feet. Tower: 7000 2.2 7025 1.8 7050 1.5 7075 1.3 7100 1.0 7125 1.1 7150 1.3 7175 1.6 7200 2.0 7225 2.2 K3 Readings: 7000 3.5 7025 3.2 7050 2.9 7075 2.6 7100 2.4 7125 2.3 7150 2.4 7175 2.5 7200 2.6 7225 2.9 What would cause such a big difference. The cable run from my antenna switch on the tower to my K3 is only an additional 75 feet. I am using RG-213 cable. Is there anyway that I can test the SWR reading that my K3 is giving me? Mark Griffin, KB3Z ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 arcticpeak at yahoo.no From alsopb at nc.rr.com Wed Sep 3 07:09:50 2014 From: alsopb at nc.rr.com (briana) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 07:09:50 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences In-Reply-To: <18396409.224957.1409702819680.JavaMail.root@vznit170184> References: <18396409.224957.1409702819680.JavaMail.root@vznit170184> Message-ID: <5406F6FE.2060507@nc.rr.com> My experience with this is that if one is seeing an SWR >2.5 -3 it usually means either the braid or center conductor isn't connected. I'd redo the connectors. You don't say how the measurements were made at the tower. But I'm guessing it was done with another short piece of coax. Thus both connectors (ant end and shack end) are suspect. Testing out the coax (coax problems are really rare these days with new coax) is a good idea. After connectors are installed, put a dummy load at one end and measure the SWR. It should be close to 1:1. 73 & GL Brian/K3KO On 9/2/2014 8:06 PM, pastormg2 at verizon.net wrote: > Good Evening, > This is Mark Griffin, KB3Z and I have some questions regarding the SWR readings I get at my tower versus what I get on my K3. I will give the SWR readings that I got at my tower for a 40 meter rotatable dipole at 55 feet. > > Tower: > > 7000 2.2 > 7025 1.8 > 7050 1.5 > 7075 1.3 > 7100 1.0 > 7125 1.1 > 7150 1.3 > 7175 1.6 > 7200 2.0 > 7225 2.2 > > K3 Readings: > > 7000 3.5 > > 7025 3.2 > > 7050 2.9 > > 7075 2.6 > > 7100 2.4 > > 7125 2.3 > > 7150 2.4 > > 7175 2.5 > > 7200 2.6 > 7225 2.9 > > What would cause such a big difference. The cable run from my antenna switch on the tower to my K3 is only an additional 75 feet. I am using RG-213 cable. Is there anyway that I can test the SWR reading that my K3 is giving me? > > Mark Griffin, KB3Z > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home:http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help:http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post:mailto:Elecraft at 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 toalsopb at nc.rr.com > > > ----- > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG -www.avg.com > Version: 2012.0.2247 / Virus Database: 4015/7640 - Release Date: 09/02/14 > > From w4jbb at charter.net Wed Sep 3 07:16:27 2014 From: w4jbb at charter.net (Joel Black) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 06:16:27 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] KXAT3 Per Band Setting Message-ID: <5406F88B.8040306@charter.net> Is it possible to set the KXAT3 to activate per band? If so, can someone point me to where that is in the manual? I cannot seem to find it. Thanks, Joel - W4JBB From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Wed Sep 3 08:27:16 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 08:27:16 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences In-Reply-To: <18396409.224957.1409702819680.JavaMail.root@vznit170184> References: <18396409.224957.1409702819680.JavaMail.root@vznit170184> Message-ID: <54070924.7070700@embarqmail.com> Mark, Any transmission line will have an impedance transformation unless it is terminated in its characteristic impedance. The other factor may be that you have some common mode current on the coax shield - that can skew SWR readings. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/2/2014 8:06 PM, pastormg2 at verizon.net wrote: > Good Evening, > This is Mark Griffin, KB3Z and I have some questions regarding the SWR readings I get at my tower versus what I get on my K3. I will give the SWR readings that I got at my tower for a 40 meter rotatable dipole at 55 feet. > > Tower: > > 7000 2.2 > 7025 1.8 > 7050 1.5 > 7075 1.3 > 7100 1.0 > 7125 1.1 > 7150 1.3 > 7175 1.6 > 7200 2.0 > 7225 2.2 > > K3 Readings: > > 7000 3.5 > > 7025 3.2 > > 7050 2.9 > > 7075 2.6 > > 7100 2.4 > > 7125 2.3 > > 7150 2.4 > > 7175 2.5 > > 7200 2.6 > 7225 2.9 > > What would cause such a big difference. The cable run from my antenna switch on the tower to my K3 is only an additional 75 feet. I am using RG-213 cable. Is there anyway that I can test the SWR reading that my K3 is giving me? > > Mark Griffin, KB3Z > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 w3fpr at embarqmail.com > From ptaa at ieee.org Wed Sep 3 08:40:12 2014 From: ptaa at ieee.org (Per-Tore Aasestrand) Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 14:40:12 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] Vedr: SWR Readings:Differences In-Reply-To: <1409739487.98387.YahooMailNeo@web133103.mail.ir2.yahoo.com> References: <18396409.224957.1409702819680.JavaMail.root@vznit170184> <1409739487.98387.YahooMailNeo@web133103.mail.ir2.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Hi, Martin makes an important point! The VSWR indicated on the K3 is measured between tuner and PA. The tuner does not influence the VSWR on the feeder. P-T / LA7NO On 3 September 2014 12:18, Martin Storli - LA8OKA wrote: > The first thing you need to do is to use the same SWR-meter both at the > tower and at you're K3. > When measurering close to the K3 and if it is a big difference between > you're SWR meter and the K3, the K3 is probably indicating the wrong SWR, > or the K3 tuner is coupled in making the SWR to be something quite > different than it actually is. > > If both SWR-meters show higher SWR in the shack than at you're tower, > there is probably something wrong in the last coax run, hook it up to a > dummyload and measure SWR. The SWR shall normally be lower in the shack > than at you're tower due to the losses in the coax. > > Martin Storli > LA8OKA > Oslo, Norway > > ARCTICPEAK's Radio pages! > http://www.arcticpeak.com/radio.htm > > > ________________________________ > Fra: "pastormg2 at verizon.net" > Til: elecraft at mailman.qth.net > Sendt: Onsdag, 3. september 2014 2.06 > Emne: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences > > > Good Evening, > This is Mark Griffin, KB3Z and I have some questions regarding the SWR > readings I get at my tower versus what I get on my K3. I will give the SWR > readings that I got at my tower for a 40 meter rotatable dipole at 55 feet. > > Tower: > > 7000 2.2 > 7025 1.8 > 7050 1.5 > 7075 1.3 > 7100 1.0 > 7125 1.1 > 7150 1.3 > 7175 1.6 > 7200 2.0 > 7225 2.2 > > K3 Readings: > > 7000 3.5 > > 7025 3.2 > > 7050 2.9 > > 7075 2.6 > > 7100 2.4 > > 7125 2.3 > > 7150 2.4 > > 7175 2.5 > > 7200 2.6 > 7225 2.9 > > What would cause such a big difference. The cable run from my antenna > switch on the tower to my K3 is only an additional 75 feet. I am using > RG-213 cable. Is there anyway that I can test the SWR reading that my K3 is > giving me? > > Mark Griffin, KB3Z > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 arcticpeak at yahoo.no > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 ptaa at ieee.org > From dave at nk7z.net Wed Sep 3 08:46:31 2014 From: dave at nk7z.net (David Cole) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 05:46:31 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Trade for Elecreaft Equipment... Message-ID: <1409748391.7082.3.camel@nostromo.NK7Z> I have a 12.5 inch diameter, f/6, full thickness, (2.13 inches), fully aluminized, fully parabolized, Pyrex, research grade mirror for sale or trade. It was tested at better than 1/8 wave accuracy, and has a tested value of .972 for Sterehl rating. Testing performed by Optical Wave Labs in California. The original test certificate will be included with the mirror when purchased. This is a high quality mirror, that has been finished, tested, and aluminized by a professionals in the United States. If you are going to build a 12.5 inch scope, this is the mirror to use! To purchase this mirror, it would cost you between $1000, and $1500. I am no longer interested in Astronomy, (I was going to build a scope out of this mirror), and the mirror is now up for sale, or trade, for amateur gear. I will consider any like value trade for this mirror. The mirror is in mint condition, not near mint, but mint condition...Unused, unmounted, and still packed in the original shipping box from the lab that ground it. What have you to trade for it? I will pay shipping/Insurance for the mirror within CONUS, you pay shipping/insurance within CONUS for your item. Looking for Perhaps used as partial payment om K500... Interested in any Elecraft equipment. Please email me if interested. -- Thanks and 73's, For equipment, and software setups and reviews see: www.nk7z.net for MixW support see; http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info for Dopplergram information see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info for MM-SSTV see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info From k2av.guy at gmail.com Wed Sep 3 09:44:47 2014 From: k2av.guy at gmail.com (Guy Olinger K2AV) Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 09:44:47 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences In-Reply-To: <540696A8.9080200@gmail.com> References: <18396409.224957.1409702819680.JavaMail.root@vznit170184> <540696A8.9080200@gmail.com> Message-ID: Here is a small, non-inclusive list of things that can be bad with a coax run to the house. I have personally seen all of them at some time or place. Some big names, too. 1) At either or both ends, the shield was not soldered to the PL259 shell, and the connection has dwindled to a small percentage of the shield due to gradual destruction of the fine wire touching points. 1a) Ditto for the center conductor to the hollow center conductor pin of the PL259. Amazing how many PL259's are not soldered in a hurry to 'hear how it works". I've done it myself and forgotten I didn't. For years. 2) "Balun" is cheep junk, or burned up/melted/shorted turns/cracked/destroyed core, now junk. 3) Coax on tower is not high quality, and does not have it's weight supported. The stretch has changed the separation of shield and center conductor, and the characteristic impedance has shifted, introducing an unwanted transformation into the equation. 3a) Coax is very old, but still "looks OK" even though it isn't. Much coax material undergoes very slow (even decades) chemical changes which can change characteristics. Wide frequency and TDR scans of coax into opens, shorts, checked 50 ohm and 200 ohm terminations are only way to check for still-OK-ness. 4) Water has invaded the coax, from a nick, tear or critter bite in the jacket, or non/poorly sealed coax connector, and capillary action has wicked along it's entire length. This can be hundreds of feet in the worst of cases. The loss-added coax does not necessarily stay at 50 ohms Z zero. I have seen coax shields green (copper oxide) their entire length. Interestingly the practical outcomes of this extra loss was initially most often blamed on the transceiver. 5) Coax has been wrapped around a pipe by rotator torque. See 3) 6) Coax has had something heavy dropped on it. See 3) 7) Coax shield was only ground path for induced current for a close lightning strike. (Usually a direct strike smokes coax beyond any confusion.) 8) PL259 shell was not pliers-tightened and has worked loose, gradually producing burned points of connection. 9) Long coax run was laid tight in summer heat, and stretched in the winter. See 3) 10) Constant flexing of coax finally breaks the center conductor. After that, "connection" is strange. 11) Unsupported aerial coax over-weighted by ice and stretched, pulled out of connectors, see 8). 12) Coax is innocent and it's really the antenna. 13) Operator in fact does not know how to operate the instrument or how to interpret readings. 14) Short lengths of coax and "other boxes" are ignored, and those in fact contain the problem. 15) Measuring instrument has been damaged or was defective from the factory. 15a) Measuring instrument is cheep junk. 16) Operator was "told" what the trouble was by a "trusted source" and is having a lot of trouble thinking outside of the "trusted box" when the trusted source was in fact in error for this instance. 17) Dummy load used to calibrate/provide 50 J zero comparison or reference termination is not 50 J zero for any number of reasons, including the likes of several seconds of QRO on a 2 watts worth of 50 ohms. Didn't turn black on the outside, but the resistor innards were already toast. Didn't *look* burned, so must be fine, right? 18) Dummy load while accurate at DC has significant reactive components at RF. 19) Coax was not 50 ohms from the get-go (try 56). But it looks good so it must be good. And the seller had a nice looking web page and the best price. 20) I need to wrap this up, but I know I'm not remembering something really juicy, which will come to mind after I hit the send button. A group of Olde Pharte hams sitting around a table in a Lunche Jointe, came up with a napkin version of this that had over 40 items on it. The napkins were used for the inevitable outcome of ribs, and so was lost to posterity. One of these included a male F connector that had not had its threads grooved into the shell. This ignominious occurrence is not mentioned above, because it could not ever be part of a "working" setup. But it was amazing how many other things were blamed for "not fitting", including calls to an equipment maker about female chassis connectors, before the lack of threads was noticed. Good luck to all and 73, Guy K2AV On Wed, Sep 3, 2014 at 12:18 AM, Vic, K2VCO wrote: > If your line is lossless (it isn't) you would expect the same SWR > readings anywhere along the line. With practical lines that have some > loss, the SWR should be LOWER farther away from the antenna. You are > getting the opposite result. > > One cause of erroneous SWR readings is RF flowing on the outside of the > coax. If your rotary dipole doesn't have a balun, this could be the cause. > > It's also possible that you have a bad connector or bad piece of coax > between the tower and the K3. > > > On 9/3/14 3:06 AM, pastormg2 at verizon.net wrote: > >> Good Evening, This is Mark Griffin, KB3Z and I have some questions >> regarding the SWR readings I get at my tower versus what I get on my >> K3. I will give the SWR readings that I got at my tower for a 40 >> meter rotatable dipole at 55 feet. >> >> Tower: >> >> 7000 2.2 7025 1.8 7050 1.5 7075 1.3 7100 1.0 7125 1.1 7150 >> 1.3 7175 1.6 7200 2.0 7225 2.2 >> >> K3 Readings: >> >> 7000 3.5 >> >> 7025 3.2 >> >> 7050 2.9 >> >> 7075 2.6 >> >> 7100 2.4 >> >> 7125 2.3 >> >> 7150 2.4 >> >> 7175 2.5 >> >> 7200 2.6 7225 2.9 >> >> What would cause such a big difference. The cable run from my antenna >> switch on the tower to my K3 is only an additional 75 feet. I am >> using RG-213 cable. Is there anyway that I can test the SWR reading >> that my K3 is giving me? >> >> Mark Griffin, KB3Z >> > > -- > Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP > Rehovot, Israel > http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k2av.guy at gmail.com > From johnn1jm at gmail.com Wed Sep 3 09:59:55 2014 From: johnn1jm at gmail.com (John_N1JM) Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 06:59:55 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] PX3 In-Reply-To: <9AB50995-36A9-41F3-A1A8-947EAA2B9F65@me.com> References: <9AB50995-36A9-41F3-A1A8-947EAA2B9F65@me.com> Message-ID: <1409752795795-7592773.post@n2.nabble.com> They have updated their shipping status page to late this week or early next week. 73, John N1JM ----- 73, John N1JM K3 #5986 P3 #1752 KPA500 #596 KX3 #926 XG3 XG1 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/PX3-tp7592728p7592773.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Wed Sep 3 10:20:56 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Mel Farrer via Elecraft) Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 07:20:56 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences In-Reply-To: References: <18396409.224957.1409702819680.JavaMail.root@vznit170184> <540696A8.9080200@gmail.com> Message-ID: <1409754056.22167.YahooMailNeo@web163501.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Good list, and here at least is one more. # PL-259 male or female connector made of some non-solderable material. Looks like it soldered but isn't. Cheap import. Mel, K6KBE On Wednesday, September 3, 2014 6:57 AM, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: Here is a small, non-inclusive list of things that can be bad with a coax run to the house. I have personally seen all of them at some time or place. Some big names, too. 1) At either or both ends, the shield was not soldered to the PL259 shell, and the connection has dwindled to a small percentage of the shield due to gradual destruction of the fine wire touching points. 1a) Ditto for the center conductor to the hollow center conductor pin of the PL259. Amazing how many PL259's are not soldered in a hurry to 'hear how it works". I've done it myself and forgotten I didn't. For years. 2) "Balun" is cheep junk, or burned up/melted/shorted turns/cracked/destroyed core, now junk. 3) Coax on tower is not high quality, and does not have it's weight supported. The stretch has changed the separation of shield and center conductor, and the characteristic impedance has shifted, introducing an unwanted transformation into the equation. 3a) Coax is very old, but still "looks OK" even though it isn't. Much coax material undergoes very slow (even decades) chemical changes which can change characteristics. Wide frequency and TDR scans of coax into opens, shorts, checked 50 ohm and 200 ohm terminations are only way to check for still-OK-ness. 4) Water has invaded the coax, from a nick, tear or critter bite in the jacket, or non/poorly sealed coax connector, and capillary action has wicked along it's entire length. This can be hundreds of feet in the worst of cases. The loss-added coax does not necessarily stay at 50 ohms Z zero. I have seen coax shields green (copper oxide) their entire length. Interestingly the practical outcomes of this extra loss was initially most often blamed on the transceiver. 5) Coax has been wrapped around a pipe by rotator torque. See 3) 6) Coax has had something heavy dropped on it. See 3) 7) Coax shield was only ground path for induced current for a close lightning strike. (Usually a direct strike smokes coax beyond any confusion.) 8) PL259 shell was not pliers-tightened and has worked loose, gradually producing burned points of connection. 9) Long coax run was laid tight in summer heat, and stretched in the winter. See 3) 10) Constant flexing of coax finally breaks the center conductor. After that, "connection" is strange. 11) Unsupported aerial coax over-weighted by ice and stretched, pulled out of connectors, see 8). 12) Coax is innocent and it's really the antenna. 13) Operator in fact does not know how to operate the instrument or how to interpret readings. 14) Short lengths of coax and "other boxes" are ignored, and those in fact contain the problem. 15) Measuring instrument has been damaged or was defective from the factory. 15a) Measuring instrument is cheep junk. 16) Operator was "told" what the trouble was by a "trusted source" and is having a lot of trouble thinking outside of the "trusted box" when the trusted source was in fact in error for this instance. 17) Dummy load used to calibrate/provide 50 J zero comparison or reference termination is not 50 J zero for any number of reasons, including the likes of several seconds of QRO on a 2 watts worth of 50 ohms. Didn't turn black on the outside, but the resistor innards were already toast. Didn't *look* burned, so must be fine, right? 18) Dummy load while accurate at DC has significant reactive components at RF. 19) Coax was not 50 ohms from the get-go (try 56). But it looks good so it must be good. And the seller had a nice looking web page and the best price. 20) I need to wrap this up, but I know I'm not remembering something really juicy, which will come to mind after I hit the send button. A group of Olde Pharte hams sitting around a table in a Lunche Jointe, came up with a napkin version of this that had over 40 items on it. The napkins were used for the inevitable outcome of ribs, and so was lost to posterity. One of these included a male F connector that had not had its threads grooved into the shell. This ignominious occurrence is not mentioned above, because it could not ever be part of a "working" setup. But it was amazing how many other things were blamed for "not fitting", including calls to an equipment maker about female chassis connectors, before the lack of threads was noticed. Good luck to all and 73, Guy K2AV On Wed, Sep 3, 2014 at 12:18 AM, Vic, K2VCO wrote: > If your line is lossless (it isn't) you would expect the same SWR > readings anywhere along the line. With practical lines that have some > loss, the SWR should be LOWER farther away from the antenna. You are > getting the opposite result. > > One cause of erroneous SWR readings is RF flowing on the outside of the > coax. If your rotary dipole doesn't have a balun, this could be the cause. > > It's also possible that you have a bad connector or bad piece of coax > between the tower and the K3. > > > On 9/3/14 3:06 AM, pastormg2 at verizon.net wrote: > >> Good Evening, This is Mark Griffin, KB3Z and I have some questions >> regarding the SWR readings I get at my tower versus what I get on my >> K3. I will give the SWR readings that I got at my tower for a 40 >> meter rotatable dipole at 55 feet. >> >> Tower: >> >> 7000 2.2 7025 1.8 7050 1.5 7075 1.3 7100 1.0 7125 1.1 7150 >> 1.3 7175 1.6 7200 2.0 7225 2.2 >> >> K3 Readings: >> >> 7000 3.5 >> >> 7025 3.2 >> >> 7050 2.9 >> >> 7075 2.6 >> >> 7100 2.4 >> >> 7125 2.3 >> >> 7150 2.4 >> >> 7175 2.5 >> >> 7200 2.6 7225 2.9 >> >> What would cause such a big difference. The cable run from my antenna >> switch on the tower to my K3 is only an additional 75 feet. I am >> using RG-213 cable. Is there anyway that I can test the SWR reading >> that my K3 is giving me? >> >> Mark Griffin, KB3Z >> > > -- > Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP > Rehovot, Israel > http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k2av.guy at gmail.com > ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 farrerfolks at yahoo.com From ptaa32 at gmail.com Wed Sep 3 07:30:42 2014 From: ptaa32 at gmail.com (Per-Tore) Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 13:30:42 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] Vedr: SWR Readings:Differences In-Reply-To: <1409739487.98387.YahooMailNeo@web133103.mail.ir2.yahoo.com> References: <18396409.224957.1409702819680.JavaMail.root@vznit170184> <1409739487.98387.YahooMailNeo@web133103.mail.ir2.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Hi, Martin makes an important point! The VSWR indicated on the K3 is measured between tuner and PA. The tuner does not influence the VSWR on the feeder. P-T / LA7NO > On 3. sep. 2014, at 12:18, Martin Storli - LA8OKA wrote: > > The first thing you need to do is to use the same SWR-meter both at the tower and at you're K3. > When measurering close to the K3 and if it is a big difference between you're SWR meter and the K3, the K3 is probably indicating the wrong SWR, or the K3 tuner is coupled in making the SWR to be something quite different than it actually is. > > If both SWR-meters show higher SWR in the shack than at you're tower, there is probably something wrong in the last coax run, hook it up to a dummyload and measure SWR. The SWR shall normally be lower in the shack than at you're tower due to the losses in the coax. > > Martin Storli > LA8OKA > Oslo, Norway > > ARCTICPEAK's Radio pages! > http://www.arcticpeak.com/radio.htm > > > ________________________________ > Fra: "pastormg2 at verizon.net" > Til: elecraft at mailman.qth.net > Sendt: Onsdag, 3. september 2014 2.06 > Emne: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences > > > Good Evening, > This is Mark Griffin, KB3Z and I have some questions regarding the SWR readings I get at my tower versus what I get on my K3. I will give the SWR readings that I got at my tower for a 40 meter rotatable dipole at 55 feet. > > Tower: > > 7000 2.2 > 7025 1.8 > 7050 1.5 > 7075 1.3 > 7100 1.0 > 7125 1.1 > 7150 1.3 > 7175 1.6 > 7200 2.0 > 7225 2.2 > > K3 Readings: > > 7000 3.5 > > 7025 3.2 > > 7050 2.9 > > 7075 2.6 > > 7100 2.4 > > 7125 2.3 > > 7150 2.4 > > 7175 2.5 > > 7200 2.6 > 7225 2.9 > > What would cause such a big difference. The cable run from my antenna switch on the tower to my K3 is only an additional 75 feet. I am using RG-213 cable. Is there anyway that I can test the SWR reading that my K3 is giving me? > > Mark Griffin, KB3Z > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 arcticpeak at yahoo.no > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 ptaa at ieee.org From EagleEyeDennis at gmx.com Wed Sep 3 11:22:24 2014 From: EagleEyeDennis at gmx.com (Dennis Griffin) Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 08:22:24 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] Weather protection for a KX3 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <3200EE78-2720-4536-9122-55BB5F70263D@gmx.com> The tablet sized E Series 20 case seen at the url below should do nicely for weather protection, w/o adding any appreciable bulk or weight. The KX3 could be operated while being protected by placing your hand, and operating cables, through the partially open end. There are other cases like this, and some can be seen if you have a local REI, in the water sport area. Taking a minimalist approach, even a large Ziploc freezer bag could be helpful. http://www.cascadedesigns.com/e-case/eseries/eseries-20/product 73 de Dennis KD7CAC Scottsdale, AZ On Sep 2, 2014, at 6:19 PM, weiyun at ymail.com [KX3] wrote: > > Granted, the KX3 was not designed for harsh weather use. But fact is, it's a lovely unit for outdoor applications. > > Did a search on the group but did not find any. So the question I have is, how have you weather proofed, or at least partially weather protected your KX3 rig for outdoor use? > > Read on a SOTA group that one member activated an ice covered mountain top. Can't imagine I'd take my KX3 into such an environment without some protection. Of course, no need for 3rd party heat sink._,_.___ > > Posted by: weiyun at ymail.com From fptownsend at earthlink.net Wed Sep 3 13:01:05 2014 From: fptownsend at earthlink.net (Fred Townsend) Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 10:01:05 -0700 (GMT-07:00) Subject: [Elecraft] Trade for Elecreaft Equipment OT Message-ID: <14060967.1409763666968.JavaMail.root@mswamui-swiss.atl.sa.earthlink.net> Sounds like mirror for smoke to me. (Assuming worst case.) 73 Fred, AE6QL -----Original Message----- >From: David Cole >Sent: Sep 3, 2014 5:46 AM >To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net >Subject: [Elecraft] Trade for Elecreaft Equipment... > >I have a 12.5 inch diameter, f/6, full thickness, (2.13 inches), fully >aluminized, fully parabolized, Pyrex, research grade mirror for sale or >trade. It was tested at better than 1/8 wave accuracy, and has a tested >value of .972 for Sterehl rating. Testing performed by Optical Wave Labs >in California. The original test certificate will be included with the >mirror when purchased. > >This is a high quality mirror, that has been finished, tested, and >aluminized by a professionals in the United States. If you are going to >build a 12.5 inch scope, this is the mirror to use! > From dave at nk7z.net Wed Sep 3 13:08:24 2014 From: dave at nk7z.net (David Cole) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 10:08:24 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Trade for Elecreaft Equipment OT In-Reply-To: <14060967.1409763666968.JavaMail.root@mswamui-swiss.atl.sa.earthlink.net> References: <14060967.1409763666968.JavaMail.root@mswamui-swiss.atl.sa.earthlink.net> Message-ID: <1409764104.11634.5.camel@nostromo.NK7Z> Hi, Nope... It really is me Dave, NK7Z, and it really is a quality objective mirror, and I really am not using it, and want to swap it for equipment, preferably Elecraft stuff... -- Thanks and 73's, For equipment, and software setups and reviews see: www.nk7z.net for MixW support see; http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info for Dopplergram information see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info for MM-SSTV see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info On Wed, 2014-09-03 at 10:01 -0700, Fred Townsend wrote: > Sounds like mirror for smoke to me. (Assuming worst case.) > 73 > Fred, AE6QL > > -----Original Message----- > >From: David Cole > >Sent: Sep 3, 2014 5:46 AM > >To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net > >Subject: [Elecraft] Trade for Elecreaft Equipment... > > > >I have a 12.5 inch diameter, f/6, full thickness, (2.13 inches), fully > >aluminized, fully parabolized, Pyrex, research grade mirror for sale or > >trade. It was tested at better than 1/8 wave accuracy, and has a tested > >value of .972 for Sterehl rating. Testing performed by Optical Wave Labs > >in California. The original test certificate will be included with the > >mirror when purchased. > > > >This is a high quality mirror, that has been finished, tested, and > >aluminized by a professionals in the United States. If you are going to > >build a 12.5 inch scope, this is the mirror to use! > > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 dave at nk7z.net From alsopb at nc.rr.com Wed Sep 3 13:38:06 2014 From: alsopb at nc.rr.com (Brian Alsop) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 17:38:06 +0000 Subject: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences In-Reply-To: <1409754056.22167.YahooMailNeo@web163501.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> References: <18396409.224957.1409702819680.JavaMail.root@vznit170184> <540696A8.9080200@gmail.com> <1409754056.22167.YahooMailNeo@web163501.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <540751FE.5020501@nc.rr.com> Add to the list. The PL-259 has an undersized center pin. I've seen these. 73 de Brian/K3KO On 9/3/2014 14:20, Mel Farrer via Elecraft wrote: > Good list, and here at least is one more. > > > # PL-259 male or female connector made of some non-solderable material. Looks like it soldered but isn't. Cheap import. > > Mel, K6KBE > > > > > > On Wednesday, September 3, 2014 6:57 AM, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: > > > > Here is a small, non-inclusive list of things that can be bad with a coax > run to the house. I have personally seen all of them at some time or place. > Some big names, too. > > 1) At either or both ends, the shield was not soldered to the PL259 shell, > and the connection has dwindled to a small percentage of the shield due to > gradual destruction of the fine wire touching points. > > 1a) Ditto for the center conductor to the hollow center conductor pin of > the PL259. Amazing how many PL259's are not soldered in a hurry to 'hear > how it works". I've done it myself and forgotten I didn't. For years. > > 2) "Balun" is cheep junk, or burned up/melted/shorted > turns/cracked/destroyed core, now junk. > > 3) Coax on tower is not high quality, and does not have it's weight > supported. The stretch has changed the separation of shield and center > conductor, and the characteristic impedance has shifted, introducing an > unwanted transformation into the equation. > > 3a) Coax is very old, but still "looks OK" even though it isn't. Much coax > material undergoes very slow (even decades) chemical changes which can > change characteristics. Wide frequency and TDR scans of coax into opens, > shorts, checked 50 ohm and 200 ohm terminations are only way to check for > still-OK-ness. > > 4) Water has invaded the coax, from a nick, tear or critter bite in the > jacket, or non/poorly sealed coax connector, and capillary action has > wicked along it's entire length. This can be hundreds of feet in the worst > of cases. The loss-added coax does not necessarily stay at 50 ohms Z zero. > I have seen coax shields green (copper oxide) their entire length. > Interestingly the practical outcomes of this extra loss was initially most > often blamed on the transceiver. > > 5) Coax has been wrapped around a pipe by rotator torque. See 3) > > 6) Coax has had something heavy dropped on it. See 3) > > 7) Coax shield was only ground path for induced current for a close > lightning strike. (Usually a direct strike smokes coax beyond any > confusion.) > > 8) PL259 shell was not pliers-tightened and has worked loose, gradually > producing burned points of connection. > > 9) Long coax run was laid tight in summer heat, and stretched in the > winter. See 3) > > 10) Constant flexing of coax finally breaks the center conductor. After > that, "connection" is strange. > > 11) Unsupported aerial coax over-weighted by ice and stretched, pulled out > of connectors, see 8). > > 12) Coax is innocent and it's really the antenna. > > 13) Operator in fact does not know how to operate the instrument or how to > interpret readings. > > 14) Short lengths of coax and "other boxes" are ignored, and those in fact > contain the problem. > > 15) Measuring instrument has been damaged or was defective from the > factory. > > 15a) Measuring instrument is cheep junk. > > 16) Operator was "told" what the trouble was by a "trusted source" and is > having a lot of trouble thinking outside of the "trusted box" when the > trusted source was in fact in error for this instance. > > 17) Dummy load used to calibrate/provide 50 J zero comparison or reference > termination is not 50 J zero for any number of reasons, including the likes > of several seconds of QRO on a 2 watts worth of 50 ohms. Didn't turn black > on the outside, but the resistor innards were already toast. Didn't *look* > burned, so must be fine, right? > > 18) Dummy load while accurate at DC has significant reactive components at > RF. > > 19) Coax was not 50 ohms from the get-go (try 56). But it looks good so it > must be good. And the seller had a nice looking web page and the best price. > > 20) I need to wrap this up, but I know I'm not remembering something really > juicy, which will come to mind after I hit the send button. > > A group of Olde Pharte hams sitting around a table in a Lunche Jointe, came > up with a napkin version of this that had over 40 items on it. The napkins > were used for the inevitable outcome of ribs, and so was lost to posterity. > One of these included a male F connector that had not had its threads > grooved into the shell. This ignominious occurrence is not mentioned above, > because it could not ever be part of a "working" setup. But it was amazing > how many other things were blamed for "not fitting", including calls to an > equipment maker about female chassis connectors, before the lack of threads > was noticed. > > Good luck to all and 73, > > Guy K2AV > > > > > On Wed, Sep 3, 2014 at 12:18 AM, Vic, K2VCO wrote: > >> If your line is lossless (it isn't) you would expect the same SWR >> readings anywhere along the line. With practical lines that have some >> loss, the SWR should be LOWER farther away from the antenna. You are >> getting the opposite result. >> >> One cause of erroneous SWR readings is RF flowing on the outside of the >> coax. If your rotary dipole doesn't have a balun, this could be the cause. >> >> It's also possible that you have a bad connector or bad piece of coax >> between the tower and the K3. >> >> >> On 9/3/14 3:06 AM, pastormg2 at verizon.net wrote: >> >>> Good Evening, This is Mark Griffin, KB3Z and I have some questions >>> regarding the SWR readings I get at my tower versus what I get on my >>> K3. I will give the SWR readings that I got at my tower for a 40 >>> meter rotatable dipole at 55 feet. >>> >>> Tower: >>> >>> 7000 2.2 7025 1.8 7050 1.5 7075 1.3 7100 1.0 7125 1.1 7150 >>> 1.3 7175 1.6 7200 2.0 7225 2.2 >>> >>> K3 Readings: >>> >>> 7000 3.5 >>> >>> 7025 3.2 >>> >>> 7050 2.9 >>> >>> 7075 2.6 >>> >>> 7100 2.4 >>> >>> 7125 2.3 >>> >>> 7150 2.4 >>> >>> 7175 2.5 >>> >>> 7200 2.6 7225 2.9 >>> >>> What would cause such a big difference. The cable run from my antenna >>> switch on the tower to my K3 is only an additional 75 feet. I am >>> using RG-213 cable. Is there anyway that I can test the SWR reading >>> that my K3 is giving me? >>> >>> Mark Griffin, KB3Z >>> >> >> -- >> Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP >> Rehovot, Israel >> http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k2av.guy at gmail.com >> > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 farrerfolks at yahoo.com > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 alsopb at nc.rr.com > > > ----- > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 2012.0.2247 / Virus Database: 4015/7640 - Release Date: 09/02/14 > > From nick-wa5bdu at suddenlink.net Wed Sep 3 13:46:56 2014 From: nick-wa5bdu at suddenlink.net (Nick Kennedy) Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 12:46:56 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences In-Reply-To: <54070924.7070700@embarqmail.com> References: <18396409.224957.1409702819680.JavaMail.root@vznit170184> <54070924.7070700@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <99719B04B77A4DD4935596C5205B656D@blackmike> SWR meters don't generally tell you the SWR on the line they're connected to, except in special cases. That's independent of the line losses discussion. If the SWR on the line is other than 1:1 and you move the meter along the line, the indicated SWR will change but the actual SWR on the line does not change. Again, independent of line losses. 73- Nick, WA5BDU From witmerjr at gmail.com Wed Sep 3 15:19:23 2014 From: witmerjr at gmail.com (J Robert Witmer) Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 15:19:23 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KPA-500 FW Update Message-ID: Just thought I'd describe my recent KPA-500 firmware update experience for those Mac users who might be unsure about the process. I purchased my KPA-500 in Sept 2012 and have enjoyed using it ever since. I've also enjoyed "lurking" since then on this list - learning much in the process. During the ARRL convention this past July I stopped by the Elecraft booth to say hello and check on the usability of the Elecraft SW utilities for the Mac. I was told the Elecraft Mac SW utilities would work well and the KPA-500 firmware version 1.38 update was highly recommended. I was skeptical but decided to proceed. After acquiring the interface cable I downloaded the Elecraft SW, followed the instructions for connecting my Mac to the KPA-500 and proceeded. To my amazement - "It just worked? - the firmware updated with no issues! Well-done Elecraft! In many ways Elecraft is the Apple (Computer) of the ham radio equipment manufacturers in terms of customer relationships and equipment versatility. Thanks & 73 Bob W3RW From otterson_nospam at nhrc.net Wed Sep 3 16:19:29 2014 From: otterson_nospam at nhrc.net (Jeffrey Otterson) Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 16:19:29 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences Message-ID: Unless your antenna is exactly the same impedance as your feedline at the desired frequency (pretty unlikely) then the feedline is going to transform the antenna impedance based on distance from the antenna. The exception to this is feedline lengths that are perfect multiples of a half wave, electrically (that is to say, accounting for the velocity factor) Any other length will result in a transformed impedance, and corresponding different VSWR. You can demonstrate this by changing the feedline length and watching the VSWR change. Try adding some small fraction of a electrical wavelength of coax at 40M and see what your meter shows. You might be surprised. TLDR; try adjusting the length of your coax and see if the readings change. Jeff n1kdo > Good Evening, > This is Mark Griffin, KB3Z and I have some questions regarding the SWR > readings I get at my tower versus what I get on my K3. I will give the SWR > readings that I got at my tower for a 40 meter rotatable dipole at 55 feet. > From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Wed Sep 3 16:32:24 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 13:32:24 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KPA-500 FW Update In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <54077AD8.2020305@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Wed,9/3/2014 12:19 PM, J Robert Witmer wrote: > I was skeptical but decided to proceed. After acquiring the interface cable I downloaded the Elecraft SW, followed the instructions for connecting my Mac to the KPA-500 and proceeded. To my amazement - "It just worked? - the firmware updated with no issues! > Well-done Elecraft! In many ways Elecraft is the Apple (Computer) of the ham radio equipment manufacturers in terms of customer relationships and equipment versatility. No reason to be surprised -- Elecraft is at the edge of Silicon Valley, just south of Santa Cruz, often referred to as "Silicon Beach," and there are Apple users among the design team. :) 73, Jim K9YC From wes at triconet.org Wed Sep 3 16:54:34 2014 From: wes at triconet.org (Wes (N7WS)) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 13:54:34 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences In-Reply-To: <99719B04B77A4DD4935596C5205B656D@blackmike> References: <18396409.224957.1409702819680.JavaMail.root@vznit170184> <54070924.7070700@embarqmail.com> <99719B04B77A4DD4935596C5205B656D@blackmike> Message-ID: <5407800A.6030306@triconet.org> You're kidding, right? On 9/3/2014 10:46 AM, Nick Kennedy wrote: > SWR meters don't generally tell you the SWR on the line they're connected to, > except in special cases. That's independent of the line losses discussion. > > If the SWR on the line is other than 1:1 and you move the meter along the > line, the indicated SWR will change but the actual SWR on the line does not > change. Again, independent of line losses. > > 73- > > Nick, WA5BDU From wes at triconet.org Wed Sep 3 17:12:28 2014 From: wes at triconet.org (Wes (N7WS)) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 14:12:28 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <5407843C.9010800@triconet.org> Oh dear me! If I take a lossless 50-ohm line and terminate it in 100 ohm and measure the VSWR using an ideal bridge/coupler/VNA/etc that is calibrated for a 50-ohm system, I will measure 2:1 SWR no matter how long the line is, from zero to infinity. The transformed Z will change with length, but the SWR will not. That's why one can draw a circle of constant SWR on a Smith Chart. Any point on the circle will have a different Z from another, but they all have the same SWR. If you change line length and the SWR reading changes, then: 1) the line has loss, 2) the line Z and the SWR meter Z are different, 3) the source match is poor, 4) the bridge/coupler directivity is poor, or 5) all of the foregoing. With most ham stuff, it's 5. Wes N7WS On 9/3/2014 1:19 PM, Jeffrey Otterson wrote: > Unless your antenna is exactly the same impedance as your feedline at the > desired frequency (pretty unlikely) then the feedline is going to > transform the antenna impedance based on distance from the antenna. The > exception to this is feedline lengths that are perfect multiples of a half > wave, electrically (that is to say, accounting for the velocity factor) > > Any other length will result in a transformed impedance, and corresponding > different VSWR. > > You can demonstrate this by changing the feedline length and watching the > VSWR change. Try adding some small fraction of a electrical wavelength of > coax at 40M and see what your meter shows. You might be surprised. > > TLDR; try adjusting the length of your coax and see if the readings change. > > Jeff n1kdo > > > > From eastbrantwood at gmail.com Wed Sep 3 17:35:38 2014 From: eastbrantwood at gmail.com (Stephen Prior) Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 22:35:38 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences In-Reply-To: <5407843C.9010800@triconet.org> References: <5407843C.9010800@triconet.org> Message-ID: Wes, As someone involved in the design and manufacture of couplers for VSWR measurement for the aviation industry (admittedly some 30 odd years ago!), I would say that you are 100% correct, although I suspect that in amateur gear number 4 in your list is probably the biggest culprit of all. We had people on the production tweaking bridges to maximise directivity and it was a job that required some skill, e.g. bending leads of matched zero bias Schottky diodes until the spec was achieved - admittedly this was in the days before the large scale adoption of lead-less components, which must have made things a bit easier. 73 Stephen G4SJP On 3 September 2014 22:12, Wes (N7WS) wrote: > Oh dear me! > > If I take a lossless 50-ohm line and terminate it in 100 ohm and measure > the VSWR using an ideal bridge/coupler/VNA/etc that is calibrated for a > 50-ohm system, I will measure 2:1 SWR no matter how long the line is, from > zero to infinity. The transformed Z will change with length, but the SWR > will not. That's why one can draw a circle of constant SWR on a Smith > Chart. Any point on the circle will have a different Z from another, but > they all have the same SWR. > > If you change line length and the SWR reading changes, then: 1) the line > has loss, 2) the line Z and the SWR meter Z are different, 3) the source > match is poor, 4) the bridge/coupler directivity is poor, or 5) all of the > foregoing. With most ham stuff, it's 5. > > Wes N7WS > > On 9/3/2014 1:19 PM, Jeffrey Otterson wrote: > >> Unless your antenna is exactly the same impedance as your feedline at the >> desired frequency (pretty unlikely) then the feedline is going to >> transform the antenna impedance based on distance from the antenna. The >> exception to this is feedline lengths that are perfect multiples of a half >> wave, electrically (that is to say, accounting for the velocity factor) >> >> Any other length will result in a transformed impedance, and corresponding >> different VSWR. >> >> You can demonstrate this by changing the feedline length and watching the >> VSWR change. Try adding some small fraction of a electrical wavelength of >> coax at 40M and see what your meter shows. You might be surprised. >> >> TLDR; try adjusting the length of your coax and see if the readings >> change. >> >> Jeff n1kdo >> >> >> >> >> > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 eastbrantwood at gmail.com > From krellan at krellan.net Wed Sep 3 17:41:05 2014 From: krellan at krellan.net (Josh Lehan) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 14:41:05 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KXPA100 not making antenna connection In-Reply-To: <5406EAD2.3040705@pinrod.com> References: <5406D03C.7060508@krellan.net> <5406EAD2.3040705@pinrod.com> Message-ID: <54078AF1.9050001@krellan.net> On 09/03/2014 03:17 AM, Kurt Pawlikowski wrote: > Josh, > > Unfortunately, I'm not familiar enough with the KXPA100 to know if, > when bypassing the unit internally, there is DC continuity between the > input and output. If there is (I suspect so), you should be able to > measure between them with a regular ohm meter. While not 100% > definitive, if it fails this test (again, assuming DC continuity), that > would be a major indicator of some connection problem. Good advice. I used a multimeter to measure for continuity. Yikes, the tip and the ring of my "RX IN" jack appear to be shorted to each other, and also shorted to ground! Is that normal? I'm going to open it up and check the wires carefully on the panel where the jacks are, hopefully nothing is touching. I've heard that measuring antenna stuff at DC can be an illusion, as some things are supposed to appear open or appear shorted at DC, as they're designed to carry RF, not DC. My meter can only measure resistance at DC, it can't do anything fancier (no capacitance or inductance, no measuring resistance at AC/RF, no impedance or reactance). Also, when the antenna is selected, the tip and the ring of "ANT 1" (or "ANT 2" if selected) also appear to be shorted to each other and to ground. The KXPA100 isolates the antenna that is *not* selected: its ring is still shorted to ground, but its tip has no connection. Josh K6JSH > > Hope that helps! > > > kurtt WB9FMC > 2015 Hamfesters Hamfest Chairman > Looking for my replacement since 2014! > http:\\ham-ham.org > > On 9/3/2014 03:24, Josh Lehan wrote: >> Hi there! >> >> I assembled my KXPA100 (with ATU) recently, serial number 0595. >> Unfortunately, it isn't working. The link to the KX3 works great >> (rather slick, everything was instantly recognized), but the KXPA100 is >> not making any antenna connection cleanly. KX3 is properly configured >> to link with the KXPA100. >> >> I heard nothing at all, on any band, as if the antenna wasn't connected >> at all. I tried initiating an ATU tuning cycle, only to see a SWR fault >> on the KXPA100 almost instantly, so I stopped that rather quickly. The >> SWR wouldn't improve below 32.0-1 (terrible). >> >> I opened it up again and removed then reconnected the tricky little TMP >> connectors, and that helped a little. Using needlenose pliers made all >> the difference. I am now pretty confident I have the TMP connectors >> fully inserted (they weren't, earlier). Now, I can hear stations very >> faintly, S0 at most (not enough to light up any signal bars on the KX3). >> This is still very bad, because when bypassing the KXPA100 by using a >> barrel connector to connect the KX3 to the antenna directly (for >> testing), it's loud and clear, around S5-S9, which is normal for my >> antenna. >> >> I can transmit just fine, using the KX3 and its built-in ATU, without >> the KXPA100, so I can rule out anything else in my setup that might be >> causing a problem. Both antenna and dummy load normally work great. >> Ruled out cables by using barrel connector to join two cables together >> directly (cutting the KXPA100 out of the circuit) and that also worked >> great. I just can't get a good connection when going through the >> KXPA100. >> >> Now, I'm at a loss what to do. I think there might be a fault with the >> ATU connection internally of the KXPA100. It was straightforward to put >> it together, though, I don't think I made any mistakes there, but >> probably will disassemble it all and try again. >> >> Switching between antenna 1 and antenna 2 makes an audible difference in >> the noise level, so I know that works. However, the ATU switch on the >> KXPA100 doesn't seem to make a difference at all, there is no difference >> in noise level between bypass/manual/auto. Shouldn't there be an >> audible difference here? There also is no difference when KXPA100 is >> powered off vs. on, which seems strange to me. Same SWR fault happens >> instantly when trying to tune with ATU, or doing any transmission for >> that matter. >> >> What should be my next step in troubleshooting? >> >> Thanks! >> >> Josh >> K6JSH >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 kurtt at pinrod.com >> > > From n1al at sonic.net Wed Sep 3 17:41:48 2014 From: n1al at sonic.net (Alan) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 14:41:48 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences In-Reply-To: <5407843C.9010800@triconet.org> References: <5407843C.9010800@triconet.org> Message-ID: <54078B1C.2090907@sonic.net> On 09/03/2014 02:12 PM, Wes (N7WS) wrote: > Oh dear me! > > If I take a lossless 50-ohm line and terminate it in 100 ohm and > measure the VSWR using an ideal bridge/coupler/VNA/etc that is > calibrated for a 50-ohm system, I will measure 2:1 SWR no matter how > long the line is, from zero to infinity. The transformed Z will > change with length, but the SWR will not. That's why one can draw a > circle of constant SWR on a Smith Chart. Any point on the circle will > have a different Z from another, but they all have the same SWR. > > If you change line length and the SWR reading changes, then: 1) the > line has loss, 2) the line Z and the SWR meter Z are different, 3) the > source match is poor, 4) the bridge/coupler directivity is poor, or 5) > all of the foregoing. With most ham stuff, it's 5. Or 6) there is common-mode current on the feedline. In other words, the feedline is part of the antenna so when you change its length you change the SWR. Alan N1AL From bw_dw at fastmail.fm Wed Sep 3 17:42:51 2014 From: bw_dw at fastmail.fm (dw) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 14:42:51 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Question about using external DPS audio filter with K2 Message-ID: <1409780571.408356.163337277.39889393@webmail.messagingengine.com> Hi All, I have an opportunity to pickup a Timewave 599 audio filter to use with my K2. >From what I understand, audio filters like the Timewave units are really good at reducing cyclical noises, but not simply to reduce general noise-floor levels. I'm wondering if it would be a waste of money for the attempt at simply reducing noise-floor, for CW on the lower bands. I have the KDSP2 DSP filter, but prefer the more natural sound of the KAF2 analog CW filter. Anyone have any past experience using the Timewave filters with a K2? Sincere thanks Duane -- Bw_dw at fastmail.net From patton160 at att.net Wed Sep 3 17:47:30 2014 From: patton160 at att.net (D Vandervort) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 16:47:30 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] Cracked knobs and Elecraft support In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <54078C72.3080102@att.net> Same here took 2 days WOW! love this company. By the way. I installed the 2 meter module and wow! Works like a champ Good job guys! Thank you for all your hard work! Dan AD5NW KX3 #3039 On 9/2/2014 8:50 PM, John wrote: > What a company! > I sent an email to Elecraft re broken knobs and a parcel arrived in the mail today > with replacements. No charge. > Again, what a company! > Thank you. > 73. > John. From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Wed Sep 3 17:51:29 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 17:51:29 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KXPA100 not making antenna connection In-Reply-To: <54078AF1.9050001@krellan.net> References: <5406D03C.7060508@krellan.net> <5406EAD2.3040705@pinrod.com> <54078AF1.9050001@krellan.net> Message-ID: <54078D61.9060208@embarqmail.com> Josh, Yes, DC measurements can be confusing - it all depends on the input and output networks. Rather than attempting to make that measurement at DC, connect your antenna analyzer to the RF IN jack and a dummy load to the ANT jack. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/3/2014 5:41 PM, Josh Lehan wrote: > On 09/03/2014 03:17 AM, Kurt Pawlikowski wrote: >> Josh, >> >> Unfortunately, I'm not familiar enough with the KXPA100 to know if, >> when bypassing the unit internally, there is DC continuity between the >> input and output. If there is (I suspect so), you should be able to >> measure between them with a regular ohm meter. While not 100% >> definitive, if it fails this test (again, assuming DC continuity), that >> would be a major indicator of some connection problem. > Good advice. I used a multimeter to measure for continuity. Yikes, the > tip and the ring of my "RX IN" jack appear to be shorted to each other, > and also shorted to ground! Is that normal? > > I'm going to open it up and check the wires carefully on the panel where > the jacks are, hopefully nothing is touching. > > I've heard that measuring antenna stuff at DC can be an illusion, as > some things are supposed to appear open or appear shorted at DC, as > they're designed to carry RF, not DC. My meter can only measure > resistance at DC, it can't do anything fancier (no capacitance or > inductance, no measuring resistance at AC/RF, no impedance or reactance). > > Also, when the antenna is selected, the tip and the ring of "ANT 1" (or > "ANT 2" if selected) also appear to be shorted to each other and to > ground. The KXPA100 isolates the antenna that is *not* selected: its > ring is still shorted to ground, but its tip has no connection. > > Josh > K6JSH > > > From w4jbb at charter.net Wed Sep 3 18:12:20 2014 From: w4jbb at charter.net (Joel Black) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 17:12:20 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] KXAT3 Per Band Setting In-Reply-To: <5406F88B.8040306@charter.net> References: <5406F88B.8040306@charter.net> Message-ID: <54079244.8000400@charter.net> I found my answer - it is either in AUTO or BYP. In either mode, it is in that mode for all bands. Thanks, Joel - W4JBB On 9/3/14, 6:16 AM, Joel Black wrote: > Is it possible to set the KXAT3 to activate per band? If so, can > someone point me to where that is in the manual? I cannot seem to find > it. > > Thanks, > Joel - W4JBB > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 w4jbb at charter.net > From jean-francois.menard at outlook.com Wed Sep 3 18:45:58 2014 From: jean-francois.menard at outlook.com (=?UTF-8?Q?Jean-Fran=C3=A7ois_=7C_VA2SS?=) Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 15:45:58 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] Mic gain settings per mode Message-ID: <1409784358361-7592793.post@n2.nabble.com> Hi, It would be great if the KX3 could retain the mic gain setting per "mode". When using the Elecraft mic, mic setting is quite different value between SSB and FM mode by example. Especially now with the 2m module, FM could be used now more often (at least for many).... so always adjusting the mic gain every time the mode change is a "non sense" for me. :-) Like other great rig on the market, they offer the possibility to set and retain the mic setting per mode. It is only my wish... :-) 73 J-F VA2SS -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-Mic-gain-settings-per-mode-tp7592793.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From wes at triconet.org Wed Sep 3 19:06:26 2014 From: wes at triconet.org (Wes (N7WS)) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 16:06:26 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences In-Reply-To: <54078B1C.2090907@sonic.net> References: <5407843C.9010800@triconet.org> <54078B1C.2090907@sonic.net> Message-ID: <54079EF2.4030004@triconet.org> I'm talking about what goes on in the transmission line. You're bringing up a change in the "antenna". That's another subject :-) Wes N7WS On 9/3/2014 2:41 PM, Alan wrote: > > On 09/03/2014 02:12 PM, Wes (N7WS) wrote: >> Oh dear me! >> >> If I take a lossless 50-ohm line and terminate it in 100 ohm and measure the >> VSWR using an ideal bridge/coupler/VNA/etc that is calibrated for a 50-ohm >> system, I will measure 2:1 SWR no matter how long the line is, from zero to >> infinity. The transformed Z will change with length, but the SWR will not. >> That's why one can draw a circle of constant SWR on a Smith Chart. Any point >> on the circle will have a different Z from another, but they all have the >> same SWR. >> >> If you change line length and the SWR reading changes, then: 1) the line has >> loss, 2) the line Z and the SWR meter Z are different, 3) the source match is >> poor, 4) the bridge/coupler directivity is poor, or 5) all of the foregoing. >> With most ham stuff, it's 5. > > Or 6) there is common-mode current on the feedline. In other words, the > feedline is part of the antenna so when you change its length you change the SWR. > > Alan N1AL > > From kurtt at pinrod.com Wed Sep 3 19:37:30 2014 From: kurtt at pinrod.com (Kurt Pawlikowski) Date: Wed, 03 Sep 2014 18:37:30 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] KXPA100 not making antenna connection In-Reply-To: <54078AF1.9050001@krellan.net> References: <5406D03C.7060508@krellan.net> <5406EAD2.3040705@pinrod.com> <54078AF1.9050001@krellan.net> Message-ID: <5407A63A.1090208@pinrod.com> Josh, Looking at the owner's manual, page 41, there is a simplified schematic. In theory, if the unit is in "bypass," it should be a direct "in" to "out" connection. There could still be some other considerations, but I would suspect that's the way it is. Until someone from Elecraft says otherwise or someone with a working unit can measure theirs to disprove of prove the idea, I would operate under that assumption. You might also want to give the good folks at Elecraft a call about your problem. Maybe it has a very simple solution. Hope you get it operational soon! kurtt WB9FMC 2015 Hamfesters Hamfest Chairman Looking for my replacement since 2014! http:\\ham-ham.org On 9/3/2014 16:41, Josh Lehan wrote: > On 09/03/2014 03:17 AM, Kurt Pawlikowski wrote: >> Josh, >> >> Unfortunately, I'm not familiar enough with the KXPA100 to know if, >> when bypassing the unit internally, there is DC continuity between the >> input and output. If there is (I suspect so), you should be able to >> measure between them with a regular ohm meter. While not 100% >> definitive, if it fails this test (again, assuming DC continuity), that >> would be a major indicator of some connection problem. > Good advice. I used a multimeter to measure for continuity. Yikes, the > tip and the ring of my "RX IN" jack appear to be shorted to each other, > and also shorted to ground! Is that normal? > > I'm going to open it up and check the wires carefully on the panel where > the jacks are, hopefully nothing is touching. > > I've heard that measuring antenna stuff at DC can be an illusion, as > some things are supposed to appear open or appear shorted at DC, as > they're designed to carry RF, not DC. My meter can only measure > resistance at DC, it can't do anything fancier (no capacitance or > inductance, no measuring resistance at AC/RF, no impedance or reactance). > > Also, when the antenna is selected, the tip and the ring of "ANT 1" (or > "ANT 2" if selected) also appear to be shorted to each other and to > ground. The KXPA100 isolates the antenna that is *not* selected: its > ring is still shorted to ground, but its tip has no connection. > > Josh > K6JSH > > >> Hope that helps! >> >> >> kurtt WB9FMC >> 2015 Hamfesters Hamfest Chairman >> Looking for my replacement since 2014! >> http:\\ham-ham.org >> >> On 9/3/2014 03:24, Josh Lehan wrote: >>> Hi there! >>> >>> I assembled my KXPA100 (with ATU) recently, serial number 0595. >>> Unfortunately, it isn't working. The link to the KX3 works great >>> (rather slick, everything was instantly recognized), but the KXPA100 is >>> not making any antenna connection cleanly. KX3 is properly configured >>> to link with the KXPA100. >>> >>> I heard nothing at all, on any band, as if the antenna wasn't connected >>> at all. I tried initiating an ATU tuning cycle, only to see a SWR fault >>> on the KXPA100 almost instantly, so I stopped that rather quickly. The >>> SWR wouldn't improve below 32.0-1 (terrible). >>> >>> I opened it up again and removed then reconnected the tricky little TMP >>> connectors, and that helped a little. Using needlenose pliers made all >>> the difference. I am now pretty confident I have the TMP connectors >>> fully inserted (they weren't, earlier). Now, I can hear stations very >>> faintly, S0 at most (not enough to light up any signal bars on the KX3). >>> This is still very bad, because when bypassing the KXPA100 by using a >>> barrel connector to connect the KX3 to the antenna directly (for >>> testing), it's loud and clear, around S5-S9, which is normal for my >>> antenna. >>> >>> I can transmit just fine, using the KX3 and its built-in ATU, without >>> the KXPA100, so I can rule out anything else in my setup that might be >>> causing a problem. Both antenna and dummy load normally work great. >>> Ruled out cables by using barrel connector to join two cables together >>> directly (cutting the KXPA100 out of the circuit) and that also worked >>> great. I just can't get a good connection when going through the >>> KXPA100. >>> >>> Now, I'm at a loss what to do. I think there might be a fault with the >>> ATU connection internally of the KXPA100. It was straightforward to put >>> it together, though, I don't think I made any mistakes there, but >>> probably will disassemble it all and try again. >>> >>> Switching between antenna 1 and antenna 2 makes an audible difference in >>> the noise level, so I know that works. However, the ATU switch on the >>> KXPA100 doesn't seem to make a difference at all, there is no difference >>> in noise level between bypass/manual/auto. Shouldn't there be an >>> audible difference here? There also is no difference when KXPA100 is >>> powered off vs. on, which seems strange to me. Same SWR fault happens >>> instantly when trying to tune with ATU, or doing any transmission for >>> that matter. >>> >>> What should be my next step in troubleshooting? >>> >>> Thanks! >>> >>> Josh >>> K6JSH >>> ______________________________________________________________ >>> Elecraft mailing list >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 kurtt at pinrod.com >>> >> > From dave at lanks.plus.com Wed Sep 3 19:54:48 2014 From: dave at lanks.plus.com (Dave Lankshear) Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2014 00:54:48 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] Wanted: KANT3 board Message-ID: Does anyone have a KANT3 board they'd be willing to part with? The board is supplied in place of the KAT3 if a K3 is purchased without the auto antenna KAT3 option. It is removed when the ATU option is fitted. It will be of use in resolving a bewildering fault on a K3, where the antenna tunes pretty much OK on 28MHz but as the frequency decreases, the auto ATU matching worsens until it generates increasingly severe mismatches from 7MHz down. Please contact me off-list to avoid additional QRM on the reflector. dave (at) lanks (dot) plus (dot) com Thanks and 73. Dave G3TJP From n6kr at elecraft.com Wed Sep 3 20:44:26 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 17:44:26 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] New KX3 firmware, rev. 2.19 Message-ID: Hi all, You may have noticed that KX3 rev. 2.18 firmware just went to Production status (meaning you can download it to your KX3 with one click from within KX3 Utility). The associated release notes can be found below. Meanwhile, because we're _really_ starting to ship PX3s, I'm hoping to convince a few of you to test yet another release of KX3 firmware (2.19) that has one important change required for use with the PX3. Rev. 2.19 is not a very exciting firmware release, but it does need testing, so I would be grateful for a bit of help to ensure we didn't break anything. If you're interested in testing KX3 rev. 2.19 tonight, please email me directly in the next hour. Thanks a lot! Wayne N6KR * * * MCU 2.18 / DSP 1.30, 8-28-2014 New Features: ? 2-M DIRECT FREQUENCY ENTRY FROM OTHER BANDS: Range is 120-168 MHz. Note: Sensitivity falls off as you move out of the 144-148 MHz range. ? 2-M TRANSMIT LIMITS: Normally, 2-meter transmit is limited to 144-148 MHz. This can be increased to 141-151 MHz for MARS use. The range can also be limited to 144-146 MHz for KX3 owners outside the U.S. (see separate instruction sheet). ? 2M/4M ANT. JACK PROVIDES OPTIONAL +5VDC DURING TRANSMIT: Many high-band transverters and other gear can use a DC voltage of 3-12 V on the center conductor of the antenna coax to provide T/R switching or other functions. The KX3-2M/-4M module can now place +5VDC (+/- 0.3 V) on the antenna jack if desired. To turn this feature on/off, locate the 2M/4M menu entry and tap 2 (ATTN switch). The parameter will be either TXant 5V- (off) or TXant 5V+ (on). ant is displayed as a small antenna symbol. Bug fixes: ? PL TONE FM DEVIATION ERROR: The PL tone deviation displayed in the menu was about 40% lower than the actual deviation value in effect. Because of this, repeater users should re-check their PL deviation setting. To do this, locate the FM DEV menu entry, then tap 1 to switch to PL DEV. Set the value to 0.35 (kHz) the new default unless some other value is applicable. ? CW-IN-SSB IMPROVEMENT: The operators specified CW QSK delay is now used during CW-in-SSB, even with external CW keying. (This was already working with the internal keyer.) ? CW TIMING BUG FROM REV 1.95 CORRECTED: Element lengths with the internal keyer were slightly too short due to a calculation error. ? KXPA100 AUTO POWER-ON WITH PX3: If a PX3 and KXPA100 are both in the system, KXPA100 automatic power-on will now work even if the PX3 is turned on first. (Note that at present there is no way to do automatic power-on of the PX3 itself.) ? INCREASE IN ALLOWED TX CURRENT: Allows full-power output on some bands where previously a drop to 5 watts had been observed (with an external 12-14 V supply). ? KX3-2M BAND-CHANGE FIX: With SLEEP enabled, a band change from 2 meters to any other band was causing the 2-m module to be left powered up From jlally at icehouse.net Wed Sep 3 21:17:34 2014 From: jlally at icehouse.net (John Lally) Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 18:17:34 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] New KX3 firmware, rev. 2.19 Message-ID: <003401cfc7de$02483ef0$06d8bcd0$@net> Hi Wayne, I would like to try rev. 2.19 John Lally W7JJL From eric_csuf at hotmail.com Wed Sep 3 23:17:08 2014 From: eric_csuf at hotmail.com (EricJ) Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 20:17:08 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] FS: Elecraft KX1 Message-ID: KX1 with KXAT1 auto antenna tuner, KXB30 and KXPD1 paddle. Covers 40, 30 and 20 meters. Solid 3+ watts on 12 volts. Clean, no scratches or dings non-smoking environment. Originally, well-built by K7MW who frequents this list. Serial number 539. Includes original bound manual. Photos here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/52936753 at N04/sets/72157647212219115/ $350, shipping included to CONUS only, via UPS or USPS Priority Mail (you specify). Buddistick also available. Listed separately. Contact off list. Prefer paypal Eric, KE6US eric_csuf at hotmail.com From eric_csuf at hotmail.com Wed Sep 3 23:25:47 2014 From: eric_csuf at hotmail.com (EricJ) Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 20:25:47 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] FS: Buddistick Message-ID: Buddistick with vertical antenna clamp. Clean, undamaged with travel bag. Retail about $165 plus shipping for basic package plus clamp. http://www.buddipole.com/buddistick.html Includes "Buddipole in the Field" by B. Scott Anderson, NE1RD, $15 retail, 154 pages, paperback book. Photos here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/52936753 at N04/sets/72157646797263260/ Used for motorcycle camping where storage space was a premium. I don't take a rig on motorcycle tours anymore. $100, shipping included to CONUS only, via UPS or USPS Priority Mail (you specify). Contact off list. Prefer paypal Eric, KE6US eric_csuf at hotmail.com From eric_csuf at hotmail.com Thu Sep 4 00:18:37 2014 From: eric_csuf at hotmail.com (EricJ) Date: Wed, 3 Sep 2014 21:18:37 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] FS: Buddistick In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Buddistick is sold. Thanks for the reflector bandwidth. Eric KE6US On 9/3/2014 8:25 PM, EricJ wrote: > Buddistick with vertical antenna clamp. Clean, undamaged with travel > bag. Retail about $165 plus shipping for basic package plus clamp. > http://www.buddipole.com/buddistick.html > > Includes "Buddipole in the Field" by B. Scott Anderson, NE1RD, $15 > retail, 154 pages, paperback book. > > Photos here: > https://www.flickr.com/photos/52936753 at N04/sets/72157646797263260/ > > Used for motorcycle camping where storage space was a premium. I don't > take a rig on motorcycle tours anymore. > > $100, shipping included to CONUS only, via UPS or USPS Priority Mail > (you specify). > > Contact off list. Prefer paypal > > Eric, KE6US > eric_csuf at hotmail.com > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to eric_csuf at hotmail.com > > From info at phonemaspeakers.com Thu Sep 4 02:57:16 2014 From: info at phonemaspeakers.com (Phonema Speakers) Date: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 08:57:16 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <54080D4C.1000906@phonemaspeakers.com> You are right, Ted. I am really unhappy that a very important part of the speakers' cost is the shipping part. However, this is the cheapest way of selling them since I am the manufacturer and the distributer at the same time, with no intermediary added costs. The breakdown of the total price shows you how much everything costs. The situation does not difer too much in Europe. Shipping price is around 35EUR, meaning that the total price is 165EUR. There is little difference, as you see. On the other hand, a US distributer would have a cheaper shipping price, but its own benefit must also be added. In the end, it might be a little bit cheaper. We are a young company and one of our priorities is to get the best and the cheapest way of sending our products. Amadeo, EA3OW, Phonema Speakers From david at g4dmp.fsnet.co.uk Thu Sep 4 06:15:53 2014 From: david at g4dmp.fsnet.co.uk (David G4DMP) Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2014 11:15:53 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft Owners' Database Message-ID: <$w3dTiCZvDCUFwvr@g4dmp.fsnet.co.uk> Thom LaCosta K3HRN tells me that he has updated the Elecraft Users' Database to include the KX1, K3, KX3, KPA100, KXPA100, P3 and PX3 thus making it clear that virtually any Elecraft equipment can be entered on there. It is very useful for checking serial numbers of other folks' rigs. The URL is: http://www.zerobeat.net/qrp/elowners.html 73 de David G4DMP -- + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + | David M Pratt, Kippax, Leeds. | | Website: http://www.g4dmp.co.uk | + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + From dave at lanks.plus.com Thu Sep 4 08:23:43 2014 From: dave at lanks.plus.com (Dave Lankshear) Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2014 13:23:43 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] Aftermarket KX3 heatsinks Message-ID: <6296A460A9C1418F8153CEF99A1D2370@DaveLLaptop> This looks very promising. Thermal conductivity 5x that of copper. A couple of layers of this under the heatsink would provide an excellent interface. [url=http://www.element14.com/community/people/simone at panasonic/blog/2014/07 /30/pyrolytic-graphite-sheet--pgs-from-panasonic?CMP=e-email-040914-Panasoni cCommunity]Heatsink material[/url] There is a small matter of the cost, but then, to some, it might be an irrelevance Hi! Incidentally, I'm more than happy with the KB8UHN heatsink and the service received from John. Key down for half an hour into a dummy load, 14v external PSU, no problem at all and its low profile makes it look "the biz." 73 Dave G3TJP From dave at lanks.plus.com Thu Sep 4 08:27:50 2014 From: dave at lanks.plus.com (Dave Lankshear) Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2014 13:27:50 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] Aftermarket KX3 heatsinks Message-ID: Owwww! Sorry for the screwed up URL, guys. Forgot I wasn't posting to my BBS. Try again: http://www.element14.com/community/people/simone at panasonic/blog/2014/07/30/p yrolytic-graphite-sheet--pgs-from-panasonic?CMP=e-email-040914-PanasonicComm unity 73 Dave G3TJP From g8kbvdave at googlemail.com Thu Sep 4 13:14:29 2014 From: g8kbvdave at googlemail.com (Dave B) Date: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 18:14:29 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 "DATA A" mode, memories, and remote commands. Message-ID: <54089DF5.27522.11C6F69B@g8kbvdave.gmail.com> One for Wayne and crew I suspect. Experimenting with some "presetting" prior to some mobile/portable HF APRS, if I can get it all to fly. I'd like to automate the setup as much as I can, to eliminate any finger trouble, and also make the overall system very resiliant to unintended manual input. I can save most settings (I think) in a "regular" memory channel, but it doesn't seem to save the DATA A mode, or if it does, it "appears" not to recall it correctly. When ever it is recalled, by fat finger, or over the remote, the 'A' is missing from "DATA A", as is the "USB" flag. I've updated the radio to the current firmware, MCU:- 02.18 and DSP:- = 01.30, no change in behaviour. Also, page 14 in the Programmers Reference manual (E11, Oct 24 2013.) The "MC" section (Memory Channel: GET/SET) seems incomplete. I can easily throw a command at the radio, and it will recall the memory contents just fine (so long as the memory has been filled of course.) But I can find no way to write the radio's current settings to a memory channel, with a remote command. I was trying to do that, as I was suspecting that just the act of touching any button on the front panel, was changing the mode from "DATA A" to just plain "DATA". Or so it seems (The 'A' disapears, as does the "USB" flag when in "DATA A" mode.) So, when recalling a memory, you don't (appear to) get back into "DATA A" mode (USB) as was the conditions, before writing to the memory. "Feature" or Bug, or me doing something wrong as the manual is not quite up to snuff? 73. Dave G0WBX. From eric_csuf at hotmail.com Thu Sep 4 13:39:10 2014 From: eric_csuf at hotmail.com (EricJ) Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2014 10:39:10 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] FS: Elecraft KX1 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Sold pending funds transfer. Thanks to Elecraft for the bandwidth and thanks to K7MW for the quality build. Eric KE6US On 9/3/2014 8:17 PM, EricJ wrote: > KX1 with KXAT1 auto antenna tuner, KXB30 and KXPD1 paddle. Covers 40, > 30 and 20 meters. Solid 3+ watts on 12 volts. Clean, no scratches or > dings non-smoking environment. Originally, well-built by K7MW who > frequents this list. Serial number 539. > > Includes original bound manual. > > Photos here: > https://www.flickr.com/photos/52936753 at N04/sets/72157647212219115/ > > $350, shipping included to CONUS only, via UPS or USPS Priority Mail > (you specify). > > Buddistick also available. Listed separately. > > Contact off list. Prefer paypal > > Eric, KE6US > eric_csuf at hotmail.com > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 eric_csuf at hotmail.com > > From eb1bsv at ure.es Thu Sep 4 17:29:04 2014 From: eb1bsv at ure.es (=?utf-8?Q?Julio_C=C3=A9sar_Garc=C3=ADa_Mahillo?=) Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2014 23:29:04 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 In-Reply-To: <54080D4C.1000906@phonemaspeakers.com> References: <54080D4C.1000906@phonemaspeakers.com> Message-ID: <79CF2FA9-5907-4DE5-BAE4-6BCC3BF09DD4@ure.es> I still think the speaker is expensive. We can assume that a part of the cost is for shipping, but the rest is still expensive for a speaker, especially when you think of brand such as Ham Mountain Radio. In addition,it is not unfrequent to find companies which afford shipping cost when you order over a concrete amount money. That could attract people to order speakers overseas, just an idea. Most of my speakers have been bought in USA, and I am really happy with them, as I said before, the relation quality and price is really fair. And , if in the future , if I had to purchase other speaker I would , quite probably, choose one of these brand , called it brand loyalty. Anyway, I do not doubt the quality of your speaker is good. I have not tried it. I hope you understand this. At last , what we are doing here is discussing prices , comparing brands and tell our experience. That is all. Julio EB1BSV Enviado desde mi iPhone > El 04/09/2014, a las 08:57, Phonema Speakers escribi?: > > You are right, Ted. I am really unhappy that a very important part of the speakers' cost is the shipping part. However, this is the cheapest way of selling them since I am the manufacturer and the distributer at the same time, with no intermediary added costs. The breakdown of the total price shows you how much everything costs. > The situation does not difer too much in Europe. Shipping price is around 35EUR, meaning that the total price is 165EUR. There is little difference, as you see. > On the other hand, a US distributer would have a cheaper shipping price, but its own benefit must also be added. In the end, it might be a little bit cheaper. > We are a young company and one of our priorities is to get the best and the cheapest way of sending our products. > > > Amadeo, EA3OW, Phonema Speakers > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 eb1bsv at ure.es From n5ib at juno.com Thu Sep 4 19:01:06 2014 From: n5ib at juno.com (n5ib at juno.com) Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2014 18:01:06 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] K2, Bluetooth, and Android Message-ID: <20140904.180107.97300.15.n5ib@juno.com> Well, I've slipped cautiously into the 21st century... Bought an Android tablet device last week and did some playing with it using the BlueTerm app to communicate with my K2 using the little Bluetooth adapter I concocted a few weeks ago. As expected, I was able to control the radio with text strings transmitted over the Bluetooth link. Proof of concept. But inconvenient to actually operate the radio. After a modestly rigorous search I've not uncovered any Android apps designed to control the K2 (in the manner of the ones for K3 and KX3). Piglet comes close, but uses WiFi rather than Bluetooth, so needs a network environmment. Anbody know of any I missed, or any in the works? Alas, my programming skills would be at the level of "Android Programming for Dummies" :^)) 73 Jim, N5IB From info at phonemaspeakers.com Thu Sep 4 19:10:36 2014 From: info at phonemaspeakers.com (Phonema Speakers) Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 01:10:36 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <5408F16C.8040901@phonemaspeakers.com> Hi Julio, There is something very true and this is that you can only have an opinion about what you know first-hand. All the rest is just empty words. I understand that there are people less demanding that others about sound, that there is a wide and diverse spectrum of ham radio amateurs, and that people like or dislike different things and this cannot be put into question. However, I am proud to defend here that my speakers have an excellent quality/price relationship because of its design, the quality of materials and components and the high quality sound they produce. Phonema sells design and quality audio: 106? is a very fair price. Amadeo, EA3OW, Phonema Speakers. From w2blc at nycap.rr.com Thu Sep 4 19:19:12 2014 From: w2blc at nycap.rr.com (W2BLC) Date: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 19:19:12 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 In-Reply-To: <5408F16C.8040901@phonemaspeakers.com> References: <5408F16C.8040901@phonemaspeakers.com> Message-ID: <5408F370.6030201@nycap.rr.com> Perhaps Phonema Speakers should argue their case on their own website? Bill W2BLC K-Line From nwgarner at gmail.com Thu Sep 4 19:43:52 2014 From: nwgarner at gmail.com (Nick Garner) Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2014 16:43:52 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K2, Bluetooth, and Android In-Reply-To: <20140904.180107.97300.15.n5ib@juno.com> References: <20140904.180107.97300.15.n5ib@juno.com> Message-ID: Hi Jim, HamLog on Android has wired serial and Bluetooth in addition to that same Wi-Fi control in the Piglet app. I'm the author so please feel free to send any feedback my way. 73, Nick N3WG On Sep 4, 2014 4:03 PM, wrote: > Well, I've slipped cautiously into the 21st century... > Bought an Android tablet device last week and did some playing with it > using the BlueTerm app to communicate with my K2 using the little > Bluetooth adapter I concocted a few weeks ago. As expected, I was able to > control the radio with text strings transmitted over the Bluetooth link. > Proof of concept. But inconvenient to actually operate the radio. > > After a modestly rigorous search I've not uncovered any Android apps > designed to control the K2 (in the manner of the ones for K3 and KX3). > Piglet comes close, but uses WiFi rather than Bluetooth, so needs a > network environmment. > > Anbody know of any I missed, or any in the works? > Alas, my programming skills would be at the level of "Android Programming > for Dummies" :^)) > > 73 > Jim, N5IB > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 nwgarner at gmail.com > From vk1zzgary at gmail.com Thu Sep 4 19:50:23 2014 From: vk1zzgary at gmail.com (Gary Gregory) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 09:50:23 +1000 Subject: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 In-Reply-To: <5408F370.6030201@nycap.rr.com> References: <5408F16C.8040901@phonemaspeakers.com> <5408F370.6030201@nycap.rr.com> Message-ID: Phonema should have the right to explain and respond to comments raised on this reflector in fairness to all i should think. I dont mind and i am considering their product seriously. My hesitation is about audio quality to help my hearing as the big 3 produce dreadful speakers for MY hearing but that is my personal opinion, nothing more. Gary Vk1ZZ K3, KX3, KPA500-FT, KAT500-FT,P3. On 05/09/2014 9:19 AM, "W2BLC" wrote: > Perhaps Phonema Speakers should argue their case on their own website? > > Bill W2BLC K-Line > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 vk1zzgary at gmail.com > From capobs1 at gmail.com Thu Sep 4 19:09:49 2014 From: capobs1 at gmail.com (Jim Harris) Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2014 18:09:49 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 - S/N 2917 - FW version MCU 2.18 & DSP 1.30! Message-ID: *To all?!* *I have a problem: I've checked EVERYTHING but my KX3 has no Power Out with a "matched antenna". When I "match" the antenna There's power out but when I switch to the antenna straight, there's nothing out.* *I have an MFJ-993B auto antenna tuner.* *I'd guess it will have to be sent back to be service. Can anybody tell me where to send it?* *Best 72 & 73.* *Jim..............* *WA4NTM* From bob at hogbytes.com Thu Sep 4 20:37:20 2014 From: bob at hogbytes.com (Bob N3MNT) Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2014 17:37:20 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 - S/N 2917 - FW version MCU 2.18 & DSP 1.30! In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <1409877440055-7592815.post@n2.nabble.com> Before you send it back. Provide more detailed info as is doesn't sound like a broken radio. What are you matching the antenna with? How are switching to straight antenna? What accs are in the KX3? Jim Harris-2 wrote > *To all?!* > > *I have a problem: I've checked EVERYTHING but my KX3 has no Power Out > with > a "matched antenna". When I "match" the antenna There's power out but > when > I switch to the antenna straight, there's nothing out.* > > *I have an MFJ-993B auto antenna tuner.* > > *I'd guess it will have to be sent back to be service. Can anybody tell > me > where to send it?* > > *Best 72 & 73.* > *Jim..............* > *WA4NTM* > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: > Elecraft at .qth > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to > lists+1215531472858-365791 at .nabble -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-S-N-2917-FW-version-MCU-2-18-DSP-1-30-tp7592814p7592815.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From mfsj at totalhighspeed.com Thu Sep 4 20:37:11 2014 From: mfsj at totalhighspeed.com (Fred Smith) Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2014 19:37:11 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 In-Reply-To: <5408F370.6030201@nycap.rr.com> References: <5408F16C.8040901@phonemaspeakers.com> <5408F370.6030201@nycap.rr.com> Message-ID: <000901cfc8a1$88a3a6b0$99eaf410$@com> Sales must be a little slow, price might be adjusted soon being the market he playing for............. Fred/N0AZZ -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of W2BLC Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2014 6:19 PM To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 Perhaps Phonema Speakers should argue their case on their own website? Bill W2BLC K-Line ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 mfsj at totalhighspeed.com From vk1zzgary at gmail.com Thu Sep 4 21:01:29 2014 From: vk1zzgary at gmail.com (Gary Gregory) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 11:01:29 +1000 Subject: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 In-Reply-To: <000901cfc8a1$88a3a6b0$99eaf410$@com> References: <5408F16C.8040901@phonemaspeakers.com> <5408F370.6030201@nycap.rr.com> <000901cfc8a1$88a3a6b0$99eaf410$@com> Message-ID: Powered speakers in the Motorhome is just not going to happen. I want a non-powered speaker that will work nicely with my k3. YMMV of course.... Gary Vk1ZZ K3, KX3, KPA500-FT, KAT500-FT,P3. On 05/09/2014 10:37 AM, "Fred Smith" wrote: > Sales must be a little slow, price might be adjusted soon being the market > he playing for............. > > Fred/N0AZZ > > -----Original Message----- > From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of > W2BLC > Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2014 6:19 PM > To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 > > Perhaps Phonema Speakers should argue their case on their own website? > > Bill W2BLC K-Line > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 mfsj at totalhighspeed.com > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 vk1zzgary at gmail.com > From lists at subich.com Thu Sep 4 21:08:18 2014 From: lists at subich.com (Joe Subich, W4TV) Date: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 21:08:18 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 In-Reply-To: <000901cfc8a1$88a3a6b0$99eaf410$@com> References: <5408F16C.8040901@phonemaspeakers.com> <5408F370.6030201@nycap.rr.com> <000901cfc8a1$88a3a6b0$99eaf410$@com> Message-ID: <54090D02.5080403@subich.com> On 2014-09-04 8:37 PM, Fred Smith wrote: > Sales must be a little slow, I would expect them to be slow given a list price of 129EUR (106EUR Export) plus shipping and the cost of export documentation. Although a case that approximates the K-line look is nice, one can achieve the same performance in 3" or 4" cube speakers from several sources for between $20 and $50 *per pair* (new) or get an even wider response from "two way" bookshelf speakers for around $70 - $80. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-09-04 8:37 PM, Fred Smith wrote: > Sales must be a little slow, price might be adjusted soon being the market > he playing for............. > > Fred/N0AZZ > > -----Original Message----- > From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of W2BLC > Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2014 6:19 PM > To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 > > Perhaps Phonema Speakers should argue their case on their own website? > > Bill W2BLC K-Line > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 mfsj at totalhighspeed.com > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 lists at subich.com > From w7ox at socal.rr.com Fri Sep 5 01:04:05 2014 From: w7ox at socal.rr.com (Phil Wheeler) Date: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 22:04:05 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 In-Reply-To: References: <5408F16C.8040901@phonemaspeakers.com> <5408F370.6030201@nycap.rr.com> Message-ID: <54094445.4040107@socal.rr.com> I agree with Gary. Not a product for me (my hearing is too limited) but others will see (er, hear) things differently. As to price, we all have our views on that. None of us bought Elecraft gear because it was the least expensive on the market -- well, I didn't; better said, price was not a primary decision factor :-) Phil W7OX On 9/4/14, 4:50 PM, Gary Gregory wrote: > Phonema should have the right to explain and respond to comments raised on > this reflector in fairness to all i should think. > I dont mind and i am considering their product seriously. > My hesitation is about audio quality to help my hearing as the big 3 > produce dreadful speakers for MY hearing but that is my personal opinion, > nothing more. > > Gary > Vk1ZZ > K3, KX3, KPA500-FT, KAT500-FT,P3. > On 05/09/2014 9:19 AM, "W2BLC" wrote: > >> Perhaps Phonema Speakers should argue their case on their own website? >> >> Bill W2BLC K-Line From linxt at comcast.net Fri Sep 5 01:20:29 2014 From: linxt at comcast.net (Thomas Taylor) Date: Thu, 4 Sep 2014 22:20:29 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K2, Bluetooth, and Android In-Reply-To: References: <20140904.180107.97300.15.n5ib@juno.com> Message-ID: <20140904222029.1fb34ebb@desktop-1.home> On Thu, 4 Sep 2014 16:43:52 -0700 Nick Garner wrote: > Hi Jim, > HamLog on Android has wired serial and Bluetooth in addition to that same > Wi-Fi control in the Piglet app. > > I'm the author so please feel free to send any feedback my way. > > 73, > Nick > N3WG > On Sep 4, 2014 4:03 PM, wrote: > > > Well, I've slipped cautiously into the 21st century... > > Bought an Android tablet device last week and did some playing with it > > using the BlueTerm app to communicate with my K2 using the little > > Bluetooth adapter I concocted a few weeks ago. As expected, I was able to > > control the radio with text strings transmitted over the Bluetooth link. > > Proof of concept. But inconvenient to actually operate the radio. > > > > After a modestly rigorous search I've not uncovered any Android apps > > designed to control the K2 (in the manner of the ones for K3 and KX3). > > Piglet comes close, but uses WiFi rather than Bluetooth, so needs a > > network environmment. > > > > Anbody know of any I missed, or any in the works? > > Alas, my programming skills would be at the level of "Android Programming > > for Dummies" :^)) > > > > 73 > > Jim, N5IB > > <<<<< snip >>>>> Hi Nick, Could you please supply us with a url for your hamlog application? Thanks, Tom KG7CFC -- Life takes on meaning when you become motivated, set goals and charge after them in an unstoppable manner. -Les Brown ^^ --... ...-- / -.- --. --... -.-. ..-. -.-. ^^^^ Tom Taylor KG7CFC openSUSE 13.1 (64-bit), Kernel 3.11.6-4-default, KDE 4.11.2, AMD Phenom X4 955, GeForce GTX 550 Ti (Nvidia 337.19) 16GB RAM -- 3x1.5TB sata2 -- 128GB-SSD FF 27.0, claws-mail 3.10.0 registered linux user 263467 From vk1zzgary at gmail.com Fri Sep 5 01:21:44 2014 From: vk1zzgary at gmail.com (Gary Gregory) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 15:21:44 +1000 Subject: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 In-Reply-To: <54094445.4040107@socal.rr.com> References: <5408F16C.8040901@phonemaspeakers.com> <5408F370.6030201@nycap.rr.com> <54094445.4040107@socal.rr.com> Message-ID: I just checked Universal Radio pricing on speakers from the big 3 JA factories and it appears they sell speakers ranging from 100 to 290 dollars. maybe, just maybe IF the Phonema speaker is of "Good" quality then the price is competitive I feel. I checked the link sent to me from Joe and will give a pair a try. After all, for $18.60 a pair it won't break the bank and I cannot imagine they are as a bad as the one in my K3. Again, my ears are not good. Add Tinitus to the mess I hear and sometimes I feel like i am losing the plot.....those who know me probably think I lost that years ago...Grin 73 to all On 5 September 2014 15:04, Phil Wheeler wrote: > I agree with Gary. Not a product for me (my hearing is too limited) but > others will see (er, hear) things differently. As to price, we all have our > views on that. None of us bought Elecraft gear because it was the least > expensive on the market -- well, I didn't; better said, price was not a > primary decision factor :-) > > Phil W7OX > > On 9/4/14, 4:50 PM, Gary Gregory wrote: > >> Phonema should have the right to explain and respond to comments raised on >> this reflector in fairness to all i should think. >> I dont mind and i am considering their product seriously. >> My hesitation is about audio quality to help my hearing as the big 3 >> produce dreadful speakers for MY hearing but that is my personal opinion, >> nothing more. >> >> Gary >> Vk1ZZ >> K3, KX3, KPA500-FT, KAT500-FT,P3. >> On 05/09/2014 9:19 AM, "W2BLC" wrote: >> >> Perhaps Phonema Speakers should argue their case on their own website? >>> >>> Bill W2BLC K-Line >>> >> > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 vk1zzgary at gmail.com > -- *Gary - VK1ZZ, K3NHLSkype: Gary.VK1ZZhttp://www.qsl.net/vk1zz Motorhome Portable* *"Grumpy's House"* *Elecraft K3KPA500FTKAT500FT* From g8kbvdave at googlemail.com Fri Sep 5 05:15:36 2014 From: g8kbvdave at googlemail.com (Dave B) Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 10:15:36 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 "DATA A" mode, memories, and remote commands. In-Reply-To: References: <54089DF5.27522.11C6F69B@g8kbvdave.gmail.com>, Message-ID: <54097F38.2794.1536E3E7@g8kbvdave.googlemail.com> From alsopb at nc.rr.com Fri Sep 5 08:14:26 2014 From: alsopb at nc.rr.com (Brian) Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 12:14:26 +0000 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and preamp Message-ID: <5409A922.2030901@nc.rr.com> Quite some time ago there was a discussion that adding a preamp at the K3 antenna terminals couldn't possibly help. The argument is that it can't improve S/N Perhaps here is the reason it does help from somebody versed in ear/brain signal processing. 73 de Brian/K3KO -------------------- On 8/28/2014 17:45, David McClain dbm at refined-audiometrics.com [FMT-nuts] wrote: > Some weeks ago I was musing about the way we all listen to the weak ones on the HF bands.... And then it struck me, based on what I know about our hearing: > > While we all dislike the constant rush of noise in the headphones, it actually turns out to be helpful, and that's why we instinctively turn up the volume and just live with the noise. When you do that, you are imposing strong ambient noise on your hearing. That in turn affects the way your hearing works. It produces a much steeper response to weak signals riding in the noise. So a very small change in signal level causes a much larger change in apparent loudness in your brain. It makes it easier to read the weak signals. > > Coupled with that, we also need that noise to produce something called "stochastic resonance", which is the basis for dithered noise added to recordings. It lets you hear things that are solidly below the noise floor. > > - 73 de Dave, N7AIG From doug at ellmore.net Fri Sep 5 08:26:32 2014 From: doug at ellmore.net (Doug Ellmore) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 08:26:32 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Speakers for K3 Message-ID: I purchased a 4ohm/8 ohm 250w audio amp, then two 6x9 4ohm 200w speakers and 6x9 enclosed car stereo kicker speaker cabinets. I took a stereo 1/8 to dual (R/L) RCA connectors to connect the radio to the amp. Then speaker wire to the kicker boxes/speakers. I keep the audio low when I turned on the radio and amp, then raise the audio on the radio a bit and then the amp a bit. I have great audio I can hear DX from anywhere in the house. With the AM filter and AM station selected, it is like being in the broadcast studio. The little audio amp also works with my smartphone/laptop with a appropriate stereo cable, too Parts where all off of Amazon. You can make smaller speakers that take up less space, but I have the room for the larger speakers. Doug Ellmore - NA1DX doug at ellmore.net From lists at subich.com Fri Sep 5 09:13:59 2014 From: lists at subich.com (Joe Subich, W4TV) Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 09:13:59 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 In-Reply-To: References: <5408F16C.8040901@phonemaspeakers.com> <5408F370.6030201@nycap.rr.com> <54094445.4040107@socal.rr.com> Message-ID: <5409B717.2090306@subich.com> > I just checked Universal Radio pricing on speakers from the big 3 JA > factories and it appears they sell speakers ranging from 100 to 290 > dollars. maybe, just maybe IF the Phonema speaker is of "Good" > quality then the price is competitive I feel. Looking at the list of "matching" speakers from YaeComWood at HRO shows all of them, except the Kenwood SP-23, to include audio filtering at an approximately $190 price point. The SP-23 is $85. The Yaesu SP-9000 is an interesting outlier ($325) but it contains *two* speakers and filter sets (main and second receivers). To be competitive, the Phonema product would need to add selectable low/high cut filtering at the current price point. Without filtering, the SP-23 is a more appropriate benchmark (65EUR at current exchange rates). > I checked the link sent to me from Joe and will give a pair a try. > After all, for $18.60 a pair it won't break the bank and I cannot > imagine they are as a bad as the one in my K3. For the benefit of others - that link is the Pyle 3.5" cube speakers on Amazon. Their specs are 90 - 18000 Hz (comparable to the Phonema). I've had them on my K3 for a week now and although they are a bit "light" on the low end compared to two way bookshelf speakers, they are an excellent performer. I give them about 6dB of boost in the 200/400 Hz RX EQ and set 50/100 Hz to -16 dB (prevents DAC clipping at high volume levels) and they even sound acceptable when SWLing on the broadcast band. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-09-05 1:21 AM, Gary Gregory wrote: > I just checked Universal Radio pricing on speakers from the big 3 JA > factories and it appears they sell speakers ranging from 100 to 290 dollars. > maybe, just maybe IF the Phonema speaker is of "Good" quality then the > price is competitive I feel. > I checked the link sent to me from Joe and will give a pair a try. After > all, for $18.60 a pair it won't break the bank and I cannot imagine they > are as a bad as the one in my K3. Again, my ears are not good. Add Tinitus > to the mess I hear and sometimes I feel like i am losing the plot.....those > who know me probably think I lost that years ago...Grin > > 73 to all > > > On 5 September 2014 15:04, Phil Wheeler wrote: > >> I agree with Gary. Not a product for me (my hearing is too limited) but >> others will see (er, hear) things differently. As to price, we all have our >> views on that. None of us bought Elecraft gear because it was the least >> expensive on the market -- well, I didn't; better said, price was not a >> primary decision factor :-) >> >> Phil W7OX >> >> On 9/4/14, 4:50 PM, Gary Gregory wrote: >> >>> Phonema should have the right to explain and respond to comments raised on >>> this reflector in fairness to all i should think. >>> I dont mind and i am considering their product seriously. >>> My hesitation is about audio quality to help my hearing as the big 3 >>> produce dreadful speakers for MY hearing but that is my personal opinion, >>> nothing more. >>> >>> Gary >>> Vk1ZZ >>> K3, KX3, KPA500-FT, KAT500-FT,P3. >>> On 05/09/2014 9:19 AM, "W2BLC" wrote: >>> >>> Perhaps Phonema Speakers should argue their case on their own website? >>>> >>>> Bill W2BLC K-Line >>>> >>> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 vk1zzgary at gmail.com >> > > > From paulnf8j at gmail.com Fri Sep 5 09:51:44 2014 From: paulnf8j at gmail.com (Paul VanOveren) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 09:51:44 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 In-Reply-To: <5409B717.2090306@subich.com> References: <5408F16C.8040901@phonemaspeakers.com> <5408F370.6030201@nycap.rr.com> <54094445.4040107@socal.rr.com> <5409B717.2090306@subich.com> Message-ID: I use the Yeasu Vertex mobile speakers (2) with my K-line, and my K3 has the sub receiver and they seem to work very well. I wear hearing aids and have tinnitus and when in CW mode, no problems. I use the Yamaha c-500 headset/boom mike when I operate SSB. The speakers are hooked to the back panel of the K3, thru a splitter from Radio Shack. And the price is right, $49.00 each. Paul On Fri, Sep 5, 2014 at 9:13 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: > > I just checked Universal Radio pricing on speakers from the big 3 JA >> factories and it appears they sell speakers ranging from 100 to 290 >> dollars. maybe, just maybe IF the Phonema speaker is of "Good" >> quality then the price is competitive I feel. >> > > Looking at the list of "matching" speakers from YaeComWood at HRO shows > all of them, except the Kenwood SP-23, to include audio filtering at an > approximately $190 price point. The SP-23 is $85. The Yaesu SP-9000 > is an interesting outlier ($325) but it contains *two* speakers and > filter sets (main and second receivers). > > To be competitive, the Phonema product would need to add selectable > low/high cut filtering at the current price point. Without filtering, > the SP-23 is a more appropriate benchmark (65EUR at current exchange > rates). > > I checked the link sent to me from Joe and will give a pair a try. >> After all, for $18.60 a pair it won't break the bank and I cannot >> imagine they are as a bad as the one in my K3. >> > > For the benefit of others - that link is the Pyle 3.5" cube speakers > on Amazon. Their specs are 90 - 18000 Hz (comparable to the Phonema). > I've had them on my K3 for a week now and although they are a bit > "light" on the low end compared to two way bookshelf speakers, they > are an excellent performer. I give them about 6dB of boost in the > 200/400 Hz RX EQ and set 50/100 Hz to -16 dB (prevents DAC clipping > at high volume levels) and they even sound acceptable when SWLing on > the broadcast band. > > 73, > > ... Joe, W4TV > > > On 2014-09-05 1:21 AM, Gary Gregory wrote: > >> I just checked Universal Radio pricing on speakers from the big 3 JA >> factories and it appears they sell speakers ranging from 100 to 290 >> dollars. >> maybe, just maybe IF the Phonema speaker is of "Good" quality then the >> price is competitive I feel. >> I checked the link sent to me from Joe and will give a pair a try. After >> all, for $18.60 a pair it won't break the bank and I cannot imagine they >> are as a bad as the one in my K3. Again, my ears are not good. Add Tinitus >> to the mess I hear and sometimes I feel like i am losing the >> plot.....those >> who know me probably think I lost that years ago...Grin >> >> 73 to all >> >> >> On 5 September 2014 15:04, Phil Wheeler wrote: >> >> I agree with Gary. Not a product for me (my hearing is too limited) but >>> others will see (er, hear) things differently. As to price, we all have >>> our >>> views on that. None of us bought Elecraft gear because it was the least >>> expensive on the market -- well, I didn't; better said, price was not a >>> primary decision factor :-) >>> >>> Phil W7OX >>> >>> On 9/4/14, 4:50 PM, Gary Gregory wrote: >>> >>> Phonema should have the right to explain and respond to comments raised >>>> on >>>> this reflector in fairness to all i should think. >>>> I dont mind and i am considering their product seriously. >>>> My hesitation is about audio quality to help my hearing as the big 3 >>>> produce dreadful speakers for MY hearing but that is my personal >>>> opinion, >>>> nothing more. >>>> >>>> Gary >>>> Vk1ZZ >>>> K3, KX3, KPA500-FT, KAT500-FT,P3. >>>> On 05/09/2014 9:19 AM, "W2BLC" wrote: >>>> >>>> Perhaps Phonema Speakers should argue their case on their own website? >>>> >>>>> >>>>> Bill W2BLC K-Line >>>>> >>>>> >>>> ______________________________________________________________ >>> Elecraft mailing list >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 vk1zzgary at gmail.com >>> >>> >> >> >> ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 paulnf8j at gmail.com > From EagleEyeDennis at gmx.com Fri Sep 5 10:40:17 2014 From: EagleEyeDennis at gmx.com (Dennis Griffin) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 07:40:17 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 In-Reply-To: <5409B717.2090306@subich.com> References: <5408F16C.8040901@phonemaspeakers.com> <5408F370.6030201@nycap.rr.com> <54094445.4040107@socal.rr.com> <5409B717.2090306@subich.com> Message-ID: I've used the Yaesu SP-8 for a decade or more with my FT-847 and am quite pleased with it. That pairing allows me to hear a 60 Hz AC hum or the 67 Hz PL tone on a repeater signal, which can be filtered out, if I choose to. I seem to recall that I paid about $150 for it new. It is an example of an OEM external speaker with good range & a full sound, plus some filtering options. 73 de Dennis KD7CAC Scottsdale, AZ On Sep 5, 2014, at 6:13 AM, "Joe Subich, W4TV" wrote: > >> I just checked Universal Radio pricing on speakers from the big 3 JA >> factories and it appears they sell speakers ranging from 100 to 290 >> dollars. maybe, just maybe IF the Phonema speaker is of "Good" >> quality then the price is competitive I feel. > > Looking at the list of "matching" speakers from YaeComWood at HRO shows > all of them, except the Kenwood SP-23, to include audio filtering at an > approximately $190 price point. The SP-23 is $85. The Yaesu SP-9000 > is an interesting outlier ($325) but it contains *two* speakers and > filter sets (main and second receivers). From n6kr at elecraft.com Fri Sep 5 10:53:14 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 07:53:14 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 In-Reply-To: <5409B717.2090306@subich.com> References: <5408F16C.8040901@phonemaspeakers.com> <5408F370.6030201@nycap.rr.com> <54094445.4040107@socal.rr.com> <5409B717.2090306@subich.com> Message-ID: Every compact (low-profile), non-powered, front-facing speaker I've ever tested with the K3 has fallen short of the K3's own built-in speaker performance at low audio frequencies. The speaker in the top cover has the benefit of a very large planar mounting surface. It is also very sensitive (95 dB SPL, 1 kHz @ 1 m). Finally, the top-cover orientation reinforces sound when the radio is operated near a wall. External speakers that are relatively tall, such as 8"Hx4Wx4D" bookshelf speakers, can perform as well as the internal speaker as long as their resonating enclosures are large enough, and/or have some sort of acoustic porting to make up for small geometry. But they also need good sensitivity if unpowered. They can be very inexpensive and look great with the K-Line. Front-facing, non-powered speakers the same height as the K3 that sound just as good at the low frequency end may be a theoretical possibility, but I haven't found any yet. 73, Wayne N6KR From k6dgw at foothill.net Fri Sep 5 12:40:36 2014 From: k6dgw at foothill.net (Fred Jensen) Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 09:40:36 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and preamp In-Reply-To: <5409A922.2030901@nc.rr.com> References: <5409A922.2030901@nc.rr.com> Message-ID: <5409E784.90701@foothill.net> Uhmmm ... Given the domain of David's email address, he's probably right. However ... between doing other things while in SE Asia in the mid-60's, my team and I occasionally made it onto one of the larger bases for a week or so. I usually made a trip to the MARS station to get a long-overdue "radio fix," and ran a few phone patches for the troops. At most of the stations, there were a couple of homebrew sound-deadened phone booths with a telephone just outside the radio room. Even when conditions were really good, it was fairly common for a wife to not understand her husband, sitting about 3 meters from me, however, she had no problem understanding me. They had run a number of tests locally and the telephone input to the KWM-2A's sounded just like the mic on the air. I finally concluded that there were two factors at work: First off, he didn't sound like her husband, but she had never heard me except on the radio so I was understandable. Second, and maybe more important, even with good conditions, there was inevitable HF noise, and she was listening to the noise instead of the weird voice purporting to be her husband. As a result of the "other things," I came home quite deaf and I run the AF gain right at the distortion point in the headphones [my hearing aids don't work under the phones]. T-storm static crashes cover weak CW signals for me, possibly because they drive the cans into distortion. Steady noise -- grass on the P3 baseline -- causes me no problems. I've never managed to get much benefit out of the K3 APF, likely due to pilot error. I do know that our hearing mechanism is very complex. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org On 9/5/2014 5:14 AM, Brian wrote: > Quite some time ago there was a discussion that adding a preamp at the > K3 antenna terminals couldn't possibly help. The argument is that it > can't improve S/N > > Perhaps here is the reason it does help from somebody versed in > ear/brain signal processing. > > 73 de Brian/K3KO > -------------------- > On 8/28/2014 17:45, David McClain dbm at refined-audiometrics.com > [FMT-nuts] wrote: > > Some weeks ago I was musing about the way we all listen to the weak > ones on the HF bands.... And then it struck me, based on what I know > about our hearing: > > > > While we all dislike the constant rush of noise in the headphones, it > actually turns out to be helpful, and that's why we instinctively turn > up the volume and just live with the noise. When you do that, you are > imposing strong ambient noise on your hearing. That in turn affects the > way your hearing works. It produces a much steeper response to weak > signals riding in the noise. So a very small change in signal level > causes a much larger change in apparent loudness in your brain. It makes > it easier to read the weak signals. > > > > Coupled with that, we also need that noise to produce something > called "stochastic resonance", which is the basis for dithered noise > added to recordings. It lets you hear things that are solidly below the > noise floor. > > > > - 73 de Dave, N7AIG From ar at dseven.org Fri Sep 5 12:59:22 2014 From: ar at dseven.org (iain macdonnell - N6ML) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 09:59:22 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and preamp In-Reply-To: <5409A922.2030901@nc.rr.com> References: <5409A922.2030901@nc.rr.com> Message-ID: That doesn't justify a pre-amp. If you want more acoustic noise, just turn up the AF gain. The only reason (I can see) to use a preamp is if the receiver internal noise level is higher than the atmospheric noise (coming from the antenna). If the noise level perceptibly drops when you disconnect the antenna, a preamp isn't going to do much for you.... 73, ~iain / N6ML On Fri, Sep 5, 2014 at 5:14 AM, Brian wrote: > Quite some time ago there was a discussion that adding a preamp at the K3 > antenna terminals couldn't possibly help. The argument is that it can't > improve S/N > > Perhaps here is the reason it does help from somebody versed in ear/brain > signal processing. > > 73 de Brian/K3KO > -------------------- > On 8/28/2014 17:45, David McClain dbm at refined-audiometrics.com > [FMT-nuts] wrote: >> Some weeks ago I was musing about the way we all listen to the weak ones >> on the HF bands.... And then it struck me, based on what I know about our >> hearing: >> >> While we all dislike the constant rush of noise in the headphones, it >> actually turns out to be helpful, and that's why we instinctively turn up >> the volume and just live with the noise. When you do that, you are imposing >> strong ambient noise on your hearing. That in turn affects the way your >> hearing works. It produces a much steeper response to weak signals riding in >> the noise. So a very small change in signal level causes a much larger >> change in apparent loudness in your brain. It makes it easier to read the >> weak signals. >> >> Coupled with that, we also need that noise to produce something called >> "stochastic resonance", which is the basis for dithered noise added to >> recordings. It lets you hear things that are solidly below the noise floor. >> >> - 73 de Dave, N7AIG > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 ar at dseven.org From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Fri Sep 5 12:30:39 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Mark via Elecraft) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 16:30:39 +0000 Subject: [Elecraft] =?utf-8?q?KX3_-_S/N_2917_-_FW_version_MCU_2=2E18_=26_D?= =?utf-8?q?SP_1=2E30!?= In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <56eb03813d57466b808542e874f92ce1@yahoo.com> Jim, In support of Bob?s post requesting more information, let?s take this one step at a time: Re: ?my KX3 has no Power Out with a "matched antenna".? It is not clear what you mean by a ?matched antenna?, but based on your later statements, I assume you mean ?matched? with your MFJ-993B auto tuner. In my mind, that conflicts with the next statement: ?When I "match" the antenna There's power out?? That implies that after letting the MFJ tuner find a match, the KX3?s output is normal. That is an expected outcome. ??but when I switch to the antenna straight, there's nothing out.? So is the antenna still ?matched? when you switch to the ?antenna straight?? If so, how is it matched? It sounds like you are saying that when you feed the antenna directly (not utilizing the MFJ auto tuner), you don?t get any power out of the KX3. That is also an expected outcome IF your antenna length has not been adjusted to be resonant at, or near, the frequency you are using, or you don?t use feed line length matching. I am reading between the lines here, but it appears this may be the case since you sometimes use the MFJ tuner. (There is nothing wrong with using non-resonant antennas if you understand their use). Assuming you do not have the KXAT3 Tuner installed (or it is disabled or bypassed), it sounds like the KX3 is protecting itself from a high SWR by folding its output power back. In addition to non-resonant antennas, high SWR can also be caused by faulty feed lines, and many other causes. A pretty inclusive list was posted on this list about a week ago. As Bob mentioned in his post, more information would be helpful. Detailed info about your setup when you get good output vs. your setup when you don?t get power out would be helpful. I certainly understand that there is a tendency to panic and fire off a quick e-mail when things don?t work right (I've done it, too!), but the details are important and may save your KX3 a trip back to the factory for no reason, which is a waste of your time and theirs. Mark KE6BB From wes at triconet.org Fri Sep 5 13:21:06 2014 From: wes at triconet.org (Wes (N7WS)) Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 10:21:06 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] SWR Readings:Differences In-Reply-To: References: <5407843C.9010800@triconet.org> Message-ID: <5409F102.1030605@triconet.org> Stephen, Thanks for your note. If hams would think of mismatch in terms of return loss and coupler directivity then they might be less surprised at the variability of SWR measurements between different 'instruments', such as the built-in SWR measurement circuits within our transmitters/amplifiers. This is an old discussion. See: http://marc.info/?l=elecraft&m=125734496911585&w=2 and: https://www.mail-archive.com/elecraft at mailman.qth.net/msg76426.html Wes N7WS On 9/3/2014 2:35 PM, Stephen Prior wrote: > Wes, > > As someone involved in the design and manufacture of couplers for VSWR > measurement for the aviation industry (admittedly some 30 odd years ago!), > I would say that you are 100% correct, although I suspect that in amateur > gear number 4 in your list is probably the biggest culprit of all. We had > people on the production tweaking bridges to maximise directivity and it > was a job that required some skill, e.g. bending leads of matched zero bias > Schottky diodes until the spec was achieved - admittedly this was in the > days before the large scale adoption of lead-less components, which must > have made things a bit easier. > > 73 Stephen G4SJP > > From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Fri Sep 5 13:34:17 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 10:34:17 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and preamp In-Reply-To: References: <5409A922.2030901@nc.rr.com> Message-ID: <5409F419.9050500@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Fri,9/5/2014 9:59 AM, iain macdonnell - N6ML wrote: > That doesn't justify a pre-amp. If you want more acoustic noise, just > turn up the AF gain. The only reason (I can see) to use a preamp is if > the receiver internal noise level is higher than the atmospheric noise > (coming from the antenna). Right. > If the noise level perceptibly drops when > you disconnect the antenna, a preamp isn't going to do much for > you.... Perceptibly is not the right word if you care about weak signal work. The difference should be at least "twice as loud" when the antenna is added, which corresponds to about 10 dB. Use the K3's internal audio voltmeter to determine this. Turn off AGC, with the antenna connected, calibrate the dB readout to zero following the instructions in the manual, then remove the antenna. 73, Jim K9YC From w2blc at nycap.rr.com Fri Sep 5 13:55:26 2014 From: w2blc at nycap.rr.com (W2BLC) Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 13:55:26 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <5409F90E.5070103@nycap.rr.com> A point that many may be missing is the RX Equalizer in the K3. I have found that using nearly any speaker you can make setting adjustments that will result in satisfactory audio. Keyword is satisfactory. My hearing is not exemplary by any means, so I have chosen to use amplified external "computer type" speakers that are RF proof. I have both the Creative T10s and a pair of Behringer MS40s. Both do a good job and both are treble/bass adjustable. My preference is the MS40s - they are room filling without blowing out the walls - making them excellent for my rag-chew operations. They are a little large for many installations, hence the reason I mentioned the T10s. The MS40s are two channel, so I run another rig through them as well as the K3. Now back to the point: These speakers do a fine job, but by using the RX Equalizer - they do a super job. Tailoring your receive audio is very important for those with lousy hearing, for rooms with poor acoustics, and to accommodate less then perfect speakers. Good speakers are not cheap - neither is the K3. The best should get the best - resulting in the best user experience. Bill W2BLC K-Line From phystad at mac.com Fri Sep 5 14:04:51 2014 From: phystad at mac.com (Phil Hystad) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 11:04:51 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and preamp In-Reply-To: <5409F419.9050500@audiosystemsgroup.com> References: <5409A922.2030901@nc.rr.com> <5409F419.9050500@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: > ...... Use the K3's internal audio voltmeter to determine this. Turn off AGC, with the antenna connected, calibrate the dB readout to zero following the instructions in the manual, then remove the antenna. > > 73, Jim K9YC Here I have been a K3 owner for several years and I never knew that there was an internal audio voltmeter. I admit to maybe having missed this in reading the documentation but every time Jim (K9YC) speaks, I learn something. 73, phil, K7PEH From n6kr at elecraft.com Fri Sep 5 16:37:27 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 13:37:27 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] PX3? In-Reply-To: <958256677a144dcdb01c5b2bbc838c69@bellsouth.net> References: <958256677a144dcdb01c5b2bbc838c69@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <5A1B448C-2761-44BB-B5AE-BD259F142D94@elecraft.com> Yes, PX3s have started shipping. Be sure to use KX3 firmware rev. 2.19 or later (the latest beta release, soon to go to production status). 73, Wayne N6KR "rmoodyg at bellsouth.net [KX3]" wrote: > Can we hope for shipping soon? From n6kr at elecraft.com Fri Sep 5 16:41:50 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 13:41:50 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] Re: PX3? In-Reply-To: <28e84d52b89b447d8ead6b5d8f7e3823@bellsouth.net> References: <958256677a144dcdb01c5b2bbc838c69@bellsouth.net>, <5A1B448C-2761-44BB-B5AE-BD259F142D94@elecraft.com> <28e84d52b89b447d8ead6b5d8f7e3823@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <2B74CA57-8625-4979-BD4F-CFD64B3DC353@elecraft.com> "rmoodyg at bellsouth.net [KX3]" wrote: > YAY!!! HUZZAH!! (etc.) No kidding ;) Wayne From edauer at law.du.edu Fri Sep 5 16:54:14 2014 From: edauer at law.du.edu (Dauer, Edward) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 20:54:14 +0000 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and Preamp In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Aware as I am that the word ?data? is not the plural of the word ?anecdote,? I can offer a subjective anecdote to the contrary: With the PR6-10 in the RX Ant line of my K3, there are CW signals I can copy (barely) which I cannot hear at all with the preamp out of the circuit, regardless of the RF and AF gain settings. I can?t explain it and I don?t have the equipment to do any objective measurements; but it is the case. I have found the pre-amp to be worth the money. Ted, KN1CBR >------------------------------ > >Message: 25 >Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 10:34:17 -0700 >From: Jim Brown >To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net >Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and preamp >Message-ID: <5409F419.9050500 at audiosystemsgroup.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed > >On Fri,9/5/2014 9:59 AM, iain macdonnell - N6ML wrote: >> That doesn't justify a pre-amp. If you want more acoustic noise, just >> turn up the AF gain. The only reason (I can see) to use a preamp is if >> the receiver internal noise level is higher than the atmospheric noise >> (coming from the antenna). > >Right. > >> If the noise level perceptibly drops when >> you disconnect the antenna, a preamp isn't going to do much for >> you.... > >Perceptibly is not the right word if you care about weak signal work. >The difference should be at least "twice as loud" when the antenna is >added, which corresponds to about 10 dB. Use the K3's internal audio >voltmeter to determine this. Turn off AGC, with the antenna connected, >calibrate the dB readout to zero following the instructions in the >manual, then remove the antenna. > >73, Jim K9YC > > From lists at subich.com Fri Sep 5 17:05:40 2014 From: lists at subich.com (Joe Subich, W4TV) Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 17:05:40 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 In-Reply-To: References: <5408F16C.8040901@phonemaspeakers.com> <5408F370.6030201@nycap.rr.com> <54094445.4040107@socal.rr.com> <5409B717.2090306@subich.com> Message-ID: <540A25A4.8040008@subich.com> On 2014-09-05 10:53 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > Every compact (low-profile), non-powered, front-facing speaker I've > ever tested with the K3 has fallen short of the K3's own built-in > speaker performance at low audio frequencies. While that may be the case if the K3 is used in isolation, if there is a shelf above it, the internal K3 speaker is severely crippled. I am also *not* a fan of excess bass; I routinely set the 50/100 Hz EQ bands to -16 dB and set the DSP Low frequency limit to 200 Hz for all modes. 200 Hz is comfortably above the 90 - 100 Hz cutoff for small speakers and makes audio much easier to understand by eliminating the rumble that contributes nothing to intelligibility. > Front-facing, non-powered speakers the same height as the K3 that > sound just as good at the low frequency end may be a theoretical > possibility, but I haven't found any yet. A front facing 3"x5" oval speaker or 3.5" circular speaker in a P3 case lined with acoustic damping and a properly sized rear port would most likely have excellent low-end response. Add a crossover and feed an external subwoofer if you really want the low end but be prepared to go to a powered system instead of passive. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-09-05 10:53 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > Every compact (low-profile), non-powered, front-facing speaker I've > ever tested with the K3 has fallen short of the K3's own built-in > speaker performance at low audio frequencies. The speaker in the top > cover has the benefit of a very large planar mounting surface. It is > also very sensitive (95 dB SPL, 1 kHz @ 1 m). Finally, the top-cover > orientation reinforces sound when the radio is operated near a wall. > > External speakers that are relatively tall, such as 8"Hx4Wx4D" > bookshelf speakers, can perform as well as the internal speaker as > long as their resonating enclosures are large enough, and/or have > some sort of acoustic porting to make up for small geometry. But they > also need good sensitivity if unpowered. They can be very inexpensive > and look great with the K-Line. > > Front-facing, non-powered speakers the same height as the K3 that > sound just as good at the low frequency end may be a theoretical > possibility, but I haven't found any yet. > > 73, Wayne N6KR > > > > From ar at dseven.org Fri Sep 5 17:08:50 2014 From: ar at dseven.org (iain macdonnell - N6ML) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 14:08:50 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and Preamp In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi Ted, I didn't say that the pre-amp isn't worth the money - I just said that supplying more noise to the ears isn't a good justification for it. It's well known that the K3 needs a pre-amp for effective weak-signal work on the higher bands, but it's not (primarily) because it makes the noise louder - it's because it raises the signals (from the antenna) above the receiver's internal noise. 73, ~iain / N6ML On Fri, Sep 5, 2014 at 1:54 PM, Dauer, Edward wrote: > Aware as I am that the word ?data? is not the plural of the word > ?anecdote,? I can offer a subjective anecdote to the contrary: With the > PR6-10 in the RX Ant line of my K3, there are CW signals I can copy > (barely) which I cannot hear at all with the preamp out of the circuit, > regardless of the RF and AF gain settings. I can?t explain it and I don?t > have the equipment to do any objective measurements; but it is the case. > I have found the pre-amp to be worth the money. > > Ted, KN1CBR > > > >>------------------------------ >> >>Message: 25 >>Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 10:34:17 -0700 >>From: Jim Brown >>To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net >>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and preamp >>Message-ID: <5409F419.9050500 at audiosystemsgroup.com> >>Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed >> >>On Fri,9/5/2014 9:59 AM, iain macdonnell - N6ML wrote: >>> That doesn't justify a pre-amp. If you want more acoustic noise, just >>> turn up the AF gain. The only reason (I can see) to use a preamp is if >>> the receiver internal noise level is higher than the atmospheric noise >>> (coming from the antenna). >> >>Right. >> >>> If the noise level perceptibly drops when >>> you disconnect the antenna, a preamp isn't going to do much for >>> you.... >> >>Perceptibly is not the right word if you care about weak signal work. >>The difference should be at least "twice as loud" when the antenna is >>added, which corresponds to about 10 dB. Use the K3's internal audio >>voltmeter to determine this. Turn off AGC, with the antenna connected, >>calibrate the dB readout to zero following the instructions in the >>manual, then remove the antenna. >> >>73, Jim K9YC >> >> > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 ar at dseven.org From happymoosephoto at gmail.com Fri Sep 5 17:16:22 2014 From: happymoosephoto at gmail.com (Rick WA6NHC) Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 14:16:22 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 In-Reply-To: <540A25A4.8040008@subich.com> References: <5408F16C.8040901@phonemaspeakers.com> <5408F370.6030201@nycap.rr.com> <54094445.4040107@socal.rr.com> <5409B717.2090306@subich.com> <540A25A4.8040008@subich.com> Message-ID: <540A2826.6030007@gmail.com> The Motorola (black box, 4" square, plus mount) mobile speaker sounds good to these semi-deaf ears. They're one of the best communication speakers ever made, if you find one, snag it; you'll be happy. And if you actually use them mobile, they take a LOT of accidental abuse (kicking, dropping, spills). 73, Rick wa6nhc From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Fri Sep 5 17:25:27 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 14:25:27 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and Preamp In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <540A2A47.4030206@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Fri,9/5/2014 2:08 PM, iain macdonnell - N6ML wrote: > I didn't say that the pre-amp isn't worth the money - I just said that > supplying more noise to the ears isn't a good justification for it. > It's well known that the K3 needs a pre-amp for effective weak-signal > work on the higher bands, but it's not (primarily) because it makes > the noise louder - it's because it raises the signals (from the > antenna) above the receiver's internal noise. Exactly. 73, Jim K9YC From jim.w4atk at gmail.com Fri Sep 5 18:25:48 2014 From: jim.w4atk at gmail.com (Jim Rogers) Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 17:25:48 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and preamp In-Reply-To: References: <5409A922.2030901@nc.rr.com> <5409F419.9050500@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: <540A386C.2070309@gmail.com> Well, I missed it too. Where do we find this internal audio voltmeter. It isn't is my manual's index. ?? 73s Jim, W4ATK On 9/5/2014 1:04 PM, Phil Hystad wrote: >> ...... Use the K3's internal audio voltmeter to determine this. Turn off AGC, with the antenna connected, calibrate the dB readout to zero following the instructions in the manual, then remove the antenna. >> >> 73, Jim K9YC > Here I have been a K3 owner for several years and I never knew that there was an internal audio voltmeter. I admit to maybe having missed this in reading the documentation but every time Jim (K9YC) speaks, I learn something. > > 73, phil, K7PEH > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 jim.w4atk at gmail.com > From wunder at wunderwood.org Fri Sep 5 18:29:38 2014 From: wunder at wunderwood.org (Walter Underwood) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 15:29:38 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and preamp In-Reply-To: <540A386C.2070309@gmail.com> References: <5409A922.2030901@nc.rr.com> <5409F419.9050500@audiosystemsgroup.com> <540A386C.2070309@gmail.com> Message-ID: See ?VFO B Alternate Displays? on page 36. The displays are ?AFV? and ?dbV?. http://www.elecraft.com/manual/E740107%20K3%20Owner's%20man%20D10sm.pdf wunder K6WRU CM87wj http://observer.wunderwood.org/ On Sep 5, 2014, at 3:25 PM, Jim Rogers wrote: > Well, I missed it too. Where do we find this internal audio voltmeter. It isn't is my manual's index. ?? > > 73s Jim, W4ATK > > On 9/5/2014 1:04 PM, Phil Hystad wrote: >>> ...... Use the K3's internal audio voltmeter to determine this. Turn off AGC, with the antenna connected, calibrate the dB readout to zero following the instructions in the manual, then remove the antenna. >>> >>> 73, Jim K9YC >> Here I have been a K3 owner for several years and I never knew that there was an internal audio voltmeter. I admit to maybe having missed this in reading the documentation but every time Jim (K9YC) speaks, I learn something. >> >> 73, phil, K7PEH >> >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 jim.w4atk at gmail.com >> > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 wunder at wunderwood.org From jim.w4atk at gmail.com Fri Sep 5 18:46:40 2014 From: jim.w4atk at gmail.com (Jim Rogers) Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 17:46:40 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and preamp In-Reply-To: References: <5409A922.2030901@nc.rr.com> <5409F419.9050500@audiosystemsgroup.com> <540A386C.2070309@gmail.com> Message-ID: <540A3D50.4000908@gmail.com> Well, do I feel stupid! Geez, my second K3 and I either ignored this or forgot it. I choose to say "forgot" because at my advanced age, I have an excuse. :-)) Thanks Walter. 73s Jim W4ATK On 9/5/2014 5:29 PM, Walter Underwood wrote: > See ?VFO B Alternate Displays? on page 36. The displays are ?AFV? and ?dbV?. > > http://www.elecraft.com/manual/E740107%20K3%20Owner's%20man%20D10sm.pdf > > wunder > K6WRU > CM87wj > http://observer.wunderwood.org/ > > On Sep 5, 2014, at 3:25 PM, Jim Rogers wrote: > >> Well, I missed it too. Where do we find this internal audio voltmeter. It isn't is my manual's index. ?? >> >> 73s Jim, W4ATK >> >> On 9/5/2014 1:04 PM, Phil Hystad wrote: >>>> ...... Use the K3's internal audio voltmeter to determine this. Turn off AGC, with the antenna connected, calibrate the dB readout to zero following the instructions in the manual, then remove the antenna. >>>> >>>> 73, Jim K9YC >>> Here I have been a K3 owner for several years and I never knew that there was an internal audio voltmeter. I admit to maybe having missed this in reading the documentation but every time Jim (K9YC) speaks, I learn something. >>> >>> 73, phil, K7PEH >>> >>> >>> ______________________________________________________________ >>> Elecraft mailing list >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 jim.w4atk at gmail.com >>> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 wunder at wunderwood.org > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 jim.w4atk at gmail.com > From genebit at bellsouth.net Fri Sep 5 18:47:56 2014 From: genebit at bellsouth.net (Dave KW4M) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 15:47:56 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 In-Reply-To: <540A2826.6030007@gmail.com> References: <5408F16C.8040901@phonemaspeakers.com> <5408F370.6030201@nycap.rr.com> <54094445.4040107@socal.rr.com> <5409B717.2090306@subich.com> <540A25A4.8040008@subich.com> <540A2826.6030007@gmail.com> Message-ID: <1409957276236-7592845.post@n2.nabble.com> Agreed. I had to make a mount for mine. See here. -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Phonema-Speaker-for-K3-tp7592810p7592845.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From wunder at wunderwood.org Fri Sep 5 18:51:21 2014 From: wunder at wunderwood.org (Walter Underwood) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 15:51:21 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and preamp In-Reply-To: <540A3D50.4000908@gmail.com> References: <5409A922.2030901@nc.rr.com> <5409F419.9050500@audiosystemsgroup.com> <540A386C.2070309@gmail.com> <540A3D50.4000908@gmail.com> Message-ID: It probably should be in the index somehow. The KX3 has it, too. wunder K6WRU CM87wj http://observer.wunderwood.org/ On Sep 5, 2014, at 3:46 PM, Jim Rogers wrote: > Well, do I feel stupid! Geez, my second K3 and I either ignored this or forgot it. I choose to say "forgot" because at my advanced age, I have an excuse. :-)) Thanks Walter. > 73s Jim W4ATK > On 9/5/2014 5:29 PM, Walter Underwood wrote: >> See ?VFO B Alternate Displays? on page 36. The displays are ?AFV? and ?dbV?. >> >> http://www.elecraft.com/manual/E740107%20K3%20Owner's%20man%20D10sm.pdf >> >> wunder >> K6WRU >> CM87wj >> http://observer.wunderwood.org/ >> >> On Sep 5, 2014, at 3:25 PM, Jim Rogers wrote: >> >>> Well, I missed it too. Where do we find this internal audio voltmeter. It isn't is my manual's index. ?? >>> >>> 73s Jim, W4ATK >>> >>> On 9/5/2014 1:04 PM, Phil Hystad wrote: >>>>> ...... Use the K3's internal audio voltmeter to determine this. Turn off AGC, with the antenna connected, calibrate the dB readout to zero following the instructions in the manual, then remove the antenna. >>>>> >>>>> 73, Jim K9YC >>>> Here I have been a K3 owner for several years and I never knew that there was an internal audio voltmeter. I admit to maybe having missed this in reading the documentation but every time Jim (K9YC) speaks, I learn something. >>>> >>>> 73, phil, K7PEH >>>> >>>> >>>> ______________________________________________________________ >>>> Elecraft mailing list >>>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>>> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 jim.w4atk at gmail.com >>>> >>> ______________________________________________________________ >>> Elecraft mailing list >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 wunder at wunderwood.org >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 jim.w4atk at gmail.com >> > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 wunder at wunderwood.org From eric at elecraft.com Fri Sep 5 19:07:52 2014 From: eric at elecraft.com (Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 16:07:52 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] A Comparative Performance Assessment (of Aftermarket KX3 Heatsinks) In-Reply-To: <00f801cfc6dc$aa94ffb0$ffbeff10$@cfl.rr.com> References: <000601cfc61e$8b36b2d0$a1a41870$@cfl.rr.com> <05F1BFAA-5A1B-46FF-814C-D180E0AF2A92@gmx.com> <00f801cfc6dc$aa94ffb0$ffbeff10$@cfl.rr.com> Message-ID: <1F106C5F-21BE-48B2-9602-6B6E0BA1CF43@elecraft.com> Folks - Lets close the thread and take the HS comparison discussion off list as it is getting outside of our guidelines limiting commercial postings at one per month. (Several of the posters have direct interests in some of the products being discussed.) We also exceeding the single topic short term posting limit. 73, Eric List Moderator elecraft.com _..._ From jbc5 at case.edu Fri Sep 5 20:46:57 2014 From: jbc5 at case.edu (Joseph Carter) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 20:46:57 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 In-Reply-To: References: <5408F16C.8040901@phonemaspeakers.com> <5408F370.6030201@nycap.rr.com> <000901cfc8a1$88a3a6b0$99eaf410$@com> Message-ID: I picked up a pair of Bose 161 speakers at their outlet for $80 - fantastic for my 64 year old ears. Joe, w9jc On Sep 4, 2014, at 9:01 PM, Gary Gregory wrote: > Powered speakers in the Motorhome is just not going to happen. > I want a non-powered speaker that will work nicely with my k3. > YMMV of course.... > > Gary > Vk1ZZ > K3, KX3, KPA500-FT, KAT500-FT,P3. > On 05/09/2014 10:37 AM, "Fred Smith" wrote: > >> Sales must be a little slow, price might be adjusted soon being the market >> he playing for............. >> >> Fred/N0AZZ >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of >> W2BLC >> Sent: Thursday, September 04, 2014 6:19 PM >> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net >> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 >> >> Perhaps Phonema Speakers should argue their case on their own website? >> >> Bill W2BLC K-Line >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 mfsj at totalhighspeed.com >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 vk1zzgary at gmail.com >> > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 jbc5 at case.edu From lromero at ij.net Fri Sep 5 21:43:58 2014 From: lromero at ij.net (Luis V. Romero) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 21:43:58 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 Message-ID: Joe, et al: Awfully expensive, but, hey, they match the K-Line... This is sort of like those beautifully machined knob sets... $250 for a VFO knob that probably cost less than $20 to make! But then, yes, Im guilty of accessorizing as well... I had my callsign engraved on my K3's display window and it cost me $25, so I wont throw Bencher Paddles in a glass Shack :) I wish Phonema the best of luck... And I dont argue that its a lovingly crafted accessory whose designer is very proud of. However, for my money, I will continue to listen through my very nice sounding Yamaha YST-M101 powered speakers and my well worn Yamaha CM500 headset. Yes, the speakers dont match, but the do sound good, and dont pick up RF. And that is the beauty of a free market! 73 Lu Romero - W4LT Tampa, FL K3, P3, KRX3, KAT500, KPA500 and a K1 (which will soon be for sale) Message: 10 Date: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 21:08:18 -0400 From: "Joe Subich, W4TV" To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 Message-ID: <54090D02.5080403 at subich.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed On 2014-09-04 8:37 PM, Fred Smith wrote: > Sales must be a little slow, I would expect them to be slow given a list price of 129EUR (106EUR Export) plus shipping and the cost of export documentation. Although a case that approximates the K-line look is nice, one can achieve the same performance in 3" or 4" cube speakers from several sources for between $20 and $50 *per pair* (new) or get an even wider response from "two way" bookshelf speakers for around $70 - $80. 73, ... Joe, W4TV From nq5t at tx.rr.com Fri Sep 5 22:09:59 2014 From: nq5t at tx.rr.com (GRANT YOUNGMAN) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 21:09:59 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <72B312F4-A06F-4D6B-AE25-84EA424218DC@tx.rr.com> On Sep 5, 2014, at 8:43 PM, Luis V. Romero wrote: > > This is sort of like those beautifully machined knob sets... $250 for a VFO knob that probably cost less than $20 to make! > > But then, yes, Im guilty of accessorizing as well... I had my callsign engraved on my K3's display window and it cost me $25, so I wont throw Bencher Paddles in a glass Shack :) > I suspect you underestimate the cost of materials, CNC milling, finish machining/polishing, coating, and QC of the knobs. But ? we all spend too much money on what might seem to be ?little? things. I got a tip from someone on a boatanchor list several years ago about RCA (sold by Radio Shack) 40-5035 bookshelf speakers. These are just slightly larger (and older) than the common Minimus 7 things, but play a whole lot better. I found several of them over time on the auction site, and use them on virtually all of my BA radios ? and a pair on the K3. Very nice audio quality with reasonable low end and efficient enough for the K3 to drive them easily. They have a 5 inch cone and a mylar ribbon (Linaeum) tweeter. Nice little speaker. They still show up from time to time. There?s a 40-5037 that shows up more frequently and is just a bit larger, but I don?t have any experience with them. Potato Potahto ? :) Grant NQ5T From mcduffie at ag0n.net Fri Sep 5 23:53:53 2014 From: mcduffie at ag0n.net (mcduffie at ag0n.net) Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 21:53:53 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] Phonema Speaker for K3 In-Reply-To: <72B312F4-A06F-4D6B-AE25-84EA424218DC@tx.rr.com> References: <72B312F4-A06F-4D6B-AE25-84EA424218DC@tx.rr.com> Message-ID: On Fri, 5 Sep 2014 21:09:59 -0500, GRANT YOUNGMAN wrote: > I got a tip from someone on a boatanchor list several years ago about RCA > (sold by Radio Shack) 40-5035 bookshelf speakers. I've just been reading along on this thread, and one speaker I would mention is another RS model, albeit an oldie. I don't have a K3, so can't tell you how it would sound on one, but the RS MC-800 (40-1975) is the best sounding one I've had on my radios. The low end does very well down below 50Hz, ramping up at about 20-25Hz, and making lots of good power over 50Hz. I love it. To my worn out ears, the full range is important to me. I can't hear high end anyway, but can still hear when I go out past 3K on the receiver. It sports a 7" sub-woofer and 2" tweeter, also a port. The speaker is rated 100-20K, but does better than that on the low end. Full resolution is best for these ears to decipher the overall signal. So-called communications receivers like Motorola or GE mobile speakers sound terrible to me. To each his own. :o) Gary From nwgarner at gmail.com Sat Sep 6 01:36:11 2014 From: nwgarner at gmail.com (Nick Garner) Date: Fri, 5 Sep 2014 22:36:11 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K2, Bluetooth, and Android In-Reply-To: <20140904222029.1fb34ebb@desktop-1.home> References: <20140904.180107.97300.15.n5ib@juno.com> <20140904222029.1fb34ebb@desktop-1.home> Message-ID: Hi Tom, Here's a bunch of links: HamLog Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.n3wg.hamlog&hl=en Hamlog iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hamlog/id308437400?mt=8 HamLog Mac: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hamlog/id411282466?mt=12 KX3UI Mac: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kx3ui/id590043143?mt=12 K3UI Mac: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/k3ui/id626886809?mt=12 K2UI Mac: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/k2ui/id662821836?mt=12 Nick On Thu, Sep 4, 2014 at 10:20 PM, Thomas Taylor wrote: > On Thu, 4 Sep 2014 16:43:52 -0700 > Nick Garner wrote: > > > Hi Jim, > > HamLog on Android has wired serial and Bluetooth in addition to that same > > Wi-Fi control in the Piglet app. > > > > I'm the author so please feel free to send any feedback my way. > > > > 73, > > Nick > > N3WG > > On Sep 4, 2014 4:03 PM, wrote: > > > > > Well, I've slipped cautiously into the 21st century... > > > Bought an Android tablet device last week and did some playing with it > > > using the BlueTerm app to communicate with my K2 using the little > > > Bluetooth adapter I concocted a few weeks ago. As expected, I was able > to > > > control the radio with text strings transmitted over the Bluetooth > link. > > > Proof of concept. But inconvenient to actually operate the radio. > > > > > > After a modestly rigorous search I've not uncovered any Android apps > > > designed to control the K2 (in the manner of the ones for K3 and KX3). > > > Piglet comes close, but uses WiFi rather than Bluetooth, so needs a > > > network environmment. > > > > > > Anbody know of any I missed, or any in the works? > > > Alas, my programming skills would be at the level of "Android > Programming > > > for Dummies" :^)) > > > > > > 73 > > > Jim, N5IB > > > > > <<<<< snip >>>>> > > Hi Nick, > Could you please supply us with a url for your hamlog application? > > Thanks, Tom KG7CFC > > -- > Life takes on meaning when you become motivated, set goals and charge > after them > in an unstoppable manner. > -Les Brown > > ^^ --... ...-- / -.- --. --... -.-. ..-. -.-. > > ^^^^ > Tom Taylor KG7CFC > openSUSE 13.1 (64-bit), Kernel 3.11.6-4-default, > KDE 4.11.2, AMD Phenom X4 955, GeForce GTX 550 Ti (Nvidia 337.19) > 16GB RAM -- 3x1.5TB sata2 -- 128GB-SSD > FF 27.0, claws-mail 3.10.0 > registered linux user 263467 > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 nwgarner at gmail.com > From k2vco.vic at gmail.com Sat Sep 6 06:18:56 2014 From: k2vco.vic at gmail.com (Vic, K2VCO) Date: Sat, 06 Sep 2014 13:18:56 +0300 Subject: [Elecraft] Where to guy? Message-ID: <540ADF90.4020003@gmail.com> I am putting up a Cushcraft R8 antenna on a flat roof that is about 3m x 3m square. The antenna is sitting on a 1m mast; the antenna itself is about 9m tall. It will have four guy ropes to the corners of the roof. What is a good height at which to attach them to the antenna? Are there rules of thumb for this? -- Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP Rehovot, Israel http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ From w1ie at jetbroadband.com Sat Sep 6 07:17:32 2014 From: w1ie at jetbroadband.com (Jerry) Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2014 11:17:32 -0000 Subject: [Elecraft] Ts-2000 and the KPA Message-ID: <000801cfc9c4$27908770$76b19650$@com> Greetings: My K3 is on its way back to Elecraft for some needed repairs. So I have placed my TS2000 into temporary duty. I have hooked it up to the KPA500 and the KAT500 and it works very well in the transmitting mode. The problem arises when I am in receive. If the KPA500 is in the STBY mode, receiving is not inhibited at all (I get everything noise and all). When I place the KPA500 into OPER (full power), the receive signal is attenuated down about 20db. Great for reducing noise, but not so good on that rare dx station. This same condition persists when I take the KAT500 out of line. Am I missing something in the setup when I connected the TS-2000? I do have a recording of the differences between the two settings and it is certainly available to anyone who would like it to analyze. Just let me know off reflector and I will send it to you. Best regards, Jerry, W1IE From nf4l at nf4l.com Sat Sep 6 07:40:25 2014 From: nf4l at nf4l.com (Mike Reublin) Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2014 07:40:25 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Where to guy? In-Reply-To: <540ADF90.4020003@gmail.com> References: <540ADF90.4020003@gmail.com> Message-ID: <7BEF17AF-726C-41F6-8989-98BCC5AC2989@nf4l.com> Mine is ground mounted on a 10' mast. I used 2 sets of guys, 1 at the top of the mast, the other about 17' up the R8. 73, Mike NF4L On Sep 6, 2014, at 6:18 AM, Vic, K2VCO wrote: > I am putting up a Cushcraft R8 antenna on a flat roof that is about 3m x 3m square. The antenna is sitting on a 1m mast; the antenna itself is about 9m tall. > > It will have four guy ropes to the corners of the roof. What is a good height at which to attach them to the antenna? > > Are there rules of thumb for this? > -- > Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP > Rehovot, Israel > http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 nf4l at nf4l.com From dick at elecraft.com Sat Sep 6 08:21:13 2014 From: dick at elecraft.com (Dick Dievendorff) Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2014 05:21:13 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Ts-2000 and the KPA In-Reply-To: <000801cfc9c4$27908770$76b19650$@com> References: <000801cfc9c4$27908770$76b19650$@com> Message-ID: <009401cfc9cd$0ce16350$26a429f0$@elecraft.com> Could you have the KPA500 key line pulled low when receiving? That would activate its T/R switch (even during receive). Try temporarily removing the PTT key line RCA connector from the back of the KPA500 to see if the signal improves. If it does, try to figure out why it's shorted during receive. Perhaps it's plugged into the wrong connector on the back of your TS2000? Good hunting! 73 de Dick, K6KR -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jerry Sent: Saturday, September 06, 2014 4:18 AM To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Ts-2000 and the KPA Greetings: My K3 is on its way back to Elecraft for some needed repairs. So I have placed my TS2000 into temporary duty. I have hooked it up to the KPA500 and the KAT500 and it works very well in the transmitting mode. The problem arises when I am in receive. If the KPA500 is in the STBY mode, receiving is not inhibited at all (I get everything noise and all). When I place the KPA500 into OPER (full power), the receive signal is attenuated down about 20db. Great for reducing noise, but not so good on that rare dx station. This same condition persists when I take the KAT500 out of line. Am I missing something in the setup when I connected the TS-2000? I do have a recording of the differences between the two settings and it is certainly available to anyone who would like it to analyze. Just let me know off reflector and I will send it to you. Best regards, Jerry, W1IE ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 dick at elecraft.com From jwtipka at gmail.com Sat Sep 6 08:54:41 2014 From: jwtipka at gmail.com (John Tipka) Date: Sat, 06 Sep 2014 08:54:41 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Where to guy? In-Reply-To: <540ADF90.4020003@gmail.com> References: <540ADF90.4020003@gmail.com> Message-ID: <540B0411.50909@gmail.com> Vic, My R8 is ground-mounted on 21 foot length of SS40 high yield strength 50,000 PSI steel pipe used for high security fencing. The pipe is buried three feet deep in concrete. It is guyed at the 17 foot point of the base pipe with 1/8" wire rope, and between the BC-BD joint of the R8 just below the worm clamp and above the insulator supporting the stub tubes. The guys to the R8 are 1/8" black UV resistant parachute riser cord. The R8 has been used for eight years without failure through several severe storms with 50-60 mile per hour winds and a devastating "derecho" June 29-30, 2012. My station is located eighteen miles east of downtown Columbus, Ohio. I suggest the BC-BD junction as the point for top guying. John W8UL On 9/6/2014 6:18 AM, Vic, K2VCO wrote: > I am putting up a Cushcraft R8 antenna on a flat roof that is about 3m > x 3m square. The antenna is sitting on a 1m mast; the antenna itself > is about 9m tall. > > It will have four guy ropes to the corners of the roof. What is a good > height at which to attach them to the antenna? > > Are there rules of thumb for this? From w2blc at nycap.rr.com Sat Sep 6 09:24:17 2014 From: w2blc at nycap.rr.com (W2BLC) Date: Sat, 06 Sep 2014 09:24:17 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Where to guy? In-Reply-To: <540B0411.50909@gmail.com> References: <540B0411.50909@gmail.com> Message-ID: <540B0B01.3090502@nycap.rr.com> Needs to be guyed in the middle (just below a joint) and the top (just below the actual top). Use a hose clamp to hold a metal ring or two in place - which will become your guying points. Use something like Kevlar rope (1/8"from Radio Works), which is nonconducting and very strong. I no longer have a full sized vertical, only an R5. However, the above is what I used for years in the past and it was very effective - the various verticals survived 75 MPH winds, ice. etc. (all the finest the northeast can throw at you). Now I use NVIS antennas for the K3 - just armchair quality rag chews. Even that system is over built with 4-way guying of a 25 foot tubular tower and #12 insulated wire (either copper-clad multi-strand or Flex-Weave from The WireMan). If the winds damage it, I probably won't have a house still standing. Bill W2BLC - K-Line From lists at subich.com Sat Sep 6 10:12:02 2014 From: lists at subich.com (Joe Subich, W4TV) Date: Sat, 06 Sep 2014 10:12:02 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Where to guy? In-Reply-To: <540ADF90.4020003@gmail.com> References: <540ADF90.4020003@gmail.com> Message-ID: <540B1632.60208@subich.com> Be careful with your guying. Even if the antenna is dead center, the guy points will not be more than 2.1 m from the base. With guy points that close any tension in the guys will be converted almost entirely into downward pressure on the antenna (buckling forces). You will need multiple guys - at least the top of BB and top of BD and perhaps the top of BT2 (30 meter trap). Based on the "sleeve" at the bottom of BC and double wall of BB, the BC/BB joint and BB section are the most likely to buckle. You want to keep initial tension in the guys to a minimum to reduce the downward force as much as possible with the short guy radius. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-09-06 6:18 AM, Vic, K2VCO wrote: > I am putting up a Cushcraft R8 antenna on a flat roof that is about 3m x > 3m square. The antenna is sitting on a 1m mast; the antenna itself is > about 9m tall. > > It will have four guy ropes to the corners of the roof. What is a good > height at which to attach them to the antenna? > > Are there rules of thumb for this? From dpsalas at tx.rr.com Sat Sep 6 11:52:21 2014 From: dpsalas at tx.rr.com (Phil & Debbie Salas) Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2014 10:52:21 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] Ts-2000 and the KPA In-Reply-To: <000801cfc9c4$27908770$76b19650$@com> Message-ID: <4DC6F89A9FB64384B97F8013410EF86A@PhilHP> You should be keying the KPA with the REMOTE connector on the TS-2000 where REMOTE Pin 2 and Pin 4 are the contacts that short together to key the amp. I normally also ground pin 2, and use Pin 4 as the amp-key output. There is also a solid-state output (Pin 7 and ground), but this has the opposite sense of what is needed. I.e., it puts out 12V on TX and 0V on receive. Phil ? AD5X From n6kr at elecraft.com Sat Sep 6 12:36:00 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2014 09:36:00 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Experiment: how much PL tone deviation is required to reliably key repeaters? Message-ID: <912BD45A-96AC-44E8-80EA-96314F7B3834@elecraft.com> Hi all, There seems to be some debate about how much FM deviation is required for PL tones used to activate repeaters. There's a wide range of deviation values in use by transmitters, and various "standard" recommendations. The question is how much is needed for reliable operation in the real world. Our objective is to set the default PL tone deviation in the K3 and KX3 to the lowest level that works in virtually all cases (let's say 98-99%, since there are always outliers). Setting it too high can result in the tone being audible in receivers. If you have a K3 or KX3 outfitted with an internal 2-meter module (or an external transverter on any repeater band), you could help us with this experiment: just try reducing the PL DEViation value to the point where you can no longer reliably key up your local repeaters. NOTES: 1. If you're doing this with a KX3, please use the current production firmware (rev. 2.18) or later. Earlier releases may not have provided an accurate PL DEV setting. 2. To adjust the PL DEViation, locate the FM DEV menu entry, then tap '1' to switch to PL DEV. This applies to both the K3 and KX3. Thanks for the help-- Wayne N6KR From mike.harris at horizon.co.fk Sat Sep 6 13:02:01 2014 From: mike.harris at horizon.co.fk (Mike Harris) Date: Sat, 06 Sep 2014 14:02:01 -0300 Subject: [Elecraft] FTDX5000 Message-ID: <540B3E09.5040508@horizon.co.fk> Given that the FTDX5000 CW keying bandwidth has been discussed on this list, I hope no one will be offended to learn that Yaesu has apparently released new firmware which has by some method addressed this issue. Successful or otherwise I have no idea, just the messenger. Regards, Mike VP8NO From fptownsend at earthlink.net Sat Sep 6 13:20:26 2014 From: fptownsend at earthlink.net (Fred Townsend) Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2014 10:20:26 -0700 (GMT-07:00) Subject: [Elecraft] Experiment: how much PL tone deviation is required to reliably key repeaters? Message-ID: <18693421.1410024027506.JavaMail.root@mswamui-swiss.atl.sa.earthlink.net> Wayne when you find out the answer to your question I hope you will publish it to the community. Seems like way low below the standard works because the repeaters are low pass filtering out the speech going into the decoder. 73 Fred, AE6QL -----Original Message----- >From: Wayne Burdick >Sent: Sep 6, 2014 9:36 AM >To: Elecraft Reflector , "KX3 at yahoogroups.com" >Subject: [Elecraft] Experiment: how much PL tone deviation is required to reliably key repeaters? > >Hi all, > >There seems to be some debate about how much FM deviation is required for PL tones used to activate repeaters. There's a wide range of deviation values in use by transmitters, and various "standard" recommendations. The question is how much is needed for reliable operation in the real world. > >Our objective is to set the default PL tone deviation in the K3 and KX3 to the lowest level that works in virtually all cases (let's say 98-99%, since there are always outliers). Setting it too high can result in the tone being audible in receivers. > >If you have a K3 or KX3 outfitted with an internal 2-meter module (or an external transverter on any repeater band), you could help us with this experiment: just try reducing the PL DEViation value to the point where you can no longer reliably key up your local repeaters. > >NOTES: > >1. If you're doing this with a KX3, please use the current production firmware (rev. 2.18) or later. Earlier releases may not have provided an accurate PL DEV setting. > >2. To adjust the PL DEViation, locate the FM DEV menu entry, then tap '1' to switch to PL DEV. This applies to both the K3 and KX3. > >Thanks for the help-- > >Wayne >N6KR > >______________________________________________________________ >Elecraft mailing list >Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 fptownsend at earthlink.net From k6dgw at foothill.net Sat Sep 6 13:57:53 2014 From: k6dgw at foothill.net (Fred Jensen) Date: Sat, 06 Sep 2014 10:57:53 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Experiment: how much PL tone deviation is required to reliably key repeaters? In-Reply-To: <912BD45A-96AC-44E8-80EA-96314F7B3834@elecraft.com> References: <912BD45A-96AC-44E8-80EA-96314F7B3834@elecraft.com> Message-ID: <540B4B21.1050201@foothill.net> On 9/6/2014 9:36 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > Hi all, > > There seems to be some debate about how much FM deviation is required > for PL tones used to activate repeaters. There's a wide range of > deviation values in use by transmitters, and various "standard" > recommendations. The question is how much is needed for reliable > operation in the real world. The Cactus-Intertie [ask Eric] is 500 Hz deviation on 440 remotes. Audio deviation is 4-5 KHz, usually around 4. Link audio is flat. None of the 420 Nor-Cal links use PL, but those that do elsewhere are nominally at 400 Hz PL/4 KHz audio deviation. Any site with PL on an incoming link filters it out before going into the audio switch matrix. Cactus works amazingly well, even with a half-dozen or more link segments. 73, Fred K6DGW -- No. Calif. Cactus Radio Assn. [NCCRA] -- Affiliate of the Cactus Intertie -- www.nccra.us From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Sat Sep 6 13:58:41 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Sat, 06 Sep 2014 10:58:41 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Experiment: how much PL tone deviation is required to reliably key repeaters? In-Reply-To: <912BD45A-96AC-44E8-80EA-96314F7B3834@elecraft.com> References: <912BD45A-96AC-44E8-80EA-96314F7B3834@elecraft.com> Message-ID: <540B4B51.10806@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Sat,9/6/2014 9:36 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > There seems to be some debate about how much FM deviation is required for PL tones used to activate repeaters. There's a wide range of deviation values in use by transmitters, and various "standard" recommendations. The question is how much is needed for reliable operation in the real world. I've always seen/heard 500 Hz deviation. The first link says 15% deviation. The second quotes a standard that says 12%, and quotes email from a reader saying that 12-14% provides the most reliable decoding under marginal conditions. Several references note (correctly) that when PL is heard it is nearly always the harmonics in a tone with distortion. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Continuous_Tone-Coded_Squelch_System http://www.repeater-builder.com/tech-info/ctcss/ctcss-overview.html http://www.radagast.org/~dplatt/hamradio/FARS_presentation_on_modulation.pdf http://www.metrocor.net/info/ctcss.htm 73, Jim K9YC From kengkopp at gmail.com Sat Sep 6 14:20:54 2014 From: kengkopp at gmail.com (Ken G Kopp) Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2014 12:20:54 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] CTCSS tone deviation required to reliably key repeaters? Message-ID: Wayne, others ... As a career (FCC licensed) two-way radio technician, I can confidently state that the "usual" ... there's no FCC Part 97 rule ... transmitter deviation for CTCSS tones is 400 - 600 Hz. Not all repeater's receivers roll off the tones, and few radios ... any? ... made for the ham radio market roll then off. The higher the tone, the more apparent it can be to the listener. BTW, the CTCSS deviation level is the same for low band, VHF and UHF frequencies, and "standard" voice deviation is 5 KHz. The recent new FCC Part 95 narrow banding rules have changed this voice deviation to 2.5 KHz. These new regs have made TONS of commercial two-way radios illegal for commercial use and the land fills are bulging ... you can't GIVE the stuff away... as most scrap metal buyers don't want the liability that comes with today's electronic scrap. There are no FCC rules preventing use of this equipment on the amateur bands. CTCSS = Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System. "PL", "CG", "QC", etc are patented manufacturer's names for their products, but all are the same. Motorola's "PL" has just become the "Kleenex" of the two-way radio industry. (:-) 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP Montana VHF/UHF Frequency Coordinator k0pp at arrl.net or kengkopp at gmail.com On Sat, Sep 6, 2014 at 10:36 AM, Wayne Burdick n6kr at elecraft.com [KX3] < KX3 at yahoogroups.com> wrote: > > > Hi all, > > There seems to be some debate about how much FM deviation is required for > PL tones used to activate repeaters. There's a wide range of deviation > values in use by transmitters, and various "standard" recommendations. The > question is how much is needed for reliable operation in the real world. > __._,_.___ > ------------------------------ > > ------------------------------ > > > > > > > - > - > > > . > > __,_._,___ > From edauer at law.du.edu Sat Sep 6 14:34:17 2014 From: edauer at law.du.edu (Dauer, Edward) Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2014 18:34:17 +0000 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and Preamp In-Reply-To: Message-ID: No argument with the theory here, though my personal experience is not consistent with the earlier observation that a preamp won?t do much if the noise level drops perceptibly when the antenna is disconnected. On my K3 on 10M the noise level drops when no antenna is connected (by 10dB? Maybe not); AND the PR6-10 preamp improves the readability of very weak signals when it is in the circuit compared to when it is not. If that?s just a placebo effect, I?ll take it. I received a couple of off-list comments that might be of interest to those who are following this thread. One was that narrowing the BW also improves the S/N. That is quite true - indeed, BW narrowing in the K3 is generally better, in my circumstances, than the K3?s on-board NB and NR facilities are (though I confess I have much to learn about those.) Another comment was that I must have a very RF-quiet location. Perhaps so: The station QTH is in a part of Teller County with single family / 35 acre zoning, which puts the nearest neighbor some 1,500? away; and my power line is buried under 8? of decomposed granite on its final 200? to the house. That, to be fair, is consistent with Jim?s and Iain?s observations that the preamp works by raising the signal AND noise above the receiver?s internal noise. Ted, KN1CBR . . >Message: 6 >Date: Fri, 05 Sep 2014 14:25:27 -0700 >From: Jim Brown >To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net >Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and Preamp >Message-ID: <540A2A47.4030206 at audiosystemsgroup.com> >Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed > >On Fri,9/5/2014 2:08 PM, iain macdonnell - N6ML wrote: >> I didn't say that the pre-amp isn't worth the money - I just said that >> supplying more noise to the ears isn't a good justification for it. >> It's well known that the K3 needs a pre-amp for effective weak-signal >> work on the higher bands, but it's not (primarily) because it makes >> the noise louder - it's because it raises the signals (from the >> antenna) above the receiver's internal noise. > >Exactly. > >73, Jim K9YC From daleputnam at hotmail.com Sat Sep 6 14:36:17 2014 From: daleputnam at hotmail.com (Dale Putnam) Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2014 12:36:17 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] Experiment: how much PL tone deviation is required to > reliably key repeaters? (Wayne Burdick) In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: The "normal" or standardized modulation of PL tones is +/- 600 hetz... set and left alone...The "normal" or standardized modulation used by repeaters at a minimum is usually considered to be reliable is 20% or +/- 120 hertz. Have a great day, --... ...-- Dale - WC7S in Wy > Hi all, > > There seems to be some debate about how much FM deviation is required for PL tones used to activate repeaters. There's a wide range of deviation values in use by transmitters, and various "standard" recommendations. The question is how much is needed for reliable operation in the real world. > > Our objective is to set the default PL tone deviation in the K3 and KX3 to the lowest level that works in virtually all cases (let's say 98-99%, since there are always outliers). Setting it too high can result in the tone being audible in receivers. > > If you have a K3 or KX3 outfitted with an internal 2-meter module (or an external transverter on any repeater band), you could help us with this experiment: just try reducing the PL DEViation value to the point where you can no longer reliably key up your local repeaters. > > NOTES: > > 1. If you're doing this with a KX3, please use the current production firmware (rev. 2.18) or later. Earlier releases may not have provided an accurate PL DEV setting. > > 2. To adjust the PL DEViation, locate the FM DEV menu entry, then tap '1' to switch to PL DEV. This applies to both the K3 and KX3. > > Thanks for the help-- > > Wayne > N6KR > > > > - From kl7uw at acsalaska.net Sat Sep 6 16:36:02 2014 From: kl7uw at acsalaska.net (Edward R Cole) Date: Sat, 06 Sep 2014 12:36:02 -0800 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and Preamp Message-ID: <201409062036.s86Ka2qJ069753@denali.acsalaska.net> Maybe most of you already know this, but... It has been accepted that the K3 receiver needs a little help of a preamp on 10m and 6m (especially 6m). That is why Elecraft came out with the PR6 and later the PR6-10 preamps. At lower frequencies the level of sky noise is much higher which overwhelms any noise generated internally by the receiver, thus a preamp would only contribute gain making both noise and signal louder. But around 30-MHz sky noise starts dropping so that it is necessary for the first stage of a receiver to be "quieter" (technically that is called a low noise figure). If the noise generated in the receiver is significantly equal to sky noise the receiver sensitivity is not optimum (meaning you can't copy weak signals). This trend continues downward with increase of frequency up to 1.2 GHz where sky noise is minimum (on earth). One cannot receive "weaker" signals without a low-noise preamp close to the antenna at mw. So, use of the internal preamp is generally not needed below 20m as all it will do is increase noise volume and not improve receiver sensitivity. But at 15m it often helps. At 10m the internal preamp is inadequate to obtain maximum sensitivity and an external low-noise (figure) preamp can really help. Like I said at the beginning, maybe you already knew this... 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com "Kits made by KL7UW" Dubus Mag business: dubususa at gmail.com From w1ie at jetbroadband.com Sat Sep 6 16:47:09 2014 From: w1ie at jetbroadband.com (Jerry) Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2014 20:47:09 -0000 Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 attenutes TS2000 receive. Message-ID: <001501cfca13$bb048a20$310d9e60$@com> Thanks for the help in this solution. That was exactly the problem. I have disconnected my Ameritron Model ARB-704 from the KPA500 and substituted it with a homemade connector using the remote connector pins 2 & 4. Before this TS-2000 was pushed into duty as the replacement for the ailing K3, it was being used as a MARS station connected to Collins 30L1 amp which exhibits a high negative voltage (-120VCD) for the keying circuit, hence the Ameritron. Jerry's world is now at peace! Best regards, Jerry, W1IE From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Sat Sep 6 16:56:48 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Sat, 06 Sep 2014 16:56:48 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and Preamp In-Reply-To: <201409062036.s86Ka2qJ069753@denali.acsalaska.net> References: <201409062036.s86Ka2qJ069753@denali.acsalaska.net> Message-ID: <540B7510.9020501@embarqmail.com> There is also a converse on preamp use that needs to be stated IMHO - and mostly pertains to bands below 15 meters. If there is a significant (3 to 6 dB) increase in noise heard in the receiver when the antenna is connected (tuned where there are no signals present) then the receiver gain is sufficient and the addition of a preamp (or turning the internal preamp on) will only reduce the dynamic range of the receiver. For those who are not familiar with dynamic range, it is the difference between the weakest signal that can be heard and the strongest signal that will not cause overload. What this means to normal operating is that when the band consists of very strong signals as well as the weak ones you would like to copy, you will be better off turning the preamp off and perhaps even inserting some attenuation or turning down the RF Gain. Now, if all stations within the bandpass of the receiver front end are weak, adding preamplification will not create receiver front end overload, and can be safely added. So whether or not a preamp will help depends on the band, the antenna, propagation conditions and many other factors. No blanket statements can be made, particularly on the lower HF bands. For 10 meters and above, band noise drops drastically with frequency and what Ed has stated is certainly true. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/6/2014 4:36 PM, Edward R Cole wrote: > Maybe most of you already know this, but... > > It has been accepted that the K3 receiver needs a little help of a > preamp on 10m and 6m (especially 6m). That is why Elecraft came out > with the PR6 and later the PR6-10 preamps. > > At lower frequencies the level of sky noise is much higher which > overwhelms any noise generated internally by the receiver, thus a > preamp would only contribute gain making both noise and signal > louder. But around 30-MHz sky noise starts dropping so that it is > necessary for the first stage of a receiver to be "quieter" > (technically that is called a low noise figure). If the noise > generated in the receiver is significantly equal to sky noise the > receiver sensitivity is not optimum (meaning you can't copy weak > signals). This trend continues downward with increase of frequency up > to 1.2 GHz where sky noise is minimum (on earth). One cannot receive > "weaker" signals without a low-noise preamp close to the antenna at mw. > > So, use of the internal preamp is generally not needed below 20m as > all it will do is increase noise volume and not improve receiver > sensitivity. But at 15m it often helps. At 10m the internal preamp > is inadequate to obtain maximum sensitivity and an external low-noise > (figure) preamp can really help. > > Like I said at the beginning, maybe you already knew this... > > 73, Ed - KL7UW > http://www.kl7uw.com > "Kits made by KL7UW" > Dubus Mag business: > dubususa at gmail.com > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 w3fpr at embarqmail.com > From W2RU at frontiernet.net Sat Sep 6 17:28:26 2014 From: W2RU at frontiernet.net (W2RU - Bud Hippisley) Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2014 17:28:26 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and Preamp In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <2ECA1F48-EA7F-48C2-9214-AE9CC4DF7613@frontiernet.net> On Sep 6, 2014, at 2:34 17PM, Dauer, Edward wrote: > I received a couple of off-list comments that might be of interest to > those who are following this thread. One was that narrowing the BW also > improves the S/N. Maybe. Maybe not. Or, maybe up to a point. I believe that whether one observes monotonic improvement in ability to decipher the intelligence carried in a very weak signal as one reduces receiver BW will be a function of _how_ the BW is narrowed in the various electronic circuits and/or digital algorithms, as well as a function of our own individual hearing characteristics. Perhaps I am not on the main part of the normalcy distribution curve (my close friends will assure me I?m _not_!) but I know for a fact that many, many times I have been best able to pull intelligible information out of a very weak CW signal on the low bands by using a receiver BW somewhat _wider_ than that provided by my narrowest filtering options. I have used primarily Kenwoods and (more recently) the K3 for most of my serious low-band DXing efforts, but I can?t tell you if this effect is more or less apparent in one model vs. any other. I am also a strong believer in what I have been told is ?stochastic resonance? as an aid to hearing and copying the intelligence carried in weak signals. I have found repeatedly, for instance, that I am more apt to hear certain ?unusual? vehicle sounds from the engine compartment or underbody when I have the car radio playing music within a certain range of amplitudes. Of course, that might also depend on my choice of music genre ? :-) Bud, W2RU From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Sat Sep 6 17:48:28 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Sat, 06 Sep 2014 17:48:28 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and Preamp In-Reply-To: <2ECA1F48-EA7F-48C2-9214-AE9CC4DF7613@frontiernet.net> References: <2ECA1F48-EA7F-48C2-9214-AE9CC4DF7613@frontiernet.net> Message-ID: <540B812C.4070204@embarqmail.com> Bud, I think a lot has to do with the 'material between the ears'. Some have developed the ability to hear signals that to my ears are buried in the noise. Those chasing Low Band DX are examples of folks with that ability. Some report using a wide bandwidth while others report good results with a narrow bandwidth. I believe it all depends on the "brain training". The human brain can provide a wonderful filter if you know what to pay attention to (and ignore things that can distract). Some have it while others do not. It may be something that can be learned, but I have not accomplished that feat. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/6/2014 5:28 PM, W2RU - Bud Hippisley wrote: > On Sep 6, 2014, at 2:34 17PM, Dauer, Edward wrote: > >> I received a couple of off-list comments that might be of interest to >> those who are following this thread. One was that narrowing the BW also >> improves the S/N. > Maybe. Maybe not. Or, maybe up to a point. > > I believe that whether one observes monotonic improvement in ability to decipher the intelligence carried in a very weak signal as one reduces receiver BW will be a function of _how_ the BW is narrowed in the various electronic circuits and/or digital algorithms, as well as a function of our own individual hearing characteristics. > > Perhaps I am not on the main part of the normalcy distribution curve (my close friends will assure me I?m _not_!) but I know for a fact that many, many times I have been best able to pull intelligible information out of a very weak CW signal on the low bands by using a receiver BW somewhat _wider_ than that provided by my narrowest filtering options. I have used primarily Kenwoods and (more recently) the K3 for most of my serious low-band DXing efforts, but I can?t tell you if this effect is more or less apparent in one model vs. any other. > > I am also a strong believer in what I have been told is ?stochastic resonance? as an aid to hearing and copying the intelligence carried in weak signals. I have found repeatedly, for instance, that I am more apt to hear certain ?unusual? vehicle sounds from the engine compartment or underbody when I have the car radio playing music within a certain range of amplitudes. Of course, that might also depend on my choice of music genre ? :-) > > From howardbnhm at gmail.com Sat Sep 6 17:49:21 2014 From: howardbnhm at gmail.com (Howard Benham) Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2014 15:49:21 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] Where to guy Message-ID: Unless your guy lines are rocket proof it probably won't make much difference. :-) Seriously though, near the top and in the middle work well for me in high wind condition. Howard KG5AON Sent from my iPhone From k6dgw at foothill.net Sat Sep 6 18:24:51 2014 From: k6dgw at foothill.net (Fred Jensen) Date: Sat, 06 Sep 2014 15:24:51 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and Preamp In-Reply-To: <2ECA1F48-EA7F-48C2-9214-AE9CC4DF7613@frontiernet.net> References: <2ECA1F48-EA7F-48C2-9214-AE9CC4DF7613@frontiernet.net> Message-ID: <540B89B3.8020704@foothill.net> On 9/6/2014 2:28 PM, W2RU - Bud Hippisley wrote: > On Sep 6, 2014, at 2:34 17PM, Dauer, Edward > wrote: > >> I received a couple of off-list comments that might be of interest >> to those who are following this thread. One was that narrowing the >> BW also improves the S/N. > > Maybe. Maybe not. Or, maybe up to a point. Agreed, and it depends on the character of the noise for me. The 51J4's we used in coastal marine service so long ago had the crystal filters of the day, and it took some acquired skill to operate it effectively. They weren't terribly good at weak signals, but then, weak signals and QRM weren't usually a problem ... except on 500 KCs. A dozen years later, I had a 2B with the 2BQ along with an S3-line in Houston TX. The 2B/2BQ offered very precise tailoring of the passband and I could copy signals on it that I couldn't hear [or could barely discern] of the 75S3. It would be fun to compare my K3 with the 2B. I've never had much luck with the K3 APF, I know others do and its probably pilot error for me, but I wonder what it would take to make it adjustable both in BW and frequency? DSP Q-Multiplier? :-) 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Sat Sep 6 19:26:58 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Sat, 06 Sep 2014 16:26:58 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and Preamp In-Reply-To: <2ECA1F48-EA7F-48C2-9214-AE9CC4DF7613@frontiernet.net> References: <2ECA1F48-EA7F-48C2-9214-AE9CC4DF7613@frontiernet.net> Message-ID: <540B9842.8020502@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Sat,9/6/2014 2:28 PM, W2RU - Bud Hippisley wrote: > I believe that whether one observes monotonic improvement in ability to decipher the intelligence carried in a very weak signal as one reduces receiver BW will be a function of_how_ the BW is narrowed in the various electronic circuits and/or digital algorithms, as well as a function of our own individual hearing characteristics. Yes. Especially if the noise is impulse noise, ringing in the filter skirts can make copy more difficult for me if I set the bandwidth too narrow. This is, of course, strongly dependent on the shaping of the filter. From Psychoacoustics (the science of how the human ear-brain combination works), we know that we process sound in narrow chunks of bandwidth called "critical bands." The ear tends to process sounds within that band together, so when the filter gets too narrow, the filter skirts fall with the critical band and ringing begins to obscure the desired signal. The width a critical band varies with the sound spectrum, and is in the range a 1/3 octave to 1/6 octave. An octave is a 2:1 ratio of frequency. 73, Jim K9YC From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Sat Sep 6 21:50:03 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (David Guernsey via Elecraft) Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2014 18:50:03 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [K3] MFJ-1786 Antenna Message-ID: <1410054603.19263.YahooMailNeo@web140802.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> Does anyone have any experience using a MFJ-1786 with a K3? I live in a 2nd floor condo in a 5 story brick building. Considering a magnetic loop on my balcony to get back up on HF. 73 de Dave KJ6CBS From n1al at sonic.net Sat Sep 6 22:21:25 2014 From: n1al at sonic.net (Alan) Date: Sat, 06 Sep 2014 19:21:25 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Psychoacoustics (Was: K3 and Preamp) In-Reply-To: <540B9842.8020502@audiosystemsgroup.com> References: <2ECA1F48-EA7F-48C2-9214-AE9CC4DF7613@frontiernet.net> <540B9842.8020502@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: <540BC125.5030407@sonic.net> On 09/06/2014 04:26 PM, Jim Brown wrote: > ... > From Psychoacoustics (the science of how the human ear-brain > combination works), we know that we process sound in narrow chunks of > bandwidth called "critical bands." The ear tends to process sounds > within that band together, so when the filter gets too narrow, the > filter skirts fall with the critical band and ringing begins to > obscure the desired signal. The width a critical band varies with the > sound spectrum, and is in the range a 1/3 octave to 1/6 octave. An > octave is a 2:1 ratio of frequency. That corresponds with my intuition. I long ago figured out that when using a very narrow-bandwidth filter, I can copy a lot better if I lower the filter center frequency. For example, with a 50 Hz bandwidth I can copy better if I tune the filter from the standard 800 Hz down to 300 Hz or so. That's about 1/5 octave. Alan N1AL From k6dgw at foothill.net Sat Sep 6 22:27:16 2014 From: k6dgw at foothill.net (Fred Jensen) Date: Sat, 06 Sep 2014 19:27:16 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [K3] MFJ-1786 Antenna In-Reply-To: <1410054603.19263.YahooMailNeo@web140802.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> References: <1410054603.19263.YahooMailNeo@web140802.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <540BC284.6070701@foothill.net> No experience with the MFJ but I do have an AlexLoop and it's pretty versatile, sets up fast, is fairly immune to things around ... and ground or the lack of it. It's definitely QRP, I'm not sure I'd want to fool around with a mag loop at 100W. Narrow band [really] on 40 and 30 but tunes easily, I use mine mainly activating SOTA summits. One thing you need to know if you don't already, most are resonant transformers and *MUST* be exactly at resonance. Getting it close, like 3:1, and letting the ATU do it's thing is a recipe for a dummy load. Bypass the ATU. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org On 9/6/2014 6:50 PM, David Guernsey via Elecraft wrote: > Does anyone have any experience using a MFJ-1786 with a K3? I live in > a 2nd floor condo in a 5 story brick building. Considering a magnetic > loop on my balcony to get back up on HF. From zendoc at netspace.net.au Sat Sep 6 22:58:38 2014 From: zendoc at netspace.net.au (Dr John H Farmer) Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2014 12:58:38 +1000 Subject: [Elecraft] [K3] MFJ-1786 Antenna Message-ID: <83B39913-58F1-44C6-A058-36D6902CBA22@netspace.net.au> Hi Dave, I've used an MFJ 1786 for some years now and my experience has been positive. It's not a beam at 100ft, but over many hundreds of QSOs, the reports I've received and sent compare favorably with a wire doublet up at 40 feet. There's a learning curve associated with tuning it, but once you have the knack, it's very quick. Yes, the bandwidth is VERY narrow and you must get the loop precisely tuned to work anyone. You can't get it nearly to resonance and then force feed the part-tuned loop with an external tuner. I've worked a lot of QRP DX with my MFJ 1786. It's fun and very compact. 73, John VK7JB From kurtt at pinrod.com Sat Sep 6 23:29:15 2014 From: kurtt at pinrod.com (Kurt Pawlikowski) Date: Sat, 06 Sep 2014 22:29:15 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] [K3] MFJ-1786 Antenna In-Reply-To: <1410054603.19263.YahooMailNeo@web140802.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> References: <1410054603.19263.YahooMailNeo@web140802.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <540BD10B.10400@pinrod.com> Dave, I recently purchased a used 40-15 meter version (MFJ-1788). I live in a first floor condo and really have no place to permanently mount it, so I use it on either a short 3 foot stand or extend it to 10 feet with my car stabilizing the base. I've had this antenna for about 6 months now. So, here are my impressions... First, if you like to jump around the band or bands, don't be in too much of a hurry! It takes a little while to get used to operating the antenna. While it's not too bad, you can't just spin the dial and start transmitting. The practical bandwidth of the antenna on 40 meters is about 10 kHz. You can receive degraded signals to maybe 30 kHz, but they get weaker and weaker the further you are from the currently tuned frequency. The bandwidth seems to get narrower as the frequency increases. This is just the "nature of the beast." Performance is very good. It appears to be on par with a full dipole, but I don't have one to compare it to, so it's all subjective. And, since my installation is very low (3 or 10 feet), my contacts tend to be in the first, second or third skip zones. That is, it's probably a fairly high angle of radiation. I have not tried the antenna in "horizontal" mode, but maybe I will some time. In my particular case, I have a very noisy mercury vapor lamp about 20 feet from the antenna that is dieing. When it's cycling, it obliterates most of the signals with it's own 20 over 9 signal. This simply swamps the KX-3's noise blanker. It is for this reason that I've been in the market for the MFJ-1026. But, in the mean-time, I discovered that my Drake R4-C noise blanker virtually eliminates it. I've been toying with the idea of a "better" radio (K3 or Flex) that might have enough processing power to nullify the noise. Of course, that's a financial consideration! At any rate, it means that, between tuning up the Drake R4-C, TX-4C AND the MFJ-1788, it takes me several minutes to adjust to any new frequency. Once I get in the sweet-spot, I'm not too likely to go very far from where I am. Yes, using the KX-3 (during the day!) works well, but you need to keep the ATU off as it defeats tuning the antenna. I have even used this antenna sitting on the ground surrounded by metal shelves and a parked car with a fair amount of success. Again, I have no basis for comparison, so no objective data. Well, I hope that helps! kurtt WB9FMC 2015 Hamfesters Hamfest Chairman Looking for my replacement since 2014! http:\\ham-ham.org On 9/6/2014 20:50, David Guernsey via Elecraft wrote: > Does anyone have any experience using a MFJ-1786 with a K3? I live in a 2nd floor condo in a 5 story brick building. Considering a magnetic loop on my balcony to get back up on HF. > > 73 de Dave KJ6CBS > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 kurtt at pinrod.com > From phils at riousa.com Sun Sep 7 00:29:15 2014 From: phils at riousa.com (Phil Shepard) Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2014 21:29:15 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] SSB Net announcement Message-ID: <1FA99978-B396-46DF-BCB9-B17A144C497F@riousa.com> The weekly Elecraft SSB net is Sunday at 1800z on 14.3035 MHz. Hope to hear you. Phil, NS7P From k2vco.vic at gmail.com Sun Sep 7 02:18:22 2014 From: k2vco.vic at gmail.com (Vic, K2VCO) Date: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 09:18:22 +0300 Subject: [Elecraft] Where to guy In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <540BF8AE.6020509@gmail.com> I would like to thank everyone for their advice on guying my R8 antenna. I think I am going to use two sets of guys because, as several people pointed out, the angle will be somewhat steep and downward pressure will tend to make the antenna buckle. I will be using either nylon or dacron because they are UV-resistant. The wind is not too strong here, but I don't want to take any chances on top of a 10-story building! No, they will not be rocket proof, but due to their minimal thickness, the chance of a rocket hitting one will be pretty small. On 9/7/14 12:49 AM, Howard Benham wrote: > Unless your guy lines are rocket proof it probably won't make much difference. :-) > Seriously though, near the top and in the middle work well for me in high wind condition. > Howard > KG5AON -- Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP Rehovot, Israel http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ From w1rm at comcast.net Sun Sep 7 10:07:52 2014 From: w1rm at comcast.net (Peter Chamalian W1RM) Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2014 10:07:52 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Using the PR-6 with K3 control Message-ID: <004701cfcaa5$1da87e70$58f97b50$@net> If you have the PR-6 6-meter preamp and control it via your AUX like to turn it on (when on 6 meters and off when not), and you have a KPA500 on the AUX line and a KAT500 on the AUX line and you use a separate RX antenna connected to the RX in on the PR-6 (yeah, lots of IF's) you may experience what I have - the preamp not shutting off so it gets into the act on your separate RX antenna with its own preamp. What I experienced was artifacts on cw signals and in some cases a Christmas tree like distortion that I could see on my P3. The good folks at Electraft support diagnosed the problem as the configuration draws too much current for the pulldowns in the K3. The fix was to get a DB15 port extender (this one has all 15 pins with male on one side and female on the other), break off pin 11 (which is easily done with a small screw driver and bending that pin back and forth until it breaks). No not use the port extender that's provided with the KPA as it isolates your TR line (unless you are already using it and have alternative means of controlling the KAT and KPA key line). Once done, the problem was gone. I wanted to share this with the community in case someone else had a similar configuration and was having this problem. Pete, W1RM From k2av.guy at gmail.com Sun Sep 7 10:20:32 2014 From: k2av.guy at gmail.com (Guy Olinger K2AV) Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2014 10:20:32 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and Preamp In-Reply-To: <540B89B3.8020704@foothill.net> References: <2ECA1F48-EA7F-48C2-9214-AE9CC4DF7613@frontiernet.net> <540B89B3.8020704@foothill.net> Message-ID: On Sat, Sep 6, 2014 at 6:24 PM, Fred Jensen wrote: > I've never had much luck with the K3 APF, I know others do and its > probably pilot error for me, but I wonder what it would take to make it > adjustable both in BW and frequency? DSP Q-Multiplier? :-) > There is something I remember from the old radios and some really "bad" headsets that were peaky in their response, and that was a moderate rolloff above and below that allowed one to hear up there and down there but did not allow it to dominate. I've asked for a config menu adjustment on the APF but that never had enough support from others to move it up on the K3 do list. The audio shaping could do that, but I can't put in a menu selection of favorite settings, there is only the one. It would need to be easily accessible for switching in/out on a QSO by QSO basis. 73, Guy. From pf at tippete.net Sun Sep 7 10:37:35 2014 From: pf at tippete.net (Pierfrancesco Caci) Date: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 16:37:35 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and Preamp In-Reply-To: (Guy Olinger's message of "Sun, 7 Sep 2014 10:20:32 -0400") References: <2ECA1F48-EA7F-48C2-9214-AE9CC4DF7613@frontiernet.net> <540B89B3.8020704@foothill.net> Message-ID: <87tx4jqyxc.fsf@snoopy.tippete.net> >>>>> "Guy" == Guy Olinger K2AV writes: Guy> There is something I remember from the old radios and some really "bad" Guy> headsets that were peaky in their response, and that was a Guy> moderate rolloff Guy> above and below that allowed one to hear up there and down Guy> there but did Guy> not allow it to dominate. I've asked for a config menu Guy> adjustment on the Guy> APF but that never had enough support from others to move it up Guy> on the K3 Guy> do list. isn't this sort of what DUAL PB does ? -- Pierfrancesco Caci, ik5pvx From rcrgs at verizon.net Sun Sep 7 12:36:40 2014 From: rcrgs at verizon.net (Robert G Strickland) Date: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 16:36:40 +0000 Subject: [Elecraft] OT - R8 antenna evaluation In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <540C8998.3090109@verizon.net> I've been following the R8 guying discussion with interest, because I may be in the market for a vertical in the next year or so. While I have read the reviews for the R8 at eHam Forum, I especially trust the experience of the hams here on the K3 list. I presently have a SkyHawk tribander at 60ft. However, an upcoming move to a new home may leave that combination out of the running with some sort of vertical the only option. So, I'm not expecting any vertical to equal the SkyHawk, but I would like to get a general feel for the mechanical quality and general performance of the R8. Thanks in advance. ...robert On 9/6/2014 21:49, Howard Benham wrote: > Unless your guy lines are rocket proof it probably won't make much difference. :-) > Seriously though, near the top and in the middle work well for me in high wind condition. > Howard > KG5AON > > > Sent from my iPhone > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 rcrgs at verizon.net > -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rcrgs at verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Sun Sep 7 12:53:07 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 09:53:07 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] OT - R8 antenna evaluation In-Reply-To: <540C8998.3090109@verizon.net> References: <540C8998.3090109@verizon.net> Message-ID: <540C8D73.5010308@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Sun,9/7/2014 9:36 AM, Robert G Strickland wrote: > So, I'm not expecting any vertical to equal the SkyHawk, but I would > like to get a general feel for the mechanical quality and general > performance of the R8. Some things to study. One costs a few bucks, the others are free. 1) Buy the report written by N0AX on the testing of verticals that he did with K7LXC. Sold by K7LXC's Champion Radio website. Well worth the money. 2) Study the Power Point slides on my website about Vertical Antenna Mounting Height and Antenna Planning for Small HF Stations. 73, Jim K9YC From k2av.guy at gmail.com Sun Sep 7 13:23:15 2014 From: k2av.guy at gmail.com (Guy Olinger K2AV) Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2014 13:23:15 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and Preamp In-Reply-To: <540B812C.4070204@embarqmail.com> References: <2ECA1F48-EA7F-48C2-9214-AE9CC4DF7613@frontiernet.net> <540B812C.4070204@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: It has been established that there is a possible +27 dB total of various between-the-ears enhancements, or conversely an absence of between-the-ears enhancement. This is of particular significance during contests and working DX pileups, zero enhancement to DX spots clearly observed in entirely mechanical responses having no relationship to the DX station's TX/RX rhythm. 73, Guy. On Sat, Sep 6, 2014 at 5:48 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > Bud, > > I think a lot has to do with the 'material between the ears'. Some have > developed the ability to hear signals that to my ears are buried in the > noise. Those chasing Low Band DX are examples of folks with that ability. > Some report using a wide bandwidth while others report good results with a > narrow bandwidth. I believe it all depends on the "brain training". The > human brain can provide a wonderful filter if you know what to pay > attention to (and ignore things that can distract). Some have it while > others do not. It may be something that can be learned, but I have not > accomplished that feat. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 9/6/2014 5:28 PM, W2RU - Bud Hippisley wrote: > >> On Sep 6, 2014, at 2:34 17PM, Dauer, Edward wrote: >> >> I received a couple of off-list comments that might be of interest to >>> those who are following this thread. One was that narrowing the BW also >>> improves the S/N. >>> >> Maybe. Maybe not. Or, maybe up to a point. >> >> I believe that whether one observes monotonic improvement in ability to >> decipher the intelligence carried in a very weak signal as one reduces >> receiver BW will be a function of _how_ the BW is narrowed in the various >> electronic circuits and/or digital algorithms, as well as a function of our >> own individual hearing characteristics. >> >> Perhaps I am not on the main part of the normalcy distribution curve (my >> close friends will assure me I?m _not_!) but I know for a fact that many, >> many times I have been best able to pull intelligible information out of a >> very weak CW signal on the low bands by using a receiver BW somewhat >> _wider_ than that provided by my narrowest filtering options. I have used >> primarily Kenwoods and (more recently) the K3 for most of my serious >> low-band DXing efforts, but I can?t tell you if this effect is more or less >> apparent in one model vs. any other. >> >> I am also a strong believer in what I have been told is ?stochastic >> resonance? as an aid to hearing and copying the intelligence carried in >> weak signals. I have found repeatedly, for instance, that I am more apt >> to hear certain ?unusual? vehicle sounds from the engine compartment or >> underbody when I have the car radio playing music within a certain range of >> amplitudes. Of course, that might also depend on my choice of music genre >> ? :-) >> >> >> > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k2av.guy at gmail.com > From dezrat at outlook.com Sun Sep 7 13:27:47 2014 From: dezrat at outlook.com (Bill Turner) Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2014 10:27:47 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] OT - R8 antenna evaluation In-Reply-To: <540C8D73.5010308@audiosystemsgroup.com> References: <540C8998.3090109@verizon.net> <540C8D73.5010308@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) On 9/7/2014 9:53 AM, Jim Brown wrote: > > 2) Study the Power Point slides on my website about Vertical Antenna > Mounting Height and Antenna Planning for Small HF Stations. > > 73, Jim K9YC REPLY: Jim, I went to your website http://www.audiosystemsgroup.com/K9YC/K9YC.htm and could not find the presentation. A google search only turned up broken links. Could you provide a link please? Thank you, 73, Bill W6WRT From k9fd at flex.com Sun Sep 7 13:33:21 2014 From: k9fd at flex.com (Merv Schweigert) Date: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 07:33:21 -1000 Subject: [Elecraft] OT - R8 antenna evaluation In-Reply-To: References: <540C8998.3090109@verizon.net> <540C8D73.5010308@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: <540C96E1.6020205@flex.com> http://audiosystemsgroup.com/VerticalHeight.pdf > ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) > > > On 9/7/2014 9:53 AM, Jim Brown wrote: >> >> 2) Study the Power Point slides on my website about Vertical Antenna >> Mounting Height and Antenna Planning for Small HF Stations. >> >> 73, Jim K9YC > > REPLY: > > Jim, I went to your website > http://www.audiosystemsgroup.com/K9YC/K9YC.htm > and could not find the presentation. A google search only turned up > broken links. > Could you provide a link please? > > Thank you, > > 73, Bill W6WRT > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k9fd at flex.com > From k2av.guy at gmail.com Sun Sep 7 13:45:02 2014 From: k2av.guy at gmail.com (Guy Olinger K2AV) Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2014 13:45:02 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] OT - R8 antenna evaluation In-Reply-To: <540C8D73.5010308@audiosystemsgroup.com> References: <540C8998.3090109@verizon.net> <540C8D73.5010308@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: We need to be careful on evaluation of verticals that we forget to consider the ground. In the early 60's living in a top floor row house apartment out Connecticut Avenue in Washington, DC, I had an early equivalent of an R8 style multiband vertical. I had a pair of radials each for 40/20/15/10. They were over a copper roof, pretty much in a sea of copper roofs. It was totally gangbusters. Worked all over the globe on 40 thru 10 with 35 watts output from an 807 final. A bit later, moving to the suburbs and a house for impending parenthood, I relocated the same antenna to the southeast corner of the new back yard with the feed just a little above the grass. It was a dummy load, even though now we were running 65 watts from a 6146. The house version had a much better SWR than the row house so I was pretty much bumfuzzled why it wasn't getting out. No good scoop on what was wrong, other than the typical come back from the PVRC club crowd that "verticals radiate poorly in all directions." It would be a string of decades before I caught on to what was going on. With verticals, first work out what you are going to do for the counterpoise/ground system and THEN worry about the vertical. The latter may vary you a dB, maybe even approaching 2. The former deals with one, two, maybe three S units. Huge losses are possible with poor ground/counterpoise situations. 73, Guy On Sun, Sep 7, 2014 at 12:53 PM, Jim Brown wrote: > On Sun,9/7/2014 9:36 AM, Robert G Strickland wrote: > >> So, I'm not expecting any vertical to equal the SkyHawk, but I would like >> to get a general feel for the mechanical quality and general performance of >> the R8. >> > > Some things to study. One costs a few bucks, the others are free. > > 1) Buy the report written by N0AX on the testing of verticals that he did > with K7LXC. Sold by K7LXC's Champion Radio website. Well worth the money. > > 2) Study the Power Point slides on my website about Vertical Antenna > Mounting Height and Antenna Planning for Small HF Stations. > > 73, Jim K9YC > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k2av.guy at gmail.com > From k6dgw at foothill.net Sun Sep 7 13:46:24 2014 From: k6dgw at foothill.net (Fred Jensen) Date: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 10:46:24 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and Preamp In-Reply-To: References: <2ECA1F48-EA7F-48C2-9214-AE9CC4DF7613@frontiernet.net> <540B89B3.8020704@foothill.net> Message-ID: <540C99F0.4050209@foothill.net> I'm not sure anything in the menus would help for me ... the ability to adjust both the width and the center frequency from the front panel was what I was dreaming of. Since all the "turn-ies" [i.e. knobs] seem to have multiple functions, I don't know how they could do it. Possibly some external gizmo, similar to a PigKnob maybe? A little hands-on training with someone who finds it useful would probably help too. :-) 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org On 9/7/2014 7:20 AM, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: > > On Sat, Sep 6, 2014 at 6:24 PM, Fred Jensen > wrote: > > I've never had much luck with the K3 APF, I know others do and its > probably pilot error for me, but I wonder what it would take to make > it adjustable both in BW and frequency? DSP Q-Multiplier? :-) > > > There is something I remember from the old radios and some really "bad" > headsets that were peaky in their response, and that was a moderate > rolloff above and below that allowed one to hear up there and down there > but did not allow it to dominate. I've asked for a config menu > adjustment on the APF but that never had enough support from others to > move it up on the K3 do list. > > The audio shaping could do that, but I can't put in a menu selection of > favorite settings, there is only the one. It would need to be easily > accessible for switching in/out on a QSO by QSO basis. From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Sun Sep 7 14:14:52 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 11:14:52 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] OT - R8 antenna evaluation In-Reply-To: References: <540C8998.3090109@verizon.net> <540C8D73.5010308@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: <540CA09C.5000400@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Sun,9/7/2014 10:27 AM, Bill Turner wrote: > Jim, I went to your website > http://www.audiosystemsgroup.com/K9YC/K9YC.htm > and could not find the presentation. A google search only turned up > broken links. > Could you provide a link please? Hmmm. That's a very old link. Try k9yc.com/publish.htm 73, Jim K9YC From kevinr at coho.net Sun Sep 7 14:24:46 2014 From: kevinr at coho.net (Kevin) Date: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 11:24:46 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Announcement Message-ID: <540CA2EE.4070604@coho.net> Good Afternoon, It has been a hot, dry week. Luckily the heat will end soon and there is a hint of rain in the forecast. The sun is more active this week; hopefully propagation will improve. A few large sunspots have moved across the limb and are coming into a geoeffective position. X-class flares may be in our future. Please join us this afternoon and evening. 14050 kHz at 2200z Sunday (3 PM PDT Sunday) 7045 kHz at 0100z Monday (6 PM PDT Sunday) 73, Kevin. KD5ONS - From dezrat at outlook.com Sun Sep 7 14:42:45 2014 From: dezrat at outlook.com (Bill Turner) Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2014 11:42:45 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] OT - R8 antenna evaluation In-Reply-To: <540C96E1.6020205@flex.com> References: <540C8998.3090109@verizon.net> <540C8D73.5010308@audiosystemsgroup.com> <540C96E1.6020205@flex.com> Message-ID: ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) On 9/7/2014 10:33 AM, Merv Schweigert wrote: > http://audiosystemsgroup.com/VerticalHeight.pdf > REPLY: Excellent, thanks. 73, Bill W6WRT From tg9ajr at gmail.com Sun Sep 7 15:08:46 2014 From: tg9ajr at gmail.com (TG9AJR Juan Munoz) Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2014 13:08:46 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Speakers Message-ID: <8C49F14E-9318-42F4-BCB2-FF2DA20DD09B@gmail.com> Hello, take a look at this made in EA3 line of speakers for the K3, they also have for other radios: http://www.phonemaspeakers.com/altavoces/ksp3.html 73 Juan TG9AJR From kl7uw at acsalaska.net Sun Sep 7 16:11:24 2014 From: kl7uw at acsalaska.net (Edward R Cole) Date: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 12:11:24 -0800 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and Preamp Message-ID: <201409072011.s87KBOO8021490@denali.acsalaska.net> Ted, Observes that his K3 noise level drops on 10m if he disconnects the antenna. That indicates that sky noise (plus any man-made noise in his locale) is the dominant source of noise. But then he states that the PR6 improves weak-signal copy. That is not exactly contradictory. Noise power, Pn: Pn = Psky + Prx + Plocal So all these sources add up. The PR6 lowers the internal receiver generated noise so Prx get smaller and that helps lower the N part of S+N/N (or SNR as some write it). If Psky were many times larger than Prx+Plocal then adding a preamp to lower Prx will have little effect (probably not noticeable)...typically what exists on lower HF bands. Also, it you live in a noisy urban electronic environment the Plocal noise factor may rule what you can hear and the preamp will not be much help. Noise level of your locale will certainly have an effect. The point raised about receiving weak-signals with adjacent high level signals is also true. High IP3 devices should be used in a preamp used under these conditions. Typical low-noise devices are sensitive to any RF energy in their passband which usually pretty wide. So in conditions often seen on HF, a preamp may not work well. The dynamic range of the K3 may be more important in that situation. Operating on 6m during a contest would even be an example of that in many locations with high ham population. If you live in a quiet neighborhood and have no local QRO stations, then a low-noise preamp will usually help get those weak ones (on 10m+). This is much more apparent at 2m and above. On 2m noise on the horizon is about one s-unit higher than looking up into the sky. On 1296 I can only find about two birdies in the first 100 KHz of the band; my antenna noise is dictated by what I am looking at with my dish. I see the noise rise as I lower it to the horizon where I pick up thermal noise of the earth (rises about 6-dB over cold sky. If I look at the sun my noise rises 16-dB! 73, Ed - KL7UW ------------------- From: "Dauer, Edward" No argument with the theory here, though my personal experience is not consistent with the earlier observation that a preamp won?t do much if the noise level drops perceptibly when the antenna is disconnected. On my K3 on 10M the noise level drops when no antenna is connected (by 10dB? Maybe not); AND the PR6-10 preamp improves the readability of very weak signals when it is in the circuit compared to when it is not. If that?s just a placebo effect, I?ll take it. I received a couple of off-list comments that might be of interest to those who are following this thread. One was that narrowing the BW also improves the S/N. That is quite true - indeed, BW narrowing in the K3 is generally better, in my circumstances, than the K3?s on-board NB and NR facilities are (though I confess I have much to learn about those.) ==snip 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com "Kits made by KL7UW" Dubus Mag business: dubususa at gmail.com From w7aqk at cox.net Sun Sep 7 19:08:33 2014 From: w7aqk at cox.net (w7aqk at cox.net) Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2014 16:08:33 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] OT - R8 antenna evaluation Message-ID: <88BE4053C49240538293C50A2232CDD8@TDYDell> Hi All, I would like to compliment Jim Brown's analysis regarding verticals and height above ground. Based strictly on personal experience I would agree with just about everything he said, and now I know why!!! Hi. For years I used a Cushcraft R7 vertical, and I soon found that when it was mounted off the ground somewhat it performed much better. Of course, these antennas are compromise antennas, but still you can improve your results with some experimentation. Nothing produced better results for me than elevating the antenna. A number of years ago I purchased a copy of the study Jim refers to which was authored by Ward Silver and Steve Morris. This was published in about 2000, and many of the antennas they analyzed have been replaced or modified somewhat by newer offerings. However, the crux of the info is still very relevant. I think Jim is suggesting that any of these antennas will work better if elevated. Subsequently I acquired a used R8, which is similar to the R7, but an improvement in some ways. It is taller, but still uses much the same matching unit at the base. It also purportedly covers 6 meters, which the R7 does not, but my results there have been marginal. Still, the R8 does seem to perform somewhat better than the R7. In the analysyis by Silver and Morris, I think they more or less conclude that the R8 was the best of the bunch, at least if you only compare the bands each antenna is capable of--some of the tested antennas covered 80 meters, which the R8 does not. My R8, like my R7 previously, is mounted approximately 20 feet off the ground--just above the top of my roofline. The performance is much improved over a simple ground mounted system. Neither the R7 or the R8 produce very stellar results on 40 meters, but they do work, and DXing is possible in decent conditions. Since I favor CW, that helps too. SSB results are not so great, which tells me the antenna is struggling a bit on 40 meters. Not a big surprise! Since then I acquired a used Sigma 40XK, which is a vertical dipole. This is another NB6T design, while he still owned Force12. On 40 meters this antenna works better than my R8, and I have it elevated, but only about 6 feet. Based on Jim's analysis, I think it should be even a good bit higher. I actually would have expected that, but Jim makes it obvious. I also have another N6BT design, the Bravo 7. This is, according to N6BT, also a vertical dipole, but it looks more like an ordinary vertical, with adjustable loading at the base. I heard N6BT make a presentation about these newer designs of his, and he reported very good results. However, I think his results are substantially based on being mounted over salt water! Notice the dramatically improved results in Jim's analysis when mounting over salt water. My own results using this antenna are not all that good, at least not on 40 meters. It does seem to work fairly well on other bands. On a couple of occasions I've had this antenna somewhat higher, and although I don't have measurements to confirm it, the results did seem to be better. So, although my results don't prove much, they do compare favorably to what Jim says. I've tried various antennas, and with the same apparent results--higher is better! Dave W7AQK From edauer at law.du.edu Sun Sep 7 19:43:45 2014 From: edauer at law.du.edu (Dauer, Edward) Date: Sun, 7 Sep 2014 23:43:45 +0000 Subject: [Elecraft] Headset for KX3 In-Reply-To: Message-ID: I am thinking about going mobile with the KX3, using SSB (for the first time ever, and only because CW seems impractical while driving.) A lightweight one-ear one-piece headset seems like a safe way to go. If anyone has a brand or type they?d recommend, I would much appreciate hearing suggestions - on list or off. Many thanks, Ted, KN1CBR From dave at nk7z.net Sun Sep 7 22:08:15 2014 From: dave at nk7z.net (David Cole) Date: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 19:08:15 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] OT - R8 antenna evaluation In-Reply-To: <540C8998.3090109@verizon.net> References: <540C8998.3090109@verizon.net> Message-ID: <1410142095.11504.12.camel@nostromo.NK7Z> Robert, I have a band by band breakdown of the GAP Challenger at: http://nk7z.net/review-of-the-challenger-dx-antenna-by-gap-antenna/ -- Thanks and 73's, For equipment, and software setups and reviews see: www.nk7z.net for MixW support see; http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info for Dopplergram information see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info for MM-SSTV see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info On Sun, 2014-09-07 at 16:36 +0000, Robert G Strickland wrote: > I've been following the R8 guying discussion with interest, because I > may be in the market for a vertical in the next year or so. While I have > read the reviews for the R8 at eHam Forum, I especially trust the > experience of the hams here on the K3 list. I presently have a SkyHawk > tribander at 60ft. However, an upcoming move to a new home may leave > that combination out of the running with some sort of vertical the only > option. So, I'm not expecting any vertical to equal the SkyHawk, but I > would like to get a general feel for the mechanical quality and general > performance of the R8. > Thanks in advance. > ...robert > From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Sun Sep 7 22:26:15 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Doug Person via Elecraft) Date: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 20:26:15 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] [K3] MFJ-1786 Antenna In-Reply-To: <1410054603.19263.YahooMailNeo@web140802.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> References: <1410054603.19263.YahooMailNeo@web140802.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <540D13C7.7000304@aol.com> Yes. I've owned and used one. They can be amazingly effective. I still have an AEA ISOLOOP - a forerunner. The 1786 is surprisingly well made. The tuner with the built-in SWR/Power meter is very handy. They are *VERY* narrow banded - especially on 40. QSY a few KHz and you will need to retune. After a while your ear gets good at picking out the rise in the noise level as you approach resonance. When I was restricted as you are, I had many, many solid, enjoyable QSO's with a 100 watts. Just be careful that there is nothing metal near by - and most of all be sure no one touches it while you transmit. The rf burn one can get from contact are deep and extremely painful. 73, Doug -- K0DXV On 9/6/2014 7:50 PM, David Guernsey via Elecraft wrote: > Does anyone have any experience using a MFJ-1786 with a K3? I live in a 2nd floor condo in a 5 story brick building. Considering a magnetic loop on my balcony to get back up on HF. > > 73 de Dave KJ6CBS > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k0dxv at aol.com > From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Sun Sep 7 22:39:02 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Doug Person via Elecraft) Date: Sun, 07 Sep 2014 20:39:02 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] OT - R8 antenna evaluation In-Reply-To: <540C8998.3090109@verizon.net> References: <540C8998.3090109@verizon.net> Message-ID: <540D16C6.2080100@aol.com> Howard, I have a Hy-Gain AV-620 (20 through 6 meters). Very much the same as the AV-640 (40 through 6) meters. It is mounted about 8 feet off the ground. It's SWR characteristics are excellent on all bands. No tuner required. Performance, however, is not impressive. Were I to be limited to a single vertical, I think any of the various models will get a signal into the air. I particularly liked the GAP Titan. The most important thing is to get it off the ground. 8 to 10 feet at least. Otherwise, go with a regular quarter-wave with ground radials. Typically I find the AV-620 to be one S unit lower than a dipole for a given band. 73, Doug -- K0DXV On 9/7/2014 10:36 AM, Robert G Strickland wrote: > I've been following the R8 guying discussion with interest, because I > may be in the market for a vertical in the next year or so. While I > have read the reviews for the R8 at eHam Forum, I especially trust the > experience of the hams here on the K3 list. I presently have a SkyHawk > tribander at 60ft. However, an upcoming move to a new home may leave > that combination out of the running with some sort of vertical the > only option. So, I'm not expecting any vertical to equal the SkyHawk, > but I would like to get a general feel for the mechanical quality and > general performance of the R8. > Thanks in advance. > ...robert > > On 9/6/2014 21:49, Howard Benham wrote: >> Unless your guy lines are rocket proof it probably won't make much >> difference. :-) >> Seriously though, near the top and in the middle work well for me in >> high wind condition. >> Howard >> KG5AON >> >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 rcrgs at verizon.net >> > From ian.greenshields at gmail.com Mon Sep 8 05:44:31 2014 From: ian.greenshields at gmail.com (Ian Greenshields) Date: Mon, 8 Sep 2014 10:44:31 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] Re. Experiment: how much PL tone deviation is required to reliably key repeaters? Message-ID: In the UK, the requirements are fairly clearly defined as part of the licence conditions for the repeater: access:The repeater must not be carrier accessed directly from "cold" and adequate immunity must be provided against access by speech or noise. Initial access shall, as a minimum, be by a carrier modulated with a CTCSS tone of the frequency stated on the Notice of Variation. The CTCSS detector for this purpose, should respond to only that tone, when it is present for less than 1 second at a deviation of 10% or less of the appropriate maximum i.e. +/-500Hz for 25kHz units and +/-250Hz for 12.5kHz units. In addition, but optionally, access may be by a tone "burst" of 1750Hz plus or minus 25Hz at a deviation of 50% or less. The acceptance time of the tone between 200 and 400ms. The repeater once accessed, must radiate the same CTCSS tone at nominal level of 10% of maximum. I.e. +/-500Hz for 25kHz units and +/-250Hz for 12.5kHz unit. 73 Ian G4FSU From capobs1 at gmail.com Sat Sep 6 13:19:52 2014 From: capobs1 at gmail.com (Jim Harris) Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2014 12:19:52 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 - S/N 2917 - FW v2 .19 - DSP 1.3. Message-ID: *Especially to all that responded to call for "HELP"?:* *I don't know how my face can be more RED-DER: it's probably along the lines of FIRE ENGINE RED!. [I knew better!] I don't belong in this FB fraternity of other FB Operators.* *I had somehow turn OFF the VOX setting and therefore I could not get my beloved KX3 to transmit in CW (ME - DUMMKOPF!). When I "turned on" VOX I CAN now transmit in CW!* *THANKS to all responded to this Old Man's (84) cry for HELP! I WON'T be needing the RSA from the gentleman, Howard - K6IA at Elecraft who so generously offered the pricing and the promise of securing the RSA. {So Howard - K6IA, please disregard the RSA] I hate all the work I caused you, Howard.* *Jim.......................* *WA4NTM* From k2asp at kanafi.org Mon Sep 8 12:44:22 2014 From: k2asp at kanafi.org (Phil Kane) Date: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 09:44:22 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Re. Experiment: how much PL tone deviation is required to reliably key repeaters? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <540DDCE6.3070803@kanafi.org> On 9/8/2014 2:44 AM, Ian Greenshields wrote: > The repeater once accessed, must radiate the same CTCSS tone at nominal > level of 10% of maximum. I.e. ?500Hz for 25kHz units and ?250Hz for > 12.5kHz unit. Interesting that the UK requires transmitted tone as well as received tone. Although I support this when I can, it has not been all that common on US repeaters. -- -- 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402 >From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Mon Sep 8 13:09:31 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 10:09:31 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Re. Experiment: how much PL tone deviation is required to reliably key repeaters? In-Reply-To: <540DDCE6.3070803@kanafi.org> References: <540DDCE6.3070803@kanafi.org> Message-ID: <540DE2CB.80406@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Mon,9/8/2014 9:44 AM, Phil Kane wrote: > Interesting that the UK requires transmitted tone as well as received > tone. Although I support this when I can, it has not been all that > common on US repeaters. It's pretty much standard where I have lived -- nearly all repeaters in the Chicago area transmit PL, as well as here in Northern California where I live now. Two major advantages. First, if propagation allows your receiver to hear a distant repeater, activating receive PL in your rig prevents it from bothering you. Second, receive PL allows your RX to be muted when your PL is not present, so your RX doesn't unsquelch when you drive through an area of loud noise. 73, Jim K9YC From fritzejohn at gmail.com Mon Sep 8 14:01:07 2014 From: fritzejohn at gmail.com (John Fritze) Date: Mon, 8 Sep 2014 14:01:07 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K2/10 to K2/100 Message-ID: One of our K2s needs to be converted to a K2/100. Looking over the instructions I do not see where this is terribly difficult, but I do have a couple of questions: Both K2s are totally maxed out with all the options so there is no reason to use one over the other. If I add the KPA100 kit, will the 20 watt tuner still be inside or does that need to be removed? Will it still be available to use if running less than 20 watts? When I remove the battery, anyone have any idea how often I should put it on the charger to maintain the pack? Should the pack be unplugged for storage? This is a SOTA rig for my XYL and I think she will have an easier time with 100 watts and a Buddipole LIPO pack. She is having a difficult time making contacts QRP. -- John Fritze Jr K2QY k2qy at arrl.net ACACES president 2014 Albany County RACES Radio Officer ARES ENY DEC Northern District Hudson Div. Asst. Director Twitter: @k2qy 401 261 4996 (cell) From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Mon Sep 8 14:29:49 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 14:29:49 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K2/10 to K2/100 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <540DF59D.2040002@embarqmail.com> John, The normal mounting for the KPA100 is in the same place as the top cover for the QRP K2. That means the KAT2, KBT2 and KIO2 will be removed. Optional mounting is to install the KPA100 (usually with the KAT100-2) in a separate EC2 enclosure. That latter configuration leaves the K2/10 with its options intact. When the KPA100 is installed (even with the KPA100 in the EC2 enclosure) the KAT2 is not active. With the external KPA100, the KAT2 is bypassed and forced to the ANT1 output. For the battery question, I would recommend connecting the battery terminals directly to either a Smartcharger, or to a 13.8 volt float charge. Either can be left connected continuously. Fuse the positive lead for safety - if the direct battery connection develops a fault a LOT of current can flow and may result in molten metal flying about and create a fire hazard. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/8/2014 2:01 PM, John Fritze wrote: > One of our K2s needs to be converted to a K2/100. Looking over the > instructions I do not see where this is terribly difficult, but I do have a > couple of questions: > > Both K2s are totally maxed out with all the options so there is no reason > to use one over the other. If I add the KPA100 kit, will the 20 watt tuner > still be inside or does that need to be removed? Will it still be > available to use if running less than 20 watts? > > When I remove the battery, anyone have any idea how often I should put it > on the charger to maintain the pack? Should the pack be unplugged for > storage? > > This is a SOTA rig for my XYL and I think she will have an easier time with > 100 watts and a Buddipole LIPO pack. She is having a difficult time making > contacts QRP. > From k6dgw at foothill.net Mon Sep 8 15:11:29 2014 From: k6dgw at foothill.net (Fred Jensen) Date: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 12:11:29 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K2/10 to K2/100 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <540DFF61.4070300@foothill.net> On 9/8/2014 11:01 AM, John Fritze wrote: > Both K2s are totally maxed out with all the options so there is no reason > to use one over the other. If I add the KPA100 kit, will the 20 watt tuner > still be inside No, it's attached to the top of the K2. > Will it still be available to use if running less than 20 watts? QRP to QRO and back is a "Top Swap." Took me about 5 min until I sold the KPA100 and KAT100. Remove case screws, lift top, disconnect cables, set aside. Fetch other top, connect cables, reinstall top. Note: The two small coax cables with the 2-pin Molex connectors [Aux RF and 12 VDC] *CAN* be cross connected. This is unwise, it will short the 12 VDC. I recommend you paint the connectors and the mates on the RF board different colors. > > When I remove the battery, anyone have any idea how often I should put it > on the charger to maintain the pack? Should the pack be unplugged for > storage? I never had the battery pack. What kind of batteries are they? > > This is a SOTA rig for my XYL and I think she will have an easier time with > 100 watts and a Buddipole LIPO pack. She is having a difficult time making > contacts QRP. > If the battery is an A123 LiFePO4 or LiPoly, be sure to fuse the 12 VDC leads [see above warning re cross connection]. I've found that automobile spade fuses seem to have very low contact resistance. At 100W, you're going to draw somewhere in the general vicinity of 14-17 A. LiFePO4's [and LiPoly] batteries are small and light but they have a minuscule internal resistance and will deliver a huge slug of current into a short, you need to be careful. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org From wd8qwr at sbcglobal.net Mon Sep 8 15:19:44 2014 From: wd8qwr at sbcglobal.net (Philip Carter) Date: Mon, 8 Sep 2014 12:19:44 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K2/10 to K2/100 In-Reply-To: <540DF59D.2040002@embarqmail.com> References: <540DF59D.2040002@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <1410203984.7045.YahooMailNeo@web180906.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> The original battery is a sealed Powersonic 2.9AH, mounting flat to the lid about the width of the K2 and 3 or so inches deep. It fits in front of the antenna tuner and just behind the speaker. On Monday, September 8, 2014 2:50 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: John, The normal mounting for the KPA100 is in the same place as the top cover for the QRP K2. That means the KAT2, KBT2 and KIO2 will be removed. Optional mounting is to install the KPA100 (usually with the KAT100-2) in a separate EC2 enclosure. That latter configuration leaves the K2/10 with its options intact. When the KPA100 is installed (even with the KPA100 in the EC2 enclosure) the KAT2 is not active. With the external KPA100, the KAT2 is bypassed and forced to the ANT1 output. For the battery question, I would recommend connecting the battery terminals directly to either a Smartcharger, or to a 13.8 volt float charge. Either can be left connected continuously. Fuse the positive lead for safety - if the direct battery connection develops a fault a LOT of current can flow and may result in molten metal flying about and create a fire hazard. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/8/2014 2:01 PM, John Fritze wrote: > One of our K2s needs to be converted to a K2/100. Looking over the > instructions I do not see where this is terribly difficult, but I do have a > couple of questions: > > Both K2s are totally maxed out with all the options so there is no reason > to use one over the other. If I add the KPA100 kit, will the 20 watt tuner > still be inside or does that need to be removed? Will it still be > available to use if running less than 20 watts? > > When I remove the battery, anyone have any idea how often I should put it > on the charger to maintain the pack? Should the pack be unplugged for > storage? > > This is a SOTA rig for my XYL and I think she will have an easier time with > 100 watts and a Buddipole LIPO pack. She is having a difficult time making > contacts QRP. > ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 wd8qwr at sbcglobal.net From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Mon Sep 8 16:20:39 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft) Date: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 13:20:39 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 - S/N 2917 - FW v2 .19 - DSP 1.3. Message-ID: <0p9qixen4gyo7ny5p0rux98d.1410207638931@email.android.com> Re: ?I don't know how my face can be more RED-DER... Most of us have done something similar, Jim. ?I thought one of the LCD segments on the s-meter had developed a case of "always on disease", until Wayne (and a few others) suggested I return the RF gain to 0db. ?That fixed the radio, but it took a while to return my face to its original color! Regards Mark KE6BB From k6dgw at foothill.net Mon Sep 8 18:19:03 2014 From: k6dgw at foothill.net (Fred Jensen) Date: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 15:19:03 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 - S/N 2917 - FW v2 .19 - DSP 1.3. In-Reply-To: <0p9qixen4gyo7ny5p0rux98d.1410207638931@email.android.com> References: <0p9qixen4gyo7ny5p0rux98d.1410207638931@email.android.com> Message-ID: <540E2B57.50001@foothill.net> My K3 quit working on 30m. Eventually, it got to Wayne, he called me, first question was, "Let's start easy, which antenna is selected?" 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org On 9/8/2014 1:20 PM, Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft wrote: > Re: I don't know how my face can be more RED-DER... > > Most of us have done something similar, Jim. I thought one of the > LCD segments on the s-meter had developed a case of "always on > disease", until Wayne (and a few others) suggested I return the RF > gain to 0db. That fixed the radio, but it took a while to return my > face to its original color! From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Mon Sep 8 18:37:54 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Mel Farrer via Elecraft) Date: Mon, 8 Sep 2014 15:37:54 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 - S/N 2917 - FW v2 .19 - DSP 1.3. In-Reply-To: <540E2B57.50001@foothill.net> References: <0p9qixen4gyo7ny5p0rux98d.1410207638931@email.android.com> <540E2B57.50001@foothill.net> Message-ID: <1410215874.63245.YahooMailNeo@web163505.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> It's an old trap. A friend called and said his new radio quit working on all bands but 17M????? Yep he forgot to change the antenna selection when he went to the other bands. On 17M, he used a different dipole on ANT2. Oooopps. Mel, K6KBE On Monday, September 8, 2014 3:21 PM, Fred Jensen wrote: My K3 quit working on 30m. Eventually, it got to Wayne, he called me, first question was, "Let's start easy, which antenna is selected?" 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org On 9/8/2014 1:20 PM, Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft wrote: > Re: I don't know how my face can be more RED-DER... > > Most of us have done something similar, Jim. I thought one of the > LCD segments on the s-meter had developed a case of "always on > disease", until Wayne (and a few others) suggested I return the RF > gain to 0db. That fixed the radio, but it took a while to return my > face to its original color! ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 farrerfolks at yahoo.com From frantz at pwpconsult.com Mon Sep 8 18:49:55 2014 From: frantz at pwpconsult.com (Bill Frantz) Date: Mon, 8 Sep 2014 15:49:55 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 - S/N 2917 - FW v2 .19 - DSP 1.3. In-Reply-To: <540E2B57.50001@foothill.net> Message-ID: Yup. I hit the RX ANT button in the dark one night and wondered why I couldn't receive anything on that band. The trouble shooting section in the manual set me right, so it wasn't too public. 73 BIll AE6JV On 9/8/14 at 3:19 PM, k6dgw at foothill.net (Fred Jensen) wrote: >My K3 quit working on 30m. Eventually, it got to Wayne, he >called me, first question was, "Let's start easy, which antenna >is selected?" -------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Frantz | There are now so many exceptions to the 408-356-8506 | Fourth Amendment that it operates only by www.pwpconsult.com | accident. - William Hugh Murray From vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk Mon Sep 8 19:29:55 2014 From: vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk (Johnny Siu) Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2014 07:29:55 +0800 Subject: [Elecraft] =?big5?b?pl7C0KFKICBLMi8xMCB0byBLMi8xMDA=?= In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <1410218995.87582.YahooMailNeo@web193503.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> Hello John, If you don't need an integrated linear with the K2 in one enclosure, I would suggest you go for KXPA100. This linear is not only fitted to the KX3 but also any other radios like K2. It can be fitted with internal ATU KXAT3 if you wish. On the other hand, if you don't need 100W power, you could consider the Hardrock HR50 (50w output with internal ATU as well) at a much lower price. In fact, there are quite a few good choices. 73 Johnny VR2XMC ________________________________ ???? John Fritze ???? elecraft at mailman.qth.net ????? 2014?09?9? (??) 2:01 AM ??? [Elecraft] K2/10 to K2/100 One of our K2s needs to be converted to a K2/100. Looking over the instructions I do not see where this is terribly difficult, but I do have a couple of questions: Both K2s are totally maxed out with all the options so there is no reason to use one over the other. If I add the KPA100 kit, will the 20 watt tuner still be inside or does that need to be removed? Will it still be available to use if running less than 20 watts? When I remove the battery, anyone have any idea how often I should put it on the charger to maintain the pack? Should the pack be unplugged for storage? This is a SOTA rig for my XYL and I think she will have an easier time with 100 watts and a Buddipole LIPO pack. She is having a difficult time making contacts QRP. -- John Fritze Jr K2QY k2qy at arrl.net ACACES president 2014 Albany County RACES Radio Officer ARES ENY DEC Northern District Hudson Div. Asst. Director Twitter: @k2qy 401 261 4996 (cell) ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk From matt.vk2rq at gmail.com Mon Sep 8 21:39:00 2014 From: matt.vk2rq at gmail.com (Matt VK2RQ) Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2014 11:39:00 +1000 Subject: [Elecraft] =?GB2312?Q?Re:__=BB=D8=B8=B2=A9U__K2/10_to_K2/100?= In-Reply-To: <1410218995.87582.YahooMailNeo@web193503.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> References: <1410218995.87582.YahooMailNeo@web193503.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <8C5984FF-D8A1-4DDD-A1CF-391CF299D83B@gmail.com> The K2/10 with KXPA100/KXAT100 is a very nice combo. The amp auto-senses the frequency, and recalls the appropriate antenna and tuning solution for that frequency. You just need to make up a simple keying circuit, which has been discussed here before. 73, Matt VK2RQ > On 9 Sep 2014, at 9:29 am, Johnny Siu wrote: > > Hello John, > > If you don't need an integrated linear with the K2 in one enclosure, I would suggest you go for KXPA100. > > This linear is not only fitted to the KX3 but also any other radios like K2. It can be fitted with internal ATU KXAT3 if you wish. > > On the other hand, if you don't need 100W power, you could consider the Hardrock HR50 (50w output with internal ATU as well) at a much lower price. > > In fact, there are quite a few good choices. > > 73 > > Johnny VR2XMC > > > ________________________________ > ???????U John Fritze > ???????U elecraft at mailman.qth.net > ?????????U 2014??09??9?? (?L??) 2:01 AM > ???}?U [Elecraft] K2/10 to K2/100 > > > One of our K2s needs to be converted to a K2/100. Looking over the > instructions I do not see where this is terribly difficult, but I do have a > couple of questions: > > Both K2s are totally maxed out with all the options so there is no reason > to use one over the other. If I add the KPA100 kit, will the 20 watt tuner > still be inside or does that need to be removed? Will it still be > available to use if running less than 20 watts? > > When I remove the battery, anyone have any idea how often I should put it > on the charger to maintain the pack? Should the pack be unplugged for > storage? > > This is a SOTA rig for my XYL and I think she will have an easier time with > 100 watts and a Buddipole LIPO pack. She is having a difficult time making > contacts QRP. > > -- > John Fritze Jr > K2QY > k2qy at arrl.net > ACACES president 2014 > Albany County RACES Radio Officer > ARES ENY DEC Northern District > Hudson Div. Asst. Director > Twitter: @k2qy > 401 261 4996 (cell) > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 matt.vk2rq at gmail.com From w7aqk at cox.net Tue Sep 9 08:08:10 2014 From: w7aqk at cox.net (w7aqk at cox.net) Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2014 05:08:10 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Solar Charging Controller Message-ID: Hi All, I like to "haunt" the bargain and close-out websites. This item showed up on Rakuten's website (formerly Buy.com). A 30 amp solar charger for about $20.00! Here's a link: http://patazon.shop.rakuten.com/p/patazon-30a-solar-panel-power-battery-charge-controller-regulator-12v/264381220.html?scid=em_Promotional_20140909DAILY&adid=17653 I'm not familiar with the product, but it seems to be something that could be useful for those of us who like/want to do solar panel charging from time to time. I have a couple of different sets of solar panels--one set I keep in my motorhome, and the other is at home. Since I only have one controller, this might be a good opportunity to eliminate the need for carrying the one controller back and forth. I'm curious, though, if anyone else has ever seen/used this particular controller, or one from the same manufacturer. More and more I hear about others who have gone to solar charging, and I have lots of opportunities to do the same. Dry camping is something I do a good bit of, and keeping the rigs running on battery power usually means needing a generator along. If I'm running QRP it isn't a big deal, but if I want to run a bit higher power, then battery consumption gets to be an issue. Anyway, I thought I'd pass this on in case anyone else might find it to be of interest. Dave W7AQK From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Tue Sep 9 08:53:54 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Bill Blomgren (kk4qdz) via Elecraft) Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2014 05:53:54 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Solar Charging Controller In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <1410267234.81520.YahooMailNeo@web163601.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> 22. Control method PWM pulse-duration modulation charge mode Ok.. you have a square wave doing the charging. This puppy is going to be VERY noisy electrically. Probably good for lead-acid flavored batteries, but not for the new lighter varieties. KK4QDZ - Now with Extra Class Priv's, and a tiny KX3 to enjoy them! ________________________________ From: "w7aqk at cox.net" To: Elecraft Reflector Sent: Tuesday, September 9, 2014 8:08 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Solar Charging Controller Hi All, I like to "haunt" the bargain and close-out websites. This item showed up on Rakuten's website (formerly Buy.com). A 30 amp solar charger for about $20.00! Here's a link: http://patazon.shop.rakuten.com/p/patazon-30a-solar-panel-power-battery-charge-controller-regulator-12v/264381220.html?scid=em_Promotional_20140909DAILY&adid=17653 I'm not familiar with the product, but it seems to be something that could be useful for those of us who like/want to do solar panel charging from time to time. I have a couple of different sets of solar panels--one set I keep in my motorhome, and the other is at home. Since I only have one controller, this might be a good opportunity to eliminate the need for carrying the one controller back and forth. I'm curious, though, if anyone else has ever seen/used this particular controller, or one from the same manufacturer. More and more I hear about others who have gone to solar charging, and I have lots of opportunities to do the same. Dry camping is something I do a good bit of, and keeping the rigs running on battery power usually means needing a generator along. If I'm running QRP it isn't a big deal, but if I want to run a bit higher power, then battery consumption gets to be an issue. Anyway, I thought I'd pass this on in case anyone else might find it to be of interest. Dave W7AQK ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 billblomgren at yahoo.com From epr at evross.com Tue Sep 9 10:03:42 2014 From: epr at evross.com (Eric Ross) Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 07:03:42 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 - S/N 2917 - FW v2 .19 - DSP 1.3. In-Reply-To: <0p9qixen4gyo7ny5p0rux98d.1410207638931@email.android.com> References: <0p9qixen4gyo7ny5p0rux98d.1410207638931@email.android.com> Message-ID: <1410271422.212882.165413533.4015A23A@webmail.messagingengine.com> Yes, I have found this to be the pattern for me as well. The only component on my K3 that intermittently fails is the one between my ears. I am looking for a warranty replacement, but supplies seem to be unavailable. Eric, WB7SDE On Mon, Sep 8, 2014, at 01:20 PM, Mark, KE6BB via Elecraft wrote: > Re: ?I don't know how my face can be more RED-DER... > > Most of us have done something similar, Jim. ?I thought one of the LCD > segments on the s-meter had developed a case of "always on disease", > until Wayne (and a few others) suggested I return the RF gain to 0db. > That fixed the radio, but it took a while to return my face to its > original color! > > Regards > Mark > KE6BB > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 epr at evross.com From nr4c at widomaker.com Tue Sep 9 11:06:28 2014 From: nr4c at widomaker.com (Nr4c) Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2014 11:06:28 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] PX3, WOW Message-ID: I really like the PX3, but one word of caution. Read carefully in the manual where it says to plug in the cables FULLY! Especially to I/Q cable. If you don't, you will get no "Opposite Band Nulling". Tried to do the procedure and no reaction to either control. Pressed again on the I/Q plug and all was well. I did run a quick check on all bands and the PX3 is doing just fine. Worked a few W1AW/4 and 7 sta last night. This is like using the K3. Fun being back on 100 watts again after almost a year with the KPA500. Being able to see both ends of a pile up is just cool. I no longer have need to get NAP3 working on my laptop. I'm not a mouser, I like to twist and turn. Just more comfortable to me. Sent from my iPhone ...nr4c. bill From kc2kj1 at gmail.com Tue Sep 9 11:32:59 2014 From: kc2kj1 at gmail.com (Mike Sullivan) Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2014 11:32:59 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Receiver S meter calibration Message-ID: <42EE2F6C-BCEC-4084-8945-05E973D8FAC8@mac.com> I purchased a used Elecraft XG3 at the Shelby Hamfest and couldn't wait to check it out on Spectrum Analyzer (SA)(Rigol DSA815 w/ tracking gen). The XG3 markers amplitudes and frequencies we spot-on according to the SA which gave me a lot of confidence for aligning the K3 S-Meter and RF Gain control. However, the procedure on page 51 for alignment did not give me confidence that I followed it correctly. I ended up with a sort of callibration on 40 meters, but that did not hold for any other band. Also, the K3 Utility (Calibration tab) while it completed ok, did not specify if it should be done for each band. Yes, I completed it for 40 meters and 20 meters, but was not sure if it made any difference to the manual settings. I ended up doing calibration on 40 meters alone but the indications were not followed across to other bands. Is there another procedure, or should I settle for the inability to follow the receiver S meter and RF gain control. That doesn't seem quite right, so I assume I must be doing something wrong! Mike kc2kj From wglevy at gmail.com Tue Sep 9 11:39:53 2014 From: wglevy at gmail.com (William Levy) Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2014 11:39:53 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals Message-ID: I had no trouble at all keeping in touch with my family using an early R5 vertical in 5H3 land when I was working there. My XYL had my Log Periodic on a 75 tower and I had the R5 vertical with a Metrum 500 watt amp, 12 volt battery and an Icom 735 in those days. I would not ever consider the vertical an optimum antenna but as a bush antenna to complete an 8000 mile low radition angle circuit I was more than satisfied. I remind new amateurs that it is important to decide what the mission is and then design the station accordingly. Dipoles and Verticals are great basic starter antennas and it only gets more complicated from there. If I have a tree at hand I prefer an inverted V over a vertical but in 5H3 deep in the bush filming wildlife on a TV contract I didn't always have trees at hand! 73 All, Bill N2WL ex 5H3WL, 5Z4PI and VQ9WL From n6kr at elecraft.com Tue Sep 9 11:46:22 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2014 08:46:22 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] PX3 buglet -- fix in progress Message-ID: <5D7FA38F-B6BB-48A9-A78A-5E75E52ECD16@elecraft.com> With the initial production firmware, the PX3's per-band REFerence level may occasionally be incorrect on power-up or VFO A/B swap. If this happens, set REF to the desired level on the affected band. Sorry for the inconvenience. We'll post new firmware as soon as it's available. 73, Wayne N6KR From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Tue Sep 9 12:07:12 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 12:07:12 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Receiver S meter calibration In-Reply-To: <42EE2F6C-BCEC-4084-8945-05E973D8FAC8@mac.com> References: <42EE2F6C-BCEC-4084-8945-05E973D8FAC8@mac.com> Message-ID: <540F25B0.9040806@embarqmail.com> Mike, The K3 S-meter response will vary with the pre-amp and attenuator settings from band to band unless you have SMTR ABS set on in the menu. If you are using SMTR ABS I suggest you calibrate the S-meter with the PreAmp off rather than the PreAmp on. If you still have variation from band to band (using the XG3 for the signal input), then you may have to set the S-meter calibration to a compromise point. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/9/2014 11:32 AM, Mike Sullivan wrote: > I purchased a used Elecraft XG3 at the Shelby Hamfest and couldn't wait to check it out on Spectrum Analyzer (SA)(Rigol DSA815 w/ tracking gen). The XG3 markers amplitudes and frequencies we spot-on according to the SA which gave me a lot of confidence for aligning the K3 S-Meter and RF Gain control. However, the procedure on page 51 for alignment did not give me confidence that I followed it correctly. I ended up with a sort of callibration on 40 meters, but that did not hold for any other band. Also, the K3 Utility (Calibration tab) while it completed ok, did not specify if it should be done for each band. Yes, I completed it for 40 meters and 20 meters, but was not sure if it made any difference to the manual settings. I ended up doing calibration on 40 meters alone but the indications were not followed across to other bands. > > Is there another procedure, or should I settle for the inability to follow the receiver S meter and RF gain control. That doesn't seem quite right, so I assume I must be doing something wrong! > > From k1nd at comcast.net Tue Sep 9 12:22:27 2014 From: k1nd at comcast.net (Jan) Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 12:22:27 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Headset for KX3 Message-ID: <540F2943.7020506@comcast.net> Look for the ANDREA brand ~ inexpensive The electret mike works plug-n-play on the KX3 or K3 has single or dual headphones that are comfy to wear like them for CW events also ~ SKCC-6099 ~ Cheers, Jan K1ND From wb5jnc at centurytel.net Tue Sep 9 12:48:55 2014 From: wb5jnc at centurytel.net (Al Gulseth) Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2014 11:48:55 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] Headset for KX3 In-Reply-To: <540F2943.7020506@comcast.net> References: <540F2943.7020506@comcast.net> Message-ID: <201409091148.55949.wb5jnc@centurytel.net> Interesting that you should mention these - I have a single headphone style ANDREA NC-80 (not currently in production) which I acquired a while back, but I've never tried the mic as I generally "let my fingers do the talking...." 73, Al On Tue September 9 2014 11:22:27 am Jan wrote: > Look for the ANDREA brand ~ inexpensive > The electret mike works plug-n-play on the KX3 or K3 > has single or dual headphones that are comfy to wear > like them for CW events also ~ SKCC-6099 ~ > Cheers, Jan K1ND > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 wb5jnc at centurytel.net From k2vco.vic at gmail.com Tue Sep 9 13:23:43 2014 From: k2vco.vic at gmail.com (Vic, K2VCO) Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 20:23:43 +0300 Subject: [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! Message-ID: <540F379F.3020604@gmail.com> I just did one of the dumbest things I've done since I tried to swim across the Susquehanna river with all my clothes on. I survived that, but I need help with something else. I just turned on a computer plugged into 230v with the switch on the power supply set to 115v. Result: bang, smoke, house breaker (16a) pops. I took the power supply apart (it is a funny size so I have little confidence I could replace it). I found two obviously bad components: 1) an 8a fuse -- no problem. 2) something marked znr1 on the board, a component wrapped in heatshrink tubing. It was completely destroyed. Next to it is a similar part labeled znr2. I haven't removed it yet -- so I am not sure it is good. It might be the same as the first one and it might be marked under the heatshrink. There is a bridge rectifier nearby which checks good. All traces look ok. I am hoping there is someone out there who is familiar with these supplies who can suggest what these are (zener diodes? What voltage?) The board is made in such a way that it is difficult to trace the wiring -- but these parts are right near the power input. -- Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP Rehovot, Israel http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ From tomb18 at videotron.ca Tue Sep 9 13:33:26 2014 From: tomb18 at videotron.ca (tomb18 at videotron.ca) Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 13:33:26 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! In-Reply-To: <7750b7fd127e8.540f39cb@videotron.ca> References: <540F379F.3020604@gmail.com> <7740e5c9118c0.540f3951@videotron.ca> <76a0ec4314cf9.540f398e@videotron.ca> <7750b7fd127e8.540f39cb@videotron.ca> Message-ID: <7790c79815121.540f01a6@videotron.ca> Hi,Typically a device labeled as znr is a MOV, metal oxide varistor used to protect cir u its from excessive voltage or currents. Remove the other one, you will probably find a marking. 73s Tom va2fsq.com On 9/9/14, "Vic, K2VCO" wrote: > I just did one of the dumbest things I've done since I tried to swim across the Susquehanna river with all my clothes on. I survived that, but I need help with something else. > > I just turned on a computer plugged into 230v with the switch on the power supply set to 115v. Result: bang, smoke, house breaker (16a) pops. > > I took the power supply apart (it is a funny size so I have little confidence I could replace it). I found two obviously bad components: 1) an 8a fuse -- no problem. 2) something marked znr1 on the board, a component wrapped in heatshrink tubing. It was completely destroyed. Next to it is a similar part labeled znr2. I haven't removed it yet -- so I am not sure it is good. It might be the same as the first one and it might be marked under the heatshrink. > > There is a bridge rectifier nearby which checks good. All traces look ok. I am hoping there is someone out there who is familiar with these supplies who can suggest what these are (zener diodes? What voltage?) > The board is made in such a way that it is difficult to trace the wiring -- but these parts are right near the power input. > > -- > Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP > Rehovot, Israel > http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 tomb18 at videotron.ca > > From pincon at erols.com Tue Sep 9 13:34:29 2014 From: pincon at erols.com (Charlie T, K3ICH) Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2014 13:34:29 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! References: <540F379F.3020604@gmail.com> Message-ID: <449A7769EE5D4EBE9B29C08997822C0C@pinnacle05df05> A 'ZNR" is a Zinc Oxide non-linear Resistor. It is the mechanical equivalent of a Zener Diode. It is a bidirectional (AC) device that will conduct when a certain level of voltage is applied across it. They don't typically have as sharp a "knee" as a real Zener, but are very effective for what they do. Basically , a voltage surge or transient protector. Hopefully, they worked but are probably blown and should be replaced. As for the rest of the stuff, I'm sure you'll find some more (inexpensive) things to replace and the system will come back to life. Good Luck on the repair, Charlie k3ICH ----- Original Message ----- From: "Vic, K2VCO" To: "Elecraft Reflector" Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2014 1:23 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! >I just did one of the dumbest things I've done since I tried to swim across >the Susquehanna river with all my clothes on. I survived that, but I need >help with something else. > > I just turned on a computer plugged into 230v with the switch on the power > supply set to 115v. Result: bang, smoke, house breaker (16a) pops. > > I took the power supply apart (it is a funny size so I have little > confidence I could replace it). I found two obviously bad components: 1) > an 8a fuse -- no problem. 2) something marked znr1 on the board, a > component wrapped in heatshrink tubing. It was completely destroyed. Next > to it is a similar part labeled znr2. I haven't removed it yet -- > so I am not sure it is good. It might be the same as the first one and it > might be marked under the heatshrink. > > There is a bridge rectifier nearby which checks good. All traces look ok. > I am hoping there is someone out there who is familiar with these supplies > who can suggest what these are (zener diodes? What voltage?) > The board is made in such a way that it is difficult to trace the > wiring -- but these parts are right near the power input. > > -- > Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP > Rehovot, Israel > http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pincon at erols.com From fptownsend at earthlink.net Tue Sep 9 13:41:48 2014 From: fptownsend at earthlink.net (Fred Townsend) Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2014 10:41:48 -0700 (GMT-07:00) Subject: [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! Message-ID: <4037625.1410284508610.JavaMail.root@mswamui-cedar.atl.sa.earthlink.net> Vic: Sorry you passed the smoke test. Your mystery components sound like transient suppressors. They are not needed for normal operation. They are there to suppress lightning or other power line disturbances. To find out carefully cut out ZNR1&2 and clean up any ashes. Then replace the fuse and try the computer. If you are lucky the computer will run. Don't forget to change back to 120 VAC setting. Good luck, Fred, AE6QL -----Original Message----- >From: "Vic, K2VCO" >Sent: Sep 9, 2014 10:23 AM >To: Elecraft Reflector >Subject: [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! > >I just did one of the dumbest things I've done since I tried to swim >across the Susquehanna river with all my clothes on. I survived that, >but I need help with something else. > >I just turned on a computer plugged into 230v with the switch on the >power supply set to 115v. Result: bang, smoke, house breaker (16a) pops. > >I took the power supply apart (it is a funny size so I have little >confidence I could replace it). I found two obviously bad components: 1) >an 8a fuse -- no problem. 2) something marked znr1 on the board, a >component wrapped in heatshrink tubing. It was completely destroyed. >Next to it is a similar part labeled znr2. I haven't removed it yet -- >so I am not sure it is good. It might be the same as the first one and >it might be marked under the heatshrink. > >There is a bridge rectifier nearby which checks good. All traces look >ok. I am hoping there is someone out there who is familiar with these >supplies who can suggest what these are (zener diodes? What voltage?) >The board is made in such a way that it is difficult to trace the wiring >-- but these parts are right near the power input. > >-- >Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP >Rehovot, Israel >http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ >______________________________________________________________ >Elecraft mailing list >Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 fptownsend at earthlink.net From k2vco.vic at gmail.com Tue Sep 9 13:47:11 2014 From: k2vco.vic at gmail.com (Vic Rosenthal) Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 20:47:11 +0300 Subject: [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! In-Reply-To: <4037625.1410284508610.JavaMail.root@mswamui-cedar.atl.sa.earthlink.net> References: <4037625.1410284508610.JavaMail.root@mswamui-cedar.atl.sa.earthlink.net> Message-ID: <540F3D1F.4060903@gmail.com> From k2vco.vic at gmail.com Tue Sep 9 13:59:45 2014 From: k2vco.vic at gmail.com (Vic, K2VCO) Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 20:59:45 +0300 Subject: [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! In-Reply-To: <4037625.1410284508610.JavaMail.root@mswamui-cedar.atl.sa.earthlink.net> References: <4037625.1410284508610.JavaMail.root@mswamui-cedar.atl.sa.earthlink.net> Message-ID: <540F4011.30707@gmail.com> Took the second one out. It is labeled TVR07241, which is a 240v varistor! I can get these to replace them. I think this one is undamaged (at least, it isn't blown up or shorted). I wonder if the other one was a 115V one which was only in the circuit when the switch was set for 115. That would certainly explain it blowing when I plugged it into 230! On 9/9/14 8:41 PM, Fred Townsend wrote: > > Vic: Sorry you passed the smoke test. Your mystery components sound > like transient suppressors. They are not needed for normal operation. > They are there to suppress lightning or other power line > disturbances. To find out carefully cut out ZNR1&2 and clean up any > ashes. Then replace the fuse and try the computer. If you are lucky > the computer will run. Don't forget to change back to 120 VAC > setting. > > Good luck, Fred, AE6QL > > -----Original Message----- >> From: "Vic, K2VCO" Sent: Sep 9, 2014 10:23 >> AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: >> [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! >> >> I just did one of the dumbest things I've done since I tried to >> swim across the Susquehanna river with all my clothes on. I >> survived that, but I need help with something else. >> >> I just turned on a computer plugged into 230v with the switch on >> the power supply set to 115v. Result: bang, smoke, house breaker >> (16a) pops. >> >> I took the power supply apart (it is a funny size so I have little >> confidence I could replace it). I found two obviously bad >> components: 1) an 8a fuse -- no problem. 2) something marked znr1 >> on the board, a component wrapped in heatshrink tubing. It was >> completely destroyed. Next to it is a similar part labeled znr2. I >> haven't removed it yet -- so I am not sure it is good. It might be >> the same as the first one and it might be marked under the >> heatshrink. >> >> There is a bridge rectifier nearby which checks good. All traces >> look ok. I am hoping there is someone out there who is familiar >> with these supplies who can suggest what these are (zener diodes? >> What voltage?) The board is made in such a way that it is difficult >> to trace the wiring -- but these parts are right near the power >> input. >> >> -- Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP Rehovot, Israel http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list Home: >> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: >> http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: >> mailto:Elecraft at 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 >> fptownsend at earthlink.net > -- Vic -- Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP Rehovot, Israel http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ From w3tb.ted at gmail.com Tue Sep 9 14:38:00 2014 From: w3tb.ted at gmail.com (Ted Edwards W3TB) Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2014 14:38:00 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: When in Iceland with the Navy 30 years ago, I found the Butternut HF6V very handy and effective. Big radial field with it. There were no trees at all, and the constantly windy location would have made short work of a tower. I guyed it in measured 5 directions with guys that would let the tie-point move about a foot above the center and below the center of height -- which had the effect of not introducing a reverse bend at the base. I was also able to buy 140 kg. test monofilament fishing line -- the kind of thing only ocean-fishing ports would have. It was 2 mm. thick and very hard to tie into knots, but it stood up to everything. Yes, I know the opinion that a vertical radiates equally poorly in all directions --- but it works in situations where nothing else is possible. What I am finding impressive now as verticals go is the Gap series, because they are really center-fed dipoles rather than ground planes. On Tue, Sep 9, 2014 at 11:39 AM, William Levy wrote: > I had no trouble at all keeping in touch with my family using an early R5 > vertical in 5H3 land when I was working there. > My XYL had my Log Periodic on a 75 tower and I had the R5 vertical with a > Metrum 500 watt amp, 12 volt battery and an Icom 735 in those days. > > I would not ever consider the vertical an optimum antenna but as a bush > antenna to complete an 8000 mile low radition angle circuit I was more than > satisfied. > > I remind new amateurs that it is important to decide what the mission is > and then design the station accordingly. > > Dipoles and Verticals are great basic starter antennas and it only gets > more complicated from there. If I have a tree at hand I prefer an inverted > V over a vertical but in 5H3 deep in the bush filming wildlife on a TV > contract I didn't always have trees at hand! > > 73 All, > > Bill N2WL > ex 5H3WL, 5Z4PI and VQ9WL > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 w3tb.ted at gmail.com > -- 73 de Ted Edwards, W3TB and G?PWW and thinking about operating CW: "Do today what others won't, so you can do tomorrow what others can't." From fptownsend at earthlink.net Tue Sep 9 14:51:29 2014 From: fptownsend at earthlink.net (Fred Townsend) Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2014 11:51:29 -0700 (GMT-07:00) Subject: [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! Message-ID: <27581955.1410288690352.JavaMail.root@mswamui-cedar.atl.sa.earthlink.net> My guess is they are both 240V rated. The parts are cheap and there are several brands which cross over with similar part numbers. I would replace both. If 240 are not available then 270 will work fine as well. Until parts are obtained you may use the computer. Odds are there will not be any power distrubances in the mean time. Sort of like using the spare tire. Two flats in a row are not likely to happen. Fred -----Original Message----- >From: "Vic, K2VCO" >Sent: Sep 9, 2014 10:59 AM >To: Fred Townsend , Elecraft Reflector >Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! > >Took the second one out. It is labeled TVR07241, which is a 240v >varistor! I can get these to replace them. >I think this one is undamaged (at least, it isn't blown up or shorted). >I wonder if the other one was a 115V one which was only in the circuit >when the switch was set for 115. That would certainly explain it blowing >when I plugged it into 230! > >On 9/9/14 8:41 PM, Fred Townsend wrote: >> >> Vic: Sorry you passed the smoke test. Your mystery components sound >> like transient suppressors. They are not needed for normal operation. >> They are there to suppress lightning or other power line >> disturbances. To find out carefully cut out ZNR1&2 and clean up any >> ashes. Then replace the fuse and try the computer. If you are lucky >> the computer will run. Don't forget to change back to 120 VAC >> setting. >> >> Good luck, Fred, AE6QL >> >> -----Original Message----- >>> From: "Vic, K2VCO" Sent: Sep 9, 2014 10:23 >>> AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: >>> [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! >>> >>> I just did one of the dumbest things I've done since I tried to >>> swim across the Susquehanna river with all my clothes on. I >>> survived that, but I need help with something else. >>> >>> I just turned on a computer plugged into 230v with the switch on >>> the power supply set to 115v. Result: bang, smoke, house breaker >>> (16a) pops. >>> >>> I took the power supply apart (it is a funny size so I have little >>> confidence I could replace it). I found two obviously bad >>> components: 1) an 8a fuse -- no problem. 2) something marked znr1 >>> on the board, a component wrapped in heatshrink tubing. It was >>> completely destroyed. Next to it is a similar part labeled znr2. I >>> haven't removed it yet -- so I am not sure it is good. It might be >>> the same as the first one and it might be marked under the >>> heatshrink. >>> >>> There is a bridge rectifier nearby which checks good. All traces >>> look ok. I am hoping there is someone out there who is familiar >>> with these supplies who can suggest what these are (zener diodes? >>> What voltage?) The board is made in such a way that it is difficult >>> to trace the wiring -- but these parts are right near the power >>> input. >>> >>> -- Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP Rehovot, Israel http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ >>> ______________________________________________________________ >>> Elecraft mailing list Home: >>> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: >>> http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: >>> mailto:Elecraft at 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 >>> fptownsend at earthlink.net >> > >-- >Vic > >-- >Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP >Rehovot, Israel >http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ From ab2tc at arrl.net Tue Sep 9 15:10:29 2014 From: ab2tc at arrl.net (ab2tc) Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2014 12:10:29 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Receiver S meter calibration In-Reply-To: <540F25B0.9040806@embarqmail.com> References: <42EE2F6C-BCEC-4084-8945-05E973D8FAC8@mac.com> <540F25B0.9040806@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <1410289829831-7592938.post@n2.nabble.com> Hi, Wouldn't a receiver gain calibration procedure take care of the band to band variation? AB2TC - Knut Don Wilhelm-4 wrote > Mike, > > The K3 S-meter response will vary with the pre-amp and attenuator > settings from band to band unless you have SMTR ABS set on in the menu. > If you are using SMTR ABS I suggest you calibrate the S-meter with the > PreAmp off rather than the PreAmp on. > > If you still have variation from band to band (using the XG3 for the > signal input), then you may have to set the S-meter calibration to a > compromise point. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Receiver-S-meter-calibration-tp7592924p7592938.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From josh at voodoolab.com Tue Sep 9 15:14:36 2014 From: josh at voodoolab.com (Josh Fiden) Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 12:14:36 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! In-Reply-To: <540F4011.30707@gmail.com> References: <4037625.1410284508610.JavaMail.root@mswamui-cedar.atl.sa.earthlink.net> <540F4011.30707@gmail.com> Message-ID: <540F519C.3000203@voodoolab.com> Typical on these type of supplies is the voltage selector switch is single pole which converts between being a bridge to the filter caps to a voltage doubler configuration. So, where you should have had about 320VDC, you would be in doubler mode and gotten 640VDC (230V*1.4*2). Protection devices prior to the bridge should be okay to 240VAC. ZNR1 & 2 are most likely across each of the filter caps which are in series for the doubler. Hopefully they did their job before killing anything else. They would be identical. 73, Josh W6XU On 9/9/2014 10:59 AM, Vic, K2VCO wrote: > Took the second one out. It is labeled TVR07241, which is a 240v > varistor! I can get these to replace them. > I think this one is undamaged (at least, it isn't blown up or > shorted). I wonder if the other one was a 115V one which was only in > the circuit when the switch was set for 115. That would certainly > explain it blowing when I plugged it into 230! > > On 9/9/14 8:41 PM, Fred Townsend wrote: >> >> Vic: Sorry you passed the smoke test. Your mystery components sound >> like transient suppressors. They are not needed for normal operation. >> They are there to suppress lightning or other power line >> disturbances. To find out carefully cut out ZNR1&2 and clean up any >> ashes. Then replace the fuse and try the computer. If you are lucky >> the computer will run. Don't forget to change back to 120 VAC >> setting. >> >> Good luck, Fred, AE6QL >> >> -----Original Message----- >>> From: "Vic, K2VCO" Sent: Sep 9, 2014 10:23 >>> AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: >>> [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! >>> >>> I just did one of the dumbest things I've done since I tried to >>> swim across the Susquehanna river with all my clothes on. I >>> survived that, but I need help with something else. >>> >>> I just turned on a computer plugged into 230v with the switch on >>> the power supply set to 115v. Result: bang, smoke, house breaker >>> (16a) pops. >>> >>> I took the power supply apart (it is a funny size so I have little >>> confidence I could replace it). I found two obviously bad >>> components: 1) an 8a fuse -- no problem. 2) something marked znr1 >>> on the board, a component wrapped in heatshrink tubing. It was >>> completely destroyed. Next to it is a similar part labeled znr2. I >>> haven't removed it yet -- so I am not sure it is good. It might be >>> the same as the first one and it might be marked under the >>> heatshrink. >>> >>> There is a bridge rectifier nearby which checks good. All traces >>> look ok. I am hoping there is someone out there who is familiar >>> with these supplies who can suggest what these are (zener diodes? >>> What voltage?) The board is made in such a way that it is difficult >>> to trace the wiring -- but these parts are right near the power >>> input. >>> >>> -- Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP Rehovot, Israel http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ >>> ______________________________________________________________ >>> Elecraft mailing list Home: >>> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: >>> http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: >>> mailto:Elecraft at 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 >>> fptownsend at earthlink.net >> > From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Tue Sep 9 15:21:57 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 15:21:57 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Receiver S meter calibration In-Reply-To: <1410289829831-7592938.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <42EE2F6C-BCEC-4084-8945-05E973D8FAC8@mac.com> <540F25B0.9040806@embarqmail.com> <1410289829831-7592938.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <540F5355.4080900@embarqmail.com> Not in cases where the preamp and/or attenuator is used on some bands and not for others - unless SMTR ABS is set to ON. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/9/2014 3:10 PM, ab2tc wrote: > Hi, > > Wouldn't a receiver gain calibration procedure take care of the band to band > variation? > > AB2TC - Knut > > > From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Tue Sep 9 15:38:41 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (george fritkin via Elecraft) Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2014 12:38:41 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! In-Reply-To: <449A7769EE5D4EBE9B29C08997822C0C@pinnacle05df05> References: <540F379F.3020604@gmail.com> <449A7769EE5D4EBE9B29C08997822C0C@pinnacle05df05> Message-ID: <1410291521.84216.YahooMailNeo@web163106.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> There is nothing mechanical about a ZNR. The electrical equivalent is back to back Zener diodes with a capacitor. Some people call them Transzorbs or MOVs to get by trade marks. The ZNR is a Panasonic trade mark George, W6GF On Tuesday, September 9, 2014 10:54 AM, "Charlie T, K3ICH" wrote: A 'ZNR" is a Zinc Oxide non-linear Resistor. It is the mechanical equivalent of a Zener Diode. It is a bidirectional (AC) device that will conduct when a certain level of voltage is applied across it. They don't typically have as sharp a "knee" as a real Zener, but are very effective for what they do. Basically , a voltage surge or transient protector. Hopefully, they worked but are probably blown and should be replaced. As for the rest of the stuff, I'm sure you'll find some more (inexpensive) things to replace and the system will come back to life. Good Luck on the repair, Charlie k3ICH ----- Original Message ----- From: "Vic, K2VCO" To: "Elecraft Reflector" Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2014 1:23 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! >I just did one of the dumbest things I've done since I tried to swim across >the Susquehanna river with all my clothes on. I survived that, but I need >help with something else. > > I just turned on a computer plugged into 230v with the switch on the power > supply set to 115v. Result: bang, smoke, house breaker (16a) pops. > > I took the power supply apart (it is a funny size so I have little > confidence I could replace it). I found two obviously bad components: 1) > an 8a fuse -- no problem. 2) something marked znr1 on the board, a > component wrapped in heatshrink tubing. It was completely destroyed. Next > to it is a similar part labeled znr2. I haven't removed it yet -- > so I am not sure it is good. It might be the same as the first one and it > might be marked under the heatshrink. > > There is a bridge rectifier nearby which checks good. All traces look ok. > I am hoping there is someone out there who is familiar with these supplies > who can suggest what these are (zener diodes? What voltage?) > The board is made in such a way that it is difficult to trace the > wiring -- but these parts are right near the power input. > > -- > Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP > Rehovot, Israel > http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pincon at erols.com ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 georgefritkin at yahoo.com From fptownsend at earthlink.net Tue Sep 9 17:10:59 2014 From: fptownsend at earthlink.net (Fred Townsend) Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2014 14:10:59 -0700 (GMT-07:00) Subject: [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! Message-ID: <10685800.1410297060581.JavaMail.root@mswamui-cedar.atl.sa.earthlink.net> George: Not to put too fine a point on it but ZNRs are large and slow moving so they do have mechanical aspects but more to the point they do NOT have capacitance, save lead capacitance (a few pf), and do NOT act like zeners. They are much slower (ms vrs ns). They are NOT transorbs which are zener like and have junctions, hole electron pairs, transition capacitance, etc. Without hole-electron pairs and their ns speed, Charlie's definition of non-linear resistors is much more accurate. 73, Fred, AE6QL -----Original Message----- >From: george fritkin via Elecraft >Sent: Sep 9, 2014 12:38 PM >To: "Charlie T, K3ICH" , "elecraft at mailman.qth.net" >Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! > >There is nothing mechanical about a ZNR. The electrical equivalent is back to back Zener diodes with a capacitor. Some people call them Transzorbs or MOVs to get by trade marks. The ZNR is a Panasonic trade mark > >George, W6GF > > >On Tuesday, September 9, 2014 10:54 AM, "Charlie T, K3ICH" wrote: > > > >A 'ZNR" is a Zinc Oxide non-linear Resistor. It is the mechanical >equivalent of a Zener Diode. It is a bidirectional (AC) device that will >conduct when a certain level of voltage is applied across it. They don't >typically have as sharp a "knee" as a real Zener, but are very effective for >what they do. Basically , a voltage surge or transient protector. >Hopefully, they worked but are probably blown and should be replaced. > >As for the rest of the stuff, I'm sure you'll find some more (inexpensive) >things to replace and the system will come back to life. > >Good Luck on the repair, Charlie k3ICH > > >----- Original Message ----- >From: "Vic, K2VCO" >To: "Elecraft Reflector" >Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2014 1:23 PM >Subject: [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! > > >>I just did one of the dumbest things I've done since I tried to swim across >>the Susquehanna river with all my clothes on. I survived that, but I need >>help with something else. >> >> I just turned on a computer plugged into 230v with the switch on the power >> supply set to 115v. Result: bang, smoke, house breaker (16a) pops. >> >> I took the power supply apart (it is a funny size so I have little >> confidence I could replace it). I found two obviously bad components: 1) >> an 8a fuse -- no problem. 2) something marked znr1 on the board, a >> component wrapped in heatshrink tubing. It was completely destroyed. Next >> to it is a similar part labeled znr2. I haven't removed it yet -- >> so I am not sure it is good. It might be the same as the first one and it >> might be marked under the heatshrink. >> >> There is a bridge rectifier nearby which checks good. All traces look ok. >> I am hoping there is someone out there who is familiar with these supplies >> who can suggest what these are (zener diodes? What voltage?) >> The board is made in such a way that it is difficult to trace the >> wiring -- but these parts are right near the power input. >> >> -- >> Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP >> Rehovot, Israel >> http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pincon at erols.com > >______________________________________________________________ >Elecraft mailing list >Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 georgefritkin at yahoo.com >______________________________________________________________ >Elecraft mailing list >Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 fptownsend at earthlink.net From pincon at erols.com Tue Sep 9 17:38:33 2014 From: pincon at erols.com (Charlie T, K3ICH) Date: Tue, 9 Sep 2014 17:38:33 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! References: <540F379F.3020604@gmail.com> <449A7769EE5D4EBE9B29C08997822C0C@pinnacle05df05> <1410291521.84216.YahooMailNeo@web163106.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: Maybe "mechanical" was not the proper choice of words. What I was implying was that it is not a junction device as would be a Zener or an SCR. It is simply a chunk of Zinc Oxide that with the proper mix will start to conduct at a predictable voltage. In that sense, it is more mechanical than a Zener. Chas ----- Original Message ----- From: george fritkin To: Charlie T, K3ICH ; elecraft at mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2014 3:38 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! There is nothing mechanical about a ZNR. The electrical equivalent is back to back Zener diodes with a capacitor. Some people call them Transzorbs or MOVs to get by trade marks. The ZNR is a Panasonic trade mark George, W6GF On Tuesday, September 9, 2014 10:54 AM, "Charlie T, K3ICH" wrote: A 'ZNR" is a Zinc Oxide non-linear Resistor. It is the mechanical equivalent of a Zener Diode. It is a bidirectional (AC) device that will conduct when a certain level of voltage is applied across it. They don't typically have as sharp a "knee" as a real Zener, but are very effective for what they do. Basically , a voltage surge or transient protector. Hopefully, they worked but are probably blown and should be replaced. As for the rest of the stuff, I'm sure you'll find some more (inexpensive) things to replace and the system will come back to life. Good Luck on the repair, Charlie k3ICH ----- Original Message ----- From: "Vic, K2VCO" To: "Elecraft Reflector" Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2014 1:23 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! >I just did one of the dumbest things I've done since I tried to swim across >the Susquehanna river with all my clothes on. I survived that, but I need >help with something else. > > I just turned on a computer plugged into 230v with the switch on the power > supply set to 115v. Result: bang, smoke, house breaker (16a) pops. > > I took the power supply apart (it is a funny size so I have little > confidence I could replace it). I found two obviously bad components: 1) > an 8a fuse -- no problem. 2) something marked znr1 on the board, a > component wrapped in heatshrink tubing. It was completely destroyed. Next > to it is a similar part labeled znr2. I haven't removed it yet -- > so I am not sure it is good. It might be the same as the first one and it > might be marked under the heatshrink. > > There is a bridge rectifier nearby which checks good. All traces look ok. > I am hoping there is someone out there who is familiar with these supplies > who can suggest what these are (zener diodes? What voltage?) > The board is made in such a way that it is difficult to trace the > wiring -- but these parts are right near the power input. > > -- > Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP > Rehovot, Israel > http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pincon at erols.com ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 georgefritkin at yahoo.com From w7cs at theriver.com Tue Sep 9 19:24:27 2014 From: w7cs at theriver.com (Chuck Smallhouse) Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 16:24:27 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and preamp In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <20140909162412.43BB15CD@dm0225.mta.everyone.net> Dave, N7AIG, Please define "stochastic resonance", a new term for me, which may apparently aid in weak signal detection. When I was very active on 2M CW EME, in order to better detect very weak signals below the noise, I played all kinds of adjustment games with the CW BW, tone and IF shaping of my TS-930S. For my needs (type of noise) it had by far the best NB that I've ever used. In addition, I also used an Autek QF-1 external audio filtering system, centered at about 400 Hz and an estimated 25 Hz audio BW. It did not ring when adjusted properly. By dumb luck and extensive experimenting, I discovered that the least expensive (cheapest) headphones that Radio Shack sold, had a strong mechanical (audio peak ?) resonance, also at 400 Hz. My hearing (unadmitted at the time) had also like Fred's, had been exposed to many, many very, very loud noises, during one of my careers, and suffered greatly from Tinitus and overall hearing impairment. It happened that my preferred or best CW weak signal copying frequency, was 400 Hz. Anyway when the searched for very weak signal ( sometimes > -10 dB below the noise) lined up with all the adjusted BWs, it just seemed to "pop" out of noise and become detectable. So Dave, is this at all related to, or similar to " stochastic resonance" ? Chuck, W7CS From w1gql at midcoast.com Tue Sep 9 20:15:16 2014 From: w1gql at midcoast.com (Dave and Alice Billheimer) Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 20:15:16 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 Scan Message-ID: <540F9814.22138.2A020D6@w1gql.midcoast.com> Is there any way to adjust the length of the pause that the scanner makes when it encounters a signal? I find it is so brief that there isn't enough time for me to make a decision whether or not to stop the scan before it moves on. Adjusting the overall scan rate makes a small difference, but I find it isn't enough. Have I missed something? Any suggestions? W1GQL on the coast of Maine. From k2vco.vic at gmail.com Wed Sep 10 03:41:15 2014 From: k2vco.vic at gmail.com (Vic Rosenthal K2VCO) Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 00:41:15 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! In-Reply-To: <1410291521.84216.YahooMailNeo@web163106.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> References: <540F379F.3020604@gmail.com> <449A7769EE5D4EBE9B29C08997822C0C@pinnacle05df05> <1410291521.84216.YahooMailNeo@web163106.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <5410009B.3030308@gmail.com> Thank to everyone who responded to my cry for help after I damaged my computer PS. I replaced the MOVs and the fuse and it works! I do not recommend running 120v equipment on 240v in general! On 9/9/2014 12:38 PM, george fritkin via Elecraft wrote: > There is nothing mechanical about a ZNR. The electrical equivalent is back to back Zener diodes with a capacitor. Some people call them Transzorbs or MOVs to get by trade marks. The ZNR is a Panasonic trade mark > > George, W6GF > > > On Tuesday, September 9, 2014 10:54 AM, "Charlie T, K3ICH" wrote: > > > > A 'ZNR" is a Zinc Oxide non-linear Resistor. It is the mechanical > equivalent of a Zener Diode. It is a bidirectional (AC) device that will > conduct when a certain level of voltage is applied across it. They don't > typically have as sharp a "knee" as a real Zener, but are very effective for > what they do. Basically , a voltage surge or transient protector. > Hopefully, they worked but are probably blown and should be replaced. > > As for the rest of the stuff, I'm sure you'll find some more (inexpensive) > things to replace and the system will come back to life. > > Good Luck on the repair, Charlie k3ICH > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Vic, K2VCO" > To: "Elecraft Reflector" > Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2014 1:23 PM > Subject: [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! > > >> I just did one of the dumbest things I've done since I tried to swim across >> the Susquehanna river with all my clothes on. I survived that, but I need >> help with something else. >> >> I just turned on a computer plugged into 230v with the switch on the power >> supply set to 115v. Result: bang, smoke, house breaker (16a) pops. >> >> I took the power supply apart (it is a funny size so I have little >> confidence I could replace it). I found two obviously bad components: 1) >> an 8a fuse -- no problem. 2) something marked znr1 on the board, a >> component wrapped in heatshrink tubing. It was completely destroyed. Next >> to it is a similar part labeled znr2. I haven't removed it yet -- >> so I am not sure it is good. It might be the same as the first one and it >> might be marked under the heatshrink. >> >> There is a bridge rectifier nearby which checks good. All traces look ok. >> I am hoping there is someone out there who is familiar with these supplies >> who can suggest what these are (zener diodes? What voltage?) >> The board is made in such a way that it is difficult to trace the >> wiring -- but these parts are right near the power input. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP Rehovot, Israel http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ From gm3sek at ifwtech.co.uk Wed Sep 10 04:22:33 2014 From: gm3sek at ifwtech.co.uk (Ian White) Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 09:22:33 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] Help! Rescue me from stupid error! In-Reply-To: <10685800.1410297060581.JavaMail.root@mswamui-cedar.atl.sa.earthlink.net> References: <10685800.1410297060581.JavaMail.root@mswamui-cedar.atl.sa.earthlink.net> Message-ID: <001e01cfccd0$64596dc0$2d0c4940$@co.uk> > >George: Not to put too fine a point on it but ZNRs are large and slow moving >so they do have mechanical aspects but more to the point they do NOT have >capacitance, save lead capacitance (a few pf), Not true: MOVs have a self-capacitance on the order of 1000pF, which is sometimes an advantage. The surge limiting components with a very low capacitance are spark gaps, but those have quite different characteristics. MOVs are bidirectional devices which are "soft limiting", so they are not as effective as transzorbs in limiting any incoming voltage spikes. On the other hand, MOVs are bulk-effect devices which are capable of absorbing much more surge energy than the semiconductor junctions in the transzorbs. The main function of MOVs is to "take a bullet" for the more sensitive (and valuable) components downstream. However, this also involves some cumulative damage to the crystal structure and eventually an MOV will either become ineffective or fail (failure could involve either an upward or a downward shift in the limiting voltage, ending in either an open or a short circuit). These failure modes can be an acceptable price to pay for the energy absorbing capabilities, so long as both the designer and the user are aware of the possibilities. The most effective protection strategies will combine two or more different types of device to exploit each of their best features. One example is to install a big MOV first in line, followed by a series impedance (usually a mains filter) and then a fast device such as a transzorb to clip any residual spikes. Another very simple tip is to install all of these supply protection components AFTER the switch, so they are not exposed to surges when equipment is not in use. 73 from Ian GM3SEK From ptaa at ieee.org Wed Sep 10 12:52:21 2014 From: ptaa at ieee.org (Per-Tore Aasestrand) Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 18:52:21 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and preamp In-Reply-To: <20140909162412.43BB15CD@dm0225.mta.everyone.net> References: <20140909162412.43BB15CD@dm0225.mta.everyone.net> Message-ID: Have a look here: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stochastic_resonance P-T LA7NO On 10 September 2014 01:24, Chuck Smallhouse wrote: > Dave, N7AIG, > > Please define "stochastic resonance", a new term for me, which may > apparently aid in weak signal detection. > > When I was very active on 2M CW EME, in order to better detect very weak > signals below the noise, I played all kinds of adjustment games with the CW > BW, tone and IF shaping of my TS-930S. For my needs (type of noise) it had > by far the best NB that I've ever used. In addition, I also used an Autek > QF-1 external audio filtering system, centered at about 400 Hz and an > estimated 25 Hz audio BW. It did not ring when adjusted properly. By dumb > luck and extensive experimenting, I discovered that the least expensive > (cheapest) headphones that Radio Shack sold, had a strong mechanical > (audio peak ?) resonance, also at 400 Hz. > > My hearing (unadmitted at the time) had also like Fred's, had been exposed > to many, many very, very loud noises, during one of my careers, and > suffered greatly from Tinitus and overall hearing impairment. It happened > that my preferred or best CW weak signal copying frequency, was 400 Hz. > > Anyway when the searched for very weak signal ( sometimes > -10 dB below > the noise) lined up with all the adjusted BWs, it just seemed to "pop" out > of noise and become detectable. > > So Dave, is this at all related to, or similar to " stochastic > resonance" ? > > Chuck, W7CS > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 ptaa at ieee.org > From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Wed Sep 10 17:08:33 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Jim Stahl via Elecraft) Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 17:08:33 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 - Key Clicks with CW in SSB Message-ID: <36082.719d8d79.414217d1@aol.com> With V2.19, it's good to finally get the CW delay issue when using CW in SSB resolved. However, I have noticeable key clicks when using CW in SSB with an external keyer. I hear them both in the KX3 monitor, and listening on a separate receiver. No problem when using the internal keyer, or when using an external keyer in CW mode. ??? 73 - Jim K8MR From w7aqk at cox.net Wed Sep 10 17:59:11 2014 From: w7aqk at cox.net (w7aqk at cox.net) Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 14:59:11 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals Message-ID: <3245D947B29140029A68686CD87FA106@TDYDell> Bill, N2WL said: I had no trouble at all keeping in touch with my family using an early R5 vertical in 5H3 land when I was working there. My XYL had my Log Periodic on a 75 tower and I had the R5 vertical with a Metrum 500 watt amp, 12 volt battery and an Icom 735 in those days. -------------------------------------------- Bill and All, And just which antenna do you think was doing all the work??? The R5 is a decent antenna, and it probably worked well for you. However, I think it may well have been the Log Periodic that was doing all the heavy lifting, don't you? I have used an R7 and an R8 with good results, but I don't get overly confident that I'm the one really making the contact possible unless, perhaps, the person at the other end has a similarly modest antenna. With my R8 I worked VP6DX on 80 and 160, both SSB and CW, but I don't for a second give the credit to my end. They just had good ears, that's all! I have a nice ARCI "Miles per Watt" certificate on my desk for a 40 meter contact I made with DJ6ZM while I was running 1.8 watts with an HW-8 (and the R8). However, all you have to do is take a peek at Tof's antenna setup in Munich to see how and why the contact was possible. I'm as guilty as the next person about getting a bit excited if I make a DX contact I think is somewhat rare or difficult. However, reality sets in when I hear what the other station is using. There is a fellow ham just up the street from me who works DX all the time that I can't even hear a peep out of. He has a good beam, and I don't. That obviously tells me something. Antennas are evaluated all the time by comparison to a "reference" antenna. Probably QSO's should be similarly evaluated by comparing the antenna systems at both ends. The old adage that "if you can hear them, you can work them" is probably mostly true, but it may not be your fault! Dave W7AQK From w4jbb at charter.net Wed Sep 10 18:43:12 2014 From: w4jbb at charter.net (Joel Black) Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 17:43:12 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] VFO B Slow Tuning Message-ID: <5410D400.3070309@charter.net> I cannot remember where I read it and I've since deleted the email, but someone asked if VFO B on the KX3 could be tuned faster. First, I have not found a way to tune it faster other than by making sure VFO tunes in 10 Hz steps. Second, using Fred Cady's KX3 book and the K3/KX3 programming guide, I was able to program PF1 to "UP 1" in CW and then take the split and sub back out by sequencing my macros: CWSPLT: MD3;SWT25;SWT25;FT1;SB1;UPB4;MN110;SWT27;SWH18;MN255; UNSPLT: SB0;FR0;MN110;SWT19;SWH18;MN255; Each press of PF1 loops through the two macros: CWSPLT - First press puts you in CW mode (MD3); second taps A>B twice (SWT25;SWT25) to copy VFO A to VFO B; third changes to VFO B transmit (FT1); fourth turns on dual watch (SB1); fifth tells you to go up 1 kHz (UPB4). Now comes the sequencing MN110 puts you into MENU mode and selects the MACRO x menu; SWT27 tells you to select Macro 2n (UNSPLT) and put it in play; SWH18 tells it to program to PF1; and MN255 exits MENU mode. UNSPLT - SB0 changes transmit to VFO A; FR0 cancels split; MN110 enters MENU mode; SWT19 taps 1 to select MACRO 1 (CWSPLT); SWH18 programs it to PF1; and MN255 exits the MENU. This could be done to program SSB splits (I guess 3 kHz?) too. Just change the MD and UPB appropriately. Have fun. 73/72, Joel - W4JBB Choosing to operate simply with my barefoot KX3 #1479 for September 2014 From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Wed Sep 10 19:06:38 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 19:06:38 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] VFO B Slow Tuning In-Reply-To: <5410D400.3070309@charter.net> References: <5410D400.3070309@charter.net> Message-ID: <5410D97E.3090304@embarqmail.com> Joel, Set VFO CRS in the menu to whatever step size you want for each mode - it is a per mode setting. I have mine set to 0.5 for SSB and 0.1 for CW. Make sure RIT and XIT are turned off and the OFS LED is on. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/10/2014 6:43 PM, Joel Black wrote: > I cannot remember where I read it and I've since deleted the email, > but someone asked if VFO B on the KX3 could be tuned faster. > > First, I have not found a way to tune it faster other than by making > sure VFO tunes in 10 Hz steps. > From n6kr at elecraft.com Wed Sep 10 20:21:09 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 17:21:09 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] New field-test KX3 firmware available (rev. 2.20) -- misc. improvements Message-ID: This field-test release cleans up a number of important issues. See below. If you're interested in testing this release, please email me directly and I'll send you the files. 73, Wayne N6KR * * * MCU 2.20 / DSP 1.30, 9-10-2014 New features: * SPLIT/RIT/XIT SAVE: The KX3 now preserves SPLIT/RIT/XIT on band change and in memories. (2-m note: SPLIT can be used to set up odd repeater splits in VFO A and B.) * PA MODE TURNS OFF AUTOMATICALLY IF NO KXPA100 FOUND: If you set the PA MODE menu entry to ON, but no KXPA100 is connected, the menu entry will be set back to OFF within several seconds. Some users have discovered they had PA MODE set to ON unintentionally, bypassing their internal ATU (KXAT3). * PX3 USED WITH KX3 ON 2 or 4 METERS DISABLES ?SLEEP?: If a PX3 is connected and turned on, the KX3's SLEEP mode (2 and 4-meter FM battery save) is automatically disabled to prevent the spectrum display from shifting up and down during SLEEP cycles. Misc. bug fixes: * PX3 DISPLAY UPDATED WHEN REV SWITCH USED: REV changes only VFO A on the PX3, just as it only changes VFO A on the KX3 display. * MORSE-CODE SWITCH TONES FIXED ON 2 and 4 METERS: USB and LSB (?U? and ?L?) were reversed. Frequency readout had decimal in the wrong location. * 60-METER UPPER BAND LIMIT (U.S.) CORRECTED: Now accommodates DATA and CW mode operation on the highest-frequency channel. * SCROLLING VFO B INFO MESSAGES FIXED: Informational messages that use ?Times Square? scrolling format now work even when a special VFO B display or text decode is in use. (Example: The ?USE PHONES? reminder when turning on DUAL RX.) From n6kr at elecraft.com Wed Sep 10 20:31:49 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 17:31:49 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 - Key Clicks with CW in SSB In-Reply-To: <36082.719d8d79.414217d1@aol.com> References: <36082.719d8d79.414217d1@aol.com> Message-ID: <95A367C3-C010-4BF8-8BA6-CCFBCA36E3B4@elecraft.com> I didn't notice that in my tests, but I've added it to the list. Wayne N6KR On Sep 10, 2014, at 2:08 PM, Jim Stahl via Elecraft wrote: > With V2.19, it's good to finally get the CW delay issue when using CW in > SSB resolved. > > However, I have noticeable key clicks when using CW in SSB with an external > keyer. I hear them both in the KX3 monitor, and listening on a separate > receiver. > > No problem when using the internal keyer, or when using an external keyer > in CW mode. > > ??? > > > 73 - Jim K8MR > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 n6kr at elecraft.com From ke6te.9 at gmail.com Wed Sep 10 23:06:34 2014 From: ke6te.9 at gmail.com (George Rebong) Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 20:06:34 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 mobile bracket mount Message-ID: Looking for mobile mount for KX3. Where can I get one. -- George Rebong KE6TE From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Wed Sep 10 23:14:35 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 20:14:35 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 - Key Clicks with CW in SSB In-Reply-To: <95A367C3-C010-4BF8-8BA6-CCFBCA36E3B4@elecraft.com> References: <36082.719d8d79.414217d1@aol.com> <95A367C3-C010-4BF8-8BA6-CCFBCA36E3B4@elecraft.com> Message-ID: <5411139B.7020703@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Wed,9/10/2014 5:31 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > I didn't notice that in my tests, but I've added it to the list. Wayne -- is this simple modulation by computer generated CW? If so, might that be overdrive somewhere in the audio chain after the audio is generated? Or are you doing something fancier? 73, Jim K9YC From n6kr at elecraft.com Wed Sep 10 23:19:26 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Wed, 10 Sep 2014 20:19:26 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 - Key Clicks with CW in SSB In-Reply-To: <5411139B.7020703@audiosystemsgroup.com> References: <36082.719d8d79.414217d1@aol.com> <95A367C3-C010-4BF8-8BA6-CCFBCA36E3B4@elecraft.com> <5411139B.7020703@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: <5A9E272E-A7C5-48C9-8F53-F97FC1ECC4CF@elecraft.com> It's a problem with the CW/T-R state machine. Easy fix. Wayne On Sep 10, 2014, at 8:14 PM, Jim Brown wrote: > On Wed,9/10/2014 5:31 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: >> I didn't notice that in my tests, but I've added it to the list. > > Wayne -- is this simple modulation by computer generated CW? If so, might that be overdrive somewhere in the audio chain after the audio is generated? Or are you doing something fancier? > > 73, Jim K9YC > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 n6kr at elecraft.com From w4jbb at charter.net Thu Sep 11 05:27:41 2014 From: w4jbb at charter.net (Joel Black) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 04:27:41 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] VFO B Slow Tuning In-Reply-To: <5410D97E.3090304@embarqmail.com> References: <5410D400.3070309@charter.net> <5410D97E.3090304@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <54116B0D.30902@charter.net> Don, I learn something new everyday. Thanks, Joel - W4JBB On 9/10/14, 6:06 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > Joel, > > Set VFO CRS in the menu to whatever step size you want for each mode - > it is a per mode setting. > I have mine set to 0.5 for SSB and 0.1 for CW. Make sure RIT and XIT > are turned off and the OFS LED is on. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > On 9/10/2014 6:43 PM, Joel Black wrote: >> I cannot remember where I read it and I've since deleted the email, >> but someone asked if VFO B on the KX3 could be tuned faster. >> >> First, I have not found a way to tune it faster other than by making >> sure VFO tunes in 10 Hz steps. >> > > From gerryleary99 at icloud.com Thu Sep 11 07:16:04 2014 From: gerryleary99 at icloud.com (Gerry leary) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 05:16:04 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] Test Message-ID: <8F51F03E-8EDC-4B0C-8B7B-B983364FF4CD@icloud.com> Sent from my iPhone this time From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Thu Sep 11 07:48:52 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Tom Fitzgerald via Elecraft) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 06:48:52 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] Solution Message-ID: <9BEA8C3F-B693-4A5C-9689-2F04B1D02611@yahoo.com> "I prefer an inverted V over a vertical but in 5H3 deep in the bush filming wildlife on a TV contract I didn't always have trees at hand!" Hm...where has creativity gone to? Use to giraffes as I did! :) The Drake equation is: N = R(200 billion) x Fp x Ne x Fl x Fi x Fc x L where: N = the number of civilizations in our galaxy with which radio-communication might be possible (i.e. which are on our current past light cone); and R* = the average rate of star formation in our galaxy fp = the fraction of those stars that have planets ne = the average number of planets that can potentially support life per star that has planets fl = the fraction of planets that could support life that actually develop life at some point fi = the fraction of planets with life that actually go on to develop intelligent life (civilizations) fc = the fraction of civilizations that develop a technology that releases detectable signs of their existence into space L = the length of time for which such civilizations release detectable signals into space before going extinct. In the Orion "spur" of the Perseus arm of the galaxy known as the Milky Way...Earth is located. The universe will last about another 100 trillion years. From w2up at comcast.net Thu Sep 11 08:29:59 2014 From: w2up at comcast.net (Barry) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 05:29:59 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <1410438599096-7592961.post@n2.nabble.com> Bill Levy wrote > I had no trouble at all keeping in touch with my family using an early R5 > vertical in 5H3 land when I was working there. > > Bill N2WL > ex 5H3WL, 5Z4PI and VQ9WL Having those callsigns gave you an extra 20 db gain. I've tried a few verticals over the years and found them to be poor performers. Barry W2UP -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Verticals-tp7592925p7592961.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From matt.vk2rq at gmail.com Thu Sep 11 09:49:30 2014 From: matt.vk2rq at gmail.com (Matt VK2RQ) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 23:49:30 +1000 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] VHF BNC mod kit recommended with 2m module? Message-ID: For early model KX3, there is a mod kit for the BNC connector which added extra filtering to reduce weak signal interference on VHF/UHF. Is this mod recommended if the 2m transverter is installed in the KX3? Will it cause interference to itself on 2m without the mod? 73, Matt VK2RQ From htodd at twofifty.com Thu Sep 11 09:50:46 2014 From: htodd at twofifty.com (Hisashi T Fujinaka) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 06:50:46 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals In-Reply-To: <1410438599096-7592961.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <1410438599096-7592961.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: On Thu, 11 Sep 2014, Barry wrote: > Bill Levy wrote >> I had no trouble at all keeping in touch with my family using an early R5 >> vertical in 5H3 land when I was working there. >> >> Bill N2WL >> ex 5H3WL, 5Z4PI and VQ9WL > > Having those callsigns gave you an extra 20 db gain. I've tried a few > verticals over the years and found them to be poor performers. I use a AV-640 and I would suggest it over NO ANTENNA any day. And it fits on a city lot without too many complaints. This is a non-technical opinion, but a bad antenna is way better than no antenna. I'm a big fan of experimenting and seeing what works and then getting on the air. I can't believe some of the contacts I've made. -- Hisashi T Fujinaka - htodd at twofifty.com BSEE + BSChem + BAEnglish + MSCS + $2.50 = coffee From jim.w4atk at gmail.com Thu Sep 11 10:03:43 2014 From: jim.w4atk at gmail.com (Jim Rogers) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 09:03:43 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals In-Reply-To: <1410438599096-7592961.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <1410438599096-7592961.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <5411ABBF.3070804@gmail.com> I have to jump in here and give some support to my friend Bill Levy. Years ago, in my earlier years of amateur radio I could not afford a beam or rotator, so I delved in the antenna section of the handbook and came up with an array of three phased verticals on 20M. This was during the time of the Danny Wiel and Gus Browning DXPeditions. I found the verticals to be quite effective, as I worked many of the exotic destinations of Danny and Gus. W4ECI, "Mr. Ack" as he was know locally, and the sponsor of many of these DXPeditions, once asked what I was running? It gave me a great sense of pride to tell him, 100W and homebrew phased verticals. A friend in Virginia, K4XT, whom I work regularly on a sked, is running a pair of R7s phased appropriately and is quite satisfied with them. Before he had a big US Tower and multi-element tri-bander. Just got tired of all the hassle and runs the verticals. Any antenna, verticals, or the big yagis require some degree of expertise to use them to their best effectiveness. Verticals get a bad rap most of the time because of the old adage, "verticals radiate poorly in all directions". In my experience, verticals used and installed properly are quite an effective antenna. Jim, W4ATK Celebrating 61 years of Amateur Radio P.S. All of my antennas today are in my attic. I will see you on the DX bands! On 9/11/2014 7:29 AM, Barry wrote: > Bill Levy wrote >> I had no trouble at all keeping in touch with my family using an early R5 >> vertical in 5H3 land when I was working there. >> >> Bill N2WL >> ex 5H3WL, 5Z4PI and VQ9WL > Having those callsigns gave you an extra 20 db gain. I've tried a few > verticals over the years and found them to be poor performers. > > Barry W2UP > > > > > -- > View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Verticals-tp7592925p7592961.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 jim.w4atk at gmail.com > From n6kr at elecraft.com Thu Sep 11 11:00:38 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 08:00:38 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] VHF BNC mod kit recommended with 2m module? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <58471B7B-0390-4DE9-91F5-C7EFF23C6D60@elecraft.com> This mod, which was phased into production long ago, only pertains to the HF-6 meter antenna jack (BNC). It has no impact on the 2-meter module, which uses the SMA jack. 73, Wayne N6KR On Sep 11, 2014, at 6:49 AM, Matt VK2RQ wrote: > For early model KX3, there is a mod kit for the BNC connector which added extra filtering to reduce weak signal interference on VHF/UHF. Is this mod recommended if the 2m transverter is installed in the KX3? Will it cause interference to itself on 2m without the mod? > > 73, Matt VK2RQ > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 n6kr at elecraft.com From lists at subich.com Thu Sep 11 11:56:59 2014 From: lists at subich.com (Joe Subich, W4TV) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 11:56:59 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals In-Reply-To: <5411ABBF.3070804@gmail.com> References: <1410438599096-7592961.post@n2.nabble.com> <5411ABBF.3070804@gmail.com> Message-ID: <5411C64B.8080503@subich.com> I need to agree with Jim and others in support of the verticals. I've been #2 in the world the last two years in the 100W/simple antennas (verticals, dipoles) class of CQ DX Marathon. My antennas are variously an 80/40 trap inverted V at 40', an R5 or an N6BT Q51 (bandswitched dipole for 20-10) at 18 feet. Those antennas have been responsible for DXCC Honor Roll CW and Mixed as well as a major part of the 2500 (once I make my next submission) in DXCC Challenge since moving to Florida 16 years ago and getting back on the air after being essentially off for the previous 15. In addition, the R5 and/or Q51 are responsible for 72 countries and 250 grids on six meters even though neither antenna is designed for that band. The verticals and low dipoles are not [nearly] as good as the big towers and [stacked] mono band beams I had in Ohio but they're a long way better than no antenna or a random wire snaked around the fence line. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-09-11 10:03 AM, Jim Rogers wrote: > I have to jump in here and give some support to my friend Bill Levy. > Years ago, in my earlier years of amateur radio I could not afford a > beam or rotator, so I delved in the antenna section of the handbook and > came up with an array of three phased verticals on 20M. This was during > the time of the Danny Wiel and Gus Browning DXPeditions. I found the > verticals to be quite effective, as I worked many of the exotic > destinations of Danny and Gus. W4ECI, "Mr. Ack" as he was know locally, > and the sponsor of many of these DXPeditions, once asked what I was > running? It gave me a great sense of pride to tell him, 100W and > homebrew phased verticals. > > A friend in Virginia, K4XT, whom I work regularly on a sked, is running > a pair of R7s phased appropriately and is quite satisfied with them. > Before he had a big US Tower and multi-element tri-bander. Just got > tired of all the hassle and runs the verticals. > > Any antenna, verticals, or the big yagis require some degree of > expertise to use them to their best effectiveness. > Verticals get a bad rap most of the time because of the old adage, > "verticals radiate poorly in all directions". In my experience, > verticals used and installed properly are quite an effective antenna. > > Jim, W4ATK > Celebrating 61 years of Amateur Radio > P.S. All of my antennas today are in my attic. I will see you on the DX > bands! > > On 9/11/2014 7:29 AM, Barry wrote: >> Bill Levy wrote >>> I had no trouble at all keeping in touch with my family using an >>> early R5 >>> vertical in 5H3 land when I was working there. >>> >>> Bill N2WL >>> ex 5H3WL, 5Z4PI and VQ9WL >> Having those callsigns gave you an extra 20 db gain. I've tried a few >> verticals over the years and found them to be poor performers. >> >> Barry W2UP >> >> >> >> >> -- >> View this message in context: >> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Verticals-tp7592925p7592961.html >> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 jim.w4atk at gmail.com >> > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 lists at subich.com > From pa0pje at xs4all.nl Thu Sep 11 11:57:06 2014 From: pa0pje at xs4all.nl (Peter Eijlander (PA0PJE)) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 17:57:06 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] kX3 - firmware update problem - no comms and MCU LD In-Reply-To: <5358575A.4080406@embarqmail.com> References: <53585247.1@mac.com> <5358575A.4080406@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <5411C652.50700@xs4all.nl> I had the same issue in Ubuntu Linux. The reason was that by default only root has access to /dev/ttyUSB0. If you add yourself to the group "dialup" like this: In a terminal do at the ~$ prompt: sudo usermod -a -G dialout where should be your name as shown on the prompt before the @... log out then log in again and start the utility. By then it should work ok. At least to me it did....:-) Canonical seems not to like people to mess around with group policies therefore leaves out a gui application to set them. should you still want one: sudo apt-get install gnome-system-tools 73, Peter Op 2014-04-24 02:14 schreef Don Wilhelm: > Darren, > > That level is the MAC version of KX3 Utility, I use Windows, so I can't > help on the Utility. > I would suggest that you power everything down including the computer, > then follow the steps in the KX3 manual to force a firmware load. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 4/23/2014 7:52 PM, Darren Long wrote: >> Hi, >> >> I've just tried a firmware update using KX3 Utility rev 1.14.4.11 which >> failed early on, leaving the KX3 stuck showing "MCU LD" and KX3 Utility >> unable to communicate with the rig. >> >> How should I proceed? >> >> > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pa0pje at xs4all.nl > From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Thu Sep 11 12:10:12 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 09:10:12 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals In-Reply-To: <5411C64B.8080503@subich.com> References: <1410438599096-7592961.post@n2.nabble.com> <5411ABBF.3070804@gmail.com> <5411C64B.8080503@subich.com> Message-ID: <5411C964.5090808@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Thu,9/11/2014 6:50 AM, Hisashi T Fujinaka wrote: > I use a AV-640 and I would suggest it over NO ANTENNA any day. And it > fits on a city lot without too many complaints Yes, and that's something that blanket criticisms of antenna choices fail to consider. On his tiny Evanston, IL city lot, my friend K9OR has an AV-640 on his roof and a low 80M dipole between trees. He has a lot of fun with it. On Thu,9/11/2014 8:56 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: > I need to agree with Jim and others in support of the verticals. Here's my take on this sort of antenna decision -- with a limited number of possibilities, which are likely to work the best? http://k9yc.com/VertOrHorizontal-Slides.pdf http://k9yc.com/VerticalHeight.pdf 73, Jim K9YC From w0agmike at gmail.com Thu Sep 11 12:13:03 2014 From: w0agmike at gmail.com (Mike Murray) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 11:13:03 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] F/S K2/100 & KAT100 Message-ID: Selling my K2/100, #2652, and KAT100 to finance a KX3 purchase and downsize the shack a bit. Excellent condition mechanically and electrically with the following: -Most A to B mods done (list available) -KSB2 SSB option -K160RX 160 option -KNB2 Noise blanker -KDSP2 Advanced DSP filter -Clifton Labs Z10000B-K2 Buffer Amplifier, IF output -K6XX CW tuning indicator -KI6WX keying mod -W3FPR's fixed AF level output -TF3MA sidetone mod -Split/RIT/XIT LED indicator mod -KR5L CW zero beat indicator mod -SoftRock Lite II K2 IF to I/Q output (external box) -All docmentation Current Elecraft pricing: $1,964.70 + Softrock Shipped to US addresses only - $1350.00. PayPal prefered. Photos available and email me for any questions. 73, Mike - W0AG From pa0pje at xs4all.nl Thu Sep 11 12:39:34 2014 From: pa0pje at xs4all.nl (Peter Eijlander (PA0PJE)) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 18:39:34 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] kX3 - firmware update problem - no comms and MCU LD In-Reply-To: <5411C652.50700@xs4all.nl> References: <53585247.1@mac.com> <5358575A.4080406@embarqmail.com> <5411C652.50700@xs4all.nl> Message-ID: <5411D046.6060301@xs4all.nl> Ooops, that should be "dialout"... Op 2014-09-11 17:57 schreef Peter Eijlander (PA0PJE): > If you add yourself to the group "dialup" like this: From kc2kj1 at gmail.com Thu Sep 11 13:37:12 2014 From: kc2kj1 at gmail.com (Mike Sullivan) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 13:37:12 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] More data on K3 Receiver S meter calibration Message-ID: <147A86D9-9410-4206-A6E7-BB295F0860CA@mac.com> I got one response from Don W3FPR who indicated I should try S-Meter Config MD: to ABS "which causes the S-Meter reading to stay fairly constant but require SMTR OF and SC to be re-aligned" and to "find a happy medium for the setting". The K3 internal Tuner was bypassed. I did that and have prepared the following table of observed S meter values (utilizing the XG3): Band -73 dBm -33 dBm 160 S9 S40 80 S9 S40 40 S9 S45 30 S9 S40 20 S4 S10 17 S9 S40 15 S9 S40 12 S9 S40 10 S9 S40 I did double check the XG3 with the Rigol Spectrum Analyzer and it was dead on. The obvious question is why is the 20 meter results so different from the other bands? I am enough of a purist to send the K3 back for a re-alignment, but could an incorrect component been assembled on the receiver board? Any ideas? From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Thu Sep 11 13:51:37 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 13:51:37 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] More data on K3 Receiver S meter calibration In-Reply-To: <147A86D9-9410-4206-A6E7-BB295F0860CA@mac.com> References: <147A86D9-9410-4206-A6E7-BB295F0860CA@mac.com> Message-ID: <5411E129.9080102@embarqmail.com> Mike, The only 2 things in the receive path that differ substantially from band to band is the Low Pass Filter and the Bandpass Filter. Unless the "component" you refer to is a part of those filters, it is unlikely to be a component problem. It would seem that you have a problem with one or the other. Further testing with an RF Probe or an oscilloscope and a strong signal generator may reveal which one. The XG3 may have enough output for investigation with a 'scope, but I doubt it is strong enough to use an RF Probe. Yes, you may wish to take the easy path and have Elecraft check and align it - contact K3support at elecarft.com if you wish to start that process. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/11/2014 1:37 PM, Mike Sullivan wrote: > I got one response from Don W3FPR who indicated I should try S-Meter Config MD: to ABS "which causes the S-Meter reading to stay fairly constant but require SMTR OF and SC to be re-aligned" and to "find a happy medium for the setting". > > The K3 internal Tuner was bypassed. > > I did that and have prepared the following table of observed S meter values (utilizing the XG3): > > > Band -73 dBm -33 dBm > 160 S9 S40 > 80 S9 S40 > 40 S9 S45 > 30 S9 S40 > 20 S4 S10 > 17 S9 S40 > 15 S9 S40 > 12 S9 S40 > 10 S9 S40 > > I did double check the XG3 with the Rigol Spectrum Analyzer and it was dead on. > > The obvious question is why is the 20 meter results so different from the other bands? I am enough of a purist to send the K3 back for a re-alignment, but could an incorrect component been assembled on the receiver board? > > From augie.hansen at comcast.net Thu Sep 11 14:32:53 2014 From: augie.hansen at comcast.net (Augie "Gus" Hansen) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 12:32:53 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] More data on K3 Receiver S meter calibration In-Reply-To: <147A86D9-9410-4206-A6E7-BB295F0860CA@mac.com> References: <147A86D9-9410-4206-A6E7-BB295F0860CA@mac.com> Message-ID: <5411EAD5.8080404@comcast.net> On 9/11/2014 11:37 AM, Mike Sullivan wrote: > ... > > The obvious question is why is the 20 meter results so different from the other bands? I am enough of a purist to send the K3 back for a re-alignment, but could an incorrect component been assembled on the receiver board? Do you have the correct antenna port selected on 20m? 73, Gus Hansen KB0YH From wes at triconet.org Thu Sep 11 15:08:16 2014 From: wes at triconet.org (Wes (N7WS)) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 12:08:16 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals In-Reply-To: <5411C64B.8080503@subich.com> References: <1410438599096-7592961.post@n2.nabble.com> <5411ABBF.3070804@gmail.com> <5411C64B.8080503@subich.com> Message-ID: <5411F320.4000703@triconet.org> Great job! But you're in Florida, I wonder how this would work out in the desert of Southern AZ? Wes N7WS On 9/11/2014 8:56 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: > > I need to agree with Jim and others in support of the verticals. > I've been #2 in the world the last two years in the 100W/simple > antennas (verticals, dipoles) class of CQ DX Marathon. My antennas > are variously an 80/40 trap inverted V at 40', an R5 or an N6BT > Q51 (bandswitched dipole for 20-10) at 18 feet. > > Those antennas have been responsible for DXCC Honor Roll CW and Mixed > as well as a major part of the 2500 (once I make my next submission) > in DXCC Challenge since moving to Florida 16 years ago and getting > back on the air after being essentially off for the previous 15. In > addition, the R5 and/or Q51 are responsible for 72 countries and 250 > grids on six meters even though neither antenna is designed for that > band. > > The verticals and low dipoles are not [nearly] as good as the big > towers and [stacked] mono band beams I had in Ohio but they're a > long way better than no antenna or a random wire snaked around the > fence line. > > 73, > > ... Joe, W4TV > From lists at subich.com Thu Sep 11 15:42:56 2014 From: lists at subich.com (Joe Subich, W4TV) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 15:42:56 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals In-Reply-To: <5411F320.4000703@triconet.org> References: <1410438599096-7592961.post@n2.nabble.com> <5411ABBF.3070804@gmail.com> <5411C64B.8080503@subich.com> <5411F320.4000703@triconet.org> Message-ID: <5411FB40.70806@subich.com> > But you're in Florida, I wonder how this would work out in the desert > of Southern AZ? They would probably work better to Asia and Oceania from the desert of Arizona than they work from the sandbar of Florida. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-09-11 3:08 PM, Wes (N7WS) wrote: > Great job! > > But you're in Florida, I wonder how this would work out in the desert of > Southern AZ? > > Wes N7WS > > > On 9/11/2014 8:56 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: >> >> I need to agree with Jim and others in support of the verticals. >> I've been #2 in the world the last two years in the 100W/simple >> antennas (verticals, dipoles) class of CQ DX Marathon. My antennas >> are variously an 80/40 trap inverted V at 40', an R5 or an N6BT >> Q51 (bandswitched dipole for 20-10) at 18 feet. >> >> Those antennas have been responsible for DXCC Honor Roll CW and Mixed >> as well as a major part of the 2500 (once I make my next submission) >> in DXCC Challenge since moving to Florida 16 years ago and getting >> back on the air after being essentially off for the previous 15. In >> addition, the R5 and/or Q51 are responsible for 72 countries and 250 >> grids on six meters even though neither antenna is designed for that >> band. >> >> The verticals and low dipoles are not [nearly] as good as the big >> towers and [stacked] mono band beams I had in Ohio but they're a >> long way better than no antenna or a random wire snaked around the >> fence line. >> >> 73, >> >> ... Joe, W4TV >> > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 lists at subich.com > From matt.vk2rq at gmail.com Thu Sep 11 15:55:01 2014 From: matt.vk2rq at gmail.com (Matt VK2RQ) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 05:55:01 +1000 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] VHF BNC mod kit recommended with 2m module? In-Reply-To: <58471B7B-0390-4DE9-91F5-C7EFF23C6D60@elecraft.com> References: <58471B7B-0390-4DE9-91F5-C7EFF23C6D60@elecraft.com> Message-ID: <4B87A6A6-E1D6-4894-9A95-7904AA5CA3F7@gmail.com> Well, my KX3 is an early model that predates the point at which this mod was phased into production. I understand that the transverter module uses a separate SMA jack; my question is, while using the transverter, could there be leakage out the HF/6m antenna on the BNC jack that may be picked up by the 2m antenna on the SMA jack? Or is the BNC jack disconnected during transverter operation in a way that would prevent any such leakage? 73, Matt VK2RQ On 12 Sep 2014, at 1:00 am, Wayne Burdick wrote: > This mod, which was phased into production long ago, only pertains to the HF-6 meter antenna jack (BNC). It has no impact on the 2-meter module, which uses the SMA jack. > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > > > On Sep 11, 2014, at 6:49 AM, Matt VK2RQ wrote: > >> For early model KX3, there is a mod kit for the BNC connector which added extra filtering to reduce weak signal interference on VHF/UHF. Is this mod recommended if the 2m transverter is installed in the KX3? Will it cause interference to itself on 2m without the mod? >> >> 73, Matt VK2RQ >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 n6kr at elecraft.com > From n7rjn at nobis.net Thu Sep 11 16:12:18 2014 From: n7rjn at nobis.net (Robert Nobis) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 13:12:18 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals In-Reply-To: <5411F320.4000703@triconet.org> References: <1410438599096-7592961.post@n2.nabble.com> <5411ABBF.3070804@gmail.com> <5411C64B.8080503@subich.com> <5411F320.4000703@triconet.org> Message-ID: <7407C363-D807-4686-85A9-DB28C0A23EE6@nobis.net> Wes, I am in Arizona and am using an N6BT Bravo-5a vertical and it works well. I have worked over 1500 stations since installing the antenna with about 30% of these being DX in Asia, Latin America and Europe. Could I do more DX with a three element beam at 60+ feet? Probably, but since I live in a community with an HOA that has restrictions, this is not an option for me. Bob - N7RJN n7rjn at nobis.net On Sep 11, 2014, at 12:08, Wes (N7WS) wrote: > Great job! > > But you're in Florida, I wonder how this would work out in the desert of Southern AZ? > > Wes N7WS > > > On 9/11/2014 8:56 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: >> >> I need to agree with Jim and others in support of the verticals. >> I've been #2 in the world the last two years in the 100W/simple >> antennas (verticals, dipoles) class of CQ DX Marathon. My antennas >> are variously an 80/40 trap inverted V at 40', an R5 or an N6BT >> Q51 (bandswitched dipole for 20-10) at 18 feet. >> >> Those antennas have been responsible for DXCC Honor Roll CW and Mixed >> as well as a major part of the 2500 (once I make my next submission) >> in DXCC Challenge since moving to Florida 16 years ago and getting >> back on the air after being essentially off for the previous 15. In >> addition, the R5 and/or Q51 are responsible for 72 countries and 250 >> grids on six meters even though neither antenna is designed for that >> band. >> >> The verticals and low dipoles are not [nearly] as good as the big >> towers and [stacked] mono band beams I had in Ohio but they're a >> long way better than no antenna or a random wire snaked around the >> fence line. >> >> 73, >> >> ... Joe, W4TV >> > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 n7rjn at nobis.net > From k2av.guy at gmail.com Thu Sep 11 16:24:17 2014 From: k2av.guy at gmail.com (Guy Olinger K2AV) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 16:24:17 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals In-Reply-To: <5411C964.5090808@audiosystemsgroup.com> References: <1410438599096-7592961.post@n2.nabble.com> <5411ABBF.3070804@gmail.com> <5411C64B.8080503@subich.com> <5411C964.5090808@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: In Jim's second linked PDF, he makes reference to W6GJB's (Glen) ground as being very poor, presumably because these measurements show so much more loss than "average" ground in the model. The question is what do you have to do to get the model to hand you 13.5 dB differentiation with those same changes in height IN THE MODEL. The assumption is that Glen's ground is abnormally bad. Suppose Glen's ground is very ordinary and speaks for a majority of space challenged situations. What then? NEC4 underestimates ground loss for all but commercial grade dense ground radial fields. One will be well-served by taking the W6GJB measured results as the RULE rather than the exception for any vertically polarized RF current near ground. There is a very good lead on why and what is not taken into account in NEC program code regarding ground losses in compromised ham situations, but it will not be published until it's absolutely nailed to the wall, and the NEC fix coded and tested. That may be quite a while. In the meantime, to better model ground losses for comparison use in optimizing an antenna configuration, always use WORST TERRIBLE ground in the model. You will be far closer to the truth. WORST TERRIBLE ground = (0.0007,1). Yes, that's point ZERO, ZERO, ZERO seven, not a mistake. But even as vicious a correction as that is, it does not work out as bad as a pile of anecdota indicate. WORST TERRIBLE ground will demonstrate ground sensitivities as you make adjustments to an antenna system. If you are doing modeling and intend to pass results along to anyone else ever, then assume that most people have terrible ground circumstances. This will be largely true, because vertical users are most frequently driven to those circumstances because of cramped erection possibilities so common to us folks with ordinary limited space. Cramped spaces are usually full of ground defiling lossy stuff like concrete, "rubble fill", asphalt, concrete slabs, rusty buried pipes, basements, and other stuff that turns ground type into WORST TERRIBLE. Your design maximized over WORST TERRIBLE ground will minimizing coupling current into all-too-common RF sucking stuff in typical hamdom "ground". This will take care of the ground-challenged mass majority of hams, without inconveniencing or harming in any way those awful spoiled people who live over super-dirt. In Bill Clinton's first presidential campaign, the famous (infamous?) motto was "It's the economy, stupid!". In affairs regarding verticals the parallel motto is "It's the ground losses, stupid!" The solution which maximizes results over WORST TERRIBLE ground is the one you tell friends you want to keep and publish abroad. This is why we picked FCP dimensions that were non-resonant (5/16 wave single wire folded counterpoise for use in situations where commercial grade 80m or 160m radials are not practical.) It was a compromise between high counterpoise feed reactance and ground loss. A couple dB were at stake in the choice of dimensions over WORST TERRIBLE ground. Jim is showing a 13.5 dB variation with varying heights at W6GJB, all related to ground losses, or relative lack thereof. Raising 100 watts to 1500 watts is only 11.8 dB. On the wrong side of that range and you waste all your amp power, and more, in ground losses. And it WILL be seen at some time in the future that Glen is the norm and not the exception. Note to self: "It's the ground losses, stupid!" Think about how the vertical on the roof at K9OR avoids at least some amount of ground losses. In the 60's I had a trap vertical over raised radials 1 foot up from a copper roof on a 3 story row house. It worked GREAT. The same antenna later turned into a ghastly dummy load near the grass after I moved to the suburbs and had to put it somewhere behind the house where it couldn't be seen. 73, Guy. On Thu, Sep 11, 2014 at 12:10 PM, Jim Brown wrote: > On Thu,9/11/2014 6:50 AM, Hisashi T Fujinaka wrote: > >> I use a AV-640 and I would suggest it over NO ANTENNA any day. And it >> fits on a city lot without too many complaints >> > > Yes, and that's something that blanket criticisms of antenna choices fail > to consider. On his tiny Evanston, IL city lot, my friend K9OR has an > AV-640 on his roof and a low 80M dipole between trees. He has a lot of fun > with it. > > On Thu,9/11/2014 8:56 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: > > I need to agree with Jim and others in support of the verticals. >> > > Here's my take on this sort of antenna decision -- with a limited number > of possibilities, which are likely to work the best? > > http://k9yc.com/VertOrHorizontal-Slides.pdf > > http://k9yc.com/VerticalHeight.pdf > > 73, Jim K9YC > > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k2av.guy at gmail.com > From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Thu Sep 11 16:56:35 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 13:56:35 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals In-Reply-To: References: <1410438599096-7592961.post@n2.nabble.com> <5411ABBF.3070804@gmail.com> <5411C64B.8080503@subich.com> <5411C964.5090808@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: <54120C83.3010601@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Thu,9/11/2014 1:24 PM, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: > In Jim's second linked PDF, he makes reference to W6GJB's (Glen) > ground as being very poor, presumably because these measurements show > so much more loss than "average" ground in the model. I said the ground was very poor because it is mountainous, very rocky. > The question is what do you have to do to get the model to hand you > 13.5 dB differentiation with those same changes in height IN THE MODEL. Note that the lowest field strength was with the feedpoint on the ground, which turns the coax between there and the choke into a single radial laying on the ground. > The assumption is that Glen's ground is abnormally bad. Suppose Glen's > ground is very ordinary and speaks for a majority of space challenged > situations. What then? > > > Note to self: "It's the ground losses, stupid!" Yup. > > Think about how the vertical on the roof at K9OR avoids at least some > amount of ground losses. > In the 60's I had a trap vertical over raised radials 1 foot up from a > copper roof on a 3 story row house. It worked GREAT. The same antenna > later turned into a ghastly dummy load near the grass after I moved to > the suburbs and had to put it somewhere behind the house where it > couldn't be seen. Yes, two great examples of "If I Can Put My HF Vertical On My Roof, Should I?" with the answer being a definite yes, as predicted by my work. 73, Jim K9YC From wglevy at gmail.com Thu Sep 11 17:14:09 2014 From: wglevy at gmail.com (William Levy) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 17:14:09 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals Message-ID: I think some folks misconstrued my Vertical comments. They work. They load. They radiate. They worked for me in the circuit I wanted to complete. Doesn't matter what the other station has. The first time I was 5Z4PI it was 1973 and I had a Hallicrafters Safari rig. Beauty of that rig was built in 12/110 and 240 supplies. One VFO, long before the dreaded RIT was invented. Made a trap dipole. Printed 250 qsl cards. In those days I was running a 100 watts and a dipole. When the States opened up the guys I worked ran 4 el Hygain 204BA's and KWs. That isn't the important thing. Before the states were open I worked everyone else in the world with modest transceivers and antennas with my dipole and 100 watts. The only reason we have giant towers and amps today is because everyone else in this wealthy country does. But before the band is open to the states all the DX is very happy working the rest of the world with modest gear. The other night I heard a fellow in Pakistan tune and then call CQ on the frequency my KX3 was tuned to. KX3 ran 10 watts to a Log Periodic. He barely heard me, said I was in and out of the noise. When I powered the baby amp on he could hear me Q5. Back to my old R5. It worked as good as the trap dipole did 15 years earlier. Perfect for ragchewing and hamming up. The rest of the world is very happy playing a different game then us before the bands open up to the States! WE are nothing but a wall of noise. I am glad we have K3's that are bullet proof to adjacent channels and can tune down to 100 cycles. It's beautifully made stuff and I wouldn't leave home without one! 73 all, Bill N2WL From xdavid at cis-broadband.com Thu Sep 11 17:51:40 2014 From: xdavid at cis-broadband.com (David Gilbert) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 14:51:40 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals In-Reply-To: <1410438599096-7592961.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <1410438599096-7592961.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <5412196C.4050409@cis-broadband.com> Not to heap coals on the fire, but I also owned an early R5 and it was a terrible performer. I had it over a year and when I finally got rid of it and put up a simple 20m vertical in the exact same spot on the roof and fed it against random length wires as a "ground plane", the improvement was astounding. I don't think the basic concept was so bad, but the implementation was horrible. I realized what I had as soon as I opened up that little box at the base and saw what some clueless person thought could act like a matching network. In general, though, I think it is a mistake to characterize all verticals a poor performers. It's all a function of efficiency (avoiding losses) and location. Check out the ground conductivity charts across the U.S. and you'll see huge differences, with some areas essentially acting as terrestrial dummy loads. Nearby structures that can absorb energy or distort patterns represent other possible culprits for bad results with verticals. I used nothing but verticals for most of three decades, but mine were always on a flat roof and well in the clear of anything nearby. 73, Dave AB7E On 9/11/2014 5:29 AM, Barry wrote: > Bill Levy wrote >> I had no trouble at all keeping in touch with my family using an early R5 >> vertical in 5H3 land when I was working there. >> >> Bill N2WL >> ex 5H3WL, 5Z4PI and VQ9WL > Having those callsigns gave you an extra 20 db gain. I've tried a few > verticals over the years and found them to be poor performers. > > Barry W2UP > > > > > -- > View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Verticals-tp7592925p7592961.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 xdavid at cis-broadband.com > From lists at subich.com Thu Sep 11 17:54:56 2014 From: lists at subich.com (Joe Subich, W4TV) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 17:54:56 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <54121A30.2020105@subich.com> > The rest of the world is very happy playing a different game then us > before the bands open up to the States! > WE are nothing but a wall of noise. How true ... I can work other 100W and vertical dipole stations almost anywhere as long as I can hear them over the neighborhood big screen TVs, the phase noise from the Icom and Flex transceivers, and the key clicks from the Yaesu transceivers ... and as long as the other station can hear me over the kilowatt splatter and constant noise from all the stations in the US, VE, PY, YV, I, DL, etc. Yes, get the base of a vertical up away from the lossy dirt if you can but that's no more common sense than getting the dipole as high as you can. Big antennas/high power are there because it enables those who must be first in the pile-up to do so in spite of the noise and bad signals around them. We've done it to ourselves by not insisting that all manufacturers make *clean* transmitters and everyone show restraint in their operating habits. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-09-11 5:14 PM, William Levy wrote: > I think some folks misconstrued my Vertical comments. > They work. They load. They radiate. > They worked for me in the circuit I wanted to complete. > Doesn't matter what the other station has. > > The first time I was 5Z4PI it was 1973 and I had a Hallicrafters Safari > rig. > Beauty of that rig was built in 12/110 and 240 supplies. > One VFO, long before the dreaded RIT was invented. > Made a trap dipole. Printed 250 qsl cards. > > In those days I was running a 100 watts and a dipole. > When the States opened up the guys I worked ran 4 el Hygain 204BA's and KWs. > > That isn't the important thing. > > Before the states were open I worked everyone else in the world with modest > transceivers and antennas with my dipole and 100 watts. The only reason we > have giant towers and amps today is because everyone else in this wealthy > country does. > > But before the band is open to the states all the DX is very happy working > the rest of the world with modest gear. > > The other night I heard a fellow in Pakistan tune and then call CQ on the > frequency my KX3 was tuned to. > KX3 ran 10 watts to a Log Periodic. He barely heard me, said I was in and > out of the noise. > When I powered the baby amp on he could hear me Q5. > > Back to my old R5. It worked as good as the trap dipole did 15 years > earlier. Perfect for ragchewing and hamming up. > > The rest of the world is very happy playing a different game then us before > the bands open up to the States! > WE are nothing but a wall of noise. > > I am glad we have K3's that are bullet proof to adjacent channels and can > tune down to 100 cycles. > It's beautifully made stuff and I wouldn't leave home without one! > > 73 all, Bill N2WL > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 lists at subich.com > From ke4d at att.net Thu Sep 11 18:09:03 2014 From: ke4d at att.net (John Veach) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 15:09:03 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Subject: Re: Verticals Message-ID: <1410473343.57153.YahooMailNeo@web185003.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> And I have a two element SteppIR beam but I also have a BiggIR vertical which was my only antenna here. Small lots deed restrictions etc. I've had a lot of beams, quads, wires and verticals in my 40 years of hamdom but as far a verticals go, the SteppIR along with my K3 has been simply outstanding. I won the STX section of the 10 meter contest in 2009 using only that vertical and I have DX contacts all over the world, often breaking pileups quickly. I was never a fan of verticals but for limited space, they work and the SteppIR which gives me 80-6 meters is by far the best vertical I have ever had. I have 40 radials and an vertical that is always resonant, no matter where I go. (except 160 of course) John KE4D Fort Clark Springs, Texas From epr at evross.com Thu Sep 11 18:22:09 2014 From: epr at evross.com (Eric Ross) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 15:22:09 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <1410474129.1560346.166510541.61C51F8F@webmail.messagingengine.com> Bill brings up a good point. For some people the results are all that count and 100 foot tower with multi-element beams and legal limit amps is the only way to go. Fortunately, that is only some people. I listen to friends who have been very successful with a long wire and a 10 watt QRP rig (in one case a crystal tuner) and who have had many successful DX QSO's. This is exciting to me because it requires one to know every part of the system from top to bottom in order to squeeze out the maximum capabilities. Sure, its not in the "unlimited" class, but the same challenges and excitement are there. The person you can hook up their shop's metal roof and hold a conversations across the country deserves my applause. I also applaud those who did the careful planning and care to create a elegant "super" station. Ham radio is fun precisely because it is so many things to so many people. In the past I used a Hustler 5BTV and recently a simple trap dipole and they do different things. Right now I really like my NVIS dipole because I spend most of my time chatting with the locals and DX is not that important to me. I am sure that I will be experimenting with something different in the future. Eric, WB7SDE On Thu, Sep 11, 2014, at 02:14 PM, William Levy wrote: > I think some folks misconstrued my Vertical comments. > They work. They load. They radiate. > They worked for me in the circuit I wanted to complete. > Doesn't matter what the other station has. > > The first time I was 5Z4PI it was 1973 and I had a Hallicrafters Safari > rig. > Beauty of that rig was built in 12/110 and 240 supplies. > One VFO, long before the dreaded RIT was invented. > Made a trap dipole. Printed 250 qsl cards. > > In those days I was running a 100 watts and a dipole. > When the States opened up the guys I worked ran 4 el Hygain 204BA's and > KWs. > > That isn't the important thing. > > Before the states were open I worked everyone else in the world with > modest > transceivers and antennas with my dipole and 100 watts. The only reason > we > have giant towers and amps today is because everyone else in this wealthy > country does. > > But before the band is open to the states all the DX is very happy > working > the rest of the world with modest gear. > > The other night I heard a fellow in Pakistan tune and then call CQ on > the > frequency my KX3 was tuned to. > KX3 ran 10 watts to a Log Periodic. He barely heard me, said I was in and > out of the noise. > When I powered the baby amp on he could hear me Q5. > > Back to my old R5. It worked as good as the trap dipole did 15 years > earlier. Perfect for ragchewing and hamming up. > > The rest of the world is very happy playing a different game then us > before > the bands open up to the States! > WE are nothing but a wall of noise. > > I am glad we have K3's that are bullet proof to adjacent channels and can > tune down to 100 cycles. > It's beautifully made stuff and I wouldn't leave home without one! > > 73 all, Bill N2WL > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 epr at evross.com -- Eric Ross From iz4afw at iz4afw.org Thu Sep 11 18:24:30 2014 From: iz4afw at iz4afw.org (Fabio IZ4AFW / NZ1W) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 00:24:30 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] Cloning K3 settings Message-ID: <5412211E.9090509@iz4afw.org> Hi guys, I'm trying to clone the K3 configuration to another (similar, but not identical) K3. Is there an automatic way to do this? I've tried the K3 Utility, but doing a Save/Restore K3 config seems to be a (potentially) dangerous way to do that, as the configuration file includes the calibration settings. The values I am interested in are the "general" parameters of the menu, such as AGC settings, TX/RX equalizers, mic settings, macros, and so on. Maybe K3-EZ can do that? Is that program still around? Thanks! Ciao Fabio IZ4AFW / IO4W / NZ1W --- Questa e-mail ? priva di virus e malware perch? ? attiva la protezione avast! Antivirus. http://www.avast.com From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Thu Sep 11 19:23:16 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Doug Person via Elecraft) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 17:23:16 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals In-Reply-To: <5412196C.4050409@cis-broadband.com> References: <1410438599096-7592961.post@n2.nabble.com> <5412196C.4050409@cis-broadband.com> Message-ID: <54122EE4.5060202@aol.com> I have to agree. The R5 was terrible. In a restricted neighborhood I planted one about 8 feet off the ground painted with camo colors. I got out - but not well. I decided to try the GAP Titan. Night and day difference. I eventually went to a pair of phased verticals on 20 with elevated radials - 4 each. Killer antenna system. I made the radiators out of steel conduit welded together. Eventually I put up a compact, multi-band dipole (W9INN design SK RIP). I had the best of both worlds. I could switch between vertical or horizontal radiators and go with which ever gave the best results. I still have very much the same setup. A 3 element beam often did not produce as good a signal as the phased verticals. 73, Doug -- K0DXV On 9/11/2014 3:51 PM, David Gilbert wrote: > > Not to heap coals on the fire, but I also owned an early R5 and it was > a terrible performer. I had it over a year and when I finally got rid > of it and put up a simple 20m vertical in the exact same spot on the > roof and fed it against random length wires as a "ground plane", the > improvement was astounding. I don't think the basic concept was so > bad, but the implementation was horrible. I realized what I had as > soon as I opened up that little box at the base and saw what some > clueless person thought could act like a matching network. > > In general, though, I think it is a mistake to characterize all > verticals a poor performers. It's all a function of efficiency > (avoiding losses) and location. Check out the ground conductivity > charts across the U.S. and you'll see huge differences, with some > areas essentially acting as terrestrial dummy loads. Nearby > structures that can absorb energy or distort patterns represent other > possible culprits for bad results with verticals. I used nothing but > verticals for most of three decades, but mine were always on a flat > roof and well in the clear of anything nearby. > > 73, > Dave AB7E > > > On 9/11/2014 5:29 AM, Barry wrote: >> Bill Levy wrote >>> I had no trouble at all keeping in touch with my family using an >>> early R5 >>> vertical in 5H3 land when I was working there. >>> >>> Bill N2WL >>> ex 5H3WL, 5Z4PI and VQ9WL >> Having those callsigns gave you an extra 20 db gain. I've tried a few >> verticals over the years and found them to be poor performers. >> >> Barry W2UP >> >> >> >> >> -- >> View this message in context: >> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Verticals-tp7592925p7592961.html >> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 xdavid at cis-broadband.com >> > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k0dxv at aol.com > From dezrat at outlook.com Thu Sep 11 19:28:37 2014 From: dezrat at outlook.com (Bill Turner) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 16:28:37 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A Message-ID: I'm a fairly new 2000A owner and trying to get the K3 and 2000A to communicate properly. I am using two different logging programs, DXLab and N1MM Logger. I have the CAT cable with Y-adaptor plugged into the K3. I also am running a P3 panadaptor, but I don't think that is involved in this issue. I could be wrong. When I am NOT running either program, the K3 and the 2000A communicate properly, i.e. changing bands on the K3 makes the 2000A change bands normally. Likewise, when the 2000A is turned off, the K3 communicates to both programs correctly, i.e. either program reads the VFO frequency normally. The problem happens when I have the K3, the 2000A and either logging program running all at the same time. Communication is lost and I get error messages saying "the radio on com1 is not responding" and the like. I'm running out of ideas. Any suggestions? 73, Bill W6WRT From herr42 at comcast.net Thu Sep 11 19:44:12 2014 From: herr42 at comcast.net (Jeff Herr) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 16:44:12 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KXPA utility 1.14.3.4 In-Reply-To: <83B39913-58F1-44C6-A058-36D6902CBA22@netspace.net.au> References: <83B39913-58F1-44C6-A058-36D6902CBA22@netspace.net.au> Message-ID: <001f01cfce1a$4acbde60$e0639b20$@net> I just updated to 1.32 firmware and the release notes displayed from the utilities help menu are not updated. From eric at elecraft.com Thu Sep 11 20:46:03 2014 From: eric at elecraft.com (Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 17:46:03 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <5412424B.3050500@elecraft.com> Put the Y cable between the P3 and the computer etc, not on the K3 side. . The K3 to P3 serial cable should not have any other devices sharing it. 73, Eric elecraft.com On 9/11/2014 4:28 PM, Bill Turner wrote: > I'm a fairly new 2000A owner and trying to get the K3 and 2000A to > communicate properly. > > I am using two different logging programs, DXLab and N1MM Logger. > > I have the CAT cable with Y-adaptor plugged into the K3. I also am > running a P3 panadaptor, but I don't think that is involved in this > issue. I could be wrong. > > When I am NOT running either program, the K3 and the 2000A communicate > properly, i.e. changing bands on the K3 makes the 2000A change bands > normally. > > Likewise, when the 2000A is turned off, the K3 communicates to both > programs correctly, i.e. either program reads the VFO frequency > normally. > > The problem happens when I have the K3, the 2000A and either logging > program running all at the same time. Communication is lost and I get > error messages saying "the radio on com1 is not responding" and the > like. > > I'm running out of ideas. Any suggestions? > > 73, Bill W6WRT > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 elist_copy at elecraft.com From w0agmike at gmail.com Thu Sep 11 20:58:22 2014 From: w0agmike at gmail.com (Mike Murray) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 19:58:22 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] F/S K2/100 & KAT100 Message-ID: Selling my K2/100, #2652, and KAT100 to finance a KX3 purchase and downsize the shack a bit. Excellent condition mechanically and electrically with the following: -Most A to B mods done (list available) -KSB2 SSB option -K160RX 160 option -KNB2 Noise blanker -KDSP2 Advanced DSP filter -Clifton Labs Z10000B-K2 Buffer Amplifier, IF output -K6XX CW tuning indicator -KI6WX keying mod -W3FPR's fixed AF level output -TF3MA sidetone mod -Split/RIT/XIT LED indicator mod -KR5L CW zero beat indicator mod -SoftRock Lite II K2 IF to I/Q output (external box) -All docmentation Current Elecraft pricing: $1,964.70 + Softrock Shipped to US addresses only - $1350.00. PayPal prefered. Photos available and email me for any questions. 73, Mike - W0AG From JimMiller at STL-OnLine.Net Thu Sep 11 21:12:28 2014 From: JimMiller at STL-OnLine.Net (Jim Miller) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 20:12:28 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - Right "speaker" problem - works only when SUB is on Message-ID: <040401cfce26$9f376300$dda62900$@STL-OnLine.Net> K3 #1442, sub rcvr, plus. Any ideas guys? Same symptoms, always right side, either speakers or headset. Was intermittent - no longer, If not using the SUB receiver, there is no audio out of the right speaker (where the SUB is directed). Switching (button) the A/B VFO frequencies still has right speaker not working (just a comment and doubt that has anything to do with it). Speakers connected in back and headset connected in the front. What other info do you need for isolation? What else can I try/test to isolate? What is the most likely cause? Thanks, 73, Jim KG0KP From dezrat at outlook.com Thu Sep 11 21:51:47 2014 From: dezrat at outlook.com (Bill Turner) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 18:51:47 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: <5412424B.3050500@elecraft.com> References: <5412424B.3050500@elecraft.com> Message-ID: ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) On Thu, 11 Sep 2014 17:46:03 -0700, you wrote: >Put the Y cable between the P3 and the computer etc, not on the K3 side. . The >K3 to P3 serial cable should not have any other devices sharing it. >73, >Eric >elecraft.com REPLY: Just to be clear: I have the "root" of the Y adaptor plugged into the P3 jack which is labeled PC. One arm of the Y goes to the computer and the other arm goes to the K3. Is that correct? 73, Bill W6WRT From n1al at sonic.net Thu Sep 11 22:24:50 2014 From: n1al at sonic.net (Alan) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 19:24:50 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: References: <5412424B.3050500@elecraft.com> Message-ID: <54125972.8070703@sonic.net> Nope. The K3's RS232 connector must connect directly to the P3's "XCVR" RS232 connector. The Y connector goes between the PC and the P3's "PC" connector. Alan N1AL On 09/11/2014 06:51 PM, Bill Turner wrote: > ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) > > On Thu, 11 Sep 2014 17:46:03 -0700, you wrote: > >> Put the Y cable between the P3 and the computer etc, not on the K3 side. . The >> K3 to P3 serial cable should not have any other devices sharing it. >> 73, >> Eric >> elecraft.com > REPLY: > > Just to be clear: I have the "root" of the Y adaptor plugged into the > P3 jack which is labeled PC. One arm of the Y goes to the computer and > the other arm goes to the K3. > > Is that correct? > > 73, Bill W6WRT From dezrat at outlook.com Thu Sep 11 22:38:18 2014 From: dezrat at outlook.com (Bill Turner) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 19:38:18 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: <54125972.8070703@sonic.net> References: <5412424B.3050500@elecraft.com> <54125972.8070703@sonic.net> Message-ID: ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) On Thu, 11 Sep 2014 19:24:50 -0700, you wrote: >Nope. The K3's RS232 connector must connect directly to the P3's "XCVR" >RS232 connector. The Y connector goes between the PC and the P3's "PC" >connector. > >Alan N1AL REPLY: My mistake. I have it connected right, I just said it wrong. The root of the Y adaptor goes to the P3 jack labeled PC. One arm of the Y adaptor goes to the computer and the other goes to the ACOM. That's what I meant to say. Sorry. 73, Bill W6WRT From kk7p4dsp at gmail.com Thu Sep 11 23:43:56 2014 From: kk7p4dsp at gmail.com (Lyle Johnson) Date: Thu, 11 Sep 2014 20:43:56 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - Right "speaker" problem - works only when SUB is on In-Reply-To: <040401cfce26$9f376300$dda62900$@STL-OnLine.Net> References: <040401cfce26$9f376300$dda62900$@STL-OnLine.Net> Message-ID: <54126BFC.6040407@gmail.com> Check the settings for the audio mixer in the menu. It maps which receiver(s) are heard on which channel(s). 73, Lyle KK7P > K3 #1442, sub rcvr, plus. > > Any ideas guys? Same symptoms, always right side, either speakers or > headset. From k8mn at frontiernet.net Fri Sep 12 00:22:32 2014 From: k8mn at frontiernet.net (Dave Heil) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 04:22:32 +0000 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals In-Reply-To: <5412196C.4050409@cis-broadband.com> References: <1410438599096-7592961.post@n2.nabble.com> <5412196C.4050409@cis-broadband.com> Message-ID: <54127508.9070000@frontiernet.net> There was nothing really wrong with the R-5. I used one for almost all of my 12 and 17m operating as 9L1US in the 1990-91 time frame. Maybe all you needed to do would have been to mount it on a steel railing atop a three story building on a 400 ft. hill overlooking the Atlantic. :-) The large toroid in the matching network in the plastic box fractured into several pieces by the time I was 5H3US. Cushcraft wanted to sell me the entire box full of components only at a very high price and I got rid of the rest of the thing. I keep a Hustler 6BTV with 25 radials here in case I lose a wire antenna or have a rotator problem. 73, Dave K8MN On 9/11/2014 21 51, David Gilbert wrote: > > Not to heap coals on the fire, but I also owned an early R5 and it was a > terrible performer. I had it over a year and when I finally got rid of > it and put up a simple 20m vertical in the exact same spot on the roof > and fed it against random length wires as a "ground plane", the > improvement was astounding. I don't think the basic concept was so bad, > but the implementation was horrible. I realized what I had as soon as I > opened up that little box at the base and saw what some clueless person > thought could act like a matching network. > > In general, though, I think it is a mistake to characterize all > verticals a poor performers. It's all a function of efficiency > (avoiding losses) and location. Check out the ground conductivity > charts across the U.S. and you'll see huge differences, with some areas > essentially acting as terrestrial dummy loads. Nearby structures that > can absorb energy or distort patterns represent other possible culprits > for bad results with verticals. I used nothing but verticals for most > of three decades, but mine were always on a flat roof and well in the > clear of anything nearby. > > 73, > Dave AB7E From pa0pje at xs4all.nl Fri Sep 12 02:22:36 2014 From: pa0pje at xs4all.nl (Peter Eijlander (PA0PJE)) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 08:22:36 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] kX3 - firmware update problem - no comms and MCU LD In-Reply-To: References: <53585247.1@mac.com> <5358575A.4080406@embarqmail.com> <5411C652.50700@xs4all.nl> Message-ID: <5412912C.5040704@xs4all.nl> Maybe to you it did, Bill, and I don't know why but in my case that did not help. Only putting me to the dialout group worked immediately. Maybe other Linux flavors put users in this group by default or others used a root account instead of their own. 73, Peter Op 2014-09-12 00:47 schreef Nr4c: > Read the manual, as I did. Unhook everything from KX3 and connect computer to KX3. Restart utility and it will continue load. Took a few tries but eventually worked. > > Sent from my iPhone > ...nr4c. bill > > >> On Sep 11, 2014, at 11:57 AM, "Peter Eijlander (PA0PJE)" wrote: >> >> I had the same issue in Ubuntu Linux. The reason was that by default only root has access to /dev/ttyUSB0. >> If you add yourself to the group "dialup" like this: >> >> In a terminal do at the ~$ prompt: >> >> sudo usermod -a -G dialout >> >> where should be your name as shown on the prompt before the @... >> >> log out then log in again and start the utility. By then it should work ok. At least to me it did....:-) >> >> Canonical seems not to like people to mess around with group policies therefore leaves out a gui application to set them. >> >> should you still want one: >> sudo apt-get install gnome-system-tools >> >> 73, >> Peter >> >> >> >> Op 2014-04-24 02:14 schreef Don Wilhelm: >>> Darren, >>> >>> That level is the MAC version of KX3 Utility, I use Windows, so I can't >>> help on the Utility. >>> I would suggest that you power everything down including the computer, >>> then follow the steps in the KX3 manual to force a firmware load. >>> >>> 73, >>> Don W3FPR >>> >>>> On 4/23/2014 7:52 PM, Darren Long wrote: >>>> Hi, >>>> >>>> I've just tried a firmware update using KX3 Utility rev 1.14.4.11 which >>>> failed early on, leaving the KX3 stuck showing "MCU LD" and KX3 Utility >>>> unable to communicate with the rig. >>>> >>>> How should I proceed? >>>> >>>> >>> >>> ______________________________________________________________ >>> Elecraft mailing list >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pa0pje at xs4all.nl >>> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 nr4c at widomaker.com > From turnbull at net1.ie Fri Sep 12 04:37:55 2014 From: turnbull at net1.ie (Doug Turnbull) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 08:37:55 -0000 Subject: [Elecraft] Subject: Re: Verticals In-Reply-To: <1410473343.57153.YahooMailNeo@web185003.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> References: <1410473343.57153.YahooMailNeo@web185003.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <11690229E4A145F298734190E66AB354@DOUG1> Friends, It seems to me that verticals get a bad rap because most people who use them are space restricted therefore the vertical is close to structures and there is no room for any radial system. The counterpoise may be no more than the pipe hammered into the ground which supports the vertical. Of course this is a dummy load. One I used as KN4WQZ and despite all managed to make QSOs - better to be on the air. Place a vertical in the clear with a proper ground radial system and it will work and work well perhaps doing better for distance stations than close in stations. I have a BigIR vertical from Stepper and it works a treat against 120 55 to 60 foot radials lain on top of the ground. Yes the SteppIR trombone dipole at 24M or 80 feet is an S unit better for one skip stations but when listening to VK the difference is smaller. My vertical is in a wood and would probably do better if it were fully in the clear. I have no doubt that ground planes which are by their nature more in the clear are probably going to perform better than a ground mounted vertical. It is not practical to always mount the vertical in a raised position. I wonder if a vertical which is ground mounted against the optimal radial system is not just as effective a performer as a ground plane. Bottom line is verticals can be mounted in a small space. They are not very expensive and even with a modest radial system they can perform pretty well. As others have stated not everyone is able to have a Yagi. Most of my non-USA QSOs are with stations running 100 Watts into a vertical, ground plane, trap dipole or inverted v. Seldom are these antennas high unless atop an apartment building in UA land. There is much to be said for the simple approach to our hobby though I am a sinner. 73 Doug EI2CN From turnbull at net1.ie Fri Sep 12 04:46:23 2014 From: turnbull at net1.ie (Doug Turnbull) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 08:46:23 -0000 Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Bill, I too use the Acom 2000A and do not know why you bother with so many control cables. The Acom switches bands in a dit or syllable and tunes in three seconds automatically. I must be missing something but why do you need to go to so much trouble with control cables for the amplifier. It is automatic. Okay if you are changing antennas that may be another story and I am spoiled by a SteppIR with 40 through 6 capabilities. If I need the lower bands then I manually switch antenna. Your amplifier is a real work horse, it is reliable, efficient and automatic. The control cables are needed for the SteppIR controller and Micro-Keyer II here but not for the amplifier. 73 Doug EI2CN -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill Turner Sent: 11 September 2014 23:29 To: ACOM group Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A I'm a fairly new 2000A owner and trying to get the K3 and 2000A to communicate properly. I am using two different logging programs, DXLab and N1MM Logger. I have the CAT cable with Y-adaptor plugged into the K3. I also am running a P3 panadaptor, but I don't think that is involved in this issue. I could be wrong. When I am NOT running either program, the K3 and the 2000A communicate properly, i.e. changing bands on the K3 makes the 2000A change bands normally. Likewise, when the 2000A is turned off, the K3 communicates to both programs correctly, i.e. either program reads the VFO frequency normally. The problem happens when I have the K3, the 2000A and either logging program running all at the same time. Communication is lost and I get error messages saying "the radio on com1 is not responding" and the like. I'm running out of ideas. Any suggestions? 73, Bill W6WRT ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 turnbull at net1.ie From dezrat at outlook.com Fri Sep 12 06:18:03 2014 From: dezrat at outlook.com (Bill Turner) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 03:18:03 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) On Fri, 12 Sep 2014 08:46:23 -0000, you wrote: >Bill, > I too use the Acom 2000A and do not know why you bother with so many >control cables. The Acom switches bands in a dit or syllable and tunes in >three seconds automatically. I must be missing something but why do you >need to go to so much trouble with control cables for the amplifier. REPLY: The reason I bother is I do not like transmitting even a single dit into an amplifier on the wrong band at full power. Yes, the ACOM is a tough amplifier but I am pretty conservative about such things. When I do send a dit to change bands, I reduce the drive power way down. If I can get the automatic band change to work, I won't have to reduce power or send a dit. It will already be pre-tuned. 73, Bill W6WRT From elecraft at ozy.us Fri Sep 12 06:41:06 2014 From: elecraft at ozy.us (Chris Johnson) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 03:41:06 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [PX3] Weird REF bug w/ VFO A/B Message-ID: <242D85F6-A518-4F43-8D0A-170323AEDE35@ozy.us> Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSUGQqV91jg This causes the REF value to increase every time I toggle A/B. Pushing REF and moving the knob snaps the value back up towards where I had it even if the value is crazy big like 400 or so. I've also had my PX3 freeze entirely a few times so far tonight. PWR OFF / ON to recover. Any hope on wider AM filters for SWL? I didn't realize how small the KX3 was limited to until I saw it visualized on the PX3. A balanced 10Khz or more please! Is there a technical limitation? Besides these little issues, so far it's fantastic! Thank you Elecraft for completing your portable masterpiece! Chris K6OZY From bob at hogbytes.com Fri Sep 12 08:08:35 2014 From: bob at hogbytes.com (Bob N3MNT) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 05:08:35 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] [PX3] Weird REF bug w/ VFO A/B In-Reply-To: <242D85F6-A518-4F43-8D0A-170323AEDE35@ozy.us> References: <242D85F6-A518-4F43-8D0A-170323AEDE35@ozy.us> Message-ID: <1410523715473-7593003.post@n2.nabble.com> Known Bugklet See Wayne's post Sept 9 "With the initial production firmware, the PX3's per-band REFerence level may occasionally be incorrect on power-up or VFO A/B swap. If this happens, set REF to the desired level on the affected band. Sorry for the inconvenience. We'll post new firmware as soon as it's available" -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/PX3-Weird-REF-bug-w-VFO-A-B-tp7593002p7593003.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From mfsj at totalhighspeed.com Fri Sep 12 08:29:45 2014 From: mfsj at totalhighspeed.com (Fred Smith) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 07:29:45 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] Subject: Re: Verticals In-Reply-To: <11690229E4A145F298734190E66AB354@DOUG1> References: <1410473343.57153.YahooMailNeo@web185003.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> <11690229E4A145F298734190E66AB354@DOUG1> Message-ID: <006101cfce85$3cd332c0$b6799840$@com> Hello to All Have been following this closely and felt compelled to finally post my findings of almost 7 years. First I live in the country on a farm about 7 miles from a small town in SW, MO. so I have the space and relatively noise area free except for (electric fencing & some power lines). I have 3 major antennas that I use for HF use, have others but these are the main ones a 6-160m 270" OCFD mounted at 55', a Hi-Gain Hy-Tower 10-80m with a 17m kit and the 160m top mounted kit with 60 ground mounted radials from 120' to 25' in length (looks like spokes on a wagon wheel). This vertical has about 190' of coax buried going to it from the shack closed than I wanted but that was I ended up with. The last is a Mosley Pro-67-C3 10-40m (10/12/15/17/30/40m) mounted at 65'. I also have several receiving only antennas but don't use them much it seems. I'm going to document one band for this post instead of jumping around which I could but makes it harder to see results. I mainly work DX QRP to QRO and have compared my Mosley Pro 67 to the Hi Tower hundreds of times in all kinds of conditions. The Mosley has 3 elements on 40m and an excellent performer there and I use it and the Vertical as my main go to antennas for 40m. When they are paired up with my K3 I have very little loss or fading 80-90% of the time. I have found in about 60-80% (a guess-a-ment at best I admit) of the time the signal strength between these two are about equal or very close. We all know how these vary and my checks are made using a button either on my Alpha 9500 or a Bird 74 switch. On 80m this antenna is a real dream for sure it did much better than a 1/4wl dipole I did have that it came down almost as soon as it went up. The 270' OCFD does not do well against it either in fact if not for the vertical 80m DXCC would never come for me period. Most all of the contacts noted were QRO for the most part on all antennas. QRP contacts were all made using my KX3 and decided that I was going to work my DXCC using only the Vertical. In 19mo. with a 4mo.(health & lighting damage) layoff so far have confirmed 89 entities, I know not that many but I have fun anyway. One other thing I enjoy off roading but health issues has stopped my walking very far so I have a Jeep setup for off road use to get (close to the top) for SOTA activations without driving all the way. There again I use my KX3 and Vertical it is a 31' fiberglass telescoping pole and 31' counterpoise. This antenna deploys quickly and Easley and I find it to be a good performer for a portable one. Using the internal tuner on the KX3 it will tune 10-40m very well with a 1-1 VSWR. This is not a true statement for all contacts made but a high enough percentage that it got my attention several years back along with a few club members and friends. In fact one good friend ended up with one also after seeing what would do. I must admit the Hi-Tower is very best vertical made and has been for a long time and not everyone can erect one to the proper spec it requires, but if you can it will deliver for you. That does mean using the 6 8' ground rods it calls for also. The night I installed mine all it had was the ground rods driven and connected to the tower base no radials period, I guess you could say the coax was a counterpoise. But went inside and hooked the antenna up to my then FTDX-5000MP and tuned to 80m just to see what I could hear, the first thing that jumped out was a ZL with 59 signal decided to answer with 200w from the radio 1st try and a QSO. That's enough of a rant on verticals I guess. 73, Fred/N0AZZ K3 Ser # 6730--KX3 # 5210--K2/100 # 6470-KAT100 P3/SVGA--KAT500--W2 Amps Elecraft KPA500 HF/6m--Alpha's 9500 HF--87A HF--Mirage B-5030-G 300+w--(2) B-5016-G's 165w 2m -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Doug Turnbull Sent: Friday, September 12, 2014 3:38 AM To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Subject: Re: Verticals Friends, It seems to me that verticals get a bad rap because most people who use them are space restricted therefore the vertical is close to structures and there is no room for any radial system. The counterpoise may be no more than the pipe hammered into the ground which supports the vertical. Of course this is a dummy load. One I used as KN4WQZ and despite all managed to make QSOs - better to be on the air. Place a vertical in the clear with a proper ground radial system and it will work and work well perhaps doing better for distance stations than close in stations. I have a BigIR vertical from Stepper and it works a treat against 120 55 to 60 foot radials lain on top of the ground. Yes the SteppIR trombone dipole at 24M or 80 feet is an S unit better for one skip stations but when listening to VK the difference is smaller. My vertical is in a wood and would probably do better if it were fully in the clear. I have no doubt that ground planes which are by their nature more in the clear are probably going to perform better than a ground mounted vertical. It is not practical to always mount the vertical in a raised position. I wonder if a vertical which is ground mounted against the optimal radial system is not just as effective a performer as a ground plane. Bottom line is verticals can be mounted in a small space. They are not very expensive and even with a modest radial system they can perform pretty well. As others have stated not everyone is able to have a Yagi. Most of my non-USA QSOs are with stations running 100 Watts into a vertical, ground plane, trap dipole or inverted v. Seldom are these antennas high unless atop an apartment building in UA land. There is much to be said for the simple approach to our hobby though I am a sinner. 73 Doug EI2CN ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 mfsj at totalhighspeed.com From knowkode at verizon.net Fri Sep 12 09:01:34 2014 From: knowkode at verizon.net (Jim Hoge) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 06:01:34 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - Right "speaker" problem - works only when SUB is on In-Reply-To: <54126BFC.6040407@gmail.com> References: <040401cfce26$9f376300$dda62900$@STL-OnLine.Net> <54126BFC.6040407@gmail.com> Message-ID: <1410526894.74889.YahooMailNeo@web164505.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Same thing happened to me once and I'm almost embarrassed to admit the solution was as simple as turning up the sub receiver volume knob. Doh! 73, Jim W5QM On Thursday, September 11, 2014 10:44 PM, Lyle Johnson wrote: Check the settings for the audio mixer in the menu. It maps which receiver(s) are heard on which channel(s). 73, Lyle KK7P > K3 #1442, sub rcvr, plus. > > Any ideas guys? Same symptoms, always right side, either speakers or > headset. ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 knowkode at verizon.net From w0agmike at gmail.com Fri Sep 12 09:06:10 2014 From: w0agmike at gmail.com (Mike Murray) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 08:06:10 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Message-ID: Test, please ignore. Mike, W0AG From mfsj at totalhighspeed.com Fri Sep 12 10:01:45 2014 From: mfsj at totalhighspeed.com (Fred Smith) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 09:01:45 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - Right "speaker" problem - works only when SUB is on In-Reply-To: <1410526894.74889.YahooMailNeo@web164505.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> References: <040401cfce26$9f376300$dda62900$@STL-OnLine.Net> <54126BFC.6040407@gmail.com> <1410526894.74889.YahooMailNeo@web164505.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <006501cfce92$17806030$46812090$@com> Yes I also know of that "First Hand" after 2 days (8>) 73, Fred/N0AZZ K3 Ser # 6730--KX3 # 5210--K2/100 # 6470-KAT100 P3/SVGA--KAT500--W2 Amps Elecraft KPA500 HF/6m--Alpha's 9500 HF--87A HF--Mirage B-5030-G 300+w--(2) B-5016-G's 165w 2m -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jim Hoge Sent: Friday, September 12, 2014 8:02 AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Right "speaker" problem - works only when SUB is on Same thing happened to me once and I'm almost embarrassed to admit the solution was as simple as turning up the sub receiver volume knob. Doh! 73, Jim W5QM On Thursday, September 11, 2014 10:44 PM, Lyle Johnson wrote: Check the settings for the audio mixer in the menu. It maps which receiver(s) are heard on which channel(s). 73, Lyle KK7P > K3 #1442, sub rcvr, plus. > > Any ideas guys? Same symptoms, always right side, either speakers or > headset. ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 knowkode at verizon.net ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 mfsj at totalhighspeed.com From dave at nk7z.net Fri Sep 12 10:13:15 2014 From: dave at nk7z.net (David Cole) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 07:13:15 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KTCXO3-1 TCXO 1 PPM Message-ID: <1410531195.14218.22.camel@nostromo.NK7Z> Hi, I have a pretty well loaded K3, has anyone changed out the OSC on on a K3 before, and could you share your thoughts on how difficult it would be, or if there are any issues you have run into? I reviewed the instructions, and it looks very simple, and to be about a 10 minutes job... Is it actually that easy to install? -- Thanks and 73's, For equipment, and software setups and reviews see: www.nk7z.net for MixW support see; http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info for Dopplergram information see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info for MM-SSTV see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info From xdavid at cis-broadband.com Fri Sep 12 10:27:17 2014 From: xdavid at cis-broadband.com (David Gilbert) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 07:27:17 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals In-Reply-To: <54127508.9070000@frontiernet.net> References: <1410438599096-7592961.post@n2.nabble.com> <5412196C.4050409@cis-broadband.com> <54127508.9070000@frontiernet.net> Message-ID: <541302C5.1090903@cis-broadband.com> Well, the toroid in my R5 was anything but "large" (I don't even think it was 1.5 inch diameter) and there was no way that network was efficient. I might also point out that, generally speaking, it is often extreme overheating (usually voltage overstress) that causes a toroid to fracture into several pieces. As I say, the reality is that simple vertical elements (I made one for 20m and a separate one for 15m, later replaced with a 40m vertical for 40m/15m) fed against a haywire collection of ground plane wires stretched across the roof significantly outperformed the R5 in the exact same location. 73, Dave AB7E On 9/11/2014 9:22 PM, Dave Heil wrote: > There was nothing really wrong with the R-5. I used one for almost > all of my 12 and 17m operating as 9L1US in the 1990-91 time frame. > Maybe all you needed to do would have been to mount it on a steel > railing atop a three story building on a 400 ft. hill overlooking the > Atlantic. :-) > > The large toroid in the matching network in the plastic box fractured > into several pieces by the time I was 5H3US. Cushcraft wanted to sell > me the entire box full of components only at a very high price and I > got rid of the rest of the thing. > > I keep a Hustler 6BTV with 25 radials here in case I lose a wire > antenna or have a rotator problem. > > 73, > > Dave K8MN > > On 9/11/2014 21 51, David Gilbert wrote: >> >> Not to heap coals on the fire, but I also owned an early R5 and it was a >> terrible performer. I had it over a year and when I finally got rid of >> it and put up a simple 20m vertical in the exact same spot on the roof >> and fed it against random length wires as a "ground plane", the >> improvement was astounding. I don't think the basic concept was so bad, >> but the implementation was horrible. I realized what I had as soon as I >> opened up that little box at the base and saw what some clueless person >> thought could act like a matching network. >> >> In general, though, I think it is a mistake to characterize all >> verticals a poor performers. It's all a function of efficiency >> (avoiding losses) and location. Check out the ground conductivity >> charts across the U.S. and you'll see huge differences, with some areas >> essentially acting as terrestrial dummy loads. Nearby structures that >> can absorb energy or distort patterns represent other possible culprits >> for bad results with verticals. I used nothing but verticals for most >> of three decades, but mine were always on a flat roof and well in the >> clear of anything nearby. >> >> 73, >> Dave AB7E > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 xdavid at cis-broadband.com > From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Fri Sep 12 11:00:15 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Bayard Coolidge, N1HO via Elecraft) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 08:00:15 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KTCXO3-1 TCXO 1 PPM In-Reply-To: <1410531195.14218.22.camel@nostromo.NK7Z> References: <1410531195.14218.22.camel@nostromo.NK7Z> Message-ID: <1410534015.12467.YahooMailNeo@web162505.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> >>> Is it actually that easy to install? Yes, it is. Just remember, you really do want to use a static mat and wrist strap whenever you open up your K3 to work on something internal to it. I ran with the KTCXO3-1 from the time I built my K3 two years ago, but then added the K3EXREF and a Trimble Thunderbolt this spring. However, should there be a problem either of the latter, I know I can quickly and easily revert to the KTCXO3-1 as needed. It's a heady experience to know that when I set the frequency on the K3, it's accurate to the last Hertz - a far cry from the 75A-3 I used as a Novice. 73 de N1HO From w0agmike at gmail.com Fri Sep 12 11:30:40 2014 From: w0agmike at gmail.com (Mike Murray) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 10:30:40 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Test Message-ID: Sorry, having email trouble and not receiving my own posts. Mike - W0AG From mbyrd22 at tampabay.rr.com Fri Sep 12 12:27:34 2014 From: mbyrd22 at tampabay.rr.com (mbyrd22 at tampabay.rr.com) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 16:27:34 +0000 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals Message-ID: <20140912162734.IX83X.477.root@cdptpa-web14> Good Day, I am currently using a modified Cushcraft R8 with my Elecraft K1. I had never considered a vertical before the R8 and this was a compromise with my neighbors. Originally I had a dipole but that was only for 40 meters. I bought the R8 with the idea of multiple bands without a tuner. Because of restrictions here, I was only allowed one antenna. I did a series of comparisons between the dipole and vertical. The dipole was much quieter with the vertical being quite noisy. With the noise on the vertical also came a lot of DX I couldn't hear on the dipole. This was not a very scientific comparison but it satisfied me. The dipole came down and the vertical went up on the roof. With the R8 I have worked other QRP stations with similar antennas on every continent. This only shows if conditions allow, you can work into anywhere. I do agree about the vertical being a compromise as a single element. It will do a great job laying down a signal at low angles which sometimes gives you an advantage. This all depends on your installation and ground losses. I would still prefer to have a phased array of verticals than have a beam on a tower. This is opposite of my opinion twenty years ago. Mike, AC4UR http://sunbyrdpress.blogspot.com From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Fri Sep 12 13:17:16 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (WILLIS COOKE via Elecraft) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 10:17:16 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals In-Reply-To: <20140912162734.IX83X.477.root@cdptpa-web14> References: <20140912162734.IX83X.477.root@cdptpa-web14> Message-ID: <1410542236.7564.YahooMailNeo@web181004.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> Mike, I think you will find that the vertical is a better antenna for stations more than 2,000 miles from your QTH, differing results for stations between 1,000 and 2,000 miles and poorer for stations nearer than 1,000 miles. An NVIS attic antenna or a stealth low dipole may be a beneficial addition for nearby stations if you can hide it from your neighbors. Verticals work better where the ground is conductive in the far field because it helps the take off antenna. By the far field, I mean beyond the practical distance for radials. South Texas and Florida are usually good. Desert areas such as West Texas and Arizona not so good. Wet areas are good, dry areas are bad, conductive deposits in the earth are good, but no doubt you will probably not want to move to get better vertical conditions. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart On Friday, September 12, 2014 11:36 AM, "mbyrd22 at tampabay.rr.com" wrote: Good Day, I am currently using a modified Cushcraft R8 with my Elecraft K1. I had never considered a vertical before the R8 and this was a compromise with my neighbors. Originally I had a dipole but that was only for 40 meters. I bought the R8 with the idea of multiple bands without a tuner. Because of restrictions here, I was only allowed one antenna. I did a series of comparisons between the dipole and vertical. The dipole was much quieter with the vertical being quite noisy. With the noise on the vertical also came a lot of DX I couldn't hear on the dipole. This was not a very scientific comparison but it satisfied me. The dipole came down and the vertical went up on the roof. With the R8 I have worked other QRP stations with similar antennas on every continent. This only shows if conditions allow, you can work into anywhere. I do agree about the vertical being a compromise as a single element. It will do a great job laying down a signal at low angles which sometimes gives you an advantage. This all depends on your installation and ground losses. I would still prefer to have a phased array of verticals than have a beam on a tower. This is opposite of my opinion twenty years ago. Mike, AC4UR http://sunbyrdpress.blogspot.com ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 wrcooke at yahoo.com From bill at wjschmidt.com Fri Sep 12 17:42:58 2014 From: bill at wjschmidt.com (Dr. William J. Schmidt, II) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 16:42:58 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals In-Reply-To: <1410542236.7564.YahooMailNeo@web181004.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> References: <20140912162734.IX83X.477.root@cdptpa-web14> <1410542236.7564.YahooMailNeo@web181004.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <06c901cfced2$854e50f0$8feaf2d0$@wjschmidt.com> Does Elecraft make antennas now? Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ-J68HZ-8P6HK-ZF2HZ-PJ4/K9HZ-VP5/K9HZ Owner - Operator Big Signal Ranch Staunton, Illinois email: bill at wjschmidt.com -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of WILLIS COOKE via Elecraft Sent: Friday, September 12, 2014 12:17 PM To: mbyrd22 at tampabay.rr.com; elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Verticals Mike, I think you will find that the vertical is a better antenna for stations more than 2,000 miles from your QTH, differing results for stations between 1,000 and 2,000 miles and poorer for stations nearer than 1,000 miles. An NVIS attic antenna or a stealth low dipole may be a beneficial addition for nearby stations if you can hide it from your neighbors. Verticals work better where the ground is conductive in the far field because it helps the take off antenna. By the far field, I mean beyond the practical distance for radials. South Texas and Florida are usually good. Desert areas such as West Texas and Arizona not so good. Wet areas are good, dry areas are bad, conductive deposits in the earth are good, but no doubt you will probably not want to move to get better vertical conditions. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart On Friday, September 12, 2014 11:36 AM, "mbyrd22 at tampabay.rr.com" wrote: Good Day, I am currently using a modified Cushcraft R8 with my Elecraft K1. I had never considered a vertical before the R8 and this was a compromise with my neighbors. Originally I had a dipole but that was only for 40 meters. I bought the R8 with the idea of multiple bands without a tuner. Because of restrictions here, I was only allowed one antenna. I did a series of comparisons between the dipole and vertical. The dipole was much quieter with the vertical being quite noisy. With the noise on the vertical also came a lot of DX I couldn't hear on the dipole. This was not a very scientific comparison but it satisfied me. The dipole came down and the vertical went up on the roof. With the R8 I have worked other QRP stations with similar antennas on every continent. This only shows if conditions allow, you can work into anywhere. I do agree about the vertical being a compromise as a single element. It will do a great job laying down a signal at low angles which sometimes gives you an advantage. This all depends on your installation and ground losses. I would still prefer to have a phased array of verticals than have a beam on a tower. This is opposite of my opinion twenty years ago. Mike, AC4UR http://sunbyrdpress.blogspot.com ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 wrcooke at yahoo.com ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 bill at wjschmidt.com From elecraft at ozy.us Fri Sep 12 18:14:09 2014 From: elecraft at ozy.us (Chris Johnson) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 15:14:09 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [PX3] Weird REF bug w/ VFO A/B In-Reply-To: <1410523715473-7593003.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <242D85F6-A518-4F43-8D0A-170323AEDE35@ozy.us> <1410523715473-7593003.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <72753CA4-30EB-46FB-855B-C6CAA609BE3F@ozy.us> Thank you Bob, I didn't see that. My PX3 is freezing quite a bit though. It's freezed 5+ times this afternoon requiring a power off / on to restart it. On Sep 12, 2014, at 5:08 AM, Bob N3MNT wrote: > Known Bugklet > > See Wayne's post Sept 9 > > "With the initial production firmware, the PX3's per-band REFerence level > may occasionally be incorrect on power-up or VFO A/B swap. If this happens, > set REF to the desired level on the affected band. > > Sorry for the inconvenience. We'll post new firmware as soon as it's > available" > > > > -- > View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/PX3-Weird-REF-bug-w-VFO-A-B-tp7593002p7593003.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 elecraft at ozy.us From lists at subich.com Fri Sep 12 18:45:16 2014 From: lists at subich.com (Joe Subich, W4TV) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:45:16 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals In-Reply-To: <541302C5.1090903@cis-broadband.com> References: <1410438599096-7592961.post@n2.nabble.com> <5412196C.4050409@cis-broadband.com> <54127508.9070000@frontiernet.net> <541302C5.1090903@cis-broadband.com> Message-ID: <5413777C.8090709@subich.com> > Well, the toroid in my R5 was anything but "large" (I don't even > think it was 1.5 inch diameter) and there was no way that network > was efficient. I happen to have an R5 network board (need to drill a new case since the old one failed). I haven't dragged it out to measure the toroids but from memory they appeared to be 2 inch. One can see pictures of the network here: http://www.iol.ie/~bravo/r7_vertical.htm, here: http://pa0fri.home.xs4all.nl/Ant/R5/onhr5eng.htm and here: http://www.mrs.bt.co.uk/mrs/r5/ The R5/R6000/R7/R7000/R8, etc. are all off center fed vertical dipoles - one toroid is an auto-transformer (~4.5:1) and the other a common mode choke (balun). Both re quire efficient when operated within their design limits. > I might also point out that, generally speaking, it is often extreme > overheating (usually voltage overstress) that causes a toroid to > fracture into several pieces. With the OCF verticals it is typically using a tuner to load the antenna on a band for which it is not designed (e.g. 30 meters with an R5/R6000) or using to use an R7/R7000/R8 at high power on the "other end of the band" - beyond the 2:1 SWR limits - that causes failure of the ~4.5:1 transformer and common mode choke. The common mode choke does not have sufficient choking impedance where the feedline is an odd multiple of 1/4 wavelength and the stress on the core can be very significant with high power on those bands. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-09-12 10:27 AM, David Gilbert wrote: > > Well, the toroid in my R5 was anything but "large" (I don't even think > it was 1.5 inch diameter) and there was no way that network was > efficient. I might also point out that, generally speaking, it is often > extreme overheating (usually voltage overstress) that causes a toroid to > fracture into several pieces. > > As I say, the reality is that simple vertical elements (I made one for > 20m and a separate one for 15m, later replaced with a 40m vertical for > 40m/15m) fed against a haywire collection of ground plane wires > stretched across the roof significantly outperformed the R5 in the exact > same location. > > 73, > Dave AB7E > > > > On 9/11/2014 9:22 PM, Dave Heil wrote: >> There was nothing really wrong with the R-5. I used one for almost >> all of my 12 and 17m operating as 9L1US in the 1990-91 time frame. >> Maybe all you needed to do would have been to mount it on a steel >> railing atop a three story building on a 400 ft. hill overlooking the >> Atlantic. :-) >> >> The large toroid in the matching network in the plastic box fractured >> into several pieces by the time I was 5H3US. Cushcraft wanted to sell >> me the entire box full of components only at a very high price and I >> got rid of the rest of the thing. >> >> I keep a Hustler 6BTV with 25 radials here in case I lose a wire >> antenna or have a rotator problem. >> >> 73, >> >> Dave K8MN >> >> On 9/11/2014 21 51, David Gilbert wrote: >>> >>> Not to heap coals on the fire, but I also owned an early R5 and it was a >>> terrible performer. I had it over a year and when I finally got rid of >>> it and put up a simple 20m vertical in the exact same spot on the roof >>> and fed it against random length wires as a "ground plane", the >>> improvement was astounding. I don't think the basic concept was so bad, >>> but the implementation was horrible. I realized what I had as soon as I >>> opened up that little box at the base and saw what some clueless person >>> thought could act like a matching network. >>> >>> In general, though, I think it is a mistake to characterize all >>> verticals a poor performers. It's all a function of efficiency >>> (avoiding losses) and location. Check out the ground conductivity >>> charts across the U.S. and you'll see huge differences, with some areas >>> essentially acting as terrestrial dummy loads. Nearby structures that >>> can absorb energy or distort patterns represent other possible culprits >>> for bad results with verticals. I used nothing but verticals for most >>> of three decades, but mine were always on a flat roof and well in the >>> clear of anything nearby. >>> >>> 73, >>> Dave AB7E >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 xdavid at cis-broadband.com >> > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 lists at subich.com > From nick.ve3ey at gmail.com Fri Sep 12 18:47:48 2014 From: nick.ve3ey at gmail.com (Nick - VE3EY) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:47:48 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Hi Bill Did you build your cable according to schematic on page 34 (figure 7-6) from Acom 2000 manual? This wiring diagram is for K3 CAT with ACOM 2000A only. I believe this diagram assumes there is no computer connected in. It only describes the case in which there is a connection between the K3 and Acom 2000A. If you look at the page 32 (Fig 7-2) which describes the "generic" wiring between RS232 PC port and Transceiver with ACOM connected via "Y" cable, you will notice that they only use the RXD wiring and the ground. TXD line has been omitted. RCU DB15 Pin 1 <-------> RS-232 Pin 2 RCU DB15 Pin 5 <-------> RS-232 Pin 5 (Ground) I initially built the CAT cable using all 3 wires (RXD, TXD + Ground) and as soon as ACOM would come online, K3 would not work properly with my LP-PAN and LP Bridge. I don't use P3. I snipped the TXD line after reading your email and now everything appears to be working fine. K3+ACOM2000A+PC are tracking frequency smoothly like usual. If I now just type the frequency in Win-Test or change the band on my K3, ACOM nicely parks itself on a whichever band segment it detects by sniffing the comm traffic between K3 and the PC. 73, Nick ve3ey On Fri, Sep 12, 2014 at 6:18 AM, Bill Turner wrote: > ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) > > On Fri, 12 Sep 2014 08:46:23 -0000, you wrote: > > >Bill, > > I too use the Acom 2000A and do not know why you bother with so many > >control cables. The Acom switches bands in a dit or syllable and tunes > in > >three seconds automatically. I must be missing something but why do you > >need to go to so much trouble with control cables for the amplifier. > > REPLY: > > The reason I bother is I do not like transmitting even a single dit > into an amplifier on the wrong band at full power. Yes, the ACOM is a > tough amplifier but I am pretty conservative about such things. When I > do send a dit to change bands, I reduce the drive power way down. If I > can get the automatic band change to work, I won't have to reduce > power or send a dit. It will already be pre-tuned. > > 73, Bill W6WRT > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 nick.ve3ey at gmail.com > From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Fri Sep 12 19:17:40 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 16:17:40 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals In-Reply-To: <5413777C.8090709@subich.com> References: <1410438599096-7592961.post@n2.nabble.com> <5412196C.4050409@cis-broadband.com> <54127508.9070000@frontiernet.net> <541302C5.1090903@cis-broadband.com> <5413777C.8090709@subich.com> Message-ID: <54137F14.4090807@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Fri,9/12/2014 3:45 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: > The common mode choke > does not have sufficient choking impedance where the feedline is an > odd multiple of 1/4 wavelength and the stress on the core can be very > significant with high power on those bands. That part of the problem can be solved by adding a good common mode choke on the coax near the antenna. See the Cookbook in k9yc.com/RFI-Ham.pdf for guidelines. 73, Jim K9YC From wes at triconet.org Fri Sep 12 19:31:28 2014 From: wes at triconet.org (Wes (N7WS)) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 16:31:28 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Verticals In-Reply-To: <06c901cfced2$854e50f0$8feaf2d0$@wjschmidt.com> References: <20140912162734.IX83X.477.root@cdptpa-web14> <1410542236.7564.YahooMailNeo@web181004.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> <06c901cfced2$854e50f0$8feaf2d0$@wjschmidt.com> Message-ID: <54138250.1060009@triconet.org> They sell Buddipoles on their website. Does that help? Wes N7WS On 9/12/2014 2:42 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt, II wrote: > Does Elecraft make antennas now? > > > Dr. William J. Schmidt - K9HZ-J68HZ-8P6HK-ZF2HZ-PJ4/K9HZ-VP5/K9HZ > From dezrat at outlook.com Fri Sep 12 19:53:13 2014 From: dezrat at outlook.com (Bill Turner) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 16:53:13 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: My cable is store bought, and it is the kind in figure 7.2, i.e. without the TXD wire. I ohmed it to be sure. Actually, it is a cable with a separate Y adaptor, but the effective wiring is the same as figure 7.2. And here's the kicker: This morning when I fired up everything to do some more troubleshooting, everything worked just as it should. It seems I have an intermittent connection somewhere, most likely in a cable, connector or the Y adaptor. It's been working fine all day. I think I will build a new cable and Y adaptor to eliminate that as a possible cause and see if the problem stays gone. I did notice one thing that seems odd. When I do not have a logging program running and I do a manual band change on the K3, the ACOM does not follow the change. I thought it should. Does your's work that way? As soon as I start a logging program, everything returns to normal. Don't you just love these intermittent gremlins? :-) 73, Bill W6WRT ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) On Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:47:48 -0400, Nick wrote: >Hi Bill > >Did you build your cable according to schematic on page 34 (figure 7-6) >from Acom 2000 manual? This wiring diagram is for K3 CAT with ACOM 2000A >only. I believe this diagram assumes there is no computer connected in. >It only describes the case in which there is a connection between the K3 >and Acom 2000A. > >If you look at the page 32 (Fig 7-2) which describes the "generic" wiring >between RS232 PC port and Transceiver with ACOM connected via "Y" cable, >you will notice that they only use the RXD wiring and the ground. TXD >line has been omitted. > >RCU DB15 Pin 1 <-------> RS-232 Pin 2 >RCU DB15 Pin 5 <-------> RS-232 Pin 5 (Ground) > >I initially built the CAT cable using all 3 wires (RXD, TXD + Ground) and >as soon as ACOM would come online, K3 would not work properly with my >LP-PAN and LP Bridge. I don't use P3. > >I snipped the TXD line after reading your email and now everything appears >to be working fine. K3+ACOM2000A+PC are tracking frequency smoothly like >usual. > >If I now just type the frequency in Win-Test or change the band on my K3, >ACOM nicely parks itself on a whichever band segment it detects by sniffing >the comm traffic between K3 and the PC. > >73, Nick >ve3ey > > >On Fri, Sep 12, 2014 at 6:18 AM, Bill Turner wrote: > >> ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) >> >> On Fri, 12 Sep 2014 08:46:23 -0000, you wrote: >> >> >Bill, >> > I too use the Acom 2000A and do not know why you bother with so many >> >control cables. The Acom switches bands in a dit or syllable and tunes >> in >> >three seconds automatically. I must be missing something but why do you >> >need to go to so much trouble with control cables for the amplifier. >> >> REPLY: >> >> The reason I bother is I do not like transmitting even a single dit >> into an amplifier on the wrong band at full power. Yes, the ACOM is a >> tough amplifier but I am pretty conservative about such things. When I >> do send a dit to change bands, I reduce the drive power way down. If I >> can get the automatic band change to work, I won't have to reduce >> power or send a dit. It will already be pre-tuned. >> >> 73, Bill W6WRT >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 nick.ve3ey at gmail.com >> From w0agmike at gmail.com Fri Sep 12 21:55:23 2014 From: w0agmike at gmail.com (Mike Murray) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 20:55:23 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 Message-ID: Just received an almost unused KX3 from a friend and seem to be having a major problem. When first turned on, all is well and everything functions as expected. After a time, it acts as though the VFO is locked and won't change freq., even if I change bands. It is not locked because I have tapped the RATE button just to be sure, but still won't change frequency - the last digit just blinks. Powering down and restarting seems to work for a while, but it eventually starts doing the same thing. I'm assuming it's OP error and would welcome any input as to what's going on and how I prevent it. Mike - W0AG From wunder at wunderwood.org Fri Sep 12 22:29:16 2014 From: wunder at wunderwood.org (Walter Underwood) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 19:29:16 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Open it up and reseat all the cables. This feels like the kind of flakiness that a poor cable connection causes. wunder K6WRU CM87wj http://observer.wunderwood.org/ On Sep 12, 2014, at 6:55 PM, Mike Murray wrote: > Just received an almost unused KX3 from a friend and seem to be having a > major problem. When first turned on, all is well and everything functions > as expected. After a time, it acts as though the VFO is locked and won't > change freq., even if I change bands. It is not locked because I have > tapped the RATE button just to be sure, but still won't change frequency - > the last digit just blinks. Powering down and restarting seems to work for > a while, but it eventually starts doing the same thing. > > I'm assuming it's OP error and would welcome any input as to what's going > on and how I prevent it. > > Mike - W0AG > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 wunder at wunderwood.org From phils at riousa.com Fri Sep 12 23:59:08 2014 From: phils at riousa.com (Phil Shepard) Date: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 20:59:08 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] SSB net announcement Message-ID: <4CBCD417-B424-4E77-8EA5-804A5CFBABA6@riousa.com> Help! I forgot that I will be on a SOTA summit this Sunday. Can anyone take the NCS duty this week? Thanks 73, Phil NS7P From ua9cdc at gmail.com Sat Sep 13 02:36:40 2014 From: ua9cdc at gmail.com (Igor Sokolov) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 12:36:40 +0600 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A References: Message-ID: I do not have ACOM2000 but I use the same arrangement with Expert 1-KFA and K3. Logging program polls the radio and the amp only "listens" for K3 response to learn the operating freq. When you terminate logger there is no polling anymore. Therefore the system does not work as expected. This is normal. 73, Igor UA9CDC ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Turner" To: Cc: "Elecraft" Sent: Saturday, September 13, 2014 5:53 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A > My cable is store bought, and it is the kind in figure 7.2, i.e. > without the TXD wire. I ohmed it to be sure. Actually, it is a cable > with a separate Y adaptor, but the effective wiring is the same as > figure 7.2. > > And here's the kicker: This morning when I fired up everything to do > some more troubleshooting, everything worked just as it should. It > seems I have an intermittent connection somewhere, most likely in a > cable, connector or the Y adaptor. It's been working fine all day. > > I think I will build a new cable and Y adaptor to eliminate that as a > possible cause and see if the problem stays gone. > > I did notice one thing that seems odd. When I do not have a logging > program running and I do a manual band change on the K3, the ACOM does > not follow the change. I thought it should. Does your's work that way? > As soon as I start a logging program, everything returns to normal. > > Don't you just love these intermittent gremlins? :-) > > 73, Bill W6WRT > > > ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) > > On Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:47:48 -0400, Nick wrote: > >>Hi Bill >> >>Did you build your cable according to schematic on page 34 (figure 7-6) >>from Acom 2000 manual? This wiring diagram is for K3 CAT with ACOM 2000A >>only. I believe this diagram assumes there is no computer connected in. >>It only describes the case in which there is a connection between the K3 >>and Acom 2000A. >> >>If you look at the page 32 (Fig 7-2) which describes the "generic" wiring >>between RS232 PC port and Transceiver with ACOM connected via "Y" cable, >>you will notice that they only use the RXD wiring and the ground. TXD >>line has been omitted. >> >>RCU DB15 Pin 1 <-------> RS-232 Pin 2 >>RCU DB15 Pin 5 <-------> RS-232 Pin 5 (Ground) >> >>I initially built the CAT cable using all 3 wires (RXD, TXD + Ground) and >>as soon as ACOM would come online, K3 would not work properly with my >>LP-PAN and LP Bridge. I don't use P3. >> >>I snipped the TXD line after reading your email and now everything appears >>to be working fine. K3+ACOM2000A+PC are tracking frequency smoothly like >>usual. >> >>If I now just type the frequency in Win-Test or change the band on my K3, >>ACOM nicely parks itself on a whichever band segment it detects by >>sniffing >>the comm traffic between K3 and the PC. >> >>73, Nick >>ve3ey >> >> >>On Fri, Sep 12, 2014 at 6:18 AM, Bill Turner wrote: >> >>> ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) >>> >>> On Fri, 12 Sep 2014 08:46:23 -0000, you wrote: >>> >>> >Bill, >>> > I too use the Acom 2000A and do not know why you bother with so >>> > many >>> >control cables. The Acom switches bands in a dit or syllable and >>> >tunes >>> in >>> >three seconds automatically. I must be missing something but why do >>> >you >>> >need to go to so much trouble with control cables for the amplifier. >>> >>> REPLY: >>> >>> The reason I bother is I do not like transmitting even a single dit >>> into an amplifier on the wrong band at full power. Yes, the ACOM is a >>> tough amplifier but I am pretty conservative about such things. When I >>> do send a dit to change bands, I reduce the drive power way down. If I >>> can get the automatic band change to work, I won't have to reduce >>> power or send a dit. It will already be pre-tuned. >>> >>> 73, Bill W6WRT >>> ______________________________________________________________ >>> Elecraft mailing list >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 nick.ve3ey at gmail.com >>> > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 ua9cdc at gmail.com From p_hippenmeyer at bluewin.ch Sat Sep 13 04:37:07 2014 From: p_hippenmeyer at bluewin.ch (paul hippenmeyer) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 10:37:07 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3-2M, high speed CW sounds strange Message-ID: <54140233.9000106@bluewin.ch> KX3-2M: high speed CW (e.g. 35 wpm) with external keying sounds strange in sidetone on 2m. I have no RX to monitor RF. With the internal keyer it works perfect. On HF bands CW sounds perfect! MCU 2.19 DSP 1.30 73, paul hb9axl From val at vip.bg Sat Sep 13 04:48:25 2014 From: val at vip.bg (Val) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 11:48:25 +0300 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A References: Message-ID: <40A90127D15F4858ABC645D0C6D4794E@OFFICE> Bill, When K3 AUTOINF menu entry is set to NOR, then the frequency is reported only when polled. Only the loger polls as the Y cable does not allow the ACOM to do it. That is why K3 does not report the frequency when the logger is not running. The issue can be solved in two ways: 1. Set AUTOINF to AUTO 1. Then K3 will broadcast its frequency without polling. Hope that your loger will not mind it. 2. If the logging program does not like no polling reports, then you may add a SPDT switch to the Y cable. Than you may manually switchover the TXD wire either to the PC when the logger is running, or to the ACOM when no PC application polls. 73, Val LZ1VB > My cable is store bought, and it is the kind in figure 7.2, i.e. > without the TXD wire. I ohmed it to be sure. Actually, it is a cable > with a separate Y adaptor, but the effective wiring is the same as > figure 7.2. > > And here's the kicker: This morning when I fired up everything to > do > some more troubleshooting, everything worked just as it should. It > seems I have an intermittent connection somewhere, most likely in a > cable, connector or the Y adaptor. It's been working fine all day. > > I think I will build a new cable and Y adaptor to eliminate that as > a > possible cause and see if the problem stays gone. > > I did notice one thing that seems odd. When I do not have a logging > program running and I do a manual band change on the K3, the ACOM > does > not follow the change. I thought it should. Does your's work that > way? > As soon as I start a logging program, everything returns to normal. > > Don't you just love these intermittent gremlins? :-) > > 73, Bill W6WRT > > > ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) > > On Fri, 12 Sep 2014 18:47:48 -0400, Nick wrote: > >>Hi Bill >> >>Did you build your cable according to schematic on page 34 (figure >>7-6) >>from Acom 2000 manual? This wiring diagram is for K3 CAT with ACOM >>2000A >>only. I believe this diagram assumes there is no computer >>connected in. >>It only describes the case in which there is a connection between >>the K3 >>and Acom 2000A. >> >>If you look at the page 32 (Fig 7-2) which describes the "generic" >>wiring >>between RS232 PC port and Transceiver with ACOM connected via "Y" >>cable, >>you will notice that they only use the RXD wiring and the ground. >>TXD >>line has been omitted. >> >>RCU DB15 Pin 1 <-------> RS-232 Pin 2 >>RCU DB15 Pin 5 <-------> RS-232 Pin 5 (Ground) >> >>I initially built the CAT cable using all 3 wires (RXD, TXD + >>Ground) and >>as soon as ACOM would come online, K3 would not work properly with >>my >>LP-PAN and LP Bridge. I don't use P3. >> >>I snipped the TXD line after reading your email and now everything >>appears >>to be working fine. K3+ACOM2000A+PC are tracking frequency smoothly >>like >>usual. >> >>If I now just type the frequency in Win-Test or change the band on >>my K3, >>ACOM nicely parks itself on a whichever band segment it detects by >>sniffing >>the comm traffic between K3 and the PC. >> >>73, Nick >>ve3ey >> >> >>On Fri, Sep 12, 2014 at 6:18 AM, Bill Turner >>wrote: >> >>> ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) >>> >>> On Fri, 12 Sep 2014 08:46:23 -0000, you wrote: >>> >>> >Bill, >>> > I too use the Acom 2000A and do not know why you bother with >>> > so many >>> >control cables. The Acom switches bands in a dit or syllable >>> >and tunes >>> in >>> >three seconds automatically. I must be missing something but >>> >why do you >>> >need to go to so much trouble with control cables for the >>> >amplifier. >>> >>> REPLY: >>> >>> The reason I bother is I do not like transmitting even a single >>> dit >>> into an amplifier on the wrong band at full power. Yes, the ACOM >>> is a >>> tough amplifier but I am pretty conservative about such things. >>> When I >>> do send a dit to change bands, I reduce the drive power way down. >>> If I >>> can get the automatic band change to work, I won't have to reduce >>> power or send a dit. It will already be pre-tuned. >>> >>> 73, Bill W6WRT From w4jbb at charter.net Sat Sep 13 06:42:22 2014 From: w4jbb at charter.net (Joel Black) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 05:42:22 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] Key Clicks Message-ID: <54141F8E.8030804@charter.net> I'm not sure what I've done. Not sure if I just woke up and noticed it or if I've done something that's caused it. With my KX3 terminated into a dummy load, split and dual watch active, VFO B 1 - 5.3 kHz up or down from VFO A, filter set to 450 Hz and centered, I am getting key clicks on VFO B. NB and NR are off. I did a little reading through past posts and even reverted back to FW 2.18 and then 2.12. I also reloaded a configuration from 8/31/2014 and still hear the key clicks. I do *not* hear key clicks if both VFO A and VFO B are on the same frequency with split and dual watch active. The key clicks occur on every band from 80 - 10 m. I also noticed something else trying to work W1AW/5 on RTTY - terrible ringing. He was working split up 1 so I don't know if that was the issue or not. I have not tried to recreate this using a backup config or different firmware. My question(s) is/are: Does anyone else notice this or is this an issue with my rig? If it's me, what on *Earth* have I done to cause this? On a side note, despite the "end of the world" CME, the NA-SOTA weekend is happening this weekend. Get those great Elecraft rigs on the air and help those guys and gals out on the summits. :) 73/72, Joel - W4JBB KX3 #1479 From km4ik.ian at gmail.com Sat Sep 13 07:27:44 2014 From: km4ik.ian at gmail.com (Ian - Ham) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 07:27:44 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] SSB net announcement In-Reply-To: <4CBCD417-B424-4E77-8EA5-804A5CFBABA6@riousa.com> References: <4CBCD417-B424-4E77-8EA5-804A5CFBABA6@riousa.com> Message-ID: <0e8501cfcf45$bd4dcf80$37e96e80$@gmail.com> Can't do it this time, Phil. It's my son's birthday Sunday. My apologies. Have a great SOTA activation! 73 de, --Ian Ian Kahn, KM4IK Roswell, GA EM74ua km4ik.ian at gmail.com 10-10 #74624, North Georgia Chapter #2038 K3# 281, P3 #688, KPA500 #1468 -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Phil Shepard Sent: Friday, September 12, 2014 11:59 PM To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] SSB net announcement Help! I forgot that I will be on a SOTA summit this Sunday. Can anyone take the NCS duty this week? Thanks 73, Phil NS7P ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 km4ik.ian at gmail.com --- This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. http://www.avast.com From w4jbb at charter.net Sat Sep 13 07:30:35 2014 From: w4jbb at charter.net (Joel Black) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 06:30:35 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] Key Clicks In-Reply-To: <541426A2.3030700@KN5L.net> References: <54141F8E.8030804@charter.net> <541426A2.3030700@KN5L.net> Message-ID: <54142ADB.4090705@charter.net> John, Thanks for the tip. I have a hard time filtering the F.O.D. on the KX3 Yahoo group. I'll go back and look there too. I have set the DLY and finally got it where I can tolerate the key clicks, but the DLY is set to about 0.20 - basically, it only clicks at the end of transmit. I *did* notice that even with my MON turned to 0 I still hear key clicks in my headphones (I have been wearing headphones the entire time I've been testing). I hear them as the rig stops transmitting. Joel - W4JBB On 9/13/14, 6:12 AM, John Oppenheimer wrote: > Good morning Joel, > > Using 2.19. Same VFO B click with DLY = 0.00 and a little B side only > tone ring at the end of the transmission. Increasing DLY to 0.06 > eliminates the clicks. My hunch is the same DSP pipe delay I mentioned > in yesterday's Yahoo KX3 list QSK email. > > Not sure what the VFO B offset dependent frequency ring at the end of > the transmission is. > > John KN5L > > On 09/13/2014 05:42 AM, Joel Black wrote: >> With my KX3 terminated into a dummy load, split and dual watch active, >> VFO B 1 - 5.3 kHz up or down from VFO A, filter set to 450 Hz and >> centered, I am getting key clicks on VFO B. NB and NR are off. >> Does anyone else notice this or is this an issue with my rig? If it's >> me, what on *Earth* have I done to cause this? From dezrat at outlook.com Sat Sep 13 10:02:50 2014 From: dezrat at outlook.com (Bill Turner) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 07:02:50 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) On Sat, 13 Sep 2014 12:36:40 +0600, UA9CDC wrote: >I do not have ACOM2000 but I use the same arrangement with Expert 1-KFA and >K3. Logging program polls the radio and the amp only "listens" for K3 >response to learn the operating freq. When you terminate logger there is no >polling anymore. Therefore the system does not work as expected. This is >normal. REPLY: So the K3 does not send data unless polled? OK, now things make more sense. This explains why, if you're not using the Y connector to your computer, your data cable must have the TXD wire so the ACOM can poll the K3. Is my assumption correct? The ACOM does poll the K3 in that case? Things are finally coming clear. I wish this had been explained in the ACOM manual. Many thanks to all who replied on this issue. 73, Bill W6WRT From dick at elecraft.com Sat Sep 13 10:33:39 2014 From: dick at elecraft.com (Dick Dievendorff) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 07:33:39 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <00c201cfcf5f$b64965e0$22dc31a0$@elecraft.com> I don't have an ACOM, SteppIR-controller, or Expert 1-KFA. I'd suggest that you don't want two TxD connections on an RS-232 "Y" connector. You need one from the PC to the K3. I don't think you want TxD from K3 to ACOM. RS-232 is not a protocol that permits two senders. It's ok to "sniff" the Rx line, multiple receivers. I doubt that the ACOM (or the Expert) polls the K3. I bet they are passive listeners. You need frequency messages to be presented to the ACOM on QSY. The "normal" technique for this is to turn on K3 Auto Info (a K3 menu configuration selection). Then as you QSY (or actually, your QSY stops), the K3 sends a message with the new frequency. If you are running a logging program, it probably polls the K3 for frequency often, and the ACOM can "sniff" those responses, and then the K3 Auto Info isn't as necessary. Some loggers don't mind if you leave Auto Info on. It's just extra information on change and the logger can either ignore or exploit those unsolicited messages. However it's possible that some loggers might not deal well with unexpected messages that can occur in "auto info" mode. Then K3 Auto Info has to be turned off (or the logging program needs to learn to deal with unexpected auto info messages). I think you're close, but I wouldn't connect two senders... 73 de Dick, K6KR -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill Turner Sent: Saturday, September 13, 2014 7:03 AM To: acom-list at yahoogroups.com Cc: Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) On Sat, 13 Sep 2014 12:36:40 +0600, UA9CDC wrote: >I do not have ACOM2000 but I use the same arrangement with Expert 1-KFA >and K3. Logging program polls the radio and the amp only "listens" for >K3 response to learn the operating freq. When you terminate logger >there is no polling anymore. Therefore the system does not work as >expected. This is normal. REPLY: So the K3 does not send data unless polled? OK, now things make more sense. This explains why, if you're not using the Y connector to your computer, your data cable must have the TXD wire so the ACOM can poll the K3. Is my assumption correct? The ACOM does poll the K3 in that case? Things are finally coming clear. I wish this had been explained in the ACOM manual. Many thanks to all who replied on this issue. 73, Bill W6WRT ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 dick at elecraft.com From ve3wdm at hotmail.com Sat Sep 13 11:14:47 2014 From: ve3wdm at hotmail.com (Mike Weir) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 11:14:47 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] For Sale Telepost LP-100 Message-ID: This unit is in excellent shape I built it myself but sent it down to Larry at Telepost for calibration and final check. Comes with the Standard coupler the LPC1, 50 mW to 3KW PEP/CW, 1.8 to 54 MHz. The many other features of this professional piece of equipment are to many to list, go to http://www.telepostinc.com for a complete run down of what the LP-100 can do. Price 350.00 Mike WeirVE3WDM From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Sat Sep 13 11:39:41 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 08:39:41 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: <00c201cfcf5f$b64965e0$22dc31a0$@elecraft.com> References: <00c201cfcf5f$b64965e0$22dc31a0$@elecraft.com> Message-ID: <5414653D.8050709@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Sat,9/13/2014 7:33 AM, Dick Dievendorff wrote: > RS-232 is not a protocol that permits two senders. It's ok to "sniff" the Rx > line, multiple receivers. > > I doubt that the ACOM (or the Expert) polls the K3. I bet they are passive > listeners. > > You need frequency messages to be presented to the ACOM on QSY. > > The "normal" technique for this is to turn on K3 Auto Info (a K3 menu > configuration selection). Then as you QSY (or actually, your QSY stops), the > K3 sends a message with the new frequency. > > If you are running a logging program, it probably polls the K3 for frequency > often, and the ACOM can "sniff" those responses, and then the K3 Auto Info > isn't as necessary. Good advice. I have no experience with these amps, but I do have a SteppIR controller that functions as Dick describes. I used it with Commander, the rig control program that is part of the DXLog suite, and with N1MM. I found that I had to use the computer to set the K3's frequency. I no longer use that connection, because I switch the SteppIR between two radios for SO2R. 73, Jim K9YC From tomb18 at videotron.ca Sat Sep 13 12:09:27 2014 From: tomb18 at videotron.ca (tomb18 at videotron.ca) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 12:09:27 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Win4K3Suite: Now allows changing of Terminal Mode Threshold and text decode parameters. In-Reply-To: <7600e2cd2ef48.54146c1e@videotron.ca> References: <7610c4e729685.54146895@videotron.ca> <7610adb42e448.541468d1@videotron.ca> <7650cd362c3e1.5414690e@videotron.ca> <76c08b8d2baa6.5414694a@videotron.ca> <76d083682ffe7.54146986@videotron.ca> <779096c62f797.541469c3@videotron.ca> <7630825f2d99c.541469ff@videotron.ca> <76b09f2e2f939.54146a3b@videotron.ca> <76f0cfc4295b9.54146a78@videotron.ca> <76e0bb3d28744.54146ab4@videotron.ca> <76d0a9d92aaf0.54146af0@videotron.ca> <76c0865029781.54146b2c@videotron.ca> <76a0d32d2b58a.54146b69@videotron.ca> <7570eda62e7f4.54146ba5@videotron.ca> <7610b96429986.54146be1@videotron.ca> <7600e2cd2ef48.54146c1e@videotron.ca> Message-ID: <76a096042e5be.541433f7@videotron.ca> Win4K3Suite - version 1.662 is now released. This version has a number of enhancements which follow from user feedback. New: - It is now possible to adjust the Threshold and parameters such as CW speed in the K3 Terminal Window. This unique capability is not available in the K3 Utility or in any other software package. This allows one to change the point at which decoding begins, helping eliminate false decoding of CW, PSK and FSK signals. This also allows proper remote use of the K3 text decoding with something like TeamViewer. Please note that there is currently no way to do this with the KX3. -The KX3 and LPPAN panadapter has had a number of enhancements: 1) Split screen is now available allowing you to adjust the relative size of the spectrum vs waterfall 2) Waterfall speed control has now been added 3) The 8kHz IF shift of the KX3 is now supported. Other enhancements include: Mouse wheel support for VFOA and VFOB allowing the change of individual digits in the frequency display. Rework of the Tune button such that if a tuner is in BYPASS then pressing Tune will send a carrier. Support for CW mode of WinWarbler. Win4K3Suite is the most comprehensive control program for the K3, KX3, KPA500 and KAT500. It interoperates with most third party logging and contest programs. A free 30 day trial is available at va2fsq.com. Purchase entitles you to free updates for as long as the K3 and KX3 exist. You can see the program in action at?https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=win4k3suite 73's Tom va2fsq From kengkopp at gmail.com Sat Sep 13 12:33:19 2014 From: kengkopp at gmail.com (Ken G Kopp) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 10:33:19 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] PX3 & Anderson Powerpoles In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: The white stripped wire is positive - An easy ohmmeter check. 73 K0PP On Sep 13, 2014 10:22 AM, "jim at pandzik.com [KX3]" wrote: > > > Before I fry my new PX3, can someone tell me which wire is which on the > power cable? One wire is solid black and the other is black with white > dashes. Neither the manual nor the website decodes this.Thanks in advance. > > Jim Pandzik > > KE5PK > __._,_.___ > ------------------------------ > Posted by: jim at pandzik.com > ------------------------------ > Reply via web post > > ? Reply to sender > ? > Reply to group > ? Start > a New Topic > > ? Messages in this topic > > (1) > Visit Your Group > > > - New Members > > 20 > > [image: Yahoo! Groups] > > ? Privacy ? > Unsubscribe ? Terms > of Use > > . > > __,_._,___ > From bob at hogbytes.com Sat Sep 13 12:47:03 2014 From: bob at hogbytes.com (Bob N3MNT) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 09:47:03 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] PX3 & Anderson Powerpoles In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <1410626823056-7593035.post@n2.nabble.com> Definitely use the ohm meter check. If I remember correctly there were some pwr cables that had the wires reversed. I never trust the colors too much at risk. -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Re-KX3-PX3-Anderson-Powerpoles-tp7593034p7593035.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From nick.ve3ey at gmail.com Sat Sep 13 12:59:10 2014 From: nick.ve3ey at gmail.com (Nick - VE3EY) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 12:59:10 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: <00c201cfcf5f$b64965e0$22dc31a0$@elecraft.com> References: <00c201cfcf5f$b64965e0$22dc31a0$@elecraft.com> Message-ID: Hi Dick and Val Thanks for sharing this valuable info with the group. Similar to Bill, W6WRT after I fixed my CAT cable to exclude TXD line my entire setup started working but later on I realized it wasn't working reliably. On some occasions, amp would not detect the frequency change until after I started spinning the VFO knob. This was while I had the Win-Test logging program running and polling my K3. Autonfo on my K3 is set to "nor". On some bands the amp refused to follow the frequency. For example, I would switch the radio to 20 meters but the amp for some reason thought it was still on 15. If I turn the CAT off on the Acom's RCU unit and transmit some RF, the amp would correctly switch to 20 and tune up. Without changing anything else and while the K3 and Win-Test were still on 20m, if I turn the on the CAT on the RCU unit, the amp would jump back on 15m for some reason. The whole thing started working reliably after I took LP Bridge out of the picture. In Win-Test if I define the radio on the real COM port the PC is connected to the K3 and change the pooling from "Auto" to 300msec the amp works well. I changed the band numerous times and Acom followed without a hitch. In my case LP-Bridge seems to be confusing the amp but I can't tell why. LP-Bridge does read everything correctly from the K3 and Win-Test works perfectly along with it. 73, Nick ve3ey On Sat, Sep 13, 2014 at 10:33 AM, Dick Dievendorff wrote: > I don't have an ACOM, SteppIR-controller, or Expert 1-KFA. > > I'd suggest that you don't want two TxD connections on an RS-232 "Y" > connector. You need one from the PC to the K3. I don't think you want TxD > from K3 to ACOM. > > RS-232 is not a protocol that permits two senders. It's ok to "sniff" the > Rx > line, multiple receivers. > > I doubt that the ACOM (or the Expert) polls the K3. I bet they are passive > listeners. > > You need frequency messages to be presented to the ACOM on QSY. > > The "normal" technique for this is to turn on K3 Auto Info (a K3 menu > configuration selection). Then as you QSY (or actually, your QSY stops), > the > K3 sends a message with the new frequency. > > If you are running a logging program, it probably polls the K3 for > frequency > often, and the ACOM can "sniff" those responses, and then the K3 Auto Info > isn't as necessary. > > Some loggers don't mind if you leave Auto Info on. It's just extra > information on change and the logger can either ignore or exploit those > unsolicited messages. > > However it's possible that some loggers might not deal well with unexpected > messages that can occur in "auto info" mode. Then K3 Auto Info has to be > turned off (or the logging program needs to learn to deal with unexpected > auto info messages). > > I think you're close, but I wouldn't connect two senders... > > 73 de Dick, K6KR > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill > Turner > Sent: Saturday, September 13, 2014 7:03 AM > To: acom-list at yahoogroups.com > Cc: Elecraft > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A > > ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) > > On Sat, 13 Sep 2014 12:36:40 +0600, UA9CDC wrote: > > >I do not have ACOM2000 but I use the same arrangement with Expert 1-KFA > >and K3. Logging program polls the radio and the amp only "listens" for > >K3 response to learn the operating freq. When you terminate logger > >there is no polling anymore. Therefore the system does not work as > >expected. This is normal. > > REPLY: > > So the K3 does not send data unless polled? OK, now things make more sense. > This explains why, if you're not using the Y connector to your computer, > your data cable must have the TXD wire so the ACOM can poll the K3. > > Is my assumption correct? The ACOM does poll the K3 in that case? > > Things are finally coming clear. I wish this had been explained in the ACOM > manual. > > Many thanks to all who replied on this issue. > > 73, Bill W6WRT > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 dick at elecraft.com > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 nick.ve3ey at gmail.com > From lists at subich.com Sat Sep 13 13:26:29 2014 From: lists at subich.com (Joe Subich, W4TV) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 13:26:29 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: References: <00c201cfcf5f$b64965e0$22dc31a0$@elecraft.com> Message-ID: <54147E45.1000204@subich.com> > In my case LP-Bridge seems to be confusing the amp but I can't tell > why. LP-Bridge does read everything correctly from the K3 and > Win-Test works perfectly along with it. LP-Bridge acts as a *proxy* - polling from Win-Test and other programs is answered by LP-Bridge and *not passed on to the rig*. Thus, any hardware that relies on the answers to polling from the rig does not see any response. Because LP-Pan blocks the majority of polls to the rig, the 2000, SteppIR and other similar hardware never gets a chance to recover when they miss an update as they would with a logger that polls for frequency and mode two or three times per second. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-09-13 12:59 PM, Nick - VE3EY wrote: > Hi Dick and Val > Thanks for sharing this valuable info with the group. > > Similar to Bill, W6WRT after I fixed my CAT cable to exclude TXD line my > entire setup started working but later on I realized it wasn't working > reliably. On some occasions, amp would not detect the frequency change > until after I started spinning the VFO knob. This was while I had the > Win-Test logging program running and polling my K3. Autonfo on my K3 is > set to "nor". > > On some bands the amp refused to follow the frequency. For example, I > would switch the radio to 20 meters but the amp for some reason thought it > was still on 15. If I turn the CAT off on the Acom's RCU unit and > transmit some RF, the amp would correctly switch to 20 and tune up. > Without changing anything else and while the K3 and Win-Test were still on > 20m, if I turn the on the CAT on the RCU unit, the amp would jump back on > 15m for some reason. > > The whole thing started working reliably after I took LP Bridge out of the > picture. In Win-Test if I define the radio on the real COM port the PC is > connected to the K3 and change the pooling from "Auto" to 300msec the amp > works well. I changed the band numerous times and Acom followed without a > hitch. > > In my case LP-Bridge seems to be confusing the amp but I can't tell why. > LP-Bridge does read everything correctly from the K3 and Win-Test works > perfectly along with it. > > 73, Nick > ve3ey > > > > On Sat, Sep 13, 2014 at 10:33 AM, Dick Dievendorff > wrote: > >> I don't have an ACOM, SteppIR-controller, or Expert 1-KFA. >> >> I'd suggest that you don't want two TxD connections on an RS-232 "Y" >> connector. You need one from the PC to the K3. I don't think you want TxD >> from K3 to ACOM. >> >> RS-232 is not a protocol that permits two senders. It's ok to "sniff" the >> Rx >> line, multiple receivers. >> >> I doubt that the ACOM (or the Expert) polls the K3. I bet they are passive >> listeners. >> >> You need frequency messages to be presented to the ACOM on QSY. >> >> The "normal" technique for this is to turn on K3 Auto Info (a K3 menu >> configuration selection). Then as you QSY (or actually, your QSY stops), >> the >> K3 sends a message with the new frequency. >> >> If you are running a logging program, it probably polls the K3 for >> frequency >> often, and the ACOM can "sniff" those responses, and then the K3 Auto Info >> isn't as necessary. >> >> Some loggers don't mind if you leave Auto Info on. It's just extra >> information on change and the logger can either ignore or exploit those >> unsolicited messages. >> >> However it's possible that some loggers might not deal well with unexpected >> messages that can occur in "auto info" mode. Then K3 Auto Info has to be >> turned off (or the logging program needs to learn to deal with unexpected >> auto info messages). >> >> I think you're close, but I wouldn't connect two senders... >> >> 73 de Dick, K6KR >> >> >> -----Original Message----- >> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill >> Turner >> Sent: Saturday, September 13, 2014 7:03 AM >> To: acom-list at yahoogroups.com >> Cc: Elecraft >> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A >> >> ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) >> >> On Sat, 13 Sep 2014 12:36:40 +0600, UA9CDC wrote: >> >>> I do not have ACOM2000 but I use the same arrangement with Expert 1-KFA >>> and K3. Logging program polls the radio and the amp only "listens" for >>> K3 response to learn the operating freq. When you terminate logger >>> there is no polling anymore. Therefore the system does not work as >>> expected. This is normal. >> >> REPLY: >> >> So the K3 does not send data unless polled? OK, now things make more sense. >> This explains why, if you're not using the Y connector to your computer, >> your data cable must have the TXD wire so the ACOM can poll the K3. >> >> Is my assumption correct? The ACOM does poll the K3 in that case? >> >> Things are finally coming clear. I wish this had been explained in the ACOM >> manual. >> >> Many thanks to all who replied on this issue. >> >> 73, Bill W6WRT >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 dick at elecraft.com >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 nick.ve3ey at gmail.com >> > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 lists at subich.com > From mike.harris at horizon.co.fk Sat Sep 13 13:30:51 2014 From: mike.harris at horizon.co.fk (Mike Harris) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 14:30:51 -0300 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <54147F4B.20406@horizon.co.fk> See K3 Config > AUTOINF Regards, Mike VP8NO > REPLY: > > So the K3 does not send data unless polled? OK, now things make more > sense. This explains why, if you're not using the Y connector to your > computer, your data cable must have the TXD wire so the ACOM can poll > the K3. > > Is my assumption correct? The ACOM does poll the K3 in that case? > > Things are finally coming clear. I wish this had been explained in the > ACOM manual. > > Many thanks to all who replied on this issue. > > 73, Bill W6WRT From herr42 at comcast.net Sat Sep 13 15:47:02 2014 From: herr42 at comcast.net (Jeff Herr) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 12:47:02 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] OT looking for a part number for a.... In-Reply-To: <83B39913-58F1-44C6-A058-36D6902CBA22@netspace.net.au> References: <83B39913-58F1-44C6-A058-36D6902CBA22@netspace.net.au> Message-ID: <000f01cfcf8b$7d4436e0$77cca4a0$@net> ....50 ohm non reactive 1/4 watt axial lead resistor maybe 1% or better. I have a couple of old amphenol bnc 240 ohm terminators that I want to repurpose to 50 ohm. I am having trouble finding a non reactive part thats good up thru 500mhz. Jeff Herr, WW6L 4636 Kelton Way Sacramento, Ca 95838 916.925.6089 From gt-i at gmx.net Sat Sep 13 15:49:05 2014 From: gt-i at gmx.net (gt-i at gmx.net) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 21:49:05 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] VHF BNC mod kit recommended with 2m module? In-Reply-To: <4B87A6A6-E1D6-4894-9A95-7904AA5CA3F7@gmail.com> References: <58471B7B-0390-4DE9-91F5-C7EFF23C6D60@elecraft.com> <4B87A6A6-E1D6-4894-9A95-7904AA5CA3F7@gmail.com> Message-ID: <54149FB1.5020404@gmx.net> Matt, I have asked the same question to Eric at the HamRadio fair in Friedrichshafen. From what I understood, you don't need the mod because you can either operate on VHF or on HF. The mod makes sense if you have another VHF radio which you like to operate in parallel to the KX3. 73, Gernot DF5RF Am 11.09.2014 21:55, schrieb Matt VK2RQ: > Well, my KX3 is an early model that predates the point at which this mod was phased into production. I understand that the transverter module uses a separate SMA jack; my question is, while using the transverter, could there be leakage out the HF/6m antenna on the BNC jack that may be picked up by the 2m antenna on the SMA jack? Or is the BNC jack disconnected during transverter operation in a way that would prevent any such leakage? > > 73, Matt VK2RQ > > On 12 Sep 2014, at 1:00 am, Wayne Burdick wrote: > >> This mod, which was phased into production long ago, only pertains to the HF-6 meter antenna jack (BNC). It has no impact on the 2-meter module, which uses the SMA jack. >> >> 73, >> Wayne >> N6KR >> >> >> On Sep 11, 2014, at 6:49 AM, Matt VK2RQ wrote: >> >>> For early model KX3, there is a mod kit for the BNC connector which added extra filtering to reduce weak signal interference on VHF/UHF. Is this mod recommended if the 2m transverter is installed in the KX3? Will it cause interference to itself on 2m without the mod? >>> >>> 73, Matt VK2RQ >>> ______________________________________________________________ >>> Elecraft mailing list >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 n6kr at elecraft.com > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 gt-i at gmx.net > From ingerassociates at cox.net Sat Sep 13 17:10:37 2014 From: ingerassociates at cox.net (David Inger) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 14:10:37 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Remoting A KAT500 Message-ID: <3AB27D04F7364902AD45BC9E8B85E195@ACER7741> This topic may have been covered before, but I can't find it specifically in the archives. I am thinking of remoting my KAT500 ATU and using it at the base of a non-resonant vertical. My ideal is to install the tuner in a NEMA raintight box and powering with dc sent down the coax with bias-T's at both ends. I will have to rely on RF sensing since it would impractical to use control cables for the 60 ft run. Any thoughts? 73 de K6SBA David in Santa Barbara, CA From kl7uw at acsalaska.net Sat Sep 13 17:16:37 2014 From: kl7uw at acsalaska.net (Edward R Cole) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 13:16:37 -0800 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Antenna ideas for a cheap ham Message-ID: <201409132116.s8DLGbRu078064@huffman.acsalaska.net> I sent this to the reflector last Tuesday but it never posted on the reflector; here it is again: >Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 09:03:13 -0800 >To: Elecraft Reflector >From: Edward R Cole >Subject: OT: Antenna ideas for a cheap ham > >This might be considered an offshoot of the OT R8 discussion - read on: > >A local ham friend dropped by to show my an antenna he had acquired >wondering what freq. it covered. After looking it over I decided it >was a 36-MHz quarter wave vertical with decoupling section at the >base and fed with a gamma-match. The gamma has a 7/16 coax >connector with N-female adapter, so apparently commercial band. > >My friend also recently acquired an 80-foot crank-up tower for $100 >(Yes, you read that correctly). Some guys are really lucky! He >lives on disability so has few funds for ham radio, but asks me what >antennas he can put on top of his tower. He does not want a >directional antenna like a yagi...sooo > >First we considered he could lengthen the 72-inch commercial >vertical to operate on 10m and mount it on top of the tower. But >that would only give him one band.He could also shorten it to 6m but >there is little local activity on that band so 10m probably would >provide him better use. > >For HF bands I thought about a dipole with auto-tuner. Finally >thought maybe running sloping dipoles might work well. Base load >that tower as grounded vertical? 160-40m? > >Another note: He has a tech-class license so that limits where he >can operate. I suggested upgrading to General and he is not adverse >to doing that. He owns a IC-706. > >Any suggestions? 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com "Kits made by KL7UW" Dubus Mag business: dubususa at gmail.com From w0agmike at gmail.com Sat Sep 13 19:22:56 2014 From: w0agmike at gmail.com (Mike Murray) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 18:22:56 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Thanks to all who replied! I reseated all cables and I believe the problem is corrected. I also downloaded the latest firmware just in case, so all's well with the world. Really starting to like this little rig! 73, Mike - W0AG On Fri, Sep 12, 2014 at 9:29 PM, Walter Underwood wrote: > Open it up and reseat all the cables. > > This feels like the kind of flakiness that a poor cable connection causes. > > wunder > K6WRU > CM87wj > http://observer.wunderwood.org/ > > On Sep 12, 2014, at 6:55 PM, Mike Murray wrote: > > > Just received an almost unused KX3 from a friend and seem to be having a > > major problem. When first turned on, all is well and everything > functions > > as expected. After a time, it acts as though the VFO is locked and won't > > change freq., even if I change bands. It is not locked because I have > > tapped the RATE button just to be sure, but still won't change frequency > - > > the last digit just blinks. Powering down and restarting seems to work > for > > a while, but it eventually starts doing the same thing. > > > > I'm assuming it's OP error and would welcome any input as to what's going > > on and how I prevent it. > > > > Mike - W0AG > > ______________________________________________________________ > > Elecraft mailing list > > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 wunder at wunderwood.org > > From phils at riousa.com Sat Sep 13 19:29:59 2014 From: phils at riousa.com (Phil Shepard) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 16:29:59 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] SSB net announcement In-Reply-To: <0e8501cfcf45$bd4dcf80$37e96e80$@gmail.com> References: <4CBCD417-B424-4E77-8EA5-804A5CFBABA6@riousa.com> <0e8501cfcf45$bd4dcf80$37e96e80$@gmail.com> Message-ID: It looks like there is no NCS for tomorrow 's SSB net. Maybe someone can step forward and pick it up. Thanks. 73, Phil NS 7P > On Sep 13, 2014, at 4:27 AM, "Ian - Ham" wrote: > > Can't do it this time, Phil. It's my son's birthday Sunday. My apologies. > > Have a great SOTA activation! > > 73 de, > > --Ian > Ian Kahn, KM4IK > Roswell, GA EM74ua > km4ik.ian at gmail.com > 10-10 #74624, North Georgia Chapter #2038 > K3# 281, P3 #688, KPA500 #1468 > > -----Original Message----- > From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Phil > Shepard > Sent: Friday, September 12, 2014 11:59 PM > To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net > Subject: [Elecraft] SSB net announcement > > Help! I forgot that I will be on a SOTA summit this Sunday. Can anyone take > the NCS duty this week? Thanks > > 73, > Phil NS7P > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 km4ik.ian at gmail.com > > > --- > This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. > http://www.avast.com > From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Sat Sep 13 19:47:49 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 19:47:49 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Antenna ideas for a cheap ham In-Reply-To: <201409132116.s8DLGbRu078064@huffman.acsalaska.net> References: <201409132116.s8DLGbRu078064@huffman.acsalaska.net> Message-ID: <5414D7A5.5060507@embarqmail.com> Ed, Since he does not want a beam, I would suggest 3 dipole antennas supported from his 80 ft. tower - OK, really 8 dipoles, but 3 feedlines. All of them would be inverted VEE type. One of them is a fan dipole for 10/15/20 meters. Position that one to favor his preferred DX locations. The next is a fan dipole for the WARC bands 30/17/12 - position that one at 90 degrees to the 10/15/20 dipole. The third is a broadband antenna for 80 and 40. See the ARRL Antenna Book 19th Edition (may also be in later versions) page 9-16 - "A Simple Broadband Dipole for 80 Meters". It was initially described in a QST article in September 1993. It uses a 1 wavelength of RG-213 plus a 1/4 wavelength of RG-11 to produce a Transmission Line Resonator and will result in a 'double humped' SWR curve giving less than a 2:1 SWR from 3.5 MHz to 3.950 if the 80 meter wire is trimmed properly. A set of 40 meter wires can be added to this same coax giving both 80 and 40 meter coverage with a low SWR. Position the 4 radiator wires for this antenna at 45 degrees to the wires for the 10/15/20 meter and the 30/17/12 meter sets for minimum interaction. Yes, he would have to have an antenna switch to switch between the 3 coax feedlines, but that would give him 80 through 10 meter coverage. The 36 MHz antenna could be trimmed to 6 meters and added as a vertical on the tower for 80 through 6 meter coverage with 4 feedlines. For 160 meter coverage, run radials out from the tower and run it as a shunt fed vertical - yes, that probably is a 5th feedline, so use a 6 position coax switch and connect the 6th position to a dummy load to protect the equipment when it is not in use. He would not have to put up the WARC antennas until he has his General ticket. Other than the feedlines, the cost is as low as the wire used for the radiators and the baluns for each feedline. 73, Don W3FPR Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 09:03:13 -0800 >> To: Elecraft Reflector >> From: Edward R Cole >> Subject: OT: Antenna ideas for a cheap ham >> >> This might be considered an offshoot of the OT R8 discussion - read on: >> >> A local ham friend dropped by to show my an antenna he had acquired >> wondering what freq. it covered. After looking it over I decided it >> was a 36-MHz quarter wave vertical with decoupling section at the >> base and fed with a gamma-match. The gamma has a 7/16 coax connector >> with N-female adapter, so apparently commercial band. >> >> My friend also recently acquired an 80-foot crank-up tower for $100 >> (Yes, you read that correctly). Some guys are really lucky! He >> lives on disability so has few funds for ham radio, but asks me what >> antennas he can put on top of his tower. He does not want a >> directional antenna like a yagi...sooo >> >> First we considered he could lengthen the 72-inch commercial vertical >> to operate on 10m and mount it on top of the tower. But that would >> only give him one band.He could also shorten it to 6m but there is >> little local activity on that band so 10m probably would provide him >> better use. >> >> For HF bands I thought about a dipole with auto-tuner. Finally >> thought maybe running sloping dipoles might work well. Base load >> that tower as grounded vertical? 160-40m? >> >> Another note: He has a tech-class license so that limits where he >> can operate. I suggested upgrading to General and he is not adverse >> to doing that. He owns a IC-706. >> >> Any suggestions? > From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Sat Sep 13 19:17:02 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Mel Farrer via Elecraft) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 16:17:02 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] OT looking for a part number for a.... In-Reply-To: <000f01cfcf8b$7d4436e0$77cca4a0$@net> References: <83B39913-58F1-44C6-A058-36D6902CBA22@netspace.net.au> <000f01cfcf8b$7d4436e0$77cca4a0$@net> Message-ID: <1410650222.29749.YahooMailNeo@web163501.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Hi Jeff, Depending on the connector used, and the frequency of interest, I found the Caddock 1/4 W precision film resistors to be good to about 300 MHz, Try, RN55D49R9F. (49.9 ohm 1%) . Allied carries them. Mel, K6KBE On Saturday, September 13, 2014 12:49 PM, Jeff Herr wrote: ....50 ohm non reactive 1/4 watt axial lead resistor maybe 1% or better. I have a couple of old amphenol bnc 240 ohm terminators that I want to repurpose to 50 ohm. I am having trouble finding a non reactive part thats good up thru 500mhz. Jeff Herr, WW6L 4636 Kelton Way Sacramento, Ca 95838 916.925.6089 ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 farrerfolks at yahoo.com From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Sat Sep 13 20:01:35 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 20:01:35 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Antenna ideas for a cheap ham In-Reply-To: <201409132116.s8DLGbRu078064@huffman.acsalaska.net> References: <201409132116.s8DLGbRu078064@huffman.acsalaska.net> Message-ID: <5414DADF.2090802@embarqmail.com> One other comment regarding fan dipoles. They really work well, but if one attempts to put more than 3 bands on a fan dipole, the interaction can become frustrating to tune them all, been there, done that, and have all the scars. I separate the radiators in my fan dipoles by about 1 foot using PVC for the separators. It is important for the ends to be separated, but I like to begin the separation as close to the feedpoint as is practical. Cut the dipoles a bit long and tune them from the lowest band first to the highest band last to minimize the effects of interaction. Yes, I have successfully tuned a 6 band version of a fan dipole for a local ham, but it becomes a bit more of a challenge when going beyond 3 bands. 73, Don W3FPR ------------------------------------------------------- Ed, Since he does not want a beam, I would suggest 3 dipole antennas supported from his 80 ft. tower - OK, really 8 dipoles, but 3 feedlines. All of them would be inverted VEE type. One of them is a fan dipole for 10/15/20 meters. Position that one to favor his preferred DX locations. The next is a fan dipole for the WARC bands 30/17/12 - position that one at 90 degrees to the 10/15/20 dipole. The third is a broadband antenna for 80 and 40. See the ARRL Antenna Book 19th Edition (may also be in later versions) page 9-16 - "A Simple Broadband Dipole for 80 Meters". It was initially described in a QST article in September 1993. It uses a 1 wavelength of RG-213 plus a 1/4 wavelength of RG-11 to produce a Transmission Line Resonator and will result in a 'double humped' SWR curve giving less than a 2:1 SWR from 3.5 MHz to 3.950 if the 80 meter wire is trimmed properly. A set of 40 meter wires can be added to this same coax giving both 80 and 40 meter coverage with a low SWR. Position the 4 radiator wires for this antenna at 45 degrees to the wires for the 10/15/20 meter and the 30/17/12 meter sets for minimum interaction. Yes, he would have to have an antenna switch to switch between the 3 coax feedlines, but that would give him 80 through 10 meter coverage. The 36 MHz antenna could be trimmed to 6 meters and added as a vertical on the tower for 80 through 6 meter coverage with 4 feedlines. For 160 meter coverage, run radials out from the tower and run it as a shunt fed vertical - yes, that probably is a 5th feedline, so use a 6 position coax switch and connect the 6th position to a dummy load to protect the equipment when it is not in use. He would not have to put up the WARC antennas until he has his General ticket. Other than the feedlines, the cost is as low as the wire used for the radiators and the baluns for each feedline. 73, Don W3FPR Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 09:03:13 -0800 >> To: Elecraft Reflector >> From: Edward R Cole >> Subject: OT: Antenna ideas for a cheap ham >> >> This might be considered an offshoot of the OT R8 discussion - read on: >> >> A local ham friend dropped by to show my an antenna he had acquired >> wondering what freq. it covered. After looking it over I decided it >> was a 36-MHz quarter wave vertical with decoupling section at the >> base and fed with a gamma-match. The gamma has a 7/16 coax connector >> with N-female adapter, so apparently commercial band. >> >> My friend also recently acquired an 80-foot crank-up tower for $100 >> (Yes, you read that correctly). Some guys are really lucky! He >> lives on disability so has few funds for ham radio, but asks me what >> antennas he can put on top of his tower. He does not want a >> directional antenna like a yagi...sooo >> >> First we considered he could lengthen the 72-inch commercial vertical >> to operate on 10m and mount it on top of the tower. But that would >> only give him one band.He could also shorten it to 6m but there is >> little local activity on that band so 10m probably would provide him >> better use. >> >> For HF bands I thought about a dipole with auto-tuner. Finally >> thought maybe running sloping dipoles might work well. Base load >> that tower as grounded vertical? 160-40m? >> >> Another note: He has a tech-class license so that limits where he >> can operate. I suggested upgrading to General and he is not adverse >> to doing that. He owns a IC-706. >> >> Any suggestions? > From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Sat Sep 13 20:21:18 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 20:21:18 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] OT looking for a part number for a.... In-Reply-To: <1410650222.29749.YahooMailNeo@web163501.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> References: <83B39913-58F1-44C6-A058-36D6902CBA22@netspace.net.au> <000f01cfcf8b$7d4436e0$77cca4a0$@net> <1410650222.29749.YahooMailNeo@web163501.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <5414DF7E.4080804@embarqmail.com> I would also suggest that the Caddock 50 ohm 915 series power film resistors be considered. Although these are rated at 15 watts with a heatsink, they are rated for 1.25 watts in free air. Mounted to the BNC connector with zero length leads, they should be good up to 500 MHz. See http://www.caddock.com/Online_catalog/Mrktg_Lit/MP9000_Series.pdf I use the higher power ratings (on a heatsink) for dummy loads, and they can be considered 'precision dummy loads' with a 1% tolerance and the top frequency depends on the lead length and other mounting considerations. 150 MHz is practical with little consideration for lead length. Warning - do not exceed the power ratings or they will 'let the smoke out' quickly. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/13/2014 7:17 PM, Mel Farrer via Elecraft wrote: > Hi Jeff, > > Depending on the connector used, and the frequency of interest, I found the Caddock 1/4 W precision film resistors to be good to about 300 MHz, Try, RN55D49R9F. (49.9 ohm 1%) . Allied carries them. > > Mel, K6KBE > > > > On Saturday, September 13, 2014 12:49 PM, Jeff Herr wrote: > > > > ....50 ohm non reactive 1/4 watt axial lead resistor maybe 1% or better. > > I have a couple of old amphenol bnc 240 ohm terminators that I want to > repurpose to 50 ohm. > > I am having trouble finding a non reactive part thats good up thru 500mhz. > > > > Jeff Herr, WW6L > 4636 Kelton Way > Sacramento, Ca 95838 > 916.925.6089 > > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 farrerfolks at yahoo.com > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 w3fpr at embarqmail.com > From fptownsend at earthlink.net Sat Sep 13 20:45:56 2014 From: fptownsend at earthlink.net (Fred Townsend) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 17:45:56 -0700 (GMT-07:00) Subject: [Elecraft] OT looking for a part number for a.... Message-ID: <18218626.1410655556731.JavaMail.root@elwamui-polski.atl.sa.earthlink.net> Jeff I doubt you will find any axial leaded part that is good to 500 MHz because the package inductance will roll off response below 500 MHz. However if you insist on axial leaded there are any number of 50.1 ohm metal film, axial leaded parts available from Digikey www.digikey.com. Also Ohmite makes a 50.0 ohm, 50 watt resistor, NI, in a to220 case that is pretty good. Also available from Digikey. You can look up your own part numbers with their online finder. 73 Fred -----Original Message----- >From: Jeff Herr >Sent: Sep 13, 2014 3:47 PM >To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net >Subject: [Elecraft] OT looking for a part number for a.... > >....50 ohm non reactive 1/4 watt axial lead resistor maybe 1% or better. > >I have a couple of old amphenol bnc 240 ohm terminators that I want to >repurpose to 50 ohm. > >I am having trouble finding a non reactive part thats good up thru 500mhz. > > > >Jeff Herr, WW6L >4636 Kelton Way >Sacramento, Ca 95838 >916.925.6089 > > > >______________________________________________________________ >Elecraft mailing list >Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 fptownsend at earthlink.net From rs500cat at icloud.com Sat Sep 13 22:02:44 2014 From: rs500cat at icloud.com (Ron Schwartz) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 20:02:44 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] Running Wide Split with FLDigi Message-ID: <41194EA9-455C-484A-8BF7-006B0ACEFA72@icloud.com> This may be a simple question, but how does FLDigi run wide (>2.5Khz) split with the K3?. The waterfall does not allow the transmit frequency to be locked further than the sound card bandwidth from the receive frequency. FYI, I do not have the K3 sub-receiver installed. I presume some variation of the RIT/XIT controls, the VFO B control, and/or FLRig needs to be used, rather than using the transmit ?Lk? on the waterfall. Thanks, Ron K2RAS From frantz at pwpconsult.com Sat Sep 13 22:54:46 2014 From: frantz at pwpconsult.com (Bill Frantz) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 19:54:46 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Antenna ideas for a cheap ham In-Reply-To: <5414D7A5.5060507@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: If he has a long coax run, he should consider a remote antenna switch. I have one to keep the coax in the house to the YL's tolerance level. If he can locate it close enough to the feed points, he may be able to avoid multiple common mode chokes. 73 Bill AE6JV On 9/13/14 at 4:47 PM, w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) wrote: >Yes, he would have to have an antenna switch to switch between >the 3 coax feedlines, but that would give him 80 through 10 >meter coverage. The 36 MHz antenna could be trimmed to 6 >meters and added as a vertical on the tower for 80 through 6 >meter coverage with 4 feedlines. > >For 160 meter coverage, run radials out from the tower and run >it as a shunt fed vertical - yes, that probably is a 5th >feedline, so use a 6 position coax switch and connect the 6th >position to a dummy load to protect the equipment when it is >not in use. > >He would not have to put up the WARC antennas until he has his >General ticket. Other than the feedlines, the cost is as low >as the wire used for the radiators and the baluns for each feedline. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Frantz | If the site is supported by | Periwinkle (408)356-8506 | ads, you are the product. | 16345 Englewood Ave www.pwpconsult.com | | Los Gatos, CA 95032 From rs500cat at icloud.com Sat Sep 13 23:15:50 2014 From: rs500cat at icloud.com (rs500) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 20:15:50 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] Running Wide Split with FLDigi In-Reply-To: <41194EA9-455C-484A-8BF7-006B0ACEFA72@icloud.com> References: <41194EA9-455C-484A-8BF7-006B0ACEFA72@icloud.com> Message-ID: <1410664550410-7593052.post@n2.nabble.com> FYI, I am running Data A mode for digital operation with a SignaLink modem. Split mode does not appear to be available when running under Data A. Thanks, Ron -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Running-Wide-Split-with-FLDigi-tp7593050p7593052.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Sun Sep 14 01:08:14 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 22:08:14 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Antenna ideas for a cheap ham In-Reply-To: <5414DADF.2090802@embarqmail.com> References: <201409132116.s8DLGbRu078064@huffman.acsalaska.net> <5414DADF.2090802@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <541522BE.4040505@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Sat,9/13/2014 5:01 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > One other comment regarding fan dipoles. > They really work well, but if one attempts to put more than 3 bands on > a fan dipole, the interaction can become frustrating to tune them all, > been there, done that, and have all the scars. Strongly agree. Also, fans work best on harmonically related bands. 80/40 works very well, so does 20/15/10. 40/30/20 not so good. I use separations of about 9 inches for 20/15/10, and about 15 inches for 80/40. A very high 20/15/10 fan will have Zo near 50 ohms, but an equally high 80/40 will be closer to 75-80 ohms, depending on what your ground is. I feed my high 80/40s with RG11. Mine are up 110 ft. On any fan, the longest dipole will have it's "normal" SWR bandwidth, while the SWR bandwidths of the shorter dipole(s) will be about half normal. That works great for 80, which is the widest band as a percentage of frequency, and 40M is relatively narrow. No problem on 20/15/10 either, because we tend to use the bottom half of 10M. 73, Jim K9YC From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Sun Sep 14 01:31:46 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 01:31:46 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Antenna ideas for a cheap ham In-Reply-To: <541522BE.4040505@audiosystemsgroup.com> References: <201409132116.s8DLGbRu078064@huffman.acsalaska.net> <5414DADF.2090802@embarqmail.com> <541522BE.4040505@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: <54152842.20108@embarqmail.com> I failed to mention another point with regard to fan dipoles. Do not mix 3rd harmonic radiators on the same coax. In other words, stay away from combinations of 40 meters and 15 meters, and also 40 meters and 30 meters. They may work, but tuning problems are 'iffy'. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/14/2014 1:08 AM, Jim Brown wrote: > On Sat,9/13/2014 5:01 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> One other comment regarding fan dipoles. >> They really work well, but if one attempts to put more than 3 bands >> on a fan dipole, the interaction can become frustrating to tune them >> all, been there, done that, and have all the scars. > > Strongly agree. Also, fans work best on harmonically related bands. > 80/40 works very well, so does 20/15/10. 40/30/20 not so good. > > I use separations of about 9 inches for 20/15/10, and about 15 inches > for 80/40. > From wunder at wunderwood.org Sun Sep 14 02:14:27 2014 From: wunder at wunderwood.org (Walter Underwood) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 23:14:27 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Antenna ideas for a cheap ham In-Reply-To: <54152842.20108@embarqmail.com> References: <201409132116.s8DLGbRu078064@huffman.acsalaska.net> <5414DADF.2090802@embarqmail.com> <541522BE.4040505@audiosystemsgroup.com> <54152842.20108@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: Eh? A 40m dipole is pretty close to resonance on 15m already, so how can you avoid that. In fact, all dipoles are resonant at odd multiples of half waves, so this is impossible to avoid. Could you clarify the issue here? wunder K6WRU CM87wj http://observer.wunderwood.org/ On Sep 13, 2014, at 10:31 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > I failed to mention another point with regard to fan dipoles. Do not mix 3rd harmonic radiators on the same coax. In other words, stay away from combinations of 40 meters and 15 meters, and also 40 meters and 30 meters. They may work, but tuning problems are 'iffy'. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 9/14/2014 1:08 AM, Jim Brown wrote: >> On Sat,9/13/2014 5:01 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >>> One other comment regarding fan dipoles. >>> They really work well, but if one attempts to put more than 3 bands on a fan dipole, the interaction can become frustrating to tune them all, been there, done that, and have all the scars. >> >> Strongly agree. Also, fans work best on harmonically related bands. 80/40 works very well, so does 20/15/10. 40/30/20 not so good. >> >> I use separations of about 9 inches for 20/15/10, and about 15 inches for 80/40. >> > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 wunder at wunderwood.org From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Sun Sep 14 03:06:11 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Eddy via Elecraft) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 00:06:11 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] MH2 Mic question Message-ID: <1410678371.87508.YahooMailNeo@web160304.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> Does the MH2 mic for the K2 work with the KX3? tnx ed From frantz at pwpconsult.com Sun Sep 14 03:16:52 2014 From: frantz at pwpconsult.com (Bill Frantz) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 00:16:52 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Antenna ideas for a cheap ham In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Fan dipoles depend on the relatively high impedance on the fan pieces that are for other bands to send most of the energy into the tuned fan. If you are using fans for 40 and 15, the energy will be split between them on 15M which isn't what you want. BTW - My combination of a 160M dipole commonly fed with an 80M inverted V at 90 degrees to the 160M dipole works quite well on 15 meters. The cocoaNEC model shows good performance with 4 major lobes arranged more or less in the direction of the 160M wire. 73 Bill AE6JV On 9/13/14 at 11:14 PM, wunder at wunderwood.org (Walter Underwood) wrote: >Eh? A 40m dipole is pretty close to resonance on 15m already, >so how can you avoid that. In fact, all dipoles are resonant at >odd multiples of half waves, so this is impossible to avoid. > >Could you clarify the issue here? > >wunder >K6WRU >CM87wj >http://observer.wunderwood.org/ > >On Sep 13, 2014, at 10:31 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > >>I failed to mention another point with regard to fan dipoles. Do not mix 3rd harmonic radiators on >the same coax. In other words, stay away from combinations of >40 meters and 15 meters, and also 40 meters and 30 meters. >They may work, but tuning problems are 'iffy'. >> >>73, >>Don W3FPR >> ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Frantz | Since the IBM Selectric, keyboards have gotten 408-356-8506 | steadily worse. Now we have touchscreen keyboards. www.pwpconsult.com | Can we make something even worse? From jwiley at gci.net Sun Sep 14 03:30:01 2014 From: jwiley at gci.net (Jim Wiley) Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 23:30:01 -0800 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Antenna ideas for a cheap ham In-Reply-To: <54152842.20108@embarqmail.com> References: <201409132116.s8DLGbRu078064@huffman.acsalaska.net> <5414DADF.2090802@embarqmail.com> <541522BE.4040505@audiosystemsgroup.com> <54152842.20108@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <541543F9.5050907@gci.net> Don - Did you mean 80 meters and 30 meters? 40 meters and 30 meters should be OK, even if the frequency separation is not optimal. - Jim, KL7CC On 9/13/2014 9:31 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > I failed to mention another point with regard to fan dipoles. Do not > mix 3rd harmonic radiators on the same coax. In other words, stay > away from combinations of 40 meters and 15 meters, and also 40 meters > and 30 meters. They may work, but tuning problems are 'iffy'. > > 73, > Don W3FPR From mteberle at mchsi.com Sun Sep 14 07:40:19 2014 From: mteberle at mchsi.com (Michael Eberle) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 06:40:19 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] MH2 Mic question In-Reply-To: <1410678371.87508.YahooMailNeo@web160304.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> References: <1410678371.87508.YahooMailNeo@web160304.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <54157EA3.1010409@mchsi.com> The MH2 has an 8-pin connector and I believe the KX3 mic uses a 1/8" tip-sleeve-ring plug. You might be able to make an adapter for it though. Mike KI0HA On 9/14/2014 2:06 AM, Eddy via Elecraft wrote: > Does the MH2 mic for the K2 work with the KX3? > > tnx > > ed > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 mteberle at mchsi.com > From pincon at erols.com Sun Sep 14 07:50:20 2014 From: pincon at erols.com (Charlie T, K3ICH) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 07:50:20 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Antenna ideas for a cheap ham References: <201409132116.s8DLGbRu078064@huffman.acsalaska.net><5414DADF.2090802@embarqmail.com><541522BE.4040505@audiosystemsgroup.com><54152842.20108@embarqmail.com> <541543F9.5050907@gci.net> Message-ID: Don't overlook traps. My low band antenna is a double (fan?) dipole with 80 M traps in one leg for 160/80 and 40 M traps in the other leg for 60/40 coverage. It seems to work fine at about 55 feet. In an inverted V configuration, just install the legs at 90 degrees to each other for minimal interaction. I did this for a 40/80 double V which also worked great with the top at 40 feet. 73, Charlie k3ICH ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Wiley" To: ; Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2014 3:30 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Antenna ideas for a cheap ham > Don - > > Did you mean 80 meters and 30 meters? 40 meters and 30 meters should > be OK, even if the frequency separation is not optimal. > > - Jim, KL7CC > > > > On 9/13/2014 9:31 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> I failed to mention another point with regard to fan dipoles. Do not mix >> 3rd harmonic radiators on the same coax. In other words, stay away from >> combinations of 40 meters and 15 meters, and also 40 meters and 30 >> meters. They may work, but tuning problems are 'iffy'. >> >> 73, >> Don W3FPR > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pincon at erols.com From drewko1 at verizon.net Sun Sep 14 08:43:37 2014 From: drewko1 at verizon.net (drewko) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 08:43:37 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Antenna ideas for a cheap ham In-Reply-To: <201409132116.s8DLGbRu078064@huffman.acsalaska.net> References: <201409132116.s8DLGbRu078064@huffman.acsalaska.net> Message-ID: I don't have a tower but I am using a 10-20m cobweb antenna in my attic. It's non-directional and feeds with a single coax. It gets out pretty well on all five bands. Recently worked aZL station on 17m with less than 2 watts (this is the requisite anecdotal information... but true.) I'd love to try it on an 80 ft tower... I'm using the G3TXQ version with single-wire elements. I originally trimmed it to freq using a (cheap) noise bridge but a graphical antenna analyzer would be nice and easy. 73, Drew AF2Z On Sat, 13 Sep 2014 13:16:37 -0800, you wrote: >I sent this to the reflector last Tuesday but it never posted on the >reflector; here it is again: > > >>Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 09:03:13 -0800 >>To: Elecraft Reflector >>From: Edward R Cole >>Subject: OT: Antenna ideas for a cheap ham >> >>This might be considered an offshoot of the OT R8 discussion - read on: >> >>A local ham friend dropped by to show my an antenna he had acquired >>wondering what freq. it covered. After looking it over I decided it >>was a 36-MHz quarter wave vertical with decoupling section at the >>base and fed with a gamma-match. The gamma has a 7/16 coax >>connector with N-female adapter, so apparently commercial band. >> >>My friend also recently acquired an 80-foot crank-up tower for $100 >>(Yes, you read that correctly). Some guys are really lucky! He >>lives on disability so has few funds for ham radio, but asks me what >>antennas he can put on top of his tower. He does not want a >>directional antenna like a yagi...sooo >> >>First we considered he could lengthen the 72-inch commercial >>vertical to operate on 10m and mount it on top of the tower. But >>that would only give him one band.He could also shorten it to 6m but >>there is little local activity on that band so 10m probably would >>provide him better use. >> >>For HF bands I thought about a dipole with auto-tuner. Finally >>thought maybe running sloping dipoles might work well. Base load >>that tower as grounded vertical? 160-40m? >> >>Another note: He has a tech-class license so that limits where he >>can operate. I suggested upgrading to General and he is not adverse >>to doing that. He owns a IC-706. >> >>Any suggestions? > >73, Ed - KL7UW >http://www.kl7uw.com > "Kits made by KL7UW" >Dubus Mag business: > dubususa at gmail.com > From ejkkjh at gmail.com Sun Sep 14 08:46:42 2014 From: ejkkjh at gmail.com (ejkkjh at gmail.com) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 08:46:42 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 2 meter module transmit problems? Message-ID: <1D82B29DCAC34EABBAFDFB49502BF47A@ejhPC> KX3 2 meter module transmit problems, not sure what to try next? When I key mic in 2 meters, display dims and KX3 beeps twice, no output, red led lights. When I push xmit button KX3 locks up, only way to recover is turn off power supply? Receive works great, no problems at all. HF works fine, full output on transmit. I switched out everything from SMA antenna connector, different cables, 3 different 2 meter antennas. Only cables connected to KX3, mic, power supply, and antenna. Tried different power supply. I have had trouble with the internal 2 meter antenna, mini coax cables, but checked them, they look ok and connected. This just happened when I tried to use it for VHF contest yesterday, 2 meter transmit was ok before this. Any help would be appreciated. 73 Thanks Emory WM3M From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Sun Sep 14 08:56:21 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 08:56:21 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Antenna ideas for a cheap ham In-Reply-To: <541522BE.4040505@audiosystemsgroup.com> References: <201409132116.s8DLGbRu078064@huffman.acsalaska.net> <5414DADF.2090802@embarqmail.com> <541522BE.4040505@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: <54159075.9050709@embarqmail.com> Correction: Make that 'don't mix 80 meters and 30 meters on the same coax' 73, Don W3FPR --------------------------------------------------- I failed to mention another point with regard to fan dipoles. Do not mix 3rd harmonic radiators on the same coax. In other words, stay away from combinations of 40 meters and 15 meters, and also 40 meters and 30 meters. They may work, but tuning problems are 'iffy'. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/14/2014 1:08 AM, Jim Brown wrote: > On Sat,9/13/2014 5:01 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> One other comment regarding fan dipoles. >> They really work well, but if one attempts to put more than 3 bands >> on a fan dipole, the interaction can become frustrating to tune them >> all, been there, done that, and have all the scars. > > Strongly agree. Also, fans work best on harmonically related bands. > 80/40 works very well, so does 20/15/10. 40/30/20 not so good. > > I use separations of about 9 inches for 20/15/10, and about 15 inches > for 80/40. > From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Sun Sep 14 09:03:08 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 09:03:08 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] MH2 Mic question In-Reply-To: <1410678371.87508.YahooMailNeo@web160304.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> References: <1410678371.87508.YahooMailNeo@web160304.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <5415920C.6090904@embarqmail.com> Ed, No, the connector will not fit the KX3. If the question is 'will the MH2 work using a homebrew adapter', then the answer is yes. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/14/2014 3:06 AM, Eddy via Elecraft wrote: > Does the MH2 mic for the K2 work with the KX3? > > tnx > > ed > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 w3fpr at embarqmail.com > From billp1048 at earthlink.net Sun Sep 14 09:07:17 2014 From: billp1048 at earthlink.net (Bill Phillips) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 09:07:17 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Remoting a KAT500 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <54159305.1030701@earthlink.net> I completed a remote KAT500 installation this summer and have been using it successfully ever since. In my case I use the KAT500 to switch among 3 "Lazy H" antennas pointing more or less 60 degrees apart. I use the utility program to do the switching and to monitor SWR. The KAT500 is capable of being pre-tuned in 20 KHz segments for each of the antennas, but you need to run 20-30 watts to accomplish this. Thereafter a 5 watt qrp ditditdit will switch the tuner to the memorized tuning for that frequency and antenna. I used 150 feet of direct bury CAT5 cable for the serial connection between the computer and tuner. One twisted pair for Rx, one for Tx, and two for the PA key line. It works just fine. I hope to get some pictures up before too long. In the meantime let me know if there are more questions. By the way I got a lot of help and good ideas from Knut AB2TC and David at Elecraft. 73 Bill AD6JV Message: 7 Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 14:10:37 -0700 From: "David Inger" To: Subject: [Elecraft] Remoting A KAT500 Message-ID: <3AB27D04F7364902AD45BC9E8B85E195 at ACER7741> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" This topic may have been covered before, but I can't find it specifically in the archives. I am thinking of remoting my KAT500 ATU and using it at the base of a non-resonant vertical. My ideal is to install the tuner in a NEMA raintight box and powering with dc sent down the coax with bias-T's at both ends. I will have to rely on RF sensing since it would impractical to use control cables for the 60 ft run. Any thoughts? 73 de K6SBA David in Santa Barbara, CA From w2up at comcast.net Sun Sep 14 09:58:18 2014 From: w2up at comcast.net (Barry) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 06:58:18 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Audible hum from Astron linear power supply. Fixable? Message-ID: <1410703098422-7593065.post@n2.nabble.com> I have an Astron RS-70M that I use to power the station. It on the carpeted floor under a desk. It's probably 30 years old now. I've been inactive for several months, so it's been off all summer. Now when I turn it on, it has an annoying, low-pitched audible hum. All the screws are tight, though when I press down on the top of the case, it goes away. Any thoughts on how to quiet it down? Tnx, Barry W2UP -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/OT-Audible-hum-from-Astron-linear-power-supply-Fixable-tp7593065.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Sun Sep 14 10:11:01 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (WILLIS COOKE via Elecraft) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 07:11:01 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Antenna ideas for a cheap ham In-Reply-To: <54152842.20108@embarqmail.com> References: <201409132116.s8DLGbRu078064@huffman.acsalaska.net> <5414DADF.2090802@embarqmail.com> <541522BE.4040505@audiosystemsgroup.com> <54152842.20108@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <1410703861.97123.YahooMailNeo@web181003.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> The reason that the 80/40/15 combo does not work well is that the 40 resonates pretty well on 15 because it is 3/4 wave. I have had a lot of difficulty with 80/40/20 and have never had one work well. My current fan is an Alpha-Delta 80/40 with a 75 meter wire fanned. It is the magic formula to use the same antenna for 80 CW and 75 Phone. It also works well with a tuner on 15 and nicely on 40. I have the apex at 44 feet and the fan about 20 degrees. It does not work well on 20 and 10 or the WARC bands. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart On Sunday, September 14, 2014 12:41 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: I failed to mention another point with regard to fan dipoles. Do not mix 3rd harmonic radiators on the same coax. In other words, stay away from combinations of 40 meters and 15 meters, and also 40 meters and 30 meters. They may work, but tuning problems are 'iffy'. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/14/2014 1:08 AM, Jim Brown wrote: > On Sat,9/13/2014 5:01 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> One other comment regarding fan dipoles. >> They really work well, but if one attempts to put more than 3 bands >> on a fan dipole, the interaction can become frustrating to tune them >> all, been there, done that, and have all the scars. > > Strongly agree. Also, fans work best on harmonically related bands. > 80/40 works very well, so does 20/15/10. 40/30/20 not so good. > > I use separations of about 9 inches for 20/15/10, and about 15 inches > for 80/40. > ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 wrcooke at yahoo.com From mark at dogfeathers.com Sun Sep 14 10:13:33 2014 From: mark at dogfeathers.com (Mark Newbold) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 07:13:33 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] Key Clicks In-Reply-To: <54141F8E.8030804@charter.net> References: <54141F8E.8030804@charter.net> Message-ID: <5415A28D.8040000@dogfeathers.com> I'm going to jump in here with my 2 cents worth, because I would REALLY like Elecraft to clean up the QSK on the KX3. Recently I've been noticing annoying pops in the speaker when sending CW. Maybe they've always been there. I never noticed them before. It's been a while since I installed firmware, so they must have been present but ignored for a while at least. They really jumped out at me when I started playing with a new sideswiper paddle last week. The pops happen at key-up, not key-down. They are heard with the internal speaker and also with external speaker or headphones. The pops are present when using the internal keyer, with an external keyer, and with a hand key. If I send a series of dits while varying the keyer speed (with external keyer), the pops are most pronounced around 19 wpm. My KX3 is S/N 77, on FW 2.11. Dual watch is not active. RIT and XIT are off. My AFX mode is DELAY. My QSK delay is set to 0.01 to try and reduce the QSK thumping. --Mark K7NEW On 9/13/2014 03:42, Joel Black wrote: > > With my KX3 terminated into a dummy load, split and dual watch active, VFO B 1 - 5.3 kHz up or > down from VFO A, filter set to 450 Hz and centered, I am getting key clicks on VFO B. NB and NR > are off. > > 73/72, > Joel - W4JBB > KX3 #1479 > > From ua9cdc at gmail.com Sun Sep 14 10:31:53 2014 From: ua9cdc at gmail.com (Igor Sokolov) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 20:31:53 +0600 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A References: <00c201cfcf5f$b64965e0$22dc31a0$@elecraft.com> Message-ID: <00037AA14F894D67B02764F33693583A@cdcmobile> > I doubt that the ACOM (or the Expert) polls the K3. I bet they are > passive > listeners. > > 73 de Dick, K6KR Expert can poll K3(as well as almost any other radio) according to its manual. Sure enough you then need both TXD and RXD connected. Therefore you can probably use it without computer. Actually Expert also got RF sense with freq counter. It compairs the info from CAT with that from the counter and in case of difference the counter info has preference. I do not use that because I always use computer logging anyway. 73, Igor UA9CDC From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Sun Sep 14 10:39:45 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Mel Farrer via Elecraft) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 07:39:45 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Audible hum from Astron linear power supply. Fixable? In-Reply-To: <1410703098422-7593065.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <1410703098422-7593065.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <1410705585.27796.YahooMailNeo@web163506.mail.gq1.yahoo.com> Take the cover off and loosen the transformer mounting bolts and slide a piece of cardboard under each corner and see it that cures the vibration. Mine did that and it fixed it. Mel, K6KBE On Sunday, September 14, 2014 7:01 AM, Barry wrote: I have an Astron RS-70M that I use to power the station. It on the carpeted floor under a desk. It's probably 30 years old now. I've been inactive for several months, so it's been off all summer. Now when I turn it on, it has an annoying, low-pitched audible hum. All the screws are tight, though when I press down on the top of the case, it goes away. Any thoughts on how to quiet it down? Tnx, Barry W2UP -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/OT-Audible-hum-from-Astron-linear-power-supply-Fixable-tp7593065.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 farrerfolks at yahoo.com From va3rj at torfree.net Sun Sep 14 10:44:30 2014 From: va3rj at torfree.net (NAQCC) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 10:44:30 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] NAQCC Sprint Announcement Message-ID: <20140914144431.C2D23400ED59B@sheppard.torfree.net> NAQCC Sprint Wednesday night.... Our September sprint is this coming Wednesday evening local time (September 17, EDT - 8:30-10:30PM, CDT - 7:30-9:30PM, MDT - 6:30-8:30PM, PDT - 5:30-7:30PM), which translates as Thursday September 18, 0030 to 0230Z in all cases. I will refer you to the proper URL: http://www.naqcc.info/sprint201409.html This is a monthly event that caters to the CW veteran, the CW newcomer, straight key and bug fans. All are welcome to participate (this includes QRO); but you must use QRP power levels to compete for awards. If you've been hesitant to join in our sprints because you hear other sprints running at breakneck speeds, have no fear. Our sprints are geared to the newcomer to CW and/or contesting. Virtually everyone including the many veteran contesters who regularly enter our sprints will slow down to YOUR speed to help you make your contacts. 72/73 de Dave VA3RJ NAQCC #0004 for NAQCC http://naqcc.info/ From n8lp at telepostinc.com Sun Sep 14 10:45:29 2014 From: n8lp at telepostinc.com (Larry Phipps) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 10:45:29 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <5415AA09.40602@telepostinc.com> LP-Bridge blocks commands that it polls itself to eliminate redundancy. Especially with the K3, over-poling creates other problems. Since LP-Bridge defaults to poling for the most common commands, including VFO A and B frequencies, 5 times a second, I don't see how the amp can miss a response. The responses are being sent by the K3 5 times per second. There is something else going on. As a workaround, Nick, have you tried feeding the amp with one of the Output ports in LP-Bridge? These outputs only send VFO data, and only for the transmit VFO. It is set to Kenwood format and 4800 baud to be broadly compatible with amps, tuners and SteppIR. It also adds hysteresis to eliminate unnecessary retuning of SteppIR antennas near a segment edge. Larry N8LP On 9/14/2014 7:50 AM, elecraft-request at mailman.qth.net wrote: > Date: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 13:26:29 -0400 > From: "Joe Subich, W4TV" > To: Nick - VE3EY, Dick Dievendorff > > Cc: Elecraft, ACOM group > > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A > Message-ID:<54147E45.1000204 at subich.com> > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed > > >> >In my case LP-Bridge seems to be confusing the amp but I can't tell >> >why. LP-Bridge does read everything correctly from the K3 and >> >Win-Test works perfectly along with it. > LP-Bridge acts as a*proxy* - polling from Win-Test and other programs > is answered by LP-Bridge and*not passed on to the rig*. Thus, any > hardware that relies on the answers to polling from the rig does not > see any response. Because LP-Pan blocks the majority of polls to the > rig, the 2000, SteppIR and other similar hardware never gets a chance > to recover when they miss an update as they would with a logger that > polls for frequency and mode two or three times per second. > > 73, > > ... Joe, W4TV > > > On 2014-09-13 12:59 PM, Nick - VE3EY wrote: >> >Hi Dick and Val >> >Thanks for sharing this valuable info with the group. >> > >> >Similar to Bill, W6WRT after I fixed my CAT cable to exclude TXD line my >> >entire setup started working but later on I realized it wasn't working >> >reliably. On some occasions, amp would not detect the frequency change >> >until after I started spinning the VFO knob. This was while I had the >> >Win-Test logging program running and polling my K3. Autonfo on my K3 is >> >set to "nor". >> > >> >On some bands the amp refused to follow the frequency. For example, I >> >would switch the radio to 20 meters but the amp for some reason thought it >> >was still on 15. If I turn the CAT off on the Acom's RCU unit and >> >transmit some RF, the amp would correctly switch to 20 and tune up. >> >Without changing anything else and while the K3 and Win-Test were still on >> >20m, if I turn the on the CAT on the RCU unit, the amp would jump back on >> >15m for some reason. >> > >> >The whole thing started working reliably after I took LP Bridge out of the >> >picture. In Win-Test if I define the radio on the real COM port the PC is >> >connected to the K3 and change the pooling from "Auto" to 300msec the amp >> >works well. I changed the band numerous times and Acom followed without a >> >hitch. >> > >> >In my case LP-Bridge seems to be confusing the amp but I can't tell why. >> >LP-Bridge does read everything correctly from the K3 and Win-Test works >> >perfectly along with it. >> > >> >73, Nick >> >ve3ey From sjl219 at optonline.net Sun Sep 14 10:51:11 2014 From: sjl219 at optonline.net (stan levandowski) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 10:51:11 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] Key Clicks In-Reply-To: <5415A28D.8040000@dogfeathers.com> References: <54141F8E.8030804@charter.net> <5415A28D.8040000@dogfeathers.com> Message-ID: <2373cefb.1103d9.14874a56ea5.Webtop.58@optonline.net> I have the same problem with my KX3 serial 0325, uC=1.5 and DSP=1.21. ?I never really noticed it until I abandoned paddles and reverted to bug and 'swiper operation. ?It's not impossible; just "unpleasant" so I turn down the AF gain with my left hand when transmitting. It may have always been there but paddle usage doesn't really require the concentration that bug and 'swiper use demands to achieve proper spacing and timing. Anyway...that's my two cents. 73, Stan WB2LQF On Sun, Sep 14, 2014 at 10:13 AM, Mark Newbold wrote: > I'm going to jump in here with my 2 cents worth, because I would > REALLY like Elecraft to clean up the QSK on the KX3. > > Recently I've been noticing annoying pops in the speaker when sending > CW. Maybe they've always been there. I never noticed them before. It's > been a while since I installed firmware, so they must have been > present but ignored for a while at least. They really jumped out at me > when I started playing with a new sideswiper paddle last week. > > The pops happen at key-up, not key-down. > They are heard with the internal speaker and also with external > speaker or headphones. > The pops are present when using the internal keyer, with an external > keyer, and with a hand key. > If I send a series of dits while varying the keyer speed (with > external keyer), the pops are most pronounced around 19 wpm. > My KX3 is S/N 77, on FW 2.11. > Dual watch is not active. RIT and XIT are off. > My AFX mode is DELAY. > My QSK delay is set to 0.01 to try and reduce the QSK thumping. > > --Mark K7NEW > > > On 9/13/2014 03:42, Joel Black wrote: >> >> With my KX3 terminated into a dummy load, split and dual watch >> active, VFO B 1 - 5.3 kHz up or down from VFO A, filter set to 450 Hz >> and centered, I am getting key clicks on VFO B. NB and NR are off. >> >> 73/72, >> Joel - W4JBB >> KX3 #1479 >> >> > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 sjl219 at optonline.net > From dick at elecraft.com Sun Sep 14 11:29:30 2014 From: dick at elecraft.com (Dick Dievendorff) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 08:29:30 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: <00037AA14F894D67B02764F33693583A@cdcmobile> References: <00c201cfcf5f$b64965e0$22dc31a0$@elecraft.com> <00037AA14F894D67B02764F33693583A@cdcmobile> Message-ID: <02cd01cfd030$add1a900$0974fb00$@elecraft.com> That's surprising, but that's OK as long as you don't try to connect two RS-232 transmitters. RS-232 isn't designed for multiple transmitters trying to hold TxD at + or - 12V (or somewhere near there). So if you depend on that amp polling, you wouldn't want to connect a computer also. 73, Dick, K6KR -----Original Message----- From: Igor Sokolov [mailto:ua9cdc at gmail.com] Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2014 7:32 AM To: Dick Dievendorff; 'Bill Turner' Cc: 'Elecraft' Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A > I doubt that the ACOM (or the Expert) polls the K3. I bet they are > passive listeners. > > 73 de Dick, K6KR Expert can poll K3(as well as almost any other radio) according to its manual. Sure enough you then need both TXD and RXD connected. Therefore you can probably use it without computer. Actually Expert also got RF sense with freq counter. It compairs the info from CAT with that from the counter and in case of difference the counter info has preference. I do not use that because I always use computer logging anyway. 73, Igor UA9CDC From w7ox at socal.rr.com Sun Sep 14 11:37:21 2014 From: w7ox at socal.rr.com (Phil Wheeler) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 08:37:21 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Audible hum from Astron linear power supply. Fixable? In-Reply-To: <1410703098422-7593065.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <1410703098422-7593065.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <5415B631.1030409@socal.rr.com> I have an AL-811H amp that does that. I put a couple of bricks on the top of it when it was in use (now have KAP500) and that cured my AL-811H :-) Phil W7OX On 9/14/14, 6:58 AM, Barry wrote: > I have an Astron RS-70M that I use to power the station. It on the carpeted > floor under a desk. It's probably 30 years old now. I've been inactive for > several months, so it's been off all summer. Now when I turn it on, it has > an annoying, low-pitched audible hum. All the screws are tight, though when > I press down on the top of the case, it goes away. Any thoughts on how to > quiet it down? > Tnx, > Barry W2UP > > From kevinr at coho.net Sun Sep 14 13:12:15 2014 From: kevinr at coho.net (Kevin) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 10:12:15 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Announcement Message-ID: <5415CC6F.8090201@coho.net> Good Morning, The sun had a major upset a few days back and the ionosphere is fully charged. Hopefully it will settle down a bit before today's nets. Please join us this afternoon and evening. 14050 kHz at 2200z Sunday (3 PM PDT Sunday) 7045 kHz at 0100z Monday (6 PM PDT Sunday) 73, Kevin. KD5ONS - From hans.elfelt at me.com Sun Sep 14 12:15:33 2014 From: hans.elfelt at me.com (Hans Elfelt Bonnesen) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 18:15:33 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] Assembling KDSP2 Message-ID: <096960B0-951B-456E-99B1-867EEA56A792@me.com> Hello, Due to an unforeseen delay I am now going to assemble my KDSP2 unit. The kit was delivered on 25. February 2014 and is marked: Revision A.1. June 2003. Included is an Errata sheet KDSP2 Manual Errata, marked : February 5, 2007 ( Rev A3 for Manual Rev A1) +++ My Question is : Are there any more recent errata?s published since then ?. Kind regards 73 de OZ5RB, Hans From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Sun Sep 14 13:35:03 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 13:35:03 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Assembling KDSP2 In-Reply-To: <096960B0-951B-456E-99B1-867EEA56A792@me.com> References: <096960B0-951B-456E-99B1-867EEA56A792@me.com> Message-ID: <5415D1C7.6040702@embarqmail.com> Hans, That is the latest one. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/14/2014 12:15 PM, Hans Elfelt Bonnesen wrote: > Hello, > > Due to an unforeseen delay I am now going to assemble my KDSP2 unit. > The kit was delivered on 25. February 2014 and is marked: Revision A.1. June 2003. > Included is an Errata sheet KDSP2 Manual Errata, marked : February 5, 2007 ( Rev A3 for Manual Rev A1) > +++ > My Question is : Are there any more recent errata?s published since then ?. > > Kind regards > > 73 de OZ5RB, Hans > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 w3fpr at embarqmail.com > From kl7uw at acsalaska.net Sun Sep 14 13:35:39 2014 From: kl7uw at acsalaska.net (Edward R Cole) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 09:35:39 -0800 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Antenna ideas for a cheap ham Message-ID: <201409141735.s8EHZd15099343@huffman.acsalaska.net> Thanks for the suggestions. We considered shortening the vertical from 36 to 50 MHz, but there is almost no local activity on 6m so probably of more use to him with a Tech License as a 10m vertical - just has to add aluminum tubing of the correct diameter (the antenna has existing section the slides for tuning and uses a metal hose clamp to secure). Some form of wire dipoles will be added, whether in inverted-V or maybe simply sloping in a desired direction and only needing a single rope to tie off to ground. Probably 20m & 15m. An 80/40m fan inverted-V could be hung with center at a lower point on the tower to be usable in NVIS mode. 45-60 foot high and being far below the 20-10m antennas would not interact. 80/40m dipole should be oriented for good N-S radiation to cover AK from our location on the Kenai Peninsula. I have a 80/40m invert-V at 45 foot with ends at 20-feet. I spaced the two wires using 8-inch painted wooden dowel spacers to keep even spacing and cut the 80m dipole first using an antenna analyzer. Then slight adjustment after the 40m dipole was cut. I get 3700-4000 and 7000-7250 without need for a tuner. Tuner permits running at 3500-3600 and 7200-7300. The man has few funds to spend on ham goodies so offering things he can make with materials in-hand. He says he has a lot of wire. Not sure on coax and how long the runs will be. Since cables would need to be suspended on a pilot rope or cable from top of the tower so the tower can be cranked up/down, a remote coax switch would be handy for him. Anyway have a good supply of ideas for him, now! 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com "Kits made by KL7UW" Dubus Mag business: dubususa at gmail.com From w7ox at socal.rr.com Sun Sep 14 16:05:16 2014 From: w7ox at socal.rr.com (Phil Wheeler) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 13:05:16 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Assembling KDSP2 In-Reply-To: <096960B0-951B-456E-99B1-867EEA56A792@me.com> References: <096960B0-951B-456E-99B1-867EEA56A792@me.com> Message-ID: <5415F4FC.8090705@socal.rr.com> Good for you, Hans! The KDSP2 really adds to the K2. Learning to set it up is a bit of a challenge, but will worth the effort. Phil W7OX On 9/14/14, 9:15 AM, Hans Elfelt Bonnesen wrote: > Hello, > > Due to an unforeseen delay I am now going to assemble my KDSP2 unit. > The kit was delivered on 25. February 2014 and is marked: Revision A.1. June 2003. > Included is an Errata sheet KDSP2 Manual Errata, marked : February 5, 2007 ( Rev A3 for Manual Rev A1) > +++ > My Question is : Are there any more recent errata?s published since then ?. > > Kind regards > > 73 de OZ5RB, Hans From goldtr8 at charter.net Sun Sep 14 17:46:06 2014 From: goldtr8 at charter.net (Goldtr8 (KD8NNU)) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 17:46:06 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Antenna ideas for a cheap ham In-Reply-To: References: <201409132116.s8DLGbRu078064@huffman.acsalaska.net> Message-ID: I use a cobweb at 40ft and it works real well for me also. It?s a good multiband antenna. ~73 Don KD8NNU 2014 Top Gun :-) -.- -.. ---.. -. -. ..- -----Original Message----- From: drewko Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2014 8:43 AM To: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Antenna ideas for a cheap ham I don't have a tower but I am using a 10-20m cobweb antenna in my attic. It's non-directional and feeds with a single coax. It gets out pretty well on all five bands. Recently worked aZL station on 17m with less than 2 watts (this is the requisite anecdotal information... but true.) I'd love to try it on an 80 ft tower... I'm using the G3TXQ version with single-wire elements. I originally trimmed it to freq using a (cheap) noise bridge but a graphical antenna analyzer would be nice and easy. 73, Drew AF2Z On Sat, 13 Sep 2014 13:16:37 -0800, you wrote: >I sent this to the reflector last Tuesday but it never posted on the >reflector; here it is again: > > >>Date: Tue, 09 Sep 2014 09:03:13 -0800 >>To: Elecraft Reflector >>From: Edward R Cole >>Subject: OT: Antenna ideas for a cheap ham >> >>This might be considered an offshoot of the OT R8 discussion - read on: >> >>A local ham friend dropped by to show my an antenna he had acquired >>wondering what freq. it covered. After looking it over I decided it >>was a 36-MHz quarter wave vertical with decoupling section at the >>base and fed with a gamma-match. The gamma has a 7/16 coax >>connector with N-female adapter, so apparently commercial band. >> >>My friend also recently acquired an 80-foot crank-up tower for $100 >>(Yes, you read that correctly). Some guys are really lucky! He >>lives on disability so has few funds for ham radio, but asks me what >>antennas he can put on top of his tower. He does not want a >>directional antenna like a yagi...sooo >> >>First we considered he could lengthen the 72-inch commercial >>vertical to operate on 10m and mount it on top of the tower. But >>that would only give him one band.He could also shorten it to 6m but >>there is little local activity on that band so 10m probably would >>provide him better use. >> >>For HF bands I thought about a dipole with auto-tuner. Finally >>thought maybe running sloping dipoles might work well. Base load >>that tower as grounded vertical? 160-40m? >> >>Another note: He has a tech-class license so that limits where he >>can operate. I suggested upgrading to General and he is not adverse >>to doing that. He owns a IC-706. >> >>Any suggestions? > >73, Ed - KL7UW >http://www.kl7uw.com > "Kits made by KL7UW" >Dubus Mag business: > dubususa at gmail.com > ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 goldtr8 at charter.net From kevinr at coho.net Sun Sep 14 18:07:27 2014 From: kevinr at coho.net (Kevin) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 15:07:27 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net cancelled due to power glitch Message-ID: <5416119F.3010603@coho.net> Good Afternoon, While getting started with the twenty meter net my K3 gave out a clunking sound and then died. The K2 was not set up but I got started with moving power and a paddle. I have not used the K2 in a couple years and found the paddles were backwards. I know I could have tried to run the net with the paddles upside down but that takes both hands. I have forgotten how to change the paddles from one side to the other and did not have the time to scan through the menus settings to find it. Now the problem : on the back of the K3 is a button marked 20. I think it is a resettable fuse of 20 amps. When I push it the button feels quite loose and doesn't want to reset anything. Any hints as to what I have blown ? 73, Kevin. KD5ONS P. S. I'll get the K2 menus figured out for the forty meter net so I can run it on time. KJR. From wunder at wunderwood.org Sun Sep 14 18:11:24 2014 From: wunder at wunderwood.org (Walter Underwood) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 15:11:24 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Antenna ideas for a cheap ham In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Right. That makes sense. Though the worst case would be a 2:1 SWR if both are resonant, because the feed point impedance would be 1/2 what is expected. Not the end of the world. A 40m dipole isn?t quite resonant on 15m anyway, so having both might make for more broadband 15m behavior with fewer broadside nulls. The ARRL Handbook includes a design with capacitance stubs to fix the resonance on 15m. My setup is an 80/40/20 fan dipole with a neat trick. The 80m dipole is center loaded, and the center section is cut to resonate on 20m. In parallel with that is a full-sized 40m dipole. The loaded 80m element is just a few feet longer than the 40m element. That is the 3B2080LFAN from Hy Power Antennas. Good construction at a good price and a clever idea. http://www.hypowerantenna.com/products/fan-dipole Walter Underwood wunder at wunderwood.org http://observer.wunderwood.org/ On Sep 14, 2014, at 12:16 AM, Bill Frantz wrote: > Fan dipoles depend on the relatively high impedance on the fan pieces that are for other bands to send most of the energy into the tuned fan. If you are using fans for 40 and 15, the energy will be split between them on 15M which isn't what you want. > > BTW - My combination of a 160M dipole commonly fed with an 80M inverted V at 90 degrees to the 160M dipole works quite well on 15 meters. The cocoaNEC model shows good performance with 4 major lobes arranged more or less in the direction of the 160M wire. > > 73 Bill AE6JV > > On 9/13/14 at 11:14 PM, wunder at wunderwood.org (Walter Underwood) wrote: > >> Eh? A 40m dipole is pretty close to resonance on 15m already, so how can you avoid that. In fact, all dipoles are resonant at odd multiples of half waves, so this is impossible to avoid. >> >> Could you clarify the issue here? >> >> wunder >> K6WRU >> CM87wj >> http://observer.wunderwood.org/ >> >> On Sep 13, 2014, at 10:31 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> >>> I failed to mention another point with regard to fan dipoles. Do not mix 3rd harmonic radiators on >> the same coax. In other words, stay away from combinations of 40 meters and 15 meters, and also 40 meters and 30 meters. They may work, but tuning problems are 'iffy'. >>> >>> 73, >>> Don W3FPR >>> > ----------------------------------------------------------------------- > Bill Frantz | Since the IBM Selectric, keyboards have gotten > 408-356-8506 | steadily worse. Now we have touchscreen keyboards. > www.pwpconsult.com | Can we make something even worse? > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 wunder at wunderwood.org From dmb at lightstream.net Sun Sep 14 18:42:35 2014 From: dmb at lightstream.net (dmb at lightstream.net) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 18:42:35 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Audible hum from Astron linear power supply. Fixable? In-Reply-To: <1410703098422-7593065.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <1410703098422-7593065.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <56328.71.74.118.201.1410734555.squirrel@mail.expedient.net> A stack of about a year's worth of QST magazines placed atop the power supply does the job here. I believe other magazines would also work. 73, Dale WA8SRA > I have an Astron RS-70M that I use to power the station. It on the > carpeted > floor under a desk. It's probably 30 years old now. I've been inactive > for > several months, so it's been off all summer. Now when I turn it on, it > has > an annoying, low-pitched audible hum. All the screws are tight, though > when > I press down on the top of the case, it goes away. Any thoughts on how to > quiet it down? > Tnx, > Barry W2UP > > > > -- > View this message in context: > http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/OT-Audible-hum-from-Astron-linear-power-supply-Fixable-tp7593065.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 dmb at lightstream.net > From wes at triconet.org Sun Sep 14 19:14:54 2014 From: wes at triconet.org (Wes (N7WS)) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 16:14:54 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Running Wide Split with FLDigi In-Reply-To: <41194EA9-455C-484A-8BF7-006B0ACEFA72@icloud.com> References: <41194EA9-455C-484A-8BF7-006B0ACEFA72@icloud.com> Message-ID: <5416216E.2010603@triconet.org> I don't use FlDigi, but do use a variant of WinPSK. Set up a regular split using the "B" VFO by double tapping A->B to copy everything to B. Turn on "Split" and dial in the desired offset using the "B" VFO. If you need to check your TX freq, hold the "REV" key. On 9/13/2014 7:02 PM, Ron Schwartz wrote: > This may be a simple question, but how does FLDigi run wide (>2.5Khz) split with the K3?. The waterfall does not allow the transmit frequency to be locked further than the sound card bandwidth from the receive frequency. FYI, I do not have the K3 sub-receiver installed. I presume some variation of the RIT/XIT controls, the VFO B control, and/or FLRig needs to be used, rather than using the transmit ?Lk? on the waterfall. > > Thanks, Ron > K2RAS > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 wes at triconet.org > From w2up at comcast.net Sun Sep 14 20:27:07 2014 From: w2up at comcast.net (Barry) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 17:27:07 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Audible hum from Astron linear power supply. Fixable? In-Reply-To: <56328.71.74.118.201.1410734555.squirrel@mail.expedient.net> References: <1410703098422-7593065.post@n2.nabble.com> <56328.71.74.118.201.1410734555.squirrel@mail.expedient.net> Message-ID: <1410740827212-7593084.post@n2.nabble.com> dmb at lightstream.net wrote > A stack of about a year's worth of QST magazines placed atop the power > supply does the job here. I believe other magazines would also work. Thanks for the suggestions. Will this work if I bring up the electronic edition of QST on my laptop and put the laptop on top of the power supply? 73, Barry W2UP -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/OT-Audible-hum-from-Astron-linear-power-supply-Fixable-tp7593065p7593084.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From w7ox at socal.rr.com Sun Sep 14 20:41:30 2014 From: w7ox at socal.rr.com (Phil Wheeler) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 17:41:30 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Audible hum from Astron linear power supply. Fixable? In-Reply-To: <1410740827212-7593084.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <1410703098422-7593065.post@n2.nabble.com> <56328.71.74.118.201.1410734555.squirrel@mail.expedient.net> <1410740827212-7593084.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <541635BA.8040103@socal.rr.com> Only if your laptop is a very old and heavy one :-) Way back I had one heavy enough! Phil W7OX On 9/14/14, 5:27 PM, Barry wrote: > dmb at lightstream.net wrote >> A stack of about a year's worth of QST magazines placed atop the power >> supply does the job here. I believe other magazines would also work. > Thanks for the suggestions. Will this work if I bring up the electronic > edition of QST on my laptop and put the laptop on top of the power supply? > 73, > Barry W2UP From dezrat at outlook.com Sun Sep 14 21:28:22 2014 From: dezrat at outlook.com (Bill Turner) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 18:28:22 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Audible hum from Astron linear power supply. Fixable? In-Reply-To: <56328.71.74.118.201.1410734555.squirrel@mail.expedient.net> References: <1410703098422-7593065.post@n2.nabble.com> <56328.71.74.118.201.1410734555.squirrel@mail.expedient.net> Message-ID: ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) On Sun, 14 Sep 2014 18:42:35 -0400 (EDT), Dale wrote: >A stack of about a year's worth of QST magazines placed atop the power >supply does the job here. I believe other magazines would also work. > >73, Dale >WA8SRA REPLY: One must be careful which year QST one uses. Years ago QST had a smaller format and would probably require a year and a half. :-) 73, Bill W6WRT From wes at triconet.org Sun Sep 14 22:56:22 2014 From: wes at triconet.org (Wes (N7WS)) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 19:56:22 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Audible hum from Astron linear power supply. Fixable? In-Reply-To: References: <1410703098422-7593065.post@n2.nabble.com> <56328.71.74.118.201.1410734555.squirrel@mail.expedient.net> Message-ID: <54165556.1050600@triconet.org> The smaller format issues had technical content in them that made them worth saving. The more recent issues are so lacking in content that after about 20 minutes of looking for something worthwhile, into the trash they go. Saves on shelf space. Wes N7WS On 9/14/2014 6:28 PM, Bill Turner wrote: > ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) > > On Sun, 14 Sep 2014 18:42:35 -0400 (EDT), Dale wrote: > >> A stack of about a year's worth of QST magazines placed atop the power >> supply does the job here. I believe other magazines would also work. >> >> 73, Dale >> WA8SRA > REPLY: > > One must be careful which year QST one uses. Years ago QST had a > smaller format and would probably require a year and a half. :-) > > 73, Bill W6WRT > From k6dgw at foothill.net Mon Sep 15 00:10:36 2014 From: k6dgw at foothill.net (Fred Jensen) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 21:10:36 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Audible hum from Astron linear power supply. Fixable? In-Reply-To: <54165556.1050600@triconet.org> References: <1410703098422-7593065.post@n2.nabble.com> <56328.71.74.118.201.1410734555.squirrel@mail.expedient.net> <54165556.1050600@triconet.org> Message-ID: <541666BC.6090005@foothill.net> Sep "DX Issue" has precious little about DX. Re Astron: Many people have very good results with them, there are many on mountain tops in the Cactus Intertie system that have run for decades. My experience isn't so good, maybe just bad luck, but I've given up on them although I've never noticed an audible hum. Then again, I'm fairly deaf which can sometimes be an asset. :-) Power supplies are those things that just sit there and hold down the desk or floor against gravity outages and I'm looking for reliability. My station is currently powered by a Yaesu 1030A that came with the FT-847 close to 15 years ago. It produces 14.3 V all the time, regardless of load, and basically, that's all it does [we haven't had a gravity outage in that time]. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org I've also had good results from Triplett supplies. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org On 9/14/2014 7:56 PM, Wes (N7WS) wrote: > The smaller format issues had technical content in them that made them > worth saving. The more recent issues are so lacking in content that > after about 20 minutes of looking for something worthwhile, into the > trash they go. Saves on shelf space. > > Wes N7WS From kl7uw at acsalaska.net Mon Sep 15 02:51:13 2014 From: kl7uw at acsalaska.net (Edward R Cole) Date: Sun, 14 Sep 2014 22:51:13 -0800 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 2 meter module transmit problems? Message-ID: <201409150651.s8F6pD0U012363@denali.acsalaska.net> One thing you could check is whether the metal shield cover on the 2M module was installed in the correct position. I had reduced output on 2m (0.3w vs 3.0w) when I re-installed my module after receiving it back from Elecraft (after getting some mods and repairs to my field tester unit). I mistakenly installed the cover backwards so the edge of the cover came into contact with the TO-220 RF output transistor leads. Reversing the cover so the cutout notch was in position over the transistor leads "fixed" my low output. If the module cover makes a hard short across transistor leads, that could result in the dimming display and other issues you are seeing? The cutout in the lip of the cover is very small so one could overlook it. 73, Ed - KL7UW -------------------- From: KX3 2 meter module transmit problems, not sure what to try next? When I key mic in 2 meters, display dims and KX3 beeps twice, no output, red led lights. When I push xmit button KX3 locks up, only way to recover is turn off power supply? Receive works great, no problems at all. HF works fine, full output on transmit. I switched out everything from SMA antenna connector, different cables, 3 different 2 meter antennas. Only cables connected to KX3, mic, power supply, and antenna. Tried different power supply. I have had trouble with the internal 2 meter antenna, mini coax cables, but checked them, they look ok and connected. This just happened when I tried to use it for VHF contest yesterday, 2 meter transmit was ok before this. Any help would be appreciated. 73 Thanks Emory WM3M 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com "Kits made by KL7UW" Dubus Mag business: dubususa at gmail.com From elecraft at ozy.us Mon Sep 15 04:04:12 2014 From: elecraft at ozy.us (Chris Johnson) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 01:04:12 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] PX3 buglet -- fix in progress In-Reply-To: <5D7FA38F-B6BB-48A9-A78A-5E75E52ECD16@elecraft.com> References: <5D7FA38F-B6BB-48A9-A78A-5E75E52ECD16@elecraft.com> Message-ID: Hi Wayne, As I reported in another thread, I am experiences many many lockups on the PX3. I haven't been able to quite narrow down what causes it to freeze, but it has done it dozens of time through the weekend. I am using a PX3, KX3, KXPA100 combo all with current firmware. On Sep 9, 2014, at 8:46 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > With the initial production firmware, the PX3's per-band REFerence level may occasionally be incorrect on power-up or VFO A/B swap. If this happens, set REF to the desired level on the affected band. > > Sorry for the inconvenience. We'll post new firmware as soon as it's available. > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 elecraft at ozy.us From w4jbb at charter.net Mon Sep 15 06:08:57 2014 From: w4jbb at charter.net (Joel Black) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 05:08:57 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] Key Clicks In-Reply-To: <54141F8E.8030804@charter.net> References: <54141F8E.8030804@charter.net> Message-ID: <5416BAB9.60001@charter.net> I played around in the SKCC WES for a couple of hours this weekend. I noticed something odd (to me at least) about the key clicks: If I turn my power supply *off* and just run off the internal batteries, the key clicks dissipate. They don't altogether disappear, but they do diminish. It's "less bassy" if that makes sense. The PS I'm using is an MFJ-4125 switcher. I don't have my Astron RS-35A hooked up at the moment. If I get a chance to play around with it this afternoon, I'll see if it sounds any different with the Astron. 73, Joel - W4JBB On 9/13/14, 5:42 AM, Joel Black wrote: > I'm not sure what I've done. Not sure if I just woke up and noticed it > or if I've done something that's caused it. > > With my KX3 terminated into a dummy load, split and dual watch active, > VFO B 1 - 5.3 kHz up or down from VFO A, filter set to 450 Hz and > centered, I am getting key clicks on VFO B. NB and NR are off. > > I did a little reading through past posts and even reverted back to FW > 2.18 and then 2.12. I also reloaded a configuration from 8/31/2014 and > still hear the key clicks. > > I do *not* hear key clicks if both VFO A and VFO B are on the same > frequency with split and dual watch active. > > The key clicks occur on every band from 80 - 10 m. > > I also noticed something else trying to work W1AW/5 on RTTY - terrible > ringing. He was working split up 1 so I don't know if that was the > issue or not. I have not tried to recreate this using a backup config > or different firmware. > > My question(s) is/are: > > Does anyone else notice this or is this an issue with my rig? If it's > me, what on *Earth* have I done to cause this? > > On a side note, despite the "end of the world" CME, the NA-SOTA > weekend is happening this weekend. Get those great Elecraft rigs on > the air and help those guys and gals out on the summits. :) > > 73/72, > Joel - W4JBB > KX3 #1479 > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 w4jbb at charter.net > From forums at david-woolley.me.uk Mon Sep 15 06:14:54 2014 From: forums at david-woolley.me.uk (David Woolley) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 11:14:54 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: <02cd01cfd030$add1a900$0974fb00$@elecraft.com> References: <00c201cfcf5f$b64965e0$22dc31a0$@elecraft.com> <00037AA14F894D67B02764F33693583A@cdcmobile> <02cd01cfd030$add1a900$0974fb00$@elecraft.com> Message-ID: <5416BC1E.10604@david-woolley.me.uk> It is a requirement of RS-232 that any interface pin will tolerate a low impedance short circuit to anything in the range -25V to +25V, so shorting two outputs together is within specification, even if the resulting logic level may be indeterminate. This is only true of compliant interfaces, and not necessarily true of merely compatible ones. -- David Woolley Owner K2 06123 On 14/09/14 16:29, Dick Dievendorff wrote: > That's surprising, but that's OK as long as you don't try to connect two > RS-232 transmitters. RS-232 isn't designed for multiple transmitters trying > to hold TxD at + or - 12V (or somewhere near there). > > So if you depend on that amp polling, you wouldn't want to connect a > computer also. From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Mon Sep 15 09:59:20 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 09:59:20 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: <5416BC1E.10604@david-woolley.me.uk> References: <00c201cfcf5f$b64965e0$22dc31a0$@elecraft.com> <00037AA14F894D67B02764F33693583A@cdcmobile> <02cd01cfd030$add1a900$0974fb00$@elecraft.com> <5416BC1E.10604@david-woolley.me.uk> Message-ID: <5416F0B8.4060804@embarqmail.com> David, That is true the specification says that condition will not cause damage to compliant drivers and receivers, but if two drivers are placed on an RS-232 signal line, they will *not* work together and will result in corrupt data (assuming they are on the TXD or RXD signal lines). You are correct that damage may occur to non-compliant (but compatible) drivers and receivers. The PC serial cards, USB to serial adapters, and most ham gear do not implement compliant RS-232 interfaces. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/15/2014 6:14 AM, David Woolley wrote: > It is a requirement of RS-232 that any interface pin will tolerate a > low impedance short circuit to anything in the range -25V to +25V, so > shorting two outputs together is within specification, even if the > resulting logic level may be indeterminate. > > This is only true of compliant interfaces, and not necessarily true of > merely compatible ones. > From KX3 at ColdRocksHotBrooms.com Mon Sep 15 11:15:22 2014 From: KX3 at ColdRocksHotBrooms.com (Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 08:15:22 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: <5416F0B8.4060804@embarqmail.com> References: <00c201cfcf5f$b64965e0$22dc31a0$@elecraft.com> <00037AA14F894D67B02764F33693583A@cdcmobile> <02cd01cfd030$add1a900$0974fb00$@elecraft.com> <5416BC1E.10604@david-woolley.me.uk> <5416F0B8.4060804@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <5417028A.3080302@ColdRocksHotBrooms.com> There is the formal standard, and there is the defacto standard. The formal standard says +3v for 1, -3v for 0, and that less than 3v is undefined. The common driver chips (1488 and 1489) worked just fine with TTL levels -- 5v being above +3, and 0v being close enough to -3v. I've never seen anything that required -3v for logic zero. -- Lynn On 9/15/2014 6:59 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > David, > > That is true the specification says that condition will not cause > damage to compliant drivers and receivers, but if two drivers are > placed on an RS-232 signal line, they will *not* work together and > will result in corrupt data (assuming they are on the TXD or RXD > signal lines). > > You are correct that damage may occur to non-compliant (but > compatible) drivers and receivers. The PC serial cards, USB to serial > adapters, and most ham gear do not implement compliant RS-232 interfaces. > > 73, > Don W3FPR From dick at elecraft.com Mon Sep 15 11:42:27 2014 From: dick at elecraft.com (Dick Dievendorff) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 08:42:27 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: <5417028A.3080302@ColdRocksHotBrooms.com> References: <00c201cfcf5f$b64965e0$22dc31a0$@elecraft.com> <00037AA14F894D67B02764F33693583A@cdcmobile> <02cd01cfd030$add1a900$0974fb00$@elecraft.com> <5416BC1E.10604@david-woolley.me.uk> <5416F0B8.4060804@embarqmail.com> <5417028A.3080302@ColdRocksHotBrooms.com> Message-ID: <0a0c01cfd0fb$a73fd1e0$f5bf75a0$@elecraft.com> My point is that multiple transmitters on an RS-232 link aren't likely to work well because the protocol is point to point, and there is no "collision recovery" protocol. This isn't an Ethernet cable. It's RS-232. Point to point, not multipoint. Even if spec-compliant end point electronics aren't damaged by such a connection, a receiver is likely to be confused by the competing efforts of multiple transmitters. One of the transmitters will be attempting to hold the TxD line at mark, the other at space. Which one wins depends on the implementation. Dick, K6KR -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT Sent: Monday, September 15, 2014 8:15 AM To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A There is the formal standard, and there is the defacto standard. The formal standard says +3v for 1, -3v for 0, and that less than 3v is undefined. The common driver chips (1488 and 1489) worked just fine with TTL levels -- 5v being above +3, and 0v being close enough to -3v. I've never seen anything that required -3v for logic zero. -- Lynn On 9/15/2014 6:59 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > David, > > That is true the specification says that condition will not cause > damage to compliant drivers and receivers, but if two drivers are > placed on an RS-232 signal line, they will *not* work together and > will result in corrupt data (assuming they are on the TXD or RXD > signal lines). > > You are correct that damage may occur to non-compliant (but > compatible) drivers and receivers. The PC serial cards, USB to serial > adapters, and most ham gear do not implement compliant RS-232 interfaces. > > 73, > Don W3FPR ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 dick at elecraft.com From gary.hvizdak at cfl.rr.com Mon Sep 15 11:44:28 2014 From: gary.hvizdak at cfl.rr.com (Gary W. Hvizdak) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 11:44:28 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] Specmanship ... "making claims that have no basis in reality; hype." In-Reply-To: <02ab01cfd0fa$d3171360$79453a20$@cfl.rr.com> References: <02ab01cfd0fa$d3171360$79453a20$@cfl.rr.com> Message-ID: <02ac01cfd0fb$ef3e7410$cdbb5c30$@cfl.rr.com> After several months of preparation, Adrian Ryan (5B4AIY) recently conducted a head-to-head engineering evaluation of several aftermarket KX3 heatsinks. His findings dispelled the long-running >>"best-performing"<< claim of the PAE heatsink as unfounded, yet this claim is still being made by the PAE website! What's more, now there's a second measureable claim >>"The PAE-Kx31 offers the best performance value in any aftermarket KX3 heatsink, delivering more cooling per $ than all others."<< which probably isn't true either, although there's no way to know for sure based on the scant evidence presented. And given PAE's (zero of one) track record thus far regarding the validity of its measureable claims, the chances of this latest one actually being true are at best 50-50. (BTW, I know of one KX3 owner -- who prefers to remain anonymous -- who needed to upgrade from the PAE heatsink to a Cooler KX(TM) heatsink. Thus, even if this new "best performance value" claim happens to be true, that fact won't console KX3 owners who find that the PAE heatsink fails to keep their radio from overheating!) Curiously, the only corroborating evidence for this newest claim is an impressive looking graph -- see http://goo.gl/6Zr4gW -- which appears to have been derived from Adrian's test results using a methodology that can best be described as a concoction of hand-picked data, analytical fallacy, smoke, and mirrors. It certainly is interesting that PAE can make this new claim based on Adrian's findings, while continuing to make their original "best-performing" claim, which the same findings have since discredited. Additional concerns about the validity of this newest claim include: 1) Cooler KX(TM) heatsinks are offered in three grades of finish (raw, undercoated, and painted) to best serve KX3 owners interested in getting the best performance for their dollar, as well as for anyone who wants to operate in direct sunlight or prefers to paint their heatsink some other color. The raw Lite model costs 23 percent less than the painted Lite model, while the raw Plus model costs 30 percent less than the painted Plus model; yet PAE has conveniently excluded the raw and undercoated finish options! 2) No shipping costs or calculations are cited, only mysterious final results. Furthermore, there are numerous international shipping choices and the cost of international shipping varies by country. 3) Although they are repeatable, Adrian's test results don't come anywhere close to quantifying heatsink performance. To use his findings as a basis for any kind of measureable claim is wrong beyond comprehension! --- - - - --- --- - - - --- With regard to the comment "We see now why they changed the testing goals." ... the reality is that Adrian's (purely qualitative) test results do not support the kind of presentation that was envisioned. See also: o http://www.ve7fmn.ca/this-is-cool/pdfs/performance_page/head2head.pdf o http://www.ve7fmn.ca/this-is-cool/pdfs/performance_page/5b4aiy.pdf o http://mailman.qth.net/pipermail/elecraft/2014-September/207068.html o http://mailman.qth.net/pipermail/elecraft/2014-August/206333.html 73, Gary KI4GGX webmaster http://www.ve7fmn.ca/ P.S. Apologies for the bandwidth and for posting twice in the same month. I felt this needed to be said and couldn't wait until October. Also FYI, I have no financial interest in the production or sale of Cooler KX(TM) heatsinks. From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Mon Sep 15 11:58:37 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 11:58:37 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: <5417028A.3080302@ColdRocksHotBrooms.com> References: <00c201cfcf5f$b64965e0$22dc31a0$@elecraft.com> <00037AA14F894D67B02764F33693583A@cdcmobile> <02cd01cfd030$add1a900$0974fb00$@elecraft.com> <5416BC1E.10604@david-woolley.me.uk> <5416F0B8.4060804@embarqmail.com> <5417028A.3080302@ColdRocksHotBrooms.com> Message-ID: <54170CAD.8080405@embarqmail.com> The confusion I am trying to clear is that more than one driver on an RS-232 line will not work properly and will result in erroneous data. Multiple receivers are no problem. Besides, you are quoting the standard for the receiver input. In order to drive the long lines (as originally intended for RS-232), the driver output must be much greater. Capacitance in the cable and resistance can distort the waveform and reduce the voltage. Not usually a problem with short lines encountered in typical PC and ham radio setups, but is problematic when the line length gets long. There is a difference between "it works", and "it works right all the time". 73, Don W3FPR On 9/15/2014 11:15 AM, Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT wrote: > There is the formal standard, and there is the defacto standard. > > The formal standard says +3v for 1, -3v for 0, and that less than 3v > is undefined. > > The common driver chips (1488 and 1489) worked just fine with TTL > levels -- 5v being above +3, and 0v being close enough to -3v. > > I've never seen anything that required -3v for logic zero. > > -- Lynn > > On 9/15/2014 6:59 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> David, >> >> That is true the specification says that condition will not cause >> damage to compliant drivers and receivers, but if two drivers are >> placed on an RS-232 signal line, they will *not* work together and >> will result in corrupt data (assuming they are on the TXD or RXD >> signal lines). >> >> You are correct that damage may occur to non-compliant (but >> compatible) drivers and receivers. The PC serial cards, USB to >> serial adapters, and most ham gear do not implement compliant RS-232 >> interfaces. >> >> 73, >> Don W3FPR > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 w3fpr at embarqmail.com > From KX3 at ColdRocksHotBrooms.com Mon Sep 15 12:11:37 2014 From: KX3 at ColdRocksHotBrooms.com (Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 09:11:37 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: <0a0c01cfd0fb$a73fd1e0$f5bf75a0$@elecraft.com> References: <00c201cfcf5f$b64965e0$22dc31a0$@elecraft.com> <00037AA14F894D67B02764F33693583A@cdcmobile> <02cd01cfd030$add1a900$0974fb00$@elecraft.com> <5416BC1E.10604@david-woolley.me.uk> <5416F0B8.4060804@embarqmail.com> <5417028A.3080302@ColdRocksHotBrooms.com> <0a0c01cfd0fb$a73fd1e0$f5bf75a0$@elecraft.com> Message-ID: <54170FB9.6060608@ColdRocksHotBrooms.com> On 9/15/2014 8:42 AM, Dick Dievendorff wrote: > My point is that multiple transmitters on an RS-232 link aren't likely to > work well because the protocol is point to point, and there is no "collision > recovery" protocol. This isn't an Ethernet cable. It's RS-232. Point to > point, not multipoint. Ethernet is multipoint to multipoint because there are protocols on top of the electrical specification that allow multiple transmitters, and detect and deal with corrupt data and collisions. RS-232 doesn't have that level of protocol. I don't have the spec. handy, but I don't think it goes beyond the electrical specification. It's possible to put some more elaborate protocol on top of RS-232 and make it work, but it isn't part of the K3 serial protocol. From ptaa at ieee.org Mon Sep 15 12:17:04 2014 From: ptaa at ieee.org (Per-Tore Aasestrand) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 18:17:04 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: <54170FB9.6060608@ColdRocksHotBrooms.com> References: <00c201cfcf5f$b64965e0$22dc31a0$@elecraft.com> <00037AA14F894D67B02764F33693583A@cdcmobile> <02cd01cfd030$add1a900$0974fb00$@elecraft.com> <5416BC1E.10604@david-woolley.me.uk> <5416F0B8.4060804@embarqmail.com> <5417028A.3080302@ColdRocksHotBrooms.com> <0a0c01cfd0fb$a73fd1e0$f5bf75a0$@elecraft.com> <54170FB9.6060608@ColdRocksHotBrooms.com> Message-ID: The RS-232 standard goes quite far and also covers signalling etc. Have a look here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RS-232 P-T / LA7NO On 15 September 2014 18:11, Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT < KX3 at coldrockshotbrooms.com> wrote: > On 9/15/2014 8:42 AM, Dick Dievendorff wrote: > >> My point is that multiple transmitters on an RS-232 link aren't likely to >> work well because the protocol is point to point, and there is no >> "collision >> recovery" protocol. This isn't an Ethernet cable. It's RS-232. Point to >> point, not multipoint. >> > Ethernet is multipoint to multipoint because there are protocols on top of > the electrical specification that allow multiple transmitters, and detect > and deal with corrupt data and collisions. > > RS-232 doesn't have that level of protocol. I don't have the spec. handy, > but I don't think it goes beyond the electrical specification. > > It's possible to put some more elaborate protocol on top of RS-232 and > make it work, but it isn't part of the K3 serial protocol. > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 ptaa at ieee.org > From urb at w2dec.com Mon Sep 15 12:52:20 2014 From: urb at w2dec.com (Urb LeJeune) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 12:52:20 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Newbie questions Message-ID: I'm Urb, W1UL. Between 1949 and 2012 I was W2DEC. One of my good friends tells people I've been a ham so long that my first call had a Roman Numeral :-) I'm sure these two questions have been asked many times and I apologize in advance. Is there a simple way to get back to the default configuration on a K3, I have my screwed up beyond recognition Number two, is their a downloadable program - not necessarily free - that will save the K3 configuration and reloading the saved configuration? Thanks for your help. Urb W1UL --- This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. http://www.avast.com From k2ttt at optonline.net Mon Sep 15 13:05:33 2014 From: k2ttt at optonline.net (Jay K2TTT) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 13:05:33 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Newbie questions In-Reply-To: <20140915165329.74AC026B99C3@mailman.qth.net> References: <20140915165329.74AC026B99C3@mailman.qth.net> Message-ID: <000701cfd107$42fda890$c8f8f9b0$@net> Urb It is easy: 1.You can reset everything by the following: Power off Hold in shift knob while pressing power on switch unit it fully powers up You will have to start over again just like you had just finished building it - so don't so this just for grins If you have an older configuration file saved you can reload it and be right back where you were when you saved the file. The firmware is not affected either way - kinda like a restore point in Win XP. 2. The K3 utility program available "FREE" on their webste will do all that. I would suggest that once you do a "reset" as above save it with the utility program so you can always undo what you done did 73 K2TTT (Jay)C6ATT From mikeflowers at gmail.com Mon Sep 15 13:18:38 2014 From: mikeflowers at gmail.com (Mike Flowers) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 10:18:38 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Newbie questions In-Reply-To: <000701cfd107$42fda890$c8f8f9b0$@net> References: <20140915165329.74AC026B99C3@mailman.qth.net> <000701cfd107$42fda890$c8f8f9b0$@net> Message-ID: <012401cfd109$1786ba10$46942e30$@gmail.com> Hi Urb, Jay is quite correct. The latest K3 Utility Program is here: http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm - 73 and good DX de Mike, K6MKF, President - NCDXC, IDXC 2015, W6NAG, IDXG, ADXG, RRC #933, K3-P3-KPA500-KAT500 Addict, Maui -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jay K2TTT Sent: Monday, September 15, 2014 10:06 AM To: 'Urb LeJeune'; elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Newbie questions Urb It is easy: 1.You can reset everything by the following: Power off Hold in shift knob while pressing power on switch unit it fully powers up You will have to start over again just like you had just finished building it - so don't so this just for grins If you have an older configuration file saved you can reload it and be right back where you were when you saved the file. The firmware is not affected either way - kinda like a restore point in Win XP. 2. The K3 utility program available "FREE" on their webste will do all that. I would suggest that once you do a "reset" as above save it with the utility program so you can always undo what you done did 73 K2TTT (Jay)C6ATT ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 mike.flowers at gmail.com From eric at elecraft.com Mon Sep 15 13:34:24 2014 From: eric at elecraft.com (Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 10:34:24 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] Specmanship ... "making claims that have no basis in reality; hype." In-Reply-To: <02ac01cfd0fb$ef3e7410$cdbb5c30$@cfl.rr.com> References: <02ab01cfd0fa$d3171360$79453a20$@cfl.rr.com> <02ac01cfd0fb$ef3e7410$cdbb5c30$@cfl.rr.com> Message-ID: <54172320.1020807@elecraft.com> Folks - let's close this thread immediately. We do not want to have different vendors and supporters disputing heatsink claims on the Elecraft list. Please take those conversations to other forums. 73, Eric List moderator elecraft.com On 9/15/2014 8:44 AM, Gary W. Hvizdak wrote: > After several months of preparation, Adrian Ryan (5B4AIY) recently > conducted a head-to-head engineering evaluation of several aftermarket KX3 > heatsinks. His findings dispelled the long-running >>"best-performing"<< > claim of the ... From eric at elecraft.com Mon Sep 15 13:38:24 2014 From: eric at elecraft.com (Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 10:38:24 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Newbie questions In-Reply-To: <012401cfd109$1786ba10$46942e30$@gmail.com> References: <20140915165329.74AC026B99C3@mailman.qth.net> <000701cfd107$42fda890$c8f8f9b0$@net> <012401cfd109$1786ba10$46942e30$@gmail.com> Message-ID: <54172410.1030502@elecraft.com> Also, if your K3 was factory built and is not one of the earlier units shipped, we usually have the original factory config file recorded here. Contact support at elecraft.com and they can help you out. Eric elecraft.com On 9/15/2014 10:18 AM, Mike Flowers wrote: > Hi Urb, > > Jay is quite correct. The latest K3 Utility Program is here: > http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm > > - 73 and good DX de Mike, K6MKF, President - NCDXC, IDXC 2015, W6NAG, IDXG, > ADXG, RRC #933, K3-P3-KPA500-KAT500 Addict, Maui > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jay > K2TTT > Sent: Monday, September 15, 2014 10:06 AM > To: 'Urb LeJeune'; elecraft at mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Newbie questions > > Urb > > It is easy: > 1.You can reset everything by the following: > > Power off > Hold in shift knob while pressing power on switch unit it fully powers > up > > You will have to start over again just like you had just finished > building it - so don't so this just for grins > > If you have an older configuration file saved you can reload it and be > right back where you were when you saved the file. The firmware > is not affected either way - kinda like a restore point in Win XP. > > 2. The K3 utility program available "FREE" on their webste will do all > that. > I would suggest that once you do a "reset" as above save it with the > utility program so you can always undo what you done did > From n6kr at elecraft.com Mon Sep 15 14:06:05 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 11:06:05 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] PX3 pre-beta firmware release now available Message-ID: <4DC1C604-15B3-46AB-9DC9-A127106BA8E9@elecraft.com> Hi all, Our PX3 firmware developer (Paul, N6HZ) was about to do a beta firmware release for the PX3 last week when he suddenly became ill. He's still recovering, and hopefully he'll be back later this week. Meanwhile, we're making available his most recent pre-beta (internal) PX3 firmware, which will correct most of the problems that new PX3 owners have discovered. You can find this version on the PX3 software page: http://www.elecraft.com/PX3/PX3_software.htm This release has an unusual number ("90.36") because of its intent to be used internally only. You can still treat it like any other beta release, placing the .hex file into a folder and using PX3 Utility's browsing capability to get to it. However, once we do have a new beta release, you'll need to delete the 90.36 hex file. Otherwise PX3 Utility will not be able to find the beta firmware file, since it will have a lower number. PX3 rev. 90.36 (pre-beta) release notes: * Disabled experimental "REF_COMP" feature (not ready for use). * SPAN Autoscale defaults to OFF after a CONFIG reset. See manual for details on this feature. * REF level is now recalled correctly, per band, including on power-up. * Fixed Stepped Span (menu entry); see manual for details. * Improved front panel switch tap/hold timing. * Fixed bug in which some of the X-axis tics along top edge had visual artifacts as SPAN was changed. * Fixed bug in which MKR A and B were not resetting consistently on band change. * Added #NB and #NBL remote control commands. #CAL command also now works for both GET and SET. * Misc. bug fixes. 73, Wayne N6KR From dezrat at outlook.com Mon Sep 15 14:12:16 2014 From: dezrat at outlook.com (Bill Turner) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 11:12:16 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: <54170CAD.8080405@embarqmail.com> References: <00c201cfcf5f$b64965e0$22dc31a0$@elecraft.com> <00037AA14F894D67B02764F33693583A@cdcmobile> <02cd01cfd030$add1a900$0974fb00$@elecraft.com> <5416BC1E.10604@david-woolley.me.uk> <5416F0B8.4060804@embarqmail.com> <5417028A.3080302@ColdRocksHotBrooms.com> <54170CAD.8080405@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: I'm not a computer expert so maybe this is a simplistic question. In the future, wouldn't it be better to abandon serial ports and go to USB for data communicating between radio/computer/amplifier and other equipment? With USB, isn't it possible to write drivers that can work with multiple equipment connections and avoid the "collision" problem? Or is it not that simple? Is there a better solution? 73, Bill W6WRT From ptaa at ieee.org Mon Sep 15 14:25:38 2014 From: ptaa at ieee.org (Per-Tore Aasestrand) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 20:25:38 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: References: <00c201cfcf5f$b64965e0$22dc31a0$@elecraft.com> <00037AA14F894D67B02764F33693583A@cdcmobile> <02cd01cfd030$add1a900$0974fb00$@elecraft.com> <5416BC1E.10604@david-woolley.me.uk> <5416F0B8.4060804@embarqmail.com> <5417028A.3080302@ColdRocksHotBrooms.com> <54170CAD.8080405@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: I would not recommend using USB. It is not very compatible with RF. It can give noise in the receiver, and it can malfunction if there is RF radiation close to it. Bluetooth is definitely better for wireless communication. P-T/LA7NO On 15 September 2014 20:12, Bill Turner wrote: > I'm not a computer expert so maybe this is a simplistic question. > > In the future, wouldn't it be better to abandon serial ports and go to > USB for data communicating between radio/computer/amplifier and other > equipment? > > With USB, isn't it possible to write drivers that can work with > multiple equipment connections and avoid the "collision" problem? > > Or is it not that simple? Is there a better solution? > > 73, Bill W6WRT > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 ptaa at ieee.org > From lists at subich.com Mon Sep 15 14:38:19 2014 From: lists at subich.com (Joe Subich, W4TV) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 14:38:19 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: References: <00c201cfcf5f$b64965e0$22dc31a0$@elecraft.com> <00037AA14F894D67B02764F33693583A@cdcmobile> <02cd01cfd030$add1a900$0974fb00$@elecraft.com> <5416BC1E.10604@david-woolley.me.uk> <5416F0B8.4060804@embarqmail.com> <5417028A.3080302@ColdRocksHotBrooms.com> <54170CAD.8080405@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <5417321B.50409@subich.com> > In the future, wouldn't it be better to abandon serial ports and go to > USB for data communicating between radio/computer/amplifier and other > equipment? No - you would need multiple ports/hub to connect multiple devices and each device would need custom drivers for each operating system with which it is to be used. Since it would not be possible to know what other devices are being connected, each device would attempt to act as "master" of all USB connections. One would be far better served if the amplifier builders would adopt a standard interface (or emulate the PW-1 as Tokyo High Power and SPE did) which would permit a single "smart controller" like microHAM Station Master to provide an arbitrated/buffered CAT channel from computer to transceiver, translate the native CAT information to the form (e.g. PW-1) required by the amplifier and select antennas based on frequency/band. The real issue is with amplifiers that don't share CAT properly (e.g., they do not provide port sensing/buffering) and insist on polling rather that being a good passive listener. Port (traffic) sensing works well if the designer is willing to use a fast microprocessor to read/relay polling from the computer, buffer polls when necessary to avoid collisions, and only poll for data that may become "stale." Otherwise the designer should be a true "passive listener" and never poll when a transceiver is being controlled by a logging program. It when the amplifier designer insists on polling without providing the necessary hardware support that problems start. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-09-15 2:12 PM, Bill Turner wrote: > I'm not a computer expert so maybe this is a simplistic question. > > In the future, wouldn't it be better to abandon serial ports and go to > USB for data communicating between radio/computer/amplifier and other > equipment? > > With USB, isn't it possible to write drivers that can work with > multiple equipment connections and avoid the "collision" problem? > > Or is it not that simple? Is there a better solution? > > 73, Bill W6WRT > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 lists at subich.com > From bob at hogbytes.com Mon Sep 15 14:42:08 2014 From: bob at hogbytes.com (Bob N3MNT) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 11:42:08 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] Specmanship ... "making claims that have no basis in reality; hype." In-Reply-To: <54172320.1020807@elecraft.com> References: <02ac01cfd0fb$ef3e7410$cdbb5c30$@cfl.rr.com> <54172320.1020807@elecraft.com> Message-ID: <1410806528629-7593110.post@n2.nabble.com> Thank You Eric -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-Specmanship-making-claims-that-have-no-basis-in-reality-hype-tp7593097p7593110.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Mon Sep 15 14:44:23 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Harry Yingst via Elecraft) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 11:44:23 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: References: <00c201cfcf5f$b64965e0$22dc31a0$@elecraft.com> <00037AA14F894D67B02764F33693583A@cdcmobile> <02cd01cfd030$add1a900$0974fb00$@elecraft.com> <5416BC1E.10604@david-woolley.me.uk> <5416F0B8.4060804@embarqmail.com> <5417028A.3080302@ColdRocksHotBrooms.com> <54170CAD.8080405@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <1410806663.90701.YahooMailNeo@web125905.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> I personally believe RS-232 is better. It is far more universal ________________________________ From: Bill Turner To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, September 15, 2014 2:12 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A I'm not a computer expert so maybe this is a simplistic question. In the future, wouldn't it be better to abandon serial ports and go to USB for data communicating between radio/computer/amplifier and other equipment? With USB, isn't it possible to write drivers that can work with multiple equipment connections and avoid the "collision" problem? Or is it not that simple? Is there a better solution? 73, Bill W6WRT ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 hlyingst at yahoo.com From dezrat at outlook.com Mon Sep 15 14:52:19 2014 From: dezrat at outlook.com (Bill Turner) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 11:52:19 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: <5417321B.50409@subich.com> References: <00c201cfcf5f$b64965e0$22dc31a0$@elecraft.com> <00037AA14F894D67B02764F33693583A@cdcmobile> <02cd01cfd030$add1a900$0974fb00$@elecraft.com> <5416BC1E.10604@david-woolley.me.uk> <5416F0B8.4060804@embarqmail.com> <5417028A.3080302@ColdRocksHotBrooms.com> <54170CAD.8080405@embarqmail.com> <5417321B.50409@subich.com> Message-ID: ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) On Mon, 15 Sep 2014 14:38:19 -0400, w4tv wrote: > It >when the amplifier designer insists on polling without providing the >necessary hardware support that problems start. REPLY: Makes sense. So, would it be better for an amplifier to have two ports: 1. A receive-only port for band changes 2. A send-only port for monitoring such as temperature, power output, SWR and whatever else is desired. When you're paying many thousand $$$ for an amp, the cost of an extra port seems negligible. Or is there a better way? 73, Bill W6WRT From jim at w6pql.com Mon Sep 15 15:13:32 2014 From: jim at w6pql.com (Jim Klitzing) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 12:13:32 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 2m module and problems Message-ID: <54173A5C.2070906@w6pql.com> Elecraft seems to have done a nice job on the transverter module for the KX3, just installed/tested one here. Pretty satisfied, but I'm wondering if anyone else notices the strange frequency hopping in cw-in-ssb mode on 2m? Tone tends to warble a bit (hops frequency about 10 Hz). Doesn't seem to be there quite as bad in regular cw mode, but still there. Just detectable on 6m, and not apparent 28MHz and below, so this may be related to the stability limitations discussed before. That said, I'm hoping there will be a firmware upgrade to address this, as it make CW almost unusable on 2m... Thanks, Jim From lists at subich.com Mon Sep 15 15:31:53 2014 From: lists at subich.com (Joe Subich, W4TV) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 15:31:53 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: References: <00c201cfcf5f$b64965e0$22dc31a0$@elecraft.com> <00037AA14F894D67B02764F33693583A@cdcmobile> <02cd01cfd030$add1a900$0974fb00$@elecraft.com> <5416BC1E.10604@david-woolley.me.uk> <5416F0B8.4060804@embarqmail.com> <5417028A.3080302@ColdRocksHotBrooms.com> <54170CAD.8080405@embarqmail.com> <5417321B.50409@subich.com> Message-ID: <54173EA9.4030106@subich.com> The designer can do whatever he pleases on a telemetry port - whether it is of value is debatable. However, if the designer expects to be able to operate with either a computer controlled radio or in the absence of computer control of the radio, he needs to implement two ports - one for the "logger" connection from the computer and one to connect to the radio. The amplifier/designer needs to implement a smart controller that will accept, buffer and forward polling and control commands from the logging software and interleave that data stream with its own polls if the logging software is not polling for all of the data (e.g., split status) that the amplifier needs to determine the correct transmit frequency. The amplifier controller also needs to forward any "automatic update information" (e.g. band change data) to the computer/logger as some logging programs rely on that "auto- information" in lieu of polling. Finally, the controller needs to establish a "hard bypass" if the amplifier is turned off or placed in standby. All of this is independent of any telemetry which needs to be on a separate port since most loggers (none that I know of) know nothing about the amplifier and do not expect amplifier status/telemetry in the radio control data. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-09-15 2:52 PM, Bill Turner wrote: > ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) > > ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) > > On Mon, 15 Sep 2014 14:38:19 -0400, w4tv wrote: > >> It >> when the amplifier designer insists on polling without providing the >> necessary hardware support that problems start. > > REPLY: > > Makes sense. > > So, would it be better for an amplifier to have two ports: > > 1. A receive-only port for band changes > 2. A send-only port for monitoring such as temperature, power output, > SWR and whatever else is desired. > > When you're paying many thousand $$$ for an amp, the cost of an extra > port seems negligible. > > Or is there a better way? > > 73, Bill W6WRT > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 lists at subich.com > From Andy at rickham.net Mon Sep 15 16:44:46 2014 From: Andy at rickham.net (Andy McMullin) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 21:44:46 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] [acom-list] Re: Elecraft K3 and ACOM 2000A In-Reply-To: References: <00c201cfcf5f$b64965e0$22dc31a0$@elecraft.com> <00037AA14F894D67B02764F33693583A@cdcmobile> <02cd01cfd030$add1a900$0974fb00$@elecraft.com> <5416BC1E.10604@david-woolley.me.uk> <5416F0B8.4060804@embarqmail.com> <5417028A.3080302@ColdRocksHotBrooms.com> <54170CAD.8080405@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <2B975660-93C4-483E-8F1B-17109FB178EE@rickham.net> USB is also a point to point system. But worse, it's master/slave too. At least with serial both ends are equal; with USB one end must be in charge. That's why devices can't talk to each other, only to a central system. If you want multiple connections you need FireWire (or IEEE 1394). All devices are the same priority and you can daisy-chain a number of them together. Designed for sharing multiple gizmos on one set of wires. Fast too. Or implement synchronous RS232 with a poll/response protocol like BISync or U100/UTS400. But that would mean implementing all the pins of the RS232 standard wouldn't it? All 25 pins rather than the cut-down version on PCs? My gripe? People refer to it as RS232 when the 9-pin system on a PC doesn't implement it. Where's the B channel, the clocks, ring indicator, remote loopback, secondary RTS and CTS, the rate selector? Not there so it's not a true RS232 connector. It's an IBM 9-pin serial instead!!! Sorry if there are any typos, this is sent from my iPad Andy, G8TQH Ex-senior instructor comms and terminals; Sperry Univac Europe. > On 15 Sep 2014, at 19:12, Bill Turner wrote: > > I'm not a computer expert so maybe this is a simplistic question. > > In the future, wouldn't it be better to abandon serial ports and go to > USB for data communicating between radio/computer/amplifier and other > equipment? > > With USB, isn't it possible to write drivers that can work with > multiple equipment connections and avoid the "collision" problem? > > Or is it not that simple? Is there a better solution? > > 73, Bill W6WRT > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 andy at rickham.net From zanedclark at att.net Mon Sep 15 17:16:03 2014 From: zanedclark at att.net (Zane D. Clark) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 14:16:03 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] ordering what you need Message-ID: <1410815763.37580.YahooMailNeo@web181702.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> I hate to be so stupid, but is there a link somewhere that goes over the options available and what comes with the basic order? For the life of me I can't seem to figure it out. zanedclark at att.net KK6GTA From bob at hogbytes.com Mon Sep 15 17:24:52 2014 From: bob at hogbytes.com (Bob N3MNT) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 14:24:52 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] ordering what you need In-Reply-To: <1410815763.37580.YahooMailNeo@web181702.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> References: <1410815763.37580.YahooMailNeo@web181702.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1410816292635-7593117.post@n2.nabble.com> Use Order page from main menu bar. -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ordering-what-you-need-tp7593116p7593117.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Mon Sep 15 18:01:35 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 18:01:35 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] ordering what you need In-Reply-To: <1410815763.37580.YahooMailNeo@web181702.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> References: <1410815763.37580.YahooMailNeo@web181702.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <541761BF.1040902@embarqmail.com> Zane, I assume you are asking about the K3. The KX3 is easier because the option set is smaller, so I will confine my comments to the K3. I believe the information on what comes with the basic K3 can be deciphered from the description on the Elecraft website and looking at the list of options. If it is listed as an option, it is not included with the basic K3. There is one roofing filter, and that is the 5 pole 2.7 kHz filter. The basic K3 is an all mode, 160 through 6 meter transceiver delivering 12 watts power output. What you need/want for options is going to depend on your operating preferences and desires. Let me try to help you with your choice of options: -- Do you want to use it for SWL as well as ham band use? Then the KBPF3 and either the 6 kHz or 13 kHz roofing filter would be valuable for that use. -- Are you going to want FM or AM transmit? A yes answer will require you to order the 13 kHz roofing filter for FM and while the 13 kHz filter can be used for AM transmit, if that is your regular operation, I suggest using the 6 kHz filter for AM. -- Do you want the 100 watt output level? The KPA3 should be on your order list. What antennas do you have or want to have? If they are all resonant, you will not need the KAT3, but if you are going to need an antenna tuner, the internal wide range KAT3 would be desirable. -- Do you already have a microphone that is wired for either the Kenwood pinout or the Elecraft? If not, you may want to order the Elecraft MH2/3 microphone. -- Is your operating and operating goals for casual operation? Then the above may provide the K3 option set that you will need. -- If you will be doing contesting and/or DXing where there are many strong signals adjacent to the station you want to copy, then you will want more narrow roofing filters - You may want to study the K3 FAQ on roofing filters at http://www.elecraft.com/K3/Roofing_Filters.htm before making a decision, or alternately, use the K3 with the basic 2.7 kHz filter for a time before deciding the DSP filter widths you tend to use in crowded band conditions and then order the roofing filters that are closest to those widths. -- Are you going to be working a lot of DX while using SPLIT? If so, then you will find the KRX3 subRX to be useful - you can hear the DX in one ear and the pileup in the other so you can decide when to call and on or near the last frequency the DX was listening. -- Do you anticipate working weak signals that are subject to fading? Then the KRX3 used in diversity mode can assist with the fading. -- Do you want a pan-adapter display? The Elecraft P3 will give you that, and with the P3SVGA option, you can display both the spectrum display and the waterfall on a large SVGA display. -- Do you want a 600 watt transceiver with an amplifier that follows the K3? If so, the KPA500 will give you that capability. -- If you order the KPA500, then the antenna tuner question comes again -- if your antennas need a tuner, the KAT500 may be the answer for you. As you can see, many of the answers to your question depend on your operating practices and desires as well as the other features of your station such as antennas. I hope the above list has been of help to you in deciding on your particular K-Line configuration. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/15/2014 5:16 PM, Zane D. Clark wrote: > I hate to be so stupid, but is there a link somewhere that goes over the options available and what comes with the basic order? For the life of me I can't seem to figure it out. > > > zanedclark at att.net > KK6GTA > From mark at dogfeathers.com Mon Sep 15 18:10:44 2014 From: mark at dogfeathers.com (Mark Newbold) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 15:10:44 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] Key Clicks In-Reply-To: <5416BAB9.60001@charter.net> References: <54141F8E.8030804@charter.net> <5416BAB9.60001@charter.net> Message-ID: <541763E4.1060501@dogfeathers.com> I run off batteries 100% of the time, typically around 12.6 volts. I hear clicks. --Mark On 9/15/2014 03:08, Joel Black wrote: > I played around in the SKCC WES for a couple of hours this weekend. I noticed something odd (to me > at least) about the key clicks: > > If I turn my power supply *off* and just run off the internal batteries, the key clicks dissipate. > They don't altogether disappear, but they do diminish. It's "less bassy" if that makes sense. > > The PS I'm using is an MFJ-4125 switcher. I don't have my Astron RS-35A hooked up at the moment. > If I get a chance to play around with it this afternoon, I'll see if it sounds any different with > the Astron. > > 73, > Joel - W4JBB -- Mark Newbold K7NEW Sequim, Washington, USA http://dogfeathers.com From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Mon Sep 15 18:11:31 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 18:11:31 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] ordering what you need In-Reply-To: <1410815763.37580.YahooMailNeo@web181702.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> References: <1410815763.37580.YahooMailNeo@web181702.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <54176413.10101@embarqmail.com> I failed to mention one thing regarding diversity reception - if the K3 and KRX3 are to be used for diversity reception, you will want to have the same filter set in both the base K3 and the KRX3 and with filter offsets that are matched (at least for all filter widths you will use with diversity. You can have the 5 pole filters matched for offset, but the easy solution to the filter offset problem is to use only the 8 pole filters which have zero offset and do not need offset matching. 73, Don W3FPR ------------------------------------------------- Zane, I assume you are asking about the K3. The KX3 is easier because the option set is smaller, so I will confine my comments to the K3. I believe the information on what comes with the basic K3 can be deciphered from the description on the Elecraft website and looking at the list of options. If it is listed as an option, it is not included with the basic K3. There is one roofing filter, and that is the 5 pole 2.7 kHz filter. The basic K3 is an all mode, 160 through 6 meter transceiver delivering 12 watts power output. What you need/want for options is going to depend on your operating preferences and desires. Let me try to help you with your choice of options: -- Do you want to use it for SWL as well as ham band use? Then the KBPF3 and either the 6 kHz or 13 kHz roofing filter would be valuable for that use. -- Are you going to want FM or AM transmit? A yes answer will require you to order the 13 kHz roofing filter for FM and while the 13 kHz filter can be used for AM transmit, if that is your regular operation, I suggest using the 6 kHz filter for AM. -- Do you want the 100 watt output level? The KPA3 should be on your order list. What antennas do you have or want to have? If they are all resonant, you will not need the KAT3, but if you are going to need an antenna tuner, the internal wide range KAT3 would be desirable. -- Do you already have a microphone that is wired for either the Kenwood pinout or the Elecraft? If not, you may want to order the Elecraft MH2/3 microphone. -- Is your operating and operating goals for casual operation? Then the above may provide the K3 option set that you will need. -- If you will be doing contesting and/or DXing where there are many strong signals adjacent to the station you want to copy, then you will want more narrow roofing filters - You may want to study the K3 FAQ on roofing filters at http://www.elecraft.com/K3/Roofing_Filters.htm before making a decision, or alternately, use the K3 with the basic 2.7 kHz filter for a time before deciding the DSP filter widths you tend to use in crowded band conditions and then order the roofing filters that are closest to those widths. -- Are you going to be working a lot of DX while using SPLIT? If so, then you will find the KRX3 subRX to be useful - you can hear the DX in one ear and the pileup in the other so you can decide when to call and on or near the last frequency the DX was listening. -- Do you anticipate working weak signals that are subject to fading? Then the KRX3 used in diversity mode can assist with the fading. -- Do you want a pan-adapter display? The Elecraft P3 will give you that, and with the P3SVGA option, you can display both the spectrum display and the waterfall on a large SVGA display. -- Do you want a 600 watt transceiver with an amplifier that follows the K3? If so, the KPA500 will give you that capability. -- If you order the KPA500, then the antenna tuner question comes again -- if your antennas need a tuner, the KAT500 may be the answer for you. As you can see, many of the answers to your question depend on your operating practices and desires as well as the other features of your station such as antennas. I hope the above list has been of help to you in deciding on your particular K-Line configuration. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/15/2014 5:16 PM, Zane D. Clark wrote: > I hate to be so stupid, but is there a link somewhere that goes over the options available and what comes with the basic order? For the life of me I can't seem to figure it out. > > > zanedclark at att.net > KK6GTA > From matt.vk2rq at gmail.com Mon Sep 15 18:14:22 2014 From: matt.vk2rq at gmail.com (Matt VK2RQ) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 08:14:22 +1000 Subject: [Elecraft] ordering what you need In-Reply-To: <541761BF.1040902@embarqmail.com> References: <1410815763.37580.YahooMailNeo@web181702.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> <541761BF.1040902@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: Suggest to get a copy of Fred Cady's book on the K3 -- he goes through all the options, and explains how it all works in easy-to-understand language. 73, Matt VK2RQ > On 16 Sep 2014, at 8:01 am, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > Zane, > > I assume you are asking about the K3. The KX3 is easier because the option set is smaller, so I will confine my comments to the K3. > > I believe the information on what comes with the basic K3 can be deciphered from the description on the Elecraft website and looking at the list of options. If it is listed as an option, it is not included with the basic K3. There is one roofing filter, and that is the 5 pole 2.7 kHz filter. > The basic K3 is an all mode, 160 through 6 meter transceiver delivering 12 watts power output. > > What you need/want for options is going to depend on your operating preferences and desires. Let me try to help you with your choice of options: > > -- Do you want to use it for SWL as well as ham band use? Then the KBPF3 and either the 6 kHz or 13 kHz roofing filter would be valuable for that use. > -- Are you going to want FM or AM transmit? A yes answer will require you to order the 13 kHz roofing filter for FM and while the 13 kHz filter can be used for AM transmit, if that is your regular operation, I suggest using the 6 kHz filter for AM. > -- Do you want the 100 watt output level? The KPA3 should be on your order list. > What antennas do you have or want to have? If they are all resonant, you will not need the KAT3, but if you are going to need an antenna tuner, the internal wide range KAT3 would be desirable. > -- Do you already have a microphone that is wired for either the Kenwood pinout or the Elecraft? If not, you may want to order the Elecraft MH2/3 microphone. > -- Is your operating and operating goals for casual operation? Then the above may provide the K3 option set that you will need. > -- If you will be doing contesting and/or DXing where there are many strong signals adjacent to the station you want to copy, then you will want more narrow roofing filters - You may want to study the K3 FAQ on roofing filters at http://www.elecraft.com/K3/Roofing_Filters.htm before making a decision, or alternately, use the K3 with the basic 2.7 kHz filter for a time before deciding the DSP filter widths you tend to use in crowded band conditions and then order the roofing filters that are closest to those widths. > -- Are you going to be working a lot of DX while using SPLIT? If so, then you will find the KRX3 subRX to be useful - you can hear the DX in one ear and the pileup in the other so you can decide when to call and on or near the last frequency the DX was listening. > -- Do you anticipate working weak signals that are subject to fading? Then the KRX3 used in diversity mode can assist with the fading. > -- Do you want a pan-adapter display? The Elecraft P3 will give you that, and with the P3SVGA option, you can display both the spectrum display and the waterfall on a large SVGA display. > -- Do you want a 600 watt transceiver with an amplifier that follows the K3? If so, the KPA500 will give you that capability. > -- If you order the KPA500, then the antenna tuner question comes again -- if your antennas need a tuner, the KAT500 may be the answer for you. > > As you can see, many of the answers to your question depend on your operating practices and desires as well as the other features of your station such as antennas. > > I hope the above list has been of help to you in deciding on your particular K-Line configuration. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > >> On 9/15/2014 5:16 PM, Zane D. Clark wrote: >> I hate to be so stupid, but is there a link somewhere that goes over the options available and what comes with the basic order? For the life of me I can't seem to figure it out. >> >> zanedclark at att.net >> KK6GTA > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 matt.vk2rq at gmail.com From matt.vk2rq at gmail.com Mon Sep 15 18:15:50 2014 From: matt.vk2rq at gmail.com (Matt VK2RQ) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 08:15:50 +1000 Subject: [Elecraft] ordering what you need In-Reply-To: References: <1410815763.37580.YahooMailNeo@web181702.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> <541761BF.1040902@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <5398DA6F-3B27-4AC8-AF2C-4A12B8D4D4FB@gmail.com> Sorry, forgot to include a link: http://www.ke7x.com/ 73, Matt VK2RQ > On 16 Sep 2014, at 8:14 am, Matt VK2RQ wrote: > > Suggest to get a copy of Fred Cady's book on the K3 -- he goes through all the options, and explains how it all works in easy-to-understand language. > > 73, > Matt VK2RQ > >> On 16 Sep 2014, at 8:01 am, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> >> Zane, >> >> I assume you are asking about the K3. The KX3 is easier because the option set is smaller, so I will confine my comments to the K3. >> >> I believe the information on what comes with the basic K3 can be deciphered from the description on the Elecraft website and looking at the list of options. If it is listed as an option, it is not included with the basic K3. There is one roofing filter, and that is the 5 pole 2.7 kHz filter. >> The basic K3 is an all mode, 160 through 6 meter transceiver delivering 12 watts power output. >> >> What you need/want for options is going to depend on your operating preferences and desires. Let me try to help you with your choice of options: >> >> -- Do you want to use it for SWL as well as ham band use? Then the KBPF3 and either the 6 kHz or 13 kHz roofing filter would be valuable for that use. >> -- Are you going to want FM or AM transmit? A yes answer will require you to order the 13 kHz roofing filter for FM and while the 13 kHz filter can be used for AM transmit, if that is your regular operation, I suggest using the 6 kHz filter for AM. >> -- Do you want the 100 watt output level? The KPA3 should be on your order list. >> What antennas do you have or want to have? If they are all resonant, you will not need the KAT3, but if you are going to need an antenna tuner, the internal wide range KAT3 would be desirable. >> -- Do you already have a microphone that is wired for either the Kenwood pinout or the Elecraft? If not, you may want to order the Elecraft MH2/3 microphone. >> -- Is your operating and operating goals for casual operation? Then the above may provide the K3 option set that you will need. >> -- If you will be doing contesting and/or DXing where there are many strong signals adjacent to the station you want to copy, then you will want more narrow roofing filters - You may want to study the K3 FAQ on roofing filters at http://www.elecraft.com/K3/Roofing_Filters.htm before making a decision, or alternately, use the K3 with the basic 2.7 kHz filter for a time before deciding the DSP filter widths you tend to use in crowded band conditions and then order the roofing filters that are closest to those widths. >> -- Are you going to be working a lot of DX while using SPLIT? If so, then you will find the KRX3 subRX to be useful - you can hear the DX in one ear and the pileup in the other so you can decide when to call and on or near the last frequency the DX was listening. >> -- Do you anticipate working weak signals that are subject to fading? Then the KRX3 used in diversity mode can assist with the fading. >> -- Do you want a pan-adapter display? The Elecraft P3 will give you that, and with the P3SVGA option, you can display both the spectrum display and the waterfall on a large SVGA display. >> -- Do you want a 600 watt transceiver with an amplifier that follows the K3? If so, the KPA500 will give you that capability. >> -- If you order the KPA500, then the antenna tuner question comes again -- if your antennas need a tuner, the KAT500 may be the answer for you. >> >> As you can see, many of the answers to your question depend on your operating practices and desires as well as the other features of your station such as antennas. >> >> I hope the above list has been of help to you in deciding on your particular K-Line configuration. >> >> 73, >> Don W3FPR >> >> >>> On 9/15/2014 5:16 PM, Zane D. Clark wrote: >>> I hate to be so stupid, but is there a link somewhere that goes over the options available and what comes with the basic order? For the life of me I can't seem to figure it out. >>> >>> zanedclark at att.net >>> KK6GTA >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 matt.vk2rq at gmail.com From n6kr at elecraft.com Mon Sep 15 18:38:31 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 15:38:31 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 2m module and problems In-Reply-To: <54173A5C.2070906@w6pql.com> References: <54173A5C.2070906@w6pql.com> Message-ID: <91EB2BE3-F8BB-4AA9-A215-07240F0E4960@elecraft.com> We'll look at this on the next KX3 firmware go-around. 73, Wayne N6KR On Sep 15, 2014, at 12:13 PM, Jim Klitzing wrote: > Elecraft seems to have done a nice job on the transverter module for the KX3, just installed/tested one here. Pretty satisfied, but ...Tone [in CW-in-SSB] tends to warble a bit (hops frequency about 10 Hz). Doesn't seem to be there quite as bad in regular cw mode... From K4PI at BELLSOUTH.NET Mon Sep 15 19:48:23 2014 From: K4PI at BELLSOUTH.NET (Mike Greenway) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 19:48:23 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] REV Message-ID: <0282FCBA14124988A6C84C93711DF6C9@SHACK> When using SPLIT, and using the REV button to listen the pileup I often get disconnected from my logging program. I use DX4WIN and have tried different polling rates. It does not always happen as when I try to duplicate it I can hit REV 50 or 60 times but then when working a pile up out of the blue I will get a warning from the logging program saying it has disconnected from the K3. I use a standard serial port and not a USB to serial. The only time this ever occurs is when using the REV function. I have also had it happen when not in SPLIT, but just using the REV function. Anyone else ever run into this? 73 Mike K4PI From n6kr at elecraft.com Mon Sep 15 20:28:26 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 17:28:26 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] REV In-Reply-To: <0282FCBA14124988A6C84C93711DF6C9@SHACK> References: <0282FCBA14124988A6C84C93711DF6C9@SHACK> Message-ID: If you turn on a log file to capture the serial traffic, the authors of DX4WIN may be able to debug it for you. 73, Wayne N6KR On Sep 15, 2014, at 4:48 PM, "Mike Greenway" wrote: > When using SPLIT, and using the REV button to listen the pileup I often get disconnected from my logging program. I use DX4WIN and have tried different polling rates. It does not always happen as when I try to duplicate it I can hit REV 50 or 60 times but then when working a pile up out of the blue I will get a warning from the logging program saying it has disconnected from the K3. I use a standard serial port and not a USB to serial. The only time this ever occurs is when using the REV function. I have also had it happen when not in SPLIT, but just using the REV function. Anyone else ever run into this? 73 Mike K4PI > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 n6kr at elecraft.com From lists at subich.com Mon Sep 15 21:27:33 2014 From: lists at subich.com (Joe Subich, W4TV) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 21:27:33 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] REV In-Reply-To: <0282FCBA14124988A6C84C93711DF6C9@SHACK> References: <0282FCBA14124988A6C84C93711DF6C9@SHACK> Message-ID: <54179205.6040301@subich.com> It is likely that DX4Win is polling for some item other than IF; and is getting an '?' response while you are holding the REV button. Looking at polling data while holding the REV button, I see the K3 responding '?' (Busy) when receiving FA;, FB;, IS;, FW; and several other frequency/mode related polls. I'd guess that DX4Win does not properly handle a busy response. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-09-15 7:48 PM, Mike Greenway wrote: > When using SPLIT, and using the REV button to listen the pileup I often get disconnected from my logging program. I use DX4WIN and have tried different polling rates. It does not always happen as when I try to duplicate it I can hit REV 50 or 60 times but then when working a pile up out of the blue I will get a warning from the logging program saying it has disconnected from the K3. I use a standard serial port and not a USB to serial. The only time this ever occurs is when using the REV function. I have also had it happen when not in SPLIT, but just using the REV function. Anyone else ever run into this? 73 Mike K4PI > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 lists at subich.com > From frantz at pwpconsult.com Mon Sep 15 21:43:56 2014 From: frantz at pwpconsult.com (Bill Frantz) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 18:43:56 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] P3 SVGA missing green bar Message-ID: I find that if I move between the programmed FM repeaters on my K3, eventually the SVGA looses the green bar, although it remains on the P3 itself. The arrows show that VFO A and B are both offscreen on the SVGA only. I think this behavior is most likely a bug, but welcome response of the form, "Hay dummy ..." 73 Bill AE6JV ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Frantz | Re: Hardware Management Modes: | Periwinkle (408)356-8506 | If there's a mode, there's a | 16345 Englewood Ave www.pwpconsult.com | failure mode. - Jerry Leichter | Los Gatos, CA 95032 From wb5jnc at centurytel.net Mon Sep 15 21:54:38 2014 From: wb5jnc at centurytel.net (Al Gulseth) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 20:54:38 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] [Sorta OT]: Does terrain affect HF radiation patterns? Message-ID: <201409152054.39060.wb5jnc@centurytel.net> Greetings all, I've been following some of the antenna-related discussions here recently, and I've decided to see what the "gurus" here have to say about a question I have related to my QTH. As my post title indicates, what (if any) effect does nearby terrain have on HF radiation patterns? Is it along the lines of VHF? Without going into too much detail, my QTH is partway up what amounts to a long broad slope to the north. "Just for grins" I plugged my QTH coordinates and an arbitrary antenna at 50 feet AGL into the FCC's Height Above Average Terrain calculator. Here are the results, in meters of course, which shows what the surrounding terrain is like; the results seem realistic from what I know of the local area. I would also note that the area less than two miles away, which is not used in these calculations, would nevertheless correspond fairly closely slope-wise in my estimation. I'm aware that this calculation is intended for FM/TV broadcast: my question is whether it could be of use for hams on HF: Antenna Radiation Center Heights Above Individual Radials: 0.0? -107.3 meters 45.0? -37.4 meters 90.0? 39.6 meters 135.0? 100.3 meters 180.0? 92.9 meters 225.0? 86.6 meters 270.0? -1.6 meters 315.0? -40.0 meters Now, my observations: I've been using an inexpensive SW portable with its built-in whip to monitor some of the International Beacon Project and 10M beacon frequencies while I'm around the house. By using the portable, in my estimation I achieve two things: 1) it should "hear" a mostly omnidirectional pattern and 2) beacons heard under this circumstance should indicate the band would be usable to the area in the beacon's vicinity. That being said, I have found that other than 4U4UN, I'm most consistently hearing South American beacons, and at least some of them can usually be heard if I'm hearing anything at all. So, is the terrain around me affecting this, or if not, what might be happening? TNX/73, Al From w6jhb at me.com Mon Sep 15 22:07:38 2014 From: w6jhb at me.com (James Bennett) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 19:07:38 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Question: AFSK-A or DATA-A for RTTY? Message-ID: <44CF0561-1201-4DD5-9141-5A2ABC0D98EE@me.com> I've been a PSK31 user just about ever since the mode came to be. Not a heavy user, but couple time a month I get on and have some nice keyboard QSO's. In the 50 years that I've been licensed, I have NEVER made a RTTY QSO! However, it does intrigue me so I started messing with it a little this week. I recently got a new external sound card for my station - a Tascam US125. It is connected to my iMac via USB and the K3 via a pair of stereo cables. Works fine on JT65, JT9, and PSK31. I use WSJT-X for the JT-modes and cocoaModem (CM) for PSK31. CM also provides RTTY so I gave it a shot. After a few burps I got it going. With PSK31 and the JT-modes, I've always had the K3 in DATA-A setting. RTTY "seems" to work in either DATA-A or AFSK-A. Fred Cady's K3 book states that AFSK-A is "optimized for RTTY". How? What is the real benefit to switching to AFSK-A mode for RTTY? Is that what everyone is using, or is DATA-A just as good? Thanks, Jim / W6JHB From k6dgw at foothill.net Mon Sep 15 22:31:52 2014 From: k6dgw at foothill.net (Fred Jensen) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 19:31:52 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [Sorta OT]: Does terrain affect HF radiation patterns? In-Reply-To: <201409152054.39060.wb5jnc@centurytel.net> References: <201409152054.39060.wb5jnc@centurytel.net> Message-ID: <5417A118.6000901@foothill.net> Try HFTA, by Dean N6BV, who edited the ARRL Antenna Book for many years. It's on the CD that comes with the current edition. It will surprise you. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org On 9/15/2014 6:54 PM, Al Gulseth wrote: > Greetings all, > > I've been following some of the antenna-related discussions here recently, and > I've decided to see what the "gurus" here have to say about a question I have > related to my QTH. As my post title indicates, what (if any) effect does > nearby terrain have on HF radiation patterns? Is it along the lines of VHF? > > Without going into too much detail, my QTH is partway up what amounts to a > long broad slope to the north. "Just for grins" I plugged my QTH coordinates > and an arbitrary antenna at 50 feet AGL into the FCC's Height Above Average > Terrain calculator. Here are the results, in meters of course, which shows > what the surrounding terrain is like; the results seem realistic from what I > know of the local area. I would also note that the area less than two miles > away, which is not used in these calculations, would nevertheless correspond > fairly closely slope-wise in my estimation. I'm aware that this calculation > is intended for FM/TV broadcast: my question is whether it could be of use > for hams on HF: > > Antenna Radiation Center Heights Above Individual Radials: > > 0.0? -107.3 meters > 45.0? -37.4 meters > 90.0? 39.6 meters > 135.0? 100.3 meters > 180.0? 92.9 meters > 225.0? 86.6 meters > 270.0? -1.6 meters > 315.0? -40.0 meters > > Now, my observations: I've been using an inexpensive SW portable with its > > built-in whip to monitor some of the International Beacon Project and 10M > > beacon frequencies while I'm around the house. By using the portable, in my > estimation I achieve two things: 1) it should "hear" a mostly omnidirectional > pattern and 2) beacons heard under this circumstance should indicate the band > would be usable to the area in the beacon's vicinity. > > That being said, I have found that other than 4U4UN, I'm most consistently > hearing South American beacons, and at least some of them can usually be > heard if I'm hearing anything at all. So, is the terrain around me affecting > this, or if not, what might be happening? > > TNX/73, Al > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k6dgw at foothill.net > > > > > ----- > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 2014.0.4765 / Virus Database: 4015/8219 - Release Date: 09/15/14 > > > From elelist984 at elitemail.org Mon Sep 15 23:35:57 2014 From: elelist984 at elitemail.org (Kevin Luxford) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 13:35:57 +1000 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 2M Module Message-ID: <5417B01D.4070203@elitemail.org> I ordered the 2 M module for a KX3 with automatic ATU (for the HF bands). In assembling it into the KX3, I followed all the instructions, ticking off each item. Did the set up as in the front of the instruction manual. Display shows 2M frequencies when 2M band is selected. Power meter shows 3 W output when xmit button pressed. However nothing received. Set the XG3 to a 2 M frequency and tuned the KX3 passed that frequency, but nothing heard. Also fired up my 2 M rig, but no signal from that heard. Not sure where to go next. Incidentally, the label on the shield was affixed 180 degrees to the illustration in the instruction manual. I caught that before powering the rig. 73 Kevin VK3DAP / ZL2DAP From frantz at pwpconsult.com Mon Sep 15 23:46:19 2014 From: frantz at pwpconsult.com (Bill Frantz) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 20:46:19 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Question: AFSK-A or DATA-A for RTTY? In-Reply-To: <44CF0561-1201-4DD5-9141-5A2ABC0D98EE@me.com> Message-ID: I find myself switching between Data A and AFSK-A quite a bit. The RTTY dual passband DSP filter (DUAL PB) can help a lot with QRM from nearby RTTY signals, and it eliminates much of the off-frequency noise. You can also turn on TEXT DEC to get the K3 to decode the RTTY, giving you another chance with weak signals. With cocoaModem I am always using the RTTY, rather than the Wideband RTTY or Dual RTTY options. The crossed loop tuning aid can't be beat. It simulates the CRT based tuning indicators used with hardware RTTY receivers. 73 Bill AE6JV On 9/15/14 at 7:07 PM, w6jhb at me.com (James Bennett) wrote: >With PSK31 and the JT-modes, I've always had the K3 in DATA-A >setting. RTTY "seems" to work in either DATA-A or AFSK-A. Fred >Cady's K3 book states that AFSK-A is "optimized for RTTY". How? >What is the real benefit to switching to AFSK-A mode for RTTY? >Is that what everyone is using, or is DATA-A just as good? ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Frantz | Truth and love must prevail | Periwinkle (408)356-8506 | over lies and hate. | 16345 Englewood Ave www.pwpconsult.com | - Vaclav Havel | Los Gatos, CA 95032 From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Mon Sep 15 23:46:57 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 23:46:57 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Question: AFSK-A or DATA-A for RTTY? In-Reply-To: <44CF0561-1201-4DD5-9141-5A2ABC0D98EE@me.com> References: <44CF0561-1201-4DD5-9141-5A2ABC0D98EE@me.com> Message-ID: <5417B2B1.3070900@embarqmail.com> Jim, and all, Yes, the AFSK A data submode is optimized for RTTY operation. The default sideband is LSB and the use of the dual filter is possible. Furthermore, the K3 dial display shows the mark frequency. If you are using an RTTY mode with an application such as MMTTY, you will find the AFSK A mode useful and tuning will be done using the K3 VFO. OTOH, if you are using an application that has a waterfall display and does point and click on the preferred signal (rather than tuning to the signal with the K3 VFO), then the use of DATA A in reverse mode will likely be more useful to you for RTTY - your application may switch sidebands when RTTY is selected - check the documentation for your application, it is a 'mixed bag' and some application 'do it right' without explicit actions by the user while others will require that LSB be explicitly selected. The frequency display on the waterfall is also application dependent. Refer to the application documentation to assist in understanding what is being displayed on both the transceiver frequency display and on the waterfall. For data modes other than RTTY, yes, DATA A should be used - it all depends on the data mode application. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/15/2014 10:07 PM, James Bennett wrote: > I've been a PSK31 user just about ever since the mode came to be. Not a heavy user, but couple time a month I get on and have some nice keyboard QSO's. In the 50 years that I've been licensed, I have NEVER made a RTTY QSO! However, it does intrigue me so I started messing with it a little this week. > > I recently got a new external sound card for my station - a Tascam US125. It is connected to my iMac via USB and the K3 via a pair of stereo cables. Works fine on JT65, JT9, and PSK31. I use WSJT-X for the JT-modes and cocoaModem (CM) for PSK31. CM also provides RTTY so I gave it a shot. After a few burps I got it going. > > With PSK31 and the JT-modes, I've always had the K3 in DATA-A setting. RTTY "seems" to work in either DATA-A or AFSK-A. Fred Cady's K3 book states that AFSK-A is "optimized for RTTY". How? What is the real benefit to switching to AFSK-A mode for RTTY? Is that what everyone is using, or is DATA-A just as good? > > From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Tue Sep 16 00:12:16 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 21:12:16 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Question: AFSK-A or DATA-A for RTTY? In-Reply-To: <5417B2B1.3070900@embarqmail.com> References: <44CF0561-1201-4DD5-9141-5A2ABC0D98EE@me.com> <5417B2B1.3070900@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <5417B8A0.4050704@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Mon,9/15/2014 8:46 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > Yes, the AFSK A data submode is optimized for RTTY operation. The > default sideband is LSB and the use of the dual filter is possible. > Furthermore, the K3 dial display shows the mark frequency. > If you are using an RTTY mode with an application such as MMTTY, you > will find the AFSK A mode useful and tuning will be done using the K3 > VFO. Yes, AFSK A is the way to go, and it works very well with VOX! Note also that in the last year or two, "authorities" say the dual passband and narrow filters are a bad idea, and recommend 400 Hz bandwidth IF. The problem with dual passband and narrow filters is phase shift, which degrades decoding. Many top RTTY contesters have taken that advice. 73, Jim K9YC From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Tue Sep 16 00:22:26 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 21:22:26 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Question: AFSK-A or DATA-A for RTTY? In-Reply-To: <44CF0561-1201-4DD5-9141-5A2ABC0D98EE@me.com> References: <44CF0561-1201-4DD5-9141-5A2ABC0D98EE@me.com> Message-ID: <5417BB02.7070008@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Mon,9/15/2014 7:07 PM, James Bennett wrote: > What is the real benefit to switching to AFSK-A mode for RTTY? Is that what everyone is using, or is DATA-A just as good? Hi Jim, I read other folks responses without seeing your original post. Sorry about that. To use AFSK, you need a single decoder program like MMTTY that operates much like you would on CW and SSB, tuning up and down the bands with a narrow-band receiver. This is the standard for contesting and DXing, and it permits the RX to be very narrow, so that it is much less bothered by QRM. DATA-A is for multi-decoder programs like you have been using, and you may find it more satisfactory for general use in the same way you use WSJT-X and PSK31 software. Or maybe not. The major difference between RTTY and other digital modes is that there are no standard dial frequencies like there are for JT65, JT9, and PSK31. RTTY ops generally range all over the band, especially during contests, and also for DX operations. So the best answer to your question is that DATA-A is for "dial frequency" operation like JT65 and PSK31, whereas AFSK-A is for tuning up and down like a CW op. 73, Jim K9YC From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Tue Sep 16 00:24:44 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 21:24:44 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [Sorta OT]: Does terrain affect HF radiation patterns? In-Reply-To: <201409152054.39060.wb5jnc@centurytel.net> References: <201409152054.39060.wb5jnc@centurytel.net> Message-ID: <5417BB8C.3080106@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Mon,9/15/2014 6:54 PM, Al Gulseth wrote: > Greetings all, > > I've been following some of the antenna-related discussions here recently, and > I've decided to see what the "gurus" here have to say about a question I have > related to my QTH. As my post title indicates, what (if any) effect does > nearby terrain have on HF radiation patterns? The short answer is that terrain has a MAJOR effect on the vertical patterns of antennas, and that effect can be predicted by modeling. The effects are very different at HF as compared to VHF. RUN, do not walk, to the closest place you can buy the ARRL Antenna Book. It includes both a good discussion and a very useful piece of software called HFTA (high frequency terrain analysis) by N6BV. I and many of my contesting cohorts have used it extensively, and are true believers. This is one time you do NOT want a used copy of the book, because the software is on a CD that will likely not be in a used copy. You can probably find a lot of stuff on the web by searching on HFTA. The author, N6BV, did a nice webinar a couple of years ago. PVRC, a big contesting club based around MD/VA/EPA organized it, and it was on their website. 73, Jim K9YC From elecraft at ozy.us Tue Sep 16 03:15:02 2014 From: elecraft at ozy.us (Chris Johnson) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 00:15:02 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3][2M] Over heat question Message-ID: I participated in a local ARES net with my KX3/2M combo and a mirage B-310-G and B-34-G amps. We were using Olivia 1000/32 using 2M verticals to pass traffic around the valley and Tucson testing various power levels. Long story short, these mirage amps work well but the 310 consumes 9 amps even when driven with .3 watts in / 30w out from the KX3-2M, and the B-34 uses a more field-use reasonable 3.9 amps when driven with 3 Watts In/ 20 watts out from the KX3. The net current usage is more optimal with the KX3 + B34G, but using this combination the KX3 over heats and shuts off. Here's where my confusion comes in. The back of the KX3 where the primary FETs are were hot. I was under the impression that the KX3 used a 50Mhz IF to drive the 2M module and the 2M FET on the side would be where the heat is generated, ultimately being the part that would overheat if driven too long. But it seemed that the rear FETs were where the max heat was generated, ultimately resulting in a self protection shutdown. Can I get some clarification on why this happened and what the drive level of the IF is? I have a heat sink to install but have not done it yet. I have two KX3's, and will likely make one my digital high-duty cycle KX3 if this is unavoidable at even 3W. I have a 2M module in both KX3s. https://www.flickr.com/photos/ozy311/15255424125/sizes/h/ Thank you ahead of time! Chris K6OZY From gerryleary99 at icloud.com Tue Sep 16 07:43:00 2014 From: gerryleary99 at icloud.com (Gerry leary) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 05:43:00 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] CW on ssbHello Everyone, Message-ID: <757ED857-0EA6-4614-AB24-57FA35A55455@icloud.com> I am trying to find the place in the menu system where I can turn on the CW while in SSB mode is located. I have heard that it is in the CW features but I find nothing there. Can anyone tell me how to find this? Gerry Leary who hopes that Elecraft implements the rest of the CW read out feature. Sent from my iPhone this time From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Tue Sep 16 07:58:18 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Charles Tropp via Elecraft) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 07:58:18 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] CW on ssbHello Everyone, In-Reply-To: <757ED857-0EA6-4614-AB24-57FA35A55455@icloud.com> References: <757ED857-0EA6-4614-AB24-57FA35A55455@icloud.com> Message-ID: <541825DA.2010102@yahoo.com> On the Configuration Menu go to CW WGHT SSB-CW. Tapping the 1 key toggles between SSB+CW, which allows CW to be sent when in SSB Mode and SSB-CW, which doesn't. The other station operating SSB will hear your signal at the tone sent by your sidetone pitch. 73, Charles N2SO On Tuesday, September 16, 2014 7:43:00 AM, Gerry leary wrote: > > I am trying to find the place in the menu system where I can turn on the CW while in SSB mode is located. I have heard that it is in the CW features but I find nothing there. Can anyone tell me how to find this? Gerry Leary who hopes that Elecraft implements the rest of the CW read out feature. > > Sent from my iPhone this time > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 charlestropp at yahoo.com > From pa0pje at xs4all.nl Tue Sep 16 08:01:07 2014 From: pa0pje at xs4all.nl (Peter Eijlander (PA0PJE)) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 14:01:07 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] CW on ssbHello Everyone, In-Reply-To: <757ED857-0EA6-4614-AB24-57FA35A55455@icloud.com> References: <757ED857-0EA6-4614-AB24-57FA35A55455@icloud.com> Message-ID: <54182683.4030805@xs4all.nl> Owner's manual version C4 page 37: CW WGHT Adjusts element/space timing ratio (weight) for the internal keyer. Additional functions of this menu entry, via numeric keypad: Tap 1 to select S S B - C W (default) or S S B + C W (allows CW in SSB modes). When CW-in-SSB is in effect, tapping the KEYER/MIC knob in SSB mode alternates between keyer speed and mic gain rather than CMP/ALC and SWR/RF transmit metering. CW transmit in SSB mode is not available if SPLIT is on. Tap 4 to select V O X N O R (default) or A U T O O F F . The A U T O O F F setting turns CW VOX off on power-up, avoiding accidental keying by attached PCs, etc. Tap 5 to select automatic VFO offset on SSB/CW mode change (V F O O F S ) or no offset (V F O N O R , default). Automatic offset is often used on 6 meters, where mixed-mode QSOs are necessary during fading. Note: Pitch matching will be more accurate if USB is paired with CW REV, and LSB with CW normal. Cheers, Peter Op 2014-09-16 13:43 schreef Gerry leary: > > I am trying to find the place in the menu system where I can turn on the CW while in SSB mode is located. I have heard that it is in the CW features but I find nothing there. Can anyone tell me how to find this? Gerry Leary who hopes that Elecraft implements the rest of the CW read out feature. > > Sent from my iPhone this time > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pa0pje at xs4all.nl > From gerryleary99 at icloud.com Tue Sep 16 08:02:29 2014 From: gerryleary99 at icloud.com (Gerry leary) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 06:02:29 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] another feature requestHello Elecraft, Message-ID: <5824D1E5-8CD1-4111-8AD0-479D0FCC148C@icloud.com> I know there are a lot of changes happening right now, but I am wondering if it is in the plans for the near future to finish the CW readout project. I am finding that US blind folks are unable to use some of the new features because we have no access to them. Thanks. gerry WB6IVF Sent from my iPhone this time From gerryleary99 at icloud.com Tue Sep 16 08:05:59 2014 From: gerryleary99 at icloud.com (Gerry leary) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 06:05:59 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] CW on ssbHello Everyone, In-Reply-To: <54182683.4030805@xs4all.nl> References: <757ED857-0EA6-4614-AB24-57FA35A55455@icloud.com> <54182683.4030805@xs4all.nl> Message-ID: <708EE9F1-FF35-4A6B-91A9-240BBFCFC714@icloud.com> Hello Peter, None of these readings are available to me. I am working with Rob Santello who makes the hampod to try to implement them. I can not read the display. Sent from my iPhone this time > On Sep 16, 2014, at 6:01 AM, "Peter Eijlander (PA0PJE)" wrote: > > Owner's manual version C4 page 37: > > CW WGHT > Adjusts element/space timing ratio (weight) for the internal keyer. > Additional functions of this menu entry, via numeric keypad: > Tap 1 to select S S B - C W (default) or S S B + C W (allows CW in SSB modes). > When CW-in-SSB is in effect, tapping the KEYER/MIC knob in SSB mode > alternates between keyer speed and mic gain rather than CMP/ALC and SWR/RF > transmit metering. CW transmit in SSB mode is not available if SPLIT is on. > Tap 4 to select V O X N O R (default) or A U T O O F F . The A U T O O F F setting > turns CW VOX off on power-up, avoiding accidental keying by attached PCs, etc. > Tap 5 to select automatic VFO offset on SSB/CW mode change (V F O O F S ) or > no offset (V F O N O R , default). Automatic offset is often used on 6 meters, where > mixed-mode QSOs are necessary during fading. Note: Pitch matching will be > more accurate if USB is paired with CW REV, and LSB with CW normal. > > Cheers, > Peter > > > Op 2014-09-16 13:43 schreef Gerry leary: >> >> I am trying to find the place in the menu system where I can turn on the CW while in SSB mode is located. I have heard that it is in the CW features but I find nothing there. Can anyone tell me how to find this? Gerry Leary who hopes that Elecraft implements the rest of the CW read out feature. >> >> Sent from my iPhone this time >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pa0pje at xs4all.nl >> From gerryleary99 at icloud.com Tue Sep 16 08:19:38 2014 From: gerryleary99 at icloud.com (Gerry leary) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 06:19:38 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] CW on ssbHello Everyone, In-Reply-To: <54182683.4030805@xs4all.nl> References: <757ED857-0EA6-4614-AB24-57FA35A55455@icloud.com> <54182683.4030805@xs4all.nl> Message-ID: <89AFA248-847E-422E-B9FB-C065506546AE@icloud.com> Hello, I just played again. I did get the Hampod to read the CW-SSB feature. I was not waiting long enough after pressing the button. I was a little to impatient. Thanks for the help. Gerry Sent from my iPhone this time > On Sep 16, 2014, at 6:01 AM, "Peter Eijlander (PA0PJE)" wrote: > > Owner's manual version C4 page 37: > > CW WGHT > Adjusts element/space timing ratio (weight) for the internal keyer. > Additional functions of this menu entry, via numeric keypad: > Tap 1 to select S S B - C W (default) or S S B + C W (allows CW in SSB modes). > When CW-in-SSB is in effect, tapping the KEYER/MIC knob in SSB mode > alternates between keyer speed and mic gain rather than CMP/ALC and SWR/RF > transmit metering. CW transmit in SSB mode is not available if SPLIT is on. > Tap 4 to select V O X N O R (default) or A U T O O F F . The A U T O O F F setting > turns CW VOX off on power-up, avoiding accidental keying by attached PCs, etc. > Tap 5 to select automatic VFO offset on SSB/CW mode change (V F O O F S ) or > no offset (V F O N O R , default). Automatic offset is often used on 6 meters, where > mixed-mode QSOs are necessary during fading. Note: Pitch matching will be > more accurate if USB is paired with CW REV, and LSB with CW normal. > > Cheers, > Peter > > > Op 2014-09-16 13:43 schreef Gerry leary: >> >> I am trying to find the place in the menu system where I can turn on the CW while in SSB mode is located. I have heard that it is in the CW features but I find nothing there. Can anyone tell me how to find this? Gerry Leary who hopes that Elecraft implements the rest of the CW read out feature. >> >> Sent from my iPhone this time >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pa0pje at xs4all.nl > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 gerryleary99 at me.com From pa0pje at xs4all.nl Tue Sep 16 08:22:48 2014 From: pa0pje at xs4all.nl (Peter Eijlander (PA0PJE)) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 14:22:48 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] CW on ssbHello Everyone, In-Reply-To: <708EE9F1-FF35-4A6B-91A9-240BBFCFC714@icloud.com> References: <757ED857-0EA6-4614-AB24-57FA35A55455@icloud.com> <54182683.4030805@xs4all.nl> <708EE9F1-FF35-4A6B-91A9-240BBFCFC714@icloud.com> Message-ID: <54182B98.1020103@xs4all.nl> Hello Gerry, I did not realize you are visually impaired. Charles N2SO sent a message as well in a shorter form effectively telling the same thing. Of course it depends also on the firmware version on your KX3 whether this setting is available or not. Is there anyone else with a good idea apart from contacting Elecraft Support? 73, Peter Op 2014-09-16 14:05 schreef Gerry leary: > Rob Santello who makes the hampod From a at lenton.org Tue Sep 16 10:08:58 2014 From: a at lenton.org (Andrew UK) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 07:08:58 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Very Low TX Power below 14 MHz Message-ID: <1410876538488-7593145.post@n2.nabble.com> Hi Does anyone have any idea what has happened:Scenario:TX cal will not work as there is zero watts on 1.9 MHzK3 Died on TX while tuning up on 1942KHz on an AL-811H Ameritron Amplifier, which had word fine previously.The LPA transistors, bias was upset, and Q2 not getting as hot as the others, however, all 3 replaced and bias set: it made not difference:I get the following:I performed a factory reset and recalibrated from scratch and reloaded all the firmwareAutomatic Transmitter gain will not run as there is zero watts on 1.9 MHzSymptom:1. 160 M TX power 0 Watts 1.85 Amps SWR no reading2. 80M TX Power 0 Watts 1.85 Amps SWR no rea3. 60M TX Power 1 Watt 2.03 Amps SWR no rea4. 40M TX Power 1.5 Watts 2.2 Amps SWR 1.1-15. 30M TX Power 4.5 Watts 2.8 Amps SWR 1.0-1 Fault code err TxG Filter problem?6. 20M TX power 10 Watts Max 4.7 Amps SWR 1.0-17. 17M TX power 10 Watts max 4.7 Amps SWR 1.0-18. 15M TX power 8 Watts 4.6 Amps SWR 1.0-19. 12M TX Power 8 Watts 3.9A Amps SWR 1.0-110. 10M TX Power 9 Watts 4.18 Amps SWR 1.0-111. 6M TX Power 8 Watts 2.7 Amps SWR 1.0-1 My original MAX RF power was around 16 Watts on all bands except 6MWhat could be effecting the drive on low bands to fall to zero? and attenuating the RF power on the high bands power?If the AL 811H (which is not the best engineered amp in the world) provided a strange match or sent power from self-oscillation back to the K3, what else could it affect in the K3?RX seems affected to20M, 17M, 12M, 10M and 6M all give S9 for 50?VLow Bands below at 50?V160M S580M S840M S630M S8These all gave S9 before the fault, so a big clue to the faultAny suggestions where I should start looking, as the RX path is down as well?Is this the biggest clue (Fault code err TxG) on the 30M band? I have made some measurements over the weekend and found the followingUsing a scope probe in to and R & S FSU spectrum analyser I have been tracing signals on 14 MHz which can give up to 10 Watts, and 1.9 MHz which give zero watts.1. I have Checked D26,D31 and D27 they seem to check out and switch.2. D25 seems to have a large DC volt drop on RX and TX 0.9 of a volt! Large for a schottky diode, with 20mA going through, calculated by the volt drop across R48 (should be 0.3V according to the spec sheet)3. The TX signal is good at W21 on 1.9 and 14 MHz roughly the same. (D1 checks out on a meter)4. Both signals are amplified through the LPA to the same level on the drains of Q5 and Q4 FETS, but still no RF power on 1.9 MhzI know A scope probe is not the best way to measure; what does D1 S1M do on the LPA? Controlled by 12T, presume a RF O/P switch?6dB attenuator is in all the time.What would stop LF (1.9 to 10MHz) being amplified?C23 on the LPA board 100PF is missing I presume this is correct?any suggestion welcome 73's Andrew -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Very-Low-TX-Power-below-14-MHz-tp7593145.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From eric at elecraft.com Tue Sep 16 10:11:14 2014 From: eric at elecraft.com (Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 07:11:14 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] ordering what you need In-Reply-To: <5398DA6F-3B27-4AC8-AF2C-4A12B8D4D4FB@gmail.com> References: <1410815763.37580.YahooMailNeo@web181702.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> <541761BF.1040902@embarqmail.com> <5398DA6F-3B27-4AC8-AF2C-4A12B8D4D4FB@gmail.com> Message-ID: <5AEF65FA-64EE-4264-8181-FD71E36CFB08@elecraft.com> We also now sell Fred's books on the Elecraft order page. 73, Eric elecraft.com _..._ > On Sep 15, 2014, at 3:15 PM, Matt VK2RQ wrote: > > Sorry, forgot to include a link: > http://www.ke7x.com/ > > 73, > Matt VK2RQ > >> On 16 Sep 2014, at 8:14 am, Matt VK2RQ wrote: >> >> Suggest to get a copy of Fred Cady's book on the K3 -- he goes through all the options, and explains how it all works in easy-to-understand language. From n6kr at elecraft.com Tue Sep 16 10:44:53 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 07:44:53 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] another feature requestHello Elecraft, In-Reply-To: <5824D1E5-8CD1-4111-8AD0-479D0FCC148C@icloud.com> References: <5824D1E5-8CD1-4111-8AD0-479D0FCC148C@icloud.com> Message-ID: <5F0DD555-4E1A-4D8C-B7D8-56568AEE9DD2@elecraft.com> Hi Gerry, The KX1 provides Morse-code interface tones for all controls and the menu. The KX3 provides a Morse interface for all controls, but not the menu (yet). We'll be gradually adding menu functions, though the KX3's menu system is far more extensive and complex than the KX1's, so there's a limit to how much of it we can support. Meanwhile, we just released new KX3 firmware that corrects Morse tones on 2 meters. 73, Wayne N6KR On Sep 16, 2014, at 5:02 AM, Gerry leary wrote: > > I know there are a lot of changes happening right now, but I am wondering if it is in the plans for the near future to finish the CW readout project. I am finding that US blind folks are unable to use some of the new features because we have no access to them. Thanks. gerry WB6IVF From n6kr at elecraft.com Tue Sep 16 10:50:40 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 07:50:40 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3][2M] Over heat question In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <8A143929-51D0-4D93-93F6-2D622F427A2F@elecraft.com> On 2 meters, heating is divided between the HF power amplifier and the 2-meter power amplifier. I.F. drive for the 2-meter module is generated by the HF PA, which must still be biased class AB to ensure low distortion. While the HF PA is not putting out much power, it is reasonably heavily biased and will eventually heat up. This should take quite awhile, but it is not rated for key-down "forever," even in this instance. 73, Wayne N6KR On Sep 16, 2014, at 12:15 AM, Chris Johnson wrote: > I participated in a local ARES net with my KX3/2M combo and a mirage B-310-G and B-34-G amps. We were using Olivia 1000/32 using 2M verticals to pass traffic around the valley and Tucson testing various power levels. > > Long story short, these mirage amps work well but the 310 consumes 9 amps even when driven with .3 watts in / 30w out from the KX3-2M, and the B-34 uses a more field-use reasonable 3.9 amps when driven with 3 Watts In/ 20 watts out from the KX3. The net current usage is more optimal with the KX3 + B34G, but using this combination the KX3 over heats and shuts off. Here's where my confusion comes in. > > The back of the KX3 where the primary FETs are were hot. I was under the impression that the KX3 used a 50Mhz IF to drive the 2M module and the 2M FET on the side would be where the heat is generated, ultimately being the part that would overheat if driven too long. But it seemed that the rear FETs were where the max heat was generated, ultimately resulting in a self protection shutdown. Can I get some clarification on why this happened and what the drive level of the IF is? > > I have a heat sink to install but have not done it yet. I have two KX3's, and will likely make one my digital high-duty cycle KX3 if this is unavoidable at even 3W. I have a 2M module in both KX3s. > > https://www.flickr.com/photos/ozy311/15255424125/sizes/h/ > > Thank you ahead of time! > > Chris > K6OZY > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 n6kr at elecraft.com From no9e at arrl.net Tue Sep 16 10:55:07 2014 From: no9e at arrl.net (Ignacy) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 07:55:07 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] K3: Rough audio with amp even using voice recorder Message-ID: <1410879307125-7593149.post@n2.nabble.com> Someone played recording of my audio and it sounded a bit harsh. This is K3 serial number 22xx with Expert 2k-fa. Same harshness with either the microphone or the voice recorder. No harshness without the amp. Similar harshness with power limited to 500W. I suspected the amp's nonlinearity. But KX3 with the same amp (400W out) sounds smooth. So it seems to be a feedback but not via a microphone. Any idea of what is going on? Ignacy, NO9E -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Rough-audio-with-amp-even-using-voice-recorder-tp7593149.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Tue Sep 16 11:27:33 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 08:27:33 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3: Rough audio with amp even using voice recorder In-Reply-To: <1410879307125-7593149.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <1410879307125-7593149.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <541856E5.9040006@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Tue,9/16/2014 7:55 AM, Ignacy wrote: > Similar harshness with power limited to 500W. I suspected the amp's > nonlinearity. But KX3 with the same amp (400W out) sounds smooth. I would suspect that the amp is being overdriven. How much power out from the K3? Are you using ALC between the K3 and the amp to set the TX power? That's a known cause of nasty distortion. The right way to do it is to reduce power from the K3 until you get the desired output from the amp. 73, Jim K9YC From w0eb at cox.net Tue Sep 16 11:34:51 2014 From: w0eb at cox.net (Jim's Desktop) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 15:34:51 +0000 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Dot Stabilizers for Bugs Message-ID: Finally received my 2mm diameter milling cutters so I can now use precision tooling to machine the slot in the stabilizers for the J-36, Lightning Bug, Champion, Japanese Coffin Bug and the European flat pendulum bugs. I no longer need to cut them with a saw so they come out with much smoother slots and one size seems to fit all of the bugs requiring slotted stabilizers. See earlier posts or email me off list for further details and pricing. Jim Sheldon - W0EB From kl7uw at acsalaska.net Tue Sep 16 12:00:34 2014 From: kl7uw at acsalaska.net (Edward R Cole) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 08:00:34 -0800 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 2M Module Message-ID: <201409161600.s8GG0uYa091564@denali.acsalaska.net> Kevin, On some of the early 2M models the printing on the metal shield was backwards to that shown in the manual. I made the mistake of installing my shield per the photo in the manual and got the shield on backwards which partially shorted the output transistor resulting in low RF output (0.3w vs 3.0w). I was one of the field testers so my unit was very early production. MY understanding is that the label issue was remedied in later units. To be absolutely sure the shield is on correctly you should visually examine the shield to see if the tiny cutout is over the output transistor (this is the one with a tab you secured with a black flat-head screw). You should be able to check it without removal of the shield. Another way to describe it is the cutout is along the side of the shield nearest the edge of the radio case. The manual was updated on this if I am not mistaken (Ron?). "NOT receiving" is something to call tech support on. If it transmits OK, this would indicate to me a problem in the 2M unit. My receiver lost sensitivity in field testing and was repaired. Elecraft added a mod to provide more protection to the receiver input ckts (which I believe is a permanent mod on later production units). I run 1400w on 2m for eme on a tower only 130-feet away from the antennas I use with my KX3, so this puts my KX3-2M in an extreme RF environment. I unplug the KX3 antenna when running eme, now. 73, Ed - KL7UW snip ------------- Incidentally, the label on the shield was affixed 180 degrees to the illustration in the instruction manual. I caught that before powering the rig. 73 Kevin VK3DAP / ZL2DAP 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com "Kits made by KL7UW" Dubus Mag business: dubususa at gmail.com From no9e at arrl.net Tue Sep 16 12:10:23 2014 From: no9e at arrl.net (Ignacy) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 09:10:23 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] K3: Rough audio with amp even using voice recorder In-Reply-To: <541856E5.9040006@audiosystemsgroup.com> References: <1410879307125-7593149.post@n2.nabble.com> <541856E5.9040006@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: I reduce the power to one half, and no change. Also the problem varies from band to band. Ignacy On Tue, Sep 16, 2014 at 11:28 AM, Jim Brown-10 [via Elecraft] < ml-node+s365791n7593150h80 at n2.nabble.com> wrote: > On Tue,9/16/2014 7:55 AM, Ignacy wrote: > > Similar harshness with power limited to 500W. I suspected the amp's > > nonlinearity. But KX3 with the same amp (400W out) sounds smooth. > > I would suspect that the amp is being overdriven. How much power out > from the K3? Are you using ALC between the K3 and the amp to set the TX > power? That's a known cause of nasty distortion. The right way to do it > is to reduce power from the K3 until you get the desired output from the > amp. > > 73, Jim K9YC > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[hidden email] > > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to [hidden email] > > > > ------------------------------ > If you reply to this email, your message will be added to the discussion > below: > > http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Rough-audio-with-amp-even-using-voice-recorder-tp7593149p7593150.html > To unsubscribe from K3: Rough audio with amp even using voice recorder, click > here > > . > NAML > > -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Rough-audio-with-amp-even-using-voice-recorder-tp7593149p7593153.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From G4GNX at theatreorgans.co.uk Tue Sep 16 12:45:29 2014 From: G4GNX at theatreorgans.co.uk (G4GNX) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 17:45:29 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] CTCSS Message-ID: Hi all. I don?t have a K3 or 2 metre transverter yet, but I?m hovering and doing my researches before taking the plunge. This info may be available in the specs somewhere, but I?m lazy and it?s usually quicker to ask. When operating on 2 metres and perhaps on 70cm, using either the 2M internal module or an external Elecraft transverter, does the K3 provide CTCSS tones for transmit, receive or both? If not, is this something that could be programmable? In the UK, CTCSS is mandatory for transmitting to repeaters, so it?s important to me. Also, can anyone from Elecraft tell me if there are any plans to offer a high power module or external amplifier for 2 metres and/or 70 cms? 73, Alan. G4GNX From ke6te.9 at gmail.com Tue Sep 16 12:57:41 2014 From: ke6te.9 at gmail.com (George Rebong) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 09:57:41 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] MONO plug to KX3 PHONE jack Message-ID: I installed my KX3 on my SUBARU outback and I would like to put an external speaker. Can I plug a MONO 1/8 plug to the PHONE jack of my KX3? 73 -- George Rebong KE6TE From parinc1 at frontier.com Tue Sep 16 13:04:19 2014 From: parinc1 at frontier.com (Dale Parfitt) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 13:04:19 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] MONO plug to KX3 PHONE jack References: Message-ID: <939E1195BF35414C96BE457BCE11C358@dale03dab088c4> Page 5 of the KX-3 manual: The 3.5mm Phones jack accommodates mono or stereo headphones or (powered) external speakers. Dale W4OP ----- Original Message ----- From: "George Rebong" To: Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2014 12:57 PM Subject: [Elecraft] MONO plug to KX3 PHONE jack >I installed my KX3 on my SUBARU outback and I would like to put an external > speaker. > Can I plug a MONO 1/8 plug to the PHONE jack of my KX3? > 73 > -- > George Rebong > KE6TE > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 parinc1 at frontier.com > From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Tue Sep 16 13:05:05 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 13:05:05 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3: Rough audio with amp even using voice recorder In-Reply-To: References: <1410879307125-7593149.post@n2.nabble.com> <541856E5.9040006@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: <54186DC1.50505@embarqmail.com> I would first suspect RF feedback. What happens if you use only the K3? Connect the K3 to a dummy load and listen with your KX3. That will tell you more than having someone do a recording off the air. If the K3 is clean, then you can conclude it is either the amplifier or RF Feedback. If the bare K3 still has a problem into a dummy load, look at the TX EQ settings. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/16/2014 12:10 PM, Ignacy wrote: > I reduce the power to one half, and no change. Also the problem varies from > band to band. > > Ignacy > > On Tue, Sep 16, 2014 at 11:28 AM, Jim Brown-10 [via Elecraft] < > ml-node+s365791n7593150h80 at n2.nabble.com> wrote: > >> On Tue,9/16/2014 7:55 AM, Ignacy wrote: >>> Similar harshness with power limited to 500W. I suspected the amp's >>> nonlinearity. But KX3 with the same amp (400W out) sounds smooth. >> From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Tue Sep 16 13:30:32 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Jim via Elecraft) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 13:30:32 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] WTB Message-ID: <26c93.544adc71.4149cdb7@aol.com> I want to buy a K3MINI/0 with cable. Don't need the RRC unit. Replacing a K3/100. Tnx Jim K5AUP From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Tue Sep 16 13:53:03 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 13:53:03 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] CTCSS In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <541878FF.4020705@embarqmail.com> Alan, For FM mode transmit tone, the answer is yes. See page 29 of the K3 manual (download from www.elecraft.com if you have not already done so). 73, Don W3FPR On 9/16/2014 12:45 PM, G4GNX wrote: > Hi all. > > I don?t have a K3 or 2 metre transverter yet, but I?m hovering and doing my researches before taking the plunge. > > This info may be available in the specs somewhere, but I?m lazy and it?s usually quicker to ask. > > When operating on 2 metres and perhaps on 70cm, using either the 2M internal module or an external Elecraft transverter, does the K3 provide CTCSS tones for transmit, receive or both? If not, is this something that could be programmable? In the UK, CTCSS is mandatory for transmitting to repeaters, so it?s important to me. > > Also, can anyone from Elecraft tell me if there are any plans to offer a high power module or external amplifier for 2 metres and/or 70 cms? > > > 73, > > Alan. G4GNX > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 w3fpr at embarqmail.com From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Tue Sep 16 14:26:39 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 11:26:39 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3: Rough audio with amp even using voice recorder In-Reply-To: References: <1410879307125-7593149.post@n2.nabble.com> <541856E5.9040006@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: <541880DF.5070405@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Tue,9/16/2014 9:10 AM, Ignacy wrote: > I reduce the power to one half, and no change. Also the problem varies from > band to band. HOW do you reduce the power? Do you turn down the K3, or do you turn down the amp? 73, Jim K9YC From kc6cnn at gmail.com Tue Sep 16 14:48:27 2014 From: kc6cnn at gmail.com (Gerald Manthey) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 13:48:27 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] Win4K3Suite: Now allows changing of Terminal Mode Threshold and text decode parameters. In-Reply-To: <76a096042e5be.541433f7@videotron.ca> References: <7610c4e729685.54146895@videotron.ca> <7610adb42e448.541468d1@videotron.ca> <7650cd362c3e1.5414690e@videotron.ca> <76c08b8d2baa6.5414694a@videotron.ca> <76d083682ffe7.54146986@videotron.ca> <779096c62f797.541469c3@videotron.ca> <7630825f2d99c.541469ff@videotron.ca> <76b09f2e2f939.54146a3b@videotron.ca> <76f0cfc4295b9.54146a78@videotron.ca> <76e0bb3d28744.54146ab4@videotron.ca> <76d0a9d92aaf0.54146af0@videotron.ca> <76c0865029781.54146b2c@videotron.ca> <76a0d32d2b58a.54146b69@videotron.ca> <7570eda62e7f4.54146ba5@videotron.ca> <7610b96429986.54146be1@videotron.ca> <7600e2cd2ef48.54146c1e@videotron.ca> <76a096042e5be.541433f7@videotron.ca> Message-ID: Tom Do I have to have usb's hooked up to all the equipment to get it to show in the software? Thanks Gerald On Sep 13, 2014 11:09 AM, wrote: > Win4K3Suite - version 1.662 is now released. This version has a number of > enhancements which follow from user feedback. > > New: > - It is now possible to adjust the Threshold and parameters such as CW > speed in the K3 Terminal Window. This unique capability is not available in > the K3 Utility or in any other software package. This allows one to change > the point at which decoding begins, helping eliminate false decoding of CW, > PSK and FSK signals. This also allows proper remote use of the K3 text > decoding with something like TeamViewer. Please note that there is > currently no way to do this with the KX3. > > > -The KX3 and LPPAN panadapter has had a number of enhancements: > 1) Split screen is now available allowing you to adjust the relative size > of the spectrum vs waterfall > 2) Waterfall speed control has now been added > 3) The 8kHz IF shift of the KX3 is now supported. > > > Other enhancements include: > Mouse wheel support for VFOA and VFOB allowing the change of individual > digits in the frequency display. > Rework of the Tune button such that if a tuner is in BYPASS then pressing > Tune will send a carrier. > Support for CW mode of WinWarbler. > > > Win4K3Suite is the most comprehensive control program for the K3, KX3, > KPA500 and KAT500. It interoperates with most third party logging and > contest programs. > A free 30 day trial is available at va2fsq.com. Purchase entitles you to > free updates for as long as the K3 and KX3 exist. > You can see the program in action at > https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=win4k3suite > > > 73's Tom va2fsq > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 kc6cnn at gmail.com > From linxt at comcast.net Tue Sep 16 15:01:04 2014 From: linxt at comcast.net (Thomas Taylor) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 12:01:04 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] another feature requestHello Elecraft, In-Reply-To: <5F0DD555-4E1A-4D8C-B7D8-56568AEE9DD2@elecraft.com> References: <5824D1E5-8CD1-4111-8AD0-479D0FCC148C@icloud.com> <5F0DD555-4E1A-4D8C-B7D8-56568AEE9DD2@elecraft.com> Message-ID: <20140916120104.1cce0122@desktop-1.home> Would this feature be available on the K2 at some future time? Thanks, Tom KG7CFC ############## On Tue, 16 Sep 2014 07:44:53 -0700 Wayne Burdick wrote: > Hi Gerry, > > The KX1 provides Morse-code interface tones for all controls and the menu. > > The KX3 provides a Morse interface for all controls, but not the menu (yet). > We'll be gradually adding menu functions, though the KX3's menu system is far > more extensive and complex than the KX1's, so there's a limit to how much of > it we can support. Meanwhile, we just released new KX3 firmware that corrects > Morse tones on 2 meters. > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > > > > On Sep 16, 2014, at 5:02 AM, Gerry leary wrote: > > > > > I know there are a lot of changes happening right now, but I am wondering > > if it is in the plans for the near future to finish the CW readout > > project. I am finding that US blind folks are unable to use some of the > > new features because we have no access to them. Thanks. gerry WB6IVF > > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 kg7cfc at fwarc.org -- Life takes on meaning when you become motivated, set goals and charge after them in an unstoppable manner. -Les Brown ^^ --... ...-- / -.- --. --... -.-. ..-. -.-. ^^^^ Tom Taylor KG7CFC openSUSE 13.1 (64-bit), Kernel 3.11.6-4-default, KDE 4.11.2, AMD Phenom X4 955, GeForce GTX 550 Ti (Nvidia 337.19) 16GB RAM -- 3x1.5TB sata2 -- 128GB-SSD FF 27.0, claws-mail 3.10.0 registered linux user 263467 From ejkkjh at gmail.com Tue Sep 16 15:09:25 2014 From: ejkkjh at gmail.com (ejkkjh at gmail.com) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 15:09:25 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 2 meter module transmit problems? In-Reply-To: <1D82B29DCAC34EABBAFDFB49502BF47A@ejhPC> References: <1D82B29DCAC34EABBAFDFB49502BF47A@ejhPC> Message-ID: <95F354AFAE9C4A4AAFC2509C58E83601@ejhPC> Only got one response on this, still having same problem, rechecked everything including the shield placement. Thanks 73 Emory WM3M From: ejkkjh at gmail.com Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2014 8:46 AM To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: KX3 2 meter module transmit problems? KX3 2 meter module transmit problems, not sure what to try next? When I key mic in 2 meters, display dims and KX3 beeps twice, no output, red led lights. When I push xmit button KX3 locks up, only way to recover is turn off power supply? Receive works great, no problems at all. HF works fine, full output on transmit. I switched out everything from SMA antenna connector, different cables, 3 different 2 meter antennas. Only cables connected to KX3, mic, power supply, and antenna. Tried different power supply. I have had trouble with the internal 2 meter antenna, mini coax cables, but checked them, they look ok and connected. This just happened when I tried to use it for VHF contest yesterday, 2 meter transmit was ok before this. Any help would be appreciated. 73 Thanks Emory WM3M From elecraft at ozy.us Tue Sep 16 16:03:20 2014 From: elecraft at ozy.us (Chris Johnson) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 13:03:20 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3][2M] Over heat question In-Reply-To: <8A143929-51D0-4D93-93F6-2D622F427A2F@elecraft.com> References: <8A143929-51D0-4D93-93F6-2D622F427A2F@elecraft.com> Message-ID: OK Good to know. I could not get all the way through a single radiogram on Olivia 1000/32 with an average transmit time of 2.5 minutes without it shutting down a hair after 2 minutes in. I just installed all the SideKick panels and Fred's heatsink on my newest KX3 and will retry tonight. Is there a reason why you chose 50mhz instead of 28mhz for the IF? The KX3 is very inefficient on 6M it seems. On Sep 16, 2014, at 7:50 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > On 2 meters, heating is divided between the HF power amplifier and the 2-meter power amplifier. I.F. drive for the 2-meter module is generated by the HF PA, which must still be biased class AB to ensure low distortion. While the HF PA is not putting out much power, it is reasonably heavily biased and will eventually heat up. This should take quite awhile, but it is not rated for key-down "forever," even in this instance. > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > > On Sep 16, 2014, at 12:15 AM, Chris Johnson wrote: > >> I participated in a local ARES net with my KX3/2M combo and a mirage B-310-G and B-34-G amps. We were using Olivia 1000/32 using 2M verticals to pass traffic around the valley and Tucson testing various power levels. >> >> Long story short, these mirage amps work well but the 310 consumes 9 amps even when driven with .3 watts in / 30w out from the KX3-2M, and the B-34 uses a more field-use reasonable 3.9 amps when driven with 3 Watts In/ 20 watts out from the KX3. The net current usage is more optimal with the KX3 + B34G, but using this combination the KX3 over heats and shuts off. Here's where my confusion comes in. >> >> The back of the KX3 where the primary FETs are were hot. I was under the impression that the KX3 used a 50Mhz IF to drive the 2M module and the 2M FET on the side would be where the heat is generated, ultimately being the part that would overheat if driven too long. But it seemed that the rear FETs were where the max heat was generated, ultimately resulting in a self protection shutdown. Can I get some clarification on why this happened and what the drive level of the IF is? >> >> I have a heat sink to install but have not done it yet. I have two KX3's, and will likely make one my digital high-duty cycle KX3 if this is unavoidable at even 3W. I have a 2M module in both KX3s. >> >> https://www.flickr.com/photos/ozy311/15255424125/sizes/h/ >> >> Thank you ahead of time! >> >> Chris >> K6OZY >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 n6kr at elecraft.com From no9e at arrl.net Tue Sep 16 16:16:51 2014 From: no9e at arrl.net (Ignacy) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 13:16:51 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] K3: Rough audio with amp even using voice recorder In-Reply-To: <541880DF.5070405@audiosystemsgroup.com> References: <1410879307125-7593149.post@n2.nabble.com> <541856E5.9040006@audiosystemsgroup.com> <541880DF.5070405@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: I reduce power in K3. Note that the problem occurs with the voice recorder. Ignacy On Tue, Sep 16, 2014 at 2:27 PM, Jim Brown-10 [via Elecraft] < ml-node+s365791n7593160h90 at n2.nabble.com> wrote: > On Tue,9/16/2014 9:10 AM, Ignacy wrote: > > I reduce the power to one half, and no change. Also the problem varies > from > > band to band. > > HOW do you reduce the power? Do you turn down the K3, or do you turn > down the amp? > > 73, Jim K9YC > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[hidden email] > > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to [hidden email] > > > > ------------------------------ > If you reply to this email, your message will be added to the discussion > below: > > http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Rough-audio-with-amp-even-using-voice-recorder-tp7593149p7593160.html > To unsubscribe from K3: Rough audio with amp even using voice recorder, click > here > > . > NAML > > -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Rough-audio-with-amp-even-using-voice-recorder-tp7593149p7593165.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From n0sa at att.net Tue Sep 16 16:29:48 2014 From: n0sa at att.net (N0SA) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 13:29:48 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] St Louis QRP Club Meeting Message-ID: <1410899388239-7593166.post@n2.nabble.com> Hello! The St. Louis QRP Society is holding its annual Tailgate Meeting the evening of Wednesday, September 17, 2014 from 6:00 p.m until everyone goes home. Visitors are most welcome. NEW LOCATION THIS YEAR: Creve Coeur Park. From the Maryland Heights Expressway (between I-70 and the Page Extension) turn south on Marine Ave and drive .8 miles. Turn left into the parking lot when you reach the pedestrian walkway signs. Never a charge to buy, sell or browse. Bring your gear and money to buy more stuff or better yet do both! Plan to talk a lot about QRP and homebrew or just visit with fellow hams for a spell. QRP stations will be on the air so bring your own radios, antennas and projects for show & tell. On display will be a historically accurate reproduction of the WWII Paraset spy radio that won Best TX/RX in our annual builder contest. And the Auto-Tune Magnetic Loop that won Best-of-Show. Other winning projects from that contest pending. Brats & dogs hot off-the-grill plus chips & sodas for the hungry and thirsty - while they last. Hope you can join us. Dave Gauding, NF0R FOR THE ST. LOUIS QRP SOCIETY -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/St-Louis-QRP-Club-Meeting-tp7593166.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From 2010jfb at gmail.com Tue Sep 16 17:10:11 2014 From: 2010jfb at gmail.com (w9jfb) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 14:10:11 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] Difficulty assigning a macro to PF1 key Message-ID: <1410901811196-7593167.post@n2.nabble.com> I would like to assign a macro that loads a frequency range then begins a scan for 20m CW with a PF key. I believe I have a workable macro but when I assign it to a PF key it does not run. I did the following; 1. Assigned a frequency to VFO A (14000.000) and VFO B(14070.000) and mode = CW to memory position 20 in the KX3. 2. Wrote a macro (macro 1 labeled SCAN 20) in the KX3 utility as follows , MC020;SWH10; this should set the frequency for VFO A and B to the value in memory 20 then execute the SCAN button. 3. The macro works if I execute it with the utility, that is the frequency gets set and the SCAN begins. 4. I saved and wrote the macros to the KX3 with the utility. 5. If I assign it to PF1 by selecting MACRO X in the menu, then pressing 1 to indicate Macro 1 then press PF1 to assign the macro then clear the menu. If I press PF1 the VFO B space displays the macro name ( SCAN 20) but it does not change the freq or start the scan. I got the above procedure from Cady's book at page 67. Any idea what I am doing wrong? I have MCU version 01.87 and DSP 01.28 Tnx for your help. Jim - W9JFB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Difficulty-assigning-a-macro-to-PF1-key-tp7593167.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From n6kr at elecraft.com Tue Sep 16 17:22:13 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 14:22:13 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3][2M] Over heat question In-Reply-To: References: <8A143929-51D0-4D93-93F6-2D622F427A2F@elecraft.com> Message-ID: <48927B37-B19E-46C7-9707-98A92F28032A@elecraft.com> > Is there a reason why you chose 50mhz instead of 28mhz for the IF? Yes. We use the LO*4 signal from the synthesizer to drive the 2-meter module's down-conversion mixer, and the math for this puts the I.F. at 48 MHz when R.F. is 144 MHz. If not for this fortunate result, adding 2 meters to the KX3 would require a separate, high-stability TCXO running at around 190 MHz. A lot more expensive. Wayne From eric at elecraft.com Tue Sep 16 17:31:36 2014 From: eric at elecraft.com (Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 14:31:36 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] another feature requestHello Elecraft, In-Reply-To: <20140916120104.1cce0122@desktop-1.home> References: <5824D1E5-8CD1-4111-8AD0-479D0FCC148C@icloud.com> <5F0DD555-4E1A-4D8C-B7D8-56568AEE9DD2@elecraft.com> <20140916120104.1cce0122@desktop-1.home> Message-ID: <5418AC38.90808@elecraft.com> On the K2, we support CW feedback through the KRC2-ACC. It is a small external box that talks to the K2 over the serial interface and can read back the K2's frequency, mode etc in CW. We also have K2 Voice, a free PC program, that reads back K2 parameters using my voice when theK2 is connected to a PC via its serial interface. 73, Eric - WA6HHQ elecraft.com ==== On 9/16/2014 12:01 PM, Thomas Taylor wrote: > Would this feature be available on the K2 at some future time? > > Thanks, Tom KG7CF > ############## > > On Tue, 16 Sep 2014 07:44:53 -0700 > Wayne Burdick wrote: >> Hi Gerry, >> >> The KX1 provides Morse-code interface tones for all controls and the menu. >> >> The KX3 provides a Morse interface for all controls, but not the menu (yet). >> We'll be gradually adding menu functions, though the KX3's menu system is far >> more extensive and complex than the KX1's, so there's a limit to how much of >> it we can support. Meanwhile, we just released new KX3 firmware that corrects >> Morse tones on 2 meters. From droese at necg.de Tue Sep 16 18:20:02 2014 From: droese at necg.de (=?ISO-8859-1?Q?Oliver_Dr=F6se?=) Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 00:20:02 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 2 meter module transmit problems? In-Reply-To: <95F354AFAE9C4A4AAFC2509C58E83601@ejhPC> References: <1D82B29DCAC34EABBAFDFB49502BF47A@ejhPC> <95F354AFAE9C4A4AAFC2509C58E83601@ejhPC> Message-ID: <5418B792.2010306@necg.de> Emory, as it worked before and suddenly stopped working it seems something got broken. Contact Elecraft support, they are the guys knowledgable to diagnose it with you! 73, Olli - DH8BQA Contest, DX & radio projects: http://www.dh8bqa.de Am 16.09.2014 21:09, schrieb ejkkjh at gmail.com: > Only got one response on this, still having same problem, rechecked everything including the shield placement. > Thanks 73 > Emory WM3M > > From: ejkkjh at gmail.com > Sent: Sunday, September 14, 2014 8:46 AM > To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net > Subject: KX3 2 meter module transmit problems? > > KX3 2 meter module transmit problems, not sure what to try next? > When I key mic in 2 meters, display dims and KX3 beeps twice, no output, red led lights. When I push xmit button KX3 locks up, only way to recover is turn off power supply? > Receive works great, no problems at all. > HF works fine, full output on transmit. > I switched out everything from SMA antenna connector, different cables, 3 different 2 meter antennas. Only cables connected to KX3, mic, power supply, and antenna. > Tried different power supply. I have had trouble with the internal 2 meter antenna, mini coax cables, but checked them, they look ok and connected. This just happened when I tried to use it for VHF contest yesterday, 2 meter transmit was ok before this. > Any help would be appreciated. 73 Thanks > Emory WM3M > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 droese at necg.de > From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Tue Sep 16 20:48:55 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 17:48:55 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3: Rough audio with amp even using voice recorder In-Reply-To: References: <1410879307125-7593149.post@n2.nabble.com> <541856E5.9040006@audiosystemsgroup.com> <541880DF.5070405@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: <5418DA77.7050704@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Tue,9/16/2014 1:16 PM, Ignacy wrote: > I reduce power in K3. Note that the problem occurs with the voice recorder. Good. I agree with Don -- RF feedback or excessive TXEQ are possibilities. How is your TXEQ set? Is anything boosted? Are the bottom three bands turned way down? What mic, how is it wired, how/where do you plug it in? Were you transmitting with the amp when you recorded the messages for the voice recorder? I also agree that you should try to listen with the KX3 with its antenna disconnected. 73, Jim K9YC From wb5jnc at centurytel.net Tue Sep 16 22:22:10 2014 From: wb5jnc at centurytel.net (Al Gulseth) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 21:22:10 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] Follow-up: [Sorta OT]: Does terrain affect HF radiation patterns? In-Reply-To: <201409152054.39060.wb5jnc@centurytel.net> References: <201409152054.39060.wb5jnc@centurytel.net> Message-ID: <201409162122.10601.wb5jnc@centurytel.net> First, TNX for all the replies. You've given me a lot of information to wade through. In doing a quick browse about HFTA on the web I found a couple of presentations, which while being "apples and oranges" to my situation, nevertheless exhibited some of the same characteristics. It was really educational to see their graphs of what terrain can do to a signal's take-off angle and how the height of the antenna interacts with the terrain. That being said, I'm wondering if this explains another phenomena I've observed. Another "beacon" system exists in the form of W1AW in that it gives a picture of closer in/domestic propagation on the various bands. In my experience their signal on 20M is surprisingly weak here most of the time, while 17M frequently shows full strength on the signal indicator during the periods when I'd expect that band to be open. I've also seen times when 17 and 40M were both fairly strong, and it would seem logical that 20 should also be in the "sweet spot" at that moment, but it isn't. Is this possibly due to the terrain/antenna combination either on my end or W1AW's? Again, TNX for the very informative comments. 73, Al On Mon September 15 2014 8:54:38 pm Al Gulseth wrote: > Greetings all, > > I've been following some of the antenna-related discussions here recently, > and I've decided to see what the "gurus" here have to say about a question > I have related to my QTH. As my post title indicates, what (if any) effect > does nearby terrain have on HF radiation patterns? Is it along the lines of > VHF? > > Without going into too much detail, my QTH is partway up what amounts to a > long broad slope to the north. "Just for grins" I plugged my QTH > coordinates and an arbitrary antenna at 50 feet AGL into the FCC's Height > Above Average Terrain calculator. Here are the results, in meters of > course, which shows what the surrounding terrain is like; the results seem > realistic from what I know of the local area. I would also note that the > area less than two miles away, which is not used in these calculations, > would nevertheless correspond fairly closely slope-wise in my estimation. > I'm aware that this calculation is intended for FM/TV broadcast: my > question is whether it could be of use for hams on HF: > > Antenna Radiation Center Heights Above Individual Radials: > > 0.0? -107.3 meters > 45.0? -37.4 meters > 90.0? 39.6 meters > 135.0? 100.3 meters > 180.0? 92.9 meters > 225.0? 86.6 meters > 270.0? -1.6 meters > 315.0? -40.0 meters > > Now, my observations: I've been using an inexpensive SW portable with its > built-in whip to monitor some of the International Beacon Project and 10M > beacon frequencies while I'm around the house. By using the portable, in my > estimation I achieve two things: 1) it should "hear" a mostly > omnidirectional pattern and 2) beacons heard under this circumstance should > indicate the band would be usable to the area in the beacon's vicinity. > > That being said, I have found that other than 4U4UN, I'm most consistently > hearing South American beacons, and at least some of them can usually be > heard if I'm hearing anything at all. So, is the terrain around me > affecting this, or if not, what might be happening? > > TNX/73, Al > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 wb5jnc at centurytel.net From no9e at arrl.net Tue Sep 16 22:42:57 2014 From: no9e at arrl.net (Ignacy) Date: Tue, 16 Sep 2014 19:42:57 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] K3: Rough audio with amp even using voice recorder In-Reply-To: <5418DA77.7050704@audiosystemsgroup.com> References: <1410879307125-7593149.post@n2.nabble.com> <541856E5.9040006@audiosystemsgroup.com> <541880DF.5070405@audiosystemsgroup.com> <5418DA77.7050704@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: I did extensive testing with amp on/off, eq on/off, a different microphone, as suggested. Differences are not dramatic. What seems to be going is that the voice becomes distorted past 12W at K3. Linear at 12W and scratchy at >12W. A bit better at 100W. I looked at currents with no signal. 1.1A in RX. 1.9A at 12W. 2.0A at >12W. High power turns on HPA, and it seems that the idle current for HPA should be > 0.1 A. At whistle: 3.5A at 12W and 20A at 100W. Ignacy On Tue, Sep 16, 2014 at 8:49 PM, Jim Brown-10 [via Elecraft] < ml-node+s365791n7593171h31 at n2.nabble.com> wrote: > On Tue,9/16/2014 1:16 PM, Ignacy wrote: > > I reduce power in K3. Note that the problem occurs with the voice > recorder. > > Good. I agree with Don -- RF feedback or excessive TXEQ are > possibilities. How is your TXEQ set? Is anything boosted? Are the bottom > three bands turned way down? What mic, how is it wired, how/where do you > plug it in? Were you transmitting with the amp when you recorded the > messages for the voice recorder? > > I also agree that you should try to listen with the KX3 with its antenna > disconnected. > > 73, Jim K9YC > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[hidden email] > > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to [hidden email] > > > > ------------------------------ > If you reply to this email, your message will be added to the discussion > below: > > http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Rough-audio-with-amp-even-using-voice-recorder-tp7593149p7593171.html > To unsubscribe from K3: Rough audio with amp even using voice recorder, click > here > > . > NAML > > -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Rough-audio-with-amp-even-using-voice-recorder-tp7593149p7593173.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From PKA at telepost.gl Wed Sep 17 07:41:48 2014 From: PKA at telepost.gl (=?iso-8859-1?Q?Poul_Erik_Karlsh=F8j_=28PKA=29?=) Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 11:41:48 +0000 Subject: [Elecraft] CW on ssbHello Everyone, In-Reply-To: <541825DA.2010102@yahoo.com> References: <757ED857-0EA6-4614-AB24-57FA35A55455@icloud.com>, <541825DA.2010102@yahoo.com> Message-ID: <538ACF4A-8D2C-406C-893A-869B7D4CC395@telepost.gl> Could someone please write a Macro that does that? 73/OZ4UN > Den 16/09/2014 kl. 13.58 skrev "Charles Tropp via Elecraft" : > > On the Configuration Menu go to CW WGHT SSB-CW. Tapping the 1 key toggles between SSB+CW, which allows CW to be sent when in SSB Mode and SSB-CW, which doesn't. The other station operating SSB will hear your signal at the tone sent by your sidetone pitch. > > 73, Charles N2SO > >> On Tuesday, September 16, 2014 7:43:00 AM, Gerry leary wrote: >> >> I am trying to find the place in the menu system where I can turn on the CW while in SSB mode is located. I have heard that it is in the CW features but I find nothing there. Can anyone tell me how to find this? Gerry Leary who hopes that Elecraft implements the rest of the CW read out feature. >> >> Sent from my iPhone this time >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 charlestropp at yahoo.com > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pka at tele.gl From matt.vk2rq at gmail.com Wed Sep 17 15:11:41 2014 From: matt.vk2rq at gmail.com (Matt VK2RQ) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 05:11:41 +1000 Subject: [Elecraft] CW on ssbHello Everyone, In-Reply-To: <538ACF4A-8D2C-406C-893A-869B7D4CC395@telepost.gl> References: <757ED857-0EA6-4614-AB24-57FA35A55455@icloud.com> <541825DA.2010102@yahoo.com> <538ACF4A-8D2C-406C-893A-869B7D4CC395@telepost.gl> Message-ID: <6D3AB8CC-82F7-427B-8877-66077BD69290@gmail.com> MN012;SWT019;MN255; (assuming KX3, since the procedure below applies to that radio) 73, Matt VK2RQ > On 17 Sep 2014, at 9:41 pm, Poul Erik Karlsh?j (PKA) wrote: > > Could someone please write a Macro that does that? > 73/OZ4UN > >> Den 16/09/2014 kl. 13.58 skrev "Charles Tropp via Elecraft" : >> >> On the Configuration Menu go to CW WGHT SSB-CW. Tapping the 1 key toggles between SSB+CW, which allows CW to be sent when in SSB Mode and SSB-CW, which doesn't. The other station operating SSB will hear your signal at the tone sent by your sidetone pitch. >> >> 73, Charles N2SO >> >>> On Tuesday, September 16, 2014 7:43:00 AM, Gerry leary wrote: >>> >>> I am trying to find the place in the menu system where I can turn on the CW while in SSB mode is located. I have heard that it is in the CW features but I find nothing there. Can anyone tell me how to find this? Gerry Leary who hopes that Elecraft implements the rest of the CW read out feature. >>> >>> Sent from my iPhone this time >>> ______________________________________________________________ >>> Elecraft mailing list >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 charlestropp at yahoo.com >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pka at tele.gl > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 matt.vk2rq at gmail.com From hans.h.vollmer at t-online.de Wed Sep 17 15:24:49 2014 From: hans.h.vollmer at t-online.de (Hans H Vollmer) Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 21:24:49 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 Schematic for KX3BNCMDKT ? Message-ID: <5419E001.2060009@t-online.de> Hi Fellow Elecrafters, is there a schematic for the Mod-Kit KX3BNCMDKT available ? Tnx for any answer. 73 de Hans, DF5SR From michealgee at comcast.net Wed Sep 17 15:35:27 2014 From: michealgee at comcast.net (michealgee) Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 15:35:27 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] (no subject) Message-ID: <3io8s0wcb4mpmj880iq0ej27.1410982527896@email.android.com> Sent from Samsung Mobile From mgold at pathcom.com Wed Sep 17 17:41:04 2014 From: mgold at pathcom.com (Mike Goldstein) Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 17:41:04 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Heil Proset Message-ID: <20140917214053.569AA3000791@smtp-outbound02.tor.pathcom.com> Using the K3, has anyone else had problems with the Heil Proset supplied by Elecraft (model iC) as to audio feedback on VOX, very sensitive controls of VOX gain and Mic gain, etc. etc? These problems can be masked as RFI, but adding toroids on the cable has little effect. No other microphones seem to have these problems. I've wrestled with this for 6 years, and finally decided to beat it. I had the same problems on my Kenwood TS590, with this headset. I have the solution. Email directly to mgold at pathcom.com, if you wish, as I don't receive email from the Elecraft reflector. 73 Mike VE3GFN From no9e at arrl.net Wed Sep 17 18:52:08 2014 From: no9e at arrl.net (Ignacy) Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 15:52:08 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] K3: Rough audio with amp even using voice recorder- SOLVED Message-ID: <1410994328933-7593179.post@n2.nabble.com> KPA3 had only 100mA idle current. After adjusting to 400mA (R11 on top of KPA3) the signal is very good at any power level. I also found by testing on the other radio that CM500 sounds very different close (bassy) and a bit apart (more balanced). Thank you all for the comments. Ignacy, NO9E -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Rough-audio-with-amp-even-using-voice-recorder-SOLVED-tp7593179.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Wed Sep 17 20:52:32 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 17:52:32 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3: Rough audio with amp even using voice recorder- SOLVED In-Reply-To: <1410994328933-7593179.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <1410994328933-7593179.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <541A2CD0.5030501@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Wed,9/17/2014 3:52 PM, Ignacy wrote: > I also found by testing on the other radio that CM500 sounds very different > close (bassy) and a bit apart (more balanced). For most voices, a good starting point for TXEQ with the CM500 is to fully cut the lowest three bands, cut the 4th band about 6dB, leave all the others at 0 dB. Then get some critical signal reports from hams you trust to have good ears. 73, Jim K9YC From wunder at wunderwood.org Wed Sep 17 21:16:48 2014 From: wunder at wunderwood.org (Walter Underwood) Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 18:16:48 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3: Rough audio with amp even using voice recorder- SOLVED In-Reply-To: <541A2CD0.5030501@audiosystemsgroup.com> References: <1410994328933-7593179.post@n2.nabble.com> <541A2CD0.5030501@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: For those of us with a KX3 instead of a K3, what would be the frequency cutoff for ?three lowest bands?? wunder K6WRU CM87wj http://observer.wunderwood.org/ On Sep 17, 2014, at 5:52 PM, Jim Brown wrote: > On Wed,9/17/2014 3:52 PM, Ignacy wrote: >> I also found by testing on the other radio that CM500 sounds very different >> close (bassy) and a bit apart (more balanced). > > For most voices, a good starting point for TXEQ with the CM500 is to fully cut the lowest three bands, cut the 4th band about 6dB, leave all the others at 0 dB. Then get some critical signal reports from hams you trust to have good ears. > > 73, Jim K9YC > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 wunder at wunderwood.org From no9e at arrl.net Wed Sep 17 21:19:16 2014 From: no9e at arrl.net (Ignacy) Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 18:19:16 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] K3: Rough audio with amp even using voice recorder- SOLVED In-Reply-To: <541A2CD0.5030501@audiosystemsgroup.com> References: <1410994328933-7593179.post@n2.nabble.com> <541A2CD0.5030501@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: Very good suggestions. When listening on teh other radio, I used your settings and added 4 db to 1.6 and 2.4. But could sound only good with my ears that have some treble weakness. But CM500 1 inch and 2 inches away sound completely different. Ignacy On Wed, Sep 17, 2014 at 8:53 PM, Jim Brown-10 [via Elecraft] < ml-node+s365791n7593180h10 at n2.nabble.com> wrote: > On Wed,9/17/2014 3:52 PM, Ignacy wrote: > > I also found by testing on the other radio that CM500 sounds very > different > > close (bassy) and a bit apart (more balanced). > > For most voices, a good starting point for TXEQ with the CM500 is to > fully cut the lowest three bands, cut the 4th band about 6dB, leave all > the others at 0 dB. Then get some critical signal reports from hams you > trust to have good ears. > > 73, Jim K9YC > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:[hidden email] > > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to [hidden email] > > > > ------------------------------ > If you reply to this email, your message will be added to the discussion > below: > > http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Rough-audio-with-amp-even-using-voice-recorder-SOLVED-tp7593179p7593180.html > To unsubscribe from K3: Rough audio with amp even using voice recorder- > SOLVED, click here > > . > NAML > > -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Rough-audio-with-amp-even-using-voice-recorder-SOLVED-tp7593179p7593181.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Wed Sep 17 21:41:08 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 21:41:08 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3: Rough audio with amp even using voice recorder- SOLVED In-Reply-To: References: <1410994328933-7593179.post@n2.nabble.com> <541A2CD0.5030501@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: <541A3834.2060500@embarqmail.com> The TXEQ settings for the KX3 are the same as for the K3. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/17/2014 9:16 PM, Walter Underwood wrote: > For those of us with a KX3 instead of a K3, what would be the frequency cutoff for ?three lowest bands?? > > wunder > K6WRU > CM87wj > http://observer.wunderwood.org/ > > On Sep 17, 2014, at 5:52 PM, Jim Brown wrote: > >> On Wed,9/17/2014 3:52 PM, Ignacy wrote: >>> I also found by testing on the other radio that CM500 sounds very different >>> close (bassy) and a bit apart (more balanced). >> For most voices, a good starting point for TXEQ with the CM500 is to fully cut the lowest three bands, cut the 4th band about 6dB, leave all the others at 0 dB. Then get some critical signal reports from hams you trust to have good ears. >> >> 73, Jim K9YC >> ______________________________________________________________ >> From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Thu Sep 18 00:37:57 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 21:37:57 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3: Rough audio with amp even using voice recorder- SOLVED In-Reply-To: References: <1410994328933-7593179.post@n2.nabble.com> <541A2CD0.5030501@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: <541A61A5.8090305@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Wed,9/17/2014 6:19 PM, Ignacy wrote: > Very good suggestions. When listening on teh other radio, I used your > settings and added 4 db to 1.6 and 2.4. But could sound only good with my > ears that have some treble weakness. I don't usually recommend boosting the highs except for a pro mic that needs it for ham radio. While it may sound better for your hearing loss, it can cause overload of the audio path. > But CM500 1 inch and 2 inches away sound completely different. Yes. I always recommend that the mic be 2-3 inches above and to the side of the mouth. This avoids bass build-up from being too close, and also breath pops. 73, Jim K9YC From w0sz at comcast.net Thu Sep 18 00:39:58 2014 From: w0sz at comcast.net (zumbruns) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 04:39:58 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [Elecraft] Noise Blanker with SVGA/P3 In-Reply-To: <1729351935.4460328.1411015000400.JavaMail.root@comcast.net> Message-ID: <1073050940.4461006.1411015197953.JavaMail.root@comcast.net> Any idea when the Noise blanker will be implemented in the P3SVGA option?? For those of us with much noise the Noise Blanker in the P3 was a very nice feature.? I would really like to see it in my monitor when I use SVGA on digital modes.? Thanks and 73, Steve W0SZ From clive at thelortons.co.uk Thu Sep 18 03:01:03 2014 From: clive at thelortons.co.uk (Clive Lorton) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 08:01:03 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] Heil Proset In-Reply-To: <20140917214053.569AA3000791@smtp-outbound02.tor.pathcom.com> References: <20140917214053.569AA3000791@smtp-outbound02.tor.pathcom.com> Message-ID: <541A832F.5060505@thelortons.co.uk> On 17/09/2014 22:41, Mike Goldstein wrote: > Using the K3, has anyone else had problems with the Heil Proset > supplied by Elecraft (model iC) as to audio feedback on VOX, very > sensitive controls of VOX gain and Mic gain, etc. etc? Hi Mike, I use a Heil Proset IC (not Elecraft) without the problem you describe. My K3 settings are: Mic Sel - RP.L bias and Mic+Lin off. I did have a problem with the rear Mic socket but that seems to be sorted with the help of the fantastic Elecraft support. 73 Clive G8POC K3 8098 From gerryleary99 at icloud.com Thu Sep 18 07:25:24 2014 From: gerryleary99 at icloud.com (Gerry leary) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 05:25:24 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] CW on ssbHello Everyone, In-Reply-To: <6D3AB8CC-82F7-427B-8877-66077BD69290@gmail.com> References: <757ED857-0EA6-4614-AB24-57FA35A55455@icloud.com> <541825DA.2010102@yahoo.com> <538ACF4A-8D2C-406C-893A-869B7D4CC395@telepost.gl> <6D3AB8CC-82F7-427B-8877-66077BD69290@gmail.com> Message-ID: <80887582-6DC1-4F52-851A-D4385C53D8AE@icloud.com> It is the KX3. KS> Sent from my iPad On Sep 17, 2014, at 1:11 PM, Matt VK2RQ wrote: MN012;SWT019;MN255; (assuming KX3, since the procedure below applies to that radio) 73, Matt VK2RQ > On 17 Sep 2014, at 9:41 pm, Poul Erik Karlsh?j (PKA) wrote: > > Could someone please write a Macro that does that? > 73/OZ4UN > >> Den 16/09/2014 kl. 13.58 skrev "Charles Tropp via Elecraft" : >> >> On the Configuration Menu go to CW WGHT SSB-CW. Tapping the 1 key toggles between SSB+CW, which allows CW to be sent when in SSB Mode and SSB-CW, which doesn't. The other station operating SSB will hear your signal at the tone sent by your sidetone pitch. >> >> 73, Charles N2SO >> >>> On Tuesday, September 16, 2014 7:43:00 AM, Gerry leary wrote: >>> >>> I am trying to find the place in the menu system where I can turn on the CW while in SSB mode is located. I have heard that it is in the CW features but I find nothing there. Can anyone tell me how to find this? Gerry Leary who hopes that Elecraft implements the rest of the CW read out feature. >>> >>> Sent from my iPhone this time >>> ______________________________________________________________ >>> Elecraft mailing list >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 charlestropp at yahoo.com >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pka at tele.gl > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 matt.vk2rq at gmail.com ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 gerryleary99 at me.com From n6kr at elecraft.com Thu Sep 18 12:18:23 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 09:18:23 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] New PX3/KX3 firmware ready for test: fixes PX3 "freeze" and CW-in-SSB keying Message-ID: Hi all, Some PX3 owners have reported that the unit would "freeze" when a KXPA100 was also connected to the KX3. This appears to be fixed based on a sample of three, but we'd really like to have more users test this before we go to a beta release. On the KX3 side, we fixed a problem with CW-in-SSB where the use of an external keying device resulted in hard keying (clicks). Again, more testing is needed. If you're interested in either of these changes and can do testing today, please email me directly. Thanks, Wayne N6KR From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Thu Sep 18 12:28:57 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (harry latterman via Elecraft) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 09:28:57 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] New PX3/KX3 firmware ready for test: fixes PX3 "freeze" and CW-in-SSB keying In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <1411057737.23558.YahooMailNeo@web125505.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> Sent you a private email 73 Harry K7ZOV On Thursday, September 18, 2014 9:18 AM, "Wayne Burdick n6kr at elecraft.com [KX3]" wrote: Hi all, Some PX3 owners have reported that the unit would "freeze" when a KXPA100 was also connected to the KX3. This appears to be fixed based on a sample of three, but we'd really like to have more users test this before we go to a beta release. On the KX3 side, we fixed a problem with CW-in-SSB where the use of an external keying device resulted in hard keying (clicks). Again, more testing is needed. If you're interested in either of these changes and can do testing today, please email me directly. Thanks, Wayne N6KR __._,_.___ ________________________________ Posted by: Wayne Burdick ________________________________ Reply via web post ? Reply to sender ? Reply to group ? Start a New Topic ? Messages in this topic (1) ________________________________ Improvements in Yahoo Groups Search Searching for new groups to join is easier than ever. We've honed our algorithm to bring you better search results based on relevance and activity. Try it today! ________________________________ Visit Your Group * New Members 21 ? Privacy ? Unsubscribe ? Terms of Use . __,_._,___ From k2asp at kanafi.org Thu Sep 18 13:56:24 2014 From: k2asp at kanafi.org (Phil Kane) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 10:56:24 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Petition for 4-metre band in US - Dismissed by FCC Message-ID: <541B1CC8.2040206@kanafi.org> The FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology - the gatekeeper of spectrum allocations - dismissed a petition by Glen E. Zook (K9STH) for establishment of a 4-metre Amateur Radio Service band on the basis of the spectrum requested was not available for that purpose nor was it expected to become available for such use. The alleged merits of establishing such a band were not reached (i.e. not discussed) in the dismissal. We "spectrum watchers" could have told him that years ago! See: PETITION FOR PROPOSED CHANGES IN 47 CFR PART 97, SECTION 97.301(A) AND SECTION 97.305(C) TO ADD THE 4 -METER BAND. Denied Glen E. Zook's Petition for Rulemaking. Action by: Chief, Office of Engineering and Technology. Adopted: 09/17/2014 by ORDER. (DA No. 14-1347). OET https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-14-1347A1.docx https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-14-1347A1.pdf -- -- 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane Elecraft K2/100 s/n 5402 >From a Clearing in the Silicon Forest Beaverton (Washington County) Oregon From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Thu Sep 18 16:08:05 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (XE3/K5ENS via Elecraft) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 13:08:05 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] Noise Blanker with SVGA/P3 In-Reply-To: <1073050940.4461006.1411015197953.JavaMail.root@comcast.net> References: <1073050940.4461006.1411015197953.JavaMail.root@comcast.net> Message-ID: <1411070885395-7593190.post@n2.nabble.com> I 2nd that! Keith -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Noise-Blanker-with-SVGA-P3-tp7593184p7593190.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From ditzian at windstream.net Thu Sep 18 16:48:50 2014 From: ditzian at windstream.net (Jan) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 16:48:50 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Lost serial communication with K3 In-Reply-To: <53E7FF42.70701@windstream.net> References: <53E7FF42.70701@windstream.net> Message-ID: <541B4532.9000801@windstream.net> Just to complete this thread on lost serial communication with the K3--I finally bought a new serial-to-USB converter and that fixed the problem. 73, Jan, KX2A On 8/10/2014 7:24 PM, Jan wrote: > Thanks to all for the suggestions. I will get started on checking > them out. > > 73, > > Jan, KX2A > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 ditzian at windstream.net > > > ----- > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 2013.0.3485 / Virus Database: 3955/8012 - Release Date: 08/10/14 > > From dhhdeh at comcast.net Thu Sep 18 18:47:45 2014 From: dhhdeh at comcast.net (David and Dianne on Comcast) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 18:47:45 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 External Frequency Reference Questions Message-ID: <541B6111.50106@comcast.net> Hi All, I'm interested in possibly trying the K3EXREF in my good ol' K3 for no good reason other than its something new and fun to try and can give some bragging rights about frequency accuracy. Can any of you comment on your experiences in using the K3EXREF? Elecraft provides very little background info on how to get started with this accessory after its installation. I see that the once prolific Trimble Thunderbolt units are now quite scarce on eBay and elsewhere those that are available are now really pricey. What are any of you now using if you went the GPS disciplined oscillator route? Have any of you used a rubidium standard as the alternative? This may sound naive, but is a rubidium standard device safe to have at home, i.e. is it radioactive? I think I know the answer but I want to ask anyway. With a toddler grandson around here often I want to be very safe and very certain. Any suggestions as to how to proceed, encountered pitfalls and sourcing a reasonably priced frequency standard would be greatly welcome. I thank you all in advance. 73 de N1LQ-Dave From felsummers at comcast.net Thu Sep 18 19:07:29 2014 From: felsummers at comcast.net (Gene N4FZ) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 16:07:29 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Straight key auto detect Message-ID: <1411081649983-7593193.post@n2.nabble.com> I have tried unsuccessfully to get the K2 to work with my straight key. I have the small 1/8" two tipped plug inserted and the Inp menu set to any of the selections, and it does NOT detect the key. In fact, it will continuously key the K2 whenever the key is pushed down with the Inp in the HAND position. What is the solution? Thanks Gene -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-Straight-key-auto-detect-tp7593193.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From matt.vk2rq at gmail.com Thu Sep 18 19:11:50 2014 From: matt.vk2rq at gmail.com (Matt VK2RQ) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 09:11:50 +1000 Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Straight key auto detect In-Reply-To: <1411081649983-7593193.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <1411081649983-7593193.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: When you say "two tipped plug", you mean a stereo TRS plug with Tip-Ring-Sleeve, right? Or are you talking about a mono plug with only tip and sleeve? 73, Matt VK2RQ > On 19 Sep 2014, at 9:07 am, Gene N4FZ wrote: > > I have tried unsuccessfully to get the K2 to work with my straight key. I > have the small 1/8" two tipped plug inserted and the Inp menu set to any of > the selections, and it does NOT detect the key. In fact, it will > continuously key the K2 whenever the key is pushed down with the Inp in the > HAND position. What is the solution? Thanks Gene > > > > -- > View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-Straight-key-auto-detect-tp7593193.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 matt.vk2rq at gmail.com From felsummers at comcast.net Thu Sep 18 19:14:46 2014 From: felsummers at comcast.net (Gene N4FZ) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 16:14:46 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Straight key auto detect In-Reply-To: References: <1411081649983-7593193.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <1411082086566-7593195.post@n2.nabble.com> That would be a mono plug Matt. I am thinking of using a stereo plug perhaps? -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-Straight-key-auto-detect-tp7593193p7593195.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From roger at genette.biz Thu Sep 18 19:15:40 2014 From: roger at genette.biz (Roger de Valle) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 09:15:40 +1000 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 External Frequency Reference Questions In-Reply-To: <541B6111.50106@comcast.net> References: <541B6111.50106@comcast.net> Message-ID: <004c01cfd396$797ca240$6c75e6c0$@biz> Dave I installed one about the time they were released, it was a pain free exercise, plug an external 10Mhz in and it worked, unplug it and it falls back to the internal reference. The whole exercise has proved invaluable for external microwave transverters as well as the internal 2M module which is now locked. I built a 10Mhz reference based on the VE2ZAZ design ( http://ve2zaz.net/GPS_Std/GPS_Std.htm ) and used it to reference my test equipment, frequency counter, signal generator as well as the K3, my shack is basically GPS reference locked.. It is a GPS locked reference, a little slow to lock, about 5 mins but rock solid when locked (I never turn it off). Bert VE2ZAZ also had a design for a station clock based on the GPS receiver, now this is one of the best things I have ever built. I also have Rubidium standard but rarely use it for anything, it draws a lot of current, particularly at start up. The only warning I have ever seen about radiation was from spectratime ( http://www.spectratime.com/uploads/hazmat331.pdf ) and I doubt it is an issue for anyone. The lamps lose efficiency as they age as well and some of the older ones on EBay are getting to the age where they are marginal. If you decide to build one I am sure there are lot of folks who have done just that and can assist you, I would be happy to share my construction experiences off list with you. Regards. Roger VK3ADE. -----Original Message----- Subject: [Elecraft] K3 External Frequency Reference Questions Hi All, I'm interested in possibly trying the K3EXREF in my good ol' K3 for no good reason other than its something new and fun to try and can give some bragging rights about frequency accuracy. Can any of you comment on your experiences in using the K3EXREF? Elecraft provides very little background info on how to get started with this accessory after its installation. I see that the once prolific Trimble Thunderbolt units are now quite scarce on eBay and elsewhere those that are available are now really pricey. What are any of you now using if you went the GPS disciplined oscillator route? Have any of you used a rubidium standard as the alternative? This may sound naive, but is a rubidium standard device safe to have at home, i.e. is it radioactive? I think I know the answer but I want to ask anyway. With a toddler grandson around here often I want to be very safe and very certain. Any suggestions as to how to proceed, encountered pitfalls and sourcing a reasonably priced frequency standard would be greatly welcome. I thank you all in advance. 73 de N1LQ-Dave ______________________________________________________________ From matt.vk2rq at gmail.com Thu Sep 18 19:16:24 2014 From: matt.vk2rq at gmail.com (Matt VK2RQ) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 09:16:24 +1000 Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Straight key auto detect In-Reply-To: <1411082086566-7593195.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <1411081649983-7593193.post@n2.nabble.com> <1411082086566-7593195.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <13D8C614-D0A4-4FA8-95B5-E08F7351C248@gmail.com> Yes, that's your problem, you must use a stereo plug (refer p99 in Rev I of the K2 manual). 73, Matt VK2RQ > On 19 Sep 2014, at 9:14 am, Gene N4FZ wrote: > > That would be a mono plug Matt. I am thinking of using a stereo plug perhaps? > > > > -- > View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-Straight-key-auto-detect-tp7593193p7593195.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 matt.vk2rq at gmail.com From felsummers at comcast.net Thu Sep 18 19:19:49 2014 From: felsummers at comcast.net (Gene N4FZ) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 16:19:49 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Straight key auto detect In-Reply-To: <13D8C614-D0A4-4FA8-95B5-E08F7351C248@gmail.com> References: <1411081649983-7593193.post@n2.nabble.com> <1411082086566-7593195.post@n2.nabble.com> <13D8C614-D0A4-4FA8-95B5-E08F7351C248@gmail.com> Message-ID: <1411082389330-7593198.post@n2.nabble.com> Thanks Matt, very much, I had that sinking feeling. Auto detect doesn't work then I guess. I bought this K2 second hand, nice little rig. Had it over two years now. Normally use the BY-1 paddles. 73 Gene -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-Straight-key-auto-detect-tp7593193p7593198.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Thu Sep 18 20:32:04 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Bayard Coolidge, N1HO via Elecraft) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 17:32:04 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 External Frequency Reference Questions In-Reply-To: <541B6111.50106@comcast.net> References: <541B6111.50106@comcast.net> Message-ID: <1411086724.30189.YahooMailNeo@web162503.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> I installed a K3EXREF and set up a Trimble Thunderbolt a few months ago, and I've been very happy. The K3EXREF was very easy to install - just remember that it's a very good idea to use a static mat and wrist strap whenever you dive into the inside of a K3. The instructions were quite clear, and since I'd built my K3 from the kit, it was an easy procedure. I don't have any experience with rubidium disciplined oscillators, but I would suggest you take some time to read through the Time-Nuts mailing list; the archive is at time-nuts Info Page time-nuts Info Page time-nuts -- Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement About time-nuts View on www.febo.com Preview by Yahoo I was able to get a lot of good information there, and although I didn't subscribe and therefore don't know about any recent discussions, there is a treasure trove of details about the use of various disciplined oscillators, including rubidiums. In addition, I know that Down East Microwave has, among a lot of other things, a distribution box for 10MHz signal sources so that you can feed the K3 from one port and feed the LO for a transverter off of another, and they also have LO modules that incorporate PLL/VCOs that can sync to external 10MHz references. And, yes, it's a heady feeling to know that, at least on HF, your K3 displays your frequency right down to the nearest Hz. There is a write-up in the K3EXREF documentation that explains that it's a real good idea to jot down the frequency of the master oscillator so that if your external reference fails, you can tell the K3 what you want it to set itself to, so that it doesn't jump to some arbitrary frequency. 73 de N1HO ________________________________ From thom2 at att.net Thu Sep 18 21:08:45 2014 From: thom2 at att.net (Tom McCulloch) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 21:08:45 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [Bulk] Re: K2 Straight key auto detect In-Reply-To: <1411082389330-7593198.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <1411081649983-7593193.post@n2.nabble.com> <1411082086566-7593195.post@n2.nabble.com> <13D8C614-D0A4-4FA8-95B5-E08F7351C248@gmail.com> <1411082389330-7593198.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <541B821D.1040705@att.net> I had the problem of using a mono plug as well and the stereo plug fixed it. I didn't know there's an auto detect, I've been switching the menu to "Hand" whenever I went to a straight key. Can you point me to the auto detect function? Thanks Tom, WB2QDG K2 1103 On 9/18/2014 7:19 PM, Gene N4FZ wrote: > Thanks Matt, very much, I had that sinking feeling. Auto detect doesn't work > then I guess. I bought this K2 second hand, nice little rig. Had it over two > years now. Normally use the BY-1 paddles. 73 Gene > > > > -- > View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-Straight-key-auto-detect-tp7593193p7593198.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 thom2 at att.net > From mzilmer at roadrunner.com Thu Sep 18 21:53:30 2014 From: mzilmer at roadrunner.com (Matt Zilmer) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 18:53:30 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 External Frequency Reference Questions In-Reply-To: <1411086724.30189.YahooMailNeo@web162503.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> References: <541B6111.50106@comcast.net> <1411086724.30189.YahooMailNeo@web162503.mail.bf1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <213n1ah5cg56oup20ede3badeeb9nuh94l@4ax.com> My experience was similar, using a Thunderbolt. I won't duplicate Bayard's narrative, except to emphaisze using ESD precautions when working inside any transceiver. 73, matt W6NIA On Thu, 18 Sep 2014 17:32:04 -0700, you wrote: >I installed a K3EXREF and set up a Trimble Thunderbolt a few months >ago, and I've been very happy. > >The K3EXREF was very easy to install - just remember that it's a very >good idea to use a static mat and wrist strap whenever you dive into >the inside of a K3. The instructions were quite clear, and since I'd built >my K3 from the kit, it was an easy procedure. > >I don't have any experience with rubidium disciplined oscillators, but >I would suggest you take some time to read through the Time-Nuts >mailing list; the archive is at > >time-nuts Info Page > > >time-nuts Info Page >time-nuts -- Discussion of precise time and frequency measurement About time-nuts >View on www.febo.com Preview by Yahoo > > >I was able to get a lot of good information there, and although I didn't subscribe >and therefore don't know about any recent discussions, there is a treasure trove >of details about the use of various disciplined oscillators, including rubidiums. > >In addition, I know that Down East Microwave has, among a lot of other things, >a distribution box for 10MHz signal sources so that you can feed the K3 from >one port and feed the LO for a transverter off of another, and they also have LO >modules that incorporate PLL/VCOs that can sync to external 10MHz references. > >And, yes, it's a heady feeling to know that, at least on HF, your K3 displays >your frequency right down to the nearest Hz. There is a write-up in the K3EXREF >documentation that explains that it's a real good idea to jot down the frequency >of the master oscillator so that if your external reference fails, you can tell the K3 >what you want it to set itself to, so that it doesn't jump to some arbitrary frequency. > >73 de N1HO > > >________________________________ >______________________________________________________________ >Elecraft mailing list >Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 mzilmer at roadrunner.com Matt Zilmer, W6NIA -- "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." -A. Lincoln From w0agmike at gmail.com Thu Sep 18 22:13:42 2014 From: w0agmike at gmail.com (Mike Murray) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 21:13:42 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] F/S K2/100, KAT100, et. al. Message-ID: Reduced and final price to the list before listing on eBay: $975 + shipping: Selling my K2/100, #2652, and KAT100 to finance a KX3 purchase and downsize the shack a bit. Excellent condition mechanically and electrically with the following: -Most A to B mods done (list available) -KSB2 SSB option -K160RX 160 option -KNB2 Noise blanker -KDSP2 Advanced DSP filter -Clifton Labs Z10000B-K2 Buffer Amplifier, IF output -K6XX CW tuning indicator -KI6WX keying mod -W3FPR's fixed AF level output -TF3MA sidetone mod -Split/RIT/XIT LED indicator mod -KR5L CW zero beat indicator mod -SoftRock Lite II K2 IF to I/Q output (external box) -All docmentation Current Elecraft pricing: $1,964.70 + Softrock Shipped to US addresses only - $1350.00. PayPal prefered. Photos available and email me for any questions. 73, Mike - W0AG From k6dgw at foothill.net Thu Sep 18 22:17:25 2014 From: k6dgw at foothill.net (Fred Jensen) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 19:17:25 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [Bulk] Re: K2 Straight key auto detect In-Reply-To: <541B821D.1040705@att.net> References: <1411081649983-7593193.post@n2.nabble.com> <1411082086566-7593195.post@n2.nabble.com> <13D8C614-D0A4-4FA8-95B5-E08F7351C248@gmail.com> <1411082389330-7593198.post@n2.nabble.com> <541B821D.1040705@att.net> Message-ID: <541B9235.2020505@foothill.net> On 9/18/2014 6:08 PM, Tom McCulloch wrote: > I didn't know there's an auto detect, I've been switching the menu to > "Hand" whenever I went to a straight key. Can you point me to the auto > detect function? The key jack in the K2 is a stereo jack. A mono plug will short the "ring" contact. Just put a stereo plug on your hand key or bug, run the "hot" wire to both the tip and ring, the common goes to sleeve, and when the K2 senses they're both happening at the same time, it will go to hand key. Mine does every single time, it's automatic. You can also go to Hnd in the menu if you want to and don't trust the "automatic" stuff. I often don't, but this one works. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org > > Thanks > Tom, WB2QDG > > K2 1103 > > On 9/18/2014 7:19 PM, Gene N4FZ wrote: >> Thanks Matt, very much, I had that sinking feeling. Auto detect >> doesn't work >> then I guess. I bought this K2 second hand, nice little rig. Had it >> over two >> years now. Normally use the BY-1 paddles. 73 Gene >> >> >> >> -- >> View this message in context: >> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-Straight-key-auto-detect-tp7593193p7593198.html >> >> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 thom2 at att.net >> > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k6dgw at foothill.net > > > > > ----- > No virus found in this message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 2014.0.4765 / Virus Database: 4025/8237 - Release Date: 09/18/14 > > From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Thu Sep 18 22:19:20 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 22:19:20 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Straight key auto detect In-Reply-To: <1411082389330-7593198.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <1411081649983-7593193.post@n2.nabble.com> <1411082086566-7593195.post@n2.nabble.com> <13D8C614-D0A4-4FA8-95B5-E08F7351C248@gmail.com> <1411082389330-7593198.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <541B92A8.9000603@embarqmail.com> Gene, You *must* use a stereo plug in the K2 paddle jack no matter whether you are using a straight key or paddles. If using a straight key (or computer keying) connect only to the tip and to the shell of the plug. That is true when using a direct connection, and not necessarily Auto Detect. Auto Detect will allow you to use paddles in conjunction with a straight key (or computer keying), and requires two diodes. See page 99 of the K2 Owner's Manual (download it from www.elecraft.com if you do not have a paper copy). It will work more reliably if you use Shottky diodes such as 1N5711 which have a lower forward voltage. You must turn Auto Detect ON to use it. Go to the INP menu, edit the parameter and tap DISPLAY to toggle ADET on or off. With ADET set to ON, you should be able to key the K2 from the straight key (or computer) even though the INP menu is set to PDLn or PDLr. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/18/2014 7:19 PM, Gene N4FZ wrote: > Thanks Matt, very much, I had that sinking feeling. Auto detect doesn't work > then I guess. I bought this K2 second hand, nice little rig. Had it over two > years now. Normally use the BY-1 paddles. 73 Gene > > From thom2 at att.net Thu Sep 18 22:45:06 2014 From: thom2 at att.net (Tom McCulloch) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 22:45:06 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [Bulk] Re: K2 Straight key auto detect In-Reply-To: <541B92A8.9000603@embarqmail.com> References: <1411081649983-7593193.post@n2.nabble.com> <1411082086566-7593195.post@n2.nabble.com> <13D8C614-D0A4-4FA8-95B5-E08F7351C248@gmail.com> <1411082389330-7593198.post@n2.nabble.com> <541B92A8.9000603@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <541B98B2.50401@att.net> Thanks, as always, Don Tom wb2qdg k2 1103 On 9/18/2014 10:19 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > Gene, > > You *must* use a stereo plug in the K2 paddle jack no matter whether > you are using a straight key or paddles. If using a straight key (or > computer keying) connect only to the tip and to the shell of the > plug. That is true when using a direct connection, and not > necessarily Auto Detect. > > Auto Detect will allow you to use paddles in conjunction with a > straight key (or computer keying), and requires two diodes. See page > 99 of the K2 Owner's Manual (download it from www.elecraft.com if you > do not have a paper copy). It will work more reliably if you use > Shottky diodes such as 1N5711 which have a lower forward voltage. You > must turn Auto Detect ON to use it. Go to the INP menu, edit the > parameter and tap DISPLAY to toggle ADET on or off. With ADET set to > ON, you should be able to key the K2 from the straight key (or > computer) even though the INP menu is set to PDLn or PDLr. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 9/18/2014 7:19 PM, Gene N4FZ wrote: >> Thanks Matt, very much, I had that sinking feeling. Auto detect >> doesn't work >> then I guess. I bought this K2 second hand, nice little rig. Had it >> over two >> years now. Normally use the BY-1 paddles. 73 Gene >> >> > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 thom2 at att.net > From k6dgw at foothill.net Thu Sep 18 22:45:57 2014 From: k6dgw at foothill.net (Fred Jensen) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 19:45:57 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Straight key auto detect In-Reply-To: <541B92A8.9000603@embarqmail.com> References: <1411081649983-7593193.post@n2.nabble.com> <1411082086566-7593195.post@n2.nabble.com> <13D8C614-D0A4-4FA8-95B5-E08F7351C248@gmail.com> <1411082389330-7593198.post@n2.nabble.com> <541B92A8.9000603@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <541B98E5.1060503@foothill.net> Hmmmm ... I remember putting the diodes in ... vaguely ... and I think you told me to do it. My K2 is in my SOTA pack right now, I need to hit the shower, so I'll look in the next few days. But generally, Don is almost always right for a K2, and a few other K--- too. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org On 9/18/2014 7:19 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > Gene, > > You *must* use a stereo plug in the K2 paddle jack no matter whether you > are using a straight key or paddles. If using a straight key (or > computer keying) connect only to the tip and to the shell of the plug. > That is true when using a direct connection, and not necessarily Auto > Detect. > > Auto Detect will allow you to use paddles in conjunction with a straight > key (or computer keying), and requires two diodes. From w5jv at hotmail.com Thu Sep 18 22:59:33 2014 From: w5jv at hotmail.com (Doug Hensley) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 21:59:33 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] Looking for a couple of good smart chargers Message-ID: Elecraft referred me to W3FPR's web page which then referred me to A&A Engineering whose web site is now plastered with "all products have been discontinued". Can anyone recommend something equivalent to the old A&A products that might be an improvement in both engineering & quality ? If they were still available I would buy one of the 1 A and one of the 5 A. Thanks for any leads, Doug W5JV/NNN0BXX >>>>>>>> ZUI ZEW <<<<<<<<< See my "For Sale or Trade List" at: << http://www.w5jv.com >> From felsummers at comcast.net Thu Sep 18 23:06:49 2014 From: felsummers at comcast.net (Gene N4FZ) Date: Thu, 18 Sep 2014 20:06:49 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] [Bulk] Re: K2 Straight key auto detect In-Reply-To: <541B98B2.50401@att.net> References: <1411081649983-7593193.post@n2.nabble.com> <1411082086566-7593195.post@n2.nabble.com> <13D8C614-D0A4-4FA8-95B5-E08F7351C248@gmail.com> <1411082389330-7593198.post@n2.nabble.com> <541B92A8.9000603@embarqmail.com> <541B98B2.50401@att.net> Message-ID: <1411096009503-7593208.post@n2.nabble.com> Thanks once again Don, I will solder up a stereo plug as you say, then try. I don't see the ADET selection come up in the Inp, just PDLn and PDLr and HAND on this K2. SN 5812 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-Straight-key-auto-detect-tp7593193p7593208.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Fri Sep 19 00:20:41 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 00:20:41 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [Bulk] Re: K2 Straight key auto detect In-Reply-To: <1411096009503-7593208.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <1411081649983-7593193.post@n2.nabble.com> <1411082086566-7593195.post@n2.nabble.com> <13D8C614-D0A4-4FA8-95B5-E08F7351C248@gmail.com> <1411082389330-7593198.post@n2.nabble.com> <541B92A8.9000603@embarqmail.com> <541B98B2.50401@att.net> <1411096009503-7593208.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <541BAF19.3050004@embarqmail.com> Gene, It does not "come up", you need to edit the parameter - go to INP, then hold EDIT to edit the parameter - Once there, tap DISPLAY to toggle between ADET ON/OFF. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/18/2014 11:06 PM, Gene N4FZ wrote: > Thanks once again Don, I will solder up a stereo plug as you say, then try. I > don't see the ADET selection come up in the Inp, just PDLn and PDLr and HAND > on this K2. SN 5812 > > > > From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Fri Sep 19 00:25:09 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 00:25:09 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Looking for a couple of good smart chargers In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <541BB025.6060804@embarqmail.com> Doug, The owner of A&A Engineering is trying to retire. I suggest you look at the offerings that go by the name of 'Battery Tender' for good 3 state chargers. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/18/2014 10:59 PM, Doug Hensley wrote: > Elecraft referred me to W3FPR's web page which then referred me to A&A Engineering > whose web site is now plastered with "all products have been discontinued". > Can anyone recommend something equivalent to the old A&A products that might be an > improvement in both engineering & quality ? If they were still available I would buy > one of the 1 A and one of the 5 A. > > > Thanks for any leads, > Doug W5JV/NNN0BXX > > From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Fri Sep 19 00:30:18 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 00:30:18 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Looking for a couple of good smart chargers In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <541BB15A.70102@embarqmail.com> I forgot to mention that the 'Battery Tender' also needs a direct connection to the battery, so the mod to the K2 is still valid. See my Smartcharger article on my website www.w3fpr.com for details on the direct battery connection. Fusing the direct battery connection is mandatory for safety, install the fuse inside the K2. 73, Don W3FPR ---------------------------------------------- Doug, The owner of A&A Engineering is trying to retire. I suggest you look at the offerings that go by the name of 'Battery Tender' for good 3 state chargers. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/18/2014 10:59 PM, Doug Hensley wrote: > Elecraft referred me to W3FPR's web page which then referred me to A&A Engineering > whose web site is now plastered with "all products have been discontinued". > Can anyone recommend something equivalent to the old A&A products that might be an > improvement in both engineering & quality ? If they were still available I would buy > one of the 1 A and one of the 5 A. > > > Thanks for any leads, > Doug W5JV/NNN0BXX > > From matt.vk2rq at gmail.com Fri Sep 19 03:41:23 2014 From: matt.vk2rq at gmail.com (Matt VK2RQ) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 17:41:23 +1000 Subject: [Elecraft] [Bulk] Re: K2 Straight key auto detect In-Reply-To: <1411096009503-7593208.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <1411081649983-7593193.post@n2.nabble.com> <1411082086566-7593195.post@n2.nabble.com> <13D8C614-D0A4-4FA8-95B5-E08F7351C248@gmail.com> <1411082389330-7593198.post@n2.nabble.com> <541B92A8.9000603@embarqmail.com> <541B98B2.50401@att.net> <1411096009503-7593208.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: For my K2, I made a short adapter cable, 3.5mm female to 3.5mm stereo male, and I soldered a couple of diodes inside the one of the 3.5mm connectors to bring both tip and sleeve of the male connector to ground when the tip of the female connector is grounded by a straight key. This goes into one of the female sockets on a 2x3.5mm female stereo to 1x3.5mm male stereo Y-adapter cable that is designed so one iPod can be shared with two sets of ear plugs. My paddle goes into the other female socket on the Y-cable, and the Y-cable goes into my K2. I can then easily move between paddle and straight key, and the K2 will auto detect. In addition, the Y-cable means I don't have to fumble around at the back of the radio if I want to swap over some different keying devices. I might have mentioned this before, but the K2 is a great radio :-) 73, Matt VK2RQ > On 19 Sep 2014, at 1:06 pm, Gene N4FZ wrote: > > Thanks once again Don, I will solder up a stereo plug as you say, then try. I > don't see the ADET selection come up in the Inp, just PDLn and PDLr and HAND > on this K2. SN 5812 > > > > -- > View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-Straight-key-auto-detect-tp7593193p7593208.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 matt.vk2rq at gmail.com From w7ox at socal.rr.com Fri Sep 19 09:34:43 2014 From: w7ox at socal.rr.com (Phil Wheeler) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 06:34:43 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [Bulk] Re: K2 Straight key auto detect In-Reply-To: <541B9235.2020505@foothill.net> References: <1411081649983-7593193.post@n2.nabble.com> <1411082086566-7593195.post@n2.nabble.com> <13D8C614-D0A4-4FA8-95B5-E08F7351C248@gmail.com> <1411082389330-7593198.post@n2.nabble.com> <541B821D.1040705@att.net> <541B9235.2020505@foothill.net> Message-ID: <541C30F3.8050104@socal.rr.com> Funny thing is that my Elecraft rig training threw me for a loop with my Ten-Tec Rebel and some "aftermarket" firmware loaded which includes a keyer and other features. That keyer does an autodetect based on the plug: Stereo means a paddle and Mono means a straight key. So when I plugged in the st. key I use with my Elecraft rigs I got a series of dots! A stereo to mono adapter made it work with my Rebel. 73, Phil W7OX On 9/18/14, 7:17 PM, Fred Jensen wrote: > On 9/18/2014 6:08 PM, Tom McCulloch wrote: > >> I didn't know there's an auto detect, I've been >> switching the menu to >> "Hand" whenever I went to a straight key. Can >> you point me to the auto >> detect function? > > The key jack in the K2 is a stereo jack. A mono > plug will short the "ring" contact. Just put a > stereo plug on your hand key or bug, run the > "hot" wire to both the tip and ring, the common > goes to sleeve, and when the K2 senses they're > both happening at the same time, it will go to > hand key. Mine does every single time, it's > automatic. > > You can also go to Hnd in the menu if you want > to and don't trust the "automatic" stuff. I > often don't, but this one works. > > 73, > > Fred K6DGW > - Northern California Contest Club > - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 > - www.cqp.org >> >> Thanks >> Tom, WB2QDG >> >> K2 1103 >> >> On 9/18/2014 7:19 PM, Gene N4FZ wrote: >>> Thanks Matt, very much, I had that sinking >>> feeling. Auto detect >>> doesn't work >>> then I guess. I bought this K2 second hand, >>> nice little rig. Had it >>> over two >>> years now. Normally use the BY-1 paddles. 73 >>> Gene From pa0pje at xs4all.nl Fri Sep 19 09:43:07 2014 From: pa0pje at xs4all.nl (Peter Eijlander (PA0PJE)) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 15:43:07 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] [Bulk] Re: K2 Straight key auto detect In-Reply-To: References: <1411081649983-7593193.post@n2.nabble.com> <1411082086566-7593195.post@n2.nabble.com> <13D8C614-D0A4-4FA8-95B5-E08F7351C248@gmail.com> <1411082389330-7593198.post@n2.nabble.com> <541B92A8.9000603@embarqmail.com> <541B98B2.50401@att.net> <1411096009503-7593208.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <541C32EB.3030307@xs4all.nl> I did something similar. I soldered a two-Schottky-diodes-in-one-package-with-common-cathode device, salvaged from a switching PSU, on a 6.3 mm jack, glued it to the base plate of my sqeeze-paddle and I just have to plug in my straight key and can instantly use both. Op 2014-09-19 09:41 schreef Matt VK2RQ: > For my K2, I made a short adapter cable, 3.5mm female to 3.5mm stereo male, and I soldered a couple of diodes inside the one of the 3.5mm connectors to bring both tip and sleeve of the male connector to ground when the tip of the female connector is grounded by a straight key. This goes into one of the female sockets on a 2x3.5mm female stereo to 1x3.5mm male stereo Y-adapter cable that is designed so one iPod can be shared with two sets of ear plugs. My paddle goes into the other female socket on the Y-cable, and the Y-cable goes into my K2. > > I can then easily move between paddle and straight key, and the K2 will auto detect. In addition, the Y-cable means I don't have to fumble around at the back of the radio if I want to swap over some different keying devices. > > I might have mentioned this before, but the K2 is a great radio:-) It is! Mine is called 3244... :-) From wes at triconet.org Fri Sep 19 11:01:49 2014 From: wes at triconet.org (Wes (N7WS)) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 08:01:49 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Looking for a couple of good smart chargers In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <541C455D.3020303@triconet.org> I don't know about, "an improvement in both engineering and quality", as I never faulted A&A for either. That said, I know that my suggestion isn't what you're after for the moment but if you or others ever need higher current "smart chargers", look at Iota Engineering's products. I've replaced some RV RFI-generating battery chargers with Iota and found them to be not only better for the batteries, but essentially free from RFI. Wes N7WS On 9/18/2014 7:59 PM, Doug Hensley wrote: > Elecraft referred me to W3FPR's web page which then referred me to A&A Engineering > whose web site is now plastered with "all products have been discontinued". > Can anyone recommend something equivalent to the old A&A products that might be an > improvement in both engineering & quality ? If they were still available I would buy > one of the 1 A and one of the 5 A. > > > Thanks for any leads, > Doug W5JV/NNN0BXX > > From david at g4dmp.fsnet.co.uk Fri Sep 19 11:28:31 2014 From: david at g4dmp.fsnet.co.uk (David G4DMP) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 16:28:31 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 External Frequency Reference Questions In-Reply-To: <541B6111.50106@comcast.net> References: <541B6111.50106@comcast.net> Message-ID: In a recent message, David and Dianne on Comcast writes >I'm interested in possibly trying the K3EXREF in my good ol' K3 for no >good reason other than its something new and fun to try and can give >some bragging rights about frequency accuracy. Can any of you comment >on your experiences in using the K3EXREF? Elecraft provides very little >background info on how to get started with this accessory after its >installation. Go for it, Dave, it works very well. I have used a Racal-Dana 9475 Rubidium standard (perfectly safe!) and also a GPS disciplined 10MHz standard, but recently got a 10MHz MV89 double oven CXO which is inexpensive and excellent. Mine is accurate to the nearest one-hundredth of a Hertz at 10MHz, which is near enough for me ;-) Search eBay for MV89 and MV89A. I built mine into a box with its own 12V, 2A regulated linear PSU. After warm-up it draws just 9W from the supply mains. 73 de David G4DMP -- + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + | David M Pratt, Kippax, Leeds. | | Website: http://www.g4dmp.co.uk | + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + From K2TK at att.net Fri Sep 19 13:37:17 2014 From: K2TK at att.net (Bob) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 13:37:17 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [Bulk] Re: K2 Straight key auto detect In-Reply-To: <541C32EB.3030307@xs4all.nl> References: <1411081649983-7593193.post@n2.nabble.com> <1411082086566-7593195.post@n2.nabble.com> <13D8C614-D0A4-4FA8-95B5-E08F7351C248@gmail.com> <1411082389330-7593198.post@n2.nabble.com> <541B92A8.9000603@embarqmail.com> <541B98B2.50401@att.net> <1411096009503-7593208.post@n2.nabble.com> <541C32EB.3030307@xs4all.nl> Message-ID: <541C69CD.6080304@att.net> I have an old Brown Brothers base that has both the paddle and straight key on it. On the underside I put some plain old 1N40XX diodes and can use either on the K2 with no changes and a single cord and plug. HINT, HINT.... I sure wish this was an option on the K3 too. I often wondered why such a great feature went away on the K3. 73, Bob K2TK ex KN2TKR (1956) & K2TKR On 9/19/2014 9:43 AM, Peter Eijlander (PA0PJE) wrote: > I did something similar. I soldered a > two-Schottky-diodes-in-one-package-with-common-cathode device, salvaged from a > switching PSU, on a 6.3 mm jack, glued it to the base plate of my > sqeeze-paddle and I just have to plug in my straight key and can instantly use > both. > > Op 2014-09-19 09:41 schreef Matt VK2RQ: >> For my K2, I made a short adapter cable, 3.5mm female to 3.5mm stereo male, >> and I soldered a couple of diodes inside the one of the 3.5mm connectors to >> bring both tip and sleeve of the male connector to ground when the tip of the >> female connector is grounded by a straight key. This goes into one of the >> female sockets on a 2x3.5mm female stereo to 1x3.5mm male stereo Y-adapter >> cable that is designed so one iPod can be shared with two sets of ear plugs. >> My paddle goes into the other female socket on the Y-cable, and the Y-cable >> goes into my K2. >> >> I can then easily move between paddle and straight key, and the K2 will auto >> detect. In addition, the Y-cable means I don't have to fumble around at the >> back of the radio if I want to swap over some different keying devices. >> >> I might have mentioned this before, but the K2 is a great radio:-) > It is! > Mine is called 3244... :-) > From gm3sek at ifwtech.co.uk Fri Sep 19 15:15:30 2014 From: gm3sek at ifwtech.co.uk (Ian White) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 20:15:30 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 External Frequency Reference Questions In-Reply-To: <004c01cfd396$797ca240$6c75e6c0$@biz> References: <541B6111.50106@comcast.net> <004c01cfd396$797ca240$6c75e6c0$@biz> Message-ID: <004201cfd43e$191a0430$4b4e0c90$@co.uk> A rubidium frequency source contains a few milligrams of natural rubidium, some of which is weakly radioactive. But there is about 5 times more radioactivity in a banana and about 1000 times more natural radioactivity in the human body itself (in both cases, mostly due to natural potassium-40). Guess which of those three requires the hazmat sheet? 73 from Ian GM3SEK From dave at nk7z.net Fri Sep 19 15:34:18 2014 From: dave at nk7z.net (David Cole) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 12:34:18 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 External Frequency Reference Questions In-Reply-To: <004201cfd43e$191a0430$4b4e0c90$@co.uk> References: <541B6111.50106@comcast.net> <004c01cfd396$797ca240$6c75e6c0$@biz> <004201cfd43e$191a0430$4b4e0c90$@co.uk> Message-ID: <1411155258.11968.0.camel@nostromo.NK7Z> The human body? -- Thanks and 73's, For equipment, and software setups and reviews see: www.nk7z.net for MixW support see; http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info for Dopplergram information see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info for MM-SSTV see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info On Fri, 2014-09-19 at 20:15 +0100, Ian White wrote: > A rubidium frequency source contains a few milligrams of natural > rubidium, some of which is weakly radioactive. > > But there is about 5 times more radioactivity in a banana and about 1000 > times more natural radioactivity in the human body itself (in both > cases, mostly due to natural potassium-40). > > Guess which of those three requires the hazmat sheet? > > > 73 from Ian GM3SEK > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 dave at nk7z.net From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Fri Sep 19 16:12:57 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Sfbonk via Elecraft) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 16:12:57 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Heil Proset In-Reply-To: <541A832F.5060505@thelortons.co.uk> References: <20140917214053.569AA3000791@smtp-outbound02.tor.pathcom.com> <541A832F.5060505@thelortons.co.uk> Message-ID: <8D1A25D3C6EAA65-1FDC-8EC9@webmail-va092.sysops.aol.com> Had the Proset IC from an Icom rig pre K3. Feed the mic in the rear with no problems. During non contest season, use a Heil Elecraft desk mike (these didn't seem to last long, but does a good job) into the front mic connector. Just switch the menu selection from front to rear to go between them. 73, W3OU Steve -----Original Message----- From: Clive Lorton To: elecraft Sent: Fri, Sep 19, 2014 3:54 pm Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Heil Proset On 17/09/2014 22:41, Mike Goldstein wrote: > Using the K3, has anyone else had problems with the Heil Proset > supplied by Elecraft (model iC) as to audio feedback on VOX, very > sensitive controls of VOX gain and Mic gain, etc. etc? Hi Mike, I use a Heil Proset IC (not Elecraft) without the problem you describe. My K3 settings are: Mic Sel - RP.L bias and Mic+Lin off. I did have a problem with the rear Mic socket but that seems to be sorted with the help of the fantastic Elecraft support. 73 Clive G8POC K3 8098 ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 sfbonk at aol.com From elecraft at g4fre.com Fri Sep 19 18:22:42 2014 From: elecraft at g4fre.com (Dave) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 23:22:42 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] Interfacing a K3 to an Aspire V5 Laptop Message-ID: <000001cfd458$3b2ed810$b18c8830$@com> I recently replaced my ageing Acer Aspire One netbook with an Acer V5 laptop for portable operation. Unfortunately the new laptop has a TRRS socket which Acer tier 2 technical support had no idea of how it was wired! My investigations and solution for interfacing it to a K3 are documented at http://g4fre.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/interfacing-elecraft-k3-to-acer-v5.html Dave G4FRE From n6kr at elecraft.com Fri Sep 19 18:40:07 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 15:40:07 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] New KX3 and PX3 beta firmware now available: fixes PX3 "freeze" with KXPA100, etc. Message-ID: <7A36A4E2-A49F-4F60-87B4-F66A63BB1D3F@elecraft.com> These new beta releases are recommended for all PX3 users. If you have a KXPA100 as well and have experienced a display "freeze" condition in the PX3, the new firmware will correct it. (I'd like to thank our field testers for vetting the new releases so quickly.) Firmware files and instructions can be found here: http://www.elecraft.com/KX3/KX3_software.htm http://www.elecraft.com/PX3/PX3_software.htm See full release notes below. 73, Wayne N6KR * * * KX3 MCU 2.22 / DSP 1.30, 9-18-2014 * PA MODE AUTO-OFF (for the KXPA100) TIME CHANGED: Now 8 seconds (was 4). * CW-IN-SSB KEYING FIX: When using an external keying device, the KX3 was returning to SSB mode too soon, truncating the CW waveform and causing key clicks. * * * PX3 MCU 1.09, 9-18-2014 * Stepped span feature added. * Fixed bug that caused a connected KXPA100 to turn off and/or PX3 to lock-up. * Removed REF COMP mode. * Span Autoscale now defaults to OFF after a configuration reset. * Fixed pixel artifacts at top of screen and narrow tick marks when tuning VFO. * Fixed bug that cause the MKRA and/or MKRB to not reset on a band change. * Serial command #CAL added. #CAL1 turns on calibrator, #CAL0 turns it off. * Fixed bug in which Ref Lvl was not getting saved per band. * Rev. 1.09 of the PX3 requires KX3 version 2.21 or later From gdt at lexort.com Fri Sep 19 19:31:42 2014 From: gdt at lexort.com (Greg Troxel) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 19:31:42 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Looking for a couple of good smart chargers In-Reply-To: (Doug Hensley's message of "Thu, 18 Sep 2014 21:59:33 -0500") References: Message-ID: I have used two different units of the Battery Tender 6A charger model. One failed (after many years) leading to overvoltage. The other generates huge amounts of RFI especially on 20m. They certainly seem smostly ok, with those caveats. I recently got an Optimate 3+, which is only 600 mA but claims to do desulphating. Notably, when going into float mode, it float charges for 30m and then lets the battery sit for 30m, which seems nicer to the battery, and also lets it detect more cases of batteries that are not ok. RFI-wise it seems not as bad but hardly ok. I also have a gensun gv-5 MPPT solar controller. It and a panel makes an RFI-quiet charger, at least on some days. It floats at 13.5V, nd does equalization at 14.2ish once every 7 days. 73 de n1dam From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Fri Sep 19 19:43:23 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 16:43:23 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Looking for a couple of good smart chargers In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <541CBF9B.5030802@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Fri,9/19/2014 4:31 PM, Greg Troxel wrote: > I also have a gensun gv-5 MPPT solar controller. These are good units. I have a GV-10 controller for lead acid that is dead quiet. They have models for different battery types and voltages. 73, Jim K9YC From LA3ZA at nrrl.no Fri Sep 19 22:25:29 2014 From: LA3ZA at nrrl.no (Sverre Holm (LA3ZA)) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 19:25:29 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] K3 External Frequency Reference Questions In-Reply-To: References: <541B6111.50106@comcast.net> Message-ID: <1411179929040-7593225.post@n2.nabble.com> I wonder what's the experience with the MV89A, does it need a lot of adjustment of the control voltage, or does it have this kind of accuracy out of the box? David G4DMP wrote > but recently got a 10MHz MV89 double oven CXO which is inexpensive and > excellent. Mine is accurate to the nearest one-hundredth of a Hertz at > 10MHz, which is near enough for me ;-) Search eBay for MV89 and MV89A. ----- Sverre, LA3ZA K2 #2198, K3 #3391, LA3ZA Blog: http://la3za.blogspot.com, LA3ZA Unofficial Guide to K2 modifications: http://la3za.blogspot.com/p/la3za-unofficial-guide-to-elecraft-k2.html -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-External-Frequency-Reference-Questions-tp7593192p7593225.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From wd4ahz at gte.net Sat Sep 20 00:00:31 2014 From: wd4ahz at gte.net (Ron Wetjen) Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 00:00:31 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] CONFIG Question Message-ID: <541CFBDF.5000801@gte.net> Finished building my brand new K3 earlier today and am now at the "Test and Calibration" point in the manual. Radio powers up OK. When I go into CONFIG the display reads uC 04.86 FW REV5 Turning VFO B doesn't change the display (and turning VFO A doesn't change the frequency). Checked to make sure the VFO LOCK wasn't engaged ... they weren't. The knobs and buttons all seem to be working. Thoughts on what to check? Ron, WD4AHZ From dave at nk7z.net Sat Sep 20 00:37:29 2014 From: dave at nk7z.net (David Cole) Date: Fri, 19 Sep 2014 21:37:29 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 External Frequency Reference Questions In-Reply-To: <1411179929040-7593225.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <541B6111.50106@comcast.net> <1411179929040-7593225.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <1411187849.7043.0.camel@nostromo.NK7Z> I too would like an overview of your setup as well... -- Thanks and 73's, For equipment, and software setups and reviews see: www.nk7z.net for MixW support see; http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info for Dopplergram information see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info for MM-SSTV see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info On Fri, 2014-09-19 at 19:25 -0700, Sverre Holm (LA3ZA) wrote: > I wonder what's the experience with the MV89A, does it need a lot of > adjustment of the control voltage, or does it have this kind of accuracy out > of the box? > > > David G4DMP wrote > > but recently got a 10MHz MV89 double oven CXO which is inexpensive and > > excellent. Mine is accurate to the nearest one-hundredth of a Hertz at > > 10MHz, which is near enough for me ;-) Search eBay for MV89 and MV89A. > > > > > > ----- > Sverre, LA3ZA > > K2 #2198, K3 #3391, > LA3ZA Blog: http://la3za.blogspot.com, > LA3ZA Unofficial Guide to K2 modifications: http://la3za.blogspot.com/p/la3za-unofficial-guide-to-elecraft-k2.html > -- > View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-External-Frequency-Reference-Questions-tp7593192p7593225.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 dave at nk7z.net From david at g4dmp.fsnet.co.uk Sat Sep 20 02:58:30 2014 From: david at g4dmp.fsnet.co.uk (David G4DMP) Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 07:58:30 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 External Frequency Reference Questions In-Reply-To: <1411179929040-7593225.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <541B6111.50106@comcast.net> <1411179929040-7593225.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: In a recent message, "Sverre Holm (LA3ZA)" writes >I wonder what's the experience with the MV89A, does it need a lot of >adjustment of the control voltage, or does it have this kind of accuracy out >of the box? No, Sverre, I did not need an adjustable 5V control voltage as the MV89A was spot on 10,000,000.00 Hz as measured on my Rubidium controlled frequency counter. I merely applied a regulated 12V supply to it. Obviously I cannot speak for all MV89A units but I guess they are all very close. 73 de David G4DMP -- + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + | David M Pratt, Kippax, Leeds. | | Website: http://www.g4dmp.co.uk | + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - + From mteberle at mchsi.com Sat Sep 20 04:24:19 2014 From: mteberle at mchsi.com (Michael Eberle) Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 03:24:19 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] CONFIG Question In-Reply-To: <541CFBDF.5000801@gte.net> References: <541CFBDF.5000801@gte.net> Message-ID: <541D39B3.6060305@mchsi.com> The uC 04.86 FW REVS is the firmware revision number. From this screen the VFO B knob should cycle through the config parameters and the VFO A knob will cycle through the values available for the selected parameter. From the FW REVS screen, if rotate the VFO A knob clockwise a little, it should change to something like "d1 02.83" which is the DSP firmware revision. I am curious if it will do this, but not change the frequency when you exit the menu. Mike KI0HA On 9/19/2014 11:00 PM, Ron Wetjen wrote: > When I go into CONFIG the display reads > > uC 04.86 > FW REV5 > > Turning VFO B doesn't change the display (and turning VFO A doesn't > change the frequency). > > Checked to make sure the VFO LOCK wasn't engaged ... they weren't. > > The knobs and buttons all seem to be working. > > Thoughts on what to check? > > Ron, WD4AHZ > From wd4ahz at gte.net Sat Sep 20 08:36:26 2014 From: wd4ahz at gte.net (Ron Wetjen) Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 08:36:26 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] CONFIG Question In-Reply-To: <541D39B3.6060305@mchsi.com> References: <541CFBDF.5000801@gte.net> <541D39B3.6060305@mchsi.com> Message-ID: <541D74CA.90108@gte.net> On 9/20/2014 4:24 AM, Michael Eberle wrote: > From the FW REVS screen, if rotate the VFO A knob clockwise a little, > it should change to something like "d1 02.83" which is the DSP firmware > revision. I am curious if it will do this, but not change the frequency > when you exit the menu. No, turning either VFO A or VFO B doesn't change anything when in CONFIG mode. Will try to take a look at the encoders later today and double check to see that they are installed correctly. From mgold at pathcom.com Sat Sep 20 09:29:14 2014 From: mgold at pathcom.com (Mike Goldstein) Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 09:29:14 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and Heil Proset Message-ID: <20140920132946.D39BA600011E@smtp-outbound01.tor.pathcom.com> I've had a few responses to my earlier query re using the Heil Proset iC with the K3, others who have had similar problems - you are not alone! Here is my original post: "Using the K3, has anyone else had problems with the Heil Proset supplied by Elecraft (model iC) as to audio feedback on VOX, very sensitive controls of VOX gain and Mic gain, etc. etc? These problems can be masked as RFI, but adding toroids on the cable has little effect. No other microphones seem to have these problems" Note that the Elecraft mobile mic. also has an electret cartridge, but I usually use PTT with it, and would not notice VOX problems. I've wrestled with this for 6 years, and finally decided to beat it. I had the same problems on my Kenwood TS590, with this headset. My solution was to buy a Heil Proset 6, with the HC6 cartridge, a cartridge with much, much lower output. In the past couple of days, I've tested it on the K3 and my Kenwood TS590 ... works a treat, and nooooooooo problems! 73 Mike VE3GFN From felsummers at comcast.net Sat Sep 20 09:40:35 2014 From: felsummers at comcast.net (Gene N4FZ) Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 06:40:35 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] [Bulk] Re: K2 Straight key auto detect In-Reply-To: <541C69CD.6080304@att.net> References: <1411082086566-7593195.post@n2.nabble.com> <13D8C614-D0A4-4FA8-95B5-E08F7351C248@gmail.com> <1411082389330-7593198.post@n2.nabble.com> <541B92A8.9000603@embarqmail.com> <541B98B2.50401@att.net> <1411096009503-7593208.post@n2.nabble.com> <541C32EB.3030307@xs4all.nl> <541C69CD.6080304@att.net> Message-ID: <1411220435355-7593232.post@n2.nabble.com> Thanks for the help and the good ideas. I will find a stereo plug first, and go from there. YES, the K2 is a great little rig! 73 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-Straight-key-auto-detect-tp7593193p7593232.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From tomb18 at videotron.ca Sat Sep 20 13:27:57 2014 From: tomb18 at videotron.ca (Tom Blahovici) Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 13:27:57 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Test Message-ID: <0NC700FHFN6M83A0@VL-VM-MR006.ip.videotron.ca> Test From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Sat Sep 20 14:24:48 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 14:24:48 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and Heil Proset In-Reply-To: <20140920132946.D39BA600011E@smtp-outbound01.tor.pathcom.com> References: <20140920132946.D39BA600011E@smtp-outbound01.tor.pathcom.com> Message-ID: <541DC670.7050802@embarqmail.com> The best way to determine if a problem is or is not produced by RF Feedback is to operate with the transmitter working into a dummy load. If the problem goes away, there is a 99% chance it is RFI. This comment is not confined to the K3 or any other Elecraft gear, it can be any transmitter. IMHO, the proper place to cure RFI is in the antenna system. Try common mode chokes on the feedline(s) - in addition to the antenna feedpoint, they are often needed at the point of shack entry. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/20/2014 9:29 AM, Mike Goldstein wrote: > I've had a few responses to my earlier query re using the Heil Proset > iC with the K3, others who have had similar problems - you are not alone! > > Here is my original post: > > "Using the K3, has anyone else had problems with the Heil Proset > supplied by Elecraft (model iC) as to audio feedback on VOX, very > sensitive controls of VOX gain and Mic gain, etc. etc? > > > These problems can be masked as RFI, but adding toroids on the cable > has little effect. No other microphones seem to have these problems" > > Note that the Elecraft mobile mic. also has an electret cartridge, but > I usually use PTT with it, and would not notice VOX problems. > > > I've wrestled with this for 6 years, and finally decided to beat it. I > had the same problems on my Kenwood TS590, with this headset. > > My solution was to buy a Heil Proset 6, with the HC6 cartridge, a > cartridge with much, much lower output. In the past couple of days, > I've tested it on the K3 and my Kenwood TS590 ... works a treat, and > nooooooooo problems! > From gwwa5uih at hotmail.com Sat Sep 20 14:25:56 2014 From: gwwa5uih at hotmail.com (George Winship, NC5G) Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 11:25:56 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Straight key auto detect In-Reply-To: <541B92A8.9000603@embarqmail.com> References: <1411081649983-7593193.post@n2.nabble.com> <1411082086566-7593195.post@n2.nabble.com> <13D8C614-D0A4-4FA8-95B5-E08F7351C248@gmail.com> <1411082389330-7593198.post@n2.nabble.com> <541B92A8.9000603@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <1411237556728-7593234.post@n2.nabble.com> < Go to the INP menu, edit the parameter and tap References: <541CFBDF.5000801@gte.net> <541D39B3.6060305@mchsi.com> <541D74CA.90108@gte.net> Message-ID: <541DCDDC.4050708@gte.net> On 9/20/2014 8:36 AM, Ron Wetjen wrote: > Will try to take a look at the encoders later today and double check to > see that they are installed correctly. Disassembled the front panel ... and reinstalled the encoders. That corrected the problem. Both VFO's are working now. On to the setup! From thom2 at att.net Sat Sep 20 16:05:16 2014 From: thom2 at att.net (Tom McCulloch) Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 16:05:16 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [Bulk] Looking for a couple of good smart chargers In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <541DDDFC.10006@att.net> Whichever one you decide on, I'd strongly suggest you get something, otherwise the battery will need a a LOT of attention. I have the A&A smart charger and it works like a charm with zero attention to it. Tom wb2qdg k2 1103 On 9/18/2014 10:59 PM, Doug Hensley wrote: > Elecraft referred me to W3FPR's web page which then referred me to A&A Engineering > whose web site is now plastered with "all products have been discontinued". > Can anyone recommend something equivalent to the old A&A products that might be an > improvement in both engineering & quality ? If they were still available I would buy > one of the 1 A and one of the 5 A. > > > Thanks for any leads, > Doug W5JV/NNN0BXX > > > > > >>>>>>>>> ZUI ZEW <<<<<<<<< > See my "For Sale or Trade List" at: << http://www.w5jv.com >> > > > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 thom2 at att.net > From gt-i at gmx.net Sat Sep 20 17:23:52 2014 From: gt-i at gmx.net (gt-i at gmx.net) Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 23:23:52 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 Tuning noise with 2M module Message-ID: <541DF068.2040205@gmx.net> Hi folks, received my 2M module this week. Assembly went fine, everything as described in the instructions. TX works great, I can drive my PA with 1.5W. RX is also quite sensitive. Worked 2 stations via TR > 400km, both were running less power than I did. But: The tuning noise problem which I thought was solved (see my post over 1 year ago) is back alive. It is extremely uncomfortable on VHF since 75% of all stations will be really weak in the first place - until you turn the antenna. I'm not a big gun hence S&P is daily business. I noticed that tuning with the VFO knob creates more noise than using the little "B" knob in OFFS mode. Any ideas? Thanks! Gernot, DF5RF From herr42 at comcast.net Sat Sep 20 17:31:04 2014 From: herr42 at comcast.net (Jeff Herr) Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 14:31:04 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Freq Editor req for update - allow entry of WX freqs In-Reply-To: <1411220435355-7593232.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <1411082086566-7593195.post@n2.nabble.com> <13D8C614-D0A4-4FA8-95B5-E08F7351C248@gmail.com> <1411082389330-7593198.post@n2.nabble.com> <541B92A8.9000603@embarqmail.com> <541B98B2.50401@att.net> <1411096009503-7593208.post@n2.nabble.com> <541C32EB.3030307@xs4all.nl> <541C69CD.6080304@att.net> <1411220435355-7593232.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <000301cfd51a$2f08b700$8d1a2500$@net> Would it be possible to get the k3/kx3 freq memory editor ver 1.3.3.0 updated to allow entry of the NOAA weather channels? 162.400, .425, .450, .475, 162.500, .525, .550 currently i get a little red exclamation mark error. Jeff Herr, WW6L 4636 Kelton Way Sacramento, Ca 95838 916.925.6089 From LA3ZA at nrrl.no Sat Sep 20 17:50:40 2014 From: LA3ZA at nrrl.no (Sverre Holm (LA3ZA)) Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 14:50:40 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] K3 External Frequency Reference Questions In-Reply-To: References: <541B6111.50106@comcast.net> <1411179929040-7593225.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <1411249840438-7593240.post@n2.nabble.com> Thanks David, David G4DMP wrote > No, Sverre, I did not need an adjustable 5V control voltage as the MV89A > was spot on 10,000,000.00 Hz ----- Sverre, LA3ZA K2 #2198, K3 #3391, LA3ZA Blog: http://la3za.blogspot.com, LA3ZA Unofficial Guide to K2 modifications: http://la3za.blogspot.com/p/la3za-unofficial-guide-to-elecraft-k2.html -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-External-Frequency-Reference-Questions-tp7593192p7593240.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From lists at subich.com Sat Sep 20 18:33:51 2014 From: lists at subich.com (Joe Subich, W4TV) Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 18:33:51 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Freq Editor req for update - allow entry of WX freqs In-Reply-To: <000301cfd51a$2f08b700$8d1a2500$@net> References: <1411082086566-7593195.post@n2.nabble.com> <13D8C614-D0A4-4FA8-95B5-E08F7351C248@gmail.com> <1411082389330-7593198.post@n2.nabble.com> <541B92A8.9000603@embarqmail.com> <541B98B2.50401@att.net> <1411096009503-7593208.post@n2.nabble.com> <541C32EB.3030307@xs4all.nl> <541C69CD.6080304@att.net> <1411220435355-7593232.post@n2.nabble.com> <000301cfd51a$2f08b700$8d1a2500$@net> Message-ID: <541E00CF.6050706@subich.com> The K3/KX3 can't tune those frequencies ... even with the 2 meter transverters. Those frequencies would be well above 30 MHz (IF limit). 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-09-20 5:31 PM, Jeff Herr wrote: > Would it be possible to get the k3/kx3 freq memory editor ver 1.3.3.0 > updated to allow entry of the NOAA weather channels? > > 162.400, .425, .450, .475, 162.500, .525, .550 > > currently i get a little red exclamation mark error. > > > > Jeff Herr, WW6L > 4636 Kelton Way > Sacramento, Ca 95838 > 916.925.6089 > > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 lists at subich.com > From droese at necg.de Sat Sep 20 20:44:47 2014 From: droese at necg.de (=?ISO-8859-1?Q?Oliver_Dr=F6se?=) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 02:44:47 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 Tuning noise with 2M module In-Reply-To: <541DF068.2040205@gmx.net> References: <541DF068.2040205@gmx.net> Message-ID: <541E1F7F.6020303@necg.de> Gernot, did you activate the RXSHFT on 2 m? That should take care of it. Think there's a remark on that in the KX3-2M manual, too. 73, Olli - DH8BQA Contest, DX & radio projects: http://www.dh8bqa.de Am 20.09.2014 23:23, schrieb gt-i at gmx.net: > Hi folks, > received my 2M module this week. Assembly went fine, everything as > described in the instructions. > TX works great, I can drive my PA with 1.5W. > RX is also quite sensitive. Worked 2 stations via TR > 400km, both > were running less power than I did. > But: The tuning noise problem which I thought was solved (see my post > over 1 year ago) is back alive. > It is extremely uncomfortable on VHF since 75% of all stations will be > really weak in the first place - until you turn the antenna. > I'm not a big gun hence S&P is daily business. > I noticed that tuning with the VFO knob creates more noise than using > the little "B" knob in OFFS mode. > > Any ideas? > Thanks! > Gernot, DF5RF > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 droese at necg.de > From beford at myfairpoint.net Sat Sep 20 20:45:45 2014 From: beford at myfairpoint.net (Bruce Beford) Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 20:45:45 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Freq Editor req for update - allow entry of WX freqs Message-ID: My understanding is that the KX3 (not the K3) _CAN_ tune the WX band for RX. Bruce/N1RX > The K3/KX3 can't tune those frequencies ... even with the > 2 meter transverters. Those frequencies would be well above > 30 MHz (IF limit). 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-09-20 5:31 PM, Jeff Herr wrote: > Would it be possible to get the k3/kx3 freq memory editor ver 1.3.3.0 > updated to allow entry of the NOAA weather channels? > > 162.400, .425, .450, .475, 162.500, .525, .550 > > currently i get a little red exclamation mark error. > > From w7ox at socal.rr.com Sat Sep 20 21:05:20 2014 From: w7ox at socal.rr.com (Phil Wheeler) Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 18:05:20 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Freq Editor req for update - allow entry of WX freqs In-Reply-To: <541E00CF.6050706@subich.com> References: <1411082086566-7593195.post@n2.nabble.com> <13D8C614-D0A4-4FA8-95B5-E08F7351C248@gmail.com> <1411082389330-7593198.post@n2.nabble.com> <541B92A8.9000603@embarqmail.com> <541B98B2.50401@att.net> <1411096009503-7593208.post@n2.nabble.com> <541C32EB.3030307@xs4all.nl> <541C69CD.6080304@att.net> <1411220435355-7593232.post@n2.nabble.com> <000301cfd51a$2f08b700$8d1a2500$@net> <541E00CF.6050706@subich.com> Message-ID: <541E2450.1010005@socal.rr.com> Hey, Joe -- From the Elecraft KX3 Module FAQ: *Q:What frequency range will the module cover?* A:On 2 meters: About 120 to 165 MHz, allowing copy of weather-band stations at 162 MHz, airport tower AM in the 120 MHz range, etc. On 4 meters: About 65-72 MHz. Sensitivity gradually falls off outside the associated ham bands. Phil W7OX On 9/20/14, 3:33 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: > > The K3/KX3 can't tune those frequencies ... even > with the > 2 meter transverters. Those frequencies would > be well above > 30 MHz (IF limit). > > 73, > > ... Joe, W4TV > > > On 2014-09-20 5:31 PM, Jeff Herr wrote: >> Would it be possible to get the k3/kx3 freq >> memory editor ver 1.3.3.0 >> updated to allow entry of the NOAA weather >> channels? >> >> 162.400, .425, .450, .475, 162.500, .525, .550 >> >> currently i get a little red exclamation mark >> error. >> >> >> >> Jeff Herr, WW6L >> 4636 Kelton Way >> Sacramento, Ca 95838 >> 916.925.6089 From mzilmer at roadrunner.com Sat Sep 20 21:10:25 2014 From: mzilmer at roadrunner.com (Matt Zilmer) Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 19:10:25 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] Freq Editor req for update - allow entry of WX freqs In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: The KX3 with KX3-2M is able to tune frequencies in the range 120-168 MHz. See p53 of the owner's manual for the specs. 73, matt W6NIA On Sat, 20 Sep 2014 20:45:45 -0400, you wrote: >My understanding is that the KX3 (not the K3) _CAN_ tune the WX band for RX. >Bruce/N1RX > >> The K3/KX3 can't tune those frequencies ... even with the >> 2 meter transverters. Those frequencies would be well above >> 30 MHz (IF limit). > >73, > > ... Joe, W4TV > > >On 2014-09-20 5:31 PM, Jeff Herr wrote: >> Would it be possible to get the k3/kx3 freq memory editor ver 1.3.3.0 >> updated to allow entry of the NOAA weather channels? >> >> 162.400, .425, .450, .475, 162.500, .525, .550 >> >> currently i get a little red exclamation mark error. >> >> > > > >______________________________________________________________ >Elecraft mailing list >Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 mzilmer at roadrunner.com Matt Zilmer, W6NIA -- "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." -A. Lincoln From lists at subich.com Sat Sep 20 22:09:41 2014 From: lists at subich.com (Joe Subich, W4TV) Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 22:09:41 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Freq Editor req for update - allow entry of WX freqs In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <541E3365.5000603@subich.com> OK guys ... I get the message. The K3 is not able to tune Weather band. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-09-20 9:10 PM, Matt Zilmer wrote: > The KX3 with KX3-2M is able to tune frequencies in the range 120-168 > MHz. See p53 of the owner's manual for the specs. > > 73, > matt > W6NIA > > On Sat, 20 Sep 2014 20:45:45 -0400, you wrote: > >> My understanding is that the KX3 (not the K3) _CAN_ tune the WX band for RX. >> Bruce/N1RX >> >>> The K3/KX3 can't tune those frequencies ... even with the >>> 2 meter transverters. Those frequencies would be well above >>> 30 MHz (IF limit). >> >> 73, >> >> ... Joe, W4TV >> >> >> On 2014-09-20 5:31 PM, Jeff Herr wrote: >>> Would it be possible to get the k3/kx3 freq memory editor ver 1.3.3.0 >>> updated to allow entry of the NOAA weather channels? >>> >>> 162.400, .425, .450, .475, 162.500, .525, .550 >>> >>> currently i get a little red exclamation mark error. >>> >>> >> >> >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 mzilmer at roadrunner.com > Matt Zilmer, W6NIA > -- > "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will > spend the first four sharpening the axe." -A. Lincoln > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 lists at subich.com > From phils at riousa.com Sun Sep 21 00:19:25 2014 From: phils at riousa.com (Phil Shepard) Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2014 21:19:25 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] SSB net announcement Message-ID: <0F438E8B-CCC1-4E26-BA9B-CC71AC289A0C@riousa.com> The weekly Elecraft SSB net meets Sunday at 1800Z on 14.3035 MHz. Join us. 73, Phil, NS7P From k2vco.vic at gmail.com Sun Sep 21 02:34:04 2014 From: k2vco.vic at gmail.com (Vic Rosenthal K2VCO) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 09:34:04 +0300 Subject: [Elecraft] The K3 and the future Message-ID: <541E715C.70400@gmail.com> I've been quiet lately, working on getting back on the air at my new QTH. But I am thinking about the future. The K3 is still a great transceiver. For my purposes, there is nothing better out there for a reasonable price. But the competition isn't sitting still. And as everybody knows, there are some areas in which the K3 could be markedly improved (cleaning up the audio artifacts in QSK is my personal favorite). The KX3 is apparently a great field radio. I don't need another field radio, though. I am never going to give up the K2 I built myself. The KX3, in my opinion, is not suitable for a home station, because of the form factor, the way accessories are connected, etc. Again, this is just my opinion, but I know some others share it. So my question is, will Elecraft maintain its dominance in the home station transceiver market? Will the K3 be markedly improved, both hardware and firmware? Will there be a K3b or a K4? I understand that the firmware/hardware of the K3 represents a huge investment. So maybe the best approach will be incremental. Let's say that Elecraft started producing a K3b with hardware modifications in key boards, and a firmware branch to support them. New K3 purchasers would get the K3b, while existing owners could buy new boards to upgrade their units. The K3 utility could detect the version and load the appropriate firmware. Someone who is happy with his K3 as it is would not have to upgrade, and it would still be possible to improve K3 firmware, although probably the really good stuff would require a K3b. This would be less expensive to do than a K4, and could leverage the experience of the designers that they have gained with the KX3. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP Rehovot, Israel http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Sun Sep 21 03:49:30 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 00:49:30 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] The K3 and the future In-Reply-To: <541E715C.70400@gmail.com> References: <541E715C.70400@gmail.com> Message-ID: <541E830A.4030000@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Sat,9/20/2014 11:34 PM, Vic Rosenthal K2VCO wrote: > The K3 is still a great transceiver. For my purposes, there is nothing > better out there for a reasonable price. But the competition isn't > sitting still. And as everybody knows, there are some areas in which > the K3 could be markedly improved (cleaning up the audio artifacts in > QSK is my personal favorite). Hi Vic, You've been busy moving, and may have missed this. k9yc.com/TXNoise.pdf This report, which simply compares and analyzes ARRL measurements, shows that in the realm of producing a clean signal, the K3 is an order of magnitude better than its closest competitor, the TS590S, two orders of magnitude better than Icom's "best," and FOUR orders of magnitude better than Yaesu. For the non-math folks among us, an order of magnitude is 10X. So the K3 is more than 100 times cleaner than ICOM's most expensive stuff, and more than 10,000X cleaner than even the most expensive of current Yaesu rigs. BTW -- I was hanging with K6RBtodaypreparing for CQP, and he's hoping to look you up on an upcoming trip to 4X. 73, Jim K9YC From k2vco.vic at gmail.com Sun Sep 21 04:25:33 2014 From: k2vco.vic at gmail.com (Vic Rosenthal K2VCO) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 11:25:33 +0300 Subject: [Elecraft] The K3 and the future In-Reply-To: <541E830A.4030000@audiosystemsgroup.com> References: <541E715C.70400@gmail.com> <541E830A.4030000@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: <541E8B7D.2040804@gmail.com> No, I didn't miss this. There is nothing like the K3 for multi-transmitter contests, DXpeditions and field day. I hope 4X4DK has one -- I can see his beam from my roof! But there are still areas of improvement for the K3. If Rob comes to visit, I have a comfortable couch/bed he can sleep on. My station is set up and my license renewed, but the bureaucracy is grinding very slowly on the "non-ionizing radiation permit" that I need to put up my antenna. On 9/21/2014 10:49 AM, Jim Brown wrote: > On Sat,9/20/2014 11:34 PM, Vic Rosenthal K2VCO wrote: >> The K3 is still a great transceiver. For my purposes, there is nothing >> better out there for a reasonable price. But the competition isn't >> sitting still. And as everybody knows, there are some areas in which >> the K3 could be markedly improved (cleaning up the audio artifacts in >> QSK is my personal favorite). > > Hi Vic, > > You've been busy moving, and may have missed this. > > k9yc.com/TXNoise.pdf > > This report, which simply compares and analyzes ARRL measurements, shows > that in the realm of producing a clean signal, the K3 is an order of > magnitude better than its closest competitor, the TS590S, two orders of > magnitude better than Icom's "best," and FOUR orders of magnitude better > than Yaesu. For the non-math folks among us, an order of magnitude is > 10X. So the K3 is more than 100 times cleaner than ICOM's most expensive > stuff, and more than 10,000X cleaner than even the most expensive of > current Yaesu rigs. > > BTW -- I was hanging with K6RBtodaypreparing for CQP, and he's hoping to > look you up on an upcoming trip to 4X. > > 73, Jim K9YC > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k2vco.vic at gmail.com -- 73, Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP Rehovot, Israel http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ From hms4 at Lehigh.EDU Sun Sep 21 06:50:58 2014 From: hms4 at Lehigh.EDU (Howard Sherer) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 06:50:58 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS Message-ID: <541EAD92.1000500@lehigh.edu> A few years ago there was some discussion here about a very small 12 v 20A switching PSU with very low noise that was designed for radio use. I am now interested in one for use with my KX3 & KXPA. Can someone point me in the right direction. Howard AE3T From nwgarner at gmail.com Sun Sep 21 06:58:37 2014 From: nwgarner at gmail.com (Nick Garner) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 19:58:37 +0900 Subject: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS In-Reply-To: <541EAD92.1000500@lehigh.edu> References: <541EAD92.1000500@lehigh.edu> Message-ID: I have used the Gamma Research HPS-1a for several years and love it. It fits easily in my K3 pelican case. . Output is 22A at 25 percent duty. http://www.gammaresearch.net/hps-1a.html Nick N3WG On Sep 21, 2014 7:51 PM, "Howard Sherer" wrote: > A few years ago there was some discussion here about a very small 12 v 20A > switching PSU with very low noise that was designed for radio use. I am now > interested in one for use with my KX3 & KXPA. Can someone point me in the > right direction. > > Howard AE3T > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 nwgarner at gmail.com > From w2blc at nycap.rr.com Sun Sep 21 07:00:27 2014 From: w2blc at nycap.rr.com (W2BLC) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 07:00:27 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] The K3 and the future In-Reply-To: <541E8B7D.2040804@gmail.com> References: <541E8B7D.2040804@gmail.com> Message-ID: <541EAFCB.3030003@nycap.rr.com> I shudder to think, but must ask: What is a "non-ionizing radiation permit?" From w2blc at nycap.rr.com Sun Sep 21 07:10:04 2014 From: w2blc at nycap.rr.com (W2BLC) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 07:10:04 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3: NB - it works! Message-ID: <541EB20C.9010105@nycap.rr.com> Down the road is an electric fence that from time to time causes some clicks on 75 meters. In the past this was not good news - you either tolerated it or used the NB on whatever rig I was using. The NB then caused the "broad front effect" resulting in lousy RX audio etc. Yesterday, I tried the NB on the K3 - what a wonderful surprise! It worked with ruining anything. Perfect!!! No clicks and unspoiled arm chair copy on 75 meters. It doesn't get better than that. Bill W2BLC K-Line From dave at nk7z.net Sun Sep 21 07:53:51 2014 From: dave at nk7z.net (David Cole) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 04:53:51 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS In-Reply-To: <541EAD92.1000500@lehigh.edu> References: <541EAD92.1000500@lehigh.edu> Message-ID: <1411300431.7043.11.camel@nostromo.NK7Z> Hi Howard, I did a total shack cleanup when I got the Elecraft K3... The details are here: http://nk7z.net/rebuilding-the-shack/ look about halfway down in the article, under "The Final Layout", and to the left is a photo and in the text is a link to the PS I use... 25 amps, small, and as quiet as they come as far as I can tell... -- Thanks and 73's, For equipment, and software setups and reviews see: www.nk7z.net for MixW support see; http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info for Dopplergram information see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info for MM-SSTV see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info On Sun, 2014-09-21 at 06:50 -0400, Howard Sherer wrote: > A few years ago there was some discussion here about a very small 12 v > 20A switching PSU with very low noise that was designed for radio use. I > am now interested in one for use with my KX3 & KXPA. Can someone point > me in the right direction. > > Howard AE3T > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 dave at nk7z.net From g at downs86.plus.com Sun Sep 21 07:55:33 2014 From: g at downs86.plus.com (Geoffrey Downs) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 12:55:33 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] K3: NB - it works! In-Reply-To: <541EB20C.9010105@nycap.rr.com> References: <541EB20C.9010105@nycap.rr.com> Message-ID: <8B7EA9BA5B8B4707AD0A2F1A5E6AE55D@GeoffreyPC> Bill, I have electric fence pulse noise pretty much all the time here but setting AGC PLS to NOR removes it without even using the NB. A low NB setting does it too of course as you have observed. I think the AGC PLS feature may be exclusive to Elecraft. 73 Geoff G3UCK -----Original Message----- From: W2BLC Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2014 12:10 PM To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K3: NB - it works! Down the road is an electric fence that from time to time causes some clicks on 75 meters. In the past this was not good news - you either tolerated it or used the NB on whatever rig I was using. The NB then caused the "broad front effect" resulting in lousy RX audio etc. Yesterday, I tried the NB on the K3 - what a wonderful surprise! It worked with ruining anything. Perfect!!! No clicks and unspoiled arm chair copy on 75 meters. It doesn't get better than that. Bill W2BLC K-Line ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 g at downs86.plus.com From nc3z.gary at gmail.com Sun Sep 21 07:57:57 2014 From: nc3z.gary at gmail.com (Gary - NC3Z) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 07:57:57 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] The K3 and the future In-Reply-To: <541E715C.70400@gmail.com> References: <541E715C.70400@gmail.com> Message-ID: <541EBD45.4020407@gmail.com> I think the KX3 form factor works out well as a home station. The face is larger than a lot of other radios and in my opinion the ergonomics are better than the K3. My KX3 station (KX3 and KXPA100) is my second home station to my FTDX5000MP and the the station I take to my second QTH when we go there. I have been through many current rigs for this use until I settled on the KX3, primarily due to the great specs, but also due to the super flexibility. The one feature I also wanted was something that could run of batteries for emergency use and the KX3 is vastly frugal compared to anything else out there. Don't discount the KX3 setup as a great home rig. Gary Mitchelson NC3Z Davidsonville, MD FM18 NC3Z/4 Pamlico County, NC FM15 http://www.mitchelson.org/ On 9/21/2014 02:34, Vic Rosenthal K2VCO wrote: > The KX3, in my opinion, is not suitable for a home station, because > of the form factor, the way accessories are connected, etc. Again, > this is just my opinion, but I know some others share it. > > From pincon at erols.com Sun Sep 21 08:00:11 2014 From: pincon at erols.com (Charlie T, K3ICH) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 08:00:11 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS References: <541EAD92.1000500@lehigh.edu> Message-ID: "Gamma" something. Basically, a bank of Super Capacitors fed by a 5 (?) Amp switching supply. And yes, VERY small (& very expensive too) even when compared with the smaller 25 Amp switching supplies. However, those "larger" supplies can do 20 Amps continuously, but the Gamma can not. 73, Charlie k3ICH ----- Original Message ----- From: "Howard Sherer" To: Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2014 6:50 AM Subject: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS >A few years ago there was some discussion here about a very small 12 v 20A >switching PSU with very low noise that was designed for radio use. I am now >interested in one for use with my KX3 & KXPA. Can someone point me in the >right direction. > > Howard AE3T > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pincon at erols.com From vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk Sun Sep 21 08:18:08 2014 From: vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk (Johnny Siu) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 20:18:08 +0800 Subject: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS In-Reply-To: References: <541EAD92.1000500@lehigh.edu> Message-ID: <1411301888.7939.YahooMailNeo@web193503.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> Hello Charlie, I agree with you and am using Alinco DM-330MVE. I like Gamma but it is too expensive for me. 73 Johnny VR2XMC ________________________________ ???? "Charlie T, K3ICH" ???? elecraft at mailman.qth.net ????? 2014?09?21? (??) 8:00 PM ??? Re: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS "Gamma" something. Basically, a bank of Super Capacitors fed by a 5 (?) Amp switching supply. And yes, VERY small (& very expensive too) even when compared with the smaller 25 Amp switching supplies. However, those "larger" supplies can do 20 Amps continuously, but the Gamma can not. 73, Charlie k3ICH ----- Original Message ----- From: "Howard Sherer" To: Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2014 6:50 AM Subject: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS >A few years ago there was some discussion here about a very small 12 v 20A >switching PSU with very low noise that was designed for radio use. I am now >interested in one for use with my KX3 & KXPA. Can someone point me in the >right direction. > > Howard AE3T > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pincon at erols.com ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk From pincon at erols.com Sun Sep 21 08:18:43 2014 From: pincon at erols.com (Charlie T, K3ICH) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 08:18:43 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS References: <541EAD92.1000500@lehigh.edu> Message-ID: Curiously, I have found that certain switching supplies can actually deliver quite a bit more peak, or very short duration current than their ratings would imply. For example I was testing a TS-480 HX running from a 25 Amp Astron switcher and was getting the full rated 200 watts out momentarily with barely noticeable voltage sag. At this level, the total supply current was around 35 Amps. Now, admittedly, I did not look at the DC waveform on a scope, but the SSB transmit audio sounded fine which to me, implied it was clean. I'll have to try again and look at the waveform. It'll have to be with resistor loads since I don't own the HX now. 73, Charlie k3ICH ----- Original Message ----- From: "Charlie T, K3ICH" To: Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2014 8:00 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS > "Gamma" something. > > Basically, a bank of Super Capacitors fed by a 5 (?) Amp switching supply. > And yes, VERY small (& very expensive too) even when compared with the > smaller 25 Amp switching supplies. However, those "larger" supplies can > do 20 Amps continuously, but the Gamma can not. > > 73, Charlie k3ICH > > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Howard Sherer" > To: > Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2014 6:50 AM > Subject: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS > > >>A few years ago there was some discussion here about a very small 12 v 20A >>switching PSU with very low noise that was designed for radio use. I am >>now interested in one for use with my KX3 & KXPA. Can someone point me in >>the right direction. >> >> Howard AE3T >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pincon at erols.com > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pincon at erols.com From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Sun Sep 21 09:09:49 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (pkhjr via Elecraft) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 06:09:49 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS In-Reply-To: <541EAD92.1000500@lehigh.edu> References: <541EAD92.1000500@lehigh.edu> Message-ID: <1411304989413-7593261.post@n2.nabble.com> It's the Gamma Research HPS-1a, had one for use in an RV worked great with my K3 and KX3 73 Tex ka5y -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/very-small-20A-switching-PS-tp7593251p7593261.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From gary.mckelvie at btinternet.com Sun Sep 21 09:22:17 2014 From: gary.mckelvie at btinternet.com (Gary McKelvie) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 14:22:17 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America Message-ID: <3E1231C9-AD2D-4D01-ABF8-00F0BFA111FC@btinternet.com> Hi All recently I've inherited some money. I'm considering buy a K3/100 and the Elecraft 500W linear direct from Elecraft (UK prices are the same in pounds as the price in dollars). Buying direct would save about ?1600. Obviously the import charges then have to be pains and was wondering if any one might have a rough idea of these? 73 Gary G7USC Sent from my iPhone From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Sun Sep 21 09:47:58 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 09:47:58 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America In-Reply-To: <3E1231C9-AD2D-4D01-ABF8-00F0BFA111FC@btinternet.com> References: <3E1231C9-AD2D-4D01-ABF8-00F0BFA111FC@btinternet.com> Message-ID: <541ED70E.6010204@embarqmail.com> Gary, I don't know what the import fees might be, but I have understood if you order kits, there is no import duty added - Amateur Radio kit of parts is exempt. Of course, it is still subject to VAT. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/21/2014 9:22 AM, Gary McKelvie wrote: > Hi All recently I've inherited some money. > I'm considering buy a K3/100 and the Elecraft 500W linear direct from Elecraft (UK prices are the same in pounds as the price in dollars). > Buying direct would save about ?1600. > Obviously the import charges then have to be pains and was wondering if any one might have a rough idea of these? > 73 Gary G7USC > From craig at powersmith.net Sun Sep 21 09:54:49 2014 From: craig at powersmith.net (Craig Smith) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 07:54:49 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS In-Reply-To: <1411304989413-7593261.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <541EAD92.1000500@lehigh.edu> <1411304989413-7593261.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <36C86AA1-AFE6-4E48-A39F-7FD4E6DC5D98@powersmith.net> I also had very good results with the Gamma with my K3. In CW mode, it will support an output power of about 75W. More on SSB I would guess. 73 Craig AC0DS From pf at tippete.net Sun Sep 21 10:36:13 2014 From: pf at tippete.net (Pierfrancesco Caci) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 16:36:13 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America In-Reply-To: <3E1231C9-AD2D-4D01-ABF8-00F0BFA111FC@btinternet.com> References: <3E1231C9-AD2D-4D01-ABF8-00F0BFA111FC@btinternet.com> Message-ID: <3a1167e2-a932-4341-99ad-2eea0c0d3dde@email.android.com> On 21 September 2014 15:22:17 CEST, Gary McKelvie wrote: > >Hi All recently I've inherited some money. >I'm considering buy a K3/100 and the Elecraft 500W linear direct from >Elecraft (UK prices are the same in pounds as the price in dollars). >Buying direct would save about ?1600. >Obviously the import charges then have to be pains and was wondering if >any one might have a rough idea of these? >73 Gary G7USC > >Sent from my iPhone >______________________________________________________________ >Elecraft mailing list >Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pf at tippete.net You'd pay VAT and duties on the total of your purchase plus shipping costs. As far as I understand no duties are applied on kits. Duty should be around 3 or 4 percent anyway. Pf -- Pierfrancesco Caci From herr42 at comcast.net Sun Sep 21 10:37:11 2014 From: herr42 at comcast.net (Jeff Herr) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 07:37:11 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS In-Reply-To: References: <541EAD92.1000500@lehigh.edu> Message-ID: <000601cfd5a9$88a27050$99e750f0$@net> this one is smaller..... http://www.gammaresearch.net/hps-1a.html than this one... http://www.powerwerx.com/power-supplies/variable-digital-meters-30-amp-deskt op-power-supply.html but the power werx unit is electrically quiet, costs less, has accurate I & E meters, and is variable. -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Nick Garner Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2014 03:59 AM To: howardms at Lehigh.EDU Cc: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS I have used the Gamma Research HPS-1a for several years and love it. It fits easily in my K3 pelican case. . Output is 22A at 25 percent duty. http://www.gammaresearch.net/hps-1a.html Nick N3WG On Sep 21, 2014 7:51 PM, "Howard Sherer" wrote: > A few years ago there was some discussion here about a very small 12 v > 20A switching PSU with very low noise that was designed for radio use. > I am now interested in one for use with my KX3 & KXPA. Can someone > point me in the right direction. > > Howard AE3T > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 > nwgarner at gmail.com > ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 herr42 at comcast.net From mikefurrey at att.net Sun Sep 21 10:48:06 2014 From: mikefurrey at att.net (Mike Furrey) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 07:48:06 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS In-Reply-To: <000601cfd5a9$88a27050$99e750f0$@net> References: <541EAD92.1000500@lehigh.edu> <000601cfd5a9$88a27050$99e750f0$@net> Message-ID: <1411310886.82872.YahooMailNeo@web181603.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> Go with the powerwerx unit. I have, it is a very good, compact power supply. http://www.powerwerx.com/power-supplies/?gclid=CMD4tdLG8sACFc1i7AodNwMAqw 73, Mike WA5POK On Sunday, September 21, 2014 10:37 AM, Jeff Herr wrote: this one is smaller..... http://www.gammaresearch.net/hps-1a.html than this one... http://www.powerwerx.com/power-supplies/variable-digital-meters-30-amp-deskt op-power-supply.html but the power werx unit is electrically quiet, costs less, has accurate I & E meters, and is variable. -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Nick Garner Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2014 03:59 AM To: howardms at Lehigh.EDU Cc: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS I have used the Gamma Research HPS-1a for several years and love it. It fits easily in my K3 pelican case. . Output is 22A at 25 percent duty. http://www.gammaresearch.net/hps-1a.html Nick N3WG On Sep 21, 2014 7:51 PM, "Howard Sherer" wrote: > A few years ago there was some discussion here about a very small 12 v > 20A switching PSU with very low noise that was designed for radio use. > I am now interested in one for use with my KX3 & KXPA. Can someone > point me in the right direction. > > Howard AE3T > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net/Please help support this email > list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.htmlMessage delivered to > nwgarner at gmail.com > ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net/ Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.htmlMessage delivered to herr42 at comcast.net ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 mikefurrey at att.net From G0ORH at sky.com Sun Sep 21 10:58:56 2014 From: G0ORH at sky.com (Ken Chandler) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 15:58:56 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America In-Reply-To: <3a1167e2-a932-4341-99ad-2eea0c0d3dde@email.android.com> References: <3E1231C9-AD2D-4D01-ABF8-00F0BFA111FC@btinternet.com> <3a1167e2-a932-4341-99ad-2eea0c0d3dde@email.android.com> Message-ID: Gary Order kits, and just pay VAT! Plus ?11 handling charge!!!! Ken.. G0ORH K Line Sent from my iPad > On 21 Sep 2014, at 15:36, Pierfrancesco Caci wrote: > >> On 21 September 2014 15:22:17 CEST, Gary McKelvie wrote: >> >> Hi All recently I've inherited some money. >> I'm considering buy a K3/100 and the Elecraft 500W linear direct from >> Elecraft (UK prices are the same in pounds as the price in dollars). >> Buying direct would save about ?1600. >> Obviously the import charges then have to be pains and was wondering if >> any one might have a rough idea of these? >> 73 Gary G7USC >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pf at tippete.net > > You'd pay VAT and duties on the total of your purchase plus shipping costs. As far as I understand no duties are applied on kits. Duty should be around 3 or 4 percent anyway. > Pf > -- > Pierfrancesco Caci > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 g0orh at sky.com From w7ox at socal.rr.com Sun Sep 21 10:59:46 2014 From: w7ox at socal.rr.com (Phil Wheeler) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 07:59:46 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS In-Reply-To: <541EAD92.1000500@lehigh.edu> References: <541EAD92.1000500@lehigh.edu> Message-ID: <541EE7E2.2020408@socal.rr.com> Over the years QST Product Reviews have tested switching power supplies. If you're a member the specific reviews can be found in the Product Review archives, Howard. They include info on noise spectrum -- one of the main features of interest. I use an old Astron switcher with good success with my K2/100 set-up. My K3/100 runs from a much heavier Astron 35 amp transformer-type supply -- just because I have it :-) 73, Phil W7OX On 9/21/14, 3:50 AM, Howard Sherer wrote: > A few years ago there was some discussion here > about a very small 12 v 20A switching PSU with > very low noise that was designed for radio use. > I am now interested in one for use with my KX3 & > KXPA. Can someone point me in the right direction. > > Howard AE3T From lists at subich.com Sun Sep 21 11:43:22 2014 From: lists at subich.com (Joe Subich, W4TV) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 11:43:22 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS In-Reply-To: <1411310886.82872.YahooMailNeo@web181603.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> References: <541EAD92.1000500@lehigh.edu> <000601cfd5a9$88a27050$99e750f0$@net> <1411310886.82872.YahooMailNeo@web181603.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <541EF21A.9000508@subich.com> It's a shame they can't put powerpoles on the *BACK* of those supplies - particularly the back of the "metered" version. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-09-21 10:48 AM, Mike Furrey wrote: > Go with the powerwerx unit. I have, it is a very good, compact power supply. > http://www.powerwerx.com/power-supplies/?gclid=CMD4tdLG8sACFc1i7AodNwMAqw > > 73, Mike WA5POK > > > On Sunday, September 21, 2014 10:37 AM, Jeff Herr wrote: > > > > this one is smaller..... http://www.gammaresearch.net/hps-1a.html > > than this one... > http://www.powerwerx.com/power-supplies/variable-digital-meters-30-amp-deskt > op-power-supply.html > > but the power werx unit is electrically quiet, costs less, has accurate I & > E meters, and is variable. > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Nick > Garner > Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2014 03:59 AM > To: howardms at Lehigh.EDU > Cc: Elecraft Reflector > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS > > I have used the Gamma Research HPS-1a for several years and love it. It fits > easily in my K3 pelican case. . Output is 22A at 25 percent duty. > > http://www.gammaresearch.net/hps-1a.html > > Nick > N3WG > On Sep 21, 2014 7:51 PM, "Howard Sherer" wrote: > >> A few years ago there was some discussion here about a very small 12 v >> 20A switching PSU with very low noise that was designed for radio use. >> I am now interested in one for use with my KX3 & KXPA. Can someone >> point me in the right direction. >> >> Howard AE3T >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net/Please help support this email >> list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.htmlMessage delivered to >> nwgarner at gmail.com >> > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net/ > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.htmlMessage > delivered to herr42 at comcast.net > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 mikefurrey at att.net > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 lists at subich.com > From avavra1 at verizon.net Sun Sep 21 12:04:45 2014 From: avavra1 at verizon.net (KD3RF) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 09:04:45 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] FS: MicroHAM Microkeyer I $75 Message-ID: <1411315485626-7593271.post@n2.nabble.com> Hello to all on the Group. I am selling my MicroHAM MicroKeyer I and want to offer it to this group first before putting it on the "E" place. I am asking $75 including shipping to the lower 48. PayPal. USPS money order or personal check OK. *MicroHAM MicroKeyer I* Includes *unterminated* DB37 cable (/you will have to add your own connectors on the rig side of the cable/), instruction manual on USB memory stick. MicroHam software and RJ-45 / 8pin pin microphone cable Works great, all digital modes, USB ports for Rig, K1EL keyer built-in. No COM nor LPT port necessary, just one USB port and sound card Complete "Computer <-> Radio" galvanic isolation bidirectional transformer isolation of sound card and radio optical isolation of ALL digital signals -> Radio Control, CW, 2xPTT, FSK, PA from USB port Compatible with all MS Windows based logging or control software the special microHAM "USB Device Router" program creates virtual COM ports which allow full functionality with your favorite logging program customizable presets allow instantly changing micro KEYER parameters to match the program currently in use No COM nor LPT port necessary, just one USB port and sound card. Compatible with all MS Windows based logging or control software- the special microHAM "USB Device Router" program creates virtual COM ports which allow functionality with your favorite logging program - customizable presets allow instantly changing micro KEYER parameters to match the program currently in use Contact me using my call ? KD3RF - on the ARRL eMail reflector @ARRL.net -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/FS-MicroHAM-Microkeyer-I-75-tp7593271.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Sun Sep 21 13:19:43 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 10:19:43 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] The K3 and the future In-Reply-To: <541E8B7D.2040804@gmail.com> References: <541E715C.70400@gmail.com> <541E830A.4030000@audiosystemsgroup.com> <541E8B7D.2040804@gmail.com> Message-ID: <541F08AF.7000305@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Sun,9/21/2014 1:25 AM, Vic Rosenthal K2VCO wrote: > There is nothing like the K3 for multi-transmitter contests, > DXpeditions and field day. It matters a LOT more than that -- KE1B is 8 miles from me with an ICOM 7600 and tube amp. On CW, he regularly wipes out 10 kHz of whatever band he is on for me and for K6XX. SSB is worse. 73, Jim K9YC From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Sun Sep 21 13:27:09 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Jim via Elecraft) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 13:27:09 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] remote with P3 Message-ID: <829dc.6f2baba8.4150646d@aol.com> I have 2 K3-100 operating FB remote with Remote Rig boxes now. I want to add M2 RS232 rotor control, Steppir, P3, And Microham Microkeyer II. Any help on how to hook up, Y cables, ports, speeds, setup etc. Jim K5AUP From kl7uw at acsalaska.net Sun Sep 21 13:47:48 2014 From: kl7uw at acsalaska.net (Edward R Cole) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 09:47:48 -0800 Subject: [Elecraft] (no subject) Message-ID: <201409211747.s8LHlmO7000399@denali.acsalaska.net> I have 162.425 programmed in my KX3-2M and works just fine! The NOAA station is only 20 miles away and received at S7 with a base station vertical at 20-feet. I was initially frustrated by the memory editor but found that I could direct enter the frequency following the steps in the KX3 manual on page 17 - Frequency Memories, after direct entering the frequency per page 10. More involved than using the memory editor but it works! I do not find the sensitivity roll-off noticeable at 162 MHz. 73, Ed - KL7UW The K3 cannot tune that high if using 28-MHz as IF. I find Tx level unusable above 146-MHz (30-MHz) as output drops off quickly above this though the Rx receives well to 32-MHz. My 50w transverter is only driven to 7w on 146.52 by my K3 (30.52 MHz). ---------------- From: "Joe Subich, W4TV" To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Freq Editor req for update - allow entry of WX freqs Message-ID: <541E00CF.6050706 at subich.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed The K3/KX3 can't tune those frequencies ... even with the 2 meter transverters. Those frequencies would be well above 30 MHz (IF limit). 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-09-20 5:31 PM, Jeff Herr wrote: > Would it be possible to get the k3/kx3 freq memory editor ver 1.3.3.0 > updated to allow entry of the NOAA weather channels? > > 162.400, .425, .450, .475, 162.500, .525, .550 > > currently i get a little red exclamation mark error. > > > > Jeff Herr, WW6L > 4636 Kelton Way > Sacramento, Ca 95838 > 916.925.6089 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com "Kits made by KL7UW" Dubus Mag business: dubususa at gmail.com From k2vco.vic at gmail.com Sun Sep 21 13:49:57 2014 From: k2vco.vic at gmail.com (Vic Rosenthal K2VCO) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 20:49:57 +0300 Subject: [Elecraft] The K3 and the future In-Reply-To: <541EAFCB.3030003@nycap.rr.com> References: <541E8B7D.2040804@gmail.com> <541EAFCB.3030003@nycap.rr.com> Message-ID: <541F0FC5.8050109@gmail.com> Non-ionizing radiation is electromagnetic radiation, like HF - UHF radio waves, that doesn't have enough energy to knock electrons off of atoms. X-rays, Gamma rays, ultraviolet light, etc., is ionizing radiation. We know ionizing radiation can be dangerous. Some people think that non-ionizing radiation is dangerous too, so for example they tell you not to hold your cellphone to your ear for 20 hours a day. In Israel, in response to national hysteria about the 'danger' from cell towers, the government passed laws requiring approval of all transmitting antennas. A ham is supposed to file an application, including calculations of field strength at various points around his antennas, and it has to be approved before he can put up an antenna (or even request planning permission for an antenna). In the US, the FCC has an "RF safety" requirement but it's just pro-forma. On 9/21/2014 2:00 PM, W2BLC wrote: > I shudder to think, but must ask: What is a "non-ionizing radiation > permit?" -- 73, Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP Rehovot, Israel http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ From tomb18 at videotron.ca Sun Sep 21 14:22:41 2014 From: tomb18 at videotron.ca (Tom Blahovici) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 14:22:41 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] remote with P3 Message-ID: <0NC900F6AKDUAZA0@VL-VM-MR004.ip.videotron.ca> Hi What you wish can be done with Win4k3suite.? It has the ability to allow third party apps to connect to it. It also allows the use of a Web cam or hardware video capture port and have full control of the p3. This can be installed on the remote machine and then you can use Team viewer to control it remotely. There are many clients for Team viewer. You can even use your phone if you wish. va2fsq.com 73's Tom On Sep 21, 2014 1:27 PM, Jim via Elecraft wrote: > > I have 2 K3-100 operating FB remote with Remote Rig boxes now. I want? to > add M2 RS232 rotor control, Steppir,? P3, And Microham Microkeyer II.? Any > help on how to hook up, Y cables, ports, speeds, setup etc. > Jim > K5AUP > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 tomb18 at videotron.ca From howardbnhm at gmail.com Sun Sep 21 15:54:13 2014 From: howardbnhm at gmail.com (Howard Benham) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 14:54:13 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] Non-ionizing radiation permit Message-ID: <26F84BCA-DA49-4F1C-8C6E-A6345808FB04@gmail.com> That's a permit designed by a government Leach to suck money from the tax payer. :-) we have thousands of those here in the US. Howard Benham KG5AON Sent from my iPhone From kissov at me.com Sun Sep 21 16:03:58 2014 From: kissov at me.com (Richard Thorpe) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 17:03:58 -0300 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 Encoder Upgrade Message-ID: <3FA45411-B31F-4D8F-8860-B45E22F1C324@me.com> Does anyone out there know if the Elacraft encoder upgrade kit for the KX3 comes with the allen wrench to remove and install the knob. Thank you. R Thorpe K6CG From k3ndm at comcast.net Sun Sep 21 16:07:03 2014 From: k3ndm at comcast.net (k3ndm at comcast.net) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 20:07:03 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [Elecraft] The K3 and the future In-Reply-To: <541F08AF.7000305@audiosystemsgroup.com> References: <541E715C.70400@gmail.com> <541E830A.4030000@audiosystemsgroup.com> <541E8B7D.2040804@gmail.com> <541F08AF.7000305@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: <224720396.8972230.1411330023292.JavaMail.root@comcast.net> Jim, Your problem may be the stations you call out. There are several problems with some of the gear on the air. First, is phase noise from the L.O. being amplified as well as the intended signal. That's a design issue with the basic radio. The other problem may be the operator. I have noticed that there are narrow band signals on the air and some not so narrow band signals, particularly with amplified SSB signals. The not so narrow band signals can be attributed over drive of the amplifier, improper driver adjustment, and probably to a lessor degree design. If you are running a panadapter or equivalent, you'll see what I have found. I live in the midst of a number of hams, some are running amps and one is just under a mile away. My KX3 has tolerated this "abuse" without me needing to do something special. Hopefully, you'll be able to work something out. 73, Barry K3NDM ----- Original Message ----- From: "jim" To: "elecraft" Sent: Sunday, September 21, 2014 1:19:43 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] The K3 and the future On Sun,9/21/2014 1:25 AM, Vic Rosenthal K2VCO wrote: > There is nothing like the K3 for multi-transmitter contests, > DXpeditions and field day. It matters a LOT more than that -- KE1B is 8 miles from me with an ICOM 7600 and tube amp. On CW, he regularly wipes out 10 kHz of whatever band he is on for me and for K6XX. SSB is worse. 73, Jim K9YC ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k3ndm at comcast.net From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Sun Sep 21 17:06:32 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 14:06:32 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Non-ionizing radiation permit In-Reply-To: <26F84BCA-DA49-4F1C-8C6E-A6345808FB04@gmail.com> References: <26F84BCA-DA49-4F1C-8C6E-A6345808FB04@gmail.com> Message-ID: <541F3DD8.9020907@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Sun,9/21/2014 12:54 PM, Howard Benham wrote: > That's a permit designed by a government Leach to suck money from the tax payer. No, it's a verification that the proposed antenna and transmitter will pose a biological hazard to people nearby. If you've read the FCC Rules in the last 20 years, you will know that we are required to have done such a study to confirm that we comply with FCC Standards, but we are not required to file it. 73, Jim K9YC From matt.vk2rq at gmail.com Sun Sep 21 17:08:34 2014 From: matt.vk2rq at gmail.com (Matt VK2RQ) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 07:08:34 +1000 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 Encoder Upgrade In-Reply-To: <3FA45411-B31F-4D8F-8860-B45E22F1C324@me.com> References: <3FA45411-B31F-4D8F-8860-B45E22F1C324@me.com> Message-ID: I don't think so -- you get an allen key with the KX3 itself (both factory and kit versions), as this is needed to adjust the drag on the tuning knob. If you have lost your key, when you order the encoder upgrade, in the comments field ask them to add an allen key to your order (mail parts at electraft.com to get the part number). 73, Matt VK2RQ. On 22 Sep 2014, at 6:03 am, Richard Thorpe wrote: > Does anyone out there know if the Elacraft encoder upgrade kit for the KX3 comes with the allen wrench to remove and install the knob. Thank you. > > R Thorpe K6CG > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 matt.vk2rq at gmail.com From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Sun Sep 21 17:32:25 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Jim H via Elecraft) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 17:32:25 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 Encoder Upgrade Message-ID: Hi Richard, The Allen wrench is a 5/64, which you could get at a local hardware/tool store. The encoder upgrade does not come with an Allen wrench, my upgrade kit did not. Jim H K7SSS In a message dated 9/21/2014 2:12:13 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, matt.vk2rq at gmail.com writes: I don't think so -- you get an allen key with the KX3 itself (both factory and kit versions), as this is 73, Matt VK2RQ. On 22 Sep 2014, at 6:03 am, Richard Thorpe wrote: > Does anyone out there know if the Elacraft encoder upgrade kit for the KX3 comes with the allen wrench to remove and install the knob. Thank you. > > R Thorpe K6CG > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 matt.vk2rq at gmail.com ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k7sss at aol.com From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Sun Sep 21 17:50:34 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 14:50:34 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Non-ionizing radiation permit In-Reply-To: <541F3DD8.9020907@audiosystemsgroup.com> References: <26F84BCA-DA49-4F1C-8C6E-A6345808FB04@gmail.com> <541F3DD8.9020907@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: <541F482A.8040002@audiosystemsgroup.com> Typo -- I meant to say "will NOT pose a biological hazard" 73, Jim K9YC On Sun,9/21/2014 2:06 PM, Jim Brown wrote: > On Sun,9/21/2014 12:54 PM, Howard Benham wrote: >> That's a permit designed by a government Leach to suck money from the >> tax payer. > > No, it's a verification that the proposed antenna and transmitter will > pose a biological hazard to people nearby. If you've read the FCC > Rules in the last 20 years, you will know that we are required to have > done such a study to confirm that we comply with FCC Standards, but we > are not required to file it. > > 73, Jim K9YC > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 jim at audiosystemsgroup.com > From gt-i at gmx.net Sun Sep 21 18:23:04 2014 From: gt-i at gmx.net (gt-i at gmx.net) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 00:23:04 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 Tuning noise with 2M module In-Reply-To: <541E1F7F.6020303@necg.de> References: <541DF068.2040205@gmx.net> <541E1F7F.6020303@necg.de> Message-ID: <541F4FC8.8060604@gmx.net> Mark & Olli, VFO NR reduced indeed the tuning noise. On a real antenna faintly audible w/o PREAMP. Great! The RXSHFT has to be set to "NOR" according to the manual, which I did. Thanks for the hints. 73 Gernot, DF5RF Am 21.09.2014 03:01, schrieb Mark Forsyth: > Did you turn VFO NR ? It's a per band setting IIRC > > > Cheers, > Mark F... > VK3ZMF / VK3KW > KX3 # 1675 > KXPA100 # 530 > Am 21.09.2014 02:44, schrieb Oliver Dr?se: > > Gernot, > > did you activate the RXSHFT on 2 m? That should take care of it. Think > there's a remark on that in the KX3-2M manual, too. > > 73, Olli - DH8BQA > > Contest, DX & radio projects: http://www.dh8bqa.de > > > Am 20.09.2014 23:23, schrieb gt-i at gmx.net: >> Hi folks, >> received my 2M module this week. Assembly went fine, everything as >> described in the instructions. >> TX works great, I can drive my PA with 1.5W. >> RX is also quite sensitive. Worked 2 stations via TR > 400km, both >> were running less power than I did. >> But: The tuning noise problem which I thought was solved (see my post >> over 1 year ago) is back alive. >> It is extremely uncomfortable on VHF since 75% of all stations will >> be really weak in the first place - until you turn the antenna. >> I'm not a big gun hence S&P is daily business. >> I noticed that tuning with the VFO knob creates more noise than using >> the little "B" knob in OFFS mode. >> >> Any ideas? >> Thanks! >> Gernot, DF5RF >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 droese at necg.de >> > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 gt-i at gmx.net > From k6dgw at foothill.net Sun Sep 21 18:52:18 2014 From: k6dgw at foothill.net (Fred Jensen) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 15:52:18 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3: NB - it works! In-Reply-To: <541EB20C.9010105@nycap.rr.com> References: <541EB20C.9010105@nycap.rr.com> Message-ID: <541F56A2.1030007@foothill.net> That's precisely the kind of noise a "noise blanker" is designed to take out. I've got several around me [including mine], and the weeds grow up in the spring along the fence lines and start the arcing. My neighbors allowed me to locate the offending flora and cut them down without asking every time. Then I got a K3, and haven't prowled the fence lines since. :-) The AGC parameters can also be of great value. From memory [thus don't quote me], AGC PLS NOR will put a small delay into the AGC action so the noise pulses, if short enough and mine are, won't activate the AGC. Between that and the NB, I hear neither fences nor NB artifacts. Sometimes I think the K3 AGC is maybe a tiny bit "overparameterized," I'm happy with what I finally ended up with and don't touch it anymore. :-) Too many choices for a ham of 61 years. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org On 9/21/2014 4:10 AM, W2BLC wrote: > Down the road is an electric fence that from time to time causes some > clicks on 75 meters. In the past this was not good news - you either > tolerated it or used the NB on whatever rig I was using. The NB then > caused the "broad front effect" resulting in lousy RX audio etc. > > Yesterday, I tried the NB on the K3 - what a wonderful surprise! It > worked with ruining anything. Perfect!!! No clicks and unspoiled arm > chair copy on 75 meters. It doesn't get better than that. > > Bill W2BLC K-Line From k6dgw at foothill.net Sun Sep 21 19:09:53 2014 From: k6dgw at foothill.net (Fred Jensen) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 16:09:53 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Non-ionizing radiation permit In-Reply-To: <541F3DD8.9020907@audiosystemsgroup.com> References: <26F84BCA-DA49-4F1C-8C6E-A6345808FB04@gmail.com> <541F3DD8.9020907@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: <541F5AC1.1060902@foothill.net> Actually, each of us is supposed to perform the analysis and file the results in our "station records." Those used to be log books. Mine is in one of my station notebooks now. I used something on-line [ARRL?], it was quick and simple and I just printed it and pasted it into my notebook. It was awhile ago, and I'm not sure which physical notebook it's in, I may do it again if I can find the on-line calculator, just in case the FCC visits. :-) It's by no means onerous, and no one is "sucking money" from us, it's free. Excessive levels of electromagnetic radiation can and will cause a variety of biological problems. All we're doing is validating that the levels from our stations are within standards. Not everything the government does is always bad. If I can find the online resource I used, I'll post a URL here for those who may be newer and haven't done it yet. And, Jim has already acknowledged the missing "not" between "will" and "pose" in his reply. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org On 9/21/2014 2:06 PM, Jim Brown wrote: > On Sun,9/21/2014 12:54 PM, Howard Benham wrote: >> That's a permit designed by a government Leach to suck money from the >> tax payer. > > No, it's a verification that the proposed antenna and transmitter will > pose a biological hazard to people nearby. If you've read the FCC Rules > in the last 20 years, you will know that we are required to have done > such a study to confirm that we comply with FCC Standards, but we are > not required to file it. > > 73, Jim K9YC From josh at voodoolab.com Sun Sep 21 19:42:28 2014 From: josh at voodoolab.com (Josh Fiden) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 16:42:28 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Non-ionizing radiation permit In-Reply-To: <541F5AC1.1060902@foothill.net> References: <26F84BCA-DA49-4F1C-8C6E-A6345808FB04@gmail.com> <541F3DD8.9020907@audiosystemsgroup.com> <541F5AC1.1060902@foothill.net> Message-ID: <541F6264.7030904@voodoolab.com> The original reference was a requirement in Israel, not USA. It may indeed be onerous. 73, Josh W6XU On 9/21/2014 4:09 PM, Fred Jensen wrote: > It's by no means onerous, and no one is "sucking money" from us, it's > free. From phystad at mac.com Sun Sep 21 22:55:27 2014 From: phystad at mac.com (Phil Hystad) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 19:55:27 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 Questions... Message-ID: <0B534457-A92A-4DF5-8A37-023A9E359593@mac.com> I have two questions (slightly related) about the KPA500. Question 1: Assuming that there is no transmitted signal at all, is there any difference in whether a KPA500 is switched into OPER mode or STBY? Does OPER mode, even though the KPA500 is not actually being used, draw more power are there any other reasons to make sure that the KPA500 is in STBY mode unless it is being used. Question 2: Is any harm caused when a KPA500 is left in OPER mode for long periods of time though idle? 73, phil, K7PEH From gary.mckelvie at btinternet.com Mon Sep 22 02:04:58 2014 From: gary.mckelvie at btinternet.com (Gary McKelvie) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 07:04:58 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America In-Reply-To: <996B18D0-4470-4A5E-9B05-EE1CD92B5F98@btinternet.com> References: <996B18D0-4470-4A5E-9B05-EE1CD92B5F98@btinternet.com> Message-ID: Hi to the list, Once again this list has answered my question. Thank you to all who have replied on list and direct to me. Much appreciated. Once I'm in a situation to I will be ordering direct rather than pay a dealer. 73 Gary G7USC Sent from my iPhone > On 22 Sep 2014, at 04:26, Don Palmer wrote: > > Hi all you pay is VAT I have bought a KPA 500,2xP3 and 2xKAT500 and all have only had VAT. > Good luck on what ever you do. > Don G6CMV > > Sent from my iPad From aardvarq at operamail.com Mon Sep 22 02:33:19 2014 From: aardvarq at operamail.com (ae6rq) Date: Sun, 21 Sep 2014 23:33:19 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] K1 with a strange XFIL problem... In-Reply-To: <4FF24DB3.60300@embarqmail.com> References: <4FF24DB3.60300@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <1411367599177-7593290.post@n2.nabble.com> Hi all - I wonder if this problem has ever been resolved? I have had the same issue for several years with mine (serial number 278, previously owned by K8RA who reported the same problem.) http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/On-a-K1-how-do-I-get-back-from-FL3-to-FL1-or-FL2-Menu-freezes-td7570579.html http://marc.info/?l=elecraft&m=105624414018316&w=2 and the thread to which I reply now: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K1-with-a-strange-XFIL-problem-tp7558513p7558526.html 72/73 Dave -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K1-with-a-strange-XFIL-problem-tp7558513p7593290.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From no9e at arrl.net Mon Sep 22 07:27:10 2014 From: no9e at arrl.net (Ignacy) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 04:27:10 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS In-Reply-To: <541EF21A.9000508@subich.com> References: <541EAD92.1000500@lehigh.edu> <000601cfd5a9$88a27050$99e750f0$@net> <1411310886.82872.YahooMailNeo@web181603.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> <541EF21A.9000508@subich.com> Message-ID: <1411385230531-7593292.post@n2.nabble.com> HPS1-A required reducing power in my K3 to about 60W. It works well with IC-7000 because this rig folds power with lower voltage. For me, HPS advantages are light weight and automatic 110/220C switching. It failed once under light service. Ignacy, NO9E -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/very-small-20A-switching-PS-tp7593251p7593292.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From beford at myfairpoint.net Mon Sep 22 07:36:19 2014 From: beford at myfairpoint.net (Bruce Beford) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 07:36:19 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Possible solution: K1 with a strange XFIL problem... Message-ID: <7B4B16F6B9724AEEAE3E5EDD223917C0@HPE250f> Yes I had this exact problem on one I repaired in July of 2012. It was traced to a short between the RIT/XIT switche to a trace on the board, where the switch lead had been bent over by the original builder before soldering. I corresponded with Don Wilhelm about this. Though he didn't provide the solution, our conversation led me to the tests that found it. Copied below is a repost of my last message to Don, after I resolved it. I don't recall if I posted this to the reflector or not. In any event, It may help someone in the future. I have a photo of the offending switch pin connection, if anyone wants it. Bruce Beford, N1RX Hi, Don. You may recall that I posted recently to the list about a strange problem with a K1. I resolved it today, and wanted to share the results with you. Here's a copy of my original post: OK, folks. Time to put on your thinking caps... I just purchased a used K1. Has NB, ATU and 4 band board, set for 7/10.1/14/21 MHz. All appears to be operating normally, except... When cycling through the crystal filter bandwidths from FL1-FL3, once FL3 is reached, all buttons become unresponsive. The VFO readout still works, but the MCU will not respond to any key presses. The filter does actually switch to the narrowest setting, based on the audio response. Cycling the power returns the rig to normal operation (on FL1), and all works fine again until trying to use FL3. About the only other anomaly I notice is what seems to be a louder pop in the speaker when switching in RIT or XIT than I remember from my last K1. I have not yet begun any troubleshooting (except for a full reset). Just thought I would poll the collective wisdom here before digging in. Actually, I'll be getting ready for Lobstercon over the next couple of days, so I don't know how much time I'll be able to commit until after the weekend. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- You and I both suspected a problem with the MCU, as there should no other circuitry involved, except the DAC and EEPROM. You also suggested perhaps replacing those ICs while in there. Fortunately, I have a friend who allowed me to borrow his working K1. Swapped the entire Front Panel board, mine works fine with his board. I then took his MCU chip and put it in my board, still have the problem. So, the problem was on my FP board, but not the MCU. One thing I did notice was a ticking noise in the audio with no antenna connected, almost like ignition noise in a vehicle, when using my board FP board but not when using my friend's. The ticking would disappear when I went to FL2. Ahh, another clue... I then decided to remove the DAC from my board and see what happens. Lo, The unit would now switch properly, FL3,FL2,FL1 and back to FL3 OK. Of course, it was not actually switching the filter bandwidth with the DAC out. I now had a pretty load, almost moterboating noise in the audio. I decided to ground what was the XFIL/TONE output pin of the DAC (pin 1) to see if it would quiet the audio. It did, BUT- it activated the RIT! Wait a minute- there should be no connection between the two.... but, there was. Upon extra careful inspection, I found that one lead on the RIT/XIT switch was not inserted through the board by the original builder. It was bent over, and was contacting pin 5 on J1 (the XFIL/TONE signal). The "moaterboating" I heard was actually the MCU driving the LCD pin and polling the input for the switch. This was not noticeable when the DAC was holding this line at a steady DC voltage. So, what was happening was when the DAC output it's lowest voltage for FL1 (about 1.6 volts), it would tickle the input pin on the MCU for the WPM+/FILTER switch. I believe the MCU would think the switch was being held in, therefore no other switches would work, until the unit was powered off. An original symptom (which I didn't recognize at the time) was when I noted that the RIT/XIT button seemed to generate an audio pop when used. That's because it was grounding the XFIL/TONE signal line. I reworked the switch connection, and all is fine now. I have attached a photo of the offending pin (not a good shot, but shows the connection in question). I thought you might like to hear about this one. Thanks for being a "sounding board", Don. I appreciate it. 73, Bruce, N1RX From k2mk at comcast.net Mon Sep 22 10:27:16 2014 From: k2mk at comcast.net (Mike K2MK) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 07:27:16 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 Questions... In-Reply-To: <0B534457-A92A-4DF5-8A37-023A9E359593@mac.com> References: <0B534457-A92A-4DF5-8A37-023A9E359593@mac.com> Message-ID: <1411396036866-7593294.post@n2.nabble.com> Hi Phil, I'll give you my opinion and I'll also assume that you are talking about your home shack and not a KPA500 that is operated remotely. I don't even use STBY. I have the menu set for the KPA500 to go into OPER on power up. When I don't want to use the KPA500 I just hit the power button to turn it off. The KPA500 is instant on so I don't see a lot of difference between STBY and OFF. I don't own a KAT500 so I don't know if my opinion would differ if I did. I wouldn't think leaving the KPA500 turned on for long periods of time is any different than leaving the K3 on for long periods of time. I suppose some aging occurs and of course power is consumed. 73, Mike K2MK Phil Hystad-3 wrote > I have two questions (slightly related) about the KPA500. > > Question 1: Assuming that there is no transmitted signal at all, is there > any difference in whether a KPA500 is switched into OPER mode or STBY? > Does OPER mode, even though the KPA500 is not actually being used, draw > more power are there any other reasons to make sure that the KPA500 is in > STBY mode unless it is being used. > > Question 2: Is any harm caused when a KPA500 is left in OPER mode for > long periods of time though idle? > > 73, phil, K7PEH > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: > Elecraft at .qth > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to > lists+1215531472858-365791 at .nabble -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA500-Questions-tp7593288p7593294.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From jhpike at cox.net Mon Sep 22 05:24:30 2014 From: jhpike at cox.net (Jon) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 02:24:30 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K2 RF ALC or Power level problem? Message-ID: <541FEACE.1070501@cox.net> Hello all... Long time no mailing list... I have a K2, with many addons, SSB, etc, have not done much ham radio the past several years, but have dusted things off and am working a few out there again. Something I've noticed, is that when I use the tune button, to auto tune the antenna tuner, I see about 5W output, no matter what the setting is. If I touch the power knob, it instantly jumps to the set power level. If I have the display set to read volts and amps, I get the set power level when I tune. Is this normal behavior, or do I have some kind of ALC level issue? Would this affect my output on SSB, (or any mode) leaving me at 5W despite my power knob setting? If this is a problem, was there a solution? As I type this, I almost feel I remember something about this, perhaps a tune only power reduction in the SW, to protect things? Not sure... I don't even remember what my FW version is, will look later. TIA... Jon, KA6MOK From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Mon Sep 22 11:34:57 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 11:34:57 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K2 RF ALC or Power level problem? In-Reply-To: <541FEACE.1070501@cox.net> References: <541FEACE.1070501@cox.net> Message-ID: <542041A1.5040705@embarqmail.com> Jon, I assume you have the KAT2 installed and set for AUTO. If so, the K2 reduces the power to 2 watts during tuning of the ATU. Yes, turning the power knob even a little will bring up the full power setting - that is normal. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/22/2014 5:24 AM, Jon wrote: > Hello all... > > Long time no mailing list... I have a K2, with many addons, SSB, > etc, have not done much ham radio the past several years, but have > dusted things off and am working a few out there again. > > Something I've noticed, is that when I use the tune button, to auto > tune the antenna tuner, I see about 5W output, no matter what the > setting is. If I touch the power knob, it instantly jumps to the set > power level. If I have the display set to read volts and amps, I > get the set power level when I tune. > > Is this normal behavior, or do I have some kind of ALC level issue? > Would this affect my output on SSB, (or any mode) leaving me at 5W > despite my power knob setting? If this is a problem, was there a > solution? > > As I type this, I almost feel I remember something about this, > perhaps a tune only power reduction in the SW, to protect things? Not > sure... > > I don't even remember what my FW version is, will look later. > > TIA... > > Jon, KA6MOK From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Mon Sep 22 12:29:46 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 09:29:46 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 Questions... In-Reply-To: <1411396036866-7593294.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <0B534457-A92A-4DF5-8A37-023A9E359593@mac.com> <1411396036866-7593294.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <54204E7A.7040609@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Mon,9/22/2014 7:27 AM, Mike K2MK wrote: > I suppose some aging occurs and of course power is consumed. If you lived in California, you would think differently about that. Thanks to the crooks at Enron, our differential rate is currently $0.36 per kWh, and that's year round. 73, Jim K9YC From aardvarq at operamail.com Mon Sep 22 12:38:32 2014 From: aardvarq at operamail.com (David Beal) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 09:38:32 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Possible solution: K1 with a strange XFIL problem... In-Reply-To: <7B4B16F6B9724AEEAE3E5EDD223917C0@HPE250f> References: <7B4B16F6B9724AEEAE3E5EDD223917C0@HPE250f> Message-ID: <1411403912.1946455.170394101.4F5ABFEC@webmail.messagingengine.com> Thank you Bruce! Your description below aligns closely with what I had found previously where I learned that when changing the bandwidth of FL2 to approach that of FL3, the problem followed the filter bandwidth and not the switch position itself. I knew it was a voltage problem but hadn't had success to track it further. I'll take a look at the switch this week. 72 Dave AE6RQ On Mon, Sep 22, 2014, at 04:36 AM, Bruce Beford wrote: > Yes I had this exact problem on one I repaired in July of 2012. It was > traced to a short between the RIT/XIT switche to a trace on the board, > where > the switch lead had been bent over by the original builder before > soldering. > > I corresponded with Don Wilhelm about this. Though he didn't provide the > solution, our conversation led me to the tests that found it. Copied > below > is a repost of my last message to Don, after I resolved it. I don't > recall > if I posted this to the reflector or not. In any event, It may help > someone > in the future. I have a photo of the offending switch pin connection, if > anyone wants it. > Bruce Beford, N1RX > > Hi, Don. > You may recall that I posted recently to the list about a strange problem > with a K1. I resolved it today, and wanted to share the results with > you. > Here's a copy of my original post: > > OK, folks. > Time to put on your thinking caps... > I just purchased a used K1. Has NB, ATU and 4 band board, set for > 7/10.1/14/21 MHz. All appears to be operating normally, except... > When cycling through the crystal filter bandwidths from FL1-FL3, once FL3 > is > reached, all buttons become unresponsive. The VFO readout still works, > but > the MCU will not respond to any key presses. The filter does actually > switch > to the narrowest setting, based on the audio response. Cycling the power > returns the rig to normal operation (on FL1), and all works fine again > until > trying to use FL3. > > About the only other anomaly I notice is what seems to be a louder pop in > the speaker when switching in RIT or XIT than I remember from my last K1. > I > have not yet begun any troubleshooting (except for a full reset). Just > thought I would poll the collective wisdom here before digging in. > Actually, > I'll be getting ready for Lobstercon over the next couple of days, so I > don't know how much time I'll be able to commit until after the weekend. > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > You and I both suspected a problem with the MCU, as there should no other > circuitry involved, except the DAC and EEPROM. You also suggested perhaps > replacing those ICs while in there. > > Fortunately, I have a friend who allowed me to borrow his working K1. > Swapped the entire Front Panel board, mine works fine with his board. I > then > took his MCU chip and put it in my board, still have the problem. So, the > problem was on my FP board, but not the MCU. > > One thing I did notice was a ticking noise in the audio with no antenna > connected, almost like ignition noise in a vehicle, when using my board > FP > board but not when using my friend's. The ticking would disappear when I > went to FL2. Ahh, another clue... > > I then decided to remove the DAC from my board and see what happens. Lo, > The > unit would now switch properly, FL3,FL2,FL1 and back to FL3 OK. Of > course, > it was not actually switching the filter bandwidth with the DAC out. I > now > had a pretty load, almost moterboating noise in the audio. > > I decided to ground what was the XFIL/TONE output pin of the DAC (pin 1) > to > see if it would quiet the audio. It did, BUT- it activated the RIT! Wait > a > minute- there should be no connection between the two.... but, there was. > Upon extra careful inspection, I found that one lead on the RIT/XIT > switch > was not inserted through the board by the original builder. It was bent > over, and was contacting pin 5 on J1 (the XFIL/TONE signal). The > "moaterboating" I heard was actually the MCU driving the LCD pin and > polling > the input for the switch. This was not noticeable when the DAC was > holding > this line at a steady DC voltage. > > So, what was happening was when the DAC output it's lowest voltage for > FL1 > (about 1.6 volts), it would tickle the input pin on the MCU for the > WPM+/FILTER switch. I believe the MCU would think the switch was being > held > in, therefore no other switches would work, until the unit was powered > off. > An original symptom (which I didn't recognize at the time) was when I > noted > that the RIT/XIT button seemed to generate an audio pop when used. That's > because it was grounding the XFIL/TONE signal line. > > I reworked the switch connection, and all is fine now. I have attached a > photo of the offending pin (not a good shot, but shows the connection in > question). I thought you might like to hear about this one. > > Thanks for being a "sounding board", Don. I appreciate it. > 73, > Bruce, N1RX > > > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 aardvarq at operamail.com From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Mon Sep 22 12:43:06 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (WILLIS COOKE via Elecraft) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 09:43:06 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Digital Voice Recorder for K3 Message-ID: <1411404186.31386.YahooMailNeo@web181003.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> I have a DVR installed in my K3. I need to record a CW signal and then either put it on the air for the owner to hear (Voice ow CW) or make an MP3 or other audio file to send over the internet. Has anyone done this? Is it possible? I can make a recording and play it back on my K3 to record it with my computer, but I will lose some fidelity. Can I to this easier and better? Willis 'Cookie' Cooke, TDXS DX Chairman K5EWJ & Trustee N5BPS, USS Cavalla, USS Stewart From john at ae5x.com Mon Sep 22 15:14:19 2014 From: john at ae5x.com (John Harper) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 14:14:19 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] Digital Voice Recorder for K3 Message-ID: <000301cfd699$6b0e3fb0$412abf10$@ae5x.com> Just two weeks ago I bought an Olympus VN721-PC for the purpose you mentioned. A stereo audio cable connects it to the LINE OUT jack on the back of the K3. I recorded several DX stations with it (some of which I could barely hear in headphones) and was happy to see that the recorder captured the audio faithfully. I had worried that any impedance mismatch might cause some problems with fidelity but that is absolutely not the case - a non-issue. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Olympus-Audio-Recorder-VN-721PC/37645119 John AE5X http://www.ae5x.com/blog I need to record a CW signal and then either put it on the air for the owner to hear (Voice ow CW) or make an MP3 or other audio file to send over the internet. From howardbnhm at gmail.com Mon Sep 22 15:41:15 2014 From: howardbnhm at gmail.com (Howard Benham) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 14:41:15 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] Non-ionizing radiation Message-ID: Josh you got it right. The other 2 need to work on their sense of humor. :-) Howard KG5AON Sent from my iPhone From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Mon Sep 22 16:31:35 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 13:31:35 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Non-ionizing radiation In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <54208727.9000705@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Mon,9/22/2014 12:41 PM, Howard Benham wrote: > Josh you got it right. The other 2 need to work on their sense of humor. Politically driven statements that falsely portray reality are not funny. 73, Jim K9YC From w7aqk at cox.net Mon Sep 22 17:49:41 2014 From: w7aqk at cox.net (w7aqk at cox.net) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 14:49:41 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] End Fed Half Wave Message-ID: <5F343DCD48AC494AA28CA565B4F27B9E@TDYDell> Hi All, Here's a question for the antenna gurus among the group. It's about the best way to deploy an end fed half wave antenna. First of all, I assume most would say to put the entire antenna up in the air as high as possible, and in a horizontal plane. I understand the advantage of doing that. However, what about a situation where you only have one support? My first inclination would be to deploy the antenna like a sloper, with the far end at the top of the support, and the other end at, or near, the rig. I started wondering, though, about where the maximum radiation occurs. In a half wave antenna, the current max is more or less in the center of the antenna. So, would it be better to get the center of the antenna as high as possible (taking advantage of the one support you might have), and then maybe bending the other half back downwards, sort of in inverted vee fashion? That would be as opposed to just running the antenna up in a straight line to the top of the support, thus possibly only getting the center about half as high as the top of the support. Here's a more definitive description of what I am thinking about, and compares to the situation I have. I have a pole that goes up approx. 40 feet. If I deploy the EFHW in sloper fashion, with one end near the ground close to the rig, the center of the antenna would only be at approx. 20 feet. Also, On 40 meters (the band I would be using), the pole would need to be some 50+ feet from the rig. Alternatively, what if I move the center of the antenna up closer to the top of the pole, and have the rest of the antenna slope back down to another tie point? Wouldn't this be apt to work better, even though I have created something similar to an inverted vee? I know a couple of RVer's who do something similar. They have two poles in use, one of which is much taller. They deploy their antenna so that the mid point of the antenna is near the top of the tallest pole, then over to another shorter pole, and then back down that 2nd pole vertically--almost a somewhat slanted "U" shape. Their results seem to be decent, but I don't know if there is a better way to do it. Their method condenses the lateral space required to deploy the antenna, thus fitting within most RV sites. I don't know exactly what this does to the impedance at the feed point, but they use tuners to resolve any mismatch. The pole I have is somewhat taller than either of the ones they use. Anyway, I assume I could do the sloper approach without creating any serious issues, but I'm curious about what others think of the "vee" approach to get the antenna center higher. I appreciate any suggestions. Dave W7AQK From lromero at ij.net Mon Sep 22 18:16:07 2014 From: lromero at ij.net (Lu Romero) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 18:16:07 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] - For Sale: K1-4/2 with options Message-ID: <54209fa7.3bd.6364.720032848@ij.net> K1 #2539 for sale I would like to sell my K1-4/2 for personal reasons. The rig comes with the following options: - Finger Dimple - LCD Backlight kit - KFL1-4 Four band module with o 40 meters o 30 meters o 20 meters o 17 meters - KFL1-2 Two band module (not installed) with o 80 meters o 15 meters - KAT1 Internal Antenna Tuner - KNB1 Noise Blanker Also included are a 12v 4amp power cube type power supply with integral barrel plug and IEC Cable, a spare power cable with molded power barrel plug and tinned ends, Original factory printed assembly manual annotated with build notes plus latest downloaded factory manual with all errata fixed, all the separate manuals for the options, additional 15 meter crystal plus parts to remove 17 meters and add 15 meters to the 4 band module and all leftover assembly parts, factory tools and jigs in original factory bag. Rig is 9.5 on a scale of 10 cosmetically (small scuff on one side panel) and 10 of 10 operationally. Has been with me literally around the world in my backpack but sadly, I don?t travel much anymore, my life has gotten complicated and it sees little use. A great rig like this should be used! Will be professionally packed and delivered via UPS ground to the lower 48 states. I really don?t need anything to trade for, or else I would keep it. Over $600 new in 2009, offering this very nice and well optioned K1 for $475, which includes shipping as described above. Terms are Cashier?s Check or Postal Money order. A scan of the funds transfer document emailed to me holds it in your name until I receive the actual document, then I will ship. I will not cash the document until I receive confirmation that you received the radio from UPS. Please, no funny business! Email direct (please, not here on the list!) for additional information and photographs. I?m good in QRZ. 73 ? Lu Romero ? W4LT Tampa, Fl. From w4jbb at charter.net Mon Sep 22 19:00:52 2014 From: w4jbb at charter.net (Joel Black) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 18:00:52 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] Key Clicks / Ringing - September Experiment Message-ID: <5420AA24.5050902@charter.net> I am almost reluctant to post this. I know there will be some that will not take this as it was intended. Regardless, here is my disclaimer: Don't take this as griping, complaining, beating a dead horse, etc. These are strictly *my* observations at *my* station operating the way *I* operate - QRP op, casual CW op, casual CW / RTTY contester, casual chaser of DX. These observations are, therefore, subjective based on my operating. I think it's always good to experiment a bit with your particular setup. I have, for the month of September to this point, been experimenting with simplifying my station. I took the K3/P3 combo off my desk and have just been playing around with the KX3 exclusively - no panadapter; just the KX3 and the power supply. I have discovered that the K3/P3 combo has spoiled me. In a separate blog post draft, here are some notes comparing the KX3 to the K3 I made: The ATU on the KX3 is not a per band setting as it is on the K3. I created a macro to work around this. I can only have two macros loaded in the KX3 at any given time. The K3 can have up to eight (I think I have four and could truly reduce that to two or three - I wouldn't need the ATU macro). Hitting RCL on the KX3 means I *must* turn VFO A whether I want to QSY or not. On the K3, if I decide I hit the button by mistake, I can hit it again and clear my mistake. VFO B tunes too slowly - yes, it can be made to tune more coarse in the menu. My absolute biggest annoyances are the key clicks and digital ringing when working split / dual watch in either mode. The *only* way I found to get rid of the key clicks was to turn off dual watch and just operate split. However, if I read the manual correctly, this eliminates the ability to listen to both VFO A and VFO B. The KX3 Operating Manual, Rev B4, June 01, 2012 it states, "Dual Watch Limitations... A wider roofing filter than normal will be selected automatically, if required, based on the frequency span between VFO A and VFO B." Reading that, my thinking is that I'm *not* going to get the ringing/key clicks out unless I get a set of headphones that will allow me to adjust the volume individually for L and R *or* just turn AF gain all the way down while transmitting. I think both the former and latter have been mentioned on the list. I have turned up the QSK to .020 and that *almost* eliminates the clicks and ringing. Honestly, I could probably live with the clicks to an extent. The ringing drives me batty - it's painful. NR is off. I'm trying to decide now how much of the time I actually operate and "need" to operate with the dual watch function on. I suspect after the W1AW/p event is over, that "need" will go down to around 10% or so - perhaps even lower. Now, take this as it was intended - I'm not asking that the KX3 do something for which it was not intended - like I said at the start, the K3 has spoiled me. The KX3 is a fantastic rig! I have thoroughly enjoyed using it this month. 73/72, Joel - W4JBB From tomb18 at videotron.ca Mon Sep 22 19:13:57 2014 From: tomb18 at videotron.ca (tomb18 at videotron.ca) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 19:13:57 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3: Is this a serious error in KX3 Firmware affecting the IQ output? In-Reply-To: <7730e31a31ac2.5420ad14@videotron.ca> References: <7710a9ee35224.5420a860@videotron.ca> <7680eb5d3012a.5420a89d@videotron.ca> <7710c05b34e04.5420a8d9@videotron.ca> <7730933936f8d.5420a915@videotron.ca> <7750d13e37a9a.5420aaba@videotron.ca> <75f0daa132ff4.5420aaf6@videotron.ca> <762098ef374c9.5420abe6@videotron.ca> <7790cf32337c7.5420ac23@videotron.ca> <7600b32d31e4d.5420ac5f@videotron.ca> <77908be233a7d.5420ac9b@videotron.ca> <76d08e6d320d8.5420acd8@videotron.ca> <7730e31a31ac2.5420ad14@videotron.ca> Message-ID: <76d0eb5b37028.542074f5@videotron.ca> Hello,I received reports recently about the signal peaks that are seen in software based panadapters appear to shift by approximately 1.25kHz when the bandwidth control is changed from 1.8 to 1.7. in USB mode on the K3 At 1.8 the IS command returns 1500 in USB and the BW command returns BW0180 AT 1.7 the IS command returns 1500 in USB and the BW command returns BW0170 which is normal behavior. I have investigated this and it indeed happens when the bandwidth is changed from 1.8 to 1.7 The sound of the signal nor the tuning of the radio is changed. However, a QSY to the original peak will detune the signal. This has been confirmed in Win4K3Suite, NAP3 and HDSDR. Can someone check this please on the PX3? This is on the latest firmware of 2.19 Thanks, Tom va2fsq From k7mw78 at gmail.com Mon Sep 22 19:20:34 2014 From: k7mw78 at gmail.com (Rick Dettinger) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 16:20:34 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] End Fed Half Wave In-Reply-To: <5F343DCD48AC494AA28CA565B4F27B9E@TDYDell> References: <5F343DCD48AC494AA28CA565B4F27B9E@TDYDell> Message-ID: <7BA4B007-200B-4795-8801-0A661434B3E9@gmail.com> I have a similar antenna. I would use the inverted "V" or "L" configuration. You want the center of the antenna as high as possible. Mine is an inverted "L", but the far end actually is about 20 feet below the center, which is 50 feet high. The maximum radiation is where the current is greatest, a quarter wave from the far end, which has no current. Mine works quite well for a single wire. I made it a little more than a half wave at the lowest frequency, so I can use a remote tuner at the base for other bands. I feed it against a less than great radial system for all bands, but for a half wave, this might not be very important. The base is 140 feet from my shack, fed with coax in a conduit. I also have a 43 foot vertical, which I can select by remote switch. Except on 20 M, the inverted "L" usually works better. 73, Rick K7MW On Sep 22, 2014, at 2:49 PM, wrote: > Hi All, > > Here's a question for the antenna gurus among the group. It's about the best way to deploy an end fed half wave antenna. > > First of all, I assume most would say to put the entire antenna up in the air as high as possible, and in a horizontal plane. I understand the advantage of doing that. However, what about a situation where you only have one support? My first inclination would be to deploy the antenna like a sloper, with the far end at the top of the support, and the other end at, or near, the rig. I started wondering, though, about where the maximum radiation occurs. In a half wave antenna, the current max is more or less in the center of the antenna. So, would it be better to get the center of the antenna as high as possible (taking advantage of the one support you might have), and then maybe bending the other half back downwards, sort of in inverted vee fashion? That would be as opposed to just running the antenna up in a straight line to the top of the support, thus possibly only getting the center about half as high as the top of the support. > > Here's a more definitive description of what I am thinking about, and compares to the situation I have. I have a pole that goes up approx. 40 feet. If I deploy the EFHW in sloper fashion, with one end near the ground close to the rig, the center of the antenna would only be at approx. 20 feet. Also, On 40 meters (the band I would be using), the pole would need to be some 50+ feet from the rig. Alternatively, what if I move the center of the antenna up closer to the top of the pole, and have the rest of the antenna slope back down to another tie point? Wouldn't this be apt to work better, even though I have created something similar to an inverted vee? > > I know a couple of RVer's who do something similar. They have two poles in use, one of which is much taller. They deploy their antenna so that the mid point of the antenna is near the top of the tallest pole, then over to another shorter pole, and then back down that 2nd pole vertically--almost a somewhat slanted "U" shape. Their results seem to be decent, but I don't know if there is a better way to do it. Their method condenses the lateral space required to deploy the antenna, thus fitting within most RV sites. I don't know exactly what this does to the impedance at the feed point, but they use tuners to resolve any mismatch. The pole I have is somewhat taller than either of the ones they use. > > Anyway, I assume I could do the sloper approach without creating any serious issues, but I'm curious about what others think of the "vee" approach to get the antenna center higher. > > I appreciate any suggestions. > > Dave W7AQK > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k7mw78 at gmail.com From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Mon Sep 22 19:21:09 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 16:21:09 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] End Fed Half Wave In-Reply-To: <5F343DCD48AC494AA28CA565B4F27B9E@TDYDell> References: <5F343DCD48AC494AA28CA565B4F27B9E@TDYDell> Message-ID: <5420AEE5.6090602@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Mon,9/22/2014 2:49 PM, w7aqk at cox.net wrote: > It's about the best way to deploy an end fed half wave antenna. Not necessarily the "best" way, but here's a really good feeding method if you have a suitable sky hook! Also look at N6LF's ideas, on his website. Google to find it. http://k9yc.com/VerticalDipole.pdf 73, Jim K9YC From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Mon Sep 22 19:25:27 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 19:25:27 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3: Is this a serious error in KX3 Firmware affecting the IQ output? In-Reply-To: <76d0eb5b37028.542074f5@videotron.ca> References: <7710a9ee35224.5420a860@videotron.ca> <7680eb5d3012a.5420a89d@videotron.ca> <7710c05b34e04.5420a8d9@videotron.ca> <7730933936f8d.5420a915@videotron.ca> <7750d13e37a9a.5420aaba@videotron.ca> <75f0daa132ff4.5420aaf6@videotron.ca> <762098ef374c9.5420abe6@videotron.ca> <7790cf32337c7.5420ac23@videotron.ca> <7600b32d31e4d.5420ac5f@videotron.ca> <77908be233a7d.5420ac9b@videotron.ca> <76d08e6d320d8.5420acd8@videotron.ca> <7730e31a31ac2.5420ad14@videotron.ca> <76d0eb5b37028.542074f5@videotron.ca> Message-ID: <5420AFE7.5080108@embarqmail.com> Tom, I don't know the answer, but what I can inject is the fact that the KX3 shifts to Weaver demodulation at some point, it may be at 1.7 kHz. That would affect the signal peaks without substantially changing the sound of the signal on the KX3. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/22/2014 7:13 PM, tomb18 at videotron.ca wrote: > Hello,I received reports recently about the signal peaks that are seen in software based panadapters appear to shift by approximately 1.25kHz when the bandwidth control is changed from 1.8 to 1.7. in USB mode on the K3 > > > At 1.8 the IS command returns 1500 in USB and the BW command returns BW0180 > AT 1.7 the IS command returns 1500 in USB and the BW command returns BW0170 which is normal behavior. > > > I have investigated this and it indeed happens when the bandwidth is changed from 1.8 to 1.7 > The sound of the signal nor the tuning of the radio is changed. However, a QSY to the original peak will detune the signal. > This has been confirmed in Win4K3Suite, NAP3 and HDSDR. > > > Can someone check this please on the PX3? > This is on the latest firmware of 2.19 > > > Thanks, Tom va2fsq > From tomb18 at videotron.ca Mon Sep 22 19:50:34 2014 From: tomb18 at videotron.ca (Tom Blahovici) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 19:50:34 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3: Is this a serious error in KX3 Firmware affecting the IQ output? Message-ID: <0NCB002SWU8C1D00@VL-VM-MR005.ip.videotron.ca> Hi If this is the case is there any way to determine exactly where or when this happens? Does it happen as I described?? Can one use the BW command to? actually compensate?? Does it occur in USB only? Thanks for any insight. 73's Tom On Sep 22, 2014 7:25 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > Tom, > > I don't know the answer, but what I can inject is the fact that the KX3 > shifts to Weaver demodulation at some point, it may be at 1.7 kHz. > That would affect the signal peaks without substantially changing the > sound of the signal on the KX3. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 9/22/2014 7:13 PM, tomb18 at videotron.ca wrote: > > Hello,I received reports recently about the signal peaks that are seen in software based panadapters appear to shift by approximately 1.25kHz when the bandwidth control is changed from 1.8 to 1.7. in USB mode on the K3 > > > > > > At 1.8 the IS command returns 1500 in USB and the BW command returns BW0180 > > AT 1.7 the IS command returns 1500 in USB and the BW command returns BW0170 which is normal behavior. > > > > > > I have investigated this and it indeed happens when the bandwidth is changed from 1.8 to 1.7 > > The sound of the signal nor the tuning of the radio is changed. However, a QSY to the original peak will detune the signal. > > This has been confirmed in Win4K3Suite, NAP3 and HDSDR. > > > > > > Can someone check this please on the PX3? > > This is on the latest firmware of 2.19 > > > > > > Thanks, Tom va2fsq > > > From jhpike at cox.net Mon Sep 22 20:06:27 2014 From: jhpike at cox.net (Jon) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 17:06:27 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K2 RF ALC or Power level problem? In-Reply-To: References: <541FEACE.1070501@cox.net> Message-ID: <5420B983.9000508@cox.net> Don... I was starting to remember that. According to my meter, I see 5W, though. Any setting for the tune level, or should I worry about that? Main thing is, I don't have some kind of issue that might have lowered my power output during normal operation. Sounds like a no. My next concern is how to check or adjust the ALC or mic gain levels, to see if I'm driving the radio properly... But that's probably another thread, as well as the question "has any K2 updates come out since I was last here?" Thanks... Jon KA6MOK On 9/22/2014 8:34 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > Jon, > > I assume you have the KAT2 installed and set for AUTO. > If so, the K2 reduces the power to 2 watts during tuning of the ATU. > > Yes, turning the power knob even a little will bring up the full power > setting - that is normal. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 9/22/2014 5:24 AM, Jon wrote: >> Hello all... >> >> Long time no mailing list... I have a K2, with many addons, SSB, >> etc, have not done much ham radio the past several years, but have >> dusted things off and am working a few out there again. >> >> Something I've noticed, is that when I use the tune button, to auto >> tune the antenna tuner, I see about 5W output, no matter what the >> setting is. If I touch the power knob, it instantly jumps to the >> set power level. If I have the display set to read volts and >> amps, I get the set power level when I tune. >> >> Is this normal behavior, or do I have some kind of ALC level issue? >> Would this affect my output on SSB, (or any mode) leaving me at 5W >> despite my power knob setting? If this is a problem, was there a >> solution? >> >> As I type this, I almost feel I remember something about this, >> perhaps a tune only power reduction in the SW, to protect things? >> Not sure... >> >> I don't even remember what my FW version is, will look later. >> >> TIA... >> >> Jon, KA6MOK > From w0eb at cox.net Mon Sep 22 20:24:28 2014 From: w0eb at cox.net (Jim Sheldon) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 19:24:28 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] PX3 kits are shipping Message-ID: <64337DFC-FAE2-4C20-BE68-D8F06724DE1A@cox.net> Great news, the kit PX3's are shipping. Got my tracking# a couple hours ago for USPS 2 day Priority Mail. Ought to be here Wednesday if things run true to previous form. Jim - W0EB Sent from my iPad From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Mon Sep 22 20:33:10 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 20:33:10 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K2 RF ALC or Power level problem? In-Reply-To: <5420B983.9000508@cox.net> References: <541FEACE.1070501@cox.net> <5420B983.9000508@cox.net> Message-ID: <5420BFC6.2060208@embarqmail.com> Jon, I would be suspicious that the wattmeter in the KAT2 is not properly balanced and calibrated for forward power. The K2 uses the DC output from that wattmeter to tell the MCU what the actual output power is, but if it is not properly calibrated, that DC voltage will not be correct and the K2 will not develop the expected power output. Review the Nulling (balance) procedure in the KAT2 manual, and then after doing that procedure, set the forward power calibration to agree with your external meter - of course that must be done with a good non-reactive 50 ohm dummy load attached. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/22/2014 8:06 PM, Jon wrote: > Don... > > I was starting to remember that. According to my meter, I see 5W, > though. Any setting for the tune level, or should I worry about that? > > Main thing is, I don't have some kind of issue that might have > lowered my power output during normal operation. Sounds like a no. > > My next concern is how to check or adjust the ALC or mic gain levels, > to see if I'm driving the radio properly... But that's probably > another thread, as well as the question "has any K2 updates come out > since I was last here?" > > Thanks... > > Jon KA6MOK > > > On 9/22/2014 8:34 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> Jon, >> >> I assume you have the KAT2 installed and set for AUTO. >> If so, the K2 reduces the power to 2 watts during tuning of the ATU. >> >> Yes, turning the power knob even a little will bring up the full >> power setting - that is normal. >> >> 73, >> Don W3FPR >> >> On 9/22/2014 5:24 AM, Jon wrote: >>> Hello all... >>> >>> Long time no mailing list... I have a K2, with many addons, SSB, >>> etc, have not done much ham radio the past several years, but have >>> dusted things off and am working a few out there again. >>> >>> Something I've noticed, is that when I use the tune button, to auto >>> tune the antenna tuner, I see about 5W output, no matter what the >>> setting is. If I touch the power knob, it instantly jumps to the >>> set power level. If I have the display set to read volts and >>> amps, I get the set power level when I tune. >>> >>> Is this normal behavior, or do I have some kind of ALC level >>> issue? Would this affect my output on SSB, (or any mode) leaving >>> me at 5W despite my power knob setting? If this is a problem, was >>> there a solution? >>> >>> As I type this, I almost feel I remember something about this, >>> perhaps a tune only power reduction in the SW, to protect things? >>> Not sure... >>> >>> I don't even remember what my FW version is, will look later. >>> >>> TIA... >>> >>> Jon, KA6MOK >> > From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Mon Sep 22 20:47:29 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 20:47:29 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3: Is this a serious error in KX3 Firmware affecting the IQ output? In-Reply-To: <0NCB002SWU8C1D00@VL-VM-MR005.ip.videotron.ca> References: <0NCB002SWU8C1D00@VL-VM-MR005.ip.videotron.ca> Message-ID: <5420C321.5050503@embarqmail.com> Tom, Look up Weaver demodulation on the web and you will see that when that demodulation technique is used, there will be content in the low frequency portion of the audio and aalso on the high end, with little signal in the middle of the audio spectrum. It should happen in both LSB and USB, and I believe the starting point is for a bandwidth of less than 1.8 kHz. It seems to me that the 'center of the passband' should be about halfway between the two peaks, but a closer study of Weaver demodulation may give you a better clue to deciding how it should be displayed. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/22/2014 7:50 PM, Tom Blahovici wrote: > Hi > If this is the case is there any way to determine exactly where or when this happens? Does it happen as I described? Can one use the BW command to actually compensate? Does it occur in USB only? > Thanks for any insight. > 73's Tom > > On Sep 22, 2014 7:25 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> Tom, >> >> I don't know the answer, but what I can inject is the fact that the KX3 >> shifts to Weaver demodulation at some point, it may be at 1.7 kHz. >> That would affect the signal peaks without substantially changing the >> sound of the signal on the KX3. >> >> 73, >> Don W3FPR >> >> On 9/22/2014 7:13 PM, tomb18 at videotron.ca wrote: >>> Hello,I received reports recently about the signal peaks that are seen in software based panadapters appear to shift by approximately 1.25kHz when the bandwidth control is changed from 1.8 to 1.7. in USB mode on the K3 >>> >>> >>> At 1.8 the IS command returns 1500 in USB and the BW command returns BW0180 >>> AT 1.7 the IS command returns 1500 in USB and the BW command returns BW0170 which is normal behavior. >>> >>> >>> I have investigated this and it indeed happens when the bandwidth is changed from 1.8 to 1.7 >>> The sound of the signal nor the tuning of the radio is changed. However, a QSY to the original peak will detune the signal. >>> This has been confirmed in Win4K3Suite, NAP3 and HDSDR. >>> >>> >>> Can someone check this please on the PX3? >>> This is on the latest firmware of 2.19 >>> >>> >>> Thanks, Tom va2fsq >>> From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Mon Sep 22 20:57:20 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 20:57:20 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3: Is this a serious error in KX3 Firmware affecting the IQ output? In-Reply-To: <0NCB002SWU8C1D00@VL-VM-MR005.ip.videotron.ca> References: <0NCB002SWU8C1D00@VL-VM-MR005.ip.videotron.ca> Message-ID: <5420C570.70401@embarqmail.com> Tom, There is another thing to consider, and that is whether the operator is using Shift and Width to control the bandwidth or whether he is using HiCut and LoCut. If using Shift and Width, the center frequency would remain the same as the Width is changed. In HiCut/LoCut the center frequency will change with those settings. The use of HiCut/LoCut for SSB is easier than trying to use Shift/Width because not too much can be cut from the low end if signal intelligibility is to be maintained, yet the high frequency end can be cut substantially and still maintain intelligibility (even though much of the individual voice characteristics will disappear. There does need to be some content in the 400 to 500 Hz part of the audio spectrum for the voice to be intelligible. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/22/2014 7:50 PM, Tom Blahovici wrote: > Hi > If this is the case is there any way to determine exactly where or when this happens? Does it happen as I described? Can one use the BW command to actually compensate? Does it occur in USB only? > Thanks for any insight. > 73's Tom > > On Sep 22, 2014 7:25 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> Tom, >> >> I don't know the answer, but what I can inject is the fact that the KX3 >> shifts to Weaver demodulation at some point, it may be at 1.7 kHz. >> That would affect the signal peaks without substantially changing the >> sound of the signal on the KX3. >> >> 73, >> Don W3FPR >> >> On 9/22/2014 7:13 PM, tomb18 at videotron.ca wrote: >>> Hello,I received reports recently about the signal peaks that are seen in software based panadapters appear to shift by approximately 1.25kHz when the bandwidth control is changed from 1.8 to 1.7. in USB mode on the K3 >>> >>> >>> At 1.8 the IS command returns 1500 in USB and the BW command returns BW0180 >>> AT 1.7 the IS command returns 1500 in USB and the BW command returns BW0170 which is normal behavior. >>> >>> >>> I have investigated this and it indeed happens when the bandwidth is changed from 1.8 to 1.7 >>> The sound of the signal nor the tuning of the radio is changed. However, a QSY to the original peak will detune the signal. >>> This has been confirmed in Win4K3Suite, NAP3 and HDSDR. >>> >>> >>> Can someone check this please on the PX3? >>> This is on the latest firmware of 2.19 >>> >>> >>> Thanks, Tom va2fsq >>> From tomb18 at videotron.ca Mon Sep 22 21:01:48 2014 From: tomb18 at videotron.ca (Tom Blahovici) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 21:01:48 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3: Is this a serious error in KX3 Firmware affecting the IQ output? Message-ID: <0NCB0043WXJ1J460@VL-VM-MR006.ip.videotron.ca> Hi Don, Thanks for the info. I wish this was documented somewhere or perhaps I missed it.? But it seems that so did all the other software developers making pan adopters for the kx3. Perhaps someone from Elecraft could explain this and at exactly what point it occurs? Thanks again. On Sep 22, 2014 8:57 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > Tom, > > There is another thing to consider, and that is whether the operator is > using Shift and Width to control the bandwidth or whether he is using > HiCut and LoCut. > If using Shift and Width, the center frequency would remain the same as > the Width is changed. > In HiCut/LoCut the center frequency will change with those settings. > The use of HiCut/LoCut for SSB is easier than trying to use Shift/Width > because not too much can be cut from the low end if signal > intelligibility is to be maintained, yet the high frequency end can be > cut substantially and still maintain intelligibility (even though much > of the individual voice characteristics will disappear.? There does need > to be some content in the 400 to 500 Hz part of the audio spectrum for > the voice to be intelligible. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 9/22/2014 7:50 PM, Tom Blahovici wrote: > > Hi > > If this is the case is there any way to determine exactly where or when this happens? Does it happen as I described?? Can one use the BW command to? actually compensate?? Does it occur in USB only? > > Thanks for any insight. > > 73's Tom > > > > On Sep 22, 2014 7:25 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > >> Tom, > >> > >> I don't know the answer, but what I can inject is the fact that the KX3 > >> shifts to Weaver demodulation at some point, it may be at 1.7 kHz. > >> That would affect the signal peaks without substantially changing the > >> sound of the signal on the KX3. > >> > >> 73, > >> Don W3FPR > >> > >> On 9/22/2014 7:13 PM, tomb18 at videotron.ca wrote: > >>> Hello,I received reports recently about the signal peaks that are seen in software based panadapters appear to shift by approximately 1.25kHz when the bandwidth control is changed from 1.8 to 1.7. in USB mode on the K3 > >>> > >>> > >>> At 1.8 the IS command returns 1500 in USB and the BW command returns BW0180 > >>> AT 1.7 the IS command returns 1500 in USB and the BW command returns BW0170 which is normal behavior. > >>> > >>> > >>> I have investigated this and it indeed happens when the bandwidth is changed from 1.8 to 1.7 > >>> The sound of the signal nor the tuning of the radio is changed. However, a QSY to the original peak will detune the signal. > >>> This has been confirmed in Win4K3Suite, NAP3 and HDSDR. > >>> > >>> > >>> Can someone check this please on the PX3? > >>> This is on the latest firmware of 2.19 > >>> > >>> > >>> Thanks, Tom va2fsq > >>> > From k3ndm at comcast.net Mon Sep 22 21:08:04 2014 From: k3ndm at comcast.net (k3ndm at comcast.net) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 01:08:04 +0000 (UTC) Subject: [Elecraft] End Fed Half Wave In-Reply-To: <5F343DCD48AC494AA28CA565B4F27B9E@TDYDell> References: <5F343DCD48AC494AA28CA565B4F27B9E@TDYDell> Message-ID: <314130029.9899769.1411434484071.JavaMail.root@comcast.net> Dave, There are two ways to approach a response, a discussion of the theory or a practical implementation. I usually worry more about the practical. So, here goes. A half wave antenna in a perfectly vertical position radiates energy at low angles with little to no energy radiated upward. a 1/2 antenna that is horizontal at a height of 1/4 wave radiates energy at high angle and very little to the horizon. Everything else is somewhere in between. The question you need to answer is do you want to work DX or local nets. Your antenna configuration should follow that answer. The physical construction of the antenna is more a matter of what you can install. For instance, do you have the trees in the correct location to hang the antenna horizontally? Do you have a support high enough to make your antenna vertical. Do you have only one possible support that is not high enough to go vertical requiring an inverted Vee configuration? Typically, the physical problems are far greater than the theoretical. My suggestion is that you install the antenna in a manner that will keep it from falling and as far from your station as possible. Figure out whether you are going to chase DX or nets, and then change the antenna configuration to maximize that. There is no single perfect antenna nor is there a perfect single configuration. Everything with antennas is a compromise, so stick one up and see what happens. 73, Barry K3NDM ----- Original Message ----- From: w7aqk at cox.net To: "elecraft" Sent: Monday, September 22, 2014 5:49:41 PM Subject: [Elecraft] End Fed Half Wave Hi All, Here's a question for the antenna gurus among the group. It's about the best way to deploy an end fed half wave antenna. First of all, I assume most would say to put the entire antenna up in the air as high as possible, and in a horizontal plane. I understand the advantage of doing that. However, what about a situation where you only have one support? My first inclination would be to deploy the antenna like a sloper, with the far end at the top of the support, and the other end at, or near, the rig. I started wondering, though, about where the maximum radiation occurs. In a half wave antenna, the current max is more or less in the center of the antenna. So, would it be better to get the center of the antenna as high as possible (taking advantage of the one support you might have), and then maybe bending the other half back downwards, sort of in inverted vee fashion? That would be as opposed to just running the antenna up in a straight line to the top of the support, thus possibly only getting the center about half as high as the top of the support. Here's a more definitive description of what I am thinking about, and compares to the situation I have. I have a pole that goes up approx. 40 feet. If I deploy the EFHW in sloper fashion, with one end near the ground close to the rig, the center of the antenna would only be at approx. 20 feet. Also, On 40 meters (the band I would be using), the pole would need to be some 50+ feet from the rig. Alternatively, what if I move the center of the antenna up closer to the top of the pole, and have the rest of the antenna slope back down to another tie point? Wouldn't this be apt to work better, even though I have created something similar to an inverted vee? I know a couple of RVer's who do something similar. They have two poles in use, one of which is much taller. They deploy their antenna so that the mid point of the antenna is near the top of the tallest pole, then over to another shorter pole, and then back down that 2nd pole vertically--almost a somewhat slanted "U" shape. Their results seem to be decent, but I don't know if there is a better way to do it. Their method condenses the lateral space required to deploy the antenna, thus fitting within most RV sites. I don't know exactly what this does to the impedance at the feed point, but they use tuners to resolve any mismatch. The pole I have is somewhat taller than either of the ones they use. Anyway, I assume I could do the sloper approach without creating any serious issues, but I'm curious about what others think of the "vee" approach to get the antenna center higher. I appreciate any suggestions. Dave W7AQK ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k3ndm at comcast.net From dezrat at outlook.com Mon Sep 22 22:02:37 2014 From: dezrat at outlook.com (Bill Turner) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 19:02:37 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] End Fed Half Wave In-Reply-To: <5420AEE5.6090602@audiosystemsgroup.com> References: <5F343DCD48AC494AA28CA565B4F27B9E@TDYDell> <5420AEE5.6090602@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: ------------ ORIGINAL MESSAGE ------------(may be snipped) On Mon, 22 Sep 2014 16:21:09 -0700, k9yc wrote: > >Not necessarily the "best" way, but here's a really good feeding method >if you have a suitable sky hook! Also look at N6LF's ideas, on his >website. Google to find it. > >http://k9yc.com/VerticalDipole.pdf > >73, Jim K9YC REPLY: Very clever, just might try this myself. This is basically a variation on the ancient coaxial sleeve antenna, with a choke substituting for the separate sleeve. Nice! 50+ years ago I used the original coaxial sleeve antenna on six meters when I had a Tech license and it worked well. Thanks for the idea. 73, Bill W6WRT From kk5ib01 at gmail.com Mon Sep 22 23:18:27 2014 From: kk5ib01 at gmail.com (Darryl J Kelly) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 22:18:27 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] Low Serial Numbered K3 Message-ID: Any problems with buying a K3 with a low serial number, say that has had hardware updates and alignments? Darryl, KK5IB From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Mon Sep 22 23:47:03 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 23:47:03 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Low Serial Numbered K3 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <5420ED37.9000506@embarqmail.com> Darryl, I would say no problem at all. consistent with the Elecraft upgrade policy, even the earliest K3 can be upgraded to the most recent level. If all the hardware updates have been applied and the firmware updated, it is just as good as a brand new K3. If you want to check an older K3 to see if the hardware mods have been installed, go to the Mods and Notes tab on the Elecraft website www.elecraft.com and download the applicable mod instructions - most of them tell you how to check to see if the mod has been installed - some may require physical inspection, but others can be determined by easier means. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/22/2014 11:18 PM, Darryl J Kelly wrote: > Any problems with buying a K3 with a low serial number, say that has > had hardware updates and alignments? > Darryl, KK5IB > From k2vco.vic at gmail.com Tue Sep 23 00:29:57 2014 From: k2vco.vic at gmail.com (Vic Rosenthal) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 07:29:57 +0300 Subject: [Elecraft] End Fed Half Wave In-Reply-To: <7BA4B007-200B-4795-8801-0A661434B3E9@gmail.com> References: <5F343DCD48AC494AA28CA565B4F27B9E@TDYDell> <7BA4B007-200B-4795-8801-0A661434B3E9@gmail.com> Message-ID: <1E841683-5055-4334-A3EE-B2B49B9E4B90@gmail.com> I agree. I would just add that if you use an inverted L or V configuration, be sure the included angle is 90 degrees or greater. Otherwise there will be some cancellation of radiation from the two legs. As a thought experiment, consider what would happen if you reduced the angle to 0. That would make the antenna into a parallel line which wouldn't radiate at all. Vic, k2vco > On Sep 23, 2014, at 2:20 AM, Rick Dettinger wrote: > > I have a similar antenna. > I would use the inverted "V" or "L" configuration. You want the center of the antenna as high as possible. > Mine is an inverted "L", but the far end actually is about 20 feet below the center, which is 50 feet high. The maximum radiation is where the current is greatest, a quarter wave from the far end, which has no current. Mine works quite well for a single wire. I made it a little more than a half wave at the lowest frequency, so I can use a remote tuner at the base for other bands. I feed it against a less than great radial system for all bands, but for a half wave, this might not be very important. The base is 140 feet from my shack, fed with coax in a conduit. I also have a 43 foot vertical, which I can select by remote switch. Except on 20 M, the inverted "L" usually works better. > > 73, > Rick K7MW > > > > > >> On Sep 22, 2014, at 2:49 PM, wrote: >> >> Hi All, >> >> Here's a question for the antenna gurus among the group. It's about the best way to deploy an end fed half wave antenna. >> >> First of all, I assume most would say to put the entire antenna up in the air as high as possible, and in a horizontal plane. I understand the advantage of doing that. However, what about a situation where you only have one support? My first inclination would be to deploy the antenna like a sloper, with the far end at the top of the support, and the other end at, or near, the rig. I started wondering, though, about where the maximum radiation occurs. In a half wave antenna, the current max is more or less in the center of the antenna. So, would it be better to get the center of the antenna as high as possible (taking advantage of the one support you might have), and then maybe bending the other half back downwards, sort of in inverted vee fashion? That would be as opposed to just running the antenna up in a straight line to the top of the support, thus possibly only getting the center about half as high as the top of the support. >> >> Here's a more definitive description of what I am thinking about, and compares to the situation I have. I have a pole that goes up approx. 40 feet. If I deploy the EFHW in sloper fashion, with one end near the ground close to the rig, the center of the antenna would only be at approx. 20 feet. Also, On 40 meters (the band I would be using), the pole would need to be some 50+ feet from the rig. Alternatively, what if I move the center of the antenna up closer to the top of the pole, and have the rest of the antenna slope back down to another tie point? Wouldn't this be apt to work better, even though I have created something similar to an inverted vee? >> >> I know a couple of RVer's who do something similar. They have two poles in use, one of which is much taller. They deploy their antenna so that the mid point of the antenna is near the top of the tallest pole, then over to another shorter pole, and then back down that 2nd pole vertically--almost a somewhat slanted "U" shape. Their results seem to be decent, but I don't know if there is a better way to do it. Their method condenses the lateral space required to deploy the antenna, thus fitting within most RV sites. I don't know exactly what this does to the impedance at the feed point, but they use tuners to resolve any mismatch. The pole I have is somewhat taller than either of the ones they use. >> >> Anyway, I assume I could do the sloper approach without creating any serious issues, but I'm curious about what others think of the "vee" approach to get the antenna center higher. >> >> I appreciate any suggestions. >> >> Dave W7AQK >> >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k7mw78 at gmail.com > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k2vco.vic at gmail.com From wb3fsr at comcast.net Tue Sep 23 00:31:50 2014 From: wb3fsr at comcast.net (Peter D. Vouvounas) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 00:31:50 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 NAP3 & Win4K3 Off Frequency Message-ID: <0b4901cfd6e7$4d1a4370$e74eca50$@net> ? Anyone running NAP3 or Win4K3 notice the frequency selection and display in the panadaptor spectrum display/waterfall is off frequency? As I try to make selection or tune I seem to be chasing signals up and down the bands on LSB & USB. AM appears to be ok. Running latest firmware load 02.19 TIA 73 de WB3FSR PeterV Jersey Shore From wunder at wunderwood.org Tue Sep 23 00:43:41 2014 From: wunder at wunderwood.org (Walter Underwood) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 21:43:41 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] End Fed Half Wave In-Reply-To: <1E841683-5055-4334-A3EE-B2B49B9E4B90@gmail.com> References: <5F343DCD48AC494AA28CA565B4F27B9E@TDYDell> <7BA4B007-200B-4795-8801-0A661434B3E9@gmail.com> <1E841683-5055-4334-A3EE-B2B49B9E4B90@gmail.com> Message-ID: The radiation patten from a half wave antenna is the same whether it is end fed or center fed. An inverted vee is an inverted vee, regardless of whether you feed it at the center or the end. The same for a sloper. Put up the wire and the feed where it works for you, sloper, horizontal, or vee; and end or center fed. wunder K6WRU CM87wj http://observer.wunderwood.org/ On Sep 22, 2014, at 9:29 PM, Vic Rosenthal wrote: > I agree. I would just add that if you use an inverted L or V configuration, be sure the included angle is 90 degrees or greater. Otherwise there will be some cancellation of radiation from the two legs. As a thought experiment, consider what would happen if you reduced the angle to 0. That would make the antenna into a parallel line which wouldn't radiate at all. > > Vic, k2vco > >> On Sep 23, 2014, at 2:20 AM, Rick Dettinger wrote: >> >> I have a similar antenna. >> I would use the inverted "V" or "L" configuration. You want the center of the antenna as high as possible. >> Mine is an inverted "L", but the far end actually is about 20 feet below the center, which is 50 feet high. The maximum radiation is where the current is greatest, a quarter wave from the far end, which has no current. Mine works quite well for a single wire. I made it a little more than a half wave at the lowest frequency, so I can use a remote tuner at the base for other bands. I feed it against a less than great radial system for all bands, but for a half wave, this might not be very important. The base is 140 feet from my shack, fed with coax in a conduit. I also have a 43 foot vertical, which I can select by remote switch. Except on 20 M, the inverted "L" usually works better. >> >> 73, >> Rick K7MW >> >> >> >> >> >>> On Sep 22, 2014, at 2:49 PM, wrote: >>> >>> Hi All, >>> >>> Here's a question for the antenna gurus among the group. It's about the best way to deploy an end fed half wave antenna. >>> >>> First of all, I assume most would say to put the entire antenna up in the air as high as possible, and in a horizontal plane. I understand the advantage of doing that. However, what about a situation where you only have one support? My first inclination would be to deploy the antenna like a sloper, with the far end at the top of the support, and the other end at, or near, the rig. I started wondering, though, about where the maximum radiation occurs. In a half wave antenna, the current max is more or less in the center of the antenna. So, would it be better to get the center of the antenna as high as possible (taking advantage of the one support you might have), and then maybe bending the other half back downwards, sort of in inverted vee fashion? That would be as opposed to just running the antenna up in a straight line to the top of the support, thus possibly only getting the center about half as high as the top of the support. >>> >>> Here's a more definitive description of what I am thinking about, and compares to the situation I have. I have a pole that goes up approx. 40 feet. If I deploy the EFHW in sloper fashion, with one end near the ground close to the rig, the center of the antenna would only be at approx. 20 feet. Also, On 40 meters (the band I would be using), the pole would need to be some 50+ feet from the rig. Alternatively, what if I move the center of the antenna up closer to the top of the pole, and have the rest of the antenna slope back down to another tie point? Wouldn't this be apt to work better, even though I have created something similar to an inverted vee? >>> >>> I know a couple of RVer's who do something similar. They have two poles in use, one of which is much taller. They deploy their antenna so that the mid point of the antenna is near the top of the tallest pole, then over to another shorter pole, and then back down that 2nd pole vertically--almost a somewhat slanted "U" shape. Their results seem to be decent, but I don't know if there is a better way to do it. Their method condenses the lateral space required to deploy the antenna, thus fitting within most RV sites. I don't know exactly what this does to the impedance at the feed point, but they use tuners to resolve any mismatch. The pole I have is somewhat taller than either of the ones they use. >>> >>> Anyway, I assume I could do the sloper approach without creating any serious issues, but I'm curious about what others think of the "vee" approach to get the antenna center higher. >>> >>> I appreciate any suggestions. >>> >>> Dave W7AQK >>> >>> >>> ______________________________________________________________ >>> Elecraft mailing list >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k7mw78 at gmail.com >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k2vco.vic at gmail.com > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 wunder at wunderwood.org From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Tue Sep 23 00:51:56 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 21:51:56 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] End Fed Half Wave In-Reply-To: <314130029.9899769.1411434484071.JavaMail.root@comcast.net> References: <5F343DCD48AC494AA28CA565B4F27B9E@TDYDell> <314130029.9899769.1411434484071.JavaMail.root@comcast.net> Message-ID: <5420FC6C.7000408@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Mon,9/22/2014 6:08 PM, k3ndm at comcast.net wrote: > A half wave antenna in a perfectly vertical position radiates energy at low angles with little to no energy radiated upward. a 1/2 antenna that is horizontal at a height of 1/4 wave radiates energy at high angle and very little to the horizon. Everything else is somewhere in between. Right on. I've addressed this in considerable detail in http://k9yc.com/VertOrHorizontal-Slides.pdf 73, Jim K9YC From k6dgw at foothill.net Tue Sep 23 00:56:20 2014 From: k6dgw at foothill.net (Fred Jensen) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 21:56:20 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Low Serial Numbered K3 Message-ID: <5420FD74.5090804@foothill.net> Mine is #642. It did a short stint in the Elecraft Medical Center for slightly Sickly Electronics early on for a failed component I didn't want to track down. They brought it up to what was then "production." The only other mod I've done was the IF output gain mod [destroy an SM resistor and replace it with a different value resistor] when I got the P3 much much later. K3's don't seem to wear out, and unlike me, are not affected by an accumulation of birthdays. OK, I finally had the "cracking knobs syndrome," Elecraft sent me new ones, I had saved the allen wrench for them, and all was well. I would make sure that any HW mods published after the one you're considering was born are not critical to your operating requirements, particularly if your needs are somewhat esoteric like EME and the like. Load the latest production FW, run through the calibration procedures [no test equipment required], and call CQ. Mine works just like advertised. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org From aardvarq at operamail.com Tue Sep 23 02:59:23 2014 From: aardvarq at operamail.com (David Beal) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 23:59:23 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Possible solution: K1 with a strange XFIL problem... In-Reply-To: <1411403912.1946455.170394101.4F5ABFEC@webmail.messagingengine.com> References: <7B4B16F6B9724AEEAE3E5EDD223917C0@HPE250f> <1411403912.1946455.170394101.4F5ABFEC@webmail.messagingengine.com> Message-ID: <1411455563.164372.170653433.209C4EDD@webmail.messagingengine.com> Closing this topic - Bruce's suggestion to check that the RIT/XIT switch legs nearest the outside edge of the PCB, were not touching the adjacent solder joints on the back side of the adjacent single row header was exactly right. My radio was making contact between the switch leg and pin 5 of the header. The clearances there are very small to the point where I'm not sure that a visual inspection would have pointed this out to me if I had not specifically been looking at that pin. I fixed this and the problem is fully resolved. Thanks Bruce! Dave On Mon, Sep 22, 2014, at 09:38 AM, David Beal wrote: > Thank you Bruce! > > Your description below aligns closely with what I had found previously > where I learned that when changing the bandwidth of FL2 to approach that > of FL3, the problem followed the filter bandwidth and not the switch > position itself. I knew it was a voltage problem but hadn't had success > to track it further. I'll take a look at the switch this week. > > 72 > Dave > AE6RQ > > > > > On Mon, Sep 22, 2014, at 04:36 AM, Bruce Beford wrote: > > Yes I had this exact problem on one I repaired in July of 2012. It was > > traced to a short between the RIT/XIT switche to a trace on the board, > > where > > the switch lead had been bent over by the original builder before > > soldering. > > > > I corresponded with Don Wilhelm about this. Though he didn't provide the > > solution, our conversation led me to the tests that found it. Copied > > below > > is a repost of my last message to Don, after I resolved it. I don't > > recall > > if I posted this to the reflector or not. In any event, It may help > > someone > > in the future. I have a photo of the offending switch pin connection, if > > anyone wants it. > > Bruce Beford, N1RX > > > > Hi, Don. > > You may recall that I posted recently to the list about a strange problem > > with a K1. I resolved it today, and wanted to share the results with > > you. > > Here's a copy of my original post: > > > > OK, folks. > > Time to put on your thinking caps... > > I just purchased a used K1. Has NB, ATU and 4 band board, set for > > 7/10.1/14/21 MHz. All appears to be operating normally, except... > > When cycling through the crystal filter bandwidths from FL1-FL3, once FL3 > > is > > reached, all buttons become unresponsive. The VFO readout still works, > > but > > the MCU will not respond to any key presses. The filter does actually > > switch > > to the narrowest setting, based on the audio response. Cycling the power > > returns the rig to normal operation (on FL1), and all works fine again > > until > > trying to use FL3. > > > > About the only other anomaly I notice is what seems to be a louder pop in > > the speaker when switching in RIT or XIT than I remember from my last K1. > > I > > have not yet begun any troubleshooting (except for a full reset). Just > > thought I would poll the collective wisdom here before digging in. > > Actually, > > I'll be getting ready for Lobstercon over the next couple of days, so I > > don't know how much time I'll be able to commit until after the weekend. > > > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- > > > > You and I both suspected a problem with the MCU, as there should no other > > circuitry involved, except the DAC and EEPROM. You also suggested perhaps > > replacing those ICs while in there. > > > > Fortunately, I have a friend who allowed me to borrow his working K1. > > Swapped the entire Front Panel board, mine works fine with his board. I > > then > > took his MCU chip and put it in my board, still have the problem. So, the > > problem was on my FP board, but not the MCU. > > > > One thing I did notice was a ticking noise in the audio with no antenna > > connected, almost like ignition noise in a vehicle, when using my board > > FP > > board but not when using my friend's. The ticking would disappear when I > > went to FL2. Ahh, another clue... > > > > I then decided to remove the DAC from my board and see what happens. Lo, > > The > > unit would now switch properly, FL3,FL2,FL1 and back to FL3 OK. Of > > course, > > it was not actually switching the filter bandwidth with the DAC out. I > > now > > had a pretty load, almost moterboating noise in the audio. > > > > I decided to ground what was the XFIL/TONE output pin of the DAC (pin 1) > > to > > see if it would quiet the audio. It did, BUT- it activated the RIT! Wait > > a > > minute- there should be no connection between the two.... but, there was. > > Upon extra careful inspection, I found that one lead on the RIT/XIT > > switch > > was not inserted through the board by the original builder. It was bent > > over, and was contacting pin 5 on J1 (the XFIL/TONE signal). The > > "moaterboating" I heard was actually the MCU driving the LCD pin and > > polling > > the input for the switch. This was not noticeable when the DAC was > > holding > > this line at a steady DC voltage. > > > > So, what was happening was when the DAC output it's lowest voltage for > > FL1 > > (about 1.6 volts), it would tickle the input pin on the MCU for the > > WPM+/FILTER switch. I believe the MCU would think the switch was being > > held > > in, therefore no other switches would work, until the unit was powered > > off. > > An original symptom (which I didn't recognize at the time) was when I > > noted > > that the RIT/XIT button seemed to generate an audio pop when used. That's > > because it was grounding the XFIL/TONE signal line. > > > > I reworked the switch connection, and all is fine now. I have attached a > > photo of the offending pin (not a good shot, but shows the connection in > > question). I thought you might like to hear about this one. > > > > Thanks for being a "sounding board", Don. I appreciate it. > > 73, > > Bruce, N1RX > > > > > > > > > > ______________________________________________________________ > > Elecraft mailing list > > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 aardvarq at operamail.com > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 aardvarq at operamail.com From kl7uw at acsalaska.net Tue Sep 23 03:21:08 2014 From: kl7uw at acsalaska.net (Edward R Cole) Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 23:21:08 -0800 Subject: [Elecraft] Non-ionizing radiation permit Message-ID: <201409230721.s8N7L84d070371@huffman.acsalaska.net> VK3UM offers a free program called "EMR Calc" that makes radiation survey for FCC regs quite easy: http://www.vk3um.com/emr%20calculator.html Kind of fun to play with, also. 73, Ed - KL7UW Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Non-ionizing radiation permit Message-ID: <541F3DD8.9020907 at audiosystemsgroup.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed On Sun,9/21/2014 12:54 PM, Howard Benham wrote: > That's a permit designed by a government Leach to suck money from the tax payer. No, it's a verification that the proposed antenna and transmitter will pose a biological hazard to people nearby. If you've read the FCC Rules in the last 20 years, you will know that we are required to have done such a study to confirm that we comply with FCC Standards, but we are not required to file it. 73, Jim K9YC 73, Ed - KL7UW http://www.kl7uw.com "Kits made by KL7UW" Dubus Mag business: dubususa at gmail.com From vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk Tue Sep 23 04:16:02 2014 From: vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk (Johnny Siu) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 16:16:02 +0800 Subject: [Elecraft] Low Serial Numbered K3 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <1411460162.81676.YahooMailNeo@web193502.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> Darryl, No worry as long as all the HW mod and FW were updated. Mine is also an early version but I did all the HW and FW updates. 73 Johnny VR2XMC ________________________________ ???? Darryl J Kelly ???? elecraft at mailman.qth.net ????? 2014?09?23? (??) 11:18 AM ??? [Elecraft] Low Serial Numbered K3 Any problems with buying a K3 with a low serial number, say that has had hardware updates and alignments? Darryl, KK5IB ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk From w7aqk at cox.net Tue Sep 23 08:14:30 2014 From: w7aqk at cox.net (w7aqk at cox.net) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 05:14:30 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] End Fed Half Wave Message-ID: <6FC51F7129D143578736E0E1AAE5182F@TDYDell> Hi All, Thanks for all the helpful, and thoughtful, responses. I've gone ahead and deployed the EFHW more or less as described, and did make a few contacts last night just running 10 watts with the KX3. I even made a couple of SSB contacts, which I don't often try and do when running QRP. I did make it to the east coast (from here on the Oregon coast), so that was encouraging. Hi. Some asked (suggested) I just use a standard dipole or inverted vee, which I often do. It's just that I happen to have a PAR end fed with me, and wanted to give it a try. This one is the higher power version, so later I may hook up the KXPA100 and see how it goes. An inverted vee might have been a better choice, except I don't really have all that much space. I did hear several European stations on 40 last night, but I wasn't expecting to catch any of them, and didn't!!! Hi. The best part of all of this tinkering is that it confirms how useful my 40 ft. Wonderpole can be. It certainly gives me a lot of viable options for getting on the air in tight places. Of all the collapsible poles that I have, and I do have a bunch of them, the Wonderpole is the most versatile. I actually have two of them, but one is here with me in the motorhome, and the other is at home. Anyway, it is the easiest, and most effective, pole for RVing and portable operating. It collapses to 8 ft., so it is easy to transport--not a backpacking pole, but otherwise very manageable. I've even used one of W6MMA's YP-3 portable beams with this pole at about 30 ft., or a bit less. The top section is still 3/4 inch diameter, so I just use one of the lower sections with an even larger diameter, then "Armstrong it" for rotation. It's a sturdy rascal! That doesn't get me a particularly great take-off angle, but it works! Dave W7AQK From k2mk at comcast.net Tue Sep 23 08:41:13 2014 From: k2mk at comcast.net (Mike K2MK) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 05:41:13 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] Low Serial Numbered K3 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <1411476073892-7593329.post@n2.nabble.com> Hi Darryl, There were an awful lot of mods that might have been needed depending on the serial number. Even if the unit had no mods it still might be a good purchase as long as the price reflects the money you'll have to invest to upgrade it. The DSP board upgrade is considered very important by many K3 owners and it is not listed with the other K3 mods on the mods and notes page. You can find it only on the spare parts page. It is called K3DSPUPGD. The DSP mod is not listed here (??): http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_app_notes.htm K3DSPUPGD can be found here: http://www.elecraft.com/order_form_parts.htm#K3%20Parts 73, Mike K2MK Darryl J Kelly wrote > Any problems with buying a K3 with a low serial number, say that has > had hardware updates and alignments? > Darryl, KK5IB -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Low-Serial-Numbered-K3-tp7593319p7593329.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From mzilmer at roadrunner.com Tue Sep 23 09:37:28 2014 From: mzilmer at roadrunner.com (Matt Zilmer) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 07:37:28 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] Low Serial Numbered K3 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <1vs22a9j2d2f00dt6tm0gighkfj0os73r3@4ax.com> I'd like to think that there wouldn't be such a problem with an early unit. Mine's s/n 24, so the first kit from Oct, 2007. Every applicable mod has been made to it, and I had one of the techs go over it looking for update opportunities. He couldn't find any, and everything was in spec. Elecraft may be the first Amateur Radio transceiver manufacturer to ensure that there is no stigma associated with a low s/n transceiver, as long as it's kept up to date. Other manufacturers develop upgrades that will only work on serial number so-and-so and up. We don't have that problem with the K3, something else that sets it apart besides its specs and performance. If you're expecting to buy an early K3, I'd suggest getting copies of all the mod instructions and using them to inspect your candidate K3 for mods and upgrades. This at least is reassuring, if not downright necessary. Some of the PCBAs have different fab and assembly rev levels. Except for the DSP(s), I was told that all other board changes over the years maintain the same specs. The DSP upgrade actually improves performance at audio frequencies, and there is an exchange program for the older rev DSPs that defers some of the cost of the new ones. 73, matt W6NIA On Mon, 22 Sep 2014 22:18:27 -0500, you wrote: >Any problems with buying a K3 with a low serial number, say that has >had hardware updates and alignments? >Darryl, KK5IB >______________________________________________________________ >Elecraft mailing list >Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 mzilmer at roadrunner.com Matt Zilmer, W6NIA -- "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." -A. Lincoln From n6kr at elecraft.com Tue Sep 23 12:07:41 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 09:07:41 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Low Serial Numbered K3 In-Reply-To: <1411476073892-7593329.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <1411476073892-7593329.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <166F119F-4527-4BFC-B634-BA93C7F92581@elecraft.com> I could never hear the effect of the DSP board modification, despite pretty good hearing. But we had some *very* discriminating customers with even better hearing; hence the mod. You might want to listen to it before upgrading. 73, Wayne N6KR On Sep 23, 2014, at 5:41 AM, Mike K2MK wrote: > Hi Darryl, > > There were an awful lot of mods that might have been needed depending on the > serial number. Even if the unit had no mods it still might be a good > purchase as long as the price reflects the money you'll have to invest to > upgrade it. > > The DSP board upgrade is considered very important by many K3 owners and it > is not listed with the other K3 mods on the mods and notes page. You can > find it only on the spare parts page. It is called K3DSPUPGD. > > The DSP mod is not listed here (??): > http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_app_notes.htm > > K3DSPUPGD can be found here: > http://www.elecraft.com/order_form_parts.htm#K3%20Parts > > 73, > Mike K2MK > > > Darryl J Kelly wrote >> Any problems with buying a K3 with a low serial number, say that has >> had hardware updates and alignments? >> Darryl, KK5IB > > > > > > -- > View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Low-Serial-Numbered-K3-tp7593319p7593329.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 n6kr at elecraft.com From w6jhb at me.com Tue Sep 23 12:52:24 2014 From: w6jhb at me.com (James Bennett) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 09:52:24 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] OT (sort of) FS: SignaLink USB SLUSB With Cables for K3 and KX3 Message-ID: Selling a SLUSB "external sound card" along with the Tigertronics cable sets: one for the K3 and and one for the KX3. Also included is the USB-2 cable to go between the SLUSB and your rig. The SLUSB is currently internally jumpered for connection to a K3. Re-jumpering for use with a KX3 takes about five minutes or less. All work fine and the unit is in excellent condition. You can see the package and write-up in my ad in the eHam.net classifieds in the "Digital/Pacto" section. Price for the SLUSB, both rig cables, USB cable, and original Tigertronics box is $90, USA-only, and FREE SHIPPING. Questions - email me, please. Thanks, Jim / W6JHB From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Tue Sep 23 14:07:06 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Dave Bell via Elecraft) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 14:07:06 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] PSK 31 setup help Message-ID: <39310.4903ebcc.415310ca@aol.com> My lineup is old IBM desktop computer running XP, Rigblaster Advantage, fldigi, and the K3. I can print signals fine. Waterfall is good. Two problems: While the waterfall looks good when I'm transmitting, I'm not getting any indication on the K3 -- no power out, no ALC and I am not in TEST mode. The transmit light on the Rigblaster Advantage goes red and my outgoing message changes from black to red as it's sent, but somehow it isn't getting to the K3. I have the VOX on, but the Rigblaster (or fldigi) also keys the PTT. Also, at the conclusion of sending a macro, the red light goes out on the Rigblaster but the transmitter doesn't go to receive until I push the XMIT button on the K3. I have checked all of the connections several times, and they seem correct but I'm open to comments. Any questions or suggestions? 73, Dave From kk7p4dsp at gmail.com Tue Sep 23 14:59:00 2014 From: kk7p4dsp at gmail.com (Lyle Johnson) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 11:59:00 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] PSK 31 setup help In-Reply-To: <39310.4903ebcc.415310ca@aol.com> References: <39310.4903ebcc.415310ca@aol.com> Message-ID: <5421C2F4.5030904@gmail.com> Be sure the Tx audio source is properly selected (LINE IN, FP MIC or REAR MIC depending on how you have the sysem wired. Then be sure MIC GAIN is set to get 4-5 bars of ALC. 73, Lyle KK7P > ...While the waterfall looks good when I'm transmitting, I'm not > getting any indication on the K3 -- no power out, no ALC... > > Any questions or suggestions? From M0XDF at alphadene.co.uk Tue Sep 23 15:12:55 2014 From: M0XDF at alphadene.co.uk (David Ferrington, M0XDF) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 20:12:55 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] Low Serial Numbered K3 In-Reply-To: <5420FD74.5090804@foothill.net> References: <5420FD74.5090804@foothill.net> Message-ID: <07FD49EF-AA42-4101-A95D-B9C57AB407EB@alphadene.co.uk> I have # 174, very few mod done and due to other commit tents, no f/w upgrade in the last 12 months - still works great - When I can get to using it. 73 de David, M0XDF (K3 #174, P3 #108) -- David On 23 Sep 2014, at 05:56, Fred Jensen wrote: > Mine is #642. It did a short stint in the Elecraft Medical Center for slightly Sickly Electronics early on for a failed component I didn't want to track down. They brought it up to what was then "production." The only other mod I've done was the IF output gain mod [destroy an SM resistor and replace it with a different value resistor] when I got the P3 much much later. > > K3's don't seem to wear out, and unlike me, are not affected by an accumulation of birthdays. OK, I finally had the "cracking knobs syndrome," Elecraft sent me new ones, I had saved the allen wrench for them, and all was well. I would make sure that any HW mods published after the one you're considering was born are not critical to your operating requirements, particularly if your needs are somewhat esoteric like EME and the like. Load the latest production FW, run through the calibration procedures [no test equipment required], and call CQ. > > Mine works just like advertised. > > 73, > > Fred K6DGW > - Northern California Contest Club > - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 > - www.cqp.org > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 m0xdf at alphadene.co.uk From aardvarq at operamail.com Tue Sep 23 15:22:51 2014 From: aardvarq at operamail.com (ae6rq) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 12:22:51 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] K1 with a strange XFIL problem... In-Reply-To: <1411367599177-7593290.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <4FF24DB3.60300@embarqmail.com> <1411367599177-7593290.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <1411500171127-7593336.post@n2.nabble.com> Success! Thanks to Bruce N1RX for his knowledge and prior troubleshooting to resolve this issue. What he described and photographed (above) are exactly the cause of this problem. The RIT switch leg was making contact with pin 5 of J1. 72/73 Dave For further details, please see Bruce's reply to me below: Yes I had this exact problem on one I repaired in July of 2012. It was traced to a short between the RIT/XIT switch to a trace on the board, where the switch lead had been bent over by the original builder before soldering. I corresponded with Don Wilhelm about this. Though he didn't provide the solution, our conversation led me to the tests that found it. Copied below is a repost of my last message to Don, after I resolved it. I don't recall if I posted this to the reflector or not. In any event, It may help someone in the future. I have a photo of the offending switch pin connection, if anyone wants it. Bruce Beford, N1RX Hi, Don. You may recall that I posted recently to the list about a strange problem with a K1. I resolved it today, and wanted to share the results with you. Here's a copy of my original post: OK, folks. Time to put on your thinking caps... I just purchased a used K1. Has NB, ATU and 4 band board, set for 7/10.1/14/21 MHz. All appears to be operating normally, except... When cycling through the crystal filter bandwidths from FL1-FL3, once FL3 is reached, all buttons become unresponsive. The VFO readout still works, but the MCU will not respond to any key presses. The filter does actually switch to the narrowest setting, based on the audio response. Cycling the power returns the rig to normal operation (on FL1), and all works fine again until trying to use FL3. About the only other anomaly I notice is what seems to be a louder pop in the speaker when switching in RIT or XIT than I remember from my last K1. I have not yet begun any troubleshooting (except for a full reset). Just thought I would poll the collective wisdom here before digging in. Actually, I'll be getting ready for Lobstercon over the next couple of days, so I don't know how much time I'll be able to commit until after the weekend. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- You and I both suspected a problem with the MCU, as there should no other circuitry involved, except the DAC and EEPROM. You also suggested perhaps replacing those ICs while in there. Fortunately, I have a friend who allowed me to borrow his working K1. Swapped the entire Front Panel board, mine works fine with his board. I then took his MCU chip and put it in my board, still have the problem. So, the problem was on my FP board, but not the MCU. One thing I did notice was a ticking noise in the audio with no antenna connected, almost like ignition noise in a vehicle, when using my board FP board but not when using my friend's. The ticking would disappear when I went to FL2. Ahh, another clue... I then decided to remove the DAC from my board and see what happens. Lo, The unit would now switch properly, FL3,FL2,FL1 and back to FL3 OK. Of course, it was not actually switching the filter bandwidth with the DAC out. I now had a pretty load, almost moterboating noise in the audio. I decided to ground what was the XFIL/TONE output pin of the DAC (pin 1) to see if it would quiet the audio. It did, BUT- it activated the RIT! Wait a minute- there should be no connection between the two.... but, there was. Upon extra careful inspection, I found that one lead on the RIT/XIT switch was not inserted through the board by the original builder. It was bent over, and was contacting pin 5 on J1 (the XFIL/TONE signal). The "moaterboating" I heard was actually the MCU driving the LCD pin and polling the input for the switch. This was not noticeable when the DAC was holding this line at a steady DC voltage. So, what was happening was when the DAC output it's lowest voltage for FL1 (about 1.6 volts), it would tickle the input pin on the MCU for the WPM+/FILTER switch. I believe the MCU would think the switch was being held in, therefore no other switches would work, until the unit was powered off. An original symptom (which I didn't recognize at the time) was when I noted that the RIT/XIT button seemed to generate an audio pop when used. That's because it was grounding the XFIL/TONE signal line. I reworked the switch connection, and all is fine now. I have attached a photo of the offending pin (not a good shot, but shows the connection in question). I thought you might like to hear about this one. Thanks for being a "sounding board", Don. I appreciate it. 73, Bruce, N1RX -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K1-with-a-strange-XFIL-problem-tp7558513p7593336.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Tue Sep 23 15:32:19 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 15:32:19 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] PSK 31 setup help In-Reply-To: <39310.4903ebcc.415310ca@aol.com> References: <39310.4903ebcc.415310ca@aol.com> Message-ID: <5421CAC3.6070003@embarqmail.com> Dave, That sounds like you do not have enough audio drive. You *must* have an indication of 4 bars on the ALC meter with the 5th bar flickering. The K3 power control depends on having sufficient audio - it is different than other transceivers, so ignore the normal advice found on the internet. Bring the audio up until you see those 4 to 5 bars and adjust the power knob to produce the desired power output. Do *not* attempt to use the audio drive as a means of controlling power. If you are using the Line In, you may have to set the Rigblaster for line level output (high) rather than microphone level. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/23/2014 2:07 PM, Dave Bell via Elecraft wrote: > My lineup is old IBM desktop computer running XP, Rigblaster Advantage, > fldigi, and the K3. > > I can print signals fine. Waterfall is good. > > Two problems: While the waterfall looks good when I'm transmitting, I'm not > getting any indication on the K3 -- no power out, no ALC and I am not in > TEST mode. The transmit light on the Rigblaster Advantage goes red and my > outgoing message changes from black to red as it's sent, but somehow it > isn't getting to the K3. I have the VOX on, but the Rigblaster (or fldigi) > also keys the PTT. > > Also, at the conclusion of sending a macro, the red light goes out on the > Rigblaster but the transmitter doesn't go to receive until I push the XMIT > button on the K3. > > I have checked all of the connections several times, and they seem correct > but I'm open to comments. > > Any questions or suggestions? > > 73, Dave > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 w3fpr at embarqmail.com > From kengkopp at gmail.com Tue Sep 23 16:14:56 2014 From: kengkopp at gmail.com (Ken G Kopp) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 14:14:56 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] PX3 side endplates and cover In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: J - F A recent telcon with Scott tells me he has the end plates and covers, along with a paddle socket cover for the KX3 on hand and is holding off to get his website set up to take orders with payment via PayPal. A number of us are waiting to order. Watch his SideKX website .... 73 Ken - K0PP On Sep 23, 2014 1:30 PM, "jean-francois.menard at outlook.com [KX3]" < KX3 at yahoogroups.com> wrote: > > > Hi, > > > Anybody heard about someone doing PX3 side endplates replacement and a > cover like we can have to offer protection for the KX3 ? > > > 73 > > > J-F VA2SS > __._,_.___ > ------------------------------ > Posted by: jean-francois.menard at outlook.com > ------------------------------ > Reply via web post > > ? Reply to sender > > ? Reply to group > > ? Start a New Topic > > ? Messages in this topic > > (1) > Visit Your Group > > > - New Members > > 3 > - New Photos > > 4 > > [image: Yahoo! Groups] > > ? Privacy ? > Unsubscribe ? Terms > of Use > > . > > __,_._,___ > From ronvandoremalen at hotmail.com Tue Sep 23 17:22:48 2014 From: ronvandoremalen at hotmail.com (Ron van Doremalen) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 23:22:48 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3: Is this a serious error in KX3 Firmware affecting the IQ output? Message-ID: @All, Noticed this change in offset when using the Win4K3Suit. When FL1 is in used center frequency and waterfall are right on the spot. As soon as FL2 kicks in I notice a ?roughly? 1.5Kc shift in the waterfall patern. Using low/high to set the bandwith (don?t even know to get into the other mode, rtfm is still on the to do). So the IQ shifts and as a result the waterfall. Thanks for all involved sorting this out so all SDR programs can benefit from this information. Ron ? PA3FAT From ab2tc at arrl.net Tue Sep 23 17:55:29 2014 From: ab2tc at arrl.net (ab2tc) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 14:55:29 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] Low Serial Numbered K3 In-Reply-To: <07FD49EF-AA42-4101-A95D-B9C57AB407EB@alphadene.co.uk> References: <5420FD74.5090804@foothill.net> <07FD49EF-AA42-4101-A95D-B9C57AB407EB@alphadene.co.uk> Message-ID: <1411509329286-7593340.post@n2.nabble.com> Hi all, Mine is #82. I have very few mods done, probably the only one of importance is the HAGC mod. Radio is working perfectly. Fans are inaudible, yet radio is running cool with the low duty cycle SSB transmissions I am using for DX hunting. Firmware, however, is up to date, well at least almost. AB2TC - Knut M0XDF wrote > I have # 174, very few mod done and due to other commit tents, no f/w > upgrade in the last 12 months - still works great - When I can get to > using it. > 73 de David, M0XDF (K3 #174, P3 #108) > -- David > > > -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Low-Serial-Numbered-K3-tp7593319p7593340.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From etw1 at suddenlink.net Tue Sep 23 19:04:42 2014 From: etw1 at suddenlink.net (Edmund Wright) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 16:04:42 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Two-tone test for K2 SSB Message-ID: <148F1501A01D472CA76BB3AD4D5A2B50@Edmund> Hi, I have the Elecraft two-tone generator, a 50 MHz bandwidth Oscilloscope, a K2 with the SSB modification. How should I hook up P1, the microphone connector on the K2 to do the two-tone test. Ed Wright, AA6LZ. From lromero at ij.net Tue Sep 23 19:46:53 2014 From: lromero at ij.net (Luis V. Romero) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 19:46:53 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K1-4/2 with options for sale Message-ID: Thank you all: The K1 is sold pending funds. 73 Lu - W4LT On Sep 22, 2014 5:16 PM, "Lu Romero" wrote: K1 #2539 for sale I would like to sell my K1-4/2 for personal reasons. The rig comes with the following options: - Finger Dimple - LCD Backlight kit - KFL1-4 Four band module with o 40 meters o 30 meters o 20 meters o 17 meters - KFL1-2 Two band module (not installed) with o 80 meters o 15 meters - KAT1 Internal Antenna Tuner - KNB1 Noise Blanker Also included are a 12v 4amp power cube type power supply with integral barrel plug and IEC Cable, a spare power cable with molded power barrel plug and tinned ends, Original factory printed assembly manual annotated with build notes plus latest downloaded factory manual with all errata fixed, all the separate manuals for the options, additional 15 meter crystal plus parts to remove 17 meters and add 15 meters to the 4 band module and all leftover assembly parts, factory tools and jigs in original factory bag. Rig is 9.5 on a scale of 10 cosmetically (small scuff on one side panel) and 10 of 10 operationally. Has been with me literally around the world in my backpack but sadly, I don't travel much anymore, my life has gotten complicated and it sees little use. A great rig like this should be used! Will be professionally packed and delivered via UPS ground to the lower 48 states. I really don't need anything to trade for, or else I would keep it. Over $600 new in 2009, offering this very nice and well optioned K1 for $475, which includes shipping as described above. Terms are Cashier's Check or Postal Money order. A scan of the funds transfer document emailed to me holds it in your name until I receive the actual document, then I will ship. I will not cash the document until I receive confirmation that you received the radio from UPS. Please, no funny business! Email direct (please, not here on the list!) for additional information and photographs. I'm good in QRZ. 73 - Lu Romero - W4LT Tampa, Fl. From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Tue Sep 23 21:56:37 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Tue, 23 Sep 2014 21:56:37 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Two-tone test for K2 SSB In-Reply-To: <148F1501A01D472CA76BB3AD4D5A2B50@Edmund> References: <148F1501A01D472CA76BB3AD4D5A2B50@Edmund> Message-ID: <542224D5.9070707@embarqmail.com> Ed, You connect the 2 Tone generator output to the AF pin on the microphone jack and the generator ground to the ground pin on the microphone jack. You can ground the PTT pin on the microphone jack to put the K2 into transmit. Note that I did not specify the exact microphone jack pins - that is because the K2 can be configured to use a large number of microphone plug pinouts, and you did not specify which microphone you are using with the K2. See the KSB2 instruction manual for detail on the microphone configuration header. If you bought the K2 used and do not know how the microphone configuration jack is wired, you may have to remove the front panel assembly and compare the header wiring with the information in the KSB2 manual. The rest of the instructions for setting the relative levels in the 2 tone generator can be found in the 2TGEN manual. On the antenna side of the K2, connect a dummy load to the antenna jack and connect your 'scope to the dummy load using a 10X probe to observe the resulting RF waveforms. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/23/2014 7:04 PM, Edmund Wright wrote: > Hi, > I have the Elecraft two-tone generator, a 50 MHz bandwidth Oscilloscope, a K2 with the SSB modification. How should I hook up P1, the microphone connector on the K2 to do the two-tone test. > Ed Wright, AA6LZ. > From auspicious3000 at gmail.com Wed Sep 24 02:18:16 2014 From: auspicious3000 at gmail.com (Chris Chien) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 01:18:16 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 sensitivity check Message-ID: Hi all, How to measure the sensitivity as given in the user manual using a lab-grade RF signal generator and KX3 itself ? 73, AC9FU Chris From pa3a at xs4all.nl Wed Sep 24 04:43:41 2014 From: pa3a at xs4all.nl (Arie Kleingeld PA3A) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 10:43:41 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] Low Serial Numbered K3 In-Reply-To: <1411509329286-7593340.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <5420FD74.5090804@foothill.net> <07FD49EF-AA42-4101-A95D-B9C57AB407EB@alphadene.co.uk> <1411509329286-7593340.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <5422843D.5000905@xs4all.nl> Hi all, My serial number 12xx is not as low as some, but I had my share of mods in the K3. I've done them all myself including adding the LPF on the DSP board (which was an improvement in my case). Implementing the mods was never a problem, thanks to the good documentation on the elecraft website and all info in this reflector. As for firmware, I follow all updates. Never regretted that. (It becomes vital if you start adding a KPA etc. There have been several updates that improved the overall performance.) 73 Arie PA3A From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Wed Sep 24 07:31:42 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 07:31:42 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 sensitivity check In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <5422AB9E.4050900@embarqmail.com> Chris, That measurement of MDS can be done using a signal generator having a calibrated 1 uV output level, such as the Elecraft XG1/XG2/XG3. See page 22 of the KX3 Owner's Manual, right hand column. For how to use a 1 uV level information, refer to the method and formula in the XG1, XG2, or XG3 signal generator manuals. The use of a level less than 1 uV is also possible, but requires a very well shielded signal generator and a very well shielded attenuator (many signal generators have too much leakage). Duplicate the signal generator setup used by the ARRL for MDS testing (the setup information is available at ARRL.org) - the KX3 dBV alternate VFO B display can still be used to indicate the KX3 audio output. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/24/2014 2:18 AM, Chris Chien wrote: > Hi all, > > How to measure the sensitivity as given in the user manual using a > lab-grade RF signal generator and KX3 itself ? > > 73, > AC9FU > Chris > From w1rm at comcast.net Wed Sep 24 07:35:37 2014 From: w1rm at comcast.net (Peter Chamalian W1RM) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 07:35:37 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Incredible Message-ID: <001e01cfd7eb$a9a17190$fce454b0$@net> It's the first word that comes to mind when I think about my past week as W1AW/1 and my trusty K3's performance. As you might imagine, being W1AW/1 on any band really attracts attention, far more that if I were just CQing as W1RM (:->). This means some big pileups, and some incredibly weak signals along with the very strong ones. Well the K3 was up to the job! I was able to hear much weaker signals with my K3 than I might have with any other rig I've owned. Of course there's not much you can do with 5 guys all jammed on top of each other calling but turning the AGC off and using a narrow filter (I have the 250 Hz filters) really helps. I hope I was able to make a bunch of guys happy with a contact (I operated 160-10, all CW except for a few RTTY in the last 20 minutes of the time W1AW/1 was on). Hats off to the team at Elecraft for a truly fantastic rig! Pete, W1RM From PKA at telepost.gl Wed Sep 24 10:49:12 2014 From: PKA at telepost.gl (=?iso-8859-1?Q?Poul_Erik_Karlsh=F8j_=28PKA=29?=) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 14:49:12 +0000 Subject: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America In-Reply-To: References: <996B18D0-4470-4A5E-9B05-EE1CD92B5F98@btinternet.com>, Message-ID: Hi Gary I have done that with my K2, K3 and KPA/KAT500. However you should take into account (I did not) that for any repair (including warranty repair) you will have to pay for the shipping both ways when not being in the US. Shipping the KPA is not exactly cheap. I happen to know for a fact :-( I have suggested that Elecraft provide the same service for all, America's and others alike. But dont think it is going to happen. However, I dont know the probability for any of these to need repair for a given period. Maybe it is not an issue after all. Can someone give a figure? How many K3s and KPA500 and KAT500 are sent for repair in a year (and how many units are out there)? 73 de OZ4UN > Den 22/09/2014 kl. 08.05 skrev "Gary McKelvie" : > > Hi to the list, > Once again this list has answered my question. > Thank you to all who have replied on list and direct to me. > Much appreciated. > Once I'm in a situation to I will be ordering direct rather than pay a dealer. > 73 Gary G7USC > > Sent from my iPhone > >> On 22 Sep 2014, at 04:26, Don Palmer wrote: >> >> Hi all you pay is VAT I have bought a KPA 500,2xP3 and 2xKAT500 and all have only had VAT. >> Good luck on what ever you do. >> Don G6CMV >> >> Sent from my iPad > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pka at tele.gl From vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk Wed Sep 24 10:57:49 2014 From: vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk (Johnny Siu) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 22:57:49 +0800 Subject: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America In-Reply-To: References: <996B18D0-4470-4A5E-9B05-EE1CD92B5F98@btinternet.com>, Message-ID: <1411570669.44270.YahooMailNeo@web193503.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> Most of the elecraft products are modular in design. In other words, it is quite easy to identify a problematic PCB / Module. You can simply send the problematic module back to Elecraft for repair. Shipping costs for a module or PCB are very afffordable If you buy the kit version, you will be familiar with the way to dismantle the radio / linear amplifier. For overseas users like me, it is attractive to buy elecraft gears from the view point of future maintenance easiness. There is not any elecraft dealer in Hong Kong. We all bought direct from USA. I am very satisfied with elecraft's quality and after sales service support. Similarly, there is no repairing facilities in Hong Kong for all major ham gear manufacturers. 73 Johnny VR2XMC ________________________________ ???? Poul Erik Karlsh?j (PKA) ???? Gary McKelvie ??(CC)? Elecraft Reflector ????? 2014?09?24? (??) 10:49 PM ??? Re: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America Hi Gary I have done that with my K2, K3 and KPA/KAT500. However you should take into account (I did not) that for any repair (including warranty repair) you will have to pay for the shipping both ways when not being in the US. Shipping the KPA is not exactly cheap. I happen to know for a fact :-( I have suggested that Elecraft provide the same service for all, America's and others alike. But dont think it is going to happen. However, I dont know the probability for any of these to need repair for a given period. Maybe it is not an issue after all. Can someone give a figure? How many K3s and KPA500 and KAT500 are sent for repair in a year (and how many units are out there)? 73 de OZ4UN > Den 22/09/2014 kl. 08.05 skrev "Gary McKelvie" : > > Hi to the list, > Once again this list has answered my question. > Thank you to all who have replied on list and direct to me. > Much appreciated. > Once I'm in a situation to I will be ordering direct rather than pay a dealer. > 73 Gary G7USC > > Sent from my iPhone > >> On 22 Sep 2014, at 04:26, Don Palmer wrote: >> >> Hi all you pay is VAT I have bought a KPA 500,2xP3 and 2xKAT500 and all have only had VAT. >> Good luck on what ever you do. >> Don G6CMV >> >> Sent from my iPad > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pka at tele.gl ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk From w6jhb at me.com Wed Sep 24 12:40:14 2014 From: w6jhb at me.com (James Bennett) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 09:40:14 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 NAP3 & Win4K Off Frequency Message-ID: Peter, I've been using my KX3 and NaP3 for several months, although not with Win4k3 - love how I'm able to control the rig from this application in addition to doing a "point & click" to jump to signals I see on the band. However, on my computer, NaP3 gets all bollixed up after I press my CW key, apparently because the KX3 sends it's high-level audio out the RX I/Q port even during transmit, and this high level messes up the NaP3 engine, causing duplicated signals to appear. I remedy it (until the next transmission sequence) by clicking on "Fixed", then "Run" in the WBIR box on the DSP tab of the NaP3 Configure/Setup panel. Wayne has noted several times that the KX3 firmware will be changed to allow the option of NOT sending a signal out the RX I/Q port but to my knowledge, this has not yet been implemented. I hope it happens soon......... :-) Jim / W6JHB From lists at subich.com Wed Sep 24 13:14:20 2014 From: lists at subich.com (Joe Subich, W4TV) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 13:14:20 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 NAP3 & Win4K Off Frequency In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <5422FBEC.3030604@subich.com> > However, on my computer, NaP3 gets all bollixed up after I press my > CW key, apparently because the KX3 sends it's high-level audio out > the RX I/Q port even during transmit, and this high level messes up > the NaP3 engine, causing duplicated signals to appear. I remedy it > (until the next transmission sequence) by clicking on "Fixed", then > "Run" in the WBIR box on the DSP tab of the NaP3 Configure/Setup > panel. Why not expect the developer of NaP3 to fix his software to work with the way the KX3 operates and mute the input when the IF poll indicates the rig is in transmit rather than expect Elecraft to modify their transceiver to work around a problem in one piece of software? Oh, I forgot - the developer of NaP3 has folded his tent and abandoned the product. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-09-24 12:40 PM, James Bennett wrote: > Peter, > > I've been using my KX3 and NaP3 for several months, although not with > Win4k3 - love how I'm able to control the rig from this application > in addition to doing a "point & click" to jump to signals I see on > the band. However, on my computer, NaP3 gets all bollixed up after I > press my CW key, apparently because the KX3 sends it's high-level > audio out the RX I/Q port even during transmit, and this high level > messes up the NaP3 engine, causing duplicated signals to appear. I > remedy it (until the next transmission sequence) by clicking on > "Fixed", then "Run" in the WBIR box on the DSP tab of the NaP3 > Configure/Setup panel. > > Wayne has noted several times that the KX3 firmware will be changed > to allow the option of NOT sending a signal out the RX I/Q port but > to my knowledge, this has not yet been implemented. I hope it happens > soon......... :-) > > Jim / W6JHB > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list Home: > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: > http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: > mailto:Elecraft at 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 > lists at subich.com > From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Wed Sep 24 13:17:52 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 10:17:52 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Low Serial Numbered K3 In-Reply-To: <1411476073892-7593329.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <1411476073892-7593329.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <5422FCC0.9070507@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Tue,9/23/2014 5:41 AM, Mike K2MK wrote: > The DSP board upgrade is considered very important by many K3 owners and it > is not listed with the other K3 mods on the mods and notes page. You can > find it only on the spare parts page. It is called K3DSPUPGD. I'm an audio geek, and I see no need for RX audio below 300 Hz in a ham RX. Rolloff above 4 kHz is a good thing, but not worth $110 to me. :) Now, if you want to use your K3 to listen to AM broadcasts including music, that's a different story. BUT -- $110 comes close to getting you one of the excellent Tecsun consumer AM/FM/Shortwave/Aircraft band receivers like the PL660 ($120) or PL880 ($180). The PL880 was recently reviewed in QST. I own a PL660 and the much smaller PL380, which is my "hotel" radio. 73, Jim K9YC From PKA at telepost.gl Wed Sep 24 13:24:14 2014 From: PKA at telepost.gl (=?utf-8?B?UG91bCBFcmlrIEthcmxzaMO4aiAoUEtBKQ==?=) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 17:24:14 +0000 Subject: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America In-Reply-To: <1411570669.44270.YahooMailNeo@web193503.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> References: <996B18D0-4470-4A5E-9B05-EE1CD92B5F98@btinternet.com>, <1411570669.44270.YahooMailNeo@web193503.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <295D236FD7BC5C44AB750A354BBC9D5B388B94@wmbxnuk1.sianiut.tele.gl> Hi Johnny Yes I know. I built the K2/100, K3/100, KPA500 and KAT500 all from kits. All bought in USA (and hand carried to Denmark) I am a big fan of the Elecraft K-family. Don?t misunderstand. But sending a KPA for repair is expensive even if you take out the transformer as Elecraft will request you to do. I had to do it and one of my friends (OZ8SW) also had to send both his KAT and later his KPA for repair. If you live in USA, Elecraft will pay for the shipping from Elecraft to the customer. But for customers outside US the customer must pay for shipping both ways (also if using an Elecraft associated repair service in Italy). And that is not providing equal service to all customers. That?s my only point. 73 and thanks for your mail. /OZ4UN Poul-Erik Fra: Johnny Siu [mailto:vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk] Sendt: 24. september 2014 16:58 Til: Poul Erik Karlsh?j (PKA); Gary McKelvie Cc: Elecraft Reflector Emne: Import Costs from America Most of the elecraft products are modular in design. In other words, it is quite easy to identify a problematic PCB / Module. You can simply send the problematic module back to Elecraft for repair. Shipping costs for a module or PCB are very afffordable If you buy the kit version, you will be familiar with the way to dismantle the radio / linear amplifier. For overseas users like me, it is attractive to buy elecraft gears from the view point of future maintenance easiness. There is not any elecraft dealer in Hong Kong. We all bought direct from USA. I am very satisfied with elecraft's quality and after sales service support. Similarly, there is no repairing facilities in Hong Kong for all major ham gear manufacturers. 73 Johnny VR2XMC ???? Poul Erik Karlsh?j (PKA) > ???? Gary McKelvie > ??(CC)? Elecraft Reflector > ????? 2014?09?24? (??) 10:49 PM ??? Re: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America Hi Gary I have done that with my K2, K3 and KPA/KAT500. However you should take into account (I did not) that for any repair (including warranty repair) you will have to pay for the shipping both ways when not being in the US. Shipping the KPA is not exactly cheap. I happen to know for a fact :-( I have suggested that Elecraft provide the same service for all, America's and others alike. But dont think it is going to happen. However, I dont know the probability for any of these to need repair for a given period. Maybe it is not an issue after all. Can someone give a figure? How many K3s and KPA500 and KAT500 are sent for repair in a year (and how many units are out there)? 73 de OZ4UN > Den 22/09/2014 kl. 08.05 skrev "Gary McKelvie" >: > > Hi to the list, > Once again this list has answered my question. > Thank you to all who have replied on list and direct to me. > Much appreciated. > Once I'm in a situation to I will be ordering direct rather than pay a dealer. > 73 Gary G7USC > > Sent from my iPhone > >> On 22 Sep 2014, at 04:26, Don Palmer > wrote: >> >> Hi all you pay is VAT I have bought a KPA 500,2xP3 and 2xKAT500 and all have only had VAT. >> Good luck on what ever you do. >> Don G6CMV >> >> Sent from my iPad > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pka at tele.gl ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk From lists at subich.com Wed Sep 24 13:34:26 2014 From: lists at subich.com (Joe Subich, W4TV) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 13:34:26 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Low Serial Numbered K3 In-Reply-To: <5422FCC0.9070507@audiosystemsgroup.com> References: <1411476073892-7593329.post@n2.nabble.com> <5422FCC0.9070507@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: <542300A2.5050008@subich.com> On 2014-09-24 1:17 PM, Jim Brown wrote: > I'm an audio geek, and I see no need for RX audio below 300 Hz in a > ham RX. Rolloff above 4 kHz is a good thing, but not worth $110 to > me. :) After 25+ years in broadcasting and recording studios, I agree. The one audio response modification I put in both of my low S/N K3s is the low- pass audio filter just to eliminate the high frequency audio IMD and DAC clock leakage. The resulting ~100 - 4500 Hz response is just fine for occasional AM broadcast - including music - using a decent speaker. The original 10 uF coupling capacitors on the headphone output are just fine with headphones other than the cheap 8 Ohm stuff and provide reasonable response to 200 Hz or less with most quality headphones or headsets. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-09-24 1:17 PM, Jim Brown wrote: > On Tue,9/23/2014 5:41 AM, Mike K2MK wrote: >> The DSP board upgrade is considered very important by many K3 owners >> and it >> is not listed with the other K3 mods on the mods and notes page. You can >> find it only on the spare parts page. It is called K3DSPUPGD. > > I'm an audio geek, and I see no need for RX audio below 300 Hz in a ham > RX. Rolloff above 4 kHz is a good thing, but not worth $110 to me. :) > Now, if you want to use your K3 to listen to AM broadcasts including > music, that's a different story. BUT -- $110 comes close to getting you > one of the excellent Tecsun consumer AM/FM/Shortwave/Aircraft band > receivers like the PL660 ($120) or PL880 ($180). The PL880 was recently > reviewed in QST. I own a PL660 and the much smaller PL380, which is my > "hotel" radio. > > 73, Jim K9YC > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 lists at subich.com > From w6jhb at me.com Wed Sep 24 13:40:16 2014 From: w6jhb at me.com (James Bennett) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 10:40:16 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] SignaLink USB SLUSB With Cables for K3 and KX3 (SOLD) Message-ID: <5CB0488B-8822-4555-9258-06078A95E4E3@me.com> The SLUSB and cable set is sold, pending fund clearance. Thanks for your interest. 73, Jim / W6JHB From w6jhb at me.com Wed Sep 24 13:57:27 2014 From: w6jhb at me.com (James Bennett) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 10:57:27 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 NAP3 & Win4K Off Frequency Message-ID: Well, yes that might have been an option, especially if the software were something purchased and not a freebie. But, I did discuss it with Wayne via email several months ago and he did say that it was something possible to do. Not everyone necessarily wants audio sent out that pipe on TRANSMIT. Some do, some don't - that's why he planned it to be a menu option. "...expect Elecraft to modify their transceiver..." I don't expect them to do anything. I simply asked if it could be done, and was told it is on the to-do list. And that's what's great about Elecraft - you can get help here when you need it, and post answers to the reflector in an attempt to assist others who have issues. And still get snarky responses back... Why not expect the developer of NaP3 to fix his software to work with the way the KX3 operates and mute the input when the IF poll indicates the rig is in transmit rather than expect Elecraft to modify their transceiver to work around a problem in one piece of software? Oh, I forgot - the developer of NaP3 has folded his tent and abandoned the product. From n6kr at elecraft.com Wed Sep 24 14:38:12 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 11:38:12 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] New KX3 firmware allows DUAL RX even with RX SHFT=8.0 Message-ID: <43F87E67-87BE-4FBA-820E-FBA56BA79980@elecraft.com> It is sometimes useful to shift the KX3's IF to 8.0 kHz, instead of 0.0 kHz, by setting the RX SHFT menu entry to 8.0 kHz on the affected band. This is described in the KX3 owner's manual. Cases where this may be desirable include nearby AM broadcast transmitters, heavy mobile power supply noise, etc. Until now, the use of RX SHFT=8.0 has disabled the DUAL RX feature (dual watch). The latest field-test release eliminates this restriction. The only catch is that VFO A now has to be within -7 kHz and +23 kHz of VFO B, rather than the original range of +/- 15 kHz. This asymmetrical DUAL RX range is still very useful for typical SPLIT-DX operation (e.g., "up 2" in the CW case). The KX3 keeps track of the separation for you in either case, automatically going in and out of DUAL RX mode as indicated by the SUB icon. This change may be of interest to some CW operators who find that DUAL RX, in conjunction with a very small VFO A-B offset, creates keying artifacts that are audible in headphones. These artifacts (e.g., a click or a ringing tone) are usually masked by band noise. With the new firmware, use of RX SHFT=8.0 with DUAL RX can completely eliminate this effect. If you're interested in testing this new release, please email me directly. 73, Wayne N6KR From turnbull at net1.ie Wed Sep 24 14:38:01 2014 From: turnbull at net1.ie (Doug Turnbull) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 18:38:01 -0000 Subject: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America In-Reply-To: <295D236FD7BC5C44AB750A354BBC9D5B388B94@wmbxnuk1.sianiut.tele.gl> References: <996B18D0-4470-4A5E-9B05-EE1CD92B5F98@btinternet.com>, <1411570669.44270.YahooMailNeo@web193503.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> <295D236FD7BC5C44AB750A354BBC9D5B388B94@wmbxnuk1.sianiut.tele.gl> Message-ID: Friends, If you purchased in the USA and hand carry back then your deal was made in America. How can you expect that Elecraft would ever cover the costs of international shipment which varies across the world not to mention customs handling charges? If you purchase in the UK or EI from the UK then the basic price is Pounds Sterling for Dollars or about 70% higher and in EI we pay a high shipping cost to and from the UK. You do get service in the UK but you pay shipping. Elecraft could never pick up the tab for international shipment. When you purchase overseas you also pay for international shipment. There are no free lunches. We in the EU have very high purchase taxes to pay for much valued social benefits and perhaps inefficiencies. We vote in the governments who impose these taxes and costs so we must pay the piper. We should not expect that our costs would be spread across those living in the USA whose public services are demeaned in Europe. John in Hong Kong is right the wise move is to send back the defective module for repair. It makes good sense to purchase in kit form and assemble so that one is better able to remove modules and trouble shoot if something goes wrong. This modular approach is a strong point in the Elecraft approach to design. It is painful for all of us when something goes wrong. Fortunately this does not seem to happen too often with Elecraft product. Take a look at QST and compare prices in your currency to the prices in your country for the same products made outside the USA. I do not wish to step on any toes. We all struggle at times to keep finances in order but we do not have one world market with equal costs. You should see the price difference between automobiles purchased in EI and in G land. Sometime G land looks attractive - sometimes. Well we like our own boat in EI and sometimes it springs a leak. 73 Doug EI2CN -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Poul Erik Karlsh?j (PKA) Sent: 24 September 2014 17:24 To: Johnny Siu; gary.mckelvie at btinternet.com Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America Hi Johnny Yes I know. I built the K2/100, K3/100, KPA500 and KAT500 all from kits. All bought in USA (and hand carried to Denmark) I am a big fan of the Elecraft K-family. Don?t misunderstand. But sending a KPA for repair is expensive even if you take out the transformer as Elecraft will request you to do. I had to do it and one of my friends (OZ8SW) also had to send both his KAT and later his KPA for repair. If you live in USA, Elecraft will pay for the shipping from Elecraft to the customer. But for customers outside US the customer must pay for shipping both ways (also if using an Elecraft associated repair service in Italy). And that is not providing equal service to all customers. That?s my only point. 73 and thanks for your mail. /OZ4UN Poul-Erik Fra: Johnny Siu [mailto:vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk] Sendt: 24. september 2014 16:58 Til: Poul Erik Karlsh?j (PKA); Gary McKelvie Cc: Elecraft Reflector Emne: Import Costs from America Most of the elecraft products are modular in design. In other words, it is quite easy to identify a problematic PCB / Module. You can simply send the problematic module back to Elecraft for repair. Shipping costs for a module or PCB are very afffordable If you buy the kit version, you will be familiar with the way to dismantle the radio / linear amplifier. For overseas users like me, it is attractive to buy elecraft gears from the view point of future maintenance easiness. There is not any elecraft dealer in Hong Kong. We all bought direct from USA. I am very satisfied with elecraft's quality and after sales service support. Similarly, there is no repairing facilities in Hong Kong for all major ham gear manufacturers. 73 Johnny VR2XMC ???? Poul Erik Karlsh?j (PKA) > ???? Gary McKelvie > ??(CC)? Elecraft Reflector > ????? 2014?09?24? (??) 10:49 PM ??? Re: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America Hi Gary I have done that with my K2, K3 and KPA/KAT500. However you should take into account (I did not) that for any repair (including warranty repair) you will have to pay for the shipping both ways when not being in the US. Shipping the KPA is not exactly cheap. I happen to know for a fact :-( I have suggested that Elecraft provide the same service for all, America's and others alike. But dont think it is going to happen. However, I dont know the probability for any of these to need repair for a given period. Maybe it is not an issue after all. Can someone give a figure? How many K3s and KPA500 and KAT500 are sent for repair in a year (and how many units are out there)? 73 de OZ4UN > Den 22/09/2014 kl. 08.05 skrev "Gary McKelvie" >: > > Hi to the list, > Once again this list has answered my question. > Thank you to all who have replied on list and direct to me. > Much appreciated. > Once I'm in a situation to I will be ordering direct rather than pay a dealer. > 73 Gary G7USC > > Sent from my iPhone > >> On 22 Sep 2014, at 04:26, Don Palmer > wrote: >> >> Hi all you pay is VAT I have bought a KPA 500,2xP3 and 2xKAT500 and all have only had VAT. >> Good luck on what ever you do. >> Don G6CMV >> >> Sent from my iPad > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pka at tele.gl ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 turnbull at net1.ie From g at downs86.plus.com Wed Sep 24 15:16:30 2014 From: g at downs86.plus.com (Geoffrey Downs) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 20:16:30 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] S Meter ABS mode Message-ID: If I?m right it seems that S meter ABS mode hasn?t yet been implemented in the KX3. The SMTR MD menu item shows TBD when I try to change it from NOR. I use ABS all the time on my K3 so when using the KX3 it throws me when 50 microvolts at the antenna doesn?t show as S9 on the odd occasions when I use the 10 or 30db preamps. Perhaps it?s on Wayne?s list - near the top I would hope? It?s a feature that?s a great help in giving consistent and meaningful signal reports and another one that I believe is unique to Elecraft. 73 to all Geoff G3UCK From eastbrantwood at gmail.com Wed Sep 24 15:26:54 2014 From: eastbrantwood at gmail.com (Stephen Prior) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 20:26:54 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] S Meter ABS mode In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I would second that Geoff, I have mentioned it more than once on this list as I think the ABS mode to be so sensible and useful on the K3 - who wants an S meter which is only accurate some of the time, and by the very nature of preamp and attenuator settings will, as a consequence inevitably vary from band to band? Maybe it's more difficult to implement on the KX3, but I find it a little odd that it's not yet got to the top of the list. 73 Stephen G4SJP On 24 September 2014 20:16, Geoffrey Downs wrote: > If I?m right it seems that S meter ABS mode hasn?t yet been implemented in > the KX3. The SMTR MD menu item shows TBD when I try to change it from NOR. > I > use ABS all the time on my K3 so when using the KX3 it throws me when 50 > microvolts at the antenna doesn?t show as S9 on the odd occasions when I > use > the 10 or 30db preamps. Perhaps it?s on Wayne?s list - near the top I would > hope? > > It?s a feature that?s a great help in giving consistent and meaningful > signal reports and another one that I believe is unique to Elecraft. > > 73 to all > > Geoff > G3UCK > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 eastbrantwood at gmail.com From eric at elecraft.com Wed Sep 24 15:31:15 2014 From: eric at elecraft.com (Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 12:31:15 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America In-Reply-To: <295D236FD7BC5C44AB750A354BBC9D5B388B94@wmbxnuk1.sianiut.tele.gl> References: <996B18D0-4470-4A5E-9B05-EE1CD92B5F98@btinternet.com>, <1411570669.44270.YahooMailNeo@web193503.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> <295D236FD7BC5C44AB750A354BBC9D5B388B94@wmbxnuk1.sianiut.tele.gl> Message-ID: <54231C03.9090104@elecraft.com> Elecraft has an official repair/warranty station inside the EU. Carlo Bianconi in Bologna, Italy is a very experienced repair technician who also speaks excellent English, among other languages. He has a very extensive lab with current test instruments and Elecraft test software, and his work is at the same level as work performed at the factory. Shipping to Carlo is much cheaper, and faster, in most circumstances than shipping to the U.S. 73, Eric elecraft.com On 9/24/2014 10:24 AM, Poul Erik Karlsh?j (PKA) wrote: > Hi Johnny > Yes I know. I built the K2/100, K3/100, KPA500 and KAT500 all from kits. > All bought in USA (and hand carried to Denmark) > I am a big fan of the Elecraft K-family. Don?t misunderstand. > > But sending a KPA for repair is expensive even if you take out the transformer as Elecraft will request you to do. I had to do it and one of my friends (OZ8SW) also had to send both his KAT and later his KPA for repair. > If you live in USA, Elecraft will pay for the shipping from Elecraft to the customer. But for customers outside US the customer must pay for shipping both ways (also if using an Elecraft associated repair service in Italy). > > And that is not providing equal service to all customers. That?s my only point. > > 73 and thanks for your mail. > /OZ4UN Poul-Erik > > Fra: Johnny Siu [mailto:vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk] > Sendt: 24. september 2014 16:58 > Til: Poul Erik Karlsh?j (PKA); Gary McKelvie > Cc: Elecraft Reflector > Emne: Import Costs from America > > Most of the elecraft products are modular in design. In other words, it is quite easy to identify a problematic PCB / Module. You can simply send the problematic module back to Elecraft for repair. Shipping costs for a module or PCB are very afffordable > > If you buy the kit version, you will be familiar with the way to dismantle the radio / linear amplifier. For overseas users like me, it is attractive to buy elecraft gears from the view point of future maintenance easiness. > > There is not any elecraft dealer in Hong Kong. We all bought direct from USA. I am very satisfied with elecraft's quality and after sales service support. > > Similarly, there is no repairing facilities in Hong Kong for all major ham gear manufacturers. > > 73 > > Johnny VR2XMC > ???? Poul Erik Karlsh?j (PKA) > > ???? Gary McKelvie > > ??(CC)? Elecraft Reflector > > ????? 2014?09?24? (??) 10:49 PM > ??? Re: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America > > Hi Gary > I have done that with my K2, K3 and KPA/KAT500. > > However you should take into account (I did not) that for any repair (including warranty repair) you will have to pay for the shipping both ways when not being in the US. Shipping the KPA is not exactly cheap. I happen to know for a fact :-( > I have suggested that Elecraft provide the same service for all, America's and others alike. But dont think it is going to happen. > However, I dont know the probability for any of these to need repair for a given period. Maybe it is not an issue after all. Can someone give a figure? How many K3s and KPA500 and KAT500 are sent for repair in a year (and how many units are out there)? > > 73 de OZ4UN > >> Den 22/09/2014 kl. 08.05 skrev "Gary McKelvie" >: >> >> Hi to the list, >> Once again this list has answered my question. >> Thank you to all who have replied on list and direct to me. >> Much appreciated. >> Once I'm in a situation to I will be ordering direct rather than pay a dealer. >> 73 Gary G7USC >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> >>> On 22 Sep 2014, at 04:26, Don Palmer > wrote: >>> >>> Hi all you pay is VAT I have bought a KPA 500,2xP3 and 2xKAT500 and all have only had VAT. >>> Good luck on what ever you do. >>> Don G6CMV >>> >>> Sent from my iPad >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pka at tele.gl > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 elist_copy at elecraft.com From UHermanns at t-online.de Wed Sep 24 15:33:11 2014 From: UHermanns at t-online.de (Uwe Hermanns) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 21:33:11 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] S Meter ABS mode In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: I would second it too... 73 de Uwe, DL4AC Am 24.09.2014 21:27 schrieb "Stephen Prior" : > I would second that Geoff, I have mentioned it more than once on this list > as I think the ABS mode to be so sensible and useful on the K3 - who wants > an S meter which is only accurate some of the time, and by the very nature > of preamp and attenuator settings will, as a consequence inevitably vary > from band to band? Maybe it's more difficult to implement on the KX3, but > I find it a little odd that it's not yet got to the top of the list. > > 73 Stephen G4SJP > > On 24 September 2014 20:16, Geoffrey Downs wrote: > > > If I?m right it seems that S meter ABS mode hasn?t yet been implemented > in > > the KX3. The SMTR MD menu item shows TBD when I try to change it from > NOR. > > I > > use ABS all the time on my K3 so when using the KX3 it throws me when 50 > > microvolts at the antenna doesn?t show as S9 on the odd occasions when I > > use > > the 10 or 30db preamps. Perhaps it?s on Wayne?s list - near the top I > would > > hope? > > > > It?s a feature that?s a great help in giving consistent and meaningful > > signal reports and another one that I believe is unique to Elecraft. > > > > 73 to all > > > > Geoff > > G3UCK > > ______________________________________________________________ > > Elecraft mailing list > > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 eastbrantwood at gmail.com > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 uwe.dl4ac at gmail.com From w2kj at bellsouth.net Wed Sep 24 15:57:24 2014 From: w2kj at bellsouth.net (Joe W2KJ) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 15:57:24 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 firmware to-to list Message-ID: <03B6F90A-7144-4BDE-9C5F-537B05867E1C@bellsouth.net> I thought that increasing the "weight" settings on the internal KX3 keyer was also on the to-do list. Am I wrong on this and perhaps I missed an update??? 73, Joe W2KJ I QRP, therefore I am From n6kr at elecraft.com Wed Sep 24 16:03:38 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 13:03:38 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 firmware to-to list In-Reply-To: <03B6F90A-7144-4BDE-9C5F-537B05867E1C@bellsouth.net> References: <03B6F90A-7144-4BDE-9C5F-537B05867E1C@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <3A078C27-6FE7-441D-BAFB-917F820A8BE4@elecraft.com> Everything is on the list, including this, and each item has an implementation priority. (Don't I wish we could do everything at once.) Wayne N6KR On Sep 24, 2014, at 12:57 PM, Joe W2KJ wrote: > I thought that increasing the "weight" settings on the internal KX3 keyer was also on the to-do list. > > Am I wrong on this and perhaps I missed an update??? > > 73, Joe W2KJ > I QRP, therefore I am From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Wed Sep 24 16:11:12 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 13:11:12 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America In-Reply-To: References: <996B18D0-4470-4A5E-9B05-EE1CD92B5F98@btinternet.com>, <1411570669.44270.YahooMailNeo@web193503.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> <295D236FD7BC5C44AB750A354BBC9D5B388B94@wmbxnuk1.sianiut.tele.gl> Message-ID: <54232560.7050009@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Wed,9/24/2014 11:38 AM, Doug Turnbull wrote: > Elecraft could never pick up the tab for international shipment. When > you purchase overseas you also pay for international shipment. There are > no free lunches. We in the EU have very high purchase taxes to pay for > much valued social benefits and perhaps inefficiencies. We vote in the > governments who impose these taxes and costs so we must pay the piper. Well said, Doug. I also strongly endorse the practice of buying Elecraft gear in kit form. So far, I've built two loaded K3s, two P3s, an KPA500, a KX3, KXPA100, and one sub-RX. Not only do I know how the gear is put together and have confidence in their modular board construction, I saved enough buying in kit form to buy the KXPA100. The kits are easy to put together and test unless you have some sort of disability that gets in the way. 73, Jim K9YC From gt-i at gmx.net Wed Sep 24 16:53:48 2014 From: gt-i at gmx.net (gt-i at gmx.net) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 22:53:48 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 and RTTY In-Reply-To: <963DE4E01B22454A8E1DE4BC43764603@Shack> References: <963DE4E01B22454A8E1DE4BC43764603@Shack> Message-ID: <54232F5C.3080402@gmx.net> Today, I completed my 1st RTTY QSO using the KX3! One call to EA8MT, done. However, I have the same problem Ron had (or still has?) I wanted to use the CW paddles, but couldn't succeed. I used the KX3 Utility to make the QSO. Any idea on what can be wrong with my paddle (works in CW, of course!). tnx Gernot, DF5RF Am 25.07.2012 02:30, schrieb KU7Y: > I'm having a problem getting FSK-D to work. > > RX copy is fine but I get nothing when I try to send with the paddles. They > work fine on CW. > > I can't see where I'm missing any steps when I try to set it up. > > Anyone want to guess what I might be missing? > > Thanks, > > OK, back in my hole, > > Ron, KU7Y > SOWP 5545M > Arizona Outlaws Contest Club > Brenda, AZ (Winter) > Caldwell, ID (Summer) > ku7y at qsl.net > http://www.hatpinsandmore.com > KX3 #0062 > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > From matt.vk2rq at gmail.com Wed Sep 24 17:08:52 2014 From: matt.vk2rq at gmail.com (Matt VK2RQ) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 05:08:52 +0800 Subject: [Elecraft] Using dual watch with RX SHFT=8kHz Message-ID: <060017B1-E039-4BA3-A9A8-362278BD4908@gmail.com> A long long time ago on another mail list there was a discussion about why it was not possible to use dual watch together with the RX SHFT set to an 8kHz shift. If this would be implemented in a straightforward way, such a shift would result in an asymmetry in range of frequencies your second VFO could cover above and below the first VFO (eg. ADC covers LO+/-15kHz, VFO_A is LO+8kHz, so VFO_B can range from VFO_A-23kHz to VFO_A+7kHz. However, if you tried to set VFO_B to greater than VFO_A+7kHz, one possibility would be for the KX3 to change the shift from LO+8KHz to LO-8kHz. This would then permit coverage from VFO_A-7khz to VFO_A+23kHz. Everything would seem to be on the opposite sideband, so the demodulation code would need to compensate. By combining these two modes of operation, the dual watch could be extended so VFO_B has a ranges of VFO_A +/-23kHz. If you used a greater IF shift than 8kHz, say 11kHz for example, then this could extend the range even further, say +/-26kHz. Regardless whether such such extended coverage is implemented for dual watch, the PX3 would need to behave sensibly when using of dual watch with IF shift. 73, Matt VK2RQ From gt-i at gmx.net Wed Sep 24 17:21:35 2014 From: gt-i at gmx.net (gt-i at gmx.net) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 23:21:35 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 and RTTY In-Reply-To: <54232F5C.3080402@gmx.net> References: <963DE4E01B22454A8E1DE4BC43764603@Shack> <54232F5C.3080402@gmx.net> Message-ID: <542335DF.8050703@gmx.net> Since I couldn't find anything in the manual, I downloaded the latest manual from the elecraft web site. Voila - here we go: CW-to-data cannot be used in CW hand mode - which I used in the setup with the microham keyer... Problem solved! Am 24.09.2014 22:53, schrieb gt-i at gmx.net: > Today, I completed my 1st RTTY QSO using the KX3! One call to EA8MT, > done. > However, I have the same problem Ron had (or still has?) > I wanted to use the CW paddles, but couldn't succeed. I used the KX3 > Utility to make the QSO. > Any idea on what can be wrong with my paddle (works in CW, of course!). > tnx > Gernot, > DF5RF > > Am 25.07.2012 02:30, schrieb KU7Y: >> I'm having a problem getting FSK-D to work. >> >> RX copy is fine but I get nothing when I try to send with the >> paddles. They >> work fine on CW. >> >> I can't see where I'm missing any steps when I try to set it up. >> >> Anyone want to guess what I might be missing? >> >> Thanks, >> >> OK, back in my hole, >> >> Ron, KU7Y >> SOWP 5545M >> Arizona Outlaws Contest Club >> Brenda, AZ (Winter) >> Caldwell, ID (Summer) >> ku7y at qsl.net >> http://www.hatpinsandmore.com >> KX3 #0062 >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net >> >> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net >> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html >> > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 gt-i at gmx.net > From n6kr at elecraft.com Wed Sep 24 17:37:36 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 14:37:36 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Using dual watch with RX SHFT=8kHz In-Reply-To: <060017B1-E039-4BA3-A9A8-362278BD4908@gmail.com> References: <060017B1-E039-4BA3-A9A8-362278BD4908@gmail.com> Message-ID: Yes. Future. Wayne On Sep 24, 2014, at 2:08 PM, Matt VK2RQ wrote: > A long long time ago on another mail list there was a discussion about why it was not possible to use dual watch together with the RX SHFT set to an 8kHz shift. If this would be implemented in a straightforward way, such a shift would result in an asymmetry in range of frequencies your second VFO could cover above and below the first VFO (eg. ADC covers LO+/-15kHz, VFO_A is LO+8kHz, so VFO_B can range from VFO_A-23kHz to VFO_A+7kHz. > > However, if you tried to set VFO_B to greater than VFO_A+7kHz, one possibility would be for the KX3 to change the shift from LO+8KHz to LO-8kHz. This would then permit coverage from VFO_A-7khz to VFO_A+23kHz. Everything would seem to be on the opposite sideband, so the demodulation code would need to compensate. > > By combining these two modes of operation, the dual watch could be extended so VFO_B has a ranges of VFO_A +/-23kHz. If you used a greater IF shift than 8kHz, say 11kHz for example, then this could extend the range even further, say +/-26kHz. > > Regardless whether such such extended coverage is implemented for dual watch, the PX3 would need to behave sensibly when using of dual watch with IF shift. > > 73, > Matt VK2RQ From k3ndm at comcast.net Wed Sep 24 18:05:58 2014 From: k3ndm at comcast.net (Barry LaZar) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 18:05:58 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 NAP3 & Win4K Off Frequency In-Reply-To: <5422FBEC.3030604@subich.com> References: <5422FBEC.3030604@subich.com> Message-ID: <54234046.1040001@comcast.net> I think the developer gave up in disgust due to the number of people who were hitting him with different issues. And, I don't think he was not getting paid for the level of effort that was required to keep going. The situation is not good. The product is quite good and is a very helpful application to have. It works wonders while operating split with the one receiver I have with the KX3. However, I have heard nothing about someone wanting to replace the developer or even supporting its present state. 73, Barry K3NDM On 9/24/2014 1:14 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: > >> However, on my computer, NaP3 gets all bollixed up after I press my >> CW key, apparently because the KX3 sends it's high-level audio out >> the RX I/Q port even during transmit, and this high level messes up >> the NaP3 engine, causing duplicated signals to appear. I remedy it >> (until the next transmission sequence) by clicking on "Fixed", then >> "Run" in the WBIR box on the DSP tab of the NaP3 Configure/Setup >> panel. > > Why not expect the developer of NaP3 to fix his software to work with > the way the KX3 operates and mute the input when the IF poll indicates > the rig is in transmit rather than expect Elecraft to modify their > transceiver to work around a problem in one piece of software? Oh, I > forgot - the developer of NaP3 has folded his tent and abandoned the > product. > > 73, > > ... Joe, W4TV > > > On 2014-09-24 12:40 PM, James Bennett wrote: >> Peter, >> >> I've been using my KX3 and NaP3 for several months, although not with >> Win4k3 - love how I'm able to control the rig from this application >> in addition to doing a "point & click" to jump to signals I see on >> the band. However, on my computer, NaP3 gets all bollixed up after I >> press my CW key, apparently because the KX3 sends it's high-level >> audio out the RX I/Q port even during transmit, and this high level >> messes up the NaP3 engine, causing duplicated signals to appear. I >> remedy it (until the next transmission sequence) by clicking on >> "Fixed", then "Run" in the WBIR box on the DSP tab of the NaP3 >> Configure/Setup panel. >> >> Wayne has noted several times that the KX3 firmware will be changed >> to allow the option of NOT sending a signal out the RX I/Q port but >> to my knowledge, this has not yet been implemented. I hope it happens >> soon......... :-) >> >> Jim / W6JHB >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list Home: >> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: >> http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: >> mailto:Elecraft at 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 >> lists at subich.com >> > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k3ndm at comcast.net > From lew at n6lew.us Wed Sep 24 20:01:44 2014 From: lew at n6lew.us (Lewis Phelps) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 17:01:44 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS In-Reply-To: <1411385230531-7593292.post@n2.nabble.com> References: <541EAD92.1000500@lehigh.edu> <000601cfd5a9$88a27050$99e750f0$@net> <1411310886.82872.YahooMailNeo@web181603.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> <541EF21A.9000508@subich.com> <1411385230531-7593292.post@n2.nabble.com> Message-ID: <8CEEA2A8-CD24-4E20-9136-A47EC8D0DD18@n6lew.us> In the ?small power supply? department, I recently grabbed a surplus unit on sale at all electronics.com. It measures a scant 1.5 x 3 x 12 (if you remove a handle) and puts out 45 amps at 12VDC plus 3.1 amps at 3.3 VDC. And the cost is only $24. Downside: probably produces too much RF noise to be useful. I haven?t had a chance to test it yet, but it?s rated as ENC 55022 Class A, which basically means it?s not rated for residential use. whether it will work OK in a ham radio application remains to be seen. I?ll report more when I know. It?s designed to run rack mounted equipment. It also requires some ingenuity in connecting its output to the station, since it uses an output connector that is ?ummm? unusual in the ham radio environment. But if it works, it offers great bang for the buck. see: http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/ps-2545/12-vdc-45a-3.3-vdc-3a-power-supply/1.html Lew N6LEW On Sep 22, 2014, at 4:27 AM, Ignacy wrote: > HPS1-A required reducing power in my K3 to about 60W. It works well with > IC-7000 because this rig folds power with lower voltage. For me, HPS > advantages are light weight and automatic 110/220C switching. > > It failed once under light service. > > Ignacy, NO9E > > > > -- > View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/very-small-20A-switching-PS-tp7593251p7593292.html > Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 lew at n6lew.us > From vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk Wed Sep 24 21:25:22 2014 From: vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk (Johnny Siu) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 09:25:22 +0800 Subject: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS In-Reply-To: <8CEEA2A8-CD24-4E20-9136-A47EC8D0DD18@n6lew.us> References: <541EAD92.1000500@lehigh.edu> <000601cfd5a9$88a27050$99e750f0$@net> <1411310886.82872.YahooMailNeo@web181603.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> <541EF21A.9000508@subich.com> <1411385230531-7593292.post@n2.nabble.com> <8CEEA2A8-CD24-4E20-9136-A47EC8D0DD18@n6lew.us> Message-ID: <1411608322.93896.YahooMailNeo@web193502.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> Hello Lewis, Please keep the group infomed about your findings. PSU at this package is usually much cheaper. However, the problem is always the RFI especially below 40m. Tune the rig to the 40, 80 and 160m, you will notice noise from the PSU if there is RFI. Switching power supply itself is not an evil but well shielded and designed unit without RFI (or at least not noticeable) could be a bit costy. 73 Johnny VR2XMC ________________________________ ???? Lewis Phelps ???? "elecraft at mailman.qth.net List" ????? 2014?09?25? (??) 8:01 AM ??? Re: [Elecraft] very small 20A switching PS In the ?small power supply? department, I recently grabbed a surplus unit on sale at all electronics.com. It measures a scant 1.5 x 3 x 12 (if you remove a handle) and puts out 45 amps at 12VDC plus 3.1 amps at 3.3 VDC. And the cost is only $24. Downside: probably produces too much RF noise to be useful. I haven?t had a chance to test it yet, but it?s rated as ENC 55022 Class A, which basically means it?s not rated for residential use. whether it will work OK in a ham radio application remains to be seen. I?ll report more when I know. It?s designed to run rack mounted equipment. It also requires some ingenuity in connecting its output to the station, since it uses an output connector that is ?ummm? unusual in the ham radio environment. But if it works, it offers great bang for the buck. see: http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/ps-2545/12-vdc-45a-3.3-vdc-3a-power-supply/1.html Lew N6LEW On Sep 22, 2014, at 4:27 AM, Ignacy wrote: > HPS1-A required reducing power in my K3 to about 60W. It works well with > IC-7000 because this rig folds power with lower voltage. For me, HPS > advantages are light weight and automatic 110/220C switching. > > It failed once under light service. > > Ignacy, NO9E From w6jhb at me.com Wed Sep 24 22:41:58 2014 From: w6jhb at me.com (James Bennett) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 19:41:58 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 NAP3 & Win4K Off Frequency In-Reply-To: <54234046.1040001@comcast.net> References: <5422FBEC.3030604@subich.com> <54234046.1040001@comcast.net> Message-ID: Barry, I think you are right - he probably gave up. It's unfortunate that he didn't go a different route - perhaps making it a "pay for it" application. I would gladly pay for a product like this to go with my KX3. While I wouldn't have any need for it while camping / backpacking / out in the field, it sure is a super application to use here at home. I run Windows 8.1 under VMware Fusion on a 27" iMac and the display in combination with the operating flexibility are very, very cool. Anyway, I guess we can end this thread and get on with using our rigs! Now, where did that W1AW/7 in Idaho go on 12 meters......? :-) :-) 73, Jim / W6JHB Folsom, CA On Wednesday, Sep 24, 2014, at Wednesday, 3:05 PM, Barry LaZar wrote: > I think the developer gave up in disgust due to the number of people who were hitting him with different issues. And, I don't think he was not getting paid for the level of effort that was required to keep going. > > The situation is not good. The product is quite good and is a very helpful application to have. It works wonders while operating split with the one receiver I have with the KX3. However, I have heard nothing about someone wanting to replace the developer or even supporting its present state. > > 73, > Barry > K3NDM > > > > On 9/24/2014 1:14 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: >> >>> However, on my computer, NaP3 gets all bollixed up after I press my >>> CW key, apparently because the KX3 sends it's high-level audio out >>> the RX I/Q port even during transmit, and this high level messes up >>> the NaP3 engine, causing duplicated signals to appear. I remedy it >>> (until the next transmission sequence) by clicking on "Fixed", then >>> "Run" in the WBIR box on the DSP tab of the NaP3 Configure/Setup >>> panel. >> >> Why not expect the developer of NaP3 to fix his software to work with >> the way the KX3 operates and mute the input when the IF poll indicates >> the rig is in transmit rather than expect Elecraft to modify their >> transceiver to work around a problem in one piece of software? Oh, I >> forgot - the developer of NaP3 has folded his tent and abandoned the >> product. >> >> 73, >> >> ... Joe, W4TV >> >> >> On 2014-09-24 12:40 PM, James Bennett wrote: >>> Peter, >>> >>> I've been using my KX3 and NaP3 for several months, although not with >>> Win4k3 - love how I'm able to control the rig from this application >>> in addition to doing a "point & click" to jump to signals I see on >>> the band. However, on my computer, NaP3 gets all bollixed up after I >>> press my CW key, apparently because the KX3 sends it's high-level >>> audio out the RX I/Q port even during transmit, and this high level >>> messes up the NaP3 engine, causing duplicated signals to appear. I >>> remedy it (until the next transmission sequence) by clicking on >>> "Fixed", then "Run" in the WBIR box on the DSP tab of the NaP3 >>> Configure/Setup panel. >>> >>> Wayne has noted several times that the KX3 firmware will be changed >>> to allow the option of NOT sending a signal out the RX I/Q port but >>> to my knowledge, this has not yet been implemented. I hope it happens >>> soon......... :-) >>> >>> Jim / W6JHB >>> ______________________________________________________________ >>> Elecraft mailing list Home: >>> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: >>> http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: >>> mailto:Elecraft at 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 >>> lists at subich.com >>> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k3ndm at comcast.net >> > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 w6jhb at me.com From clawsoncw at gmail.com Thu Sep 25 01:54:15 2014 From: clawsoncw at gmail.com (Carl Clawson) Date: Wed, 24 Sep 2014 22:54:15 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 QRQ improvement suggestion Message-ID: It would be nice if QRQ mode would engage when RIT is enabled with an offset of 0.00. This is a common operating condition. My log software zeros RIT after every contact and it stays there until someone calls me way off frequency. 73 and thanks for listening, Carl WS7L From duklaet at broadpark.no Thu Sep 25 01:32:02 2014 From: duklaet at broadpark.no (=?iso-8859-1?Q?=22Hjalmar_Dukl=E6t=22?=) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 07:32:02 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 firmware to-to list In-Reply-To: <03B6F90A-7144-4BDE-9C5F-537B05867E1C@bellsouth.net> References: <03B6F90A-7144-4BDE-9C5F-537B05867E1C@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <74b0ff9e327c7.5423c4f2@broadpark.no> So did I. It's over two years since Wayne promised to look at this after he returned from his summer vacation. He agreed that the weight was not good enough.? 73 de Hal/la4xx On 14-09-24 21:57, Joe W2KJ wrote: > > I thought that increasing the "weight" settings on the internal KX3 keyer was also on the to-do list. > > Am I wrong on this and perhaps I missed an update??? > > 73, Joe W2KJ > I QRP, therefore I am > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 duklaet at broadpark.no > From g8kbvdave at googlemail.com Thu Sep 25 04:25:32 2014 From: g8kbvdave at googlemail.com (Dave B) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 09:25:32 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3: RX audio "Line" out? Feature Request. Message-ID: <5423D17C.32358.3B14B74@g8kbvdave.googlemail.com> One for the KX3 Firmware guru's I think. Looking at the schematic, there might be a way to "uncouple" the Headphone Right and Left levels, and set them indipendantly, while also leaving the speaker amp enabled. That would allow, when a cable is plugged into the "Phones" jack, the Audio DAC "Left" to still run the speaker (level set by the front panel AF gain) while "Right" is used as a fixed level "Line" output at some other (menu set?) level, for external digimode decoders. (However, I've not looked at the data sheet for the TLV320AIC3105 audio codec chip used, yet to see if it could support that, I just suspect it might.) If it could. Howabout that as a feature request? We woudnt need to faff about with 3.5mm jack splitters and an external powered speaker just to still "hear" what's going on, while plugged into an external decoder. Or is there an existing menu feature I've missed that would do that already? And yes, I am aware that many PC's allow you to "listen" to an input, but not all OS's support that on all platforms. Nor do many hardware based digimode devices (TNC's and the like.) If (a big IF) that was to be possible. Storing such settings in a memory along with frequency/mode etc would be fantastic! (A "Line IN" would be nice, but I don't se any other "already connected" ways to do that, though there are plenty of spare inputs to the audio codec chip.) 73. Dave G0WBX. From kf5jnu at gmail.com Thu Sep 25 05:08:16 2014 From: kf5jnu at gmail.com (Gerald Wilson) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 05:08:16 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3: RX audio "Line" out? Feature Request. In-Reply-To: <5423D17C.32358.3B14B74@g8kbvdave.googlemail.com> References: <5423D17C.32358.3B14B74@g8kbvdave.googlemail.com> Message-ID: This would be amazing and a huge help with digital modes. On September 25, 2014 4:25:32 AM EDT, Dave B wrote: >One for the KX3 Firmware guru's I think. > >Looking at the schematic, there might be a way to "uncouple" the >Headphone >Right and Left levels, and set them indipendantly, while also leaving >the speaker >amp enabled. > >That would allow, when a cable is plugged into the "Phones" jack, the >Audio DAC >"Left" to still run the speaker (level set by the front panel AF gain) >while "Right" >is used as a fixed level "Line" output at some other (menu set?) level, >for >external digimode decoders. > >(However, I've not looked at the data sheet for the TLV320AIC3105 audio >codec >chip used, yet to see if it could support that, I just suspect it >might.) > >If it could. Howabout that as a feature request? We woudnt need to >faff about >with 3.5mm jack splitters and an external powered speaker just to still >"hear" >what's going on, while plugged into an external decoder. > >Or is there an existing menu feature I've missed that would do that >already? > >And yes, I am aware that many PC's allow you to "listen" to an input, >but not all >OS's support that on all platforms. Nor do many hardware based >digimode >devices (TNC's and the like.) > >If (a big IF) that was to be possible. Storing such settings in a >memory along >with frequency/mode etc would be fantastic! > >(A "Line IN" would be nice, but I don't se any other "already >connected" ways to >do that, though there are plenty of spare inputs to the audio codec >chip.) > >73. > >Dave G0WBX. > >______________________________________________________________ >Elecraft mailing list >Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 kf5jnu at gmail.com -- Sent from my Android device with K-9 Mail. Please excuse my brevity. From w4jbb at charter.net Thu Sep 25 06:31:40 2014 From: w4jbb at charter.net (Joel Black) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 05:31:40 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] Key Clicks / Ringing - September Experiment **Updated** Message-ID: <5423EF0C.2080304@charter.net> A few days ago, I wrote that my biggest annoyance with the KX3 were the key clicks / ringing when working split. After installing the latest Beta F/W (2.23), and turning the KX3's RX IF shift to 8.0, the ringing is gone! Last night, I worked W1AW/5 on 30 m split (1 up) and there was no ringing. Thank you, Elecraft. Thank you, Wayne. For the next week or so, my September setup is back on track. Another thing from the list I previously posted: You *can*, in a way, have more than one macro loaded at a time - you can create each macro so that it will call up the next macro effectively cycling through your list of macros. I think I posted here before where one press of PF1 will put me in CW mode, copy VFO A to VFO B, turn on split, turn on dual watch, and change VFO B so it is 1 kHz higher. That macro then calls a second macro that undoes all that. The first long hold of PF1 turns all that on; the second long hold turns it all off. You could have PF1 (or PF2) setup so that if you were working W1AW/p (for example) on CW split on one band and then RTTY split on another so that your macro button steps through the macros. Now, how useful this is to each individual operator is completely subjective. 73/72, Joel - W4JBB On 9/22/14, 6:00 PM, Joel Black wrote: > > I can only have two macros loaded in the KX3 at any given time. The K3 > can have up to eight (I think I have four and could truly reduce that > to two or three - I wouldn't need the ATU macro). > > My absolute biggest annoyances are the key clicks and digital ringing > when working split / dual watch in either mode. The *only* way I found > to get rid of the key clicks was to turn off dual watch and just > operate split. However, if I read the manual correctly, this > eliminates the ability to listen to both VFO A and VFO B. The KX3 > Operating Manual, Rev B4, June 01, 2012 it states, "Dual Watch > Limitations... A wider roofing filter than normal will be selected > automatically, if required, based on the frequency span between VFO A > and VFO B." > From aa4v at bellsouth.net Thu Sep 25 09:11:59 2014 From: aa4v at bellsouth.net (Steve) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 09:11:59 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] 4 second tail-end delay on RTTY Message-ID: <1AD6E786-2946-410C-9495-B35AB893876A@bellsouth.net> GM, folks I've been using cw-to-rtty on my K3. I have read that sending "IM" at the end of the transmission to end transmission but it just extends the tail for another 4 seconds. I send IM bumped together as a pro sign but no joy. Any sage advice? 73, Steve AA4V Sent from my I-Phone From huntinhmb at coastside.net Thu Sep 25 10:47:00 2014 From: huntinhmb at coastside.net (Brian Hunt) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 07:47:00 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] 4 second tail-end delay on RTTY In-Reply-To: <1AD6E786-2946-410C-9495-B35AB893876A@bellsouth.net> References: <1AD6E786-2946-410C-9495-B35AB893876A@bellsouth.net> Message-ID: <547EDF10-7105-40C8-BCC7-42DB98AB781D@coastside.net> I find it impossible for me to send IM with the paddle and have it recognized by the K3. Instead I edited my CW memories to have a pipe character (vertical bar) at the end. Eg. DE K0DTJ |. It's not sent on CW and does a fine job on RTTY. 73, Brian, K0DTJ > On Sep 25, 2014, at 06:11, Steve wrote: > > > GM, folks > I've been using cw-to-rtty on my K3. I have read that sending "IM" at the end of the transmission to end transmission but it just extends the tail for another 4 seconds. I send IM bumped together as a pro sign but no joy. Any sage advice? > > 73, Steve AA4V > > Sent from my I-Phone > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 huntinhmb at coastside.net From n6kr at elecraft.com Thu Sep 25 10:53:50 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 07:53:50 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] 4 second tail-end delay on RTTY In-Reply-To: <547EDF10-7105-40C8-BCC7-42DB98AB781D@coastside.net> References: <1AD6E786-2946-410C-9495-B35AB893876A@bellsouth.net> <547EDF10-7105-40C8-BCC7-42DB98AB781D@coastside.net> Message-ID: This prosign is in daily use by many K3 and KX3 ops (including me)?it really does work. But it may take some practice because it's not a character you grew up with. If the text decoder shows "IM" when you send the "..--" prosign, then you're leaving space that's just a bit too long between the ".." and the "--". Try thinking of it as sending Morse for the number "2", but leaving off the last dash. 73, Wayne N6KR > I find it impossible for me to send IM with the paddle?. From rfanfant at hotmail.com Thu Sep 25 11:15:54 2014 From: rfanfant at hotmail.com (Robert Fanfant) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 22:15:54 +0700 Subject: [Elecraft] RTTY FSK Message-ID: I currently have N1MM integrated with FLDigi, a SignalLink unit, and an RS232 interface to the K3. All works well using AFSK with the K3 in USB mode. Can someone direct me on how to setup my K3 for FSK RTTY? Would like to know what is needed to make the switch to FSK such that the K3 can be used in DATA mode instead of USB, while still using N1MM/FLDigi integration and an RS232 interface. Thanks in advance. -rob N7QT From lists at subich.com Thu Sep 25 11:51:09 2014 From: lists at subich.com (Joe Subich, W4TV) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 11:51:09 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] RTTY FSK In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <542439ED.8090104@subich.com> > Would like to know what is needed to make the switch to FSK such that > the K3 can be used in DATA mode instead of USB, while still using > N1MM/FLDigi integration and an RS232 interface. fldigi *does not support an RS-232 interface for FSK*. Look in the fldigi help files for pFSK (pseudo FSK) and build that circuit to convert on/off keyed audio tones to FSK. However, *any program* capable of AFSK/PSK can be used with the K3 in DATA mode simply by selecting DATA A (for wideband PSK and AFSK in USB) or AFSK A (for narrow filter AFSK in LSB). See the K3 Owner's Manual information on DATA Sub-modes. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-09-25 11:15 AM, Robert Fanfant wrote: > I currently have N1MM integrated with FLDigi, a SignalLink unit, and > an RS232 interface to the K3. All works well using AFSK with the K3 > in USB mode. > > Can someone direct me on how to setup my K3 for FSK RTTY? Would like > to know what is needed to make the switch to FSK such that the K3 can > be used in DATA mode instead of USB, while still using N1MM/FLDigi > integration and an RS232 interface. > > Thanks in advance. > -rob N7QT From w0agmike at gmail.com Thu Sep 25 12:42:26 2014 From: w0agmike at gmail.com (Mike Murray) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 11:42:26 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] Fwd: F/S K2/100 & KAT100 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: My K2 is now on eBay for any who might be interested - search on my call. Also have an MFJ-989C listed. Selling my K2/100, #2652, and KAT100 to finance a KX3 purchase and downsize the shack a bit. Excellent condition mechanically and electrically with the following: -Most A to B mods done (list available) -KSB2 SSB option -K160RX 160 option -KNB2 Noise blanker -KDSP2 Advanced DSP filter -Clifton Labs Z10000B-K2 Buffer Amplifier, IF output -K6XX CW tuning indicator -KI6WX keying mod -W3FPR's fixed AF level output -TF3MA sidetone mod -Split/RIT/XIT LED indicator mod -KR5L CW zero beat indicator mod -SoftRock Lite II K2 IF to I/Q output (external box) -All docmentation Current Elecraft pricing: $1,964.70 + Softrock Shipped to US addresses only - $1350.00. PayPal prefered. Photos available and email me for any questions. 73, Mike - W0AG From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Thu Sep 25 13:03:25 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 10:03:25 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3: RX audio "Line" out? Feature Request. In-Reply-To: <5423D17C.32358.3B14B74@g8kbvdave.googlemail.com> References: <5423D17C.32358.3B14B74@g8kbvdave.googlemail.com> Message-ID: <54244ADD.6080400@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Thu,9/25/2014 1:25 AM, Dave B wrote: > If it could. Howabout that as a feature request? We woudnt need to faff about > with 3.5mm jack splitters and an external powered speaker just to still "hear" > what's going on, while plugged into an external decoder. Consumer line level is 1V peak, which is the same level used to drive headphones. The headphone output is a low impedance source, so it can easily drive both headphones and a line level input. The only thing missing is an independent level control, which is easy enough to work around. 73, Jim K9YC From cak at dimebank.com Thu Sep 25 13:30:59 2014 From: cak at dimebank.com (Chris Kantarjiev) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 10:30:59 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] FS: KPA100/KAT100 in EC2 (price reduced) In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <54245153.60700@dimebank.com> Hi all ... it's been a few years since I've made any noise here (and a little while since I've been on the air). Life has taken some interesting turns and my radio focus has shifted. I bought a K3 a while ago and love it. I'm not ready to let go of my K2 (that will probably *never* happen), but the KPA100/KAT100 combination in EC2 case would be happier in someone else's shack. It's in excellent shape, works great, comes with the cables and manuals and boxes and everything. I'm asking $400 plus shipping. Photos available on request. VY 73 de chris K6DBG From PKA at telepost.gl Thu Sep 25 13:45:24 2014 From: PKA at telepost.gl (=?utf-8?B?UG91bCBFcmlrIEthcmxzaMO4aiAoUEtBKQ==?=) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 17:45:24 +0000 Subject: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America In-Reply-To: <54231C03.9090104@elecraft.com> References: <996B18D0-4470-4A5E-9B05-EE1CD92B5F98@btinternet.com>, <1411570669.44270.YahooMailNeo@web193503.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> <295D236FD7BC5C44AB750A354BBC9D5B388B94@wmbxnuk1.sianiut.tele.gl>, <54231C03.9090104@elecraft.com> Message-ID: <8251230B-3516-44E1-9D98-4F5386616259@tele.gl> I didn't see anybody question the quality of repair. You confuse the issue! However you like to argue, there is a fact. For warranty repair, shipping costs are higher for non US customers than for US customers first of all because Elecraft only pays the shipping both ways for US customers - even when the repair is done "locally" from Elecraft in EU (=Italy for EU) Regards OZ4UN > Den 24/09/2014 kl. 21.31 skrev "Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft" : > > Elecraft has an official repair/warranty station inside the EU. Carlo Bianconi in Bologna, Italy is a very experienced repair technician who also speaks excellent English, among other languages. He has a very extensive lab with current test instruments and Elecraft test software, and his work is at the same level as work performed at the factory. > > Shipping to Carlo is much cheaper, and faster, in most circumstances than shipping to the U.S. > > 73, > Eric > elecraft.com > >> On 9/24/2014 10:24 AM, Poul Erik Karlsh?j (PKA) wrote: >> Hi Johnny >> Yes I know. I built the K2/100, K3/100, KPA500 and KAT500 all from kits. >> All bought in USA (and hand carried to Denmark) >> I am a big fan of the Elecraft K-family. Don?t misunderstand. >> >> But sending a KPA for repair is expensive even if you take out the transformer as Elecraft will request you to do. I had to do it and one of my friends (OZ8SW) also had to send both his KAT and later his KPA for repair. >> If you live in USA, Elecraft will pay for the shipping from Elecraft to the customer. But for customers outside US the customer must pay for shipping both ways (also if using an Elecraft associated repair service in Italy). >> >> And that is not providing equal service to all customers. That?s my only point. >> >> 73 and thanks for your mail. >> /OZ4UN Poul-Erik >> >> Fra: Johnny Siu [mailto:vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk] >> Sendt: 24. september 2014 16:58 >> Til: Poul Erik Karlsh?j (PKA); Gary McKelvie >> Cc: Elecraft Reflector >> Emne: Import Costs from America >> >> Most of the elecraft products are modular in design. In other words, it is quite easy to identify a problematic PCB / Module. You can simply send the problematic module back to Elecraft for repair. Shipping costs for a module or PCB are very afffordable >> >> If you buy the kit version, you will be familiar with the way to dismantle the radio / linear amplifier. For overseas users like me, it is attractive to buy elecraft gears from the view point of future maintenance easiness. >> >> There is not any elecraft dealer in Hong Kong. We all bought direct from USA. I am very satisfied with elecraft's quality and after sales service support. >> >> Similarly, there is no repairing facilities in Hong Kong for all major ham gear manufacturers. >> >> 73 >> >> Johnny VR2XMC >> ???? Poul Erik Karlsh?j (PKA) > >> ???? Gary McKelvie > >> ??(CC)? Elecraft Reflector > >> ????? 2014?09?24? (??) 10:49 PM >> ??? Re: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America >> >> Hi Gary >> I have done that with my K2, K3 and KPA/KAT500. >> >> However you should take into account (I did not) that for any repair (including warranty repair) you will have to pay for the shipping both ways when not being in the US. Shipping the KPA is not exactly cheap. I happen to know for a fact :-( >> I have suggested that Elecraft provide the same service for all, America's and others alike. But dont think it is going to happen. >> However, I dont know the probability for any of these to need repair for a given period. Maybe it is not an issue after all. Can someone give a figure? How many K3s and KPA500 and KAT500 are sent for repair in a year (and how many units are out there)? >> >> 73 de OZ4UN >> >>> Den 22/09/2014 kl. 08.05 skrev "Gary McKelvie" >: >>> >>> Hi to the list, >>> Once again this list has answered my question. >>> Thank you to all who have replied on list and direct to me. >>> Much appreciated. >>> Once I'm in a situation to I will be ordering direct rather than pay a dealer. >>> 73 Gary G7USC >>> >>> Sent from my iPhone >>> >>>> On 22 Sep 2014, at 04:26, Don Palmer > wrote: >>>> >>>> Hi all you pay is VAT I have bought a KPA 500,2xP3 and 2xKAT500 and all have only had VAT. >>>> Good luck on what ever you do. >>>> Don G6CMV >>>> >>>> Sent from my iPad >>> ______________________________________________________________ >>> Elecraft mailing list >>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >>> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pka at tele.gl >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 elist_copy at elecraft.com > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pka at tele.gl From w7ox at socal.rr.com Thu Sep 25 16:07:39 2014 From: w7ox at socal.rr.com (Phil Wheeler) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 13:07:39 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America In-Reply-To: <8251230B-3516-44E1-9D98-4F5386616259@tele.gl> References: <996B18D0-4470-4A5E-9B05-EE1CD92B5F98@btinternet.com>, <1411570669.44270.YahooMailNeo@web193503.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> <295D236FD7BC5C44AB750A354BBC9D5B388B94@wmbxnuk1.sianiut.tele.gl>, <54231C03.9090104@elecraft.com> <8251230B-3516-44E1-9D98-4F5386616259@tele.gl> Message-ID: <5424760B.6050402@socal.rr.com> You said "Elecraft only pays the shipping both ways for US customers" indicating that if I have a problem and have to ship my KPA500 to Elecraft they pay the shipping both ways. If true, that's great news :-) Phil w7ox p.s. -- Good to hear there is authorized service in Europe. Someone did mention sending their rig to Carlo, but I didn't know he was acting as an agent of Elecraft. Not all that useful to Johnny in Hong Kong, I guess :-( On 9/25/14, 10:45 AM, Poul Erik Karlsh?j (PKA) wrote: > I didn't see anybody question the quality of repair. You confuse the issue! > However you like to argue, there is a fact. For warranty repair, shipping costs are higher for non US customers than for US customers first of all because Elecraft only pays the shipping both ways for US customers - even when the repair is done "locally" from Elecraft in EU (=Italy for EU) > > Regards > OZ4UN > >> Den 24/09/2014 kl. 21.31 skrev "Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft" : >> >> Elecraft has an official repair/warranty station inside the EU. Carlo Bianconi in Bologna, Italy is a very experienced repair technician who also speaks excellent English, among other languages. He has a very extensive lab with current test instruments and Elecraft test software, and his work is at the same level as work performed at the factory. >> >> Shipping to Carlo is much cheaper, and faster, in most circumstances than shipping to the U.S. >> >> 73, >> Eric >> elecraft.com >> >>> On 9/24/2014 10:24 AM, Poul Erik Karlsh?j (PKA) wrote: >>> Hi Johnny >>> Yes I know. I built the K2/100, K3/100, KPA500 and KAT500 all from kits. >>> All bought in USA (and hand carried to Denmark) >>> I am a big fan of the Elecraft K-family. Don?t misunderstand. >>> >>> But sending a KPA for repair is expensive even if you take out the transformer as Elecraft will request you to do. I had to do it and one of my friends (OZ8SW) also had to send both his KAT and later his KPA for repair. >>> If you live in USA, Elecraft will pay for the shipping from Elecraft to the customer. But for customers outside US the customer must pay for shipping both ways (also if using an Elecraft associated repair service in Italy). >>> >>> And that is not providing equal service to all customers. That?s my only point. >>> >>> 73 and thanks for your mail. >>> /OZ4UN Poul-Erik >>> >>> Fra: Johnny Siu [mailto:vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk] >>> Sendt: 24. september 2014 16:58 >>> Til: Poul Erik Karlsh?j (PKA); Gary McKelvie >>> Cc: Elecraft Reflector >>> Emne: Import Costs from America >>> >>> Most of the elecraft products are modular in design. In other words, it is quite easy to identify a problematic PCB / Module. You can simply send the problematic module back to Elecraft for repair. Shipping costs for a module or PCB are very afffordable >>> >>> If you buy the kit version, you will be familiar with the way to dismantle the radio / linear amplifier. For overseas users like me, it is attractive to buy elecraft gears from the view point of future maintenance easiness. >>> >>> There is not any elecraft dealer in Hong Kong. We all bought direct from USA. I am very satisfied with elecraft's quality and after sales service support. >>> >>> Similarly, there is no repairing facilities in Hong Kong for all major ham gear manufacturers. >>> >>> 73 >>> >>> Johnny VR2XMC >>> ???? Poul Erik Karlsh?j (PKA) > >>> ???? Gary McKelvie > >>> ??(CC)? Elecraft Reflector > >>> ????? 2014?09?24? (??) 10:49 PM >>> ??? Re: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America >>> >>> Hi Gary >>> I have done that with my K2, K3 and KPA/KAT500. >>> >>> However you should take into account (I did not) that for any repair (including warranty repair) you will have to pay for the shipping both ways when not being in the US. Shipping the KPA is not exactly cheap. I happen to know for a fact :-( >>> I have suggested that Elecraft provide the same service for all, America's and others alike. But dont think it is going to happen. >>> However, I dont know the probability for any of these to need repair for a given period. Maybe it is not an issue after all. Can someone give a figure? How many K3s and KPA500 and KAT500 are sent for repair in a year (and how many units are out there)? >>> >>> 73 de OZ4UN >>> >>>> Den 22/09/2014 kl. 08.05 skrev "Gary McKelvie" >: >>>> >>>> Hi to the list, >>>> Once again this list has answered my question. >>>> Thank you to all who have replied on list and direct to me. >>>> Much appreciated. >>>> Once I'm in a situation to I will be ordering direct rather than pay a dealer. >>>> 73 Gary G7USC >>>> >>>> Sent from my iPhone >>>> >>>>> On 22 Sep 2014, at 04:26, Don Palmer > wrote: >>>>> >>>>> Hi all you pay is VAT I have bought a KPA 500,2xP3 and 2xKAT500 and all have only had VAT. >>>>> Good luck on what ever you do. >>>>> Don G6CMV >>>>> >>>>> Sent from my iPad From vk2bj at optusnet.com.au Thu Sep 25 16:16:29 2014 From: vk2bj at optusnet.com.au (Barry Simpson) Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 06:16:29 +1000 Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem Message-ID: Good morning all My hitherto bomb proof KPA500 has just failed. I went to 40m SSB to chase some DX. I pre-tuned the KAT500 via the K3 tune facility and then called the DX. During the call, the KAT500 started its continuous retuning issue (I thought that problem had been resolved but apparently not) and the KPA500 tripped out. The DX station still heard me and I worked him with what proved to be about 25w. I then tried to reset the KPA500 but it will not go into transmit in the Operate position and simply passes through the 25w driving power from the K3. There was no bang, smoke or burning smell and the PA voltage is still there. Before I delve into the manual, has anyone any ideas ? Thanks Barry VK2BJ From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Thu Sep 25 16:17:06 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 13:17:06 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America In-Reply-To: <8251230B-3516-44E1-9D98-4F5386616259@tele.gl> References: <996B18D0-4470-4A5E-9B05-EE1CD92B5F98@btinternet.com>, <1411570669.44270.YahooMailNeo@web193503.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> <295D236FD7BC5C44AB750A354BBC9D5B388B94@wmbxnuk1.sianiut.tele.gl>, <54231C03.9090104@elecraft.com> <8251230B-3516-44E1-9D98-4F5386616259@tele.gl> Message-ID: <54247842.4050604@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Thu,9/25/2014 10:45 AM, Poul Erik Karlsh?j (PKA) wrote: > For warranty repair, shipping costs are higher for non US customers than for US customers first of all because Elecraft only pays the shipping both ways for US customers - even when the repair is done "locally" from Elecraft in EU (=Italy for EU) Perhaps you would be happier with a Danish rig, where the shipping costs would be lower? 73, Jim K9YC From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Thu Sep 25 16:20:02 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 13:20:02 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <542478F2.7060008@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Thu,9/25/2014 1:16 PM, Barry Simpson wrote: > Before I delve into the manual, has anyone any ideas ? Put in a Skype call to Elecraft support? 73, Jim K9YC From vk2bj at optusnet.com.au Thu Sep 25 16:30:58 2014 From: vk2bj at optusnet.com.au (Barry Simpson) Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 06:30:58 +1000 Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem In-Reply-To: <542478F2.7060008@audiosystemsgroup.com> References: <542478F2.7060008@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: Good suggestion Jim. However, I tried turning the mains power switch (on the back of the KPA500) off and on and that appears to have cured whatever the problem was. Now back at full power. Thanks for your input. 73 Barry VK2BJ On 26 September 2014 06:20, Jim Brown wrote: > On Thu,9/25/2014 1:16 PM, Barry Simpson wrote: > >> Before I delve into the manual, has anyone any ideas ? >> > > Put in a Skype call to Elecraft support? > > 73, Jim K9YC > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 vk2bj at optusnet.com.au > From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Thu Sep 25 17:15:33 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 17:15:33 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America In-Reply-To: <5424760B.6050402@socal.rr.com> References: <996B18D0-4470-4A5E-9B05-EE1CD92B5F98@btinternet.com>, <1411570669.44270.YahooMailNeo@web193503.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> <295D236FD7BC5C44AB750A354BBC9D5B388B94@wmbxnuk1.sianiut.tele.gl>, <54231C03.9090104@elecraft.com> <8251230B-3516-44E1-9D98-4F5386616259@tele.gl> <5424760B.6050402@socal.rr.com> Message-ID: <542485F5.4060101@embarqmail.com> For warranty repairs, Elecraft will pay the return shipping only unless special agreements are made. For non-warranty repairs, the customer pays for the shipping both directions. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/25/2014 4:07 PM, Phil Wheeler wrote: > You said "Elecraft only pays the shipping both ways for US customers" > indicating that if I have a problem and have to ship my KPA500 to > Elecraft they pay the shipping both ways. If true, that's great news :-) > From k6dgw at foothill.net Thu Sep 25 18:25:15 2014 From: k6dgw at foothill.net (Fred Jensen) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 15:25:15 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: SMS2CW Message-ID: <5424964B.2000707@foothill.net> SMS2CW [tells me at 25 WPM who just sent me a text msg] has stopped working. Anyone know of a URL for North Georgia Information Technologies? 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Thu Sep 25 19:41:26 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 19:41:26 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America In-Reply-To: <5424760B.6050402@socal.rr.com> References: <996B18D0-4470-4A5E-9B05-EE1CD92B5F98@btinternet.com>, <1411570669.44270.YahooMailNeo@web193503.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> <295D236FD7BC5C44AB750A354BBC9D5B388B94@wmbxnuk1.sianiut.tele.gl>, <54231C03.9090104@elecraft.com> <8251230B-3516-44E1-9D98-4F5386616259@tele.gl> <5424760B.6050402@socal.rr.com> Message-ID: <5424A826.9010200@embarqmail.com> I should have specified, that information is for US customers only. For non-US addresses the customer pays for shipping both ways, even if a warranty repair. 73, Don W3FPR ------------------------------------------------------------------ For warranty repairs, Elecraft will pay the return shipping only unless special agreements are made. For non-warranty repairs, the customer pays for the shipping both directions. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/25/2014 4:07 PM, Phil Wheeler wrote: > You said "Elecraft only pays the shipping both ways for US customers" > indicating that if I have a problem and have to ship my KPA500 to > Elecraft they pay the shipping both ways. If true, that's great news :-) > From n6kr at elecraft.com Thu Sep 25 19:47:36 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 16:47:36 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] New KX3 beta firmware (rev. 2.23): Allows DUAL RX (dual watch) with RX SHFT=8.0 Message-ID: KX3 firmware rev. 2.23 (with DSP rev. 1.30) enables the use of DUAL RX (dual watch) even with RX SHFT set to 8.0 kHz in the menu. RX SHFT=8.0 can help optimize the KX3's performance in the presense of large signals or power supply noise. Shifting the RX may also help in CW mode with dual watch enabled, reducing audible keying artifacts. NOTE: On any band where dual watch is turned on with RX SHFT set to 8.0, the normal +/- 15 kHz dual-watch VFO A-to-B separation becomes -7/+23 kHz. But the KX3 will, in all cases, automatically turn off dual watch if the VFO separation exceeds the limits. Firmware files and instructions can be found here: http://www.elecraft.com/KX3/KX3_software.htm 73, Wayne N6KR From rtompson at triad.rr.com Thu Sep 25 20:23:58 2014 From: rtompson at triad.rr.com (Randy Tompson) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 20:23:58 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K1-4, KAT1: low output on 30, 40, no match on 40 (Part I) Message-ID: <000f01cfd920$2a3c00b0$7eb40210$@triad.rr.com> I'm hoping someone here might have had a similar issue, and save me some time. I recently installed a KAT1 into my K1-4. I have 40, 30, 20, and 15 meters installed in the K1. Symptoms: low output (0.1w) on 40 meters and 30 meters. KAT1 will not match to 50 ohm dummy load on 40 meters. I have cycled through the ATU menu, checking the SWR reading on each band, for L0-4 and C0-5. I'll post the results in a separate email. The relays are clicking on each band change, and for each L and C change. The pattern wasn't clear to me; does this point me to C5? The unit was working properly after KAT1 installation. I.e., the problem is new. I've reheated the KAT1 toroid leads, thinking I might have a cold joint. no joy. Does this ring any bells for anyone? Many thanks, and 72. Randy NC4RT From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Thu Sep 25 20:38:07 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 20:38:07 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K1-4, KAT1: low output on 30, 40, no match on 40 (Part I) In-Reply-To: <000f01cfd920$2a3c00b0$7eb40210$@triad.rr.com> References: <000f01cfd920$2a3c00b0$7eb40210$@triad.rr.com> Message-ID: <5424B56F.8060003@embarqmail.com> Randy, Did the KAT1 wattmeter balance (null) and power and SWR calibrations proceed without incident? The voltage obtained during the nulling procedure should have been in the low millivolt range. If it was not, the problem may be in the wattmeter portion of the KAT1. Check T1 very closely. It must be wound in the direction indicated in the manual diagram, and the leads must be well stripped and tinned. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/25/2014 8:23 PM, Randy Tompson wrote: > I'm hoping someone here might have had a similar issue, and save me some > time. > > > > I recently installed a KAT1 into my K1-4. I have 40, 30, 20, and 15 meters > installed in the K1. > > > > Symptoms: low output (0.1w) on 40 meters and 30 meters. KAT1 will not > match to 50 ohm dummy load on 40 meters. > > > > I have cycled through the ATU menu, checking the SWR reading on each band, > for L0-4 and C0-5. I'll post the results in a separate email. The > relays are clicking on each band change, and for each L and C change. The > pattern wasn't clear to me; does this point me to C5? > > > > The unit was working properly after KAT1 installation. I.e., the problem is > new. > > > > I've reheated the KAT1 toroid leads, thinking I might have a cold joint. no > joy. > > > > From hwashcraft at gmail.com Thu Sep 25 20:39:53 2014 From: hwashcraft at gmail.com (Howard Ashcraft) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 17:39:53 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] FS: K3/100 and lots of Ham Gear Message-ID: I have realized that I am spending less time on amateur radio and I should put these items to another use. I also have some superb test gear, which I will post separately (to be honest, I realty enjoyed the electronics side of amateur radio). K3/100 $2,250 Very good condition. The radio has had light use and has been kept under cover in a non-smoking environment. It includes the following options/upgrades and fliters. The antenna connections were upgraded to "N", but could be easily rewired to UHF. Options and Upgrades KAT3 ATU Modular Kit KUSB USB Adapter KTCX02-1 K3 TCXO 1 ppm with correction to 0.5 ppm KBPF3 General Coverage RX Module KXV3A RX Antenna, IFOut and Xverter Intervace K3DSPUPGD DSP Upgrade Swap K3IOBUFFKIT K3 I/O Buffer Mod. Kit K3STFNR K3 Synth. Stiffener K3VFOFILTER K3VFO Tuning Noise Filter Kit AFOMDKT K3 AF Output Mod. Kit CWRTMDKT K3 CW Rise Time Mod Kit E560002 KPA3 12 V Sense Modification K3AFMDKT K3 Audio Line Out Mod Kit REMIOUPGD K3 Remote I/O Board Upgrade RXAMDKT K3 RX Antenna Isolation Mod Kit Included Filters KFL3A-2.8K 2.8 Khz 8 pole filter KFL3B-FM FM Bandwidth, 7 pole roofing filter KFL3A-400 400 Hz, 8 pole filter KFL3A-1.0k 1KHz, 8 pole filter KFL3A-6k 6KHz, 8 pole filter KFL3A-500 500 Hz, 5 pole filter Other Ham equipment Yaesu FT-8800 VHF/UHF transceiver In very good shape. DTMF microphone is usable, but should be replaced. (they are readily available on eBay for $20-$50). $250 LP-100 Digital Vector Wattmeter with upgraded display $150 LP-Pan Panadapter $125 Heil PR-20 Dynamic Microphone, mint, original case and accessories $85 Vibroplex 2 paddle key $25 some rust on painted parts. fully operational Schurr Moresetasten Profi 2 One of the best 2 paddle keys ever made. In mint condition. $300 Buddipole Deluxe Used only 3 times $250 AA-908 Antenna Analyzer (very useful in setting up Buddipole) $100 6 port PCI serial port card. $25. This card solves many of the problems of connecting multiple accessories that require serial connections. Rather than using problematic USB/Serial interfaces or software, this provides simultaneous serial connections on 6 individual cables leading from the PCI card. M-Audio 192, 24bit 192k Professional Level PCI Sound Card Excellent for Use with LP-Pan or similar. Shipping, packing and insurance from Alameda, CA are in addition to purchase prices. It will vary depending on what is purchased and where it is shipped to. All prices are based on cash or cashier's check. Paypal is accepted, but 3% more to cover Paypal charges. 73 -- Howard Ashcraft W1WF From hwashcraft at gmail.com Thu Sep 25 21:06:36 2014 From: hwashcraft at gmail.com (Howard Ashcraft) Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2014 18:06:36 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] FS: Superb Test Equipment Message-ID: Before I post these items on eBay, I wanted to make them available to the Elecraft community. I know that there are still a significant number of Elecrafters who are interested in the experimental side of radio. Tektronix 2465b 400 MHz 4 channel oscilloscope. Late serial number. The 2465b is a legendary scope, one of the best analog scopes ever made. This unit is in very nice condition and comes with 2 P6137 probes (correct probe for this scope)..$700. HP 8594E 3GHz Spectrum Analyzer with built in tracking generator. This is an almost perfect spectrum analyzer for amateur radio use. It covers the key bands very well, is easy to use and includes a tracking generator. This unit has the high stability oscillator. $1,000 Rohde & Schwarz CMTA84 Communications Analyzer 100 KHz ? 1 GHz. This is the star of the show, but hard to truly explain. Think of it as a Swiss army knife built by Porsche? Unlike many communication analyzers, the individual instruments within the box rival or exceed stand-alone units. And unlike later communication analyzers that focus on cellular features, this analyzer was built for telecommunications. For example, the power meter accepts up to 50 watts (with overload protection to 75) and the automated measurements are useful information, like S/N ratio. There are many features to this unit, but some of the most important are. RF signal generator to 1GHz. High precision OXCO (aging <2 x 10 -7/year, temp 2 x 10-9/degree C). 2 AF signal generators. RF power meter, RF milivoltmeter, RF and AF Frequency Counter, AF spectrum analyzer, RF spectrum monitor, SSB analyzer, Demodulators, 15Mhz digital storage oscilloscope, modulation, Distortion/SINAD meter, s/n ratio. It is also possible to program the analyzer to automatically test a transceiver. I also have the very hard to find URV-Z7 RF probe for this analyzer. This unit has front and back protective covers and is in mint condition. It is a complete lab in a box. It also has tone and signaling capabilities. $1,500 All prices are before packing, shipping and insurance. Prices are cash or cashiers check. Paypal is accepted, but is 3% more to cover PayPal fees. 73, Howard Ashcraft W1WF -- Howard Ashcraft From PKA at telepost.gl Fri Sep 26 05:08:55 2014 From: PKA at telepost.gl (=?iso-8859-1?Q?Poul_Erik_Karlsh=F8j_=28PKA=29?=) Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 09:08:55 +0000 Subject: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America In-Reply-To: <54247842.4050604@audiosystemsgroup.com> References: <996B18D0-4470-4A5E-9B05-EE1CD92B5F98@btinternet.com>, <1411570669.44270.YahooMailNeo@web193503.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> <295D236FD7BC5C44AB750A354BBC9D5B388B94@wmbxnuk1.sianiut.tele.gl>, <54231C03.9090104@elecraft.com> <8251230B-3516-44E1-9D98-4F5386616259@tele.gl>, <54247842.4050604@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: Hi Jim Yes I saw that coming, but you are missing the point. No Jim, all I ask for is that *for warranty repair* that the manufacturer pays for the return shipping. I believe that is normal commercial practice (also for other US manufacturers). It should (hopefully) not be a big financial burden for the manufacturer. Depending of course on the quality of his product and the number of units needing repair during the warranty period. I did not see anyone giving a figure of how many KPA500 and KAT500 units have been needing warranty repair. Maybe Elecraft could enligthen? /Paul OZ4UN > Den 25/09/2014 kl. 22.17 skrev "Jim Brown" : > >> On Thu,9/25/2014 10:45 AM, Poul Erik Karlsh?j (PKA) wrote: >> For warranty repair, shipping costs are higher for non US customers than for US customers first of all because Elecraft only pays the shipping both ways for US customers - even when the repair is done "locally" from Elecraft in EU (=Italy for EU) > > Perhaps you would be happier with a Danish rig, where the shipping costs would be lower? > > 73, Jim K9YC > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pka at tele.gl From EagleEyeDennis at gmx.com Fri Sep 26 09:37:19 2014 From: EagleEyeDennis at gmx.com (Dennis Griffin) Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 06:37:19 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] PX3 side endplates and cover and a wander off topic... In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <08F671DE-633D-4AEA-8BFA-F0D133433A76@gmx.com> It's possible that a thin Mylar washer between the legs & knobs would prevent movement of the legs from tightening or loosening the knobs. I don't find it necessary to have the leg pivot knobs more than finger tight when the legs are stowed or deployed. Loosening both knobs slightly before moving the legs and snugging them once the legs are in the desired position eliminates the minor annoyance for me. 73 de Dennis KD7CAC Scottsdale, AZ On Sep 26, 2014, at 3:56 AM, Bob rjvnyc at gmail.com [KX3] wrote: > > Hi Kx3ers, > > I could really use some better rear feet. They loose or tighten as you move them. One side get loose when opened, the other over-tightens when opened (sometimes too tight for my feeble hands to loosen again). They are useless as a ground spot (one of there intended purposes). If someone could come up with a nut that tightens in that whole, having a free arm for the kickstand, and a second, large pair of wing nuts with washers to use as a serious ground point. > > Now I am happy to gotten out that frustration. I hope someone has a fix. > > 73 > Bob > WA2I > PS - PX3 sides and cover would be superb. I have yet to receive my PX3 (ordered at Dayton) > > __._,_.___ > Posted by: Bob From ny9h at comcast.net Fri Sep 26 09:54:16 2014 From: ny9h at comcast.net (Bill Steffey NY9H) Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 09:54:16 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] FS: Superb Test Equipment Message-ID: Sent from my Samsung Galaxy Tab? S -------- Original message -------- From: Howard Ashcraft Date: 09/25/2014 9:06 PM (GMT-05:00) To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] FS: Superb Test Equipment Before I post these items on eBay, I wanted to make them available to the Elecraft community. I know that there are still a significant number of Elecrafters who are interested in the experimental side of radio. Tektronix 2465b 400 MHz 4 channel oscilloscope. Late serial number. The 2465b is a legendary scope, one of the best analog scopes ever made. This unit is in very nice condition and comes with 2 P6137 probes (correct probe for this scope)..$700. HP 8594E 3GHz Spectrum Analyzer with built in tracking generator. This is an almost perfect spectrum analyzer for amateur radio use. It covers the key bands very well, is easy to use and includes a tracking generator. This unit has the high stability oscillator. $1,000 Rohde & Schwarz CMTA84 Communications Analyzer 100 KHz ? 1 GHz. This is the star of the show, but hard to truly explain. Think of it as a Swiss army knife built by Porsche? Unlike many communication analyzers, the individual instruments within the box rival or exceed stand-alone units. And unlike later communication analyzers that focus on cellular features, this analyzer was built for telecommunications. For example, the power meter accepts up to 50 watts (with overload protection to 75) and the automated measurements are useful information, like S/N ratio. There are many features to this unit, but some of the most important are. RF signal generator to 1GHz. High precision OXCO (aging <2 x 10 -7/year, temp 2 x 10-9/degree C). 2 AF signal generators. RF power meter, RF milivoltmeter, RF and AF Frequency Counter, AF spectrum analyzer, RF spectrum monitor, SSB analyzer, Demodulators, 15Mhz digital storage oscilloscope, modulation, Distortion/SINAD meter, s/n ratio. It is also possible to program the analyzer to automatically test a transceiver. I also have the very hard to find URV-Z7 RF probe for this analyzer. This unit has front and back protective covers and is in mint condition. It is a complete lab in a box. It also has tone and signaling capabilities. $1,500 All prices are before packing, shipping and insurance. Prices are cash or cashiers check. Paypal is accepted, but is 3% more to cover PayPal fees. 73, Howard Ashcraft W1WF -- Howard Ashcraft ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to ny9h at arrl.net From dmb at lightstream.net Fri Sep 26 10:07:03 2014 From: dmb at lightstream.net (dmb at lightstream.net) Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 10:07:03 -0400 (EDT) Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 on dxpedition to S. Africa Message-ID: <62124.71.74.118.201.1411740423.squirrel@mail.expedient.net> An interesting article about taking a KX3 on a DXpedition to Southern Africa < http://www.eham.net/articles/32861 > 73, Dale WA8SRA From ray at band.se Fri Sep 26 10:39:58 2014 From: ray at band.se (Raymund Band) Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 16:39:58 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] FS: Superb Test Equipment In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <012501cfd997$bef54d70$3cdfe850$@band.se> I have a scanned copy of the 24-page colour brochure for the R & S CMTA84 including specifications etc. Send me an off-list email and I'll reply with a link. Ray SM5XLP ************************ -----Ursprungligt meddelande----- Fr?n: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] F?r Howard Ashcraft Skickat: den 26 september 2014 03:07 Till: elecraft at mailman.qth.net ?mne: [Elecraft] FS: Superb Test Equipment Before I post these items on eBay, I wanted to make them available to the Elecraft community. I know that there are still a significant number of Elecrafters who are interested in the experimental side of radio. Rohde & Schwarz CMTA84 Communications Analyzer 100 KHz 1 GHz. This is the star of the show, but hard to truly explain. Think of it as a Swiss army knife built by Porsche Unlike many communication analyzers, the individual instruments within the box rival or exceed stand-alone units. And unlike later communication analyzers that focus on cellular features, this analyzer was built for telecommunications. For example, the power meter accepts up to 50 watts (with overload protection to 75) and the automated measurements are useful information, like S/N ratio. There are many features to this unit, but some of the most important are. RF signal generator to 1GHz. High precision OXCO (aging <2 x 10 -7/year, temp 2 x 10-9/degree C). 2 AF signal generators. RF power meter, RF milivoltmeter, RF and AF Frequency Counter, AF spectrum analyzer, RF spectrum monitor, SSB analyzer, Demodulators, 15Mhz digital storage oscilloscope, modulation, Distortion/SINAD meter, s/n ratio. It is also possible to program the analyzer to automatically test a transceiver. I also have the very hard to find URV-Z7 RF probe for this analyzer. This unit has front and back protective covers and is in mint condition. It is a complete lab in a box. It also has tone and signaling capabilities. $1,500 All prices are before packing, shipping and insurance. Prices are cash or cashiers check. Paypal is accepted, but is 3% more to cover PayPal fees. 73, Howard Ashcraft W1WF -- Howard Ashcraft From w7aqk at cox.net Fri Sep 26 11:01:57 2014 From: w7aqk at cox.net (w7aqk at cox.net) Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 08:01:57 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 Problem Message-ID: Barry and All, Looks like you found the "fix" Barry. Often the only way to really reset a microprocessor when it gets "stuck" is to completely disconnect all power from the unit. On laptop computers I usually have to remove the battery as well. Anyway, glad you solved the problem. Dave W7AQK From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Fri Sep 26 13:56:20 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 10:56:20 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America In-Reply-To: References: <996B18D0-4470-4A5E-9B05-EE1CD92B5F98@btinternet.com>, <1411570669.44270.YahooMailNeo@web193503.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> <295D236FD7BC5C44AB750A354BBC9D5B388B94@wmbxnuk1.sianiut.tele.gl>, <54231C03.9090104@elecraft.com> <8251230B-3516-44E1-9D98-4F5386616259@tele.gl>, <54247842.4050604@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: <5425A8C4.7060002@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Fri,9/26/2014 2:08 AM, Poul Erik Karlsh?j (PKA) wrote: > Hi Jim > Yes I saw that coming, but you are missing the point. > No Jim, all I ask for is that*for warranty repair* that the manufacturer pays for the return shipping. I believe that is normal commercial practice (also for other US manufacturers). Several years ago, I needed warranty repair on consumer product made in the US. I paid shipping to the mfr, and he paid return shipping. Every company sets its own warranty policy. Elecraft has set theirs. Do Kenwood, Yaesu, and ICOM pay warranty shipping? Do they have a warranty service center in Denmark? > It should (hopefully) not be a big financial burden for the manufacturer. Depending of course on the quality of his product and the number of units needing repair during the warranty period. The other man's job always looks easier. > I did not see anyone giving a figure of how many KPA500 and KAT500 units have been needing warranty repair. Maybe Elecraft could enligthen? That's their business. Consider this, Paul. Most companies that manufacture ham transceivers sell through dealers and/or distributors that add a significant mark-up to the selling price. In exchange for that mark-up, they deal with import/export, sell the product, and provide warranty service. Elecraft has chosen to sell direct to their customers in most parts of the world. This greatly reduces the initial purchase cost, especially if the customer buys in kit form. But part of that cost difference is made up if the product must be returned for warranty service. And -- as hams, we profess at least some level of technical competence in radio and electronics. We certainly ought to be able to perform minimal troubleshooting with advice from competent tech support by the manufacturer, and Elecraft certainly does provide that support. We also ought to be able to remove circuit boards and other key components for exchange, and reinstall replacements. And in areas where we're not particularly competent, we should be able to call on neighbor hams who are competent in those areas. We certainly do that in the places I've lived -- West Virginia where I grew up, Chicago, and the San Francisco Bay Area. The hams fitting this description are Elecraft's target customer base. Elecraft is a small business, their only products are for ham radio. The owners are not independently wealthy, but they are first-rate engineers and good businessmen. They know that international shipping costs could eat them alive, so their terms of sale are that the customer is responsible for those costs. What other ham radio company makes its Owners and Chief Engineer available via email to its customers via an email reflector that they read every day? Certainly not ICOM, Yaesu, Kenwood, or Ten Tec. 73, Jim K9YC From clive at thelortons.co.uk Fri Sep 26 14:06:13 2014 From: clive at thelortons.co.uk (Clive Lorton) Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 19:06:13 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America In-Reply-To: <5425A8C4.7060002@audiosystemsgroup.com> References: <996B18D0-4470-4A5E-9B05-EE1CD92B5F98@btinternet.com>, <1411570669.44270.YahooMailNeo@web193503.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> <295D236FD7BC5C44AB750A354BBC9D5B388B94@wmbxnuk1.sianiut.tele.gl>, <54231C03.9090104@elecraft.com> <8251230B-3516-44E1-9D98-4F5386616259@tele.gl>, <54247842.4050604@audiosystemsgroup.com> <5425A8C4.7060002@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: <5425AB15.3030001@thelortons.co.uk> Come on guys, The original question was about import duty and VAT (sales Tax) to the UK. I purchased my K3 knowing that if there was a problem I would have to return part or all of the radio to either the U$ or Italy at my own cost. PLEASE stop hijacking any thread that eludes to transport costs to Europe to why won't the Factory pay return cost....... Its boring and no ones listening. Clive G8POC. From gary.mckelvie at btinternet.com Fri Sep 26 14:24:23 2014 From: gary.mckelvie at btinternet.com (Gary McKelvie) Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 19:24:23 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] Fwd: Import Costs from America References: <5425AB15.3030001@thelortons.co.uk> Message-ID: Hi to the list, As Clive said the original question I asked has been answered and once again I thank those that have answered this (both privately and publicly). As to the way the thread has now gone can we either discontinue this or if people wish to continue the new discussion change the thread title so that those of us who wish not to become imbroiled in the thread can set a filter to ignore it please ? 73 Gary G7USC Sent from my iPhone Begin forwarded message: > From: Clive Lorton > Date: 26 September 2014 19:06:13 BST > To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America > > Come on guys, The original question was about import duty and VAT (sales Tax) to the UK. > I purchased my K3 knowing that if there was a problem I would have to return part or all of the radio to either the U$ or Italy at my own cost. > > PLEASE stop hijacking any thread that eludes to transport costs to Europe to why won't the Factory pay return cost....... Its boring and no ones listening. > > Clive G8POC. > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 gary.mckelvie at btinternet.com From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Fri Sep 26 18:09:49 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 18:09:49 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America In-Reply-To: References: <996B18D0-4470-4A5E-9B05-EE1CD92B5F98@btinternet.com>, <1411570669.44270.YahooMailNeo@web193503.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> <295D236FD7BC5C44AB750A354BBC9D5B388B94@wmbxnuk1.sianiut.tele.gl>, <54231C03.9090104@elecraft.com> <8251230B-3516-44E1-9D98-4F5386616259@tele.gl>, <54247842.4050604@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: <5425E42D.8030707@embarqmail.com> The Elecraft warranty and repair terms are available on the website (http://www.elecraft.com/repair.htm or google for Elecraft warranty). Customers who are concerned about how warranty repairs are handled and how return shipping is handled can review that prior to purchase. If those warranty terms are objectionable to a particular customer, he can decline to purchase. The warranty terms (including return shipping terms) are also printed in each manual. So the fact that non-US or Canada will pay shipping both ways can be apparent to any prospective customer who cares about that particular item. IMHO, if you are seeking a personal exception to those stated terms, direct email to Eric or Wayne could be more productive than postings to the Elecraft reflector. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/26/2014 5:08 AM, Poul Erik Karlsh?j (PKA) wrote: > all I ask for is that *for warranty repair* that the manufacturer pays for the return shipping. I believe that is normal commercial practice (also for other US manufacturers). > > It should (hopefully) not be a big financial burden for the manufacturer. Depending of course on the quality of his product and the number of units needing repair during the warranty period. > > I did not see anyone giving a figure of how many KPA500 and KAT500 units have been needing warranty repair. Maybe Elecraft could enligthen? > > /Paul OZ4UN > > From n6kr at elecraft.com Fri Sep 26 18:45:43 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 15:45:43 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] New PX3 beta firmware available (rev. 1.11): Fixes unexpected band changes, etc. Message-ID: PX3 rev. 1.11 is highly recommended for all PX3 users. It cleans up a number of serious issues, such as unwanted band changes when used with a KXPA100, and also has many minor improvements. We're hoping all PX3 users will load and test this release so we can start using it for production PX3s next week. NOTE: Be sure to also use KX3 beta firmware rev. 2.23 with the new PX3 firmware. Links and instructions can be found at: http://www.elecraft.com/PX3/PX3_software.htm http://www.elecraft.com/KX3/KX3_software.htm 73, Wayne N6KR From KX3 at ColdRocksHotBrooms.com Fri Sep 26 19:51:40 2014 From: KX3 at ColdRocksHotBrooms.com (Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT) Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 16:51:40 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America In-Reply-To: <5425E42D.8030707@embarqmail.com> References: <996B18D0-4470-4A5E-9B05-EE1CD92B5F98@btinternet.com>, <1411570669.44270.YahooMailNeo@web193503.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> <295D236FD7BC5C44AB750A354BBC9D5B388B94@wmbxnuk1.sianiut.tele.gl>, <54231C03.9090104@elecraft.com> <8251230B-3516-44E1-9D98-4F5386616259@tele.gl>, <54247842.4050604@audiosystemsgroup.com> <5425E42D.8030707@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <5425FC0C.2070008@ColdRocksHotBrooms.com> I think we've pretty thoroughly beaten this dead horse. On 9/26/2014 3:09 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > The Elecraft warranty and repair terms are available on the website > (http://www.elecraft.com/repair.htm or google for Elecraft warranty). > Customers who are concerned about how warranty repairs are handled and > how return shipping is handled can review that prior to purchase. If > those warranty terms are objectionable to a particular customer, he > can decline to purchase. > > The warranty terms (including return shipping terms) are also printed > in each manual. So the fact that non-US or Canada will pay shipping > both ways can be apparent to any prospective customer who cares about > that particular item. > > IMHO, if you are seeking a personal exception to those stated terms, > direct email to Eric or Wayne could be more productive than postings > to the Elecraft reflector. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 9/26/2014 5:08 AM, Poul Erik Karlsh?j (PKA) wrote: >> all I ask for is that *for warranty repair* that the manufacturer >> pays for the return shipping. I believe that is normal commercial >> practice (also for other US manufacturers). >> >> It should (hopefully) not be a big financial burden for the >> manufacturer. Depending of course on the quality of his product and >> the number of units needing repair during the warranty period. >> >> I did not see anyone giving a figure of how many KPA500 and KAT500 >> units have been needing warranty repair. Maybe Elecraft could enligthen? >> >> /Paul OZ4UN >> >> > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 kx3 at coldrockshotbrooms.com > From hhoyt at mebtel.net Fri Sep 26 19:59:32 2014 From: hhoyt at mebtel.net (Howard Hoyt) Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 19:59:32 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] PAE-Kx33 Power Supply & Accessories Message-ID: <5425FDE4.2040107@mebtel.net> Hi all, A quick notice to minimize bandwidth: Our Kx33 AC Power Supply for the KX3 and the #33-100 KX3 & PX3 DC Power Splitter are now in stock, please go to our website: https://proaudioeng.com/products/pae-kx33-ac-power-supply/ for more details. Cheers & 73, Howie - WA4PSC www.proaudioeng.com From k6dgw at foothill.net Sat Sep 27 00:01:04 2014 From: k6dgw at foothill.net (Fred Jensen) Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 21:01:04 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Import Costs from America In-Reply-To: <5425AB15.3030001@thelortons.co.uk> References: <996B18D0-4470-4A5E-9B05-EE1CD92B5F98@btinternet.com>, <1411570669.44270.YahooMailNeo@web193503.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> <295D236FD7BC5C44AB750A354BBC9D5B388B94@wmbxnuk1.sianiut.tele.gl>, <54231C03.9090104@elecraft.com> <8251230B-3516-44E1-9D98-4F5386616259@tele.gl>, <54247842.4050604@audiosystemsgroup.com> <5425A8C4.7060002@audiosystemsgroup.com> <5425AB15.3030001@thelortons.co.uk> Message-ID: <54263680.9050406@foothill.net> Indeed. It is said that an old Native American adage is, "Should you find yourself riding a horse that has died, you best course of action is to dismount." I really doubt that's what the Native Americans would say, but then they didn't speak English. It all is what it all is. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org On 9/26/2014 11:06 AM, Clive Lorton wrote: > Come on guys, The original question was about import duty and VAT > (sales Tax) to the UK. > I purchased my K3 knowing that if there was a problem I would have to > return part or all of the radio to either the U$ or Italy at my own cost. > > PLEASE stop hijacking any thread that eludes to transport costs to > Europe to why won't the Factory pay return cost....... Its boring and > no ones listening. From rich at m5ric.co.uk Sat Sep 27 00:29:37 2014 From: rich at m5ric.co.uk (Rich) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 05:29:37 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] (K3) Filter Set-up Message-ID: Hi I have the 2.7, 1.8 and 250hz filters installed in FL1, FL2 and FL3 in my K3. Using the width I can change these filters and see the filter change as I get narrower. When I get to FL3 which has the 250hz filter, the noise level disappears totally and there is nothing on the S-meter. When on 0.30 BW there is about S3 of noise. This happens in any mode, CW or DATA. I have looked at the filter set-up using the K3 program on my pc and can't see anything. Could it be a duff filter or is there anything else I can check? Thanks Rich From hillslaird at internode.on.net Sat Sep 27 01:15:12 2014 From: hillslaird at internode.on.net (Kevin Schache) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 14:45:12 +0930 Subject: [Elecraft] (Elecraft) K2 Build #7552 Message-ID: <542647E0.6050405@internode.on.net> Hi to all, Firstly, let me introduce myself. I'm an 80 year old ham first licensed 1960, never very active on the bands, more of a builder than a contest DX-er, and even that building lapsed about 20 years ago until recently. it seems that building an Elecraft K2 had been on my to do list since it first appeared around the 1990s and now at last it's on it's way!!! K2 Build #7552 is proceeding nicely, even if somewhat slower than average. The Control Board and Front Panel Assembly completed and Alignment and Test Part 1 successfully completed up to 'Tap the PRE/ATTN switch three times'. (page 44). Now comes the first sign of a problem - no relay switching heard when I tap the PRE/ATTN switch. Ok, so now I'm off to check out that Front Panel board around that switch..... I'd also like to say that I have been very impressed by the very professional nature of the kit and its manual. It was no small risk for someone of my age to outlay the necessary capital in the hope that I could manage the construction and I am finding huge satisfaction and enjoyment from the project. Well done Elecraft!!! 73, Kev VK5KS From frantz at pwpconsult.com Sat Sep 27 01:40:12 2014 From: frantz at pwpconsult.com (Bill Frantz) Date: Fri, 26 Sep 2014 22:40:12 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] (K3) Filter Set-up In-Reply-To: Message-ID: Off the top of my head: It sounds like the signal isn't getting through the 250 Hz filter when you have it selected. Double check that it is installed correctly. Double check you activated the correct slot in the CONFIG menu. The XFIL button will allow you to switch filters without changing the DSP bandwidth. Good luck Bill AE6JV On 9/27/14 at 9:29 PM, rich at m5ric.co.uk (Rich) wrote: > I have the 2.7, 1.8 and 250hz filters installed in FL1, FL2 and FL3 in my > K3. > > Using the width I can change these filters and see the filter change as I > get narrower. When I get to FL3 which has the 250hz filter, the noise level > disappears totally and there is nothing on the S-meter. > > When on 0.30 BW there is about S3 of noise. > > This happens in any mode, CW or DATA. > > I have looked at the filter set-up using the K3 program on my pc and can't > see anything. > > Could it be a duff filter or is there anything else I can check? --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bill Frantz |"After all, if the conventional wisdom was working, the 408-356-8506 | rate of systems being compromised would be going down, www.pwpconsult.com | wouldn't it?" -- Marcus Ranum From ua9cdc at gmail.com Sat Sep 27 01:43:19 2014 From: ua9cdc at gmail.com (Igor Sokolov) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 11:43:19 +0600 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX3] New KX3 beta firmware (rev. 2.23): Allows DUAL RX (dual watch) with RX SHFT=8.0 References: Message-ID: <9648858B36C64268B9E7386A780B77C9@cdcmobile> Loaded and tried 2.23 Did not find any problems so far. Thank you Elecraft for the long awaited DUAL RX with 8kHz shift enabled. Now, is there any way to implement balance adjustment between the channels (like it is done in K3)? 73, Igor UA9CDC ----- Original Message ----- From: "Wayne Burdick n6kr at elecraft.com [KX3]" To: "Elecraft Reflector" ; Sent: Friday, September 26, 2014 5:47 AM Subject: [KX3] New KX3 beta firmware (rev. 2.23): Allows DUAL RX (dual watch) with RX SHFT=8.0 KX3 firmware rev. 2.23 (with DSP rev. 1.30) enables the use of DUAL RX (dual watch) even with RX SHFT set to 8.0 kHz in the menu. RX SHFT=8.0 can help optimize the KX3's performance in the presense of large signals or power supply noise. Shifting the RX may also help in CW mode with dual watch enabled, reducing audible keying artifacts. NOTE: On any band where dual watch is turned on with RX SHFT set to 8.0, the normal +/- 15 kHz dual-watch VFO A-to-B separation becomes -7/+23 kHz. But the KX3 will, in all cases, automatically turn off dual watch if the VFO separation exceeds the limits. Firmware files and instructions can be found here: http://www.elecraft.com/KX3/KX3_software.htm 73, Wayne N6KR From paulmetzger at mail.com Sat Sep 27 02:31:33 2014 From: paulmetzger at mail.com (Paul Metzger) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 08:31:33 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] Any larger or more efficient heatsinks available for the K2/100PA (radio lid/top) Message-ID: From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Sat Sep 27 08:47:15 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 08:47:15 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] (Elecraft) K2 Build #7552 In-Reply-To: <542647E0.6050405@internode.on.net> References: <542647E0.6050405@internode.on.net> Message-ID: <5426B1D3.9090208@embarqmail.com> Kevin, You have a K2 with the new encoder board. If the leads on that encoder board and the area of the Control board directly behind it are not flush trimmed (really, really flush trimmed), the two will make contact and 'strange things will happen'. Yes, the tools list does not include flush trimmers, but you will need them. Inexpensive flush trimmers can often be found in the electrical tools department of your local DIY store (at least here in the US Home Depot carries them) - look for Xcelite (or Lufkin or Cooper) 170M - it may be packaged with a pair of small needlenose pliers. Try putting some insulator between the encoder board and the control board to test and see if that cures the fault condition. There is not much clearance and you may not be able to put the screws in the control board while doing that test. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/27/2014 1:15 AM, Kevin Schache wrote: > Hi to all, > > Firstly, let me introduce myself. > I'm an 80 year old ham first licensed 1960, never very active on the > bands, more of a builder than a contest DX-er, and even that building > lapsed about 20 years ago until recently. > it seems that building an Elecraft K2 had been on my to do list since > it first appeared around the 1990s and now at last it's on it's way!!! > > K2 Build #7552 is proceeding nicely, even if somewhat slower than > average. > The Control Board and Front Panel Assembly completed and Alignment and > Test Part 1 successfully completed up to 'Tap the PRE/ATTN switch > three times'. (page 44). > > Now comes the first sign of a problem - no relay switching heard when > I tap the PRE/ATTN switch. > > Ok, so now I'm off to check out that Front Panel board around that > switch..... > > I'd also like to say that I have been very impressed by the very > professional nature of the kit and its manual. > It was no small risk for someone of my age to outlay the necessary > capital in the hope that I could manage the construction and I am > finding huge satisfaction and enjoyment from the project. > Well done Elecraft!!! > > 73, > > Kev > VK5KS > From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Sat Sep 27 08:54:45 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 08:54:45 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Any larger or more efficient heatsinks available for the K2/100PA (radio lid/top) In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <5426B395.5040103@embarqmail.com> Take a look at the K2 Auxiliary KPA100 Cooling Fan designed by Tom Hammond N0SS (SK). It is on his website maintained by the MMARC at http://www.mmccs.com/mmarc/n0ss/ Scroll down the opening page to K2 Specific Files, and then scroll down that page to the link to the pdf file. 73, Don W3FPR From mzilmer at roadrunner.com Sat Sep 27 10:10:22 2014 From: mzilmer at roadrunner.com (Matt Zilmer) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 08:10:22 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] (K3) Filter Set-up In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <55hd2a504h7ec12k9nmfn9mmkqem57i5r6@4ax.com> After you've done what Bill suggested, try setting the loss (dB) for this filter, using the K3 Utility program. I believe the equivalent filter loss is 3-4 dB. This would be normal. The K3 can compensate for it, as long as you set the value (otherwise assumed to be 0 dB). Be sure the filter width and offset is set correctly. Easiest way is to use the K3 Utility program. 73, matt W6NIA On Fri, 26 Sep 2014 22:40:12 -0700, you wrote: >Off the top of my head: > >It sounds like the signal isn't getting through the 250 Hz filter when you have it selected. > >Double check that it is installed correctly. > >Double check you activated the correct slot in the CONFIG menu. > >The XFIL button will allow you to switch filters without changing the DSP bandwidth. > >Good luck Bill AE6JV > >On 9/27/14 at 9:29 PM, rich at m5ric.co.uk (Rich) wrote: > >> I have the 2.7, 1.8 and 250hz filters installed in FL1, FL2 and FL3 in my >> K3. >> >> Using the width I can change these filters and see the filter change as I >> get narrower. When I get to FL3 which has the 250hz filter, the noise level >> disappears totally and there is nothing on the S-meter. >> >> When on 0.30 BW there is about S3 of noise. >> >> This happens in any mode, CW or DATA. >> >> I have looked at the filter set-up using the K3 program on my pc and can't >> see anything. >> >> Could it be a duff filter or is there anything else I can check? >--------------------------------------------------------------------------- >Bill Frantz |"After all, if the conventional wisdom was working, the >408-356-8506 | rate of systems being compromised would be going down, >www.pwpconsult.com | wouldn't it?" -- Marcus Ranum > >______________________________________________________________ >Elecraft mailing list >Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 mzilmer at roadrunner.com Matt Zilmer, W6NIA -- "Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." -A. Lincoln From azbibliophile at gmail.com Sat Sep 27 10:40:25 2014 From: azbibliophile at gmail.com (Brian Short) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 07:40:25 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] New to me K3/10 Message-ID: I am the proud owner of a new (to me) K3/10 arriving Monday. Never owned one, so looking for pointers to be most effective? I also ordered a new (to me) cable for the K3 to Digikeyer. I am most interested in CW and RTTY for which I will have 1k 8-pole, 500 and 200 5-pole roofing filters. -- http://www.qrz.com/db/k7on From beford at myfairpoint.net Sat Sep 27 10:52:46 2014 From: beford at myfairpoint.net (Bruce Beford) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 10:52:46 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] (K3) Filter Set-up Message-ID: In addition to the other suggestions you have received (assuming still no signal through the filter), you may want to try the filter in another slot. Early on, I had the same problem after installing a 250 Hz filter. the problem ended up being a coupling cap on the circuit board with no solder on one end. I was able to find it, and touch it up myself. Mine was a fairly early unit (s/n 559). GL, Bruce N1RX From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Sat Sep 27 11:13:27 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Chuck Tifft via Elecraft) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 08:13:27 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] (K3) Filter Set-up In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <5426D417.20504@yahoo.com> I also had a solder problem with one of the filter slot steering diodes on one of my K3's. It was only soldered on one end. Chuck W6RD On 9/27/2014 7:52 AM, Bruce Beford wrote: > In addition to the other suggestions you have received (assuming still no > signal through the filter), you may want to try the filter in another slot. > Early on, I had the same problem after installing a 250 Hz filter. the > problem ended up being a coupling cap on the circuit board with no solder on > one end. I was able to find it, and touch it up myself. Mine was a fairly > early unit (s/n 559). > > > > GL, > > Bruce > > N1RX > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 chuckw6rd at yahoo.com > From phystad at mac.com Sat Sep 27 11:20:42 2014 From: phystad at mac.com (Phil Hystad) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 08:20:42 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] New to me K3/10 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <02443ED1-9482-44AB-8126-1749A04B464D@mac.com> Brian, Congrats on the K3/10. I am sure you will love it. Joe, W4TV, who is on this group will certainly answer any questions you have about the Digikeyer. For other pointers, it might help to read the manuals, in particular, consider buying the book by Fred Cady, KE7X: "The Elecraft K3, Design, Configuration, and Operation" which is available on the Elecraft web site or from Fred Cady's Lulu page. For other pointers, it would be easiest to ask specific questions. 73, phil, K7PEH On Sep 27, 2014, at 7:40 AM, Brian Short wrote: > I am the proud owner of a new (to me) K3/10 arriving Monday. > Never owned one, so looking for pointers to be most effective? > > I also ordered a new (to me) cable for the K3 to Digikeyer. > > I am most interested in CW and RTTY for which I will have > 1k 8-pole, 500 and 200 5-pole roofing filters. > -- > http://www.qrz.com/db/k7on > > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 phystad at mac.com From K2TK at ptd.net Sat Sep 27 12:17:56 2014 From: K2TK at ptd.net (Bob) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 12:17:56 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] (Elecraft) K2 Build #7552 In-Reply-To: <5426B1D3.9090208@embarqmail.com> References: <542647E0.6050405@internode.on.net> <5426B1D3.9090208@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <5426E334.6090301@ptd.net> Hi, These also have the "170" number so may be of similar design. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00FZPDG1K/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 I've got good service from these, even abusing them. If your a Prime member or get to the free shipping level at $4.37 these are almost throw away's. Surprisingly they are made in Italy not China. 73, Bob K2TK ex KN2TKR (1956) & K2TKR On 9/27/2014 8:47 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > Kevin, > > You have a K2 with the new encoder board. If the leads on that encoder board > and the area of the Control board directly behind it are not flush trimmed > (really, really flush trimmed), the two will make contact and 'strange things > will happen'. Yes, the tools list does not include flush trimmers, but you > will need them. > Inexpensive flush trimmers can often be found in the electrical tools > department of your local DIY store (at least here in the US Home Depot carries > them) - look for Xcelite (or Lufkin or Cooper) 170M - it may be packaged with > a pair of small needlenose pliers. > > Try putting some insulator between the encoder board and the control board to > test and see if that cures the fault condition. There is not much clearance > and you may not be able to put the screws in the control board while doing > that test. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > From phils at riousa.com Sat Sep 27 13:32:36 2014 From: phils at riousa.com (Phil Shepard) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 10:32:36 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft SSB net announcement and results for 9/21/2014 In-Reply-To: <3025C073-0A99-49D1-B607-A00D07F41FF6@riousa.com> References: <7C11474B-D99D-4EDE-8054-AF4D03DE1DE1@riousa.com> <0373FB1F-7227-45CD-90D6-A58233268644@riousa.com> <0F2EFBC9-807B-4076-BEA7-0D1E0EFA932E@riousa.com> <3440EB84-AAB2-4074-BA30-D518495E8C15@riousa.com> <4E04B3B5-2103-4F1B-9A4B-F5BCF9E324BF@riousa.com> <1027B2D2-BFDF-425E-B36A-68ECB20F97AF@riousa.com> <024F45C3-0B0E-4236-A269-BE0309474B54@riousa.com> <1A408DE9-0AEC-47C8-A591-E7B02DFDBAEC@riousa.com> <0AEF6092-2A7F-477E-B6CB-C0A6255B298B@riousa.com> <9CE1E9D7-6CE3-4248-BD5A-2D75F68B6492@riousa.com> <233D3512-FD5D-467D-A0C2-664C20ED7F73@riousa.com> <3025C073-0A99-49D1-B607-A00D07F41FF 6@riousa.com> Message-ID: <2FE7E6A5-5A67-40E1-BF2E-7AE2F180C901@riousa.com> The weekly Elecraft SSB net meets tomorrow at 1800Z on 14.3035 MHz. I will be net control from western Oregon. I have gotten behind on the net reports. Rather than carrying this backlog along, I am going to restart with last Sunday?s report and skip the missed reports. I have handwritten notes for the nets I conducted, so feel free to email me if you need information from any nets. Here is the net report for the Elecraft SSB net from July 6, 2014. We had 25 participants over 18 minutes. Station Name QTH Rig S/N K4GCJ Gerry NC K3 1597 NC0JW Jim CO KX3 1356 WB9JNZ Eric IL K3 4017 W4DML Doug TN K3 6433 K8NU Carl OH K3 7976 KM4IK Ian GA K3 281 KE4D John TX K3 656 W4PFM Paul VA K3 1673 VE3XM Bob ON K3 WB5JJA Ray OK K3 7877 W0CZ Ken ND K3 457 AD5IJ Howard OR KX3 5178 QRP K7BRR Bill AZ K3 5545 K6GVW Jerry CA KX3 5419 QRP KA0NCR Arnie NE KX3 161 W4RKS Jim TX K3 3618 W5OAI Sam TX K3 4123 W7JJL John WA K3 993 W7QHD Kurt AZ K2 1538 KD8RQE Mike MI K3 7588 AC7RO Jerry AZ K3 555 AD0HT Zach CO KX3 5483 QRP AD5SX/m Paul NM IC706 KF5YBE Lee TX K3 7771 NS7P Phil OR K3 1826 73, Phil, NS7P From jmlowman at sbcglobal.net Sat Sep 27 13:37:34 2014 From: jmlowman at sbcglobal.net (Jim Lowman) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 10:37:34 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KXPA100 and KXAT100 review in October, 2014 QST Magazine Message-ID: <5426F5DE.5020303@sbcglobal.net> Available now for ARRL members. Review is on pages 48-52. 72/73 de Jim - AD6CW From paulmetzger at mail.com Sat Sep 27 13:44:25 2014 From: paulmetzger at mail.com (Paul Metzger) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 19:44:25 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] Any larger or more efficient heatsink for the Elecraft K2/100PA (lid of radio) Message-ID: From paulmetzger at mail.com Sat Sep 27 13:51:09 2014 From: paulmetzger at mail.com (Paul Metzger) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 19:51:09 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] Sorry . . . For some reason the text I'm typing into the body of my emails to this reflector is being stripped off. Weird, looks fine in my SENT folder. Message-ID: From paulmetzger at mail.com Sat Sep 27 14:06:08 2014 From: paulmetzger at mail.com (Paul Metzger) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 20:06:08 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] Attempt #3 - Any larger more efficient heat sinks for the K2/100 Lid PA? Message-ID: Sorry, my email GUI by default was sending emails in HTML which does not get processed by the reflector here. Thus why there was previously no information except for title in my previous posting attempts. Noob here. Here is my original email as I had composed it. -------------------------------------------------- I quit using my Elecraft K2/100 when I kept getting burned on the PAs heat sink. This is both before and after having sent it in to get a check up. I would like to place this radio in my emergency radio go box, but instead of adding fans which will just suck my batteries dry pre-maturely, is there a larger more efficient heat sink available for this amp (radio lid) which won't lead to too much macgyvering? Thanks for any assistance you may be able to provide in advance ! As a note, I'm using an external KAT100 and have always kept the match down. I always use mono band resonant antennas which I'm anal about tunning dead on and not operating into an antenna with a match anything more than a 1.5:1, and that's before connecting the KAT100 antenna tuner to it. Please, if anyone can provide me with a larger heat sink / solution to cool down this radio, I would be extremely grateful ! Paul Metzger - K6EH From jlally at icehouse.net Sat Sep 27 15:05:46 2014 From: jlally at icehouse.net (John Lally) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 12:05:46 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] PX3 Questions Message-ID: <001a01cfda86$0bb6b5b0$23242110$@net> I just received the PX3 kit. It was rather straight forward to assemble and to set up. I am learning how to operate the PX3. I have two questions. 1. Configuring the power switch, page 22. Pins 2 & 3: "The PX3 turns on automatically when power is applied and may be turned off and off using the PWR switch as long as power is applied". I find that the PX3 does not automatically turn on when power is applied. I need to manually turn on the PX3 by pressing the PWR switch after power is supplied. Does anyone have a solution to this problem? 2. PX3 Utility. The capture screen function does not work. When I press the capture image button in the utility program, the PX3 freezes and the KX3A100 turns off. I have remove power from the PX3 and I have to reset the PA Mode in the KX3 menu back to on. Does anyone have any thoughts on this issue? Thank you. John Lally W7JJL From vwracer23 at gmail.com Sat Sep 27 16:21:20 2014 From: vwracer23 at gmail.com (Kurt Cramer) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 13:21:20 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Attempt #3 - Any larger more efficient heat sinks for the K2/100 Lid PA? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: Paul, What modes, what power level? Does the internal fan run on high? Kurt, W7QHD On Sat, Sep 27, 2014 at 11:06 AM, Paul Metzger wrote: > Sorry, my email GUI by default was sending emails in HTML which does not > get processed by the reflector here. Thus why there was previously no > information except for title in my previous posting attempts. Noob here. > > Here is my original email as I had composed it. > > -------------------------------------------------- > > I quit using my Elecraft K2/100 when I kept getting burned on the PAs heat > sink. This is both before and after having sent it in to get a check up. > > I would like to place this radio in my emergency radio go box, but instead > of adding fans which will just suck my batteries dry pre-maturely, is there > a larger more efficient heat sink available for this amp (radio lid) which > won't lead to too much macgyvering? > > Thanks for any assistance you may be able to provide in advance ! > > As a note, I'm using an external KAT100 and have always kept the match > down. I always use mono band resonant antennas which I'm anal about tunning > dead on and not operating into an antenna with a match anything more than a > 1.5:1, and that's before connecting the KAT100 antenna tuner to it. > > Please, if anyone can provide me with a larger heat sink / solution to > cool down this radio, I would be extremely grateful ! > > > Paul Metzger - K6EH > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 vwracer23 at gmail.com > From paulmetzger at mail.com Sat Sep 27 16:46:15 2014 From: paulmetzger at mail.com (Paul Metzger) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 22:46:15 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] Attempt #3 - Any larger more efficient heat sinks for the K2/100 Lid PA? In-Reply-To: References: , Message-ID: From w7ox at socal.rr.com Sat Sep 27 16:46:19 2014 From: w7ox at socal.rr.com (Phil Wheeler) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 13:46:19 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Attempt #3 - Any larger more efficient heat sinks for the K2/100 Lid PA? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <5427221B.8070400@socal.rr.com> I've never had any such heat issues with my K2/100, Paul. I wonder if there's some other issue you need to address? Are you operating in a mode with a very high duty cycle (RTTY, PSK31) at more than 30 Watts or so? That could lead to higher than normal temps. 73, Phil w7ox On 9/27/14, 11:06 AM, Paul Metzger wrote: > Sorry, my email GUI by default was sending emails in HTML which does not get processed by the reflector here. Thus why there was previously no information except for title in my previous posting attempts. Noob here. > > Here is my original email as I had composed it. > > -------------------------------------------------- > > I quit using my Elecraft K2/100 when I kept getting burned on the PAs heat sink. This is both before and after having sent it in to get a check up. > > I would like to place this radio in my emergency radio go box, but instead of adding fans which will just suck my batteries dry pre-maturely, is there a larger more efficient heat sink available for this amp (radio lid) which won't lead to too much macgyvering? > > Thanks for any assistance you may be able to provide in advance ! > > As a note, I'm using an external KAT100 and have always kept the match down. I always use mono band resonant antennas which I'm anal about tunning dead on and not operating into an antenna with a match anything more than a 1.5:1, and that's before connecting the KAT100 antenna tuner to it. > > Please, if anyone can provide me with a larger heat sink / solution to cool down this radio, I would be extremely grateful ! > > > Paul Metzger - K6EH > From paulmetzger at mail.com Sat Sep 27 17:33:19 2014 From: paulmetzger at mail.com (Paul Metzger) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 23:33:19 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] Attempt #3 - Any larger more efficient heat sinks for the K2/100 Lid PA? In-Reply-To: <5427221B.8070400@socal.rr.com> References: , <5427221B.8070400@socal.rr.com> Message-ID: From n3wt at comcast.net Sat Sep 27 18:22:52 2014 From: n3wt at comcast.net (John Sweeney) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 18:22:52 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KAT3 ATU question Message-ID: <008a01cfdaa1$95097ad0$bf1c7070$@comcast.net> Question regarding the KAT3, internal ATU in K3. This is not clear to me in the product description. Does the KAT3 retune along with the VFO frequency, once memories are stored, without RF sent through it? Or, is Tune with transmit RF required for the ATU to sense the frequency and tune for best match? I believe the KAT500 adjusts based on rx frequency, but not sure about the KAT3. Thanks John , N3WT From dick at elecraft.com Sat Sep 27 18:31:55 2014 From: dick at elecraft.com (Dick Dievendorff) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 15:31:55 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KAT3 ATU question In-Reply-To: <008a01cfdaa1$95097ad0$bf1c7070$@comcast.net> References: <008a01cfdaa1$95097ad0$bf1c7070$@comcast.net> Message-ID: Yes, the K3 does a "memory recall tune" on QSY without transmit 73 de Dick, K6KR Sent from my iPhone > On Sep 27, 2014, at 15:22, John Sweeney wrote: > > > Question regarding the KAT3, internal ATU in K3. This is not clear to me in > the product description. > > Does the KAT3 retune along with the VFO frequency, once memories are stored, > without RF sent through it? Or, is Tune with transmit RF required for the > ATU to sense the frequency and tune for best match? I believe the > KAT500 adjusts based on rx frequency, but not sure about the KAT3. > > Thanks > > John , N3WT > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 dick at elecraft.com From n6kr at elecraft.com Sat Sep 27 20:29:54 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 17:29:54 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KAT3 ATU question In-Reply-To: <008a01cfdaa1$95097ad0$bf1c7070$@comcast.net> References: <008a01cfdaa1$95097ad0$bf1c7070$@comcast.net> Message-ID: <845335DC-4DB8-4564-B64E-DD4039CF8159@elecraft.com> The KAT3 doesn't recall LC settings just due to VFO rotation, although this is on the wish-list. The K3 will, however, send frequency commands to an attached KAT500 tuner as the VFO is moved. The KAT3 does recall LC settings when you use certain controls, including BAND UP/DN, FREQ ENT., M>V (memory recall), VFO A/B SWAP, VFO REVerse, etc. Since the KAT3's relays are all driven at the same time (in parallel), transmitting in a different part of the band loads new LC settings so quickly that it doesn't interfere with CW element length. 73, Wayne N6KR On Sep 27, 2014, at 3:22 PM, "John Sweeney" wrote: > > Question regarding the KAT3, internal ATU in K3. This is not clear to me in > the product description. > > Does the KAT3 retune along with the VFO frequency, once memories are stored, > without RF sent through it? Or, is Tune with transmit RF required for the > ATU to sense the frequency and tune for best match? I believe the > KAT500 adjusts based on rx frequency, but not sure about the KAT3. > > Thanks > > John , N3WT > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 n6kr at elecraft.com From dick at elecraft.com Sat Sep 27 20:35:50 2014 From: dick at elecraft.com (Dick Dievendorff) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 17:35:50 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] KAT3 ATU question In-Reply-To: References: <008a01cfdaa1$95097ad0$bf1c7070$@comcast.net> Message-ID: <00a501cfdab4$27ba4140$772ec3c0$@elecraft.com> Looks like I got it wrong. Sorry, John. Dick, K6KR -----Original Message----- From: Dick Dievendorff [mailto:dick at elecraft.com] Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2014 3:32 PM To: John Sweeney Cc: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT3 ATU question Yes, the K3 does a "memory recall tune" on QSY without transmit 73 de Dick, K6KR Sent from my iPhone > On Sep 27, 2014, at 15:22, John Sweeney wrote: > > > Question regarding the KAT3, internal ATU in K3. This is not clear to > me in the product description. > > Does the KAT3 retune along with the VFO frequency, once memories are stored, > without RF sent through it? Or, is Tune with transmit RF required for the > ATU to sense the frequency and tune for best match? I believe the > KAT500 adjusts based on rx frequency, but not sure about the KAT3. > > Thanks > > John , N3WT > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 > dick at elecraft.com From n3wt at comcast.net Sat Sep 27 21:08:27 2014 From: n3wt at comcast.net (John Sweeney) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 21:08:27 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KAT3 ATU question In-Reply-To: <845335DC-4DB8-4564-B64E-DD4039CF8159@elecraft.com> References: <008a01cfdaa1$95097ad0$bf1c7070$@comcast.net> <845335DC-4DB8-4564-B64E-DD4039CF8159@elecraft.com> Message-ID: <001301cfdab8$b6f37580$24da6080$@comcast.net> Thank you Wayne. I understand about the KAT3 now, keep that wish list going. Now to decide if go with the KAT3 or KAT500. I use a manual tuner now. While remote, kind of tuff to get my dog to adjust the manual tuner. 73 John N3WT -----Original Message----- From: Wayne Burdick [mailto:n6kr at elecraft.com] Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2014 8:30 PM To: John Sweeney Cc: 'Elecraft Reflector' Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT3 ATU question The KAT3 doesn't recall LC settings just due to VFO rotation, although this is on the wish-list. The K3 will, however, send frequency commands to an attached KAT500 tuner as the VFO is moved. The KAT3 does recall LC settings when you use certain controls, including BAND UP/DN, FREQ ENT., M>V (memory recall), VFO A/B SWAP, VFO REVerse, etc. Since the KAT3's relays are all driven at the same time (in parallel), transmitting in a different part of the band loads new LC settings so quickly that it doesn't interfere with CW element length. 73, Wayne N6KR On Sep 27, 2014, at 3:22 PM, "John Sweeney" wrote: > > Question regarding the KAT3, internal ATU in K3. This is not clear to > me in the product description. > > Does the KAT3 retune along with the VFO frequency, once memories are stored, > without RF sent through it? Or, is Tune with transmit RF required for the > ATU to sense the frequency and tune for best match? I believe the > KAT500 adjusts based on rx frequency, but not sure about the KAT3. > > Thanks > > John , N3WT > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 > n6kr at elecraft.com From idarack at gmail.com Sat Sep 27 22:37:44 2014 From: idarack at gmail.com (KD3TB) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 22:37:44 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KAT500 Firmware Problem Message-ID: <000301cfdac5$2f42e780$8dc8b680$@com> From: KD3TB [mailto:idarack at gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2014 6:07 PM To: 'Elecraft Reflector' Subject: KAT500 Firmware Problem I had a problem when I installed the latest version of KAT500 Software (1.67) and not sure what happened? I had been operating for a few hours on RTTY and CW with my K3, KPA500 and KAT500 with the previous version of the KAT500 Firmware (1.63). After a while, I checked for new versions of firmware on the Elecraft site and downloaded the latest version of KAT500 Firmware (1.67) and installed. I also installed the latest version of K3 and P3 Firmware. At this point I could no longer find a tune point and even on Bypass was getting a high SWR? This was happening on antenna's that have a low (1:1.2) SWR. I then reinstalled the previous version 1.63. Disconnected all power to the KAT500 , after a few minutes, reconnected power to the KAT500 and turned the power back on. At this point everything was working fine..no problems. I am not sure what happened? Firmware did not install properly? Any suggestions? Irwin Darack - KD3TB From kevinr at coho.net Sat Sep 27 22:46:17 2014 From: kevinr at coho.net (Kevin) Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2014 19:46:17 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Announcement Message-ID: <54277679.1030703@coho.net> Good Evening, Like Phil, I have had a problem with posting net reports. As winter closes in I'll try to get them written more than irregularly. All of the information is in the pile of paper behind me. The sedimentary filing system threatens my ability to use the electronics bench. If I want to do any soldering I must clear a space. Strangely, my favorite part of amateur radio is building. Writing code for a variety of chips comes in second. Oregon has kept its weather promise. Dry and unseasonably warm switched suddenly to steady dripping interspersed with the roaring sound of falling water and cool temperatures. Cutting firewood in the 95% humidity is wet work. But, with the coming of autumn the sun has started to wake up again. SFU at 158 with a sunspot number of 203 bodes well for contacts tomorrow. Please join us tomorrow. 14050 kHz at 2200z Sunday (3 PM PDT Sunday) 7045 kHz at 0100z Monday (6 PM PDT Sunday) 73, Kevin. KD5ONS _ From pa0pje at xs4all.nl Sun Sep 28 03:05:54 2014 From: pa0pje at xs4all.nl (Peter Eijlander (PA0PJE)) Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 09:05:54 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] Sorry . . . For some reason the text I'm typing into the body of my emails to this reflector is being stripped off. Weird, looks fine in my SENT folder. In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <5427B352.8030203@xs4all.nl> Hello Paul What you probably don't know, but should be known to the users of this reflector: Mail MUST be in both plain text and HTML at least but preferably plain text only and even preferably in plain text only and leave out anny markup like text colors, bold, italic etc. for it will not show anyway and in some cases look weird, for example text starting and ending with an asterisk. This reflector strips all HTML markup so any device that does not stick to this rule and creates HTML only produces mail with an empty body. Please read the FAQ on: Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm as qouted in the footer of all mails. 73, Peter - PA0PJE Op 2014-09-27 19:51 schreef Paul Metzger: > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 pa0pje at xs4all.nl > From jim at audiosystemsgroup.com Sun Sep 28 03:18:43 2014 From: jim at audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 00:18:43 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Any larger or more efficient heatsinks available for the K2/100PA (radio lid/top) In-Reply-To: <5426B395.5040103@embarqmail.com> References: <5426B395.5040103@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <5427B653.7040603@audiosystemsgroup.com> On Sat,9/27/2014 5:54 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > Take a look at the K2 Auxiliary KPA100 Cooling Fan Yes. And almost any generic muffin fan will push some air across a heat sink or into a power amp to improve air flow. I have a couple of 12V vans with power poles on them that I deploy as needed. One of my cats, now deceased, used to sleep on top of the heat sink for my K2/100, with her tail draped over the front of the radio. 73, Jim K9YC From pa0pje at xs4all.nl Sun Sep 28 03:19:43 2014 From: pa0pje at xs4all.nl (Peter Eijlander (PA0PJE)) Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 09:19:43 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] Sorry . . . For some reason the text I'm typing into the body of my emails to this reflector is being stripped off. Weird, looks fine in my SENT folder. In-Reply-To: <5427B352.8030203@xs4all.nl> References: <5427B352.8030203@xs4all.nl> Message-ID: <5427B68F.8090806@xs4all.nl> Sorry It's not as easy to find as I just said but never the less the reason for the empty mails is what I stated before: All HTML is stripped by the listserver for this reflector so use plain text... Op 2014-09-28 09:05 schreef Peter Eijlander (PA0PJE): > > Please read the FAQ on: > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > > as quoted in the footer of all mails. > > 73, > Peter - PA0PJE > From hans.elfelt at me.com Sun Sep 28 11:03:38 2014 From: hans.elfelt at me.com (Hans Elfelt Bonnesen) Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 17:03:38 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] K2 -New type encoder Message-ID: <415676E0-75FB-4971-89B7-B300EF708A30@me.com> Kevin, VK5KS has met exactly the same problem with the encoder, as I did. Even flush,flush cutting of the leads did not solve the problem due to a nearly imperceptibly slight bend of the control board. The solution is to slide down an extremely thin sheet of plastic (1 x1 inch) down between the front board and the control board, at the very place where the encoder is sitting. With a bend of 1/8 inch to the top, the sheet will not slide further down. Simple Simon did it again. 73 OZ5RB From vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk Sun Sep 28 12:02:02 2014 From: vr2xmc at yahoo.com.hk (Johnny Siu) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 00:02:02 +0800 Subject: [Elecraft] OT: tear gas in Hong Kong again after 47 years In-Reply-To: <1411907914.56818.YahooMailNeo@web193503.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> References: <1411907914.56818.YahooMailNeo@web193503.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1411920122.24422.YahooMailNeo@web193506.mail.sg3.yahoo.com> Hello Elecrafters, It is off topic and only for those interested in Hong Kong. I further understand that amateur radio should not touch about politics so I now simply speak the facts. After 47 years from 1967 anti-British riot, it is now the second time in Hong Kong having massive tear gas from the Hong Kong police suppressing the peaceful democratic demonstration. All demonstrators are unarmed. If you have some connection in Hong Kong, please keep a close eye on the latest development of us. Please also give your prayer and blessing to us. If the moderator feels this message not appropiate, please delete it. 73 Johnny VR2XMC From k6dgw at foothill.net Sun Sep 28 13:09:58 2014 From: k6dgw at foothill.net (Fred Jensen) Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 10:09:58 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Any larger or more efficient heatsinks available for the K2/100PA (radio lid/top) In-Reply-To: <5427B653.7040603@audiosystemsgroup.com> References: <5426B395.5040103@embarqmail.com> <5427B653.7040603@audiosystemsgroup.com> Message-ID: <542840E6.4020100@foothill.net> Before selling my KPA100 and KAT100, I used my K2 in RTTY contests. I stuck an old computer brushless DC muffin fan down over the warmest part with a little square of velcro, blowing down. I could run 100W [generally didn't but could] and the heat sink stayed almost cool. I don't think you have to move very much air over it to keep it cool. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org On 9/28/2014 12:18 AM, Jim Brown wrote: > On Sat,9/27/2014 5:54 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> Take a look at the K2 Auxiliary KPA100 Cooling Fan > > Yes. And almost any generic muffin fan will push some air across a heat > sink or into a power amp to improve air flow. I have a couple of 12V > vans with power poles on them that I deploy as needed. > 73, Jim K9YC From paulmetzger at mail.com Sun Sep 28 15:01:07 2014 From: paulmetzger at mail.com (Paul Metzger) Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 21:01:07 +0200 Subject: [Elecraft] Any larger or more efficient heatsinks available for the K2/100PA (radio lid/top) In-Reply-To: <542840E6.4020100@foothill.net> References: =?UTF-8?Q?=09<5426B395.5040103@embarqmail.com>=20<5427B653.7040603@audiosystemsgroup.com>, =20<542840E6.4020100@foothill.net>?= Message-ID: My point is to avoid using fans to cool this radio so as not to aid in depleting the batteries in this emergency radio go box, while creating additional noise for the operator. I'm on the fence as whether to take this K2/100 down to a machine shop and see what they can do to place a more adequate heat sink on it, or instead just install my Yaesu FT100D. ? In the past, I had purchased a 3 1/4" size fan to cool the K2/100, but it wasn't enough. I then purchased a second one and ran them both to keep the heat manageable. In doing so, the whine/noise that the fans had created had forced me to operate with headphones.?This was a very annoying experience. I think a larger heat sink will work for me, I simply need to find if any such animal exists for this radio (lid configuration). Thus why I posted here. Thank you all who have responded. I appreciate your time and knowledge shared. My hope is to use my K2/100 in my emergency radio go box. I love the radio in every other respect, except for the issue of it dissipating heat. Paul Metzger - K6EH ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Sent:?Sunday, September 28, 2014 at 10:09 AM From:?"Fred Jensen" To:?elecraft at mailman.qth.net Subject:?Re: [Elecraft] Any larger or more efficient heatsinks available for the K2/100PA (radio lid/top) Before selling my KPA100 and KAT100, I used my K2 in RTTY contests. I stuck an old computer brushless DC muffin fan down over the warmest part with a little square of velcro, blowing down. I could run 100W [generally didn't but could] and the heat sink stayed almost cool. I don't think you have to move very much air over it to keep it cool. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 - www.cqp.org[http://www.cqp.org] On 9/28/2014 12:18 AM, Jim Brown wrote: > On Sat,9/27/2014 5:54 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> Take a look at the K2 Auxiliary KPA100 Cooling Fan > > Yes. And almost any generic muffin fan will push some air across a heat > sink or into a power amp to improve air flow. I have a couple of 12V > vans with power poles on them that I deploy as needed. > 73, Jim K9YC From ve7day at telus.net Sun Sep 28 15:21:30 2014 From: ve7day at telus.net (John) Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 12:21:30 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3/P3 serial cable Message-ID: <619B38C6E4B74D02AAF8246F5204FB2C@Johnlabibm> Hello. Can I use a regular serial cable between the K3 and P3? My P3 did not come with a serial cable. Thanks. 73. John. From idarack at gmail.com Sun Sep 28 15:33:08 2014 From: idarack at gmail.com (KD3TB) Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 15:33:08 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KAT500 Firmware Problem In-Reply-To: <009201cfdb20$ebb55640$c32002c0$@elecraft.com> References: <000301cfdac5$2f42e780$8dc8b680$@com> <009201cfdb20$ebb55640$c32002c0$@elecraft.com> Message-ID: <001c01cfdb53$0863cb00$192b6100$@com> Dick, That's exactly what happened....after a lot of detective work, I determined that my Ameriton remote switch is being flakey. It started to act up in the RTTY contest. After the CQWW RTTY contest, I am going to take it apart and check out what is happening...... So at least I know my KAT500 is working fine. Thanks, Irwin -----Original Message----- From: Dick Dievendorff [mailto:dick at elecraft.com] Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2014 9:34 AM To: 'KD3TB' Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KAT500 Firmware Problem High SWR in ATU bypass and unable to find a match to a close-to-resonant antenna suggests that perhaps the ATU is trying to tune with the wrong antenna connector? 73 de Dick, K6KR -----Original Message----- From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of KD3TB Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2014 7:38 PM To: 'Elecraft Reflector' Subject: [Elecraft] KAT500 Firmware Problem From: KD3TB [mailto:idarack at gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2014 6:07 PM To: 'Elecraft Reflector' Subject: KAT500 Firmware Problem I had a problem when I installed the latest version of KAT500 Software (1.67) and not sure what happened? I had been operating for a few hours on RTTY and CW with my K3, KPA500 and KAT500 with the previous version of the KAT500 Firmware (1.63). After a while, I checked for new versions of firmware on the Elecraft site and downloaded the latest version of KAT500 Firmware (1.67) and installed. I also installed the latest version of K3 and P3 Firmware. At this point I could no longer find a tune point and even on Bypass was getting a high SWR? This was happening on antenna's that have a low (1:1.2) SWR. I then reinstalled the previous version 1.63. Disconnected all power to the KAT500 , after a few minutes, reconnected power to the KAT500 and turned the power back on. At this point everything was working fine..no problems. I am not sure what happened? Firmware did not install properly? Any suggestions? Irwin Darack - KD3TB ______________________________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 dick at elecraft.com From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Sun Sep 28 15:39:48 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (redeast via Elecraft) Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 12:39:48 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] ELECRAFT KXP100 FOR SALE in UK Message-ID: <1411933188962-7593455.post@n2.nabble.com> Reluctantly selling my 6 month old KXPA100.Looks and works like new. No ATU option but includes the KXPACBL Cable Set and Owners Manual..?670 Thanks Larry G8CCO (East Sussex) -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ELECRAFT-KXP100-FOR-SALE-in-UK-tp7593455.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Sun Sep 28 16:12:06 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 16:12:06 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3/P3 serial cable In-Reply-To: <619B38C6E4B74D02AAF8246F5204FB2C@Johnlabibm> References: <619B38C6E4B74D02AAF8246F5204FB2C@Johnlabibm> Message-ID: <54286B96.4040506@embarqmail.com> John, Yes, you can do that. It is only the K2 that has problems with a standard serial cable. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/28/2014 3:21 PM, John wrote: > Hello. > Can I use a regular serial cable between the K3 and P3? > My P3 did not come with a serial cable. > Thanks. > 73. > John. > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 w3fpr at embarqmail.com > From dave at nk7z.net Sun Sep 28 17:17:59 2014 From: dave at nk7z.net (David Cole) Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 14:17:59 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Finally... Message-ID: <1411939079.32257.59.camel@nostromo.NK7Z> Hi all, I finally got to try the K3 in a contest... Very nice rig... I flushed out all the macros, and got it running well, but for the serial port slowdown all went almost perfect! -- Thanks and 73's, For equipment, and software setups and reviews see: www.nk7z.net for MixW support see; http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info for Dopplergram information see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/dopplergram/info for MM-SSTV see: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info From kevin.stover at mediacombb.net Sun Sep 28 17:43:02 2014 From: kevin.stover at mediacombb.net (Kevin Stover) Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 16:43:02 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] Any larger or more efficient heatsinks available for the K2/100PA (radio lid/top) In-Reply-To: References: =?UTF-8?Q?=09<5426B395.5040103@embarqmail.com>=20<5427B653.7040603@audiosystemsgroup.com>, =20<542840E6.4020100@foothill.net>?= Message-ID: <542880E6.2070305@mediacombb.net> I have never heard of a third party replacement heat sink for the K2/100. I run a 4" (120mm) computer case fan that the specs say draws all of .15 amps, 1.8 watts @ 12V, at full speed. It probably doesn't need to turn that fast to adequately cool the heat sink so the current draw could be much less. .15A or less current draw for a fan is insignificant, IMO, compared to the 20A the rig draws on transmit. If you want to save some battery turn the power down or decrease the duty cycle. On 9/28/2014 2:01 PM, Paul Metzger wrote: > My point is to avoid using fans to cool this radio so as not to aid in depleting the batteries in this emergency radio go box, while creating additional noise for the operator. I'm on the fence as whether to take this K2/100 down to a machine shop and see what they can do to place a more adequate heat sink on it, or instead just install my Yaesu FT100D. > > In the past, I had purchased a 3 1/4" size fan to cool the K2/100, but it wasn't enough. I then purchased a second one and ran them both to keep the heat manageable. In doing so, the whine/noise that the fans had created had forced me to operate with headphones. This was a very annoying experience. > > I think a larger heat sink will work for me, I simply need to find if any such animal exists for this radio (lid configuration). Thus why I posted here. > > Thank you all who have responded. I appreciate your time and knowledge shared. My hope is to use my K2/100 in my emergency radio go box. I love the radio in every other respect, except for the issue of it dissipating heat. > > > Paul Metzger - K6EH > > - > -- R. Kevin Stover AC0H ARRL FISTS #11993 SKCC #215 NAQCC #3441 From w7ox at socal.rr.com Sun Sep 28 17:56:05 2014 From: w7ox at socal.rr.com (Phil Wheeler) Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 14:56:05 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Any larger or more efficient heatsinks available for the K2/100PA (radio lid/top) In-Reply-To: References: =?UTF-8?Q?=09<5426B395.5040103@embarqmail.com>=20<5427B653.7040603@audiosystemsgroup.com>, =20<542840E6.4020100@foothill.net>?= Message-ID: <542883F5.2050309@socal.rr.com> No larger heat sink exists that I've heard of. I believe you said you run a high duty mode. If so, the existing heat sink should be fine if you back the power down to 25-30 W. Not so good at 100 W and high duty cycle. Phil W7OX On 9/28/14, 12:01 PM, Paul Metzger wrote: > My point is to avoid using fans to cool this radio so as not to aid in depleting the batteries in this emergency radio go box, while creating additional noise for the operator. I'm on the fence as whether to take this K2/100 down to a machine shop and see what they can do to place a more adequate heat sink on it, or instead just install my Yaesu FT100D. > > In the past, I had purchased a 3 1/4" size fan to cool the K2/100, but it wasn't enough. I then purchased a second one and ran them both to keep the heat manageable. In doing so, the whine/noise that the fans had created had forced me to operate with headphones. This was a very annoying experience. > > I think a larger heat sink will work for me, I simply need to find if any such animal exists for this radio (lid configuration). Thus why I posted here. > > Thank you all who have responded. I appreciate your time and knowledge shared. My hope is to use my K2/100 in my emergency radio go box. I love the radio in every other respect, except for the issue of it dissipating heat. > > > Paul Metzger - K6EH > > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > > Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2014 at 10:09 AM > From: "Fred Jensen" > To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Any larger or more efficient heatsinks available for the K2/100PA (radio lid/top) > Before selling my KPA100 and KAT100, I used my K2 in RTTY contests. I > stuck an old computer brushless DC muffin fan down over the warmest part > with a little square of velcro, blowing down. I could run 100W > [generally didn't but could] and the heat sink stayed almost cool. I > don't think you have to move very much air over it to keep it cool. > > 73, > > Fred K6DGW > - Northern California Contest Club > - CU in the 2014 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 2014 > - www.cqp.org[http://www.cqp.org] > > On 9/28/2014 12:18 AM, Jim Brown wrote: >> On Sat,9/27/2014 5:54 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >>> Take a look at the K2 Auxiliary KPA100 Cooling Fan >> Yes. And almost any generic muffin fan will push some air across a heat >> sink or into a power amp to improve air flow. I have a couple of 12V >> vans with power poles on them that I deploy as needed. >> 73, Jim K9YC From d.cutter at ntlworld.com Sun Sep 28 18:50:38 2014 From: d.cutter at ntlworld.com (David Cutter) Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 23:50:38 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] Any larger or more efficient heatsinks available for the K2/100PA (radio lid/top) References: <5426B395.5040103@embarqmail.com> <5427B653.7040603@audiosystemsgroup.com>, <542840E6.4020100@foothill.net> <542880E6.2070305@mediacombb.net> Message-ID: <59128C8C343E4E118658EE4133F9F128@toshibauser> You could try 2 x 12V fans in series to give a bigger cooling area but smaller current; I did this once on a noise-critical application. In terms of S units at the other end, turning down the power, say 25% makes sense. David G3UNA > I run a 4" (120mm) computer case fan that the specs say draws all of .15 > amps, 1.8 watts @ 12V, at full speed. > It probably doesn't need to turn that fast to adequately cool the heat > sink so the current draw could be much less. > .15A or less current draw for a fan is insignificant, IMO, compared to the > 20A the rig draws on transmit. > If you want to save some battery turn the power down or decrease the duty > cycle. From hillslaird at internode.on.net Sun Sep 28 22:14:29 2014 From: hillslaird at internode.on.net (Kevin Schache) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 11:44:29 +0930 Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Build #7552 Message-ID: <5428C085.6000002@internode.on.net> Many thanks to Don and others who responded. The problem has been fixed, I found a suspect dry joint on the PTT/ATT switch. I also checked the new encoder which appeared ok but I did insert a very thin piece of insulation between the new encoder and the control board to make sure. All tests now appear ok UNTIL I re-insert and tighten the two holding screws in the Control Board. When these are tightened, the control board is pulled about 1/8th inch toward front panel, probably stressing both boards, causing the display to be erratic (ELICRAFT instead of ELECRAFT for example), and erratic other test results. Stressing the boards may be causing movement in sockets where they are used. Does it matter if I leave those two screws out? Another option would be to put in longer screws and not tighten them so much, or perhaps a better suggestion maybe to increase the spacer length marginally, so that there is no stressing. 73, Kev VK5KS From matt.vk2rq at gmail.com Sun Sep 28 22:44:10 2014 From: matt.vk2rq at gmail.com (Matt VK2RQ) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 12:44:10 +1000 Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Build #7552 In-Reply-To: <5428C085.6000002@internode.on.net> References: <5428C085.6000002@internode.on.net> Message-ID: <12BD9E72-F55E-4E9E-A402-BF4457922BFF@gmail.com> Te kit should fit together without needing to use longer screws, etc.. If it doesn't, then it indicates you may have done something wrong. Are the PCB headers sitting properly flush wi the board, or are they sticking up a bit, possibly causing misalignment? Are you sure you used the right size standoffs? If you used ones that are too short, then this could put stress on the board when you tighten the screws. If all the connectors and securing hardware is correctly installed, then erratic behaviour could be an indication of further dry joints. It is worth to inspect all the joints with a magnifying glass and a strong light, although poor joints are not always obvious to the eye. 73, Matt VK2RQ > On 29 Sep 2014, at 12:14 pm, Kevin Schache wrote: > > > Many thanks to Don and others who responded. > The problem has been fixed, I found a suspect dry joint on the PTT/ATT switch. > I also checked the new encoder which appeared ok but I did insert a very thin piece of insulation between the new encoder and the control board to make sure. > > All tests now appear ok UNTIL I re-insert and tighten the two holding screws in the Control Board. When these are tightened, the control board is pulled about 1/8th inch toward front panel, probably stressing both boards, causing the display to be erratic (ELICRAFT instead of ELECRAFT for example), and erratic other test results. Stressing the boards may be causing movement in sockets where they are used. > > Does it matter if I leave those two screws out? > Another option would be to put in longer screws and not tighten them so much, or perhaps a better suggestion maybe to increase the spacer length marginally, so that there is no stressing. > > 73, > Kev VK5KS > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 matt.vk2rq at gmail.com From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Mon Sep 29 00:21:50 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 00:21:50 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Build #7552 In-Reply-To: <5428C085.6000002@internode.on.net> References: <5428C085.6000002@internode.on.net> Message-ID: <5428DE5E.60004@embarqmail.com> Kevin, That is "telling" that you have not truly flush trimmed the lead on the encoder board and the area of the control board where it makes potential contact. There is not a lot of space for error there. Flush trimmed means really flush with the board thickness. Solder that protrudes from the board surface is too much. you may do well by putting an insulating substance such as a layer of electrical tape over the encoder board after flush trimming it. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/28/2014 10:14 PM, Kevin Schache wrote: > > Many thanks to Don and others who responded. > The problem has been fixed, I found a suspect dry joint on the PTT/ATT > switch. > I also checked the new encoder which appeared ok but I did insert a > very thin piece of insulation between the new encoder and the control > board to make sure. > > All tests now appear ok UNTIL I re-insert and tighten the two holding > screws in the Control Board. When these are tightened, the control > board is pulled about 1/8th inch toward front panel, probably > stressing both boards, causing the display to be erratic (ELICRAFT > instead of ELECRAFT for example), and erratic other test results. > Stressing the boards may be causing movement in sockets where they are > used. > > Does it matter if I leave those two screws out? > Another option would be to put in longer screws and not tighten them > so much, or perhaps a better suggestion maybe to increase the spacer > length marginally, so that there is no stressing. > From k2vco.vic at gmail.com Mon Sep 29 00:23:25 2014 From: k2vco.vic at gmail.com (Vic Rosenthal K2VCO) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 07:23:25 +0300 Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Build #7552 In-Reply-To: <5428C085.6000002@internode.on.net> References: <5428C085.6000002@internode.on.net> Message-ID: <5428DEBD.40503@gmail.com> I think you should go over all the solder joints on the control board. Just heat them up and apply a tiny bit of solder. Wait till it flows. It is not a good solution to leave out the screws, because oxidation may ultimately make the bad solder joints fail even when the board is not stressed. If you don't have a good temperature-controlled soldering station, it's worth considering. On 9/29/2014 05:14, Kevin Schache wrote: > > Many thanks to Don and others who responded. > The problem has been fixed, I found a suspect dry joint on the PTT/ATT > switch. > I also checked the new encoder which appeared ok but I did insert a very > thin piece of insulation between the new encoder and the control board > to make sure. > > All tests now appear ok UNTIL I re-insert and tighten the two holding > screws in the Control Board. When these are tightened, the control board > is pulled about 1/8th inch toward front panel, probably stressing both > boards, causing the display to be erratic (ELICRAFT instead of ELECRAFT > for example), and erratic other test results. Stressing the boards may > be causing movement in sockets where they are used. > > Does it matter if I leave those two screws out? > Another option would be to put in longer screws and not tighten them so > much, or perhaps a better suggestion maybe to increase the spacer length > marginally, so that there is no stressing. > > 73, > Kev VK5KS -- 73, Vic, K2VCO/4X6GP Rehovot, Israel http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ From kengkopp at gmail.com Mon Sep 29 01:16:04 2014 From: kengkopp at gmail.com (Ken G Kopp) Date: Sun, 28 Sep 2014 23:16:04 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] About Rose and her Elecraft cases and covers Message-ID: This e-mail is being sent via several routes and I apologize if you've received or see more than one copy. Rose wants to be sure that everyone is aware of her situation. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hello! I'm Rose's OM Ken (K0PP) and you're receiving this e-mail because you're one of the MANY who are either waiting on the delivery of an order or have made an inquiry about an carrying case or dust cover. Most of you have been made aware via the Elecraft reflector or Yahoo's KX3 reflector that she's had a cancer scare and has been taking chemotherapy treatments for several months. It's turned out to be extremely debilitating for her, and she's not been able to do much of anything. The "good" news is that after several CT scans and other tests the oncologists tell her she's cancer free and we both have confidence in this. The chemo- therapy is being done as a precautionary measure. She initially started the treatments on a once-a-week schedule, but found that they were simply too hard on her and has ... with the concurrence of the cancer center staff ... cut them back to two week intervals. She has five treatments left. Her sewing room is up a flight of stairs and she's simply not able to climb the stairs, even if she could sew. One of the side effects of the chemotherapy is neuropathy (SP?) in her fingers, meaning that she has very little feeling in her fingers and can't manipulate the many pins used to hold a bag or cover together for sewing. Actually, she needs to use both hands to hold most things ... a cup of coffee for instance. She gets around the house using a walker. It's been her practice to not ask for payment for an order until she tells you she's ready to sew or you, but several have sent payment anyway. If you're one of these, don't hesitate to request a refund if you'd like. She -will- be back to her sewing room in a few weeks and your orders will be filled. Thank you for your understanding and support! 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP ElecraftCovers at gmail.com From hillslaird at internode.on.net Mon Sep 29 03:58:19 2014 From: hillslaird at internode.on.net (Kevin Schache) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 17:28:19 +0930 Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Build #7552 In-Reply-To: <5428DE5E.60004@embarqmail.com> References: <5428C085.6000002@internode.on.net> <5428DE5E.60004@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <5429111B.4000805@internode.on.net> Don, YAAAYYY!!! The answer turned out to be very simple. I loosened all the chassis screws in the assembly to date. which gave enough movement in the boards particularly the RF board, to allow the screws fixing the Control Board to be tightened easily. I then tightened all the remaining chassis screws again and everything tests ok. Yes, I did check all boards again for any suspect joints. Thanks to Don, Matt, Vic, and all.. On with the next stage !! 73, Kev VK5KS On 29/09/2014 1:51 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > Kevin, > > That is "telling" that you have not truly flush trimmed the lead on > the encoder board and the area of the control board where it makes > potential contact. There is not a lot of space for error there. > > Flush trimmed means really flush with the board thickness. Solder > that protrudes from the board surface is too much. > > you may do well by putting an insulating substance such as a layer of > electrical tape over the encoder board after flush trimming it. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > > On 9/28/2014 10:14 PM, Kevin Schache wrote: >> >> Many thanks to Don and others who responded. >> The problem has been fixed, I found a suspect dry joint on the >> PTT/ATT switch. >> I also checked the new encoder which appeared ok but I did insert a >> very thin piece of insulation between the new encoder and the control >> board to make sure. >> >> All tests now appear ok UNTIL I re-insert and tighten the two holding >> screws in the Control Board. When these are tightened, the control >> board is pulled about 1/8th inch toward front panel, probably >> stressing both boards, causing the display to be erratic (ELICRAFT >> instead of ELECRAFT for example), and erratic other test results. >> Stressing the boards may be causing movement in sockets where they >> are used. >> >> Does it matter if I leave those two screws out? >> Another option would be to put in longer screws and not tighten them >> so much, or perhaps a better suggestion maybe to increase the spacer >> length marginally, so that there is no stressing. >> > > > From m5kvk at m5kvk.org Mon Sep 29 04:52:28 2014 From: m5kvk at m5kvk.org (Gareth - M5KVK) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 09:52:28 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] [K2] How much AF volts at 1kHz to get full RF power using KSB2? Message-ID: I have K2 serial no 03885. I've recently finished building the KSB2 SSB adapter, but I'm having problems getting it to work. The problem is very low output power when I speak into the mic. I'm using an Icom MK36 mic and I've set the P1 header as per the KSB2 manual; including the resistor to get Mic bias. The options as set SSBA = 2, SSBC = 2-1 and I've done the carrier balance. On 7MHz, LSB, with the power set to 1W, when I "tune" the rig into a dummy load I get 1W, but when I talk or whistle into the Mic, the most I can get is about 100mW. Nomatter how load I yell, I cannot get full output power :-) and the bar graph hardly moves. I've checked all the DC voltages and they are OK. I used a scope on U5 (NE602) and there is an enormous disparity between the voltages on pin 6 (hi) and on pin 1 (very low). The waveform on U3 pin 7 (the compressed AF out) is greater than that on pin 4, (the AF input), but not by much. I want to eliminate the Mic as the source of the problem (It works perfectly with the IC-756 Pro II) by using an AF sig gen, but I'm not sure how much AF drive should cause 100% output power. Gareth - M5KVK From hhoyt at mebtel.net Mon Sep 29 10:12:17 2014 From: hhoyt at mebtel.net (Howard Hoyt) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 10:12:17 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Rose Kopp Message-ID: <542968C1.3070804@mebtel.net> Ken, What fabulous news! I'm sure I'm with everyone else here wishing both of you a speedy return to normalcy. Give her a big hug for us! Cheers & 73, Howie - WA4PSC From taxal20 at gmail.com Mon Sep 29 10:51:22 2014 From: taxal20 at gmail.com (Mark Raybould) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 15:51:22 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] PX3 requires KX3 v2.19 Message-ID: Just received my PX3 and see that the KX3 requires Firmware Version 2.19. I have downloaded Utility KX3 1.14.4.11 and checked the software version in the KX3. Results MCU 1.87, DSP 1.28 and tells me that these are the up to date versions. How do I get 2.19? The KX3 is standalone and not connected up to the KXPA100. Many thanks. Mark G3XYS/NS1Q NNNN From n6kr at elecraft.com Mon Sep 29 11:00:11 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 08:00:11 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] PX3 requires KX3 v2.19 In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <5D8ACAD4-BC39-4012-B351-6C661CD88F6C@elecraft.com> Hi Mark, Please use the latest beta-test firmware for both the PX3 and KX3. We're now up to revisions 1.11 and 2.23, respectively. You can obtain these from our KX3 and PX3 web pages. 73, Wayne N6KR On Sep 29, 2014, at 7:51 AM, Mark Raybould wrote: > Just received my PX3 and see that the KX3 requires Firmware Version 2.19. > I have downloaded Utility KX3 1.14.4.11 and checked the software version in > the KX3. Results MCU 1.87, DSP 1.28 and tells me that these are the up to > date versions. > How do I get 2.19? The KX3 is standalone and not connected up to the > KXPA100. Many thanks. > > Mark G3XYS/NS1Q From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Mon Sep 29 11:38:48 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 11:38:48 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [K2] How much AF volts at 1kHz to get full RF power using KSB2? In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <54297D08.4010708@embarqmail.com> Gareth, During transmit you should have about 1.4 volts DC on pin 1 or the balanced modulator U5. I just measured the U5 pin 1 audio using a 'scope with a 10X probe and found the peak to peak voltage ranged from 200 to 400 millivolts. If you have a good microphone, you should see a similar amplitude signal. The RF output at U5 pin 4 should have a similar amplitude. The BFO injection at U5 pin 6 should be greater than 200 millivolts peak to peak and on the one I just measured there was a 1 volt BFO signal there. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/29/2014 4:52 AM, Gareth - M5KVK wrote: > I have K2 serial no 03885. I've recently finished building the KSB2 SSB > adapter, but I'm having problems getting it to work. > > The problem is very low output power when I speak into the mic. I'm using > an Icom MK36 mic and I've set the P1 header as per the KSB2 manual; > including the resistor to get Mic bias. > > The options as set SSBA = 2, SSBC = 2-1 and I've done the carrier balance. > > > > I've checked all the DC voltages and they are OK. I used a scope on U5 > (NE602) and there is an enormous disparity between the voltages on pin 6 > (hi) and on pin 1 (very low). The waveform on U3 pin 7 (the compressed AF > out) is greater than that on pin 4, (the AF input), but not by much. > > I want to eliminate the Mic as the source of the problem (It works > perfectly with the IC-756 Pro II) by using an AF sig gen, but I'm not sure > how much AF drive should cause 100% output power. > > Gareth - M5KVK > From taxal20 at gmail.com Mon Sep 29 12:47:01 2014 From: taxal20 at gmail.com (Mark Raybould) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 17:47:01 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3/PX3 Beta Firmware loading with Mac OS Mavericks (10.9.5) Message-ID: Mac Safari will not action the 'ftp' URL, but Firefox loads kx3fw2r23.zip and I locate it in a folder Elecraft Beta. Files Un-zipped. Activate KX3 Utility, and entering the path to Beta folder, 'Local folder for firmware files', and on 'Checking versions now', the path to the Beta folder is ignored and the previous path for non-beta files is chosen. Is this a challenge for many Mac users or do I go back to Windows? Thanks for any assistance. Mark G3XYS/NS1Q NNNN From jameskvochick at me.com Mon Sep 29 13:34:40 2014 From: jameskvochick at me.com (James kvochick) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 13:34:40 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3/PX3 Beta Firmware loading with Mac OS Mavericks (10.9.5) In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <5351F96A-9095-45B8-AE3B-3E162232A901@me.com> Mark, I have only ever had one issue with using my Mac on ELECRAFT files, and that was when I failed to refresh the local caching. I have quite routinely copied the "zip" files to my Mac desktop, and pointed the KX3 or PX3 utility to those folders to install new firmware. Cheers Jim K8JK Sent from my iPad > On Sep 29, 2014, at 12:47 PM, Mark Raybould wrote: > > Mac Safari will not action the 'ftp' URL, but Firefox loads kx3fw2r23.zip > and I locate it in a folder Elecraft Beta. Files Un-zipped. Activate KX3 > Utility, and entering the path to Beta folder, 'Local folder for firmware > files', and on 'Checking versions now', the path to the Beta folder is > ignored and the previous path for non-beta files is chosen. Is this a > challenge for many Mac users or do I go back to Windows? Thanks for any > assistance. > > Mark > G3XYS/NS1Q > > NNNN > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 jameskvochick at me.com From elecraft at ozy.us Mon Sep 29 14:06:46 2014 From: elecraft at ozy.us (Chris Johnson) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 11:06:46 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX1] Optimal Voltage Message-ID: I want to build an external custom AA eneloop battery pack for my KX1's, but was wondering if anyone had any experience on the optimal voltage would be. Is higher always better for producing maximum output? Chris K6OZY From Andy at rickham.net Mon Sep 29 14:09:20 2014 From: Andy at rickham.net (Andy McMullin) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 19:09:20 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] KX3/PX3 Beta Firmware loading with Mac OS Mavericks (10.9.5) In-Reply-To: <5351F96A-9095-45B8-AE3B-3E162232A901@me.com> References: <5351F96A-9095-45B8-AE3B-3E162232A901@me.com> Message-ID: <0212236A-F208-4C3B-B575-862ADE25B2A6@rickham.net> Mark I had the same problem with safari, but as you spotted Firefox works fine. However you don't want too use the "check revisions now" button with a beta - that'll go to Elecraft for the latest release edition. Just send the firmware to the KX3. I hope this helps. Cheers Andy, G8TQH > On 29 Sep 2014, at 18:34, James kvochick wrote: > > Mark, > > I have only ever had one issue with using my Mac on ELECRAFT files, and that was when I failed to refresh the local caching. > > I have quite routinely copied the "zip" files to my Mac desktop, and pointed the KX3 or PX3 utility to those folders to install new firmware. > > Cheers > > Jim K8JK > > > Sent from my iPad > >> On Sep 29, 2014, at 12:47 PM, Mark Raybould wrote: >> >> Mac Safari will not action the 'ftp' URL, but Firefox loads kx3fw2r23.zip >> and I locate it in a folder Elecraft Beta. Files Un-zipped. Activate KX3 >> Utility, and entering the path to Beta folder, 'Local folder for firmware >> files', and on 'Checking versions now', the path to the Beta folder is >> ignored and the previous path for non-beta files is chosen. Is this a >> challenge for many Mac users or do I go back to Windows? Thanks for any >> assistance. >> >> Mark >> G3XYS/NS1Q >> >> NNNN >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 jameskvochick at me.com > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 andy at rickham.net From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Mon Sep 29 14:35:36 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 14:35:36 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX1] Optimal Voltage In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <5429A678.4060802@embarqmail.com> Chris, Yes, higher is better, but up to a limit. The maximum voltage for the KX1 is 15 volts. If you can achieve a voltage between 14 volts and 15 volts, that would be ideal. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/29/2014 2:06 PM, Chris Johnson wrote: > I want to build an external custom AA eneloop battery pack for my KX1's, but was wondering if anyone had any experience on the optimal voltage would be. Is higher always better for producing maximum output? > > Chris > K6OZY > From w7ox at socal.rr.com Mon Sep 29 14:56:24 2014 From: w7ox at socal.rr.com (Phil Wheeler) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 11:56:24 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX1] Optimal Voltage In-Reply-To: References: Message-ID: <5429AB58.5080002@socal.rr.com> I use a 10-cell Eneloop package -- housed in the AA batter holder from an old Icom 02-AT I no longer have. Phil W7OX On 9/29/14, 11:06 AM, Chris Johnson wrote: > I want to build an external custom AA eneloop battery pack for my KX1's, but was wondering if anyone had any experience on the optimal voltage would be. Is higher always better for producing maximum output? > > Chris > K6OZY From m5kvk at m5kvk.org Mon Sep 29 16:16:06 2014 From: m5kvk at m5kvk.org (Gareth - M5KVK) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 21:16:06 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] [K2] How much AF volts at 1kHz to get full RF power using KSB2? In-Reply-To: <54297D08.4010708@embarqmail.com> References: <54297D08.4010708@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: Thanks, Don I'm getting more or less the same as you except for the RF out on U5 pin 4. I'm seeing the BFO of about 400mV pp with no AF, and then going up to 800mV pp when I whistle into the Mic. Doh! I thought I had the carrier balance right, but obviously not. Switching on the SSBA=BAL shows a bif signal on U5 pin 4. I've adjusted that down to almost zero on the 'scope, but I'm still not getting much RF out. 73, Gareth, M5KVK On 29 September 2014 16:38, Don Wilhelm wrote: > Gareth, > > During transmit you should have about 1.4 volts DC on pin 1 or the > balanced modulator U5. > I just measured the U5 pin 1 audio using a 'scope with a 10X probe and > found the peak to peak voltage ranged from 200 to 400 millivolts. If you > have a good microphone, you should see a similar amplitude signal. The RF > output at U5 pin 4 should have a similar amplitude. > The BFO injection at U5 pin 6 should be greater than 200 millivolts peak > to peak and on the one I just measured there was a 1 volt BFO signal there. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 9/29/2014 4:52 AM, Gareth - M5KVK wrote: > >> I have K2 serial no 03885. I've recently finished building the KSB2 SSB >> adapter, but I'm having problems getting it to work. >> >> The problem is very low output power when I speak into the mic. I'm using >> an Icom MK36 mic and I've set the P1 header as per the KSB2 manual; >> including the resistor to get Mic bias. >> >> The options as set SSBA = 2, SSBC = 2-1 and I've done the carrier balance. >> >> >> >> I've checked all the DC voltages and they are OK. I used a scope on U5 >> (NE602) and there is an enormous disparity between the voltages on pin 6 >> (hi) and on pin 1 (very low). The waveform on U3 pin 7 (the compressed AF >> out) is greater than that on pin 4, (the AF input), but not by much. >> >> I want to eliminate the Mic as the source of the problem (It works >> perfectly with the IC-756 Pro II) by using an AF sig gen, but I'm not sure >> how much AF drive should cause 100% output power. >> >> Gareth - M5KVK >> >> > From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Mon Sep 29 16:45:25 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 16:45:25 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [K2] How much AF volts at 1kHz to get full RF power using KSB2? In-Reply-To: References: <54297D08.4010708@embarqmail.com> Message-ID: <5429C4E5.3010009@embarqmail.com> Gareth, Is D4 mounted with the correct orientation. - the line on the silkscreen points to the cathode end. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/29/2014 4:16 PM, Gareth - M5KVK wrote: > Thanks, Don > I'm getting more or less the same as you except for the RF out on U5 pin 4. > I'm seeing the BFO of about 400mV pp with no AF, and then going up to 800mV > pp when I whistle into the Mic. > > Doh! > > I thought I had the carrier balance right, but obviously not. Switching on > the SSBA=BAL shows a bif signal on U5 pin 4. I've adjusted that down to > almost zero on the 'scope, but I'm still not getting much RF out. > 73, > From albers at embarqmail.com Mon Sep 29 16:56:11 2014 From: albers at embarqmail.com (albers) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 16:56:11 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] [KX-1] Selling my KX-1 Message-ID: Now that I have my KX-3, I?ve decided I don?t need my faithful old KX-1 (S/N 608) any more, so I?ve listed it on e-Bay. Has ATU, 30/80 module, and the N0SS tuning indicator, home brew paddle. It?s item number 131309605698, if you or anyone you know is interested. Tnx and 73 Ray K2HYD From phils at riousa.com Mon Sep 29 18:30:59 2014 From: phils at riousa.com (Phil Shepard) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 15:30:59 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft SSB net results for 9/28/2014 In-Reply-To: <2FE7E6A5-5A67-40E1-BF2E-7AE2F180C901@riousa.com> References: <7C11474B-D99D-4EDE-8054-AF4D03DE1DE1@riousa.com> <0373FB1F-7227-45CD-90D6-A58233268644@riousa.com> <0F2EFBC9-807B-4076-BEA7-0D1E0EFA932E@riousa.com> <3440EB84-AAB2-4074-BA30-D518495E8C15@riousa.com> <4E04B3B5-2103-4F1B-9A4B-F5BCF9E324BF@riousa.com> <1027B2D2-BFDF-425E-B36A-68ECB20F97AF@riousa.com> <024F45C3-0B0E-4236-A269-BE0309474B54@riousa.com> <1A408DE9-0AEC-47C8-A591-E7B02DFDBAEC@riousa.com> <0AEF6092-2A7F-477E-B6CB-C0A6255B298B@riousa.com> <9CE1E9D7-6CE3-4248-BD5A-2D75F68B6492@riousa.com> <233D3512-FD5D-467D-A0C2-664C20ED7F73@riousa.com> <3025C073-0A99-49D1-B607-A00D07F41FF 6@riousa.com> <2FE7E6A5-5A67-40E1-BF2E-7AE2F180C901@riousa.com> Message-ID: Here is the net report for the Elecraft SSB net from September 28, 2014. We had 26 participants. Station Name QTH Rig S/N N6JW John CA K3 936 KB9AVO Paul IN KX3 24 AB7CE Roy MT KX3 115 QRP AD0HT Zach CO KX3 5483 QRP K1NW Brian RI K3 4574 K7BRR Bill AZ KX3 2013 KF7JZH Ron ID KX3 2262 KA0NCR Arnie NE KX3 161 KF5IMA Bruce MS K2 3575 KM4IK Ian GA K3 281 K8NU Carl OH K3 7976 WB5JJA Ray OK K3 7877 W4RKS Jim TX K3 3618 AD5IJ Howard OR KX3 5178 QRP W7JJL John WA K3 993 KE7FSD Al AZ K3 8532 K4GCJ Gerry NC K3 1597 K5OAI Sam TX K3 4123 KK4QDZ Bill NC KX3 4515 KE7HGE Ken WA KX3 4540 QRP WV5I Dwayne TX K3 5287 N6LEW Lew CA K3 3805 QRP WB7SDE Eric WA K3 8132 WN8A Jim MI K3 3480 AD6JV Bill CA K3 6299 NS7P Phil OR K3 1826 73, Phil, NS7P From tomb18 at videotron.ca Mon Sep 29 18:31:04 2014 From: tomb18 at videotron.ca (Tom Blahovici) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 18:31:04 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] P3: marker frequency off carrier? Message-ID: <0NCO00LQEP7SZI00@HoStNaMe.ip.videotron.ca> Hi I noticed today that with the radio tuned to a frequency and the marker from the p3 right on that frequency,? the carrier appears shifted by around 50 Hz. I. E. The peak is 50 Hz lower. Is this just a resolution issue of the p3 or something else? Thanks, Tom From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Mon Sep 29 20:29:45 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Jack Berry via Elecraft) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 17:29:45 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 No power out after idle time Message-ID: <1412036985.75032.YahooMailNeo@web122003.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> This symptom makes me think of edge connector problems I have heard about. But in my case there are no low voltage errors that seems to be the case in other reports. If I cycle the radio off and back on everything is good. I think this is the third time this has happened, all in the last month. The only commonality is that the radio has been on and idle for an hour or two. When I return to operate, the problem occurs. I don't think it happens in every case. Any other K3 owners seen this? Thanks! God Bless & 73! Jack - WE5ST From vk4ky at woodtech.net.au Mon Sep 29 22:16:22 2014 From: vk4ky at woodtech.net.au (Andy Wood) Date: Mon, 29 Sep 2014 19:16:22 -0700 (PDT) Subject: [Elecraft] K3 No power out after idle time In-Reply-To: <1412036985.75032.YahooMailNeo@web122003.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> References: <1412036985.75032.YahooMailNeo@web122003.mail.ne1.yahoo.com> Message-ID: <1412043382262-7593486.post@n2.nabble.com> Hi Jack, I have had this exact problem. Turned out to be the connector between the front panel and main pcb. Treatment with Deoxit has cured it. BTW - I also had some other weird, seemingly unrelated, problems that would occur randomly. The Deoxit treatment cured all of those as well. Andy VK4KY *********************************** -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-No-power-out-after-idle-time-tp7593485p7593486.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. From mike.harris at horizon.co.fk Tue Sep 30 08:19:04 2014 From: mike.harris at horizon.co.fk (Mike Harris) Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 09:19:04 -0300 Subject: [Elecraft] XV432 and EME Message-ID: <542A9FB8.6070506@horizon.co.fk> Hi, Anyone using the XV432 for EME? Issues? Regards, Mike VP8NO From grahampemberton312 at btinternet.com Tue Sep 30 08:25:03 2014 From: grahampemberton312 at btinternet.com (Graham Pemberton) Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 13:25:03 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and Kenwood MC-90 desk mic Message-ID: <052C5704-209E-4EF3-861C-DA3474BD76FA@btinternet.com> Hi all, Sorry if this is off topic, I have just got a kenwood MC-90 desk mic and am planning to use it on my K3, has anybody else had any experience with this microphone and are there any settings I should alter on the radio. Many thanks for your comments Regards Graham G7NEH From grahampemberton312 at btinternet.com Tue Sep 30 11:47:11 2014 From: grahampemberton312 at btinternet.com (Graham Pemberton) Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 16:47:11 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and Kenwood MC-90 desk mic In-Reply-To: References: <052C5704-209E-4EF3-861C-DA3474BD76FA@btinternet.com> Message-ID: HI Ray, Many thanks for your reply, yes you are correct it is a dynamic mic and I have made the relevant changes in the K3 menu, I?ve had a couple of QSO?s on 40m this afternoon with UK stations and received some very good reports on my audio. Regards Graham G7NEH Chester UK IO83OE On 30 Sep 2014, at 13:48, Ray Sills wrote: > Hi Graham: > > I do not have that mic, but I'd suspect it is a dynamic mic. If so, you do not need to use mic bias for it to work. Outside of that, it would be a matter of having the proper connector to mate with your K3, and proper connections inside the connector... which may be different from what Kenwood uses for their gear. You could wire up an adapter, should you want to keep the mic and connector in original condition. > > A good feature of the K3 is the ability to tailor the audio response to accommodate various mics and operator voices. Most users recommend reducing the response to low frequencies, by setting the first two EQ bands to the lowest value. Experimentation will likely be the key, and you can monitor the audio yourself... and ask for critical reports, preferably from a local station. > > 73 de Ray > K2ULR > KX3 #211 > > > On Sep 30, 2014, at 8:25 AM, Graham Pemberton wrote: > >> Hi all, >> >> Sorry if this is off topic, I have just got a kenwood MC-90 desk mic and am planning to use it on my K3, has anybody else had any experience with this microphone and are there any settings I should alter on the radio. >> >> Many thanks for your comments >> >> Regards >> Graham G7NEH >> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 raysills3 at verizon.net > From dominic.baines at ntlworld.com Tue Sep 30 12:11:42 2014 From: dominic.baines at ntlworld.com (Dominic Baines) Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 17:11:42 +0100 Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Mikes In-Reply-To: References: <052C5704-209E-4EF3-861C-DA3474BD76FA@btinternet.com> Message-ID: <542AD63E.5090303@ntlworld.com> Dummy question... I've got a K2 serial c5500 added the KSB2 module I have a Yaseu mic MH-31 (No additional pre-amp fitted) will to do the SSB test and alignment with it... however the K2 is going to someone who uses an ICOM mike, type unknown. (Yes will need to know if need to add pin 2 for a pre-amp...checking) Anything that might be very different between them from those in the know that would make alignment with one irrelevant for the other? I'm pretty sure I will have to wire differently on the unit for the inital mike and the final one (bit of a pain ho hum), apart from the jumpers and details listed P17/18 in the KSB2 manual. http://www.elecraft.com/manual/ksb2%20manual%20rev%20G.pdf Or anyone suggest suitable tests just to make sure it is all working fine? I could think a PTT and/or an up/down break out board and switches might be worth doing? 72/73 Dom M1KTA From n2bc at stny.rr.com Tue Sep 30 12:36:50 2014 From: n2bc at stny.rr.com (Bill Coleman) Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 12:36:50 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 FOR SALE Message-ID: <000001cfdccc$bc22cc70$34686550$@stny.rr.com> Loaded K3/100, serial number 00929, all applicable mods installed including updated DSP. Includes: K3/100; KRX3 Sub RX; two KBPF3 RX general coverage bandpass filters (main and sub RX); KAT3; KXV3; KDVR3; Main RX filters 13kHZ, 6kHz, 2.8kHz, 1.8kHz, 400Hz; Sub RX filters 2.8kHz, 400Hz; PR6 preamp. Only "un-authorized" mod is replacement solid aluminum concentric knobs for AF/SUB and RF/SUB controls; original knobs included. 100% operational; no scratches, dents, etc.; non-smoker. Price $3000 plus shipping & insurance US only. Thanks, N2BC From n2bc at stny.rr.com Tue Sep 30 12:55:22 2014 From: n2bc at stny.rr.com (Bill Coleman) Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 12:55:22 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K2 FOR SALE Message-ID: <000001cfdccf$536a2540$fa3e6fc0$@stny.rr.com> For Sale K2/100 & KAT100. High serial number 07441. K2 includes KPA100, KIO2, K160RX, KSB2. KAT100 installed in EC2 enclosure. MH2 microphone. All manuals & cables. 100% operational, no scratches, non-smoker. Asking $1000 plus shipping to USA. Thanks, N2BC From w3fpr at embarqmail.com Tue Sep 30 13:57:45 2014 From: w3fpr at embarqmail.com (Don Wilhelm) Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 13:57:45 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K2 Mikes In-Reply-To: <542AD63E.5090303@ntlworld.com> References: <052C5704-209E-4EF3-861C-DA3474BD76FA@btinternet.com> <542AD63E.5090303@ntlworld.com> Message-ID: <542AEF19.4020605@embarqmail.com> Dom, If you plan to do K2 work repetitively, making up a "microphone pinout" change box would be handy. However, that does not fully address the problem of the bias resistor. In order to test properly, you would need one (or more) dynamic microphones like your Yaesu MH-31, plus you would need an electret type microphone, like the Elecraft MH2/3 or one of the Icom microphones. I myself would be reluctant to simply change the plugging of the microphone configuration header and then ship a K2 to the customer without having the ability to test that change. If this is a one-time build for another ham, I would ask him to send his Icom microphone to you. 73, Don W3FPR On 9/30/2014 12:11 PM, Dominic Baines wrote: > Dummy question... > > I've got a K2 serial c5500 added the KSB2 module I have a Yaseu mic > MH-31 (No additional pre-amp fitted) will to do the SSB test and > alignment with it... however the K2 is going to someone who uses an > ICOM mike, type unknown. (Yes will need to know if need to add pin 2 > for a pre-amp...checking) > > Anything that might be very different between them from those in the > know that would make alignment with one irrelevant for the other? > I'm pretty sure I will have to wire differently on the unit for the > inital mike and the final one (bit of a pain ho hum), apart from the > jumpers and details listed P17/18 in the KSB2 manual. > http://www.elecraft.com/manual/ksb2%20manual%20rev%20G.pdf > > Or anyone suggest suitable tests just to make sure it is all working > fine? I could think a PTT and/or an up/down break out board and > switches might be worth doing? > > 72/73 > Dom > M1KTA > > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 w3fpr at embarqmail.com > From rwnewbould at comcast.net Tue Sep 30 16:17:50 2014 From: rwnewbould at comcast.net (Rich) Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 16:17:50 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Win 8.1 audio and the K3 Message-ID: <542B0FEE.5030504@comcast.net> First off I do not see this issue as a K3 problem but I am hoping someone else has found a fix. My new HP laptop has a single audio jack hence i need a Y adapter to get a mic and speaker jack to run the digital modes. When I plug the K3 line OUT into the Laptop mic IN (via the adapter or direct) Win 8.1 does not recognize that I plugged into the MIC jack, however if I plug into the K3 speaker out then Win 8.1 sees the jack properly. I assume there is some value of impedance or voltage that Win 8.1 is looking for that the K3 line out does not have. Only a guess on my part. Has anybody else seen this? Is there a fix? Thank you Rich K3RWN From david.mcanally at gmail.com Tue Sep 30 16:23:16 2014 From: david.mcanally at gmail.com (David McAnally) Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 15:23:16 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] Win 8.1 audio and the K3 In-Reply-To: <542B0FEE.5030504@comcast.net> References: <542B0FEE.5030504@comcast.net> Message-ID: I had similar problems with a Lenovo X230 laptop. I solved the issue by using one of these $9 USB sound devices. Select the USB device in your software settings instead of the laptop sound device. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MSS6CS/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Regards, David McAnally WD5M On Tue, Sep 30, 2014 at 3:17 PM, Rich wrote: > First off I do not see this issue as a K3 problem but I am hoping someone > else has found a fix. My new HP laptop has a single audio jack hence i > need a Y adapter to get a mic and speaker jack to run the digital modes. > When I plug the K3 line OUT into the Laptop mic IN (via the adapter or > direct) Win 8.1 does not recognize that I plugged into the MIC jack, > however if I plug into the K3 speaker out then Win 8.1 sees the jack > properly. I assume there is some value of impedance or voltage that Win > 8.1 is looking for that the K3 line out does not have. Only a guess on my > part. > > Has anybody else seen this? Is there a fix? > > Thank you > > Rich > K3RWN > From djcarohmer at ntin.net Tue Sep 30 16:46:33 2014 From: djcarohmer at ntin.net (Dwayne Rohmer) Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 15:46:33 -0500 Subject: [Elecraft] Win 8.1 audio and the K3 In-Reply-To: References: <542B0FEE.5030504@comcast.net> Message-ID: <000001cfdcef$9fee6910$dfcb3b30$@ntin.net> I use this adapter cable on my Lenovo laptop to provide separate audio and microphone jacks http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=41761316&utm_source=Go oglePLA&utm_medium=pla&utm_term=55076697&gclid=CKn-ivvkicECFc064AodkxwAhw&gc lsrc=ds Dwayne Rohmer wv5i On Tue, Sep 30, 2014 at 3:17 PM, Rich wrote: > First off I do not see this issue as a K3 problem but I am hoping > someone else has found a fix. My new HP laptop has a single audio > jack hence i need a Y adapter to get a mic and speaker jack to run the digital modes. > When I plug the K3 line OUT into the Laptop mic IN (via the adapter or > direct) Win 8.1 does not recognize that I plugged into the MIC jack, > however if I plug into the K3 speaker out then Win 8.1 sees the jack > properly. I assume there is some value of impedance or voltage that > Win > 8.1 is looking for that the K3 line out does not have. Only a guess > on my part. > > Has anybody else seen this? Is there a fix? > > Thank you > > Rich > K3RWN From elecraft at mailman.qth.net Tue Sep 30 20:44:58 2014 From: elecraft at mailman.qth.net (Doug Person via Elecraft) Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 18:44:58 -0600 Subject: [Elecraft] Win 8.1 audio and the K3 In-Reply-To: References: <542B0FEE.5030504@comcast.net> Message-ID: <542B4E8A.50905@aol.com> I agree with the recommendation of using a USB audio adapter. They are cheap and simple. I've used them for years and never had a problem. On the other hand, I've had many similar problems with audio interfaces on laptops. My current station computer is an Intel NUC. Clever little compact computing unit which uses the single jack audio in/out. I plugged in my USB audio device and Windows 8.1 Pro loaded up the driver in no time and everything worked fine. GL & 73, Doug -- K0DXV On 9/30/2014 2:23 PM, David McAnally wrote: > I had similar problems with a Lenovo X230 laptop. I solved the issue by > using one of these $9 USB sound devices. Select the USB device in your > software settings instead of the laptop sound device. > > http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MSS6CS/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 > > Regards, > David McAnally > WD5M > > On Tue, Sep 30, 2014 at 3:17 PM, Rich wrote: > >> First off I do not see this issue as a K3 problem but I am hoping someone >> else has found a fix. My new HP laptop has a single audio jack hence i >> need a Y adapter to get a mic and speaker jack to run the digital modes. >> When I plug the K3 line OUT into the Laptop mic IN (via the adapter or >> direct) Win 8.1 does not recognize that I plugged into the MIC jack, >> however if I plug into the K3 speaker out then Win 8.1 sees the jack >> properly. I assume there is some value of impedance or voltage that Win >> 8.1 is looking for that the K3 line out does not have. Only a guess on my >> part. >> >> Has anybody else seen this? Is there a fix? >> >> Thank you >> >> Rich >> K3RWN >> > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k0dxv at aol.com > From lists at subich.com Tue Sep 30 21:42:45 2014 From: lists at subich.com (Joe Subich, W4TV) Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 21:42:45 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] Win 8.1 audio and the K3 In-Reply-To: <542B4E8A.50905@aol.com> References: <542B0FEE.5030504@comcast.net> <542B4E8A.50905@aol.com> Message-ID: <542B5C15.7050503@subich.com> Use of an audio adapter (second sound card) is always wise since you can point Windows' "Default devices" to the motherboard sound card in the computer and keep the Windows noises, streaming audio, music, etc. away from the radio. You do want to make sure any audio adapter or external sound card is capable of stereo *input* just in case you want to receive on both the main and sub receivers at the same time (e.g. listening to DX and in the pile-up). 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 2014-09-30 8:44 PM, Doug Person via Elecraft wrote: > I agree with the recommendation of using a USB audio adapter. They are > cheap and simple. I've used them for years and never had a problem. On > the other hand, I've had many similar problems with audio interfaces on > laptops. My current station computer is an Intel NUC. Clever little > compact computing unit which uses the single jack audio in/out. I > plugged in my USB audio device and Windows 8.1 Pro loaded up the driver > in no time and everything worked fine. > > GL & 73, > Doug -- K0DXV > > On 9/30/2014 2:23 PM, David McAnally wrote: >> I had similar problems with a Lenovo X230 laptop. I solved the issue by >> using one of these $9 USB sound devices. Select the USB device in your >> software settings instead of the laptop sound device. >> >> http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001MSS6CS/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 >> >> >> Regards, >> David McAnally >> WD5M >> >> On Tue, Sep 30, 2014 at 3:17 PM, Rich wrote: >> >>> First off I do not see this issue as a K3 problem but I am hoping >>> someone >>> else has found a fix. My new HP laptop has a single audio jack hence i >>> need a Y adapter to get a mic and speaker jack to run the digital modes. >>> When I plug the K3 line OUT into the Laptop mic IN (via the adapter or >>> direct) Win 8.1 does not recognize that I plugged into the MIC jack, >>> however if I plug into the K3 speaker out then Win 8.1 sees the jack >>> properly. I assume there is some value of impedance or voltage that Win >>> 8.1 is looking for that the K3 line out does not have. Only a guess >>> on my >>> part. >>> >>> Has anybody else seen this? Is there a fix? >>> >>> Thank you >>> >>> Rich >>> K3RWN >>> >> ______________________________________________________________ >> Elecraft mailing list >> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft >> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm >> Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 k0dxv at aol.com >> > > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 lists at subich.com > From rcrgs at verizon.net Tue Sep 30 22:11:26 2014 From: rcrgs at verizon.net (Robert G Strickland) Date: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 02:11:26 +0000 Subject: [Elecraft] Rose Kopp In-Reply-To: <542968C1.3070804@mebtel.net> References: <542968C1.3070804@mebtel.net> Message-ID: <542B62CE.8030403@verizon.net> A speedy recovery for you, Rose. Grace of the day On 9/29/2014 14:12, Howard Hoyt wrote: > Ken, > > What fabulous news! I'm sure I'm with everyone else here wishing both > of you a speedy return to normalcy. Give her a big hug for us! > > Cheers & 73, > > Howie - WA4PSC > ______________________________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft at 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 rcrgs at verizon.net > -- Robert G Strickland, PhD ABPH - KE2WY rcrgs at verizon.net.usa Syracuse, New York, USA From n6kr at elecraft.com Tue Sep 30 22:19:26 2014 From: n6kr at elecraft.com (Wayne Burdick) Date: Tue, 30 Sep 2014 19:19:26 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] CW/DATA text decode/display now working on the PX3 Message-ID: <00C62ADF-16C2-49D9-9A33-450654BEA9D5@elecraft.com> Hi all, The PX3 can now display decoded text from the KX3. Right now it's decode-only (no keyboard yet), but we plan to add the keyboard interface later this year. For now it's 2 lines of text, replacing the function switch labels at the bottom, beneath the waterfall display. (The "LABELS" switch function now has three settings: off, FN labels, or text decode.) With the smaller font the display shows 130 characters, and with the larger font, 84 characters. It works in all modes. You'll find this a great addition to the PX3 especially if, like me, you make a lot of RTTY or PSK-31 QSOs using only the KX3 (sans computer). With two full lines of text, you don't have to be ultra-diligent about catching call signs before they scroll off the VFO B display. When this firmware is ready for field test we'll ask for a few volunteers to try it out. Should be later this week. 73, Wayne N6KR