[Elecraft] Help with K3S upgrades

[HB]

Gentlemen…
Thank you for your help!!

I tried both Bob and Don’s method after letting the K3S warm up for about 30 minutes tuned into a SW broadcast.  

After using Bob’s CWT method on 20 Mhz (conditions finally improved enough to get a good S9+ signal), I could tune to any strong broadcast signal and use the CWT and SPOT function and the frequency display would be perfect.  Tuning 50 Hz away – either side – and pressing SPOT would bring the frequency back to the correct frequency.

I tried Don’s method using.  I regularly check my soundcard calibration using FLDIGI’s method.  I’m using the Timewave PK-232sc+ for a soundcard.  It is very stable – checking it today it required no tweaking.  After running the spectrum analyzer, the tuning was dead-on as far as the waterfall showed.

Both great ideas!!!!  Thanks again for all of the replies.  I learned more about my radio today!

Hank
K4HYJ
K3S, P3, KX3

From: Bob McGraw K4TAX
Sent: Saturday, May 25, 2019 3:19 PM
To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Help with K3S upgrades

Yes that is correct.........but one needs to make sure the sound card 
calibration is correct.

I prefer to use CW mode with CWT active .   Tune the radio to one of the 
WWV frequencies.  Thn press and release SPOT.  This will match the 
sidetone to the WWV carrier and adjust the radio to the correct 
frequency.  If for example, one tunes to 15.000.000 and presses SPOT  
the radio may then move to 15.000.002.  If so, adjust the Ref Cal down 
about 3 or 4 Hz.  And do the procedure again.  It will take 3 or 4 times 
and adjustments to get the radio "dead nuts on".   Once done, then tune 
up from WWV or down from WWV by 10 to 20 Hz and press SPOT again.  The 
radio should come to 15.000.000.   Thus no listening, no zero beating, 
no computer, no external software is needed.  Everything is referenced 
to the internal Reference.  This also assures the sidetone frequency is 
accurate at the user selected frequency.

73

Bob, K4TAX


On 5/25/2019 1:39 PM, Rick Bates (WA6NHC) wrote:
> By ear is very close but if you already have WSJT-X, there is a calibrate mode for the last few Hertz.
>
> Rick WA6NHC
>
> Smell Czech correction happen
>
>> On May 25, 2019, at 11:08 AM, Don Wilhelm <donwilh at embarqmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Hank,
>>
>> You don't need a highly accurate frequency counter.  You can get closer with the beat note method.
>>
>> You can use an audio spectrum analyzer (like Spectrogram or SpectrumLab) running on your computer and the K3S rear headphone jack connected to your soundcard Line In.
>>
>> That will give you a visual display.  When you turn on SPOT, if the two audio frequencies are far enough apart, you will see two both of them.
>> When both frequencies are quite close, they will appear as one signal.
>> When they are VERY close, you will see the "signal" begin to oscillate in amplitude - when that oscillation slows to zero, that is the beat point you are seeking.  In practice it is difficult to get it to exactly zero, but get it as slow as possible - one or two oscillations each minute is practical using that method.
>>
>> If you need Spectrogram (Windows application), go to my website www.w3fpr.com and scroll near the bottom of the opening page to find the links.  Those are internal links on my website, and the files have been thoroughly scrubbed for virus - although Norton does not like them because they do not have a large enough user list for that application.
>>
>> 73,
>> Don W3FPR
>>
>>> On 5/25/2019 1:23 PM, hbjr at optilink.us wrote:
>>> I have just installed the 1 PPM TXCO in my K3S.  I bought the K3S last
>>> October as a kit and have installed many options since then.
>>> One thing I'm concerned with is the reference calibration.  Without a good
>>> frequency counter, I'm using WWV on 15Mhz and using beat cancelation.  My
>>> ears are pretty good, but no match for a good frequency counter.
>>> Any guys in the NW GA area (Tennessee, Alabama, and North Carolina area
>>> really) that would be willing to help me set that reference calibration with
>>> a good counter?  I'd be willing to pay you for your time!
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