[Elecraft] KX3 and its "TUNE" selection. (With mag loop)

[Julia Tuttle]

Hi Jerry,

That's absolutely possible over the serial port (ACC1)! The Programmer's
Reference has the details:

https://ftp.elecraft.com/K3S/Manuals%20Downloads/K3S&K3&KX3&KX2%20Pgmrs%20Ref,%20G5.pdf

73,

Julie

On Wed, Aug 24, 2022, 12:49 jerry <jerry at tr2.com> wrote:

> I'm starting work on a magloop project.  I wonder how hard it would be
> to
> have a transceiver tell the magloop what frequency it's tuned to?  That
> could
> operationally be simpler than having to hit it with low-power RF so it
> can tune
> itself...
>
>                     - Jerry, KF6VB
>
>
>
> On 2022-08-23 14:28, Geoffrey Feldman wrote:
> > If your antenna is a magloop - DO NOT USE the tune button. In fact,
> > clear
> > the tuner memory for your band per instructions.   The tuner feature
> > (assuming you have the option) is great with other antennas, especially
> > random wire but it doesn't go well with mag loops.  The xmit button is
> > simply "PTT".
> >
> >
> >
> > For any mag loop, choose a frequency you wish to start work, somewhere
> > in
> > the middle of the band.  Mag Loops are high Q antennas, that is they
> > are
> > effective in a very narrow range of frequencies to which they are
> > adjusted
> > with the tuning box.  This fact should inform your thoughts on
> > effective
> > use.
> >
> > Turn the tuning dial (ON THE MAG LOOP) until you hear the maximum
> > amount of
> > noise (or blessed with a real signal).   The antenna and the radio are
> > now
> > tuned.
> >
> > Turn the KX3 tuning knob SLOWLY until you hear some kind of interesting
> > signal.  (PX3 is great for this too).
> >
> > Tweak the tuning knob on the mag loop to get the strongest signal for
> > your
> > exact frequency. (just a tweak).   This is important even if you hear
> > the
> > signal, to get the most efficient use of transmitter.
> >
> > If while seeking a station you hear a lot less static, adjust the mag
> > loop
> > as above.
> >
> >
> >
> > IF seeking up and down the band, just rinse and repeat as above until
> > you
> > get a station to work.
> >
> >
> >
> > Once the mag loop is tuned to the band, you won't have to adjust it
> > much to
> > tune it for the particular part of the band you are on. Gentle tweaks
> > is the
> > way.  Notice too, mag loops are very directional. Consult the
> > manufacturing
> > manual for where it's sensitive and turn it along a great circle to
> > where
> > you want to go.  (In Boston, where I live, Europe is north east by
> > great
> > circle.
> >
> >
> >
> > I note there is something about tuning the radio in some mag loop
> > instructions.  I find this not necessary with the KX3.  What I describe
> > here
> > is what I do and it works well.
> >
> >
> >
> > I have contacted Europe USB with a KX3 at 15 watts and a mag loop.  The
> > antenna was on the top floor of my wood frame town house for this, not
> > even
> > outdoors.  If you think about what I wrote, you want the antenna in
> > arm's
> > length while working the radio.  Don't worry about your body affecting
> > the
> > near field. Mag Loops are not like that.
> >
> >
> >
> > -73-
> >
> > W1GCF
> >
> > Geoff
> >
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