[Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 254, Issue 8
Glenn Maclean
wa7spy at att.net
Sun Jun 8 16:26:25 EDT 2025
One word of caution about contact cleaner is make sure the contacts are dry before reassembly! I use to work on corporate jets. If you connect connectors without the contact cleaner being dry it can cause corrosion! I am speaking from experience!
Glenn WA7SPY
Sent from my iPhone
> On Jun 8, 2025, at 09:03, elecraft-request at mailman.qth.net wrote:
>
> Send Elecraft mailing list submissions to
> elecraft at mailman.qth.net
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> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
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>
> Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 254, Issue 7 (Bob McGraw K4TAX)
> 2. Parts & Accessories Sale Continued, June Update (Doug Hensley)
> 3. Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 254, Issue 7 (Fred Jensen)
> 4. Loaded K3 and P3 for sale (DOUG SHIELDS)
> 5. Re: Loaded K3 and P3 for sale (Jerry Moore)
> 6. Loaded K3 and P3 are sold (DOUG SHIELDS)
> 7. Elecraft CW Net Announcement (kevin)
> 8. 3D-printable sun shade for PX3 (Julia Tuttle)
> 9. Re: TMP connectors (Jim Rhodes) (John Canfield)
>
>
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
> Message: 1
> Date: Sat, 7 Jun 2025 11:34:10 -0500
> From: Bob McGraw K4TAX <rmcgraw at benlomand.net>
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 254, Issue 7
> Message-ID: <80E71C89-0568-4E4F-8523-9C5C1AC86B12 at benlomand.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>
> I would carefully unplug each connector. Clean it using a Q-tip moisten with contact cleaner. Then plug it back in. Make sure it is fully and correctly inserted.
>
> Never spray anything in the radio! I would say contact grease is also a NO NO.
>
> 73
> Bob, K4TAX
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Jun 7, 2025, at 11:03?AM, elecraft-request at mailman.qth.net wrote:
>>
>> ?Send Elecraft mailing list submissions to
>> elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>>
>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
>> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
>> elecraft-request at mailman.qth.net
>>
>> You can reach the person managing the list at
>> elecraft-owner at mailman.qth.net
>>
>> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
>> than "Re: Contents of Elecraft digest..."
>>
>>
>> Today's Topics:
>>
>> 1. TMP connectors (Jim Rhodes)
>>
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 1
>> Date: Fri, 6 Jun 2025 20:25:45 -0600
>> From: Jim Rhodes <jimk0xu at gmail.com>
>> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>> Subject: [Elecraft] TMP connectors
>> Message-ID:
>> <CALhxr4bALJVgxQDoNehm5n6daOXy8cauraheNzty6T2yyiBMeA at mail.gmail.com>
>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>>
>> My K3 does not get a lot of use anymore because its spot on the desk has
>> been taken by the K4D. Now the K4 has been at the mothership and the K3
>> was perking along just fine and then went silent suddenly. No receive, no
>> transmit. I opened it up and poked around a bit the next day with the top
>> cover off and all of a sudden the receive started crackling and transmit
>> was fine. Buttoned it back up and it worked fine during off and on use for
>> a few days, then it went quiet again after an all day stretch. So I popped
>> the top and twisted all of the TMP connectors that I could reach, powered
>> it up and it has been working fine again.
>> My question to the group is: Has anyone ever gone to the trouble of
>> treating all of those pesky little connectors with some kind of dielectric
>> grease to keep them from this kind of behavior? By the time you add the
>> second receiver and the 2 meter board there gets to be a lot of the little
>> buggers in there and most of them are hard to get at. Seems like it might
>> be a good project to try now that the K4 is on its way home again.
>>
>> Jim K0XU
>> jim at rhodesend.net
>>
>>
>> ------------------------------
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Post to: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> You must be a subscriber to post.
>> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>>
>> End of Elecraft Digest, Vol 254, Issue 7
>> ****************************************
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 2
> Date: Sat, 7 Jun 2025 16:54:54 +0000
> From: Doug Hensley <w5jv at hotmail.com>
> To: Elecraft List <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: [Elecraft] Parts & Accessories Sale Continued, June Update
> Message-ID:
> <CH3P220MB200196676DBCBD2BECD141F69169A at CH3P220MB2001.NAMP220.PROD.OUTLOOK.COM>
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"
>
> Parts & Accessories Sale Continued, June Update
>
>
> 1. K3s VFO A and VFO B Floating Point Encoder Assemblies, E850239,
> 2 Left, $65 ea, $130 both, plus $5.50 USPS
>
> 2. K3 or K3s 12? (approx - practical length is 8 - 10?) Configuration Cable,
> 1 Left, (TMP Cable - E850338) $15.95 plus $4.95 USPS.
>
> 3. K3s AF/sub and RF/SQL Knobs. Both E980091 small & E980092 large
> (a set), $8.00 plus $4.95 USPS; (2 Sets Left)
>
> 4. Elecraft MH-4 Microphone for K3 / K3s / K4 - NIB $79.95 plus $ 5.95 USPS;
> Comes with Data-Sheet and hand-set mounting bracket kit;
>
> 5. Spare Elecraft microphone hand-set bracket kit, Unused, 2 piece with screws.
> Also comes with K3 & early K3s 12V power outlet update; both for $4.95
> plus $3.95 USPS;
>
> 6. Elecraft USB Cable for K3 / K3s / K4 Firmware Download - NIB $19.95
> plus $4.95 USPS;
>
> 7. Oak Hills Research RFL-100 100W Precision Dummy Load w/50 ohm
> Type-N input connector. Built, tested but otherwise unused, . This measures
> 50 ohms on my Fluke DVOM; it is rated for 100 Watts continuous given open
> air ambient conditions. Uses a matrix of non-inductive metal oxide resistors.
> Pictures on request. $119.95 plus $8.95 USPS. Add $4.95 for a Type N male
> to SO-239 female standard adapter.
>
> 8. Daiwa CS-201A Antenna Coax Switch, unused, 2-port, UHF Female, SO-239.
> Connects one antenna to one of two radios or one radio to one of two antennas.
> NIB. $45 plus $5 USPS; Pictures on request.
>
> 9. Archer ?Super-Flex? black Microphone Cable: 25 feet (approx) of Catalog
> 278-1281, one pair red/black shielded highly flexible black 6mm microphone or
> headset cable. $18.00 plus $7.95 shipping;
>
> 10. Approximately 125 Feet of 1/4? Dacron Black Woven UV resistant Antenna
> Rope still on Spool, unused, as new. $35 plus 8.95 USPS.
>
> 11. Power-Werx SS-30DV Power Supply for all K-Series transceivers. As new;
> tested during my misspent SO2R station build but not used. $130.00 plus 8.95
> shipping;
>
> 12. Astron RS-70M Heavy Duty Metered 14.5V power supply in as new condition.
> It is boxed well, repacked as received. Picture set on request. $550 plus shipping.
> Add $6 if you want insurance. This is an awesome linear power supply. You can
> estimate your own shipping by referencing a 16 x 16 x 12 carton weighing 50 lbs.
> Here are the specs:
>
>
> * CONTINUOUS DUTY: 57 Amps
> * ICS*: 70 Amps
> * DIMENSIONS: 6 x 13? x 11"
> * SHIPPING WEIGHT: 48 lbs. (16? x 16? x 12?)
> * FUSE: MDA 12A Ceramic
> * POWER TERMINALS:
> * 1/4"-20 Screw Type
> * AC CURRENT DRAW
>
> IDLE: 340mA
> FULL LOAD: 11.4A
>
> * FAN COOLED: Yes
> * LED BACKLIT VOLT AND AMP METERS
>
> Payment by simple personal or free bank check to my FCC/QRZ QTH or Zelle.
> Will combine shipping where there are multiple purchases except for the power
> supplies. Sales are final; please, no returns. Contact me privately offline via
> w5jv at arrl.net<https://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft> or w5jv at hotmail.com.<https://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft> The ARRL alias is a different address
> and more reliable. Any blaring errors here are my own & will be corrected if
> you?ll let me know. I'm open to price correction (not offers).
>
> If you respond, be patient. I keep every inquiry in order and in the order received.
> I'm usually only by my computer in the morning but will respond to all inquiries.
>
>
> Cheers,
>
>
>
> Doug W5JV
> K1-4
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Visit https://www.qrz.com/db/W5JV for some great vacuum tube finds.
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 3
> Date: Sat, 7 Jun 2025 11:17:23 -0700
> From: Fred Jensen <k6dgwnv at gmail.com>
> To: Bob McGraw K4TAX <rmcgraw at benlomand.net>
> Cc: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 254, Issue 7
> Message-ID: <64d57f8c-af7c-607e-9e1b-8a7f73b74b7f at gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
>
> K4TAX said:
> "Never spray anything in the radio! I would say contact grease is also a
> NO NO."
>
> Yep.? Never ever, at any time or place, ever spray anything in or near
> your radio.? Many years ago in SE Asia, the KWM2-A's suffered from
> fungus encroachment.? Well, so did everything else including all of us.?
> The DoD provided a spray, supposed to inhibit the growth, for
> equipment.? Following instructions in the TCTO, a troop sprayed a KWM2-A
> chassis.? The mist found it's way into the dial mechanism and PTO,
> liquified the plastic parts and the pricey radio went from Supply Class
> 1 [serviceable] to 86 [scrap] in about 15 mins.
>
> Contact cleaner may be chancy also.? Probably OK on plugs IF you get
> them away from the radio and make sure it has all evaporated before
> replugging. Best to subscribe to the theory, "If Wayne had wanted us to
> use solvents on Elecraft radios, a small bottle would have come with the
> kit."
>
>
> 73,
>
> Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
> Sparks NV DM09dn
> Washoe County
>
>> Bob McGraw K4TAX <mailto:rmcgraw at benlomand.net>
>> Saturday, June 7, 2025 9:34 AM
>> I would carefully unplug each connector. Clean it using a Q-tip
>> moisten with contact cleaner. Then plug it back in. Make sure it is
>> fully and correctly inserted.
>>
>> Never spray anything in the radio! I would say contact grease is also
>> a NO NO.
>>
>> 73
>> Bob, K4TAX
>>
>> 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 k6dgwnv at gmail.com
>
>
>
> --
> This email has been checked for viruses by AVG antivirus software.
> www.avg.com
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 4
> Date: Sat, 7 Jun 2025 15:12:35 -0400 (EDT)
> From: DOUG SHIELDS <w4das at comcast.net>
> To: "elecraft at mailman.qth.net" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>, DOUG
> SHIELDS <w4das at comcast.net>
> Subject: [Elecraft] Loaded K3 and P3 for sale
> Message-ID: <206259081.76383.1749323555109 at connect.xfinity.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
> I have a great K3 and P3 combo for sale. Both pieces are in great condition with no known faults. I have been using this pair almost daily for about a year. I am just trying to raise some funds to purchase a K4. Photos are available if desired. Please ask if you have any questions.
> Doug Shields W4DAS
> Stuart, Florida
>
> K3 serial number 4480
> 100 watt amp installed
> Filters in primary receiver: 2.8KHz, 1.8KHz, 1.0KHz, 400Hz, 250Hz.
> Second receiver installed
> Filters in second receiver: 2.8KHz, 1.8KHz, 1.0KHz, 400Hz, 250Hz.
> Upgraded synthesizers
> KAT3 auto tuner
> Upgraded I/O board
> Upgraded XVTR board
> All the upgrades you can do to get a K3 as close to a K3S as possible.
> No known faults, excellent cosmetic condition
>
> P3 serial number 4128
> SVGA option board installed
> Transmit monitor option board installed
> 1.8 - 54MHz, 2KW coupler
> No known faults, excellent cosmetic condition
>
> Cables for connecting the K3 to the P3 included.
> K3 power cable
> Shipped in original Elecraft shipping boxes and inserts
> $2200 shipped in the lower 48, slightly higher elsewhere.
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 5
> Date: Sat, 7 Jun 2025 19:41:15 +0000
> From: Jerry Moore <jermo at carolinaheli.com>
> To: DOUG SHIELDS <w4das at comcast.net>, "elecraft at mailman.qth.net"
> <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Loaded K3 and P3 for sale
> Message-ID:
> <CY8PR12MB73383E395161953257FA727BD769A at CY8PR12MB7338.namprd12.prod.outlook.com>
>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
> Is the k3 sub receiver the same as the k3s receiver,??
>
>
> Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
> Get Outlook for Android<https://aka.ms/AAb9ysg>
> ________________________________
> From: elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net <elecraft-bounces at mailman.qth.net> on behalf of DOUG SHIELDS via Elecraft <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Sent: Saturday, June 7, 2025 3:12:35 PM
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>; DOUG SHIELDS <w4das at comcast.net>
> Subject: [Elecraft] Loaded K3 and P3 for sale
>
> I have a great K3 and P3 combo for sale. Both pieces are in great condition with no known faults. I have been using this pair almost daily for about a year. I am just trying to raise some funds to purchase a K4. Photos are available if desired. Please ask if you have any questions.
> Doug Shields W4DAS
> Stuart, Florida
>
> K3 serial number 4480
> 100 watt amp installed
> Filters in primary receiver: 2.8KHz, 1.8KHz, 1.0KHz, 400Hz, 250Hz.
> Second receiver installed
> Filters in second receiver: 2.8KHz, 1.8KHz, 1.0KHz, 400Hz, 250Hz.
> Upgraded synthesizers
> KAT3 auto tuner
> Upgraded I/O board
> Upgraded XVTR board
> All the upgrades you can do to get a K3 as close to a K3S as possible.
> No known faults, excellent cosmetic condition
>
> P3 serial number 4128
> SVGA option board installed
> Transmit monitor option board installed
> 1.8 - 54MHz, 2KW coupler
> No known faults, excellent cosmetic condition
>
> Cables for connecting the K3 to the P3 included.
> K3 power cable
> Shipped in original Elecraft shipping boxes and inserts
> $2200 shipped in the lower 48, slightly higher elsewhere.
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to jermo at carolinaheli.com
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 6
> Date: Sat, 7 Jun 2025 16:18:39 -0400 (EDT)
> From: DOUG SHIELDS <w4das at comcast.net>
> To: "elecraft at mailman.qth.net" <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: [Elecraft] Loaded K3 and P3 are sold
> Message-ID: <619617014.77093.1749327519866 at connect.xfinity.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8
>
> Good afternoon everyone,
> Thank you for the comments, suggestions, and offers. The K3 and P3 have been sold. Thank you all.
> Doug W4DAS
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 7
> Date: Sat, 7 Jun 2025 17:56:55 -0700
> From: kevin <kevinr at coho.net>
> To: Elecraft Reflector <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Announcement
> Message-ID: <2540963f-b841-4448-b5a9-716424723b1c at coho.net>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed
>
> Good Evening,
>
> ?? Cool, sunny days have progressed to warm, sunny days.? The Black
> Headed Grosbeak is back, but using a different tree as home base.?
> Larger butterflies are visiting fresh flowers.? The honeysuckle vines
> east of me are attracting hummingbirds too. They add another scent to
> the environment.? The bracken fern are a month away from their full
> growth.? Many are over eight feet tall; their tops have not unrolled.?
> In two to three years they will be feeding my trees.
>
> ?? The sun has calmed down.? The sunspot number is low, while the flux
> is still above 100.? Multiple solar storms have hit us during the last
> week.? The ionosphere should be in prime condition as long as the flares
> have abated.? Maybe tomorrow the bands will be favorable.
>
> ? I just remembered an anniversary: the Elecraft CW Net is 23 years
> old.? First net was held on June 6th, 2002 to commemorate the same day
> in 1944.
>
> Please join us on (or near) :
>
> 14050 kHz at 2200z Sunday (3 PM PDT Sunday)
> ?7047 kHz at 0000z Monday (5 PM PDT Sunday)
>
> ?? 73,
> ????? Kevin.? KD5ONS
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -
>
>
>
>
> Why didn't I take the blue pill?
>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 8
> Date: Sat, 7 Jun 2025 21:35:46 -0400
> From: Julia Tuttle <julia at juliatuttle.net>
> To: Elecraft <elecraft at mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: [Elecraft] 3D-printable sun shade for PX3
> Message-ID:
> <CAEVEBrNWhL5h00CX=N6HsBLDny7ei=S8UFAxNt2o0E2rpRS+pw at mail.gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
>
> Hi folks,
>
> I just finished designing a 3D-printable sun shade for the PX3 with the
> Side KX end panels (required) and cover (optional but compatible), and I
> thought it might be of interest to others on the list.
>
> If you're interested in printing one for yourself -- either personally or
> through a print-on-demand service -- the model is available here:
>
> https://makerworld.com/en/models/1497126-sun-shade-for-elecraft-px3-with-sidekx-handles
>
> It's shared under a non-commercial license; please reach out if that's a
> problem for you.
>
> 73,
>
> Julie
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> Message: 9
> Date: Sun, 8 Jun 2025 08:51:00 -0500
> From: John Canfield <bucket at janeandjohn.org>
> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] TMP connectors (Jim Rhodes)
> Message-ID: <f57b8948-d8a4-4340-899b-ba638baf43e5 at janeandjohn.org>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8; format=flowed
>
> I use Dow Corning 5 Compound dielectric grease on all of my outside coax
> connectors, just a little pinky size on the SO239 or F connector.
> However I use it to prevent any moisture contamination but I suppose it
> could inhibit any dissimilar metal corrosion or oxidation. Not sure if
> there would be any benefit for your application though plus it's just a
> tad messy. Since you have an intermittent problem I suppose you could
> try it and see what happens (or doesn't happen.)
>
> John W5TWO
>
>>
>> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
>>
>> Message: 1
>> Date: Fri, 6 Jun 2025 20:25:45 -0600
>> From: Jim Rhodes <jimk0xu at gmail.com>
>> To: elecraft at mailman.qth.net
>> Subject: [Elecraft] TMP connectors
>> ----snip----- So I popped
>> the top and twisted all of the TMP connectors that I could reach, powered
>> it up and it has been working fine again.
>> My question to the group is: Has anyone ever gone to the trouble of
>> treating all of those pesky little connectors with some kind of dialectric
>> grease to keep them from this kind of behavior? ----snip----
>>
>> Jim K0XU
>> jim at rhodesend.net
>
>
> ------------------------------
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: Elecraft at mailman.qth.net
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> You must be a subscriber to post.
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>
> End of Elecraft Digest, Vol 254, Issue 8
> ****************************************
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