[Elecraft] KX1 srl 904 is up
And running fine. Setup and responded exactly as per book. Great kit. It will be on the air from VP9 for 2 weeks from Nov5 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.783 / Virus Database: 529 - Release Date: 25/10/2004 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2 FM-ing on 80 Meters
My just completed #4438 with SSB, DSP, 160M, and 100Watt Modules seems to be working just fine except: .. on the low end of 80 meters (3500-3700 approximatly) the signal sounds like there is a 'ringing' on it when listening to another receiver in the shack. This happens only at power levels above about 50 watts and only on the low end of 80 meters. Here is what I have done: Replaced my power supply with a large lead-acid car battery to eliminate any possibility of interaction with the power supply. Results the same with either power source. Tried two different monitoring receivers ... same results with each. I am using a 50 ohm dummy load (Heath Cantenna). This is what I see: A scope looking at the RF waveform shows NO am modulation. The envelope is clean. A scope looking at the RF waveform does show a slight blurriness in the horizontal axis indicating rapid but slight frequency shift. A scope monitoring the 12 volt input shows a small sinusoid waveform on the 12 volt input (a hundred mV or so) indicating that there is a significant AC component of current being drawn from the battery. The frequency of this AC component of input current is about 30 hertz. I suspect ALC instability of some kind. I could sure use some help here. Don K7FJ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Newbie K2 questions
#1117 arrived in the mail today! I am AMAZED at what is coming out of this little box. I was listening to weak EU's on 40CW at 1900Z and flipping back and forth between my Orion and the K2. Not a lot of difference. It will be interesting to test tonight in the pileups to see how well the 100Hz filter works in both rigs. Question #1: Is there a way to change the shaft encoder rate? Not the rate button rate but the actual # of pulses per revolution in the hardware or firmware? I'd like to get about 2.5Khz per rev. Right now I can choose between 1.0Khz and 5.0Khz. Question #2 for K2/100 owners: How much output can you get with the K2 running 5 watts into the K2/100? I'm considering the 5W at full scale mod for the K2 but might like to swap out the cover with the battery pack and auto-tuner for the 100W module to drive my amp. If I could get 20-30W out of the K2-100 with the K2 running 5W that would be great. Question #3: I have the AtoB, matched crystals, keyclick mod, KAF2 etc etc on their way. I'm open to suggestions. Should I dig in and install the mods right away? Or should I relax and enjoy the radio for a while and get used to it first? If I get used to it, will the matched crystals, KAF2 and other mods be a dramatic improvement compared to the basic #1112 which only has the NB/SSB/Auto-Tuner options in it. Question 4: When running on a fully charged internal battery can you get the same ammount of power out as you do on a fixed external supply? Just curious. Oh... The stock knob is gone. The previous owner had a nice ridged knob with a spinner grip installed on the rig. But I had an old knob from an Ampex VPR-3 1 broadcast videotape machine whose diameter just meets with the bottom edge of the K2 and only slightly covers the lables for the ATT and A VFO. It is heavily weighted and the knurled edge is thicker than an ordinary knob, even deeper than the ones on the Orion, plus it's tapered which is unusual and feels great for rolling your fingers around the outside edge as you tune. Will take a pic of it if anyone is interested. This is a great list! Many people answered my probe pic questions and I have a pair of color photos of the actual probes. Thanks to all who replied directly. 73 de one happy K2 camper! BTW...When my wife saw me take the K2 out of the box she remarked What a cute little pooter! a phrase she normally reserves for newborn infants and puppies. 8-) Tom K2TA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Hum coupling?
Ten-Tec recommended putting the matching speaker/power supply of my old Omni-V on the RIGHT hand side of the radio. The audio lines ran on the left side and the transformer in the supply caused hum on receive. I'm experiencing similar AC hum on the K2 audio. The K2 sits on top of my Titan II and when the HV is set to operate (kicking in the big HV xfmr directly under the K2) I get the hum. If I pick the K2 up and move it about 3 away from the Titan then all is well. Has anyone else experienced hum from nearby power transformers? I plan on using a 10Amp analog supply (not here yet) and anticipate I might have to keep it away from the K2. I suspect switching supplies do not cause the same effect. Tom K2TA Greenwood Lake, NY K2 #1117 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] 160M problem
I was just testing out #1117 on 160M. Symptoms: Max power output 7W Low background noise compared to 80M (80 = S3 background, 160 nothing but 1 LED on big static crashes) If I transmit a string of dits at 1W and listen on another radio, I have to hunt to find the signal. It is at 1883.00. I can transmit from .00 on the dial to 1882.00 and the transmitted signal remains on 1883.00. As soon as I get to 1833.00 the transmitted signal follows the dial freq. Almost sounds like the PLL is not locking below 1833.00. I suspect I'll need to do a full alignment to have some idea if there is a problem with the radio or if it's just misaligned. This is just a preliminary examination of the radioI haven't started any formal troubleshooting procedure yet. Tom K2TA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] 40 is open
Right now 40 meters is open to Europe from Kansas. Just worked OM3SEM in the Slovak Republic with my K2 at 5 watts and a dipole. Jim - W0EB Wichita, KS K2 #4338 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.784 / Virus Database: 530 - Release Date: 10/27/2004 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Hum coupling?
Actually, Tom switching supplies may have a worse coupling effect since they have an oscillator going at higher frequency than the power line, in addition to power line 60 Hz. And, even coupling of RF between Tuner and Radio can happen. At a Field Day one time, a tuner was placed on a Yaesu transceiver, and did not tune a dipole well at all. After some frustration, we discovered there was magnetic coupling right thru the aluminum case of the tuner from its coil to the radio's tuned circuits causing an RF feedback. Moving the tuner from the top of the radio cured all problems. -Stuart K5KVH ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Hum coupling?
I have an Astron 20 amp for my K2/100 and it sits on a stool UNDER the operating table. That keeps the table clear for other things and keeps the AC magnetic field out of the K2. I've also got an Astron 20 amp supply that lives under the desk. You forgot to mention that it also makes a nice foot warmer on cold days! ;-) -- 73, Brian VE7NGR ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] 160M problem
Ok...I'm in troubleshooting mode now. VCO voltage at left side of R30 on 80M is correct (2.2 - 6 volts at either end of band). On 160 I have to turn L30 clockwise a turn or so to get it in range but then the PLL unlocks at 3800Khz. Upon closer inspection it appears someone's been chasing this demon down prior to my taking ownership of #1117. That person is NOT the person who wired #1117 originally! The 160M, SSB and Noise Blanker were added by a different ham at a later date. I suspect this unit has never worked right on 160M. C68 is a 10pf as per the 160M mod BUT on the underside of the RF board there is an additional 6pf tacked in parallel for a total of 16pf at C68. C75 is a 450pf (close to the 470pf as per the 160M mod) BUT there is a 50pf in parallel with it on the underside for a total of 500pf (again close to the 470pf but on the high side this time). Does anyone recognize these added componants from some other valid mod that might not be mentioned in any of the K2 docs or addendums? If not...I'm pulling the extra capacitance out and starting from there. Tom K2TA - Original Message - From: Tom Althoff [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, October 28, 2004 6:26 PM Subject: [Elecraft] 160M problem I was just testing out #1117 on 160M. Symptoms: Max power output 7W Low background noise compared to 80M (80 = S3 background, 160 nothing but 1 LED on big static crashes) If I transmit a string of dits at 1W and listen on another radio, I have to hunt to find the signal. It is at 1883.00. I can transmit from .00 on the dial to 1882.00 and the transmitted signal remains on 1883.00. As soon as I get to 1833.00 the transmitted signal follows the dial freq. Almost sounds like the PLL is not locking below 1833.00. I suspect I'll need to do a full alignment to have some idea if there is a problem with the radio or if it's just misaligned. This is just a preliminary examination of the radioI haven't started any formal troubleshooting procedure yet. Tom K2TA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] KSB2 Crystal Identification prior to 2.5KHz bandwidthbuild
Leigh, You don't have to order new crystals. Check the value of C179 in your K2 - if it is 100 pf (and NOT 120 pf), then you have John's improved version of the 2nd Xtal Filter Mod in your K2 already. The 'bandwidth discrepancy' is not a real discrepancy, but is a matter of different points used to define the bandwidth. John KI6WX used the -3dB points and Elecraft uses -6 dB. If your operating is mainly PSK31, I would believe that you would want to use a more narrow bandpass rather than a wider one to increase the Signal to Noise ratio in the passband - but then each to his own. I personally prefer using a filter of about 1 kHz for PSK31 operation so I can drop the louder signals out of my operating passband (yes, I use the VFO knob for tuning as well as clicking on the screen to select the correct signal). The KI6WX 2.2 kHz bandwidth is now a part of the standard Elecraft KSB2 for new builds (but Elecraft specs it at 2.3 kHz at -6 dB), and I would recommend that filter for more voice power in the passband (and it is a bit flatter than the 'original' filter from Elecraft). 73, Don W3FPR - Original Message - My K2 is #3121 and the KSB2 adapter instructions are Rev C, May 2, 2002 and my board is SSB Rev D (C) 1999 Elecraft. The part number on the crystal envelope is E850006 and the crystals are labeled ECS V 4.9136-S KOREA D2. The calibration number on the envelope is 3.7. As I do more PSK operating than SSB, I am thinking of the 2.5 KHz modification, and doing it at build time since it's easier then. I've read KI6WX's paper of July 18, 2002, but it's not clear to me whether I need to order E850006. Since my K2 is #3121 is 3000, I think it already includes XFILMDKT* 2nd Filter Upgrade for the K2, although John's paper claims an improvement over that. Furthermore, my KSB2 instructions claim a 2.2 KHz bandwidth, but looking at the table in the KI6WX paper, the capacitors in the parts match the original which John says are not 2.2Khz. I'm having a little trouble sorting out legacy information from current information, and applying it to my Revision D SSB Board and Revision C 2/2002 instructions. If I want to build my KSB2 board for 2.5 KHz, do I need to order a new set of crystals E850006 first?
