[Elecraft] Control board mod with KAT2 and KAT100
Hi, just read the manual for the KAT100. It states to remove C44 on K2 control board before using KAT100. OK. How does this affect the use of the K2 without the KAT100, with KAT2? You see, I want to switch covers from qrp to qro :-) Thanks Gerhard ___ Gesendet von Yahoo! Mail - Jetzt mit 250MB Speicher kostenlos - Hier anmelden: http://mail.yahoo.de ___ 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] Practical toroid winding question
I am almost ready to start winding toroids for my K2. I have run into this question before but never found an answer. Suppose I wind a toroid, then check its inductance afterwards. I find that the value is not exactly the same value as the schematic calls for, but after removing one turn (or adding one turn), it's perfect. Should you, a) use the # of turns in the assembly instructions, regardless of the value obtained, since the designer knows a lot more than I do b) change the number of turns, since the performance of the radio is based on the value of the inductance Wayne and Eric, I'd like to hear your answer on this as well. Thanks, all. I'm now half way through the basic kit setup. 73, Mike, NJ2OM ___ 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] Control board mod with KAT2 and KAT100
-Original Message- just read the manual for the KAT100. It states to remove C44 on K2 control board before using KAT100. OK. How does this affect the use of the K2 without the KAT100, with KAT2? -- C44 is explained in the following alert from Elecraft: http://www.elecraft.com/Apps/Alert19.html I believe it was only there for a few K2's around serial # 3000 (maybe 3000-3077). If that is correct, you will probably not find it in your K2. But anyway, no K2 should have it regardless of power output and antenna tuner. 73 Sverre LA3ZA http://www.qsl.net/la3za/ ___ 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] Control board mod with KAT2 and KAT100
Gerhard, Control Board C44 is not used on the newer K2s (it was only used on SN 3000 thru 3077 and may have been added to some lower serial numbered K2s). It should be removed if C44 is present on your K2. See Elecraft Builder Alert #19. All will be fine with your QRP tuner. 73, Don W3FPR - Original Message - just read the manual for the KAT100. It states to remove C44 on K2 control board before using KAT100. OK. How does this affect the use of the K2 without the KAT100, with KAT2? You see, I want to switch covers from qrp to qro :-) ___ 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] Practical toroid winding question
Mike, Wind the toroids as specified - the K2 will work great with the specified number of turns, and there are over 4000 of them already built to confirm that statement. Be certain to count each turn that passes through the center of the core. If only the turns on the outside are counted, it is easy to miscount (the two free ends constitute a turn too). I should also ask, just how much can you trust your inductance meter? If it does not measure the inductance at the operating frequency, that alone may be the answer to the mystery. 73, Don W3FPR - Original Message - I am almost ready to start winding toroids for my K2. I have run into this question before but never found an answer. Suppose I wind a toroid, then check its inductance afterwards. I find that the value is not exactly the same value as the schematic calls for, but after removing one turn (or adding one turn), it's perfect. Should you, a) use the # of turns in the assembly instructions, regardless of the value obtained, since the designer knows a lot more than I do b) change the number of turns, since the performance of the radio is based on the value of the inductance Wayne and Eric, I'd like to hear your answer on this as well. ___ 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] Re: Practical toroid winding question
Hello Mike, a) use the # of turns in the assembly instructions, ... Yes, like more than 4500 other K2 builder too! b) change the number of turns, ... No. -- 72/73 de Ingo, DK3RED Don't forget: the fun is the power! [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.dk3red.homepage.t-online.de DL-QRP-AG #824 www.dl-qrp-ag.de QRP ARCI #11295 www.qrparci.org ___ 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] KPA100 - 80m poor quality SSB
The guests having departed - the Turkey finally disposed of - the booze consumed - thoughts turned to Playing radio. I have been getting reports on 80m that my SSB signal had some edge to it. At first I put it down to RF feedback, but that was not the problem. I used my FT1000MP to listen to the 2nd harmonic of the 80m signal. Having read recent mails I first monitored the 3.5MHz signal and found the Buzz that others had reported. I then tried the following frequencies on 80 and noticed that as I increased the power control on the K2 the power output would suddenly jump, then when the control was turned ACW the power would reduce smoothly and then suddenly drop. It was also observable on the FT1000MP S-meter, accompanied by a click. It was like a form of hysteresis. All other bands gave smooth power control. The results were as follows:- 3.8MHz Low point=20W High point=70W Hysteresis=50W 3.7MHz Low point=25W High point=70W Hysteresis=45W 3.6MHz Low point=35W High point=70W Hysteresis=35W 3.5MHz Low point=40W High point=70W Hysteresis=30W Very unsatisfactory... I substituted a 1k resistor for RFC3, and all the 80m problems went away. Smooth power control on all bands and a better SSB signal on 80m. Many thanks to those who found/cured this problem that first showed itself on CW, I would certainly have spent a lot of time tracking this one down ! I would suggest that owners of K2/100's check to see that their rig does not exhibit these symptoms as it can make quite a big difference to transmitted signal quality. I, like a previous correspondent think that Elecraft should make some comment on this design problem, and it's solution. 73 Stewart G3RXQ ___ 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] WA3WSJ: Covered Bridge Activation Today!
Hello all, I will be heading out the door today around 1500 utc and should be at Pleasantville Covered Bridge around 1530 utc or so. I will start on 40m then 20m then 17m. Hope to work you while I'm at the bridge. 72/73, Ed, WA3WSJ ARCBS # 1 ___ 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] Antenna Analyzer Opinions?
I have the Autek antenna analyzer and think it's a good deal for the price. A couple guys in our club have the MFJ analyzers, so I've had a chance to compare. The MFJ display has more information on it, so it's easier to use. I like the analog meter on the MFJ; it lets you more quickly find an antenna's resonant frequency. BUT, the unit is bigger than the Autek, and it seems to go through batteries a lot faster than my Autek. The Autek is cheaper, too. I've seen the AEA units, too. They are much fancier, but as you say, they cost a lot more. If you were putting up antennas every day, you'd probably want the AEA, but since you probably are not... Having said all that, I just took another look at the micro908. WOW! It's very cool. If I were in the market right now, I think I'd go with this instrument. One big reason is the computer control. Neither the MFJ or Autek analyzers have this feature. You could do a lot of cool things with this feature. As an aside, I swapped e-mail with the Autek guy after I purchased my analyzer. Since it's obvious processor-controlled, I asked him about putting some kind of computer interface on it. He answered that nobody would pay extra for that feature. Bleah. 73! Dan KB6NU --- President, ARROW Comm. Assn. (www.w8pgw.org) ARRL MI Section Affiliated Club Coordinator CW Geek (FISTS #9342) Read my ham radio blog at www.blurty.com/~kb6nu - Original Message - From: Howard W. Ashcraft [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, December 27, 2004 5:12 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzer Opinions? I would be interested in any experience/opinions with antenna analyzers. . I have read the E-Ham reviews and see mixed reviews on Autek and MFJ analyzers, mostly relating to build quality. AEA units are more favorably rated, but also more expensive. Does anyone have experience with the Micro 908 Antenna Analyzer kit? Thanks. HOWARD W. ASHCRAFT, Jr. W1WF Direct Dial: (415) 995-5073 [EMAIL PROTECTED] HANSON 333 Market Street, 23rd Floor BRIDGETT San Francisco, CA 94105-2173 MARCUS Direct: (415) 995-5073 VLAHOS Main: (415) 777-3200 RUDY, LLP Fax: (415) 541-9366 ___ 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] Practical toroid winding question
Mike wrote: I am almost ready to start winding toroids for my K2. I have run into this question before but never found an answer. Suppose I wind a toroid, then check its inductance afterwards. I find that the value is not exactly the same value as the schematic calls for, but after removing one turn (or adding one turn), it's perfect. Should you, a) use the # of turns in the assembly instructions, regardless of the value obtained, since the designer knows a lot more than I do b) change the number of turns, since the performance of the radio is based on the value of the inductance The correct answer is a). One of the things the designer knows is that the inductance of a toroid varies with frequency as a result of the characteristics of the core material. So unless you are measuring the inductance at the appropriate frequency, your measurement may not be correct. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ 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] KPA100 - 80m poor quality SSB
Stewart, I have been in contact with Gary intermittantly since first coming across this problem in October. He assures me that Elecraft is working on a solution and will have something to say soon. Both the 12 pF fix and the 1000 ohm resistor fix have proved effective but are probably not the most elegant or foolproof ways of solving the problem. For instance, the 1000 ohm resistor alters the reverse bias on D14 in a way that makes the T/R switch marginal at high power levels. I suspect that Elecraft is taking their time and checking out all of the possible effects of design changes and mods before committing to a final solution. We will just have to be patient. Don K7FJ The guests having departed - the Turkey finally disposed of - the booze consumed - thoughts turned to Playing radio. I have been getting reports on 80m that my SSB signal had some edge to it. At first I put it down to RF feedback, but that was not the problem. I used my FT1000MP to listen to the 2nd harmonic of the 80m signal. Having read recent mails I first monitored the 3.5MHz signal and found the Buzz that others had reported. I then tried the following frequencies on 80 and noticed that as I increased the power control on the K2 the power output would suddenly jump, then when the control was turned ACW the power would reduce smoothly and then suddenly drop. It was also observable on the FT1000MP S-meter, accompanied by a click. It was like a form of hysteresis. All other bands gave smooth power control. The results were as follows:- 3.8MHz Low point=20W High point=70W Hysteresis=50W 3.7MHz Low point=25W High point=70W Hysteresis=45W 3.6MHz Low point=35W High point=70W Hysteresis=35W 3.5MHz Low point=40W High point=70W Hysteresis=30W Very unsatisfactory... I substituted a 1k resistor for RFC3, and all the 80m problems went away. Smooth power control on all bands and a better SSB signal on 80m. Many thanks to those who found/cured this problem that first showed itself on CW, I would certainly have spent a lot of time tracking this one down ! I would suggest that owners of K2/100's check to see that their rig does not exhibit these symptoms as it can make quite a big difference to transmitted signal quality. I, like a previous correspondent think that Elecraft should make some comment on this design problem, and it's solution. 73 Stewart G3RXQ ___ 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] KPA100 - 80m poor quality SSB
On Tue, 28 Dec 2004 09:36:00 -0800, Don wrote: Stewart, I have been in contact with Gary intermittantly since first coming across this problem in October. He assures me that Elecraft is working on a solution and will have something to say soon. Both the 12 pF fix and the 1000 ohm resistor fix have proved effective but are probably not the most elegant or foolproof ways of solving the problem. For instance, the 1000 ohm resistor alters the reverse bias on D14 in a way that makes the T/R switch marginal at high power levels. I suspect that Elecraft is taking their time and checking out all of the possible effects of design changes and mods before committing to a final solution. We will just have to be patient. Don K7FJ The guests having departed - the Turkey finally disposed of - the booze consumed - thoughts turned to Playing radio. I have been getting reports on 80m that my SSB signal had some edge to it. At first I put it down to RF feedback, but that was not the problem. I used my FT1000MP to listen to the 2nd harmonic of the 80m signal. Having read recent mails I first monitored the 3.5MHz signal and found the Buzz that others had reported. I then tried the following frequencies on 80 and noticed that as I increased the power control on the K2 the power output would suddenly jump, then when the control was turned ACW the power would reduce smoothly and then suddenly drop. It was also observable on the FT1000MP S-meter, accompanied by a click. It was like a form of hysteresis. All other bands gave smooth power control. The results were as follows:- 3.8MHz Low point=20W High point=70W Hysteresis=50W 3.7MHz Low point=25W High point=70W Hysteresis=45W 3.6MHz Low point=35W High point=70W Hysteresis=35W 3.5MHz Low point=40W High point=70W Hysteresis=30W Very unsatisfactory... I substituted a 1k resistor for RFC3, and all the 80m problems went away. Smooth power control on all bands and a better SSB signal on 80m. Many thanks to those who found/cured this problem that first showed itself on CW, I would certainly have spent a lot of time tracking this one down ! I would suggest that owners of K2/100's check to see that their rig does not exhibit these symptoms as it can make quite a big difference to transmitted signal quality. I, like a previous correspondent think that Elecraft should make some comment on this design problem, and it's solution. 73 Stewart G3RXQ Thanks for the Heads up Don. I will look forward to the official modification when it is released. 73 Stewart G3RXQ ___ 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] serial port shortage?? a great solution
i just bought some USB to serial port converters... like the one I have been using for the piles of serial stuff i have. I have no connection to this place , other than believing it is a good deal for this group. 8 serials from a USB port. And they are very configurable... from the edgeport software. And the batch he just put up are 25$ ... plus $ 10 shipping,,for 8 ports!!! I bought some at $35 last week. He has a stash of them... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemcategory=31495item=6732626527rd=1 here's the factory http://www.ionetworks.com/products/usbtoserialconverters/index.jsp 73 bill ___ 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] KX1 with low power
I just finished the KX1 that I got from Santa. Everything seems to work fine except my WM-2 is only seeing about 1.5 watts into a 50 ohm dummy load on both 20 and 40 meters. What are the rest of you seeing? -- John K7SVV -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.298 / Virus Database: 265.6.5 - Release Date: 12/26/2004 ___ 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] De soldering station option in G Land
Sorry, made the same reply to mistake again... Bob I can recommend 2 that I have used 1. Pace SX-70, but it will cost you a BIG chunk of change unless you can get a bargain on Ebay. A new handset will be £200 + without the PSU/Controller, complete kit £600 approx. http://www.toolnet.co.uk/Shop/ShopDetail.asp?ProductID=165 But for desoldering they are hard to beat, well controlled, fast compensation time and low dT when hit with large copper planes. Very low risk to lands. Compared to the Weller series (which I still love) they work very well. 2. Faithful Weller range, DS80x and DS90x are available for very little these days, some good deals on ebay. For new this is a nice tool http://www.cooperhandtools.com/europe/electronics_products/weller/desolderin g/WDD81V.htm But again, shop around, a new one is £400 + Or some alternatives used by some other people I know with good results http://www.jbctools.com/english/advanced/ds5300.php . For JBC you can contact, V-TECH, STIRLING, FK7 7XQ, SCOTLAND, 01786 475 016, [EMAIL PROTECTED], www.vtech-smt.co.uk they will look after you well. This is another one I looked at as it can do hot air for some SMT work also http://www.rapidelectronics.co.uk/rkmain.asp?PAGEID=80010CTL_CAT_CODE=30457 STK_PROD_CODE=M34190XPAGENO=1 All Best John -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of bobatbay Sent: 27 December 2004 14:57 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] De soldering station option in G Land Hi there, Any Elecraft owners over this side of the 'pond' care to recommend a de soldering station. I am considering carrying out some mods to my excellent K2 ... but I am not going to attempt them wothout a reliable de soldering station happy new year to all Bob G4DBW ___ 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] De soldering station option in G Land
Bob, A Soldapullt PT209 desoldering pump can be got from Farnell for less than 10 pounds. The heat comes from your regular soldering iron, and the suck from the pump. I have had one in use for 25 years and have never found the need for anything more fancy. You might care to try one out before looking at more expensive solutions. 73 Paul ZL3IN - Original Message - Any Elecraft owners over this side of the 'pond' care to recommend a de soldering station. I am considering carrying out some mods to my excellent K2 ... but I am not going to attempt them wothout a reliable de soldering station Bob G4DBW ___ 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: [Fwd: Re: [Elecraft] Big K2 (or K2B - B for Big)]
I agree with this. When running you don't fiddle with too much. What I would really, really, really like is true QSK for my K2. If I had that I would immediately buy another K2, tie them together with a mute line and RF signal line internally. Then I would use a software program to control both so I could treat the two K2' s as slaved rigs so I could listen in stereo - one receiver in one ear and the other receiver in the other ear. This way I could operate true split and listen on both frequencies at the same time. With this setup I could take one K2 along for trips without dismantling the station. When I'm hunting DX I could have the use of both K2's when the DX station is operating split. As I have said previously, the Kenwood TS950SDX has wonderful QSK. It has spoiled me. You can listen between the dits and dahs. I want my main rig at home to be able to do that. On Dxpeditions I don't need QSK much as I mostly run stations. Using semi-break-in while running is easier on the ears. Happy New Year N2TK, Tony -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Hank Kohl K8DD Sent: Sunday, December 26, 2004 7:06 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Fwd: Re: [Elecraft] Big K2 (or K2B - B for Big)] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I think that a lot of K2 owners, particularly contesters and DXers, get around the small size of the K2 by using computer control. That way they have a small rig for portable use and a big computer display for home use. The big remote knob (CRS* is causing me to block on its real name) gives a nice ergonomic interface for tuning and RIT. That's not entirely true at least in my case. In a contest about the only things I use are the main tuning knob and the AF gain. At least when we're running. Maybe the RIT for the stations that don't zero beat. When I'm searching, it's the main tuning knob and maybe the AF gain. The computer control keys the radio, keeps track of the frequency/band. I try not to use any more of the buttons on the front panel than I have to when I'm contesting. Pretty much the same for DXing Set the filters the way I want them and DSP if I need it. Only thing that drives me crazy is the A=B and SPLIT on the same button! I would like to see a K2Big - maybe even take my K2/100, strip the case and front panel and PCB's and put it in an upgrade box! 73HankK8DD ___ 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
[Elecraft] Re:KFL1-4 Option
Ok, I found the problem of no 30m band. It was what I suspisioned with the 18.100MHz crystal not oscillating and all the others were. I installed another 18.100 crystal and BINGO the mojo started working. Tuned up beautiful. I don't know what happened, or why the crystal would not oscillate. I don't think I damaged it in the installation but it could have happened. I have never gotten a bad crystal before and I have installed alot of them over the years. O-well things happen. Allen kn4ud ___ 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] SSB TX signal mystery SOLVED !!!
First let me thank Don (w3fpr) and Garry (ab7my) for their excellent support and guidance for the resolution of this problem. As posted earlier, I had a disappearance of my Tx SSB signal after installing the adaptor to the K2 with normal RX and normal CW Tx. Had spent some hours looking at the different boards without finding the culprit and finally started chasing the SSB signal with the oscilloscope to see where it was blocked. That signal was going fine all the way past the crystal filter, exiting the C5 cap after the T1 transformer but then could not be found at the cathode of D14 That's very strange indeed I thought, since the C5 is supposed to be connected to the cathode of D14 ?!?!? And here came the realization that I had done the STUPID mistake of installing the D14 cathode 90deg away from its normal pad, to a similar pad reserved for the R10.Of course, at a later construction step I had realized that one of the R10 pads was occupied, but I thought it was normal and had soldered it there anyway (another stupidity). Anyway, I can go on and on about how this should never had happened, but it only took a 90deg rotation of this diode without even removing it from the board to fix this. Now I have full SSB output and are 1/2 way done with my K2 100W amplifier board before I have everything up and running. Already built the NB, AF filter and successfully passed the first alignment test of the 100W board The above story is a good example of what happens when you stay up too many hours building your K2. But as you know, when you start you can not easily contain yourself from continuing building. It is addictive !!! 73 to all, Marinos, ki4gin ___ 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] Re: KX1 shares in Pedestrian Mobile WAS
On Dec 23, 2004, at 8:57 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: i just finished my Pedestrian Mobile WAS. All contacts were made using a 7 foot whip and drag wire counterpoise as Pedestrian Mobile... 20 States were worked on CW, hand holding my Elecraft KX1 Outstanding effort, Paul. You had a high degree-of-difficulty factor to overcome -- I know, having worked a lot of /PM myself. (On the other hand, this is more than outweighed by the fun-factor.) Congratulations! 73, Wayne N6KR --- 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] Re: KX1 shares in Pedestrian Mobile WAS
Thanks Wayne... i am still working on my Full KX1 WAS as Pedestrian Mobile.. It is great fun... Life is too short for $3000 beams and $5000 towers. Paul w0rw ___ 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] SSB TX signal mystery SOLVED !!!
I made that exact same mistake!!! When it came time to install R10, however, I realized the through-hole should not be occupied, and I discovered my mistake. I have not gotten so far along as to test my SSB adapter yet, and I am glad I found this before I got that far. It's strange that we both made exactly the same mistake. Perhaps the markings there could be improved or a note in the assembly manual... De N3WZ - Jim -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:elecraft- [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Marinos Markomanolakis, M.D. Sent: Tuesday, December 28, 2004 7:50 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] SSB TX signal mystery SOLVED !!! First let me thank Don (w3fpr) and Garry (ab7my) for their excellent support and guidance for the resolution of this problem. As posted earlier, I had a disappearance of my Tx SSB signal after installing the adaptor to the K2 with normal RX and normal CW Tx. Had spent some hours looking at the different boards without finding the culprit and finally started chasing the SSB signal with the oscilloscope to see where it was blocked. That signal was going fine all the way past the crystal filter, exiting the C5 cap after the T1 transformer but then could not be found at the cathode of D14 That's very strange indeed I thought, since the C5 is supposed to be connected to the cathode of D14 ?!?!? And here came the realization that I had done the STUPID mistake of installing the D14 cathode 90deg away from its normal pad, to a similar pad reserved for the R10.Of course, at a later construction step I had realized that one of the R10 pads was occupied, but I thought it was normal and had soldered it there anyway (another stupidity). Anyway, I can go on and on about how this should never had happened, but it only took a 90deg rotation of this diode without even removing it from the board to fix this. Now I have full SSB output and are 1/2 way done with my K2 100W amplifier board before I have everything up and running. Already built the NB, AF filter and successfully passed the first alignment test of the 100W board The above story is a good example of what happens when you stay up too many hours building your K2. But as you know, when you start you can not easily contain yourself from continuing building. It is addictive !!! 73 to all, Marinos, ki4gin ___ 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
[Elecraft] SSB and M-2 microphone
I want to say the combination of doing the 2.4 Khz cap mod, and replacing the crystals on the RF board and SSB adapter( my ssb adapter board was one of the very first ones to come out)and receiving a MD2 microphone for Christmas is a winning combination. Having a Hakko 908 de-soldering tool made replacing the caps and crystals a snap. I am getting unsolicited compliments on the audio quality since doing the cap mod. With the QSO's I have been having lately the folks do not believe I am running a K2/100. Prior to doing the SSB cap mod I was using a MH2 hand microphone. I was always getting reports of bassy transmit audio even after replacing the crystals and using spectrogram to align the ssb filters. I think the MH2 microphone will sound great now as well after doing the cap mod. I need to do some comparisons with the two microphones to tell for sure, If you have an older ssb adapter I highly recommend doing the cap mod. A big thank you to Elecraft and Bob Heil for making the K2 a great SSB rig! Happy New year! Glenn WA7SPY ___ 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] Antenna Analyzer Opinions?
I can attest that this is also a problem with the Autek. I was using my Autek analyzer to tune an antenna at a multi-op contest station that our club was setting up. As I was tuning the antenna, every once in a while, the readings would just go crazy. I started thinking that my meter was beginning to fail until I noticed that the meter would start acting funny whenever one of the other stations was transmitting! :) Everyone got a good laugh out of it. 73! Dan KB6NU - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, December 28, 2004 12:49 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Antenna Analyzer Opinions? There is an inbuilt problem with both of these antenna analyzers and which probably applies to the Autek as well in that they are totally unusable in comm sites or areas where there are other adjacent transmitters in operation at the time of measurement. They are unable to read the SWR due to also detecting the external TX at the same time and reading this as a poor SWR. Bob, G3VVT ___ 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] SSB and MH2
On the recent topic of SSB audio reports, I got report of off frequency and too low on 17M USB today and have not found the problem yet. RIT and XIT were off and 15MhHz WWV was within 5Hz according to my sound card. I did the bandwidth mod while I built my KSB2, following the advice given here, and in the new KSB2 manual -- just about a week before the parts kit was announced. At first I got reports of weak audio, and last night ran through the entire Spectrogram alignment (once on WinXP with my wife's computer, once on Linux under WINE). Now it appears to be better, but there is still something wrong:. This morning I was able to work KH6BB (USSS Missouri, Pearl Harbour, Hawaii) on 18m and got in the first time. Op Lee reported that I was off frequency and too low. Any idea what to check for? The spectrogram plot looked a lot like the one in the paper... ___ 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] SSB and MH2
Leigh, wrote: I did the bandwidth mod while I built my KSB2, following the advice given here, and in the new KSB2 manual -- This morning I was able to work KH6BB ...Op Lee reported that I was off frequency and too low. Any idea what to check for? The spectrogram plot looked a lot like the one in the paper... Leigh, were you receiving on FL1? Filter 1 is always the filter used for transmission, so if you do not have SPLIT, RIT or XIT enabled, you are transmitting on exactly the same frequency you are receiving on when listening on FL1. If you are using a filter other than FL1 you might have as much as a 10 or 20 Hz error if it's set up properly. That's as close as the K2 is capable of resetting the frequency later. That is NOT enough to trigger a too low comment, however. It is enough to hear easily when listening to music, but not the human voice. One possibility is that you are simply passing a wider band of frequencies now with the wider filter setting that is making your sound 'different'. I widened the bandwidth of my SSB filter and now keep the low-end cutoff 3-db point at about 400 Hz to avoid the rumble of the drone in my voice from hogging the SSB power. I have FL2 set up lower with the cutoff at about 200 Hz because some stations sound better with a little bass boost. One last point I'll make -- understanding that it is controversial. A lot of people say the Spectrogram puts the filters right on. I've done it many times and I will agree that it's close, but Spectrogram has never been right on in my estimation. It's close enough that most people don't need to do any more, but I've always found it possible to improve the quality by monitoring my signal and making the final adjustments, just as the KSB2 manual advises. I record my signal in an auxiliary receiver and play back the recording to hear how I really sound; bone conduction of sound in your head really changes what you hear if you are listening to yourself in the auxiliary receiver in real time. If you don't have an auxiliary receiver, get on the air with a buddy who is receiving you well, and try different settings of FL1 until he pronounces you best. Ron AC7AC ___ 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] UTC program bug fixed!
Whoops, my UTC program had a problem: it didn't work in time zones (like Arizona) which do not change between standard and summer time! If you live in one of these areas and want to use the UTC program, please redownload it it from http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/utcv01.zip. If you don't know what it is, here's the original blurb: --- It's annoying that the Windows clock program won't let you select a time zone without changing it for the whole system. I've written a tiny Windows (98, XP) program called UTC that displays the time and date in UTC on the screen when your system clock is set to your local time. It figures out UTC from the time zone information made available by windows. It can be resized, locked in place, set to stay on top, etc. to fit in with your desktop. It's a big help in logging. It is freeware. You can download it by clicking http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/utcv01.zip Just unzip it and read the UTCREADME.TXT file. Make sure you install the font that comes with it. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ 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] SSB and MH2
Leigh,
As preliminary filter alignment for SSB FL1, I recommend setting 2 markers
in Spectrogram - one at 300 Hz and the other at {filter bandwidth + 300
Hz}(- for 2.3 kHz filter use 300 and 2600 Hz). Then adjust the BFO to
center the passband between those markers.
That will produce a good quality signal for most operators. If your voice
is abnormal (or if you just want to further refine things), record your
signal on a separate receiver and play it back to evaluate your transmitted
audio.
Check out the thoughts in Ron D'Eau Clair's post on this subject too.
As a totally different thought - could the other operator's evaluation of
'off frequency and too low' be a result of his mistuning?
Did you tune so his signal sounded natural, or did you tune to some 'net'
frequency?
If you tuned to a 'net' frequency, I must ask if you had the tuning rate in
the kHz display position - if you did, there may have been hidden digits
(other than '.00' in the frequency display and you could have been mistuned
for that reason.
Be careful not to jump to conclusions on the basis of one bad report - but
it is something to review until you find reasonable answers.
73,
Don W3FPR
- Original Message -
On the recent topic of SSB audio reports, I got report of off frequency
and too low on 17M USB today and have not found the problem yet. RIT
and XIT were off and 15MhHz WWV was within 5Hz according to my sound card.
I did the bandwidth mod while I built my KSB2, following the advice given
here, and in the new KSB2 manual -- just about a week before the parts kit
was announced. At first I got reports of weak audio, and last night ran
through the entire Spectrogram alignment (once on WinXP with my wife's
computer, once on Linux under WINE). Now it appears to be better, but
there is still something wrong:.
This morning I was able to work KH6BB (USSS Missouri, Pearl Harbour,
Hawaii) on 18m and got in the first time. Op Lee reported that I was off
frequency and too low. Any idea what to check for? The spectrogram
plot looked a lot like the one in the paper...
