[Elecraft] VCO Alignment
Hello all, and thanks to those who responded to my recent message regarding the PLL reference oscillator test. I no sooner resolved that issue than I ran into a more puzzling issue during the VCO alignment. On the initial test, I had reasonable voltages through the entire band (ranging from 2.066V to 7.95V). Several high voltages, but most were well within the range. However, when I tapped the band switch button to get back down to the lower bands, everything went haywire and has not been right since. I ended up with voltages of 18mV at 4MHz and below. L30 became unresponsive. Voltages were similarly low up into about 10MHz. Then, above that, voltages moved up, and became very high, around 7.95, and again unresponsive to adjustments of L30. I could fiddle with the radio (band switching, powering off, then powering back on), and at times get back to the original readings, but I could never get the voltage down to 7.5V or below. In other words, the radio is acting very strangely. As an aside, the band switch seems to operating incorrectly in the lower bands (below 10MHz), often not switching to the lower bands at all, sometime just not switching the the proper band (ie. the next lower band). I don't know if this is a cause or and effect of the voltage problem. I am very suspicious of one or more relays because of the odd band switching. And I'll just fess up here and admit that I did (inadvertently) clip the leads on several relays AFTER soldering them; the manual says not to trim the leads. Did I mess up relays and cause the voltage problem? During the Alignment and Test: Part I, the relays seemed to work fine, but that was before I clipped any leads. I've check all values of components in and around L30, as directed in the manual. I've reheated solder joints and looked for soldering problems. I've verified the turns and connections on T5. So I'm basically at a loss. I appreciate your suggestions. Mike/NR7F ___ 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] VCO Alignment
Mike, Since you suspect a relay problem, the easiest thing to do is check them, and actually that is mot difficult - the first page of the K2 schematic section has a chart of 'which relay is set/reset' for each band, and the schematic itself shows the relays in the reset condition. These are latching relays, so switch to the band you wish to check and then turn power off the K2. The position of the relay points can easily be determined with an ohmmeter. The pins are numbered, and pin 1 is the round solder pad (others are square). Actually the more likely thing would be that you have an unsoldered connection somewhere in the PLL/VFO area (it was making contact before, but a bit of a bump changed that). Look at the K2 schematic to identify the components in those circuits, then check each of them physically. The other thing to check carefully is the thermistor board - it is quite easy to create a solder bridge on this board. You may have to remove it to check. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Hello all, and thanks to those who responded to my recent message regarding the PLL reference oscillator test. I no sooner resolved that issue than I ran into a more puzzling issue during the VCO alignment. On the initial test, I had reasonable voltages through the entire band (ranging from 2.066V to 7.95V). Several high voltages, but most were well within the range. However, when I tapped the band switch button to get back down to the lower bands, everything went haywire and has not been right since. I ended up with voltages of 18mV at 4MHz and below. L30 became unresponsive. Voltages were similarly low up into about 10MHz. Then, above that, voltages moved up, and became very high, around 7.95, and again unresponsive to adjustments of L30. I could fiddle with the radio (band switching, powering off, then powering back on), and at times get back to the original readings, but I could never get the voltage down to 7.5V or below. In other words, the radio is acting very strangely. As an aside, the band switch seems to operating incorrectly in the lower bands (below 10MHz), often not switching to the lower bands at all, sometime just not switching the the proper band (ie. the next lower band). I don't know if this is a cause or and effect of the voltage problem. I am very suspicious of one or more relays because of the odd band switching. And I'll just fess up here and admit that I did (inadvertently) clip the leads on several relays AFTER soldering them; the manual says not to trim the leads. Did I mess up relays and cause the voltage problem? During the Alignment and Test: Part I, the relays seemed to work fine, but that was before I clipped any leads. I've check all values of components in and around L30, as directed in the manual. I've reheated solder joints and looked for soldering problems. I've verified the turns and connections on T5. So I'm basically at a loss. I appreciate your suggestions. Mike/NR7F ___ 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] Let me build a K2 for you
I have built 80 of them so far, and all of the other Elecraft kit. Let me build one for you. my prices are reasonable, and you get a finished radio ready for fun. Emial me at [EMAIL PROTECTED] 73 Alan W1HYV ___ 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] K2/100 #3311 in ARRL DX CW Test
Well another one is history Heard and worked a few DX QRPers, missed a GM who was SPing. I give folks a lot of credit in this noisy mess. If I'm in your log, and you need a QSL for elecraft awards, please send it along. One new wrinkle this year, I added the Elecraft balun to my 80M vertical and it definitely helped with the common mode noise. Why the Elecraft balun versus another? It's small and fits into my feedpoint box. Very easy to assemble and use. I better than doubled my QSOs from last year... See you in the next 'test! Julius n2wn ___ 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] KSB2 Problem
Hi all, I am trying to install the KSBS2 into my K2. Problem symptoms are that I get the Hi Current warning, plus I get no variance on my separate receiver when trying the fine balancing. The rest of the alignment went okay, SSBA on BAL gave me good nulls with tweaking R1 both on USB and LSB (I just cannot hear any null with the receiver. I get a very strong carrier (S9+) on my separate receiver with SSBA at 3. Doing the voltage checks on rx, everything looks okay with the exception of: U1, pin 22 - 5.6v instead of 0.2 U2, pin 5 - 5.95v instead of 0.6 U3, pin 6 - 1.4v instead of 0 U4, pin 3 - 5.95 instead of 0.6 Since I get the hi cur warning I have not tried any tx voltage measurements. I looked at the archives and saw some people put RF board Q2 in backwards but the 'silver' side is facing the front of the rig. Any ideas? N ___ 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 Problem
Neal, The Hi-Cur messages are likely not due to the KSB2 installation. Torubleshoot the Hi-CUR problem first. The Hi-CUR problem is most likely associated with either the Low Pass filter, OR a problem with the RF detection and the related transmit ALC. Do you get the Hi-CUR warnings at all settings of the Power Control? Do the Hi-CUR messages appear on only some bands? Do you get the Hi-CUR messages in CW mode, or only in SSB mode? The answer to those questions will tell where to begin looking for the problem. Orientation of Q2 - one side is slightly rounded (or rather the corners are 'cut off'), and that is the only real way to tell which side is which. Do not rely on which side is silver (and contains the labeling) - I believe that point is made clear in the K2 manual. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- I am trying to install the KSBS2 into my K2. Problem symptoms are that I get the Hi Current warning, plus I get no variance on my separate receiver when trying the fine balancing. The rest of the alignment went okay, SSBA on BAL gave me good nulls with tweaking R1 both on USB and LSB (I just cannot hear any null with the receiver. I get a very strong carrier (S9+) on my separate receiver with SSBA at 3. Doing the voltage checks on rx, everything looks okay with the exception of: U1, pin 22 - 5.6v instead of 0.2 U2, pin 5 - 5.95v instead of 0.6 U3, pin 6 - 1.4v instead of 0 U4, pin 3 - 5.95 instead of 0.6 Since I get the hi cur warning I have not tried any tx voltage measurements. I looked at the archives and saw some people put RF board Q2 in backwards but the 'silver' side is facing the front of the rig. Any ideas? N ___ 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] test from NZ7C please ignore
___ 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 Problem
Neal, A normal K2 will have more gain on 40 and 30 meters than on the other bands. I would check the LPF for those bands carefully - number of turns on the toroids (count the times the wire goes through the center - counting the outside turns often results in a toroid with an extra turn), then check each capacitor for proper value, and check the soldering. i.e. The current draw on 40 meters will normally be lower than that for other bands - fix that problem first and your other conditions may just 'go away'. The KSB2 can sometimes reduce the overall gain through the transmit chain, which will cause a higher current draw for a given power output. Don't be overly concerned about it until you have the KSB2 operating properly at lower power. (the KSB2 has no band dependency, but it can influence the gain of the transmit chain - so check the soldering there too and check the values of the resistors on the bottom of the KSB2 for proper values) - not saying there is necessarily a problem in the KSB2, I am just pointing out how things normally work. Even though your current draw is high, it will usually cause no harm (other than possibly overloading your power supply, so if you need to do testing at full power output, you can easily bump up the CAL CUR setting in the menu to get rid of the message while you troubleshoot the real cause of the increased current draw. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Hi Don The Hi Cur was not happening before (on CW). I also installed the noise blanker yesterday and did some CW so I think prior to inserting the KSB2 it was okay. The Hi cur only happens on 40m SSB. On CW at full output it varies from 3.3 (on 80 40) to 2.8 (on the rest of the bands). So, its only 40m SSB. Sorry about the confusion on the Q2 orientation, I read that in one of the archive emails. It looks like its installed correctly to me, in viewing from directly above it. Any clues? Neal ___ 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] K2 Autospace keying
And I hope it can be added to the KX1 firmware as well. IMHO, once you get used to the auto character space feature, it is hard to go back to a keyer without that option. That is why I still use the original CMOS Super Keyer 1 from the 1980's. Like the WB4VVF Accukeyer, it allows smooth sending at higher speeds with great timing. The NorCal Keyer and the K1EL chips also have that feature. ___ 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] K2/100 fb in the ARRL CW DX Contest but a problem now...
Hello! I ran the K2/100 during the ARRL Contest for 13 hours full power sometimes during a whole hour in the RUN mode (3 - 4 QSO's per minute) and made 600 contacts without any problem. Today I made a few more CW contacts and the K2 switched totally off for some unknown reason. Seemed like the DC power was tuned off by a safety device. Switching the K2 on after a while and all was OK again. Sometimes I note Hi Cur (set to 3.5 A) or a Hi refl (SWR below 1.4) for a very short time on the display - but I got used to this strange behaviour in the past...? Any hints on this one?? 73 Gert, OE3ZK K2 # 2200 (with all latest mods in it). ___ 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 no sidetone
Hello, I am building a k2, on page 46 side tone checks. I have no side tone. I have tried display and making sure I have the correct sidetone source. Any suggestions would be helpful, kind of depressed! Also tried keyer test with no success. thanks. Tom km4cu ___ 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] Two new ECC members
Fellow Elecrafters, I would like to extend a hearty Congratulations to the two newest members to join the Elecraft Century Club. Tom Juelich DL2HRF and Carl Middlekauff K7ZYV have distinguished themselves by earning certificates #016 and #017, respectively. Our hats are off to both of you fine Amateur Radio ops for having undertaken and completing this lofty goal! 73 de Larry W2LJ Your most humble Elecraft Awards Admin. Person ___ 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] k2 no sidetone
Tom, First thing to do is check the soldering (and don't overlook the connectors) - this is the most likely source of the problem. Second thing to do is to check the components - are the correct ones in the correct holes? Overly energetic components can jump out of their assigned places and end up in the wrong location just before they are soldered G. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Hello, I am building a k2, on page 46 side tone checks. I have no side tone. I have tried display and making sure I have the correct sidetone source. Any suggestions would be helpful, kind of depressed! Also tried keyer test with no success. thanks. Tom km4cu ___ 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] Elecraft CW Net Report for February 21st, 2005
- Original Message - From: Kevin Rock [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, February 20, 2005 11:58 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Report for February 21st, 2005 WA2SI - Bert - NY - K1 - 1337 QNI #10 We tried to link you up with (K?) AL7CW but no joy :( Thanks Kevin, had the entire crew (XYL plus 4 7 yr. olds.) in Grandpa's room so it was check-in and try to listen when humanly possible, hi. If you read this, Rick; I'd appreciate it if you could drop me an e-mail. Perhaps we could try a sked. I just worked LA3BG HB9ATH FB cpy a few mins. ago on 20 with 5 Watts...so you gotta believe! :-) Kevin. KD5ONS (Net Control Operator 5th Class) You're 1st Class in my book, Kev. Take care es... Vy 73 de Bert WA2SI FISTS #9384 QRP ARCI #11782 ___ 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] K2/100 #3311 in ARRL DX CW Test
J F wrote: Heard and worked a few DX QRPers I worked TI5N in Costa Rica on FIVE bands, 80-10. He was running 5 watts and had a great signal. Wonder if it was an Elecraft rig? My K2/100 #709 pounded away for 22 hours flat out without missing a beat. -- 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
[Elecraft] Full Moon Pic for EPA QRP Club Polar Bear Moonlight Madness Award Received!
Hello all, Thanks to Dana Hager I now have put a picture of a full moon on the award. I don't need any other pics, so no need to send me more. Today I'm charging my 2.2AHR battery and I have installed new batteries in my headlamp. Bought two new AAs as spares. Found my backpack and collapsible stool and checking my VBWFPA for all the parts. Now I have to look for a thermos for my hot chocolate! Just about ready for the Polar Bear Moonlight Madness Event on Tuesday night. Oh yes, I will cut down and sharpen two pencils for logging. Here's what I will be using up on the mountain Tuesday night: Rig: Elecraft K1 s/n 31 Ant: Vertical Black Widow Fishing Pole Antenna or VBWFPA 20m/40m/30m Take a look at the new Polar Bear Moonlight Madness Award at: http://www.wa3wsj.com 72, Ed, WA3WSJ ___ 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] K2/100 #3311 in ARRL DX CW Test
Vic, He had decent antennas in a decent location I'll bet! I wondered that as well. I wonder how many Elecraft's participated and at what power level? There were a few sweeps from 160 to 10, and more on 80 thru 10 here. If I didn't make too many logging errors, I will have done quite well on 80M. I know there were a few intentional dupes on my part, as the other guy didn't get my call, either added or subtracted a dit. I did the same to some calls I'm sure. 700 QSOs including the dupes, around 680 (I don't have the sheet here now.) good QSOs. The only thing I found irritating at times was the fan on the KPA100. I'm thinking of splitting it off or looking for something quieter (if such a thing is available in that size). Maybe a vented set of side panels would do the trick as well. I definitely am still looking for the right set of headphones as well! hihi! 73, Julius n2wn --- Vic Rosenthal [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: J F wrote: Heard and worked a few DX QRPers I worked TI5N in Costa Rica on FIVE bands, 80-10. He was running 5 watts and had a great signal. Wonder if it was an Elecraft rig? My K2/100 #709 pounded away for 22 hours flat out without missing a beat. -- 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
[Elecraft] K2 filtersettings program
Hello all, thanks to all the ham's wich respond on my little VB.net program. It seems that the installer only works on XP machines. I will take some time this week to make an executable wich works on W98 and higher. It seems the difference in .ocx files causes the problem. I hope you have a little patientce ! 73, dx Andre pa0akv k2 sn4415 ___ 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 problem status: befuddled
Hi all, Thanks for giving some ideas! I checked the resistors on the bottom of the ssb board, they are all correct. I must say that trying to identify parts on the top of the board is a real challenge, its so stuffed that its almost impossible! Don, I redid the output amperage at 10 watts: 80 - 2.68 40 - 2.72 30 - 2.28 20 - 1.96 17 - 2.42 15 - 2.50 12 - 2.24 10 - 2.16 At 10 watts on 40, the voltage on rx is 13.5 on tx its 12.9. The group is right, I did not notice the power output on lower than 17m (which is 15 watts). On 15 through 10, highest output is 13.3 watts. Do I still need to investigate the 40m current usage? Do I need to replace the 3 resistors and jumper that I pulled out to eliminate the noise blanker module from the mix of things to investigate? I should have done one module and waited to know it worked before doing a second one! Neal On Feb 21, 2005, at 5:37 PM, W3FPR - Don Wilhelm wrote: Neal, There may be nothing wrong with 40 meters after all - I had missed the point that you were setting the Power control to absolute max. What is your power supply voltage? 13.8 volts is typical (13.6 on the display), and lower power supply voltages will result in increased current draw. What is the voltage when you are seeing a current of 3 amps or greater? I don't have a straightforward answer here. Can it be that your Carrier Balance is not correctly set and you are really generating more RF drive with SSB than with CW? It is not really a fair comparison to compare current draw from band to band with the Power control set all the way clockwise. Set it to 10 watts and check the current drawn for each band and both CW and SSB modes. Actually SSB mode should draw little current without audio if the carrier is balanced because there should be little or no RF output. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Hi Don and all, I have spent the afternoon looking for where I could have made a mistake on the 40m LPF circuit. I didn't find any obvious ones, the toroids came from 'The guy de Toroids' but I counted them all anyway, and they are (luckily!) correct. Same for capacitors. Did the run of voltage checks and didn't notice anything really wrong. On cw, cranking the output knob to the max, the display readings for current are 80 3.22 40 3.36 30 2.84 20 2.38 17 3.08 15 2.84 12 2.62 10 2.42 Output reads over 15 watts in all cases, usually abt 15.2. This reads pretty much the same with or without the SSB module installed. I take it from your comments that the fact that 40m is the highest cw reading, its indicative of something wrong. Looked at LPF and BPF areas. What should I expect on the amp readings, 2.35 on 40 and a gradual increase as I go towards 10m? I could reinstall the resistors and jumper and take out the noise blanker module as thats something put in yesterday, I take it that I need to do that if I want to test without it? I have boosted cal cur to 4.0 and still can get hi cur signal with output fully counterclockwise on both usb and lsb. I have been very happy working cw all week as it is (set the cal cur to 3.5 and it hasn't tripped yet). Any more ideas to look at? ___ 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] S-9 calibration with XG1
I just put the XG1 together and had a question about the setup on the K2 for setting the S-meter to S-9. In the K2 manual, the only mention of the XG1 is on page 48. This is the step right after the Cal SLo and Cal SHi functions. It does not indicate whether to have the preamp on or not. The instructions that come with the XG1 say to have the preamp on. Which is correct? I am assuming that it would be with the preamp on, since I get around S-5 with the preamp off, and close to S-9 with the preamp on. This is after doing the SLo and SHi calibrations. Also, what is considered S9 on the K2 meter? Just before the 9, or right under the 9 ? I am not trying to be too picky, just wondering what point everyone else is using, if there is a standard. Right under the 9 goes slightly past it and kind of looks like a better indication for a 5 over condition. Right now, the XG1 set for 50 microvolts lights the bar under the 9 on my S-meter. Stan Rife Houston, TX [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ 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] Power Measurement - Where am I wrong?
Yes, you have the right formula, Fran. Power = (Vpk-pk)^2/8R Where R is the load resistance. It is *not* frequency sensitive, but hardware often is. Either your scope probe is not properly frequency-compensated or your load is not a good, solid 50 ohm non-reactive dummy load. Note that it's very hard to try to make these measurements into a real antenna, even if the SWR indicator says 1:1. That's because most SWR meters are no where near accurate enough. First step, I'd bypass the KAT2 in case it's inserting reactance, trying to adjust the tuning into a 50 ohm dummy load. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- I do not have a power meter so I figured that I could compute power from a peak to peak measurement using my scope. This should be accurate enough for ballpark knowledge. However, the measured voltage increases as frequency increases with the 10 meter voltage being nearly double the 80 meter voltage. This would mean power increases with frequency unless the formula I was going to use is missing a frequency dependent component. I have a KAT2 installed and I used a good 50 ohm resistive load. My math follows: Vrms = Vp-p/(2*sqrt(2)) Vrms = Irms*R assuming purely resistive load or Irms = Vrms / R if Prms = Irms*Vrms substituting yields Prms = (Vp-p * Vp-p) / (8 * R) I know that Pave = Prms / 2 but that does not help much because I would still get more than 10 Watts out on 10 meters when set for 5 watts out. Where did I go wrong? Fran ___ 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 problem status: befuddled
Your current readings don't look out of hand to me! 40 is normally higher because that is the band that usually produces the greatest RF output. Your readings are consistent with my K2. Interesting that you say the output reads over 15 watts in all cases,... Few K2's make 15 watts on 10. Many are capable just over 10. When they do produce more power they draw more current. The current is proportional to the actual power output. The maximum power output varies according to the overall RF gain available in the transmitter strip and that tends to be highest in the 7-10 MHz range. So in that range the current draw is the highest too. Your current draw on 10 meters is consistent with an output of just about 10 watts output wide open. I don't see how that's connected to your overcurrent with the SSB module plugged in, but it's an anomaly. Have you confirmed that your K2 internal current sensor is accurate by putting an ammeter in the lead from the external power supply? If it's okay, then there's little else but for your SSB module itself to be making up the extra current draw. Something on that module is drawing more current than it should. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Hi Don and all, I have spent the afternoon looking for where I could have made a mistake on the 40m LPF circuit. I didn't find any obvious ones, the toroids came from 'The guy de Toroids' but I counted them all anyway, and they are (luckily!) correct. Same for capacitors. Did the run of voltage checks and didn't notice anything really wrong. On cw, cranking the output knob to the max, the display readings for current are 80 3.22 40 3.36 30 2.84 20 2.38 17 3.08 15 2.84 12 2.62 10 2.42 Output reads over 15 watts in all cases, usually abt 15.2. This reads pretty much the same with or without the SSB module installed. I take it from your comments that the fact that 40m is the highest cw reading, its indicative of something wrong. Looked at LPF and BPF areas. What should I expect on the amp readings, 2.35 on 40 and a gradual increase as I go towards 10m? I could reinstall the resistors and jumper and take out the noise blanker module as thats something put in yesterday, I take it that I need to do that if I want to test without it? I have boosted cal cur to 4.0 and still can get hi cur signal with output fully counterclockwise on both usb and lsb. I have been very happy working cw all week as it is (set the cal cur to 3.5 and it hasn't tripped yet). Any more ideas to look at? ___ 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] Power Measurement - Where am I wrong?
I do not have a power meter so I figured that I could compute power from a peak to peak measurement using my scope. This should be accurate enough for ballpark knowledge. However, the measured voltage increases as frequency increases with the 10 meter voltage being nearly double the 80 meter voltage. This would mean power increases with frequency unless the formula I was going to use is missing a frequency dependent component. I have a KAT2 installed and I used a good 50 ohm resistive load. My math follows: Vrms = Vp-p/(2*sqrt(2)) Vrms = Irms*R assuming purely resistive load or Irms = Vrms / R if Prms = Irms*Vrms substituting yields Prms = (Vp-p * Vp-p) / (8 * R) I know that Pave = Prms / 2 but that does not help much because I would still get more than 10 Watts out on 10 meters when set for 5 watts out. Where did I go wrong? Fran ___ 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] S-9 calibration with XG1
Mine is set to S9 at 50 microVolt with the preamp off. S9 is normally a standard at 50microVolt, so I think preamp should be set to off When I calibrate S-Hi at the moment the S9 led light, that's it !! I rarely use the preamp... only on 20m and higher frequencies, 15m ,etc... Le 05-02-21, à 20:10, Stan Rife a écrit : I just put the XG1 together and had a question about the setup on the K2 for setting the S-meter to S-9. In the K2 manual, the only mention of the XG1 is on page 48. This is the step right after the Cal SLo and Cal SHi functions. It does not indicate whether to have the preamp on or not. The instructions that come with the XG1 say to have the preamp on. Which is correct? I am assuming that it would be with the preamp on, since I get around S-5 with the preamp off, and close to S-9 with the preamp on. This is after doing the SLo and SHi calibrations. Also, what is considered S9 on the K2 meter? Just before the 9, or right under the 9 ? I am not trying to be too picky, just wondering what point everyone else is using, if there is a standard. Right under the 9 goes slightly past it and kind of looks like a better indication for a 5 over condition. Right now, the XG1 set for 50 microvolts lights the bar under the 9 on my S-meter. Stan Rife Houston, TX [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ 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 === Jean-François Ménard / VA2VYZ Elecraft K2 #4130 / KX1 #999 http://homepage.mac.com/jfmenard === ___ 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] Polar Bears -- Just the Facts! WA3WSJ
I've spoken to several Polar Bear Ops and they're preparing for their assent up to Pulpit Rock on Tuesday 2/22/2005. The weather should be ok for this event and we are ready to give it our all. Ron, WB3AAL and myself, WA3WSJ will hike two miles up through a steep snow-covered ravine to the top of the mountain while the others will drive up. All we need is you to make a contact with us! Here are the Polar Bear Operators for the first EPA QRP Club Polar Bear Moonlight Madness Event 2005. If you hear any of these calls, your about to make contact with a Polar Bear! WB3AAL NK8Q K3YTR WA3WSJ 72/73, Ed, WA3WSJ ___ 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 in ARRL CW DX contest
I only was able to put in a little over 3 hours, SOSB 40 QRP, and spent much more of that time calling through the QRM than actually making contacts. No AF Q's at all and only 3 each SA and EU (UA, I and CU2). At least it was a good excuse for firing up the K2 (#3272, 5 watts to a multi-band vertical). Last year I operated 40-10 meters and had better luck with DX on 40 meters than this time. Until I built the K2, I never would have thought that working EU on 40 from the West Coast with 5 watts and a simple antenna was possible. 27 QSOs, 16 Countries, 1,296 points. 73, Bob N7XY Bainbridge Island, WA ___ 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] K1 # 1605 in ARRL DX contest
Hello dear elecrafter's Just a fast summary on my activity during the ARRL contest in the QRP class I was using my K1 #1605 rated at 5 watts (I can get more than that on 14 Mhz !!) and my standard 2x20 m doublet + the BL1 balun + the KAT1. I made 382 QSO during 15 hours of operation, and worked 74 multi on 2 bands (14 and 21); 28 was closed for me (and by the way the K1 has no 28 mhz capability (snifff ..) and 7 or 3.5 were out of reach for me with 5 watts. Final score is 84.8 Kpts The only multi I missed were VE7UF and VE5SF on 14; I worked several W6 and W7 on 14 and 21; As usual I was able to have several QSO with the east coast at the lowest power available (around 100 mW) : just for the fun of QRP ! Again I spent some very pleasant hours in front of my little K1 : and many operators were giving good reports for the signal strength and keying quality. I hope to hear many of you during the next contests, perheaps now with K2-100 ! zzza 73/72 de Chris / F6FTB KX1 #141 , K1 #1605, K2#644 and DSW30, DSW80, PSK20 + Rockmite 40/20 (which are also very fine little QRP kits !!) ___ 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] K2/100 #3311 in ARRL DX CW Test
G'day, #1400 @ 100W did a little SP on 14/21/28 MHz. I was only looking to see how many states I could snag in between doing other stuff during a wonderfully sunny weekend. I ended up with 30 states plus two provinces out of 104 exchanges plus a few others heard in pile-ups but not worked 'cos I guess they were SP as well. Only heard/worked three Canadian's. I figured there would be at least one contest super station in each state. Propagation favoured Texas and the other southern states although NY, PA etc also show in the log. Many huge signals. The KAT100 matched my 30 metre vertical on 20 metres with about 80:1 SWR at the antenna with 150 feet of feeder. 30W radiated, 70W warming the worms, the feeder is underground in optical fibre cable ducting. 104 QSO's, 2 Dupes, 63 Mults = 19278 points. No big deal. Now for a fight with the robot. On an off topic subject, anyone know how to change the red rubber fuel priming plunger on a Briggs Stratton classic 35 lawnmower engine? It presses in but is very slow to return to normal for the next pump. XYL uses the mower so if I have to start it up that's less time on the K2. I guess that makes it on topic! Regards, Mike VP8NO ___ 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] Hakko 808 Tips
Ooops. I just saw that you CAN buy different nozzles. Since the default one has always worked for me, I didn't even know there were alternatives. Maybe someone can illuminate us both? Bob -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Jim Brown Sent: Monday, February 21, 2005 7:46 PM To: Elecraft List Subject: [Elecraft] Hakko 808 Tips I'm ready to pick up the phone to order both a soldering station and the 808 de-soldering tool, but I'm stuck where I was the last time I was ready to do this -- I don't know what tips to order for the 808! There are some excellent notes on the website re the 936, so it looks like I want to buy a 1.2D, 2.4D, 3.2D, and S3. Right? Do I need a stand for the 808? BTW -- kiesub seems to have the best price on all of this stuff -- at least 10% below test equipment.net. Jim Brown K9YC ___ 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] Hi to the group!
Just wanted to say hello and say how excited I am about building a K2. Im selling my beloved R4C to get the money for the project! Might sell off the R4A to add options if I like it enough.. Who knows George NE2I ___ 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] Hakko 808 Tips
You mean tips for the 936? The 808 I have is a one size fits all and it is strictly for plate through holes unless great care is taken. For SMD I would use solder wick and/or a cutting tool! Those are both great tools. At the same time get some tiny solder. I use 0.015 and 0.020 for kit building. With 0.015 it is pretty hard to flow too much solder unless you are really trying. Bob -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Jim Brown Sent: Monday, February 21, 2005 7:46 PM To: Elecraft List Subject: [Elecraft] Hakko 808 Tips I'm ready to pick up the phone to order both a soldering station and the 808 de-soldering tool, but I'm stuck where I was the last time I was ready to do this -- I don't know what tips to order for the 808! There are some excellent notes on the website re the 936, so it looks like I want to buy a 1.2D, 2.4D, 3.2D, and S3. Right? Do I need a stand for the 808? BTW -- kiesub seems to have the best price on all of this stuff -- at least 10% below test equipment.net. Jim Brown K9YC ___ 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] Hakko 808 Tips
I think NØSS did a nice job writing up Hakko 808 info. Check out: http://www.n0ss.net/hakko_808_notes.pdf 73, Jim Jim Larsen http://www.CSTAlaska.com/ http://www.AL7FS.us/ ___ 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] K2/100 #3311 in ARRL DX CW Test
On Mon, 21 Feb 2005 10:04:32 -0800, Vic Rosenthal wrote: My K2/100 #709 pounded away for 22 hours flat out without missing a beat. Same here -- but 23 hours for #3003. I started out with the K2/100 driving a Ten Tec Titan 425 amp, but an amp P/S problem that I've been too busy to troubleshoot got much worse after a few hours, and I ran the rest of the contest at 100 watts. Jim Brown K9YC ___ 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] Contest win using K2
The Summerland Amateur Radio Club from Lismore has won the all-band all-mode multi-operator section of the Australia-wide John Moyle Field Day contest. The HF rig used was Elecraft K2 #3666 with Tokyo Hi-Power HL-200B amplifier. Chris Meagher VK2LCD PO Box 61 Woodburn NSW 2472 Australia ___ 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] K2 in ARRL CW DX contest
Bob, Glad to hear that you had fun. Picked up a few QSOs at 3w with the K1 on 40 and 80 using a Spiro trapped vertical wire. It's nice to know that some of the hard core contesters actually listen carefully enough to hear the QRP signals. I'm not really fast enough to mix it up with the big boys, but it still always surprises me as to how well a battery operated, kit built rig will perform. Got a few more contacts using my FT-847 at about 60 watts. The Yaesu has more power, but much less receiver performance and the CW note isn't as good. Compared to the K1 QSOs, the FT-847 contacts don't really seem like much. Good luck and 72, Lonnie NY2LJ I only was able to put in a little over 3 hours, SOSB 40 QRP, and spent much more of that time calling through the QRM than actually making contacts. No AF Q's at all and only 3 each SA and EU (UA, I and CU2). At least it was a good excuse for firing up the K2 (#3272, 5 watts to a multi-band vertical). Last year I operated 40-10 meters and had better luck with DX on 40 meters than this time. Until I built the K2, I never would have thought that working EU on 40 from the West Coast with 5 watts and a simple antenna was possible. 27 QSOs, 16 Countries, 1,296 points. 73, Bob N7XY Bainbridge Island, WA ___ 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 Problem
In a message dated 21/02/05 14:53:44 GMT Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I am trying to install the KSBS2 into my K2. Problem symptoms are that I get the Hi Current warning, plus I get no variance on my separate receiver when trying the fine balancing. The rest of the alignment went okay, SSBA on BAL gave me good nulls with tweaking R1 both on USB and LSB (I just cannot hear any null with the receiver. I get a very strong carrier (S9+) on my separate receiver with SSBA at 3. --- It has not come up in any replies to your question, but it looks that you may be getting problems with RF into your microphone socket and the KSB2 audio input. Are the KSB2 tests being carried out into a good 50 ohm dummy load? There have been various methods described on the list for combatting problems of RF getting into the microphone input, the main one being to provide a ground on the microphone socket outer. 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
Re: [Elecraft] Tuning 88' with KX1 autotuner?
Any time you have trouble loading a given balanced line, simply try adding 5 or 10 feet of line to the feeder and it should tune. You are moving the SWR node along the line to give the tuner a more favorable voltage situation. 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] Polar Bears -- Just the Facts!
Hello, Being one of the Polar Bear attacking the summit of Pulpit Rock on 22 Feb. 2005 for the Moonlight Madness excursion, I guess I should stat my intensions. I plan on hiking up the snow cover mountain around 19:30 UTC with snow shoes in hand. I will be using my K1 on 40 and 30 meters around the QRP frequencies of 7.040 and 10.106 +/- a few due to QRM. I will be on 20 meters around 14.060 with my Small Wonder SW-20+ mono-band rig. Unfortunately I will not be on 15 meters as stated in my pervious e-mail. I will be using the WA3WSJ's VBWFPA antenna. I should be on the air around 21:00 UTC on 20 meters. I will be operating from my tent to keep out of the wind. The temperature off the mountain will be in the mid to upper 30's with winds of 5 to 10 MPH. This will give a wind chill of 21' to 33'F. Remember that on top of the mountain is always colder. So I can bet the temperature will be in the 20's with wind chill of 2' to 16'F. If you heard me on the air calling CQ and you send your call, please be patience for my reply. The fingers do not work as fast as they do at room temperature. :-) This will be my outing on the Appalachian Trail for February 2005. I am presently at 408 QSO's from the AT. I will be trying to make as many QSO's as possible. I will have a device to read the outside temp and I will let you know how warm it really is up there in Polar Bear Land. :-) Hope to work you tomorrow. 72 and Thanks, Ron Polityka WB3AAL www.wb3aal.com www.n3epa.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
Re: [Elecraft] K2/100 #3311 in ARRL DX CW Test
Hi Vic, Thanks for the suggestion. I'll give it a try. The KPA is quite comfortable to the touch even after running for an hour, no complaints. Perhaps better headphones, noise cancelling types, would solve both issues for me. Cheers, Julius n2wn I know it isn't necessary, but I put a 3-1/2 (89 mm) fan on top of the right side of my K2, right on top of the finals. Double-sided tape keeps it in place. I have a bunch of diodes in series with it to drop the voltage to about 9v, at which it runs quietly. It keeps the heatsink much cooler. -- 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
[Elecraft] No PA output. K2
Was recently troubled by no output on my K2. It was doing fine then the output failed after loosing a nut on the heat sink. Current idled at about 48 ma on transmit. Replaced the finals and associated hardware but the problem remained. Problem turned out to be a cold solder joint on T1 which may have been aggravated by the heat sink failure, So I'm now ready to check in to my first Elecraft Net ! 73 Gary AA1UE ___ 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] S-9 calibration with XG1
Its hard to try to match up the number of segments lighted with any of the S unit marks. Thats the price we pay for not having a real analog S meter. I am thinking of calibrating the meter so S9 is nine segments lighted (50 uv) . One segment for each S unit. I would have to count segments instead of using the scale. I am not sure that the high end of the scale is important, anyhow. My Sierra dosen't waste segments on 40db over S9. I think that with a 40db over signal, the attenuator would be on or the RF gain reduced, either of which would change the meter reading. The bar graph has 10 segments so I could read to S10 (5db over S9 ?). I am not sure if the meter would be any less linear. 73 - Rick - K7MW From: Stan Rife [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, February 21, 2005 5:10 PM Subject: [Elecraft] S-9 calibration with XG1 I just put the XG1 together and had a question about the setup on the K2 for setting the S-meter to S-9. In the K2 manual, the only mention of the XG1 is on page 48. This is the step right after the Cal SLo and Cal SHi functions. It does not indicate whether to have the preamp on or not. The instructions that come with the XG1 say to have the preamp on. Which is correct? I am assuming that it would be with the preamp on, since I get around S-5 with the preamp off, and close to S-9 with the preamp on. This is after doing the SLo and SHi calibrations. Also, what is considered S9 on the K2 meter? Just before the 9, or right under the 9 ? I am not trying to be too picky, just wondering what point everyone else is using, if there is a standard. Right under the 9 goes slightly past it and kind of looks like a better indication for a 5 over condition. Right now, the XG1 set for 50 microvolts lights the bar under the 9 on my S-meter. Stan Rife Houston, TX [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ 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 problem status: befuddled
Neal, Taking things in reverse order - go ahead and put the Noise Blanker itself back in rather than the 6 dB pad resistors. It will only affect the receive path and not the Transmit path. OK - your current draw at a constant 10 Watts output looks just fine to me. It is a bit unusual that your minimum current draw for 10 watts out is at 20 meters - usually that will occur at 40 or 30 meters - but this does not look like a real problem to me (actually it indicates better efficiency than normal on the higher bands). so now that still leaves us with the original problem of excessive current draw in SSB mode. Actually something is 'fishy' here, because an SSB signal with no audio will result in very little output power (and quite low current draw). So my thinking now is that you do not have the SSB balance set properly - or there is something incorrect on the KSB2 board. I know it is difficult to do, but do look again - particularly at the balanced modulator and those things shown around it in the schematic. It does now seem that your problems are coming from the KSB2. Just as a wild guess I must ask - did you remove C167 from the RF board when installing the KSB2? If you fail to remove it, that alone could explain the conditions you are seeing. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Hi all, Thanks for giving some ideas! I checked the resistors on the bottom of the ssb board, they are all correct. I must say that trying to identify parts on the top of the board is a real challenge, its so stuffed that its almost impossible! Don, I redid the output amperage at 10 watts: 80 - 2.68 40 - 2.72 30 - 2.28 20 - 1.96 17 - 2.42 15 - 2.50 12 - 2.24 10 - 2.16 At 10 watts on 40, the voltage on rx is 13.5 on tx its 12.9. The group is right, I did not notice the power output on lower than 17m (which is 15 watts). On 15 through 10, highest output is 13.3 watts. Do I still need to investigate the 40m current usage? Do I need to replace the 3 resistors and jumper that I pulled out to eliminate the noise blanker module from the mix of things to investigate? I should have done one module and waited to know it worked before doing a second one! Neal On Feb 21, 2005, at 5:37 PM, W3FPR - Don Wilhelm wrote: Neal, There may be nothing wrong with 40 meters after all - I had missed the point that you were setting the Power control to absolute max. What is your power supply voltage? 13.8 volts is typical (13.6 on the display), and lower power supply voltages will result in increased current draw. What is the voltage when you are seeing a current of 3 amps or greater? I don't have a straightforward answer here. Can it be that your Carrier Balance is not correctly set and you are really generating more RF drive with SSB than with CW? It is not really a fair comparison to compare current draw from band to band with the Power control set all the way clockwise. Set it to 10 watts and check the current drawn for each band and both CW and SSB modes. Actually SSB mode should draw little current without audio (if the carrier is balanced because there should be little or no RF output. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Hi Don and all, I have spent the afternoon looking for where I could have made a mistake on the 40m LPF circuit. I didn't find any obvious ones, the toroids came from 'The guy de Toroids' but I counted them all anyway, and they are (luckily!) correct. Same for capacitors. Did the run of voltage checks and didn't notice anything really wrong. On cw, cranking the output knob to the max, the display readings for current are 80 3.22 40 3.36 30 2.84 20 2.38 17 3.08 15 2.84 12 2.62 10 2.42 Output reads over 15 watts in all cases, usually abt 15.2. This reads pretty much the same with or without the SSB module installed. I take it from your comments that the fact that 40m is the highest cw reading, its indicative of something wrong. Looked at LPF and BPF areas. What should I expect on the amp readings, 2.35 on 40 and a gradual increase as I go towards 10m? I could reinstall the resistors and jumper and take out the noise blanker module as thats something put in yesterday, I take it that I need to do that if I want to test without it? I have boosted cal cur to 4.0 and still can get hi cur signal with output fully counterclockwise on both usb and lsb. I have been very happy working cw all week as it is (set the cal cur to 3.5 and it hasn't tripped yet). Any more ideas to look at? ___ 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 problem status: befuddled
Neal, Just an additional note - I usually adjust the SSB Carrier balance by looking at the RF output (with no audio signal) with my 'scope - I adjust the carrier balance for minimum power output (compromising if necessary between USB and LSB). You should find the proper point near the mid-point setting of the carrier balance pot. If it is not near the midpoint, look for some component misplaced or improper soldering. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Taking things in reverse order - go ahead and put the Noise Blanker itself back in rather than the 6 dB pad resistors. It will only affect the receive path and not the Transmit path. OK - your current draw at a constant 10 Watts output looks just fine to me. It is a bit unusual that your minimum current draw for 10 watts out is at 20 meters - usually that will occur at 40 or 30 meters - but this does not look like a real problem to me (actually it indicates better efficiency than normal on the higher bands). so now that still leaves us with the original problem of excessive current draw in SSB mode. Actually something is 'fishy' here, because an SSB signal with no audio will result in very little output power (and quite low current draw). So my thinking now is that you do not have the SSB balance set properly - or there is something incorrect on the KSB2 board. I know it is difficult to do, but do look again - particularly at the balanced modulator and those things shown around it in the schematic. It does now seem that your problems are coming from the KSB2. Just as a wild guess I must ask - did you remove C167 from the RF board when installing the KSB2? If you fail to remove it, that alone could explain the conditions you are seeing. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Hi all, Thanks for giving some ideas! I checked the resistors on the bottom of the ssb board, they are all correct. I must say that trying to identify parts on the top of the board is a real challenge, its so stuffed that its almost impossible! Don, I redid the output amperage at 10 watts: 80 - 2.68 40 - 2.72 30 - 2.28 20 - 1.96 17 - 2.42 15 - 2.50 12 - 2.24 10 - 2.16 At 10 watts on 40, the voltage on rx is 13.5 on tx its 12.9. The group is right, I did not notice the power output on lower than 17m (which is 15 watts). On 15 through 10, highest output is 13.3 watts. Do I still need to investigate the 40m current usage? Do I need to replace the 3 resistors and jumper that I pulled out to eliminate the noise blanker module from the mix of things to investigate? I should have done one module and waited to know it worked before doing a second one! Neal On Feb 21, 2005, at 5:37 PM, W3FPR - Don Wilhelm wrote: Neal, There may be nothing wrong with 40 meters after all - I had missed the point that you were setting the Power control to absolute max. What is your power supply voltage? 13.8 volts is typical (13.6 on the display), and lower power supply voltages will result in increased current draw. What is the voltage when you are seeing a current of 3 amps or greater? I don't have a straightforward answer here. Can it be that your Carrier Balance is not correctly set and you are really generating more RF drive with SSB than with CW? It is not really a fair comparison to compare current draw from band to band with the Power control set all the way clockwise. Set it to 10 watts and check the current drawn for each band and both CW and SSB modes. Actually SSB mode should draw little current without audio (if the carrier is balanced because there should be little or no RF output. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Hi Don and all, I have spent the afternoon looking for where I could have made a mistake on the 40m LPF circuit. I didn't find any obvious ones, the toroids came from 'The guy de Toroids' but I counted them all anyway, and they are (luckily!) correct. Same for capacitors. Did the run of voltage checks and didn't notice anything really wrong. On cw, cranking the output knob to the max, the display readings for current are 80 3.22 40 3.36 30 2.84 20 2.38 17 3.08 15 2.84 12 2.62 10 2.42 Output reads over 15 watts in all cases, usually abt 15.2. This reads pretty much the same with or without the SSB module installed. I take it from your comments that the fact that 40m is the highest cw reading, its indicative of something wrong. Looked at LPF and BPF areas. What should I expect on the amp readings, 2.35 on 40 and a gradual increase as I go towards 10m? I could reinstall the resistors and jumper and take out the noise blanker module as thats something put in yesterday, I take it that I need to do that if I want to test without it? I have boosted cal cur to 4.0 and still can get
[Elecraft] Question on Purchase of K2
I'm getting close to order a K2 but I have a few questions. The K2 would be for CW operation only. Like many others, I prefer to tune the band using wide bandpass of over 2khz and only use narrow CW filter operation when band conditions require it. My understanding is that if you equip the K2 with the SSB module, that you can use the SSB filter on CW and that works better than operating the CW filter on wide setting. Is that true? If so it would be worth the extra cost of the ssb option. I have decided not to order the DSP filter but perhaps the passive audio filter. The passive audio filter appears to be set up for 80hz bandwidth which is way too narrow for my liking.Is there any easy way to change that for 250hz bandwidth? If not I'll have to go with an outboard audio filter. - This mail sent through IMP: http://horde.org/imp/ ___ 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
