[Elecraft] Thoughts.
Hello All, It is noticeable on this Reflector that occasionally folk become annoyed by any critical comment about the K2 in its various configurations, e.g K2/100. Although such a reaction is understandable, we are human, it might be useful to take a look at what underlies critical comment. As I see it there is comment for the sake of comment (read Moan), there is the *It would be nice if K2 could do this, but I have no idea how it could be done*, there is the *that could be done by x* and * K2's performance regarding could be improved by doing this* Moans, as always, are obvious as such, go into the bucket and self-destruct. In my experience the other three are very useful to the Designers, positive critical feedback, or better put sensible feedback. After a lifetime designing communications hardware and systems, I cannot recall any Engineer worth his salary dismissing offhand such feedback. I understand that in the case of the K2, such feedback has resulted in such things as the KPA100. The recent discussion about *Phase Noise* from the transmitter brings me to *numbers*. In the receiver field, the level db/Hz of phase noise is of vital interest to designers, both at the head end and in multichannel systems in multiplexers, and various methods of measurement have been used for years. I would agree that in the Amateur market there is an obsession to a degree with numbers, often improperly defined and judging by the fact that sometimes they do not add up, perhaps massaged. (not Elecraft!!) It is also interesting that very often the Phase Noise Governed Dynamic Range (PNGDR) of a receiver is not published, possibly because it is the limiting factor and not some other. So I would suggest that *critical comment* be viewed as *helpful suggestion* and as something positive. Mrs Caveman told Mr Caveman that she thought his fur looked shabby, so now we have Designer clothes. 73, Geoff. GM4ESD ___ 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] Error in Thoughts.
The level of phase noise should be in dbc/Hz not db/Hz. Cannot type, sorry. 73, Geoff GM4ESD ___ 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] Reflector traffic
I agree with Stewart; it seems that a lot of the more technical discussions are carried out off reflector. It would be much more constructive if all interested parties were able to take part. 73 Fraser G4BJM From: Stewart Baker [EMAIL PROTECTED] It is my belief that a lot a technical aspects of Elecraft products are being discussed 'Off Reflector' between specific interested individuals. I think that, because these discussions are not seen by the group, a lot of useful information is being missed. I would like to see these in-depth technical discussion treated in the same manner as the what soldering iron should I use ? type threads. Maybe the reflector could be sub-divided ? END OF RANT ... 73 G3RXQ _ Use MSN Messenger to send music and pics to your friends http://www.msn.co.uk/messenger ___ 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] Thoughts of K2 xtal prefilter
Installing prefilter IN STEAD of KNB2 gives the possibility to place 5dB 140 ohm attenuator on the same board in front of the prefilter. Then the 5dB pad should be temporarily taken out of function on main rf-board. Installing prefilter on top of KNB2 : -Input of KNB2 seems to have the necessary attenuation. -Output can be taken from top of C6 and L2 and noise gate also connected here through C8. This saves the step-up coil in xtal filter. -Original 5dB pad off in main rf-board -For removal, this KNB2 + prefilter unit must be replaced with a simple board with that 5dB pad. Benny OH9NB ___ 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] magnetic fields and phase noise?
Interesting Earl, the non exhaustive tests I've done indicate that it is not due to magnetic fields. But if indeed that is the case, there must be a relatively easy, if perhaps not elegant, way of significantly improving this. Has anyone else investigated this? 73 Fraser G4BJM From: Earl W Cunningham [EMAIL PROTECTED] Over a year ago I noticed this problem, which occurs only when my K2 is driving my Alpha linear. After extensive testing done by me to determine the cause of the problem, is was found to be caused by hum from the magnetic field of the linear amplifier's HV transformer getting into the PLL circuit of the K2. In my case, 6 feet of separation between the K2 and the linear was not enough to eliminate the problem, however with 30 feet of separation (with the K2 and amp in separate rooms) did solve the problem. This answer is unacceptable, of course. _ Want to block unwanted pop-ups? Download the free MSN Toolbar now! http://toolbar.msn.co.uk/ ___ 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] diode noise?
Geoffrey, as I recall from tests I've done in the past, it doesn't appear to
be power related, and is not related to the KPA100. I'm not sure though if
that completely rules out your suggestion?
BTW, the K2/100 is usually putting out about 50W when driving my tube
linear, so is just ticking along.
Thanks / 73 Fraser G4BJM
From: Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy [EMAIL PROTECTED]
There is the possibility that a Rx /Tx switch in the signal path and using
diodes, is acting as a noise generator. The noise could be driving the QRO
stage as an independent source, or could be modulating the drive signal.
These otherwise excellent switches can generate noise, but usually very
little unless something goes 'ga ga'. Going from QRP to QRO could make such
noise 'a problem' especially if something is amiss ('ga ga'). Spectral
analysis should offer clues.
_
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[Elecraft] K2 #4785
Hi all. K2 #4785 is well under way no major problems yet. my kit was supplied with inductor L31 10uh. but due to xtal not being 'rubber' enough ref Gary at support, to give me the correct pll range. I am waiting on a replacement for L31 with a value of 12uh The manual states a prefered range of 9.8 to 15kHz my range was 9.06. I have noticed on the elecraft website under builder resource(after removing part grrr) that a range of 8.8 to 18kHz is ok, can someone explain these values, oh by the way I have cut out and destroyed in the process the 10uh choke so I have to wait for replacement, comments on cutting out parts before replacements arrive would not be helpfull at this stage i know im a fool hi. The big question is did I need to worry in the first place looking forward to replys. Mick M1MGD ___ 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: magnetic fields and phase noise?
My K2/100 sits on top of my TS950SDX. If I go above about 30-50W with the K2 on 80 and 160M I have to reset my router. Was using a Belkin router. Now using a Netgear wireless router. Both cutout. This doesn't happen all the time - maybe 50% of the time. Been wrapping ferrite on everything, but no difference so far. Swapped the coax cables between the 2 rigs. Router is about 4' from the K2. I can run 100W with 950 without any problems. My amp is in the basement about 8' away. No problem when using it with the 950 and no problem with the K2 as long as I keep the power of the K2 below about 30-50W. Might have to move the K2 farther away and see if problem persists, although it will be a pain to do that. Not sure yet if problem is definitely the K2. N2TK, Tony -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Earl W Cunningham Sent: Saturday, March 19, 2005 9:28 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Re: magnetic fields and phase noise? Fraser, G4BJM wrote: Interesting Earl, the non exhaustive tests I've done indicate that it is not due to magnetic fields. -- When I first told Elecraft about this problem, they sent me the new shield for the KPA100, which didn't help. Then they sent a mod kit that had to do with reducing spurious RF, which didn't help. Then I eliminated the KPA100 as being the culprit by removing it (and installing the original cover). Driving the amp (with only the 10 watts available) resulted in the same problem. Clean when barefoot (as is the KPA100). Then I manually keyed the amp (instead of using the KPA-100's key output) -- no change in problem. Then I brought my K2/100 over to a friend's QTH and tried it with his amp -- same problem. Separation from his amp was 6 feet. His amp is an Alpha 99, mine is an Alpha 76CA (both have hypersil HV transformers). Then, at my home QTH, I set up the K2/100 in an adjacent room and ran a coax from it to the amp in the ham shack -- no trace of the problem. All tests were done on CW, monitoring the transmitted signal on another receiver (FT-1000MP) using narrow (250 Hz) bandwidth. The problem sounds like noise on the sidebands of the transmitted CW signal extending out at least +/-5 kHz from center freq. There's no reason to believe that this problem does not also exist on SSB. == But if indeed that is the case, there must be a relatively easy, if perhaps not elegant, way of significantly improving this. -- It has been suggested that mu-metal shielding might alleviate the problem. I'm considering making mu-metal bottom and side covers for my K2. Another ham (W4FMS) told me he had the same problem with his K2/100 and Alpha 87A amp. He found that placing an aluminum cookie sheet between the K2 and amp with only 3 feet of separation resolved the problem. All things point in the direction of a K2 problem that is not phase noise. 73, de Earl, K6SE ___ 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] K-2 5 volts on Mic Jack
On Mar 18, 2005, at 11:46 AM, Jack Brindle wrote: Don and I have extensively discussed the use of the microphone 5 volt line. I fully agree with his strong suggestion to not use it. In my case I found problems with RF Feedback that I have been able to directly associate with my use of the power pin, even though I heavily bypassed it in my interface box. I solved this problem. Instead of +5, I wired a jumper block to a piece of wire, ran it to the +8 regulator on the RF board, ran the wire up beside the connector and pushed the jumper wire on the microphone half of the connection. I already had several accessories wired for a Kenwood TS-430S, which uses +8 volts as well. Now the accessories work equally well on either radio. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ 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 SN #1063 Alive and Well
Went together perfectly with ATU and 30m. Working lots of 20m DX in the contest (3el beam helps ;-) 73, John K1JD Jamestown, RI K2's 139 583 ___ 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] general
G3RXQ's suggestion that Maybe the reflector could be sub-divided ? is a good one. I have to go thru the list and delete all the K2 info before I am ready to start reading. How about: K1, the one I want most. KX1, I would read this also. K2 K2 add ons Antennas, realliy important to me. General, so that I get the news of nets and EQP etc. All subject lines should start with one of the previous catagories. Maybe some day I will get a K2, then I can change my preferances. 73, Ty, W1TF __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Small Business - Try our new resources site! http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/resources/ ___ 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: magnetic fields and phase noise?
N2TK, Tony wrote: My K2/100 sits on top of my TS950SDX. If I go above about 30-50W with the K2 on 80 and 160M I have to reset my router. Was using a Belkin router. Now using a Netgear wireless router. Both cutout. This doesn't happen all the time - maybe 50% of the time. Been wrapping ferrite on everything, but no difference so far. Good friend of mine who's triple DXCC (only a few shy of honor roll), and runs QRO a lot used to have serious trouble with her DSL modem when transmitting. After a lot of playing with ferrites she discovered that the path of RF entry was through the wall wart outlet transformer powering the DSL box. Easy to overlook... -Maggie- -- -/___. _)Margaret Stephanie Leber CCP, SCJP/The art of progress / /(, /| /| http://voicenet.com/~maggie SCWCD/ is to preserve order/ ---/ / | / | _ _ _` _ AOPA 925383/ amid change and to / --/ ) / |/ |_(_(_(_/_(_/__(__(/_ K3XS / preserve change amid/ -/ (_/ '.-/ .-/ARRL 39280 /order.-A.N.Whitehead/ /(_/_(_/___AMSAT 32844_/[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] Problem with routers and K2?
Tony, Have you thought about the power supply? Is the same power supply being used for the K2 and the TS950SDX? Could it be that it is not RF causing your problem at all, but trash induced on the power line? 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- My K2/100 sits on top of my TS950SDX. If I go above about 30-50W with the K2 on 80 and 160M I have to reset my router. Was using a Belkin router. Now using a Netgear wireless router. Both cutout. This doesn't happen all the time - maybe 50% of the time. Been wrapping ferrite on everything, but no difference so far. Swapped the coax cables between the 2 rigs. Router is about 4' from the K2. I can run 100W with 950 without any problems. My amp is in the basement about 8' away. No problem when using it with the 950 and no problem with the K2 as long as I keep the power of the K2 below about 30-50W. Might have to move the K2 farther away and see if problem persists, although it will be a pain to do that. Not sure yet if problem is definitely the K2. N2TK, Tony ___ 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 ALC action
Gregg, Try the K2 optional power control mod http://www.elecraft.com/Apps/Power_Control_Mod.html and see if that helps your power fluctuation. Even if it isn't a complete cure, it will minimize the fluctuation. The K2 does its ALC through the microprocessor and changes the power in discrete steps through a DAC - and you are seeing the K2s attempt to keep the power at the level requested on the power control pot. Many other transceivers use analog controls to vary the output and the steps are not present. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- I am seeing an ALC action from my K2 that I don't understand When I key my amp (Command Tech HF2500) with my K2 (sn 3188 all mods performed) I see the grid current on the amp cycling between 3 distict steps. For example: -When I first key the radio with a continuous carries the amp will show 30 ma of grid current, increasing to 40 ma over the next second or so. -The grid current will then immediately drop to 20ma and increase to approx 28 ma over the next second or or so -This repeats one more time. I also see this when sending a continuous string of dits The input VSWR to the amp is 1.3:1 I do not see this effect with any other radio I'd liek to understand why this effect is happening and how it can be eliminated. Any help is greatly appriciates 73 Gregg W6IZT ___ 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] Problem with routers and K2?
It may also be a good idea to try the K2 on a dummy load to see if there is any effect then. The entry point of the interference needs to be tracked down somehow to enable a cure to be made. Another problem that must be getting closer with ever wider bandwidths being employed on broadband, we are getting closer to the point where normal broadband from the telcos is using part of the lower HF bands. I would guess when that happens there really will be trouble. I did have a chart that laid out the frequency span of data systems that is somewhere in my effects I shipped back to the UK. From memory 2Mb when used for low definition digital video (VHS video compatible) occupies the frequencies up to about 1.1MHz and the 34Mb needed for a compressed full definition video system goes up to about 12MHz. See there are 8Mb broadband systems on the loose now. I wonder what frequency span they need? Perhaps a list member with more knowledge on the subject could comment. 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] Re: magnetic fields and phase noise?
Hi Earl- Here's a wild guess to throw in the mix. Since you have tried shielding and separation to eliminate or minimize the presumed radiated noise path, I'm beginning to wonder if the noise source is conducted via the power lines vs. radiated. To validate the premise, perhaps you could conduct the same (different room) test, but instead of running just the coax over to the K2, try also running a large extension cord from the same outlet you would normally use in your shack. If the noise is indeed radiated, then you ought to see the same improved results; but if the noise is conducted, then I would expect similar results as if the K2 Alpha were still co-located. Just a thought. Bruce, NM5B - Original Message - From: Earl W Cunningham [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, March 19, 2005 9:27 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Re: magnetic fields and phase noise? Fraser, G4BJM wrote: Interesting Earl, the non exhaustive tests I've done indicate that it is not due to magnetic fields. -- When I first told Elecraft about this problem, they sent me the new shield for the KPA100, which didn't help. Then they sent a mod kit that had to do with reducing spurious RF, which didn't help. Then I eliminated the KPA100 as being the culprit by removing it (and installing the original cover). Driving the amp (with only the 10 watts available) resulted in the same problem. Clean when barefoot (as is the KPA100). Then I manually keyed the amp (instead of using the KPA-100's key output) -- no change in problem. Then I brought my K2/100 over to a friend's QTH and tried it with his amp -- same problem. Separation from his amp was 6 feet. His amp is an Alpha 99, mine is an Alpha 76CA (both have hypersil HV transformers). Then, at my home QTH, I set up the K2/100 in an adjacent room and ran a coax from it to the amp in the ham shack -- no trace of the problem. All tests were done on CW, monitoring the transmitted signal on another receiver (FT-1000MP) using narrow (250 Hz) bandwidth. The problem sounds like noise on the sidebands of the transmitted CW signal extending out at least +/-5 kHz from center freq. There's no reason to believe that this problem does not also exist on SSB. == But if indeed that is the case, there must be a relatively easy, if perhaps not elegant, way of significantly improving this. -- It has been suggested that mu-metal shielding might alleviate the problem. I'm considering making mu-metal bottom and side covers for my K2. Another ham (W4FMS) told me he had the same problem with his K2/100 and Alpha 87A amp. He found that placing an aluminum cookie sheet between the K2 and amp with only 3 feet of separation resolved the problem. All things point in the direction of a K2 problem that is not phase noise. 73, de Earl, K6SE ___ 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] SN 4853 in build
I just received K2/100 #4853 yesterday. I have been building like mad and also keeping track of the time I spent on each board. The control board took 5 hours. The front panel board has taken four hours but does not pass the resistance checks. I initially got readings on J1 similar to what the table indicated but after letting it sit for a while, I seem to get an open on perhaps the first 8 or 9 pins. Wonder if I have fried a chip somehow? 73, Charlie, W0YG.. ___ 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: magnetic fields and phase noise?
Bruce, NM5B wrote: Here's a wild guess to throw in the mix. Since you have tried shielding and separation to eliminate or minimize the presumed radiated noise path, I'm beginning to wonder if the noise source is conducted via the power lines vs. radiated. == I have never tried shielding. W4FMS did try it and it worked for him. The noise source you refer to is the magnetic field from the linear's HV xfmr. 73, de Earl, K6SE ___ 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 pwr out
Having completed KX1 #1056 only two days ago. I was thinking the out put pwr is sort of low. I used a 13.1 v battery supply and got a 6.87 (1.96 w) reading on 20m and a 8.07 (2.0+w) reading on 40m using the Elecraft DL1 and a DMM on TP1. Can the output power be tweaked for max output in the TUNE Mode using the adj caps at 20a, 20b 40 on the under side of the PCB. TNX de rc kc5wa ___ 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] kx1 pwr out
You should be seeing 3 to 4 watts output under those conditions as described in the manual, RC. Did you do the final alignment per Page 58 of the manual? Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Having completed KX1 #1056 only two days ago. I was thinking the out put pwr is sort of low. I used a 13.1 v battery supply and got a 6.87 (1.96 w) reading on 20m and a 8.07 (2.0+w) reading on 40m using the Elecraft DL1 and a DMM on TP1. Can the output power be tweaked for max output in the TUNE Mode using the adj caps at 20a, 20b 40 on the under side of the PCB. TNX de rc kc5wa ___ 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] Have had to RESET MCU twice.
I am not sure what is is happening with this unit. My K2 [#4690] is at the stage where I am adding the KI02.. Up to this point I have only had one gremlin.. While going thru the filters last week, the radio locked up on 40M ..all other bands were OK, but on 40 the freq was locked. I posted here and was advised that I shoud do a hard reset, which I did and which made every thing right again On Thursday, I finished the Ki02 and went thru the tests.. Would not communicate with the K2..after about 6 hrs of checking every joint etc. I discover that the L3 [100 uh rfc] was open.. I replaced ti and ..wow every thing worked..The K2 and the laptop talked like old friends.. Today I was ready to do the permanent install of the KI02 in the K2. I thought I should just recheck every thing, before I put it back together.. That wa s at 2PM today. Again they wouldn't talk to each other After cking soldering ..wiring .. and voltages for 3 hrs.. I found that the Voltage on PIN 1 of J2.wasnt there [ 5V].. Traced back to MCU on control board and found there was NO 5Von U6 [MCU PIN 25]..So I did a nother hard reset and all is well again. Do I have a flaky MCU?.. A m I doing something flaky? Could this continue to be a problem? I need some input.. Let me kow what you think. I dont think it is too good to be reseting the MCU all the time.. Doc K8RR. . ___ 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] Phase noise
Hello everyone! From one debate we went to two different ones. While on the beginning we were talking about K2's TX noise and birdies on SSB now we are talking on another subject which is interference of magnetic fields on K2's behavior. Let's see the noise and birdies problem first. I found the surce of birdies is the clock signal (maybe the 4Mhz osc itself also contributes to this) on KSB2 wich goes from pin 14 on U1 to pin 2 of U2.This signal is interfering directly to Q2 and some birdies are well heard on the band HI. So what i tried to do is simply to shield a bit the path betwen the U1+U2 to Q2. The result is that the strongest bird (Fc 14.250MHz Fbirdie14.148MHz went down by 10dB (and i suppose all the others went down for the same ammount) Maybe 10dB seams little but for me evry dB is important. Picture of my KSB2 can be found at http://www.s55m.com/teh/images/ksb2.jpg Test eq: K2 itself TX output at transverter port (jumper W6) at +6dBm (for birdies without modulated signal but checked also with SSB modulation wich do not affect birdies as far away HI) RX TS930S on CW 500Hz filter AGC OFF NF Siemens U2032 Gerauschspannungmesser (psophometer) BW 300-3400 Hz range -70 to +40dB 73's S55M-Adi - Original Message - From: S55M [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, March 19, 2005 2:46 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Phase noise Hello again Elecrafters! Yes Fraser i saw Your comment but not the comments of others.We are still in very low number. Seams that only Europians have the problems with little birdies and noises. And between Europians S5 is a little country with a lot of ham-radio activity HI. In what kind of place do we live is Bob asking? In a place of 300*300 km (186*186 miles if You are more familiar with that). And during VHF ctests there are at least 10 stations with full legal limit power and average distance between them is abt 35 miles (worst case 23 miles) what in terms of path loss is only -110dB in free space on 144MHz (there is a line of sight between us !!!). Now all of us use Javornik 144/14Mhz transverters designed by S53WW and the situation is not so bad as before with all sorts of stuff.The only important thing now is to have bullet-proof HF RX (K2 shurely is) and a clean HF TX. I will enjoy in comments.And i understand that is difficult to deal with the problem if you live in MBA (Mighty Big America). S55M-Adi P.S. I was trying to send this several times to the list. Hope that it will get trough now. ___ 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] Thanks : Re Fixing Toroid Cores
Thanks to all elecrafter's ... O.K So, it's going to be Beewax, hotmelt or non acid silicone. Now, all I've got to do is to find the cash for the K2. O.T Look at www.pagination.plus.com/wedding/ for a Boatman/Womans wedding '73's Joe Jackie ___ 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] KAT2 (K2 Antenna Tuner) Problems
Just finished the KAT2, first accessory to my otherwise vanilla K2 #4398. 1. I ended up with a 47 ohm resistor left over and R6 on the control board empty. I can't find a place in the manual where it told me to install it, but from the circuit, it seemes to be needed so I put it in. (Step 2 on pg 4 tells me to install R3, R4, and R5, and warns me to be sure the 470 ohm resistor goes into R5 but never told me to install R6. I am a retired engineer, and thus I read things very literally -- maybe too much so?). 2. Idle current drain was 0.24 ma before beginning tests and still is. Supply is a gel cell that is currently right at 12.0 volts. 3. Going to the ATU menu, I get - - in the parameter field. The voltage on U1-1 is 11.7 (way too high) and checking across U3 (voltage regulator, there is a 0.3V drop from the 12.0 volts input. Nothing appears amiss around the regulator on the control board. Bad LM78L06 regulator? What has happened to U1, U2, and U4 if there's 11.7 volts on all the pins where where there should be 6V? On or off reflector replies from the Elecraft gurus appreciated. 73, Fred K6DGW Auburn CA CM98lw ___ 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] KAT2 (K2 Antenna Tuner) Problems
Fred, Solve the voltage regulator situation first - it certainly sounds like it is either bad or there is a bad connection somewhere in the voltage supply path, in any case it is not regulating to 6 volts. R6 is installed after the balance alignment and you are not there yet. Furthermore, if you ever plan to add the K60XV option you should find a 470 ohm resistor and use that instead of the 47 ohm - the higher value will not hurt anything, but the low value one does interfere with the power detection for the low level transverter output. If you already have the K60XV option you will find this information in the errata and a 470 ohm resistor packed with the K60XV. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Just finished the KAT2, first accessory to my otherwise vanilla K2 #4398. 1. I ended up with a 47 ohm resistor left over and R6 on the control board empty. I can't find a place in the manual where it told me to install it, but from the circuit, it seemes to be needed so I put it in. (Step 2 on pg 4 tells me to install R3, R4, and R5, and warns me to be sure the 470 ohm resistor goes into R5 but never told me to install R6. I am a retired engineer, and thus I read things very literally -- maybe too much so?). 2. Idle current drain was 0.24 ma before beginning tests and still is. Supply is a gel cell that is currently right at 12.0 volts. 3. Going to the ATU menu, I get - - in the parameter field. The voltage on U1-1 is 11.7 (way too high) and checking across U3 (voltage regulator, there is a 0.3V drop from the 12.0 volts input. Nothing appears amiss around the regulator on the control board. Bad LM78L06 regulator? What has happened to U1, U2, and U4 if there's 11.7 volts on all the pins where where there should be 6V? On or off reflector replies from the Elecraft gurus appreciated. 73, Fred K6DGW Auburn CA CM98lw ___ 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] magnetic fields and phase noise?
Fraser Robertson wrote: Interesting Earl, the non exhaustive tests I've done indicate that it is not due to magnetic fields. But if indeed that is the case, there must be a relatively easy, if perhaps not elegant, way of significantly improving this. Has anyone else investigated this? I have an Alpha 86 which is about 3 feet from my K2. I have performed tests in which someone listened to my signal at 100 watts and 1.3 KW without noticing any difference in quality. I'd be glad to sked Earl or anyone else who wants to try this (unfortunately I am in the process of working on my 160/80 meter antennas, so it would have to be 40 meters or higher). -- 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] Re: magnetic fields and phase noise?
N2TK, Tony wrote: My K2/100 sits on top of my TS950SDX. If I go above about 30-50W with the K2 on 80 and 160M I have to reset my router. Was using a Belkin router. Now using a Netgear wireless router. Both cutout. Don't get me started about routers and 160/80 meters! I have an inverted L whose horizontal part runs right over the part of my house where the DSL router and some ethernet cables are located. Even 50 watts (from ANY radio) on LF drives it nuts! I am sort of a fringe area DSL customer so it doesn't take much. I too have tried filters, ferrites, etc. The most fun is trying to use a logging program on my shack PC to key the rig. When the program keys the rig, the router goes crazy and sent a flood of data down the wireless link to the shack. The shack computer is so busy dealing with the packets from the network that it doesn't get around to unkeying the rig! It took a while before I figured out what was going on (now the router is unplugged for contests). -- 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] Elecraft CW Net Announcemtn
Howdy Folks, I have not been on the air very much this week so can make no predictions about propagation conditions on 20 or 40 meters. I'm been trying to beat another ECOM course into its final form. ARECC Level 3 hybrid classes commence on April 9th. Should keep me off the streets for a while since I have to work five times harder than the students! The unseemly and un-Oregon weather has passed. We are back to normal. Cold and wet. 75 degrees one day and 45 degrees the next. Must be something to do with Mt. St. Helens blowing off a bit of ash now and then. I missed the 1980 burst but may get to see another one. We are not feeling much in the way of ground shaking though. Being from the Midwest earthquakes are a pretty rare occurence. Just the New Madrid fault and not many others. Please join us : Monday z (Sunday 4pm PST) 14050 kHz Monday 0300z (Sunday 7pm PST) 7045 kHz Visit our web site: http://ecn.visionseer.com/ for net details. Thanks Dan. There are no special procedures to follow on ECN. Just send your call sign when one of the NCS folks calls for QNI. Speed is whatever you feel comfortable with. Please check in and see who you can hear around North America. You also get to hear a few weather reports too. Good evening and see you on the nets, Kevin. KD5ONS -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.308 / Virus Database: 266.7.4 - Release Date: 3/18/2005 ___ 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] First QSO's on K2 #4690
I couldn't stand it any longer..Got on the air tonite with 5 watts.. wrked VE2.. T9 and UA on 40M.. I' ve never been on 40 without an amp running MAX SMOKE.. This is really a GREAT radio.. Now back to building..SSBKPA 100... and KAT100.. First QRP Q's ever. Doc K8RR ___ 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] PLL Range (was K2 #4785)
I'm just at the point of testing the PLL Reference Oscillator Range as well and am measuring 9.11 kHz. This is low compared to the spec of 9.8 to 15 kHz per the manual. Before I proceed to much farther, is 9.11 kHz okay as is? Should I be getting a 12 uH replacement L31 as well? What is the downside of leaving it as is? Mark, NK8Q K2 S/N 4786 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi all. K2 #4785 is well under way no major problems yet. my kit was supplied with inductor L31 10uh. but due to xtal not being 'rubber' enough ref Gary at support, to give me the correct pll range. I am waiting on a replacement for L31 with a value of 12uh The manual states a prefered range of 9.8 to 15kHz my range was 9.06. I have noticed on the elecraft website under builder resource(after removing part grrr) that a range of 8.8 to 18kHz is ok, can someone explain these values, oh by the way I have cut out and destroyed in the process the 10uh choke so I have to wait for replacement, comments on cutting out parts before replacements arrive would not be helpfull at this stage i know im a fool hi. The big question is did I need to worry in the first place looking forward to replys. Mick M1MGD ___ 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] K2 #4790 is on the air.
Just finished K2 4790 tonight. No problems in construction or alignment. It all seems to work per spec with the alignment by the book just using antenna noise and zerobeating WWV and/or CHU to check the accuracy of the VFO. One quick qso in the log with many more to go. My thanks to everyone on the email list for comments and suggestions and especially to the support people at Elecraft for quick answers to a couple of part identification questions. An excellent product made by excellent people. Now to try to make ECN this coming week. 73, Craig K3OOL K2 SN 4790 ___ 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] PLL Range (was K2 #4785)
Mark; I would recommend using the 12uH inductor. I designed the K2 PLL temperature stability mod and it is my recommendation that you not have an oscillator reference range below 9.8kHz for the most effective performance of that circuit. -John KI6WX - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] I'm just at the point of testing the PLL Reference Oscillator Range as well and am measuring 9.11 kHz. This is low compared to the spec of 9.8 to 15 kHz per the manual. Before I proceed to much farther, is 9.11 kHz okay as is? Should I be getting a 12 uH replacement L31 as well? What is the downside of leaving it as is? Mark, NK8Q K2 S/N 4786 ___ 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
