[Elecraft] KRC2 users
Hi Don, I'd like to see what you've done with your matrix. I have mix and match relays in the 12 to 24VDC range that switch various antennas in and/or reverse phase. Looking to find some way of elegantly tying it all thru my KRC2 this year. Sounds like you may have the elegant part worried... Cheers, 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
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net preliminary rpt
Hi Tom, Just letting you know that I did hear you faintly here in icy LI, NY. I took a stab at it but I don't even think my neighbors heard me. Correction, I'll clarify and state my nextdoor neighbors as it occurs to me that a ham radio ops' neighbors can be halfway-round the globe. What a great hobby/service! Take care es... Vy 73 de Bert WA2SI FISTS #9384/CC #1736 QRP ARCI #11782 - Original Message - From: Tom Hammond [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Kevin Shaw [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, January 15, 2006 10:08 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net preliminary rpt Kevin: Well, I tried to check in. I heard Kevin (most of the time) and maybe 2 other stations. I guess I'll have to wait until I get a real antenna. Kevin N8IQ NEVER GIVE UP! Conditions weren't the best tonight... on EITHER net for that matter. There were several(!) stations who attempted to dump their calls in once (or twice) but didn't seem to want to stick around long enough for Kevin (or me) to acknowledge them. Just because you don't get thru on the first couple attempts, DO NOT ASSUME that you're not being heard... you may just be the 3rd or 4th level down and we often tend to pick up the strongest (or fastest) first when then work our way down the list. SO at least give it the old college try several more times before assuming you're not going to be heard. And, for those others who DO get through... if you hear someone attempting to QNI (check in) and neither Kevin nor I (nor anyone else) is acknowledging them, PLEASE dump YOUR call in (again) and relay (QSP) that other station when once you're acknowledged by the NCS at that time. 73, Tom N0SS ___ 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 -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.0.371 / Virus Database: 267.14.18/230 - Release Date: 1/14/2006 ___ 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] XV60 'Partial Install'
I'm about to build the XV60 60m / transverter adaptor for my K2. At the moment, and for the forseeable future, I have no use for the transverter capability; I just want to try operating the 60m band. Is it possible to populate just the part of the board that pertains to the 60m capability and then make only the modifications to the K2 boards that have to do with 60m and leave out the transverter capability? Looking briefly at the XV60 manual it looks like most of the complexity in installing the board into the K2 involves the transverter portion. Any comments would be appreciated. 73, Craig K3OOL K2/100 #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] Construction question
On Monday 16 January 2006 03:35, Clint Sprague wrote: When you install a component on the printed side of the circuit board, and then you tip the board over to solder, what are accepted methods to keep the compenent from falling off? I use a pencil eraser between the board and workbench to hold the part in place. I don't like the look of solder pads where the component leads have been bent. Ian, G4ICV, AB2GR, K2 #4962 -- ___ 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] Construction question
Fine tool from Weller - the ESF 120: http://www.f6blk.net/main_fr.php?page=9 and http://www.labem.pl/obrazki%20weller/esf120.JPG Simon Brown --- http://blog.hb9drv.ch/ - Original Message - From: Ian Stirling [EMAIL PROTECTED] On Monday 16 January 2006 03:35, Clint Sprague wrote: When you install a component on the printed side of the circuit board, and then you tip the board over to solder, what are accepted methods to keep the compenent from falling off? I use a pencil eraser between the board and workbench to hold the part in place. I don't like the look of solder pads where the component leads have been bent. ___ 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] January 15th 40 mtr net
Hi all.I think that the call listed as VE1XL Gary??? Is probably me.VE3XL ...Ric in Ont. After hearing my broken call I tried to check in several more times but gave up at the bottom of the hour. The new times are much better here, especially the 40 mtr one as I have to get up at 5:30 AM to go to work. Very cold here lastnight and today at -4 F (-20 C). Will try to stay warm hi hi. 73 to all Ric VE3XL ___ 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] XV60 'Partial Install'
Craig, I personally see no advantage in completing only half the board - there are just not that many parts involved. If you have an older K2 without the transverter holes in the lower rear panel, I would consider not mounting the RCA jacks if no transverter operation were contemplated, but I would wire and install the entire K60XV option. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- I'm about to build the XV60 60m / transverter adaptor for my K2. At the moment, and for the forseeable future, I have no use for the transverter capability; I just want to try operating the 60m band. Is it possible to populate just the part of the board that pertains to the 60m capability and then make only the modifications to the K2 boards that have to do with 60m and leave out the transverter capability? Looking briefly at the XV60 manual it looks like most of the complexity in installing the board into the K2 involves the transverter portion. Any comments would be appreciated. 73, Craig K3OOL K2/100 #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
[Elecraft] K2 #4757 is Operational
Sorry if this is a dupe, I tried to send it earlier but had the wrong 'from' address. I do not beleive it made it to the list. 73 de N0SO = Greetings, Just completed the final assembly of K2 s/n 4757 (the basic kit). I was very pleased that it went together without any problems except the long time delay between when it was ordered (March, 2005) and when I completed assembly (last night). A family crisis, now resolved, caused the long delay. Not being able to locate my dummy load, I rigged one from the resistors on hand and had to limit power output to 2 watts or less during the alignment and test, so I need to do a little more testing this evening (after locating the dummy load) and then I hope to put the rig on the air. I'm very pleased with the rig so far -- it went together well, the receiver performed very well with the test lead wire I had clipped to the antenna input and it's easy to operate once you read the directions. I consider myself a happy K2 owner. I've been a lurker on this list until now, but I certainly have been appreciative of the assembly tips, etc. that I've read. I'm sure they helped me avoid some of the more common mistakes. Thanks everyone! Perhaps I'll be able to check into the net next week with my new rig! Now on to the KSB2 and KPA100. I'm thinking of putting the KPA100 in a separate enclosure. 73 de Mike, N0SO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: XG1 Results with K1 s/n 1018
Thanks to the replies I've received so far! Ron, you are correct in that my message was asking to different questions. The first is whether the MDS I calculated was typical even though the XG1 'manual' indicates I should expect -125db vs. my measured at -120db. I don't recall whether I set the filter to 500hz, so I'll go back and do it again. With a smaller bandwidth, the XG1 OFF noise level might be lower enough to get me closer to nominal. To the others that responded about the audio level, I guess I should have stated that the headphone level is LOUD. It' the speaker level that I was trying to fix. I mean, why have a speaker if it can't be heard? I have an ICOM 703 that fills the room with audio. It's just nice to use the speaker to tune through the band and if there is a station I want to contact, THEN use headphones. Buying an external speaker to use is another possibility, I suppose. Jim (K4ZM), your thought about checking Q10 is a good one. I'll check it out and let everyone know. 73, Clark, KE4RQ ___ 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] January 15th 40 mtr net
Hi Ric: DEFINITELY MY BAD there! I fat-fingered it and then, didn't even consider stopping to look at what I'd copied! Tom At 09:07 AM 1/16/2006, Ric Guidone wrote: Hi all.I think that the call listed as VE1XL Gary??? Is probably me.VE3XL ...Ric in Ont. After hearing my broken call I tried to check in several more times but gave up at the bottom of the hour. The new times are much better here, especially the 40 mtr one as I have to get up at 5:30 AM to go to work. Very cold here lastnight and today at -4 F (-20 C). Will try to stay warm hi hi. 73 to all Ric VE3XL ___ 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] Construction question
Joe, I would suggest not getting scotch tape anywhere near any ESD sensitive components. It develops quite a charge due to the triboelectric effect when you strip it off the reel, and as a result, if it does not outright kill the device, it can make it a walking wounded, working at first, but failing early in its life; while many devices are designed with ESD protection, many fail their qualifications testing for it, and it is good to use safe ESD handling techniques in constructing electronic things. --Dave, W5SV Joseph Trombino Jr wrote: Howdy Clint: Bending resistor and capacitor leads over will prevent them from falling out and provide a relatively stable means of soldering the leads and it's a reliable technique. Depending on the type of part (i.e., integrated circuit) I will also use Scotch tape to hold components in place when you must turn the board over to solder. 73, Joe W2KJ I QRP, therefore, I am ___ 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] Construction question
I would suggest not getting scotch tape anywhere near any ESD sensitive components. I find those bits of black sponge that elecraft package their chips in to be quite useful... once you've freed one or 2 of them up of course. -- Nosey Nick Waterman, G7RZQ, K2 #5209. use Std::Disclaimer;[EMAIL PROTECTED] Isn't it a bit unnerving that doctors call what they do practice? ___ 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] Sidetone questions -- copy speed vs sidetone pitch
Sverre Holm wrote: There has been research on the topic of sidetone and level. It concluded with 500 Hz and in some cases even lower tones to be favorable in noise free environments. snip 40 and 80 signs/minute should be 8 and 16 wpm. Peter Montnemery is SM7CMY and a K2 owner, but I am not sure that he is active on this list any longer. I've heard it said that at 'super' speeds (65 wpm and above) a very high pitch (like 1000 Hz) is necessary. I suspect that the mechanism used when copying at these speeds is somewhat different than that used at lower speeds. My feeling is that the operator recognizes words by the combinations of buzz frequencies generated from the sharp rise/fall times. -- 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] Re: Elecraft K2
Kurt, lots of opinions aside from mine, and you might want to joining the Elecraft list at http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft having said that, I like the internal battery for just using it on the patio or deck, and not dragging a power supply out as well, and picnic table top portable operations. I like the DSP fairly well also, as well as the RS-232 interface, and 60 meter and transverter option, and the 160M 2nd RX antenna. I think they will be adding an adapter to use their KXPD1 paddle (originally for the KX1), which I have been beta testing, and it is a nice addition as well if you operate much CW. I am cross-posting this list to the Elecraft list as well, and see if we can get you a few more opinions. 73 de Dave, W5SV Kurt wrote: Good Morning to all, I traded for a K2 (#2014) yesterday and so far am really surprised on how good of rig it is. It has some options already installed and looking to add a few more, but one I am looking at is the internal battery option to use the radio while portable and would it be worth while? I do not go portable a lot, and also thinking about getting the serial port option. I already have the internal ATU,SB,NB,audio filter, I have read that the DSP is good also. Any suggestions or comments would be welcomed. 73 Kurt WA8VBX ___ 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] January 15th 40 mtr net
I am sorry Ric, The first call I wrote down was yours. Then I got the VE1??? and then a Gary so I wrote down VE1RGB. Then I got the relay notes from Tom with VE1XL. Some odd cross between your call and Gary's :) I am glad you have a K1 again. Were you able to repair the lightning damaged transceiver or is this a new one? Not as cold here but we had another inch and a half of snow this morning. There is now two inches on the ground of very soggy snow. It cannot decide whether to rain or snow so it is doing both but leaning in the snow direction. Getting under my truck today will not be fun! I think the new times are good too but don't fit my schedule like the old ones did. But then my schedule has changed a great deal over the last month. I'll adjust but will Sam, the cat? Until next week, Kevin. On Mon, 16 Jan 2006 10:07:55 -0500, Ric Guidone [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi all.I think that the call listed as VE1XL Gary??? Is probably me.VE3XL ...Ric in Ont. After hearing my broken call I tried to check in several more times but gave up at the bottom of the hour. The new times are much better here, especially the 40 mtr one as I have to get up at 5:30 AM to go to work. Very cold here lastnight and today at -4 F (-20 C). Will try to stay warm hi hi. 73 to all Ric VE3XL ___ 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] Loaded K2 for sale
I am selling my K2 serial number 5224. It is loaded with the following: K2 FDIMP K160RX KAT2 KDSP2 KIO2 KNB2 KSB2 K60XV Just finished and working 100%. Will sell for cost of kits and postage plus $230. 73 Alan W1HYV - 100+ K2's built ___ 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] K60XV Receive Range?
Does the addition of the K60XV increase or improve the general coverage receive capabilities of the K2? When I ordered my K2 I did not order the K60XV option as we don't have the 60 metre amateur band here in Canada. However, I was wondering if the addition of the module will improve the general coverage receive capabilities of the K2. Niel Skousen, WA7SSA, wrote a nice paper on the general coverage receive capabilities of the K2 which is on the Elecraft website at http://www.elecraft.com/Apps/K2_GenCov.htm however, the paper does not show the effects of the K60XV module. Also, do the low pass filters in the KPA100 affect the sensitivity of the general coverage receive ranges? 73, Darrell VA7TO K2 # 5093 -- Darrell Bellerive Amateur Radio Stations VA7TO and VE7CLA Grand Forks, British Columbia, Canada ___ 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] D-104
Hello Group, After seeing several messages about the D-104, I decided mine looked better in the shack than on the shelf in my study, so I spent some quality time with it this weekend. It has the preamp built in the base, and the little schematic glued to the base is dated 9-75 which is about when I got it. Wiring it up was no problem and it seems to drive the K2 just fine, but I have a couple of questions. 1. There is a switch on the board labeled E and H. Can't for the life of me figure out why it is there. Seems to only switch one side of the push to talk switch from ground or the other push to talk line. So what's the E and H? 2. Has anyone tried running one of these off the K2 5V line available at the mic jack instead of the internal 9 V battery? VOX won't work as is because the preamp is switched in and out with the push to talk lever. Thanks in advance, 73, Tom, KJ3D (Formerly W3QS) ___ 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] Battery question
Hello - I finished a K2 last Spring. Shortly therafter the shack came down while I did a massive home remodel. About two months into the remodel it occurred to me that I did not have the K2 plugged and thus the onboard battery was not being charged. I turned on the K2 without external power and I believe the display said around 10 volts before it died. The battery had no juice. I've plugged in the power supply and have started recharging the battery. The radio will stay on now with battery only, but I cannot get the battery voltage to go much over 11 volts. Yes I am a technical dunce, chuckle - and now that the chuckle is overwith: How can I determine if the battery is permanently damaged? Also, how long would it normally take a K2 battery to discharge when not in use and, conversely, how long should it take to charge back to full capacity? Thank you in advance. ___ 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] XV60 'Partial Install'
Craig, I had the same concern and another OM and I asked Wayne at a hamfest. Wayne said like Don said, not installing the transverter jacks is an option, but once I started it I found that adding the single coax cable took about 10 minutes. I think the manual overstates the time required. Leigh / WA5ZNU. On Mon, 16 Jan 2006 5:31 am, Craig Miller wrote: Looking briefly at the XV60 manual it looks like most of the complexity in installing the board into the K2 involves the transverter portion. ___ 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] Battery question
On Jan 16, 2006, at 11:53 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hello - I finished a K2 last Spring. Shortly therafter the shack came down while I did a massive home remodel. About two months into the remodel it occurred to me that I did not have the K2 plugged and thus the onboard battery was not being charged. I turned on the K2 without external power and I believe the display said around 10 volts before it died. The battery had no juice. I've plugged in the power supply and have started recharging the battery. The radio will stay on now with battery only, but I cannot get the battery voltage to go much over 11 volts. Yes I am a technical dunce, chuckle - and now that the chuckle is overwith: How can I determine if the battery is permanently damaged? Also, how long would it normally take a K2 battery to discharge when not in use and, conversely, how long should it take to charge back to full capacity? Thank you in advance. I would not expect the battery to be damaged if you had it sitting for only two months (I have gone much longer than that without any problems). What is the voltage of your power supply? In order to charge the battery, you should have between 13.8 and 14.2 volts out of the supply (13.6 to 14.0 volts as read on the K2 display because of diode drop inside the K2). I had to increase the output of my supplies above the factory setting to do this. If the supply voltage is less than this, it will not fully charge the battery. A fully charged battery should read approximately 12.0 volts on the K2 display when the charging supply is removed. 73, Bob N7XY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] WA3WSJ: Polar Bear # 2 Story Part 1
I arrived at Camp-Run-A-MOC in the Delaware Water Gap, NJ around 11am on Friday morning. The weather was fog, fog and more fog. Little did I know what was to come! After unpacking the truck, I setup an AT Dipole on the west side of the cabin. It was up around 10 feet. This was due to tree branches and etc in the way of a clear path. On the east side I setup my DK9SQ Pole Vertical. After running the 300 ohm twin-lead into the den for the dipole and the coax for the vertical, it was time to setup the stations. The dipole was attached to the K2 and the vertical attached to a Kenwood TS-570D. The K2 was in the Kitchen and the 570D in a bunk room. Both seemed to work well. Ed, K3YTR, arrived next and setup a 2m and 6m station on the kitchen table. We used 2m for mountain to den coms. Later the other bears arrived at camp. Friday night I cooked up some cheese burgers and we had chips etc. The bears played around with the radios and later we hit the sack. Saturday morning I cooked up egg omelets and beacon with toast. We had coffee, milk and OJ to drink. After filling our bear bellies, we packed for the hike up the mountain to Catfish Fire Tower. I must have given Glen, NK1N a funny look, as he said your face says it all! I must admit that the sight of his attire made me think that, a gentleman's stroll in the park was about to happen! Little did we know what lied in store for us. The hike up to the fire tower was quick and short about 1.8 miles or so, but did have a steep grade as you reached the ridge on the AT. Glen, NK1N, YOU DID GOOD! John, NU3E was hiking with me and Guy later joined Glen on the hike up. The pack of bears all reached the summit together in one piece in the rain and fog! Guy, N7UN, and Glen, NK1N quickly setup their tents on top of the ridge next to the fire tower. John, NU3E, was helping them out as he didn't pack a tent. I carefully looked around the site, checked my compass and decided to pitch my tent in a campsite that Guy had shown me. This site was about 20'- 30' below the top of the ridge on the SOUTH SIDE. I was thinking about the front coming in from the north and wanted some protection from the storm. BOY, am I glad I did as the front just slammed into us at 2:30pm. I looked at my watch as soon as the wind changed from the south to the north and said to John, NU3E, here it comes! About 30 seconds later all hell broke loose! We had steady 40 -50 mph winds with wind gusts of around 60 mph. The rain hit us with a vengeance. Steady, cold, driven rain was hitting the ridge top. John, NU3E, was in my tent and it sounded like a freight train blowing over us! The wind was blowing over my tent and not hitting us very hard because we where below the ridge top - thank god! We had to turn up the radio volume just to hear it. In the middle of the storm, Guy, N7UN pokes his head in our tent and says, Boy it's toasty in here! At 3:30pm the rain stopped and the wind wasn't bad. I said to John, let's get out of here! John ran up to Glen, NK1N, to tell him we were leaving - now! I packed up my new tent which held up great, and headed for the ridge. There I found Glen trying to pack his tent, but the wind was blowing at about 30mph at this point. I put my foot on a piece of this tent as it started to blow away! Both John and myself helped Glen pack his tent and then we said our goodbyes and condolences to Guy, N7UN as he was staying the night. The hike back was nasty on the ridge as cold driven rain was now changing to cold ice pellets hitting us. As we descended from the ridge, the weather once again morphed into rain, but the wind was gone! I said, it feels like Spring! We all drove back to the den for a good hot beef stew dinner. * Stay-tuned for the second part of this story! You don't want to miss it. 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
[Elecraft] Test Message
This is only a test. Please ignore. Happy New Year everybody. 73, Steve Brandt N7VS Portland, Oregon ___ 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] Blocked Messages
FWIW: I've seen a number of test posts recently and a few comments about blocked posts. About 3 weeks ago, my posts were returned as spam. It took a little while, but my ISP finally found and got the problem corrected, for me at least. They tell me that the host server for the list installed some form of blocker that involved re-direction of addresses, and it began black-listing various IP addresses. Don't know if my ISP's actions fixed anyone elses problems. You can probably tell that I don't understand what I think I know in this matter. 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] Blocked Messages
I have a problem with blocked URL's and I figure it is with Yahoo. Any URL address that is listed in an email is blocked. In most cases I can get around it by continuing to click with my mouse on the URL and then it will go through. Have you ever heard of anything like this? Paul Gates, KD3JF Elecraft Kits: K1 #0231 KX1 #1186 XG1: Signal Generator - Original Message From: Fred Jensen [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, January 16, 2006 5:52:20 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Blocked Messages FWIW: I've seen a number of test posts recently and a few comments about blocked posts. About 3 weeks ago, my posts were returned as spam. It took a little while, but my ISP finally found and got the problem corrected, for me at least. They tell me that the host server for the list installed some form of blocker that involved re-direction of addresses, and it began black-listing various IP addresses. Don't know if my ISP's actions fixed anyone elses problems. You can probably tell that I don't understand what I think I know in this matter. 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 ___ 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] verical dipoles (was RE: QRP viability during solar cycle min?)
On Thu, 12 Jan 2006, Stephen W. Kercel wrote: [...] don't be too enchanted by the low angle pattern, it is also a bit lossy. If you overlay your EZNEC vertical dipole elevation pattern with the EZNEC broadside elevation pattern of a straight dipole at say 5/8 wavelength elevation, you'll see that although the vertical concentrates its energy at low angles, the actual dBi values are not that much better than the horizontal. Indeed, a low dipole generally has much better low angle output than a vertical, but is a lousy dx antenna b/c it isn't a selective listener. This has lead me to consider using a vertical for listening, and a low dipole for trasmitting. I've been lead to believe that polarization has little effect on HF reception and propagation outside of the ground wave radius, so next Field Day, I'm hoping to see if we can't use the above arrangement to kill two birds with one stone when working dx. By making t/r antenna switch boxes for all of the rigs, it should be possible for us to reduce cross-station interference, and have more low angle punch, by having both stations on a given band tx on dipoles and rx on verticals. ___ 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 Bear Page Updated with stories and Pictures
Hello, Just updated the Polar Bear page with pictures and stories. Check out www.n3epa.org and click on the Polar Bear Event link. Then click on Jan. 2006 PB Sprint / Hunt link. 72 and Thanks, Ron Polityka WB3AAL Polar Bear #1 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
[Elecraft] Re: My K1 glows in the dark
wayne burdick [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote : (I also put a funky tilt peg on my K1, but that's another story, with sordid details of cutting a hole through the middle of the RF board and patching it up later.) Is this like the little Peg-leg on the Wilderness Sierra ? I like the KTS1 Wide Range tilt stand but find that it is sometimes a pain to have to assemble it in the great outdoors. I am afraid one of these days that I am going to drop one of the screws into the grass and lose it. A simple but less flexible option like a little peg-leg to prop up the front of the rig (like on the Sierra) would be a great addition. Michael VE3WMB ___ 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] Transverter with Common IF
I am trying to use my K2/100 (K60XV transverter interface installed) with a Down East Microwave 900mhz transverter which has only a common IF (not a TX IF and RX IF). The transverter requires low power IF around 0.10 miliwatts. (Transmitting has been tested and works fine) The problem is that the DEMI transverter has a common IF and the K2 has seperate TX and RX IFs. I phoned Elecraft today and they suggested trying to modify the transverter to pull the RX IF seperately. Anyone have any other solutions or ideas? KD5SHM Kent ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: verical dipoles (was RE: QRP viability during solar cycle min?)
Jessie: I expect that the only place you'll find that two antennas give you a consistent advantage is when you try to work long haul DX on 80 and 160 (and maybe 40). The vertical gives you the low angle transmission assuring that the other fellow will hear you, but most of the noise is low angle, and you might not be able to hear him over the noise. In that case a separate receive antenna (such as small loops and travelling wave antennas) that has low efficiency but favors the desired signal over noise will be an advantage on receive. You are correct that no particular polarization of your antenna is an advantage for receiving skywave signals. The actual polarization will be a random sum of several different elliptically polarized components. Those will be different for every signal and will evolve over time for the same signal. I have two straight 20 m dipoles, one horizontal and about 45 feet off the ground, and the other vertical with the feedpoint 20 feet off the ground. Both have served as excellent QRP DX antennas. Neither consistently outperforms the other on DX; the better performance on any given contact depends on propagation conditions. I've confirmed this with both on the air tests and extensive VOACAP computations. Clearly because of its high angle component, the horizontal is the more consistent performer in domestic contests like the NA QSO Party. Those deep nulls that you see in the theoretical radiation patterns of dipoles reasonably high off the ground seldom actually occur. The non-uniformity of the ground electrical properties and ground elevation mean that the idealized conditions set up the wave cancellations that produce the nulls do not actually occur. A practical dipole at a realizable elevation over the ground will be only slightly superior on its broadside compared to the endfire direction.The theoretical null of my horizontal points right at Europe, but I still make lots of European QRP contacts with the antenna. If you really want an antenna that discriminates against signals from undesired directions, you need you need a design like a Yagi, a phased array, or a small loop. If your interest is in reducing cross station interference between colocated stations, as on a field day site, you should do some EZNEC studies using the near field. (Cebik has some material on this.) The near field patterns that cause interference with nearby equipment look nothing like the far field patterns. Also if you're looking for punch on field day, you should do some VOACAP/VOAAREA angle of arrival calculations customized to your field day QTH. A great many field day contacts are high angle. 73, Steve AA4AK At 06:51 PM 1/16/2006, Jessie Oberreuter wrote: On Thu, 12 Jan 2006, Stephen W. Kercel wrote: [...] don't be too enchanted by the low angle pattern, it is also a bit lossy. If you overlay your EZNEC vertical dipole elevation pattern with the EZNEC broadside elevation pattern of a straight dipole at say 5/8 wavelength elevation, you'll see that although the vertical concentrates its energy at low angles, the actual dBi values are not that much better than the horizontal. Indeed, a low dipole generally has much better low angle output than a vertical, but is a lousy dx antenna b/c it isn't a selective listener. This has lead me to consider using a vertical for listening, and a low dipole for trasmitting. I've been lead to believe that polarization has little effect on HF reception and propagation outside of the ground wave radius, so next Field Day, I'm hoping to see if we can't use the above arrangement to kill two birds with one stone when working dx. By making t/r antenna switch boxes for all of the rigs, it should be possible for us to reduce cross-station interference, and have more low angle punch, by having both stations on a given band tx on dipoles and rx on verticals. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] WA3WSJ: Camp-Run-A-MOC Part II
Hello again all! As I said in part one, N7UN had decided to spend the night on the AT. His Polar Bear QTH would be at around 1500' on top of the ridge where the AT runs right past him. After hiking down the mountain to the den - MOC, the four of us bears where hungry! We sat down to a hot meal provided by Ed, K3YTR, of beef stew. About half way through the meal we hear what sounds like Guy, N7UN, on the 2m HT? He tells camp that he's coming into the den! I jokingly tell all, don't worry - we'll find him in the morning - he's probably dead by now anyway. We all have a good laugh and tell him to come on in to the den for a hot meal. Turns out Guy, N7UN, had tremendous wind. That was ok with him. He had horrible rain - that was ok with him. He also had lots of ICE and that was not ok with him! He placed rocks on his tent spikes to keep them in the ground. He had headphones on for the wind, but the ICE was starting to buckle his four-season tent and it took down his dipole. With no radio, he called it quits and headed back down to the den. Guy and myself hiked up to retrieve his dipole on Sunday morning. We had wind gusts of 60 mph on Catfish Fire Tower. It was all you could do to keep yourself from being blown off the tower. What was nice - a beautiful sight on top of the ridge on the AT in the snow with sun! We saw not a single foot print in the snow ahead of us that morning. It just doesn't get any prettier than that! As for radio stuff. On the ridge I used my K1 and fed it into my VBWFPA. I worked around 18 people - mostly contesters on 20m and had around 11 states worked. John, NU3E, was there logging for me on a paper towel. Yes a paper towel - I forgot my logbook so a pen and a paper towel made do -hi! We just had to keep the towel dry. While operating on 20m, I heard N7UN loud. So I figured why not give Guy a call. I called numerous times, but no answer? Turns out I was trying to contact a ghost! It was Guy's 7mhz second harmonic! So between this and Guy's experience on the ridge that night, Guy is now nicknamed the ghost. Back at camp I later had a ball Sunday night on 80m cw. I even had a pileup going on 3.560mhz! It was great. I was there all by myself with a pileup on my radio. I pulled the plug around 11pm and hit the sack for some sleep. Monday morning (1/16) brings yet another challenge. It try to collapse my DK9SQ Pole, but it won't budge! It is frozen at every joint. Oh yes, the temperatures at the den are single digits! I take it down fully extended and now blow hot air with my mouth over each pole joint. After around a minute on each joint, the pole is finally collapsed. Before anyone asks, I can't fit the pole in the cabin. The coax is also very hard and won't bend much, but I get it rolled up into what looks vaguely like a circle- hi! After some more clean up it's a two hour drive home and here I am writing this email. Isn't life just great! Until my next adventure please remember - Life is Short, So Enjoy! 72, Ed, WA3WSJ Polar Bear # 2 ___ 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] Transverter with Common IF
Just use a G6Y relay and key it with an input from the K2 and switch the commom input of the transverter between T and R connectors of the K2 at the appropriate times. It is simpler than trying to modify the DEM transverter. Dave, K4TO Kent Tannery wrote: I am trying to use my K2/100 (K60XV transverter interface installed) with a Down East Microwave 900mhz transverter which has only a common IF (not a TX IF and RX IF). The transverter requires low power IF around 0.10 miliwatts. (Transmitting has been tested and works fine) The problem is that the DEMI transverter has a common IF and the K2 has seperate TX and RX IFs. I phoned Elecraft today and they suggested trying to modify the transverter to pull the RX IF seperately. Anyone have any other solutions or ideas? KD5SHM Kent ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: Transverter with Common IF
Kent Tannery wrote: I am trying to use my K2/100 (K60XV transverter interface installed) with a Down East Microwave 900mhz transverter which has only a common IF (not a TX IF and RX IF). The transverter requires low power IF around 0.10 miliwatts. (Transmitting has been tested and works fine) The problem is that the DEMI transverter has a common IF and the K2 has seperate TX and RX IFs. Kent, You should be able to simply use a Y RCA adapter to tie the transverter IN and OUT jacks in parallel. Then route the resulting single cable to the transverter. If this doesn't work, please let me know -- it should. It should also be documented in the XV series manual. If not, it was an oversight on my part. We'll add an errata item. 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
