: [Elecraft] K2, LP-100 and HRD etc
Neat, So will it be possible to do one scan with a 50ohm load terminating the cable, then do it again with the antenna connected, subtract the plots and end up with the antenna characteristics? Mike VK1KCK K1 #2599 Message: 20 Date: Tue, 04 Apr 2006 13:56:03 -0400 From: Larry Phipps [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2, LP-100 and HRD etc To: Mike Walkington [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Elecraft-Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed The LP-100 Plot software does this already if you use DXlabs Commander (freeware) or TRX-Manager. It doesn't matter what rig is selected, it will work with any supported rig. You set the start and stop frequencies and step size, then hit Run. The program controls the rig and gathers the data. You can select the parameters to plot either before or after running, and save the plots to a file in CSV format for later recall or export to a spreadsheet. It may be possible to add HRD, but I don't see a linking component for them that accepts all the incoming commands needed. You can see a screen capture of the LP-100 Plot software at www.telepostinc.com/lp100.html, along with a comparison to a couple of antenna analyzers I own as well as my HP87510A VNA. 73, Larry N8LP ___ 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 P1 Wiring Questions
I just wonder why would a K2 owner want to spend good money for one of those solely to jumper the mic lines. There is a header to do the same thing on the rear of the front panel. Elecraft designed it so you can interface any mic to the K2, but I still believe it is easier to re-wire the mic plug as required. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- There is a new item from MFJ that people may find helpful when interfacing a mic to the K2. Its an MFJ-655 mic equalizer/conditioner/preamp that is supposed to interface any mic to just about any rig. It takes two types of mic connectors and the jumpering is done in the MFJ-655. You can use the standard setup with 2 pin jumper blocks in the K2 and not have to make any changes there. I don't have one but I think I will buy it soon. Read about it on the MFJ website. ___ 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] 24-hour UTC Station Clock.
Not only does mine have a thermometer, but it has a nifty night-glow back light that looks really cool when you press the snooze button. And it folds up just like a travel alarm clock should so when I do field day I can take it with me to monitor both time and temperature. Best of all, it looses several seconds each day so now and then I tune in WWV and manually bump the time up a minute or so. Bumping the time up is far easier than going around the 24 hour circle to get to the prior minute. This thing is perfect! It's funny, I have two lists of gear. Stuff that works well and stays in the shack and stuff that doesn't work so well and is no longer in the shack. Funny thing is the list of things that work is fairly small and the cost of those items is often surprisingly low. The K2 is on the list of things that work stay. The Icom 735 is the latest in a growing list of rigs that are no longer in the shack. Although its general coverage RX capability just may allow it to stay around. It makes a great WWV receiver (2.5, 5, 10, 15 20 MHz all in memory) for setting my clock ;-) - Keith KD1E - -Original Message- Yours has a thermometer?!? Guess I should upgrade my old RS travel clock I bought 8 or 9 years ago now. Problem is, the original AAA battery is still good, so I'll put it off for now. WWV updates it too. I tune in WWV on the shorwaves (Everyone remember how to do that with a K2? You press BAND+ and BAND- at the same time, then enter 1000.00 on the keypad on the right) and there's WWV telling me what time it is. I have to set my RS clock every month or two to keep it accurate to the minute. Bet Keith's has the same great feature for setting it. Shortwaves are fun and handy... Y'all check 'em out! Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2 for sale
I have a K2, s/n 4998 that includes the following for sale: KPA100 - 100 watt amplifier KSB2- K2 SSB Option KDSP2 - Advanced K2 DSP Filter K160RX- K2 160M / 2nd RX Antenna Option FDIMP - Finger Dimple KAT100-2 -100W ATU with EC2 panels installed in EC2 below. EC2 - K2 Blank Project Enclosure Recent hospitalization necessitates me to sell the K2. Will include the XG2 3 band test osc, DL1 dummy load N-gen noise generator all for $1500 shipped within continental USA. Valued over $1700 in kit form. Bob WB8DDI ___ 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: WWV DST
Mark - I think you need to find the NMEA 0183 specification for $GPxxx strings. They are a lot easier to write a simple program to read than bit-banging to extract a DST bit from a binary stream. How did knowing the DST bit help anybody who lived in Indiana before the law change last weekend? At best, it was a warning to apply local knowledge. Read the other threads about the variation in the iono layer height impacting WWVB timing, and you'll have to agree that WWVB clocks are at least good to a minute, while GPS is good to better than a microsecond. The earth radius is about 6380 kilo-KM, so if you can get GPS synched up, you have time to about 20 ms - add a position solution, and you have time to about 0.1 microsecond. There must be a reason why the military uses GPS for time dissemination. http://tycho.usno.navy.mil/gpstt.html N7WY Mark Bayern [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks for the reference. However, the idea that this system is 'superior' would depend upon why one is looking for a time reference. If all you want is a relatively high accuracy clock the WWV signal is superior IMO. It certainly is easier to decode! As an added benefit it includes the DST bit -- you never know when the govt will decide to change the DST rules. If you need to know where you are and have a clear view of the sky your system works well. (As long as I don't have to code the algorithms.) Mark On 4/3/06, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Mark - you are correct... I am just to used to working with the superior system described at http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pubs/gps/sigspec/gpssps1.pdf that is only good to about 100 nanoseconds anywhere on the planet, but it has no clue about DST. The starting and ending dates for DST are easy to determine if you can figure out which day of the month it is, and what day of the week it is. N7WY ___ 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 on 17 meters?
Hello to all. I have been on the fence for a KX1 for a while now, and am close to taking the plunge. My trusty HW-8 is pretty bulky in a backpack. I was wondering if anyone has considered a 17 meter option. I would gladly exchange 20 or 80 for 17. Thanks and 73s, Pete wd4lst Pete Axson WD4LST 17901 NE 18th Ave Citra, FL 32113 ___ 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] HF NOISE GENERATOR BY AC7AC/N0SS
You know, I still don't get it. I haven't been able to comprehend what really goes on inside even a simple pixie curcuit. And the math eludes me keeping me from getting my extra class. I've missed a lot of rare DX because I am not allowed down in that portion of the band. I know good and well that I only assembled the k2 being lead gently by the hand of many amateurs. And yet, because of that first terrible pixie II, then the very successfull rockmite, then finally the k2 and many other little kits and still more on the way, something got started. And everytime I look at that k2, I have to smile. What an awsome rig. At least I can follow instructions! hi hi And I'm having a blast. I don't understand a lot of things going on here, but I did learn a whole lot. The fog did lift a little bit. I hope the more I get into this, the clearer things will become. 73's de n5vwn Roland in Stockton - Original Message - From: Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Manuel Wilches [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2006 5:26 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] HF NOISE GENERATOR BY AC7AC/N0SS Proof that one does not have to have a sophisticated array of instruments to build and peak up things, often easy to build designs will provide a great aid to your array of tools that are usable. My list of 'indespensible tools' for your workbench: 1. DMM 2. Good non-reactive Dummy Load 3. RF Probe (the parts for one is provided with every K2 kit) 4. Signal generator (may be just a crystal oscillator - see the K2 manual Troubleshooting section) 5. Broadband Noise generator (see the N0SS generator - www.n0ss.com) 6. PC with soundcard loaded with Spectrogram. With these inexpensive tools, one can do a lot of alignment and diagnostic troubleshooting. If you wish to get more sophisticated, you can add 100 MHz scope with 10x probes Frequency counter Signal Generator(s) More exotic stuff like Spectrum Analyzers (and Vector Analyzers) are also good if you do a lot of homebrewing and experimenting. What I am saying is that a good workbench may be equipped with simple, inexpensive tools - there are two important points that I would like to add: 1. Know your tools and their limitations, and 2. Use your head along with knowledge of point 1 when doing analysis. Trust no tool until you know its capabilities and limitations. There is a lot of excellent information in the ARRL publication Experimental Methods for RF Design that can be put to use - the authors indicate how homebrew test equipment can be used to accomplish precision measurements. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Hello all: I have built Ron's/Tom's HF Noise Generator inside a business cards plastic box (hi!)...it looks very uggly and works beautifully! For those of you who, like myself, have little or no instrumentation, do build the circuit and align your receiver with it. Its a great solution. Thank you Ron AC7AC and Tom N0SS 73 Manuel LU5OM CT4IK K2 # 5310 ___ 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] ARCI QP - check top bottom of the hour!
I'm making a slight change to my earlier post on my trip to DE for the ARCI Spring QP. I will check the top of each hour, for 5 minutes, on 15m, not 10m. However, I will check 10m at the bottom of each hour. I will call CQ QRP for 5 minutes. If the action is good, I'll stay there until it falls off. Otherwise I'll go back to the band I was previously on. HOW ABOUT EVERYONE DOING THE SAME? 73, Mike ___ 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] Transverters
Hi Kevin, I designed the XV transverters for Elecraft and will attempt to answer your question. Receiver design always requires some compromise between sensitivity and dynamic range. To maximize sensitivity, lossy elements, like filters, are moved farther away from the antenna to minimize their effect on noise figure. Sufficient gain is also provided to minimize the effect of the noise figure of the following stages of the receiver which in this case is the transceiver used with the transverter. To maximize dynamic range, the receiver designer would do just the opposite. Selectivity would be placed as close to the receiver input as possible and gain would be minimized. The XV transverters in standard configuraton attempt to balance these requirements in a way that is optimum for most users. We do recognize that there are situations such as very high interference environments or when external preamps are used, or when a very low noise figure IF transceiver is used, where the standard configuration is no longer optimum. It is for this reason that the manual includes instructions to remove the ERA amplifier from the signal path to reduce the gain of the receiver ahead of the narrowband filters. 73, Bob, N6CM - Original Message - From: Kevin Murphy [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 12:34 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Transverters Hi, I notice a trend with the Elecraft transverters, in that there is a second RF device, such as a ERA or MAV MMIC following the 1st RF RX device. With most other designs I have seen, there is a filter between the 1st and second RF amplifier stages to limit out of band signals being amplified by the second RF stage. In rural areas there is a lesser need for out of band filtering, but in suburbia there are many out of band signals. Comments please? Kevin ZL1UJG PS I don't own a Elecraft XV series transverter. ___ 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] K1 AGC time constant
I did the exact same thing you did Rick. Same RS cap and AGC did not speed up as I had hoped. Also wonder what other might have done? 73, TY, W1TF, K1 # 1423 --- Rick Dettinger [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I changed C31 on the RF board to 1uf but it still seems very slow. When I remove an S9 siginal (50uv) it takes about 15 seconds for the S meter to decay to one bar. I used a non polorized electrolitic cap as that is what they had at RS. It is physically larger than the original cap but there is plenty of room. I am not sure what a non polorized electrolitic capacitor is but there are no polarity marks, which I haven't seen before. Should I try a smaller value for C31? Thanks - Rick - K7MW ___ 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 __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.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 P1 Wiring Questions
On Wed, 5 Apr 2006 08:22:01 -0400, Don Wilhelm wrote: There is a new item from MFJ that people may find helpful when interfacing a mic to the K2. Its an MFJ-655 mic equalizer/conditioner/ preamp that is supposed to interface any mic to just about any rig. I just wonder why would a K2 owner want to spend good money for one of those solely to jumper the mic lines. But but but the MFJ gadget costs in the $150 range. Got to keep the economy of Mississippi going after the hurricanes!! -- 73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane ___ 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] great service
i have not had to post a message before i rely on others to answer any questions that i might have ,but a small problem reared its head on my k2 ,the headphone jack ,after emailing Richard in support he confirmed what i had thought and said he would contact parts ,2 hours later Brian in parts emailed to say a jack was on its way 5 days later it appeared from across the pond ,i must say the service is second to none nothing like this from the far east or local to us in the uk am still waiting for the bill Bob G4WJB k2 2756 k1 1721 ___ 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] K1 AGC time constant
Ron ZL1TW and I have played with the AGC on the K1...here's a cut and paste from one of our exchanges earlier this year. My mod adds a .47 cap in series with the AGC On-Off line so that by turning the AGC off I can return to the longer recovery time (which I never choose to do). Not sure if the 22K between 9 and 10 of RP3 really did anything..I just left it in. My K1 effectively has a pair of .01 rf bybass caps in the AGC circuit in place of the original caps. Tom K2TA --- So I'm running .22 at C31.01uf at hmmm C67?...the one at the mixer chip. 22K across Pins 9 and 10 of RP3. (this is slightly less than your 47K across the same terminals). Lastly, I have the .47 in series with the AGC ON-OFF line. I must say there wasn't as dramatic change going from the .22 to the .01 as there was going from the 2.2 to the .22 but it is definitely better and as you say...probably can't hope for much more than that. __ - Original Message - From: Ralph Tyrrell [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 12:59 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K1 AGC time constant I did the exact same thing you did Rick. Same RS cap and AGC did not speed up as I had hoped. Also wonder what other might have done? 73, TY, W1TF, K1 # 1423 --- Rick Dettinger [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I changed C31 on the RF board to 1uf but it still seems very slow. When I remove an S9 siginal (50uv) it takes about 15 seconds for the S meter to decay to one bar. I used a non polorized electrolitic cap as that is what they had at RS. It is physically larger than the original cap but there is plenty of room. I am not sure what a non polorized electrolitic capacitor is but there are no polarity marks, which I haven't seen before. Should I try a smaller value for C31? Thanks - Rick - K7MW ___ 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 __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.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 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] K1 AGC time constant
Hi Ralph - I received an off list post from a member who recommended changing C31 to .22uf and C67 to .01uf . Said it made a big improvementin the AGC action. Have not tried it yet but I think I will next time I have the covers off. 73 - Rick - K7MW- Original Message - From: Ralph Tyrrell [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 9:59 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K1 AGC time constant I did the exact same thing you did Rick. Same RS cap and AGC did not speed up as I had hoped. Also wonder what other might have done? 73, TY, W1TF, K1 # 1423 --- Rick Dettinger [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I changed C31 on the RF board to 1uf but it still seems very slow. When I remove an S9 siginal (50uv) it takes about 15 seconds for the S meter to decay to one bar. I used a non polorized electrolitic cap as that is what they had at RS. It is physically larger than the original cap but there is plenty of room. I am not sure what a non polorized electrolitic capacitor is but there are no polarity marks, which I haven't seen before. Should I try a smaller value for C31? Thanks - Rick - K7MW ___ 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 __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.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 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 VFO frequency range change
I changed the VFO frequency range capacitor to 120 pf and now have a 178 khz tuning range. Since I only need 125 khz to reach the SKCC frequency of 7120 khz, I may try a 100 pf capacitor. I would like to know what types of capacitors will work will here. The 68 pf capacitor is a disc ceramic and the 120 pf capacitor is a polystyrene type. To make this change, I not only needed to change the VFO capacitor, but also the 30m xtal and futz around with the turn spacing on the VFO coil to get the proper VFO range. I do not find the 18 khz per revolution tuning rate to be difficult but it is my nature to keep fussing. 73 - Rick - K7MW - Original Message - From: Rick Dettinger [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, April 03, 2006 10:12 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K1 AGC time constant I changed C31 on the RF board to 1uf but it still seems very slow. When I remove an S9 siginal (50uv) it takes about 15 seconds for the S meter to decay to one bar. I used a non polorized electrolitic cap as that is what they had at RS. It is physically larger than the original cap but there is plenty of room. I am not sure what a non polorized electrolitic capacitor is but there are no polarity marks, which I haven't seen before. Should I try a smaller value for C31? Thanks - Rick - K7MW ___ 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: K1 AGC time constant [and how to radically improve K1 AGC]
As the principle designer of the K1, I just love these AGC circuitry discussions, and thought I'd better put in my 2.5 cents. The K1's present AGC circuit, being AF-derived, is a compromise between attack time and recovery time. This topic has been the subject of scholarly efforts by Haward, DeMaw, and others, so I'll just summarize by saying that the slow rise time of an AF-derived signal limits how quickly you can respond to a large signal using a simple diode detector. Nearly all low-cost QRP transceivers that have AGC at all use this technique, including all of the ones I've designed (KX1, Sierra, NC40, SST). DSP can be used to emulate a faster response using various techniques, including post-processing of the signal as it propagates through the DSP's pipeline. But assuming one wants faster AGC without having to write DSP code, a relatively simple hardware-based improvement is possible. Actually implementing it is left to the reader, and here's what you need to know. If you look closely at the K2 Control board schematic, you'll see that the K2's fast AGC is obtained using an auxiliary I.F. of around 150 kHz. This is 100 times higher in frequency than the audio signal that the K1 uses to drive its AGC detector, eliminating the rise-time problem. The same technique could be used in the K1. You could start with the K2's AGC circuit (mixer, amplifier, and detector), perhaps breadboarding it on a proto board. You could pick off the 4.915 MHz I.F. signal from the output of the K1's crystal filter, routing this to another '602/'612 that has its oscillator running at 5.068 MHz (a common crystal frequency). As in the K2, you'd then need to amplify and detect just the 150-kHz difference product coming out of the mixer. Various circuit simplifications may be possible relative to the K2's circuit, which also includes manual RF gain control, T/R swiching, and AGC on/off control. An important subtlety: optimal results might require gain-controlling the auxiliary I.F. mixer at pin 2, using the same derived AGC signal that drives pin 2 of the K1's RX mixer and product detector. This would ensure that the aux I.F. mixer's gain is scaled downward at the same rate as the product detector as signal voltage goes up. This was not necessary in the K2 case, because the I.F. amp (MC1350) is the only gain-controlled stage, and it is ahead of the auxiliary I.F. mixer. If anyone tries this and succeeds in creating very fast AGC for the K1, we'd be happy to publish it as an application note on the web site. Who knows? It might even make a nice little option module. The entire circuit, if done using SMD parts, could fit on a board placed underneath the K1's RF board. I'd do it myself, but I'm a bit busy :) 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] K2IO and BeaconSee
-Original Message- There is a little trick to driving the K2 that might not be obvious... FR0;FA0001410; ... Depending on application, issuing K20;AI0; Hi Dave, Thanks for sharing your experience. I have tried this now by defining a new Elecraft setup in BeaconSee. It works ... for a cycle or two as it toggles every 3 minutes form 14.1 to 18.11 MHz. But then it seems to lose sync, and when BeaconSee issues a frequency change command, the K2 just beeps and nothing happens. Perhaps my old Dell laptop is a little tired, but on the other hand RS232 control with Ham Radio Deluxe works without problems. I wonder if the beep is a standard error message from the K2 when it receives an incomprehensible command over the KIO2? 73 Sverre LA3ZA http://www.qslnet.de/la3za/ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2IO and BeaconSee
On Apr 5, 2006, at 1:06 PM, Sverre Holm wrote: I wonder if the beep is a standard error message from the K2 when it receives an incomprehensible command over the KIO2? There's no beep in response to a garbled RS-232 command, Sverre. The K2 ignores incorrect commands and quickly recovers to process the next one. This could be a side-effect of a command buffer overrun, however. Some programs send a *lot* of data, very fast, without checking for a response. Rather than hide this problem by buffering huge quantities of data, we suggest that control programs behave in a civilized fashion :) 73, Wayne --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Re: K1 AGC time constant [and how to radically improveK1 AGC]
Hmmm, well, I may be confused but I *think* you just told us how to convert the K1 from AF derived AGC to RF derived. I realize making the AGC respond faster to a large signal would take that sort of mod, but isn't it just a cap change to speed up the decay after the large signal is gone? Of course with no RF gain, I'm not sure I really want to speed up the AGC recovery. In my TenTec rigs that were audio-derived, I'd speed up the AGC recovery then I'd control the leading edge overdrive by backing down on the RF gain manually. Can't do that on the K1. I think I'd be inclined to leave the K1's AGC just the way it is ... for now :-) - Keith KD1E - -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of wayne burdick Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 4:06 PM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: [Elecraft] Re: K1 AGC time constant [and how to radically improveK1 AGC] As the principle designer of the K1, I just love these AGC circuitry discussions, and thought I'd better put in my 2.5 cents. The K1's present AGC circuit, being AF-derived, is a compromise between attack time and recovery time. This topic has been the subject of scholarly efforts by Haward, DeMaw, and others, so I'll just summarize by saying that the slow rise time of an AF-derived signal limits how quickly you can respond to a large signal using a simple diode detector. Nearly all low-cost QRP transceivers that have AGC at all use this technique, including all of the ones I've designed (KX1, Sierra, NC40, SST). DSP can be used to emulate a faster response using various techniques, including post-processing of the signal as it propagates through the DSP's pipeline. But assuming one wants faster AGC without having to write DSP code, a relatively simple hardware-based improvement is possible. Actually implementing it is left to the reader, and here's what you need to know. If you look closely at the K2 Control board schematic, you'll see that the K2's fast AGC is obtained using an auxiliary I.F. of around 150 kHz. This is 100 times higher in frequency than the audio signal that the K1 uses to drive its AGC detector, eliminating the rise-time problem. The same technique could be used in the K1. You could start with the K2's AGC circuit (mixer, amplifier, and detector), perhaps breadboarding it on a proto board. You could pick off the 4.915 MHz I.F. signal from the output of the K1's crystal filter, routing this to another '602/'612 that has its oscillator running at 5.068 MHz (a common crystal frequency). As in the K2, you'd then need to amplify and detect just the 150-kHz difference product coming out of the mixer. Various circuit simplifications may be possible relative to the K2's circuit, which also includes manual RF gain control, T/R swiching, and AGC on/off control. An important subtlety: optimal results might require gain-controlling the auxiliary I.F. mixer at pin 2, using the same derived AGC signal that drives pin 2 of the K1's RX mixer and product detector. This would ensure that the aux I.F. mixer's gain is scaled downward at the same rate as the product detector as signal voltage goes up. This was not necessary in the K2 case, because the I.F. amp (MC1350) is the only gain-controlled stage, and it is ahead of the auxiliary I.F. mixer. If anyone tries this and succeeds in creating very fast AGC for the K1, we'd be happy to publish it as an application note on the web site. Who knows? It might even make a nice little option module. The entire circuit, if done using SMD parts, could fit on a board placed underneath the K1's RF board. I'd do it myself, but I'm a bit busy :) 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 ___ 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: K1 AGC time constant [and how to radically improveK1 AGC]
Thanks Wayne - I am ready to place my order for a fast AGC option module. Without the battery option, I think I have room. Probably enough room for a TUF 1, K2 type mixer module also (just kidding, sorta). Rick - K7MW - Original Message - From: wayne burdick [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Reflector Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 1:05 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Re: K1 AGC time constant [and how to radically improveK1 AGC] As the principle designer of the K1, I just love these AGC circuitry discussions, and thought I'd better put in my 2.5 cents. The K1's present AGC circuit, being AF-derived, is a compromise between attack time and recovery time. This topic has been the subject of scholarly efforts by Haward, DeMaw, and others, so I'll just summarize by saying that the slow rise time of an AF-derived signal limits how quickly you can respond to a large signal using a simple diode detector. Nearly all low-cost QRP transceivers that have AGC at all use this technique, including all of the ones I've designed (KX1, Sierra, NC40, SST). DSP can be used to emulate a faster response using various techniques, including post-processing of the signal as it propagates through the DSP's pipeline. But assuming one wants faster AGC without having to write DSP code, a relatively simple hardware-based improvement is possible. Actually implementing it is left to the reader, and here's what you need to know. If you look closely at the K2 Control board schematic, you'll see that the K2's fast AGC is obtained using an auxiliary I.F. of around 150 kHz. This is 100 times higher in frequency than the audio signal that the K1 uses to drive its AGC detector, eliminating the rise-time problem. The same technique could be used in the K1. You could start with the K2's AGC circuit (mixer, amplifier, and detector), perhaps breadboarding it on a proto board. You could pick off the 4.915 MHz I.F. signal from the output of the K1's crystal filter, routing this to another '602/'612 that has its oscillator running at 5.068 MHz (a common crystal frequency). As in the K2, you'd then need to amplify and detect just the 150-kHz difference product coming out of the mixer. Various circuit simplifications may be possible relative to the K2's circuit, which also includes manual RF gain control, T/R swiching, and AGC on/off control. An important subtlety: optimal results might require gain-controlling the auxiliary I.F. mixer at pin 2, using the same derived AGC signal that drives pin 2 of the K1's RX mixer and product detector. This would ensure that the aux I.F. mixer's gain is scaled downward at the same rate as the product detector as signal voltage goes up. This was not necessary in the K2 case, because the I.F. amp (MC1350) is the only gain-controlled stage, and it is ahead of the auxiliary I.F. mixer. If anyone tries this and succeeds in creating very fast AGC for the K1, we'd be happy to publish it as an application note on the web site. Who knows? It might even make a nice little option module. The entire circuit, if done using SMD parts, could fit on a board placed underneath the K1's RF board. I'd do it myself, but I'm a bit busy :) 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 ___ 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] KXB3080 (KX1) installation support now available from W3FPR
Many of you know Don Wilhelm, W3FPR. Even if you don't know him personally, you may have benefitted from one of his many postings to our reflector. Don's an expert on our product line, and we consider him an honorary (if not official) member of the Elecraft support staff. With this in mind, we've asked Don to specialize in the KX1, and the new KXB3080 option in particular. The 4-band KX1's high level of integration can be challenging for some builders. Don will install a KXB3080 kit for $39, plus $10 to cover the cost of pre-wound toroids, and $16 for insured return shipping. If you're interested in this or other KX1-related work, please contact him at [EMAIL PROTECTED] All arrangements should be made with Don, directly, rather than through Elecraft. While Don comes highly recommended, there are many other qualified builders for hire listed on our web site. See: http://www.elecraft.com/k2_builders.htm Again, please send all questions or inquiries regarding the above offer to Don. 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Re: WWV DST
Actually, WWV and WWVB are not worldwide in range. Military uses a system that is space based so they can see 12 satellites for a fix from anywhere on the globe they may need position. But, there are effects to GPS signals if you are not using a 12 satellite solution, and thus, GPS quality at your receiver may depend on a number of factors. Higher quality GPS solutions come from the differential methods pioneered by our university laboratory. I am proud of my friends that developed the method to measure a bridge moving in the wind, for example. 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] K2IO and BeaconSee --- problem solved
-Original Message- I wonder if the beep is a standard error message from the K2 when it receives an incomprehensible command over the KIO2? There's no beep in response to a garbled RS-232 command, Sverre. The K2 ignores incorrect commands and quickly recovers to process the next one. I found the source of the problem, and now BeaconSee does what it is supposed to do. It turned out that BeaconSee pulses the DTR line at the same time as it sends the frequency change command. As I use my K2 for occasional contesting, I had DTR connected to the PTT line for CW keying. Evidentally the K2 does not like a KIO2 input command at the same time as the PTT is keyed, but removing the PTT connection solved the problem. Thanks for input and ideas, 73 Sverre LA3ZA http://www.qslnet.de/la3za/ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: K2IO and BeaconSee --- problem solved
On Apr 5, 2006, at 2:34 PM, Sverre Holm wrote: Evidentally the K2 does not like a KIO2 input command at the same time as the PTT is keyed, but removing the PTT connection solved the problem. Thanks for the update, Sverre. Some commands are not allowed in transmit mode, as specified in detail in the KIO2 Programmer's manual. If such a command is detected, the K2 will return ?, which is compatible with the industry-standard version of this ASCII protocol. (The K2 implements a superset.) 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
[Elecraft] Re: K1 AGC time constant [and how to radically improve K1 AGC]
I think what Ron and I were shooting for was not a really fast AGC but more of a Not-so-gosh-darned slow AGC. Wayne...doesn't 9 to 15 seconds for the S-meter to drop seems excessively long to you? Especially for a QSK rig. When I changed C31 from 2.2 to .22 the hang time seemed to approximate that of the slow AGC setting of the K2. The pop exists on strong signals with both the stock and the modified K1 but did not seem any worse after the mod. Is there ANY chance that a decimal point was moved between the design specs and production runs so that C31 is supposed to be a .22 instead of a 2.2 ufd? Those of use who see 9 seconds or more for the sensitivity to recover really like the 1 to 3 second recovery time after the cap values are changed. That's one great thing about Elecraft kits...you can make them perform just as badly as personal preference merits. I love my K1. And if I hadn't of changed the AGC time constant I would still love it. I just love it a litte bit more now. 8-) Tom K2TA - Original Message - From: wayne burdick [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Reflector Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Cc: Ralph Tyrrell [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Tom Althoff [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 4:05 PM Subject: Re: K1 AGC time constant [and how to radically improve K1 AGC] As the principle designer of the K1, I just love these AGC circuitry discussions, and thought I'd better put in my 2.5 cents. The K1's present AGC circuit, being AF-derived, is a compromise between attack time and recovery time. This topic has been the subject of scholarly efforts by Haward, DeMaw, and others, so I'll just summarize by saying that the slow rise time of an AF-derived signal limits how quickly you can respond to a large signal using a simple diode detector. Nearly all low-cost QRP transceivers that have AGC at all use this technique, including all of the ones I've designed (KX1, Sierra, NC40, SST). DSP can be used to emulate a faster response using various techniques, including post-processing of the signal as it propagates through the DSP's pipeline. But assuming one wants faster AGC without having to write DSP code, a relatively simple hardware-based improvement is possible. Actually implementing it is left to the reader, and here's what you need to know. If you look closely at the K2 Control board schematic, you'll see that the K2's fast AGC is obtained using an auxiliary I.F. of around 150 kHz. This is 100 times higher in frequency than the audio signal that the K1 uses to drive its AGC detector, eliminating the rise-time problem. The same technique could be used in the K1. You could start with the K2's AGC circuit (mixer, amplifier, and detector), perhaps breadboarding it on a proto board. You could pick off the 4.915 MHz I.F. signal from the output of the K1's crystal filter, routing this to another '602/'612 that has its oscillator running at 5.068 MHz (a common crystal frequency). As in the K2, you'd then need to amplify and detect just the 150-kHz difference product coming out of the mixer. Various circuit simplifications may be possible relative to the K2's circuit, which also includes manual RF gain control, T/R swiching, and AGC on/off control. An important subtlety: optimal results might require gain-controlling the auxiliary I.F. mixer at pin 2, using the same derived AGC signal that drives pin 2 of the K1's RX mixer and product detector. This would ensure that the aux I.F. mixer's gain is scaled downward at the same rate as the product detector as signal voltage goes up. This was not necessary in the K2 case, because the I.F. amp (MC1350) is the only gain-controlled stage, and it is ahead of the auxiliary I.F. mixer. If anyone tries this and succeeds in creating very fast AGC for the K1, we'd be happy to publish it as an application note on the web site. Who knows? It might even make a nice little option module. The entire circuit, if done using SMD parts, could fit on a board placed underneath the K1's RF board. I'd do it myself, but I'm a bit busy :) 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
[Elecraft] Re: K1 AGC time constant [and how to radically improve K1 AGC]
Tom, The selected part really is 2.2 uF, which provides a long enough AGC hold time to prevent annoying leading-edge effects during slow CW copy. If you mostly listen to much faster CW, you can certainly drop the value. In any case, the decay time will be roughly proportional to the strength of the incoming signal. Normally you won't see signals big enough to result in a delay this long. 73, Wayne N6KR On Apr 5, 2006, at 2:41 PM, Tom Althoff wrote: I think what Ron and I were shooting for was not a really fast AGC but more of a Not-so-gosh-darned slow AGC. --- 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] KX1 on 17 meters?
I was wondering if anyone has considered a 17 meter option. The clocking rate of the KX1's AD9834 DDS chip is 50 MHz, the maximum rated for the chip. Typically, the highest usable output frequency from a DDS chip is no greater than about one-third the clock rate, or about 16.6 MHz. Thus, the KX1 design won't support 18 MHz or higher ham bands because the DDS chip isn't capable of generating cleanly (for a DDS) the required transmit frequency or the high-side receiver local oscillator frequency that is required for one of the sideband reception modes. The K1, in contrast, doesn't use DDS frequency generation. Its four-band filter board can be built for 40 and 30 meters, plus ANY TWO of the following three bands: 20m, 17m, 15m. 73, Mike / KK5F ___ 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] K1 VFO frequency range change
I changed the VFO frequency range capacitor to 120 pf and now have a 178 khz tuning range. That's why I've always termed this option as the 180 kHz option rather than Elecraft's 150 kHz characterization. Since I only need 125 khz to reach the SKCC frequency of 7120 khz, I may try a 100 pf capacitor. There's a lot more Morse activity above 7120 kHz. To me, that's more than worth the additional VFO span. You mentioned having changed out the 30m hetrodyne crystal, which I assume means that your 30m band tuning now starts near 10 MHz. Reducing VFO span to, say, 125 kHz will mean that you'll only be able to cover about the first 20 kHz of the 30m band. 73, Mike / KK5F ___ 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 power output increase -- free mod kit available
Some KX1s have slightly lower transmitter output than others. When using a 14V supply, the output may be as low as 2.5 to 3 watts across all bands instead of the expected 3 to 4 watts. When using the internal battery the output maybe as low as 0.75 to 1 watt instead of he expected 1 to 1.5 watts. Some builders have noticed this effect only after installing the KXB3080 option (30/80 meter module). The low-pass filter module supplied with the KXB3080 has slightly different characteristics from the original, which is necessary to obtain coverage of all four bands. If you think your KX1's output is on the low side, for whatever reason, you can order our model #KX1PWRMODKT at no charge. It's listed at the bottom of our Parts and Mod Kits page: http://www.elecraft.com/order_form_parts.htm The mod kit provides two resistors and instructions, and the change is easy to make. If you have your own stash of resistors, you can just download the application note at: http://www.elecraft.com/manual/ E740099%20KX1%20Application%20Note%20Rev%20A.pdf NOTE: We don't recommend making the change if your KX1 already puts out 4 watts or more on some bands. While it's generally safe to operate the KX1 at 5 watts, the design was optimized at the 4-watt level to provide plenty of safety margin in terms of RFI, current drain, and heat sinking via the top cover. 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 VFO frequency range change
You mentioned having changed out the 30m hetrodyne crystal, which I assume means that your 30m band tuning now starts near 10 MHz. Reducing VFO span to, say, 125 kHz will mean that you'll only be able to cover about the first 20 kHz of the 30m band. 73, Mike / KK5F Yes, I can copy WWV on 10 mhz now. I need to get up to about 10.125 mhz so will need about 130 khz due to some overlap at the low end. Thanks, I hadn't thought ahead enough. Maybe I will just leave it at 178 khz for awhile and check out some new territory. Even 7120 khz is new for me. Prior to SKCC being started up in Janurary, I never went far from 7040 khz. 73 - Rick - K7MW ___ 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 power output increase -- free mod kit available
Since someone already hollered privately and said, That URL doesn't work! Note that most people will have to splice it together again! The long URL gets broken in a lot of e-mail readers. An alternative TinyURL that will take you to the same Elecraft document to download/view the Application Note is: http://tinyurl.com/rzp42 Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] ARCI QP - check top bottom of the hour!
Mike, I think the activity times you suggest are a good idea. It is amazing how seemingly dead bands come to life during contests. While we are at the bottom of the sunspot cycle and nobody expects the bands to be open, they are more often that most people would reallize. Check 10 15m during nearly any major contest weekend and you'll see this to be the case. Well, if that is true, chances are just as good for this coming weekend as well! We just have to get on the bands and make some noise occasionally. I'll be doing a quick sweep to listen but also calling CQ as well. Even though DE PA are neighbors so propagation will likely be similar, I hope others on this list that will be in the Spring QSO Party, or even those who aren't but would like to give out a few QSOs, will also give a listen (or make some noise) and try the suggested times. Hope to work you Mike, and many others out there who are lurking out there! 73, Mark, NK8Q [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm making a slight change to my earlier post on my trip to DE for the ARCI Spring QP. I will check the top of each hour, for 5 minutes, on 15m, not 10m. However, I will check 10m at the bottom of each hour. I will call CQ QRP for 5 minutes. If the action is good, I'll stay there until it falls off. Otherwise I'll go back to the band I was previously on. HOW ABOUT EVERYONE DOING THE SAME? 73, Mike ___ 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] KX1 power output increase -- free mod kit available
-BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE- Hash: SHA1 I have not opened mine up yet, but in looking at this I found a typo in the App Note it says Locate resistor R30 on the bottom of the board between trimmer pot R30 should that be R4? Randy Rathbun NV0U [EMAIL PROTECTED] K2#1981, kx1 #1318, ARS #895, QRPARCI #10776, FP#1292, KCQRP #1 On Apr 5, 2006, at 6:07PM, wayne burdick wrote: Some KX1s have slightly lower transmitter output than others. When using a 14V supply, the output may be as low as 2.5 to 3 watts across all bands instead of the expected 3 to 4 watts. When using the internal battery the output maybe as low as 0.75 to 1 watt instead of he expected 1 to 1.5 watts. Some builders have noticed this effect only after installing the KXB3080 option (30/80 meter module). The low-pass filter module supplied with the KXB3080 has slightly different characteristics from the original, which is necessary to obtain coverage of all four bands. If you think your KX1's output is on the low side, for whatever reason, you can order our model #KX1PWRMODKT at no charge. It's listed at the bottom of our Parts and Mod Kits page: http://www.elecraft.com/order_form_parts.htm The mod kit provides two resistors and instructions, and the change is easy to make. If you have your own stash of resistors, you can just download the application note at: http://www.elecraft.com/manual/E740099%20KX1%20Application%20Note %20Rev%20A.pdf NOTE: We don't recommend making the change if your KX1 already puts out 4 watts or more on some bands. While it's generally safe to operate the KX1 at 5 watts, the design was optimized at the 4-watt level to provide plenty of safety margin in terms of RFI, current drain, and heat sinking via the top cover. 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 -BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE- Version: GnuPG v1.4.1 (Darwin) iD8DBQFENF+t6zTmfegBFIERAoTPAJ9sVAzPivtXZvMEgRruiHSTBY0LfQCfTxxl hyJfTVd8WGOBpYS7nt9Iwgg= =HbQV -END PGP SIGNATURE- ___ 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] K1 VFO frequency range change
Irecently changed my K1's VFO range. Now I can reach 7150 on 40 meters. On 80 (with my 2 band 160/80 meter RF board) I get up to around 3673. I also tried the 1 mf cap in AGC circuit with no results. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Rick Dettinger [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 2:53 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K1 VFO frequency range change | I changed the VFO frequency range capacitor to 120 pf and now have a 178 khz | tuning range. Since I only need 125 khz to reach the SKCC frequency of | 7120 khz, I may try a 100 pf capacitor. I would like to know what types of | capacitors will work will here. The 68 pf capacitor is a disc ceramic and | the 120 pf capacitor is a polystyrene type. To make this change, I not | only needed to change the VFO capacitor, but also the 30m xtal and futz | around with the turn spacing on the VFO coil to get the proper VFO range. I | do not find the 18 khz per revolution tuning rate to be difficult but it is | my nature to keep fussing. 73 - Rick - K7MW | - Original Message - | From: Rick Dettinger [EMAIL PROTECTED] | To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net | Sent: Monday, April 03, 2006 10:12 PM | Subject: [Elecraft] K1 AGC time constant | | | I changed C31 on the RF board to 1uf but it still seems very slow. When | I | remove an S9 siginal (50uv) it takes about 15 seconds for the S meter to | decay to one bar. I used a non polorized electrolitic cap as that is what | they had at RS. It is physically larger than the original cap but there | is | plenty of room. I am not sure what a non polorized electrolitic capacitor | is but there are no polarity marks, which I haven't seen before. Should | I | try a smaller value for C31? Thanks - Rick - K7MW | | ___ | 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 | | | | -- | No virus found in this incoming message. | Checked by AVG Free Edition. | Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.3.5/301 - Release Date: 4/4/2006 | | ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K1 VFO frequency range change
This is the MAIN reason I changed the VFO span, to get up to 7100 to 7150 coverage. At the same time, I pulled the 30 meter crystal and installed the 10-10.15 crystal originally supplied if the 150 Khz span was desired. I also replaced the original plastic shaft 10 turn tuning pot with a metal shaft/busing replacement, as my old pot was getting a bit sloppy mechanically. Really like this little rig. Now I wish I could have 160-10 meter coverage without changing RF boards! Wayne: THAT would be a feat in the space allotted for the RF board! A 9 band board? 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: Mike Morrow [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Rick Dettinger [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 5:32 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K1 VFO frequency range change | I changed the VFO frequency range capacitor to 120 pf and now have | a 178 khz tuning range. | | That's why I've always termed this option as the 180 kHz option rather than Elecraft's 150 kHz characterization. | | Since I only need 125 khz to reach the SKCC frequency of | 7120 khz, I may try a 100 pf capacitor. | | There's a lot more Morse activity above 7120 kHz. To me, that's more than worth the additional VFO span. | | You mentioned having changed out the 30m hetrodyne crystal, which I assume means that your 30m band tuning now starts near 10 MHz. Reducing VFO span to, say, 125 kHz will mean that you'll only be able to cover about the first 20 kHz of the 30m band. | | 73, | Mike / KK5F | ___ | 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: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.3.5/301 - Release Date: 4/4/2006 | | ___ 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] K2 #5290 For Sale
Complete K2 for sale. Serial number 5290. Includes the K2, KPA100, KSB2, K160RX, KIO2 mounted in original K2 top cover, FDIMP, KAT100-1 $1200, shipping included to US. Reply off list to [EMAIL PROTECTED] 73, Bill N2BC ___ 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 power output increase -- free mod kit available
You are absolutely right. It is R4, not R30! Ron -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Randy Rathbun NV0U Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 5:24 PM To: wayne burdick Cc: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX1 power output increase -- free mod kit available -BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE- Hash: SHA1 I have not opened mine up yet, but in looking at this I found a typo in the App Note it says Locate resistor R30 on the bottom of the board between trimmer pot R30 should that be R4? Randy Rathbun NV0U [EMAIL PROTECTED] K2#1981, kx1 #1318, ARS #895, QRPARCI #10776, FP#1292, KCQRP #1 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] KX1 still a bit low with 3080 and app note mod
-BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE- Hash: SHA1 Just finished doing the mod here. I have some good news and some bad news Good news is it seems to have helped on 40/30/20. They are now 3 to 4 watts out. Previously I was in the 2.5-3.0 range at best with just the 30 m module in, and was never able to get it above that area. Bad news is the 80m won't go above 0.5 watts out. I fiddled with the toroid spacing and it did not seem to make any change. Now, I could not wait to go to the local electronics store tomorrow so I just put another 10 ohm resistor in parallel with R11. I doubt . 3 ohms is gonna make that big a difference, so I aint worried there. I am curious though what others are seeing for output on 80? Starting to wonder if I have something wrong somewhere Randy Rathbun NV0U [EMAIL PROTECTED] K2#1981, kx1 #1318, ARS #895, QRPARCI #10776, FP#1292, KCQRP #1 -BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE- Version: GnuPG v1.4.1 (Darwin) iD8DBQFENH4x6zTmfegBFIERAm0HAJ40kUK+Z8xLFPXnJJ2WF7xshFJ7EgCfXnDm rvc7FqWrqIP1alhQ4qf7qB4= =bAtK -END PGP SIGNATURE- ___ 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] QRP-ARCI Spring QSO Party Announcement
It's that time again ... this weekend is the Spring QSO Party! For those of you participating in the team competition, please email me before the start of the contest with your team members (thanks to CCO Beaverboys, your's is received.) Here are the official rules, good luck everybody and I hope to get a chance to be on the air for a short time if I can get my antenna back up and running. 73/72 Jeff - VA3JFF QRP-ARCI Contest Manager QRP-ARCI SPRING QSO PARTY RULES Date/Time: 1200Z on 8 April 2006 through 2400Z on 9 April 2006. You may work a maximum of 24 hours of the 36 hour period. Mode: HF CW only. Exchange: Members send: RST, State/Province/Country, ARCI member number Non-Members send: RST, State/Province/Country, Power Out QSO Points: Member = 5 points Non-Member, Different Continent = 4 points Non-Member, Same Continent = 2 points Multiplier: SPC (State/Province/Country) total for all bands. The same station may be worked on multiple bands for QSO points and SPC credit. Power Multiplier: 5 Watts = x1 1 - 5 Watts = x7 250 mW - 1 Watt = x10 55 mW - 250 mW = x15 55 mW or less = x20 Suggested Frequencies: 160m 1810 kHz 80m 3560 kHz 40m 7030 kHz (please listen at 7040 kHz for rock bound participants) 20m 14060 kHz 15m 21060 kHz 10m 28060 kHz Score: Final Score = Points (total for all bands) x SPCs (total for all bands) x Power Multiplier. Teams: You may enter as a team with an unlimited number of operators as long as no more than 5 transmitters are on the air concurrently. You compete individually as well as on the team. Teams need not be in the same location. Team captains must send a list of members to the Contest Manager before the contest. Categories: Entry may be All-Band, Single Band, High Bands (10m-15m-20m) or Low Bands (40m-80m-160m) How to Participate: Get on any of the HF bands except the WARC bands and hang out near the QRP frequencies. Work as many stations calling CQ QRP or CQ TEST as possible, or call CQ QRP or CQ TEST yourself! You can work a station for credit once on each band. Log Submission: Email Submission: Submit Logs in plain text format along with a summary stating your Callsign, Entry Category, Actual Power and Station Description along with score calculation to [EMAIL PROTECTED] on or before 9 May 2006. Snail mail Submission: Submit Logs along with a summary stating your Callsign, Entry Categorym Actual Power and Station Description along with score calculation to: ARCI Spring QSO Party c/o Jeff Hetherington, VA3JFF 139 Elizabeth St. W. Welland, Ontario Canada L3C 4M3 Results: Will be published in QRP Quarterly and shown on the QRP-ARCI website. Certificates: Will be awarded to the top scoring entrant in each category, as well as the top scoring entrants from each State, Province and Country. Certificates may be awarded for 2nd and 3rd place if entries are sufficient in a category. = L. Jeffrey Hetherington - VA3JFF QRP-ARCI (sm) Contest Manager QRP-ARCI (sm) #9223 / K2 #3375 / KX1 #631 __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.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] QRP activity in VE and W
Hello Sorry for off topics. I and XYL have a plan to visit Vancouver this early summer. I have already received licence to operate HAM radio there. Is there any one who kindly give me informations about QRP activity there ? What is recomended spot/band ? What is best time to operate in a weekday ? I hope to operate K1/MP-1 during my stay in Vancouver. Your direct e-mail will be very much appreciated, Thanks 73 de aki, ja1nlx [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~yy7a-ysd/ http://ja1nlx.exblog.jp/ ___ 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] K1 AGC time constant
In practice, RF gain is rarely backed down by K2 users -- the AGC system has a very pleasant sound and very wide dynamic range. This could easily be achieved with the K1, too. But you could incorporate a manual RF gain control if you wanted to. Finding a place on the K1's front panel is another story. Wayne It wouldn't be to difficult to put a panel mount RF Gain pot in place of the AF Gain control. A run of RG174 to the attenuator relay would give front panel RF gain control at the expense of the AF gain control. A trimmer pot would need to be located on the RF board to allow for set and forget AF gain adjustment like in the Wilderness Nor Cal 40A. Some traces would need to be cut on the RF board. I am thinking about this as I like to turn the AGC off and use RF gain control. A possible disadvantage would be degraded signal to noise ratio on the higher bands. 73 - Rick - K7MW ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: KX1 still a bit low with 3080 and app note mod
Randy, If you're only getting 0.5 watts out on 80 m, it has nothing to do with the two added resistors, and changing their values won't make any difference. Most likely you have a toroid lead on the LPF1 module that isn't making contact, or the relay on the module isn't getting turned on when you switch to 80 meters. 73, Wayne N6KR Just finished doing the mod here. I have some good news and some bad news Good news is it seems to have helped on 40/30/20. They are now 3 to 4 watts out. Previously I was in the 2.5-3.0 range at best with just the 30 m module in, and was never able to get it above that area. Bad news is the 80m won't go above 0.5 watts out. --- 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: K1 AGC time constant
On Apr 5, 2006, at 9:59 PM, Rick Dettinger wrote: It wouldn't be to difficult to put a panel mount RF Gain pot in place of the AF Gain control. I agree that this would be possible, but I'm not sure how many K1 owners would want to make this tradeoff. I use the AF GAIN control constantly. Let me know if you try this (and/or my suggested AGC implementation). 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
