Re: [Elecraft] High current question
Bill Carpenter wrote: My K2/100 is indicating high current draw on a portion of 40 meters but only on the antenna. On the dummy load there is no problem. It's not high SWR as both antennas it happens with (double bazooka and ground mounted Butternut vert) indicate low SWR on my MFJ analyzer, SWR meter and the K2. Hi Bill, it could be that rf is getting into your mike or mike line and your transmitting noise that causes high input current. If you have another receiver listen to it. 73 Karl This occurs at full power of around 100 watts. Any ideas on what may be causing this? I'm using my Drake PS7 power supply which has more than enough amperage and minimal voltage drop. Thanks and 73, Bill NZ0T ___ 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] KAT2 Question....is mine working?
Chuck, Did you ever hear the relays click once? Like the first time you attempted a TUNE with that antenna. The KAT2 remembers the tuning settings for each band (on each of ANT1 and ANT2), and when that band is selected there are some clicks from the KAT2 when the bandchange is made along with the bandswitching relay clicks from the K2, so it is hard to tell them apart. If the SWR is already at 1, then further presses of TUNE will only result in an occasional relay click if any at all - becuase it is already tuned. You may have no problem at all - just the nice operation of the stored settings for the KAT2. If the wattmeter in your KAT2 is properly set for reflected power, all is working OK. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- I just finished my KAT2, everything cal'd and aligned according to the manual using my DL1 dummy load. When I hook the tuner up to my (10 - 40M) attic dipole and use the tune, I am expecting to hear some relay sounds, but nothing? Within a few second the tuner turns off and give me a (allways) SWR of 1.0 : 1 across all bands. The same is true, even 80M. I really expected to hear some kind of clicking from the relays using 80M, given what it is feeding into. ___ 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] High current question
Bill, Remember that the HI-CUR message is produced by the base K2 and not the KPA100 current draw. What it means is that the KPA100 output is on the low side of the requested power and the base K2 is trying to ramp up the power to obtain full output, but in the process the current level that you had set in CAL CUR has been exceeded. How low is the 'low SWR' on the troublesome portion of the band that you obtained with your analyzer? And more importantly, is the impedance reactive? While an SWR of 1.5 or even 2.0 is a low SWR, the effort required to drive into that particular load may be more than that required to drive a 50 ohm non-reactive load. If that particular load causes the KPA100 output transistors to be loaded in such a way that the gain is reduced a bit, then the base K2 must drive the amplifier harder to develop the 100 watt power output. If the condition proves to be tolerable, just bumping up the CAL CUR setting a bit may be all that is required. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- My K2/100 is indicating high current draw on a portion of 40 meters but only on the antenna. On the dummy load there is no problem. It's not high SWR as both antennas it happens with (double bazooka and ground mounted Butternut vert) indicate low SWR on my MFJ analyzer, SWR meter and the K2. This occurs at full power of around 100 watts. Any ideas on what may be causing this? I'm using my Drake PS7 power supply which has more than enough amperage and minimal voltage drop. Thanks and 73, Bill NZ0T ___ 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] Unstable AGC?
The variable power indications you note when initially tuning up on PSK31 are normal. A meter indicating average power will will show lowest indicated power during idle. When transmitting text, indicated power will rise significantly. When transmitting a pure tone (near end of transmission, for example) the indicated power output will be maximum. As to why you're seeing output dropping to less than one watt unpredictably, that is another issue. Check the integrity of your audio connections to/from the K2 and interface. If you QSY by clicking all over the audio spectrum visible on the waterfall, realize that certain high or low frequencies may take you outside the workable passband of the filters in the K2 - in which case your output will fall off dramatically. If the condition does not occur with a dummy load or on other bands, consider 'RF in the shack' issues. For the QRP K2 operating digital modes, I would recommend postioning the power control to 10 watts requested. Set the actual RF output to 5 watts or less using single tone mic audio at filter center. This will usually result in best IMD. Bill, WA4KBD After adjusting the transmitter for either SSTV or PSK31, with any of the standard programs, the output stubbornly falls off to less than a watt, unpredictably. When I first adjust the output for PSK31, for instance, the radio idles at 3 watts and jumps to well over five watts when there is signal--and can even jump to nearly 7 watts when the program goes into the steady tone before it changes over to transmit. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] KAT2 Question....is mine working?
No, that is why I posted. Perhaps I should be pleased, but instead I am bothered. Last night in testing/playing, have gone to the low and high end of every band and tuned. Always with the same result. I hear the start/stop beep (but no relay clatter), then 1.0 -1 as the setting. I have changed the display mode to SWR and swept portions of the band in TUNE (at 1 watt) with the same result 1.0 - 1 everywhere? One other else thing I noticed (last night), Right now Ant 2 is not connected, my plan is to have that connected to the DL1, but when I was working last night it was not. I was listening to 40M, the band seemed good and was on a pretty stong signal. Then while playing with the controls, I decided to switch over to Ant 2, expecting to hear silence (the K2 is quiet), to my surprise I heard the strong signal breaking in, then being squelched. I thought the isolation between Ant 1 and Ant 2 should have been high enough to avoid this. Then 1 went up in freq. abit around 7060 kHz and found that even noise would break through occasionally, this again surprised me, I could perhaps understand a strong signal, but just noise...? So my concern is that on transmit I am getting some spill-over/leakage into the other Antenna channel. Thanks, again. -Original Message- From: Don Wilhelm [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, November 04, 2006 7:47 AM To: Chuck; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KAT2 Questionis mine working? Chuck, Did you ever hear the relays click once? Like the first time you attempted a TUNE with that antenna. The KAT2 remembers the tuning settings for each band (on each of ANT1 and ANT2), and when that band is selected there are some clicks from the KAT2 when the bandchange is made along with the bandswitching relay clicks from the K2, so it is hard to tell them apart. If the SWR is already at 1, then further presses of TUNE will only result in an occasional relay click if any at all - becuase it is already tuned. You may have no problem at all - just the nice operation of the stored settings for the KAT2. If the wattmeter in your KAT2 is properly set for reflected power, all is working OK. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- I just finished my KAT2, everything cal'd and aligned according to the manual using my DL1 dummy load. When I hook the tuner up to my (10 - 40M) attic dipole and use the tune, I am expecting to hear some relay sounds, but nothing? Within a few second the tuner turns off and give me a (allways) SWR of 1.0 : 1 across all bands. The same is true, even 80M. I really expected to hear some kind of clicking from the relays using 80M, given what it is feeding into. ___ 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] Got a K2 that has the K60XV in it ? READ THIS.
Hello All, Lots of excitement on 60 meters the last two nights. Mike, ZL4OL (using the special callsign ZK4EAM on 60 meters), has been on between 0600Z and 0730Z (around sunrise in New Zealand), and he's been LOUD here on the east coast. He uses an 80 meter dipole, and seems to hear extremely well. He likes to transmit on 5395.0 and listen on 5371.5, so listen out for him if U want to work some interesting DX on 60 meters. Good luck and 73, Herman, N4CH. ___ 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] portable antenna
Has anyone used the antenna advertised on the site below??? http://stores.ebay.com/The-Bell-Imel-Group-LLC Would appreciate any reports on the performance of this antenna by Elecraft K2, K1, KX1 ops using the internal tuner in these rigs. 73, Joe W2KJ ___ 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] CW Sweepstakes Elecraft Participants
Thanks to all those who indicated participation in the CW Sweepstakes this weekend. Below are some Elecraft powered stations to look for along with their power level and section. See you all this afternoon! KX1E A ME N2WNQ TN AA4AKQ ME N4OGW A MS K5WA A STX NK8Q Q EPA N9NE Q WI AC0DSQ CO K0NDXA ND N0SS Q MO NZ0R A IA 73 ... Craig AC0DS ___ 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] XV-144
Hi all. I have a XV-144 here which was not built by me. But all parts seem to be in order. DIP switches are OK. No issue on power up. LO voltage level seems OK. Problem is adjusting R13, even at full CCW rotation I cannot get the voltage below 284mV. I had a look around and it seems the parts are in the right places. On my K2 when it powers up I hear some relay clicks, should I hear the same on the XV-144? A lot of the paths will depend on the relay status and I hear nothing at start-up from the XV-144. So I am wondering if it has a control issue first of all. Any help appreciated John ___ 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] portable antenna
I used the no-counterpoise antenna with my KX1. It matched OK but I could not get full power output with that antenna. The seller also had the same experience with his KX1. His K1 did not seem to have that problem. All in all, I still prefer the twinlead-center-fed 40m inverted vee, BL1 balun (4 to 1), and the Jackite 28' pole for portable operation. 72, John W2XS K2 #1116 KX1 #15 Argo 515 #679 ___ 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] OT: Help with Atlas 350XL
Hi, I was wondering if anyone has any experience in modifying/repairing the Atlas 350XL transceiver. I am particularly interested in alignment and modifying the AGC. Thanks Dave. __ 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] XV144 vs.DB6NT TR 144 H
Hello, Have somebody made some tests with XV144 vs. more known transverters; Kuhne TR144H, Javornik (S53WW) and LT2S? It will be use with TS-850S. Thanks SM7VZX ___ 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] XV144 vs.DB6NT TR 144 H
Look at: http://www.df9ic.de/tech/trxtest/trxtest.html 73 Mark, PA5MW Samir Popaja wrote: Hello, Have somebody made some tests with XV144 vs. more known transverters; Kuhne TR144H, Javornik (S53WW) and LT2S? It will be use with TS-850S. Thanks SM7VZX ___ 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] 50 years or so
Phil and I must have crossed paths at the Manhatten FCC office. I got my novice ticket in Dec of 1952 at the tender age of 13. However by the time I got my call, Kn2CHN, there had been enough Ks issued that there was no expectation of a W, sigh. Well, I got even when my family moved from Long Island to Nebraska and I got W0QFDterrible call for ANY mode! Then W7UYE in Arizona, K6TZX in CA and my current call. It's been a great 54 years and I hope I've got at least one more sunspot cycle in me. Doug W6JD ___ 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] Problem SOLVED! KIO2 sends out to pc but doesn't take commands from pc
The replacement L1 arrived today! For everyone reading, the problem turned out to be a small sliver of wire jammed underneath pins 3 and 5 of the AUX2 PCBoard. It was actually under the plastic part of the connector that plugs onto the K2 control board. I broke L1 in the process of discovering this. Today I soldered in the new L1, booted up the computer and and tried out the software: K2 not detected read the message. Oh no.. what now? I thought.. I looked down - The cable wasn't plugged in yet to the back of my K2. In all my excitement to solve the problem I kinda missed that, whoops.. I plugged the cable in, started the software up and voila!! I see on the screen what my k2 has on display! Clicking up/down band on the computer I hear the relays change - music to my ears... my KIO2 WORKS!! Thanks to Gary AB7MY at elecraft support and Don W3FPR for all your help! 73, James KB2FCV Check out the new AOL. Most comprehensive set of free safety and security tools, free access to millions of high-quality videos from across the web, free AOL Mail and more. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Non Announcement
Tomorrow, due to heavy usage of both twenty and forty meters (aka Sweep Stakes), we will not be meeting for the Elecraft CW Net. The next week we see us all on the air and active. However, I know a few of you will be very active on the bands tonight and tomorrow. Good luck to you during the contest. I, on the other hand, will only spend a short time on the air during SS. I got the last three sheets of drywall up only hours ago. I must restrain myself from putting up any more! I had not planned on covering as much acreage as I did but once you get going ... Now to get the last bit mudded, sanded, remudded, and sanded again. Then I'll get primer on all of it. Early this evening I said to myself, I am going to get this part of the house done. Even all the plates on all the switches and sockets! Well I guess I've dug a hole for myself with that statement ;) This will allow me to move into a new work area and only have to cover my gear for the next renovation project instead of moving it all multiple times to get more work done. I did get my soldering iron hot this week! More parts are going into a circuit and I hope to do a little bit more for a reward for all the drywall sanding. I did get some circuits and PCBs designed, some software written, and a bit of theory beaten into my brain. Hopefully my neural net gadgets will get wired up sometime in 2007. Somewhere in there my robots and radio pursuits will merge. In 2001 I got my ticket so my robots could have better comm gear. I was lead astray! My robots have languished since then except for a few paying gigs. Hopefully that hiatus will soon be over. Remember, no nets tomorrow. I wish you all well during your pursuit of very large numbers with very low power. I'll try to stay dry and warm. The weather has been typical Oregon winter. The rain is less in the valleys but my nephew was shocked when he came in around 1 PM today. It was gray in Vancouver but pouring here. We are only a few miles away as the crow flies but worlds apart in terms of weather. Take care, Kevin. KD5ONS ___ 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
