[Elecraft] Voice Keyer
Hi all, I posted a question on this some time ago but for some reason everyone seemed too busy to answer it ;-) One of the things I find frustrating in DVK's is that to stop it you have to hit a button as well as pressing the PTT. I have not found a rig that will interrupt the keyer when you press the PTT as yet. Will the K3 have this facility? It would make life so much easier :-) Ian -- Ian J Maude G0VGS SysOp GB7MBC DX Cluster Member of RSGB, ARRL, GQRP K2 #4044 | K3 #? ___ 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 battery option and mods
Hello, Backlight is really a good option. After testing a Li-Po battery in my KX-1, I have installed one in my K1 with a solid state resetting fuse (Li-Po battery can produce more than 10 A! and burn your rig if no fuse installed). You must open the K1 box for battery charge, but with K1 battery option, you can do it without any tool in 3 sec. I think battery option depend on what you want to do with your rig. If you want to put your rig, your preferred key, your log, in a table, then take the time to install a good antenna, etc. external battery is OK, but if you want as me put your rig in a walking bag with a small key and few meters of wire to operate every time every where, internal battery + auto-tuner is the solution. Example: you are walking with your family in a park and make a short 10 minute pause. Get your rig from your bag, plug your key, put an extremity of the wire in a tree and the other side in the RF output. Press the ON button, then the TUNE button.Listen, 'QRL?', GO! Only 1 min. to setup and all the rest for traffic. Have fun! Philippe, F5IYJ. P.S.: As usual, it's a good idea to remove battery from any device when you don't use them. As battery option comes with a new cover, you can use your k1 as now in the shack and with battery option for backpacking. You have just to plug the battery, the speaker and exchange the cover. It will take only few minutes. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Battery Technologies (John Huggins)
John...Virgil Stamps, K5OOR, is developing a variant of his famous HFPacker Amp. It will be powered internally by one of the new DeWalt 36V Lithium Ion Nanophosphate packs. In fact, he's already tested it and posted some pretty impressive results on the hfprojects reflector. Virgil markets his products via hfprojects.com. The usual disclaimers prevail. I'm just a satisfied HFPacker Amp builder looking forward to this new technology. Bill, WA4KBD Is there a ham web site somewhere that is collecting information on these latest batteries for use in the ham way? If not, perhaps I will add that thread to mine. 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] Assembled Front Panel?
Does the FRONT PANEL, come all assembled, in the Kit version of the K3? Or do we have to build, and assemble this front panel- while assembling the rest of the K3? ...K3 Kit on order, 2nd Prod de Fred, N3CSY Take the Internet to Go: Yahoo!Go puts the Internet in your pocket: mail, news, photos more. http://mobile.yahoo.com/go?refer=1GNXIC ___ 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] Manual documentation does not work for me to see K2 Firmware Revision Numbers
Jim, There is an unstated assumption that you will exit from the menu after setting SSBA to BAL. If you tap the menu button twice after setting SSBA BAL and then hold the VOX button, it will work as documented. If you do not exit the menu, then tapping some other buttons will force an exit from the menu giving the results that you observe. 73, Don W3FPR Jim Isbell wrote: The Owner's Manual (K2) Rev G (May 2007) has documentation for checking firmware revision numbers. My K2 does not respond to them for checking the SSB adapter's firmware revision: Set the SSBA menu entry to BAL, then hold the VOX button. Nothing happens; however, I can see a number (1.08) if I follow the documentation, then tap an adjacent button (such as REV, SPLIT, SPOT, etc), then hold the VOX button as per the instructions. Can anyone verify or duplicate this or tell me what problem my K2 has? Thanks and 73 to all! Jim Isbell KB4U ___ 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] OT: Hotel antenna
My last business trip I used an old Barker Williamson apartment antenna from the 6th floor. They offer a newer model today (AP-10) that is basically the same thing with a tapped coil. This antenna is good if you have a balcony or a window that opens without a screen. On a previous trip I tried a wire down the side of the hotel from the third floor with a ground counterpoise in the room. It was a dummy load. I've heard of many people using two Slinkies for a shortened 40m dipole. I've been told stretched out six or eight feet they resonate on 40. As others have mentioned, operating from hotels is a crap shoot. You're never sure what windows you're going to have in a room and there's noise sources galore. Make sure you have a rental car or it's open bar at the conferences if ham radio operating is a bust :-) Dave Van Wallaghen wrote: OT I know, but it does relate to my K2 ;-) Wondering if anyone on the list might have a recommendation for a simple QRP antenna for use in a hotel? My wife is attending a conference in Chicago in a couple of weeks and I'm going with. When she booked the hotel, I just asked that we get a room as high as possible. I'm not sure what we got yet. I'm taking my K2 (I bought a nice Pelican case for it a few months ago) and a few spools of small enameled wire. I was thinking of just using a 65' end fed with a 1/4 wavelength counterpoise for 40m operation. I've also done some reading on the W3EDP antenna. Anyone have some decent experiences out there? Or, bad ones that I should stay away from? Dave W8FGU K2 #5099 ___ 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 -- Blog: http://thek3ngreport.blogspot.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] New picture - K3 front panel
Hi All, I inadvertently deleted the message concerning the graphic of the new K3 front panel. Would anyone be able to send me the url where I can find it? Thanks and 73, John, W2GW K3 (2nd run) ___ 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] New picture - K3 front panel
How about the handy Daily Web Archive list http://mailman.qth.net/pipermail/elecraft/ John Reiser wrote: Hi All, I inadvertently deleted the message concerning the graphic Thanks and 73, John, W2GW K3 (2nd run) ___ 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] New picture - K3 front panel
http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3%20FP%20drawing_web.jpg -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of John Reiser Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2007 10:51 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] New picture - K3 front panel Hi All, I inadvertently deleted the message concerning the graphic of the new K3 front panel. Would anyone be able to send me the url where I can find it? Thanks and 73, John, W2GW K3 (2nd run) ___ 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] K3 front panel
WOW, what a beautiful radio re the new pic. However, examining the front, I see that VOX on and off is slaved with the band switch (such as it is). That will be very frustrating well after I get used to all the other odd controls. That is, I switch off my VOX when someone comes in the room, and many other times. I have been continually frustrated with my Mk5 and 775dsp that neither has an easily visible VOX on or off, altho they do have separate switches for same. Now the K3 puts that control on with the band sw, and I can see I will have to think extra to avoid changing bands just to control the VOX, quite irritating in my world. Another super example of making the panel too small for this feature-packed radio. I hrd rumor that the Elecraft guys started with their idea of an ideal package size and worked all the rest of the rig into that predetermined idea. Sorry, but backward thinking design the features and then size the package to fit the features the cart and horse strikes again. Before using the K3, my thot is now to have an ORION and a K3 instead of two K3s so that my need for a real panel will be satisfied. But, keep my order for my K3 active. 73 Charles Harpole [EMAIL PROTECTED] _ Share your special parenting moments! http://www.reallivemoms.com?ocid=TXT_TAGHMloc=us ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: K3 front panel
On Sep 4, 2007, at 8:39 AM, Charles Harpole wrote: WOW, what a beautiful radio re the new pic. Thanks, Charles. However, examining the front, I see that VOX on and off is slaved with the band switch (such as it is). I don't think slaved is the right word. There's no functional relationship between the two. VOX is activated by a hold of the switch, while band change is a tap. The two actions are totally distinct, and after you get your K3, this will become second nature in about two seconds. 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] K3 front panel
I hrd rumor that the Elecraft guys started with their idea of an ideal package size and worked all the rest of the rig into that predetermined idea. Sorry, but backward thinking design the features and then size the package to fit the features the cart and horse strikes again. This is only true if package size isn't a priority. If it is, then it's a feature that, as you say, has to be designed-in before other less important considerations are implemented. Whatever your priorities are in design should determine what else you can do, and how you should do it. Elecraft values effortless portability over a completely simple (one control per function) user interface. That may not match your priorities. They could just as easily say that you're thinking backwards because you could end up with a rig that is too big to be easily portable. So the issue isn't backwards thinking, it's different design priorities. I have limited space and relatively frequent transportation of the radio. So it works for me. Craig NZ0R ___ 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] Major Flaw in the K3
I have found a really major flaw in the K3. It can be fixed with an accessory but it will be very expensive. The flaw can be a great frustration. Fortunately, I have been able to fully document what causes it. Here it is - the receiver hears entirely too well. I am hearing all sorts of DX, particularly on 40 and 20 meters, where I spend most of my time. I am hearing a lot of rare DX stations that no one else is calling. The frustration is that when I call them they can't hear me. Often not at all, while at other times they try to get my call but do not manage it. Just because they are S0 or S1 in the K3 is not an excuse; they are solid Q5 copy. This is not a single isolated incident; this has happened to me repeatedly. Of course, once these stations have K3's the problem will probably go away; then they will be able to hear me. But in the mean time this issue must be dealt with. I see two possible solutions. One is to turn off the receiver preamp and turn on the attenuator that Elecraft has so thoughtfully provided - this makes me suspect that Wayne knew all along that this would be a problem - the other is to add a 1500 watt solid state linear with built in antenna tuner and full QSK. I suspect that this is the fix that Eric has in mind. 73 Bob W9KNI ___ 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] WTB: K160RX (160M option for K2)
I have located a suitable used K2 with all the options I desire except SSB 160M. I have already found a SSB board but still need the 160M option. Before I order one from Elecraft, does anyone have one they are not using - either built or un-built? If so, please respond direct with price. Derek Brown, WF4I Pleasant Garden, NC ___ 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] Major Flaw in the K3
Congrats Bob. That is the most deftly worded query about the KPA1500 I have heard! I thought you eschewed high power, though ;-) Because of the K3, the old saying that You can't work 'em if you can't hear 'em, may have to be revised. 73, Larry N8LP Bob Locher wrote: I have found a really major flaw in the K3. It can be fixed with an accessory but it will be very expensive. The flaw can be a great frustration. Fortunately, I have been able to fully document what causes it. Here it is - the receiver hears entirely too well. I am hearing all sorts of DX, particularly on 40 and 20 meters, where I spend most of my time. I am hearing a lot of rare DX stations that no one else is calling. The frustration is that when I call them they can't hear me. Often not at all, while at other times they try to get my call but do not manage it. Just because they are S0 or S1 in the K3 is not an excuse; they are solid Q5 copy. This is not a single isolated incident; this has happened to me repeatedly. Of course, once these stations have K3's the problem will probably go away; then they will be able to hear me. But in the mean time this issue must be dealt with. I see two possible solutions. One is to turn off the receiver preamp and turn on the attenuator that Elecraft has so thoughtfully provided - this makes me suspect that Wayne knew all along that this would be a problem - the other is to add a 1500 watt solid state linear with built in antenna tuner and full QSK. I suspect that this is the fix that Eric has in mind. 73 Bob W9KNI ___ 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 Battery Option
I have the option installed in K1 #1073. The biggest advantage is portable operation: one less item, one less set of wires. With the batteries installed, it makes for a tidy package if you're going back packing. There are two disadvantages. First, the audio from the smaller speaker is much lower than the standard speaker. Since I use primarily headphones, that isn't a problem for me. It took me a lot of trying to fix what appears to be one of the outcomes of a smaller speaker and a smaller baffle for the speaker (the inside of the K1 is really cramped with the battery option installed). The second disadvantage is the voltage level from the internal pack. With 8 NiMH batteries, the most I can get is 3 watts out of the K1 because the supply voltage is a tad less than 10VDC. For some operators, 3 watts is fine: what they can work is what they can work. I'm in that category. If you want 5 watts, you'll have to go with the external battery. Finally, anyone who leaves the batteries in the rig when not needing battery operation is inviting trouble IMHO. Elecraft makes a big point in their documentation on removal of the batteries when not being used, good advice to follow. It's a neat package with the internal battery option provided the limitations above meet your needs. 73 de Clark ke4rq ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Major Flaw in the K3
Hmm, before I dumped money into a new amp I'd say take a look at the antenna first. The antenna is always the first place to look to improve your signal gettin' out. -Original Message- From: Bob Locher [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tue, 4 Sep 2007 12:17 pm Subject: [Elecraft] Major Flaw in the K3 I have found a really major flaw in the K3. It can be fixed with an accessory but it will be very expensive. The flaw can be a great frustration. Fortunately, I have been able to fully document what causes it. Here it is - the receiver hears entirely too well. I am hearing all sorts of DX, particularly on 40 and 20 meters, where I spend most of my time. I am hearing a lot of rare DX stations that no one else is calling. The frustration is that when I call them they can't hear me. Often not at all, while at other times they try to get my call but do not manage it. Just because they are S0 or S1 in the K3 is not an excuse; they are solid Q5 copy. This is not a single isolated incident; this has happened to me repeatedly. Of course, once these stations have K3's the problem will probably go away; then they will be able to hear me. But in the mean time this issue must be dealt with. I see two possible solutions. One is to turn off the receiver preamp and turn on the attenuator that Elecraft has so thoughtfully provided - this makes me suspect that Wayne knew all along that this would be a problem - the other is to add a 1500 watt solid state linear with built in antenna tuner and full QSK. I suspect that this is the fix that Eric has in mind. 73 Bob W9KNI ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] 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 Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail! - http://mail.aol.com =0 ___ 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] I can't take it any more . . .
I tried and tried, but I finally had to give in. I ordered my K3 today. Delivery will be late November or early December. 73, John, WA6L ___ 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] Major Flaw in the K3
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hmm, before I dumped money into a new amp I'd say take a look at the antenna first. The antenna is always the first place to look to improve your signal gettin' out. I am sure Bob really needed and appreciated that guidance, Novice that he is, ;-) (extra BIG ;-) -- John - W2AGN ___ 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] I can't take it any more . . .
I tried and tried, but I finally had to give in. I ordered my K3 today. Delivery will be late November or early December. Those of us on the list for the first production run are starting to think we may be looking at the same date. :-) Craig NZ0R ___ 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] Major Flaw in the K3
I know he's got a real nice G5RV up about 15 feet, so I'm sure he's good to go. W2AGN wrote: [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hmm, before I dumped money into a new amp I'd say take a look at the antenna first. The antenna is always the first place to look to improve your signal gettin' out. I am sure Bob really needed and appreciated that guidance, Novice that he is, ;-) (extra BIG ;-) ___ 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] I can't take it any more . . .
Craig Rairdin wrote: I tried and tried, but I finally had to give in. I ordered my K3 today. Delivery will be late November or early December. Those of us on the list for the first production run are starting to think we may be looking at the same date. :-) Craig NZ0R Now, now. That might be interpreted as criticism and is not allowed. Thirty lashes with a wet dipole. -- John - W2AGN ___ 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 speaker output with superimposed oscillation
Hi Bob, Hate to say it, but it has the same behaviour with the new value of 4.7k for R21: the audio signal shows the parasitic oscillation just on the negative peaks, even with a 10 uV RF level. In any case, many thanks !. 73, Paco _ Acepta el reto MSN Premium: Protección para tus hijos en internet. Descárgalo y pruébalo 2 meses gratis. http://join.msn.com?XAPID=1697DI=1055HL=Footer_mailsenviados_proteccioninfantil ___ 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] Major Flaw in the K3
Bob, Dang those engineers at Elecraft. This problem already existed in my K2... you'd assume they had found and fixed the problem by now, right? My shack buddy basically laughs at me, as he doesn't have this problem. Fred, you're hearing things that arent even there, so please stop yapping at the mike, he then grunts, whilst going back to his TS-480HX. And indeed, I dont hear HIM calling reply to DX, so he may be right! Either my K2's finals are gone, or Im hearing DX ghosts :) 73 de Fred Yeah, this was a joke. It's known that the K2/100 hears about 10 times more than what it can work, so Bob's assumption about the kilowatter is about right, as far as my experience goes. :P --f -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bob Locher Sent: dinsdag 4 september 2007 18:17 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Major Flaw in the K3 I have found a really major flaw in the K3. It can be fixed with an accessory but it will be very expensive. The flaw can be a great frustration. Fortunately, I have been able to fully document what causes it. Here it is - the receiver hears entirely too well. I am hearing all sorts of DX, particularly on 40 and 20 meters, where I spend most of my time. I am hearing a lot of rare DX stations that no one else is calling. The frustration is that when I call them they can't hear me. Often not at all, while at other times they try to get my call but do not manage it. Just because they are S0 or S1 in the K3 is not an excuse; they are solid Q5 copy. This is not a single isolated incident; this has happened to me repeatedly. Of course, once these stations have K3's the problem will probably go away; then they will be able to hear me. But in the mean time this issue must be dealt with. I see two possible solutions. One is to turn off the receiver preamp and turn on the attenuator that Elecraft has so thoughtfully provided - this makes me suspect that Wayne knew all along that this would be a problem - the other is to add a 1500 watt solid state linear with built in antenna tuner and full QSK. I suspect that this is the fix that Eric has in mind. 73 Bob W9KNI ___ 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] K3 front panel
All engineering involves compromise. The ideal rig would have every feature ever dreamed of, put out full legal power through its internal ATU that matches all impedances on all bands from 160 through microwaves, run all modes, have knobs big enough to satisfy the most fat-fingered among us, have large, beautiful displays the size of the living room wall, have transmitter and receiver technical specifications beyond compare, yet fit in the palm our hands and run forever on its internal battery supply. Starting there, the engineer begins to select the compromises needed to actually come up with a product. Mr. Trump speaks of the Art of the Deal. That's what business is about. Rig designers speak of the Art of the Compromise. That's what engineering is about. Ron AC7AC I hrd rumor that the Elecraft guys started with their idea of an ideal package size and worked all the rest of the rig into that predetermined idea. Sorry, but backward thinking design the features and then size the package to fit the features the cart and horse strikes again. This is only true if package size isn't a priority. If it is, then it's a feature that, as you say, has to be designed-in before other less important considerations are implemented. Whatever your priorities are in design should determine what else you can do, and how you should do it. Elecraft values effortless portability over a completely simple (one control per function) user interface. That may not match your priorities. They could just as easily say that you're thinking backwards because you could end up with a rig that is too big to be easily portable. So the issue isn't backwards thinking, it's different design priorities. I have limited space and relatively frequent transportation of the radio. So it works for me. Craig NZ0R ___ 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] K3 front panel
Charles: I have been continually frustrated with my Mk5 and 775dsp that neither has an easily visible VOX on or off, altho they do have separate switches for same. The LCD display shows VOX when it is enabled. 73, Tom N0SS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Major Flaw in the K3
And when you do finally work them you can send RST 519. 73, Leigh/WA5ZNU From: Bob Locher [EMAIL PROTECTED] The frustration is that when I call them they can't hear me. Often not at all, while at other times they try to get my call but do not manage it. Just because they are S0 or S1 in the K3 is not an excuse; they are solid Q5 copy.___ 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] Major Flaw in the K3
At 11:27 09/04/2007, Larry Phipps wrote: Congrats Bob. That is the most deftly worded query about the KPA1500 I have heard! I thought you eschewed high power, though ;-) Because of the K3, the old saying that You can't work 'em if you can't hear 'em, may have to be revised. The corollary is, You can't work 'em if they can't hear YOU. Cheersm Tom N0SS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Pre-release Assembly Manual......later this week?
Not Aug 36th, but I should have said 'within a week or so' instead of 'later this week'. I thought the assembly manual copy we had internally was ready, but Wayne decided to add some additional text to it before releasing to the real world. :-) I'll have it posted this week. 73, Eric WA6HHQ In the eye of the storm in Aptos. Or should I say IN the storm.. Gary Hvizdak wrote: Sun Sep 2 17:07:17 EDT 2007 wrote Michael (N2ZDB) ... I thought it would be out by now also!!! -- Eric posted that message on August 29th. A week from then would be August 36th, so we still have a ways to go! BTW, have y'all seen the newest K3 Front Panel rendering in the K3 folder at http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3%20FP%20drawing_web.jpg? I noticed it yesterday morning, but don't recall seeing a post announcing it. Although it's not a high resolution image, it clearly shows the front panel artwork changes mentioned by one of the beta testers (Ed Mums W0YK I think) in the late July / early August timeframe. If you compare this new rendering to the available K3 photos, you'll see that it's not the same radio. Apparently the beta test process has yielded an improved user interface. Remember, good things come to those who wait. 73, Gary KI4GGX ___ 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] KX1 speaker output with superimposed oscillation
Hi Paco, Sorry to read that it did not work for you. LM386 amplifiers can do strange things when over driven. There is a lot of available gain. If the amplifier is operating properly, the Idle DC voltage with no audio signal on the output pin 5 should be half of the DC voltage measured on the power supply pin 4 if not you may have a leaky coupling capacitor on the input circuit or a bad IC internal circuit throwing off the bias. I have also found at times from building my own equipment that a de coupling capacitor with short leads is needed across the power supply pins 4 and 6 to keep it stable at high output levels especially if the impedance of the power supply is not low enough. I use a 10uF tantalum capacitor when connecting it is very important to observe the correct polarity. Also the RC network connected between the output pin 5 and ground is required to keep the amplifier stable at high frequencies at different loads. GL 73, Bob Johansen WB2SRF ___ 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] I can't take it any more . . .
On Tue, 4 Sep 2007, Craig Rairdin wrote: I tried and tried, but I finally had to give in. I ordered my K3 today. Delivery will be late November or early December. Those of us on the list for the first production run are starting to think we may be looking at the same date. :-) Then you could order a second one and sell your first batch position to someone who doesn't have a long-range crystal ball (g). 73- k3hrn Thom,EIEIO Email, Internet, Electronic Information Officer www.baltimorehon.com/Home of the Baltimore Lexicon www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ 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] K3 front panel
Ron, you forgot a few criteria; that it would be sold for a cost we can all afford and make a profit for Elecraft. Truly you are correct in seeing this as the art of aiming at a specification that meets a good blend of these; good compromises that we will want. 73 de Dave, W5SV Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: All engineering involves compromise. The ideal rig would have every feature ever dreamed of, put out full legal power through its internal ATU that matches all impedances on all bands from 160 through microwaves, run all modes, have knobs big enough to satisfy the most fat-fingered among us, have large, beautiful displays the size of the living room wall, have transmitter and receiver technical specifications beyond compare, yet fit in the palm our hands and run forever on its internal battery supply. Starting there, the engineer begins to select the compromises needed to actually come up with a product. Mr. Trump speaks of the Art of the Deal. That's what business is about. Rig designers speak of the Art of the Compromise. That's what engineering is about. 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] K3 Pre-release Assembly Manual......later this week?
On Tue, 4 Sep 2007, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: Not Aug 36th, but I should have said 'within a week or so' instead of 'later this week'. I thought the assembly manual copy we had internally was ready, but Wayne decided to add some additional text to it before releasing to the real world. :-) I'll have it posted this week. Ah...and if folks would just cool it...you'd have less fires to put out, and by extension more time to get the K3s out the door. 73 k3hrn Thom,EIEIO Email, Internet, Electronic Information Officer www.baltimorehon.com/Home of the Baltimore Lexicon www.tlchost.net/hosting/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ 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] New picture - K3 front panel
That color scheme is really nice. Is the K3 color scheme changing to this? I vote yes! It really makes all the labeling stand out nicely. Stan Rife W5EWA Houston, TX K2 S/N 4216 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ken N9VV Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2007 9:57 AM To: John Reiser Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New picture - K3 front panel How about the handy Daily Web Archive list http://mailman.qth.net/pipermail/elecraft/ John Reiser wrote: Hi All, I inadvertently deleted the message concerning the graphic Thanks and 73, John, W2GW K3 (2nd run) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2 - Low output during initial TX alignment
During the initial TX alignment of my K2, I can't seem to get the output power above 0.2W - it fluctuates between 0.1 and 0.2 and doesn't change as I adjust L1 and L2. I am, however, able to tune L1 and L2 for RX just fine. I am showing 350 mV at my dummy load so some RF seems to be getting through. I don't see any obvious soldering problems and T1 through T4 appear to be wound correctly. I have not done any signal tracing yet but initial voltage check of the driver and finals appear fine. However, I am concerned about the voltage of the drivers collector. It jumps up to 14V at transmit but it's supposed to be 13.3V. I have to go out and buy a new DMM so I can do signal tracing (my cheap DMM has fixed probes and I can't adapt them properly). Any other ideas before I dive into signal tracing? Thanks -- JT Croteau, N1ESE - Manchester, NH ___ 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] I can't take it any more . . .
I held out a total of 2 days! I was kind of worried the 2nd batch would get theirs first as the first run gets pushed back. Or maybe the first and second batch will merge? Brett N2DTS I tried and tried, but I finally had to give in. I ordered my K3 today. Delivery will be late November or early December. Those of us on the list for the first production run are starting to think we may be looking at the same date. :-) Craig NZ0R ___ 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] New picture - K3 front panel
Wow! This radio just gets better and better! Congratulations Elecraft! I usually just lurk here, but I couldn't resist expressing myself after seeing the graphic of the new front panel. Thanks to all who sent me the url. 73, John, W2GW ___ 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] Major Flaw in the K3
Dang those engineers at Elecraft. This problem already existed in my K2... you'd assume they had found and fixed the problem by now, right? Yep, thats one thing Yaesu finally hit the nail on with the FT-2000; you can not hear them (unless you are alone on 40m) so you do not want to work them... Ehh... was that too personally?... I think not, or, well, yes, actually that was way too personally, sorry Yaesu... ;-) 73, Per oz5abo ___ 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] Major Flaw in the K3
I have this problem now with my K2! Ken, NU4I -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Bob Locher Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2007 12:17 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Major Flaw in the K3 I have found a really major flaw in the K3. It can be fixed with an accessory but it will be very expensive. The flaw can be a great frustration. Fortunately, I have been able to fully document what causes it. Here it is - the receiver hears entirely too well. I am hearing all sorts of DX, particularly on 40 and 20 meters, where I spend most of my time. I am hearing a lot of rare DX stations that no one else is calling. The frustration is that when I call them they can't hear me. Often not at all, while at other times they try to get my call but do not manage it. Just because they are S0 or S1 in the K3 is not an excuse; they are solid Q5 copy. This is not a single isolated incident; this has happened to me repeatedly. Of course, once these stations have K3's the problem will probably go away; then they will be able to hear me. But in the mean time this issue must be dealt with. I see two possible solutions. One is to turn off the receiver preamp and turn on the attenuator that Elecraft has so thoughtfully provided - this makes me suspect that Wayne knew all along that this would be a problem - the other is to add a 1500 watt solid state linear with built in antenna tuner and full QSK. I suspect that this is the fix that Eric has in mind. 73 Bob W9KNI ___ 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] Major Flaw in the K3
Bob, I certainly hope you do not make holes in your tongue after placing it firmly in your cheek. 73, Don W3FPR Bob Locher wrote: I have found a really major flaw in the K3. It can be fixed with an accessory but it will be very expensive. The flaw can be a great frustration. Fortunately, I have been able to fully document what causes it. Here it is - the receiver hears entirely too well. snip... ___ 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] Major Flaw in the K3
Yep, thats one thing Yaesu finally hit the nail on with the FT-2000; you can not hear them (unless you are alone on 40m) so you do not want to work them... Ehh... was that too personally?... I think not, or, well, yes, actually that was way too personally, sorry Yaesu... ;-) Apparently this posting was not in accordance with what can be posted here. So before anymore FT-2000 owners are emailing me privately, please disregard my previous posting... 73, Per oz5abo ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 - Low output during initial TX alignment
On 9/4/07, John Graf [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: One thing you might try is a relay reset. Thanks John, this was one of the first things I tried. No luck. I've done most of the checks in the 155 section of the troubleshooting guide. I'm at a loss as everything appears to be fine. Back to it.. -- JT Croteau, N1ESE - Manchester, NH ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 - Low output during initial TX alignment
JT, The quickest and IMHO the easiest way to find the problem is to build up the RF Probe (the parts were included with your K2 kit). Then turn the manual to Preparing for Transmit Signal Tracing in the troubleshooting appendix. Follow the steps until you find a place where you have significantly lower RF voltage than expected - then *stop* because you have located the failing stage. Once you have found the failing stage, find it on the schematic and look to see which components are used in that stage - check them all for proper values and good soldering. If that effort did not solve the problem, we can be of further help. Right now, the list of things that could possibly be wrong is very long and we could only offer wild guesses. Once narrowed to the failing stage, the isolation of the failing part becomes much easier. 73, Don W3FPR JT Croteau wrote: On 9/4/07, John Graf [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: One thing you might try is a relay reset. Thanks John, this was one of the first things I tried. No luck. I've done most of the checks in the 155 section of the troubleshooting guide. I'm at a loss as everything appears to be fine. Back to it.. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 - Low output during initial TX alignment
On 9/4/07, Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The quickest and IMHO the easiest way to find the problem is to build up the RF Probe (the parts were included with your K2 kit). Yeah, I need to go buy a new DMM as I have no way to connect the RF probe to my current DMM. However, I just checked the ALC circuit and found that VPWR is reading high. It is reading 4.9V on pin 2 of U8 (control board) during key down. According to the manual, this indicates a potential problem in the RF detector stage. I'm going to poke around the detector a bit more and see if I can find any problems there. -- JT Croteau, N1ESE - Manchester, NH ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 - Low output during initial TX alignment
Don and others, I just returned from buying a new DMM at RS and I didn't get very far in signal tracing the transmitter before I started getting some strange readings. In my previous email, I mentioned that VPWR was reading high at 4.9V. This can sometimes point to a problem in the RF output detector so I checked all the components here and didn't find anything wrong so, following the instructions, continued on with the signal tracing. Transmit Mixer, Buffer, Band-Pass Filter, T-R Switch section - I am finding some odd voltages here. Voltages that do not match the expected results listed. These are all key-down voltages. Xmit Mixer Output: 0.181 (Expected: 0.016) Buffer Output: 2.05 (Expected: 0.200) Band-Pass Filter Output: 0.444 (Expected: 0.030) T-R Switch #1 Output: 0.439 (Expected: 0.029) I am doing the signal tracing using 40M. Do I need to worry about these? Thanks -- JT Croteau, N1ESE - Manchester, NH ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 - Low output during initial TX alignment
JT, If you have little or no RF output, do not be concerned about the early stages having more RF voltage than is expected when the power is normal (and that is your case). Continue onward. If the K2 senses no power output, VPWR will ramp up to a high level trying to obtain more power output, and the RF voltage produced by the *working* stages will be higher than normal until the proper amount of RF is detected at the output. An added note - measure the RF voltage across your dummy load. If there is lots of RF voltage there, then the transmitter is working and the problem is with the detector (D9 and associated components) rather than the transmitter stages, but if there really is no power output (or very little) then look to the transmitter stages for the problem. - Do heed the *if*s in the proceeding statement, they are very important. Make the measurements in order and methodically as instructed in the manual and the steps will lead you to the failing stage. 73, Don W3FPR JT Croteau wrote: Don and others, I just returned from buying a new DMM at RS and I didn't get very far in signal tracing the transmitter before I started getting some strange readings. In my previous email, I mentioned that VPWR was reading high at 4.9V. This can sometimes point to a problem in the RF output detector so I checked all the components here and didn't find anything wrong so, following the instructions, continued on with the signal tracing. Transmit Mixer, Buffer, Band-Pass Filter, T-R Switch section - I am finding some odd voltages here. Voltages that do not match the expected results listed. These are all key-down voltages. Xmit Mixer Output: 0.181 (Expected: 0.016) Buffer Output: 2.05 (Expected: 0.200) Band-Pass Filter Output: 0.444 (Expected: 0.030) T-R Switch #1 Output: 0.439 (Expected: 0.029) I am doing the signal tracing using 40M. Do I need to worry about these? Thanks ___ 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 Output Power Harmonic Rejection
Hi to all, After alignment and Test - Part III, I got more power on 20 m (3.8 W) than 40 m (3.2 W). As the manual says, for best harmonic rejection, it should be the opposite (0.3...0.6 W more power on 40 m). Following some previous posts (thanks Don), I checked very carefully all the components, soldering, relay K2 working OK and even the complete TX path from the DDS output to the BNC connector. So, as the manual says, I squeezed L2 on the lower pass filter, in order to get the best harmonic rejection. Here are some tests I've made (all measurements at 12 V with OUTPUT POWER MOD done; NO TUNER): 1. L2 turns not squeezed (according Fig. 16 on the manual) a) 40 m - output power: 3.17 W - current drain: 490 mA - 2nd harmonic: 44 dB - 3rd harmonic: 62 dB b) 20 m - output power: 3.77 W - current drain: 623 mA - 2nd harmonic: 54 dB - 3rd harmonic: 56 dB 2. L2 turns squeezed to 75 % (now, 0.3 W more power on 40 m) a) 40 m - output power: 3.06 W - current drain: 585 mA - 2nd harmonic: 58 dB - 3rd harmonic: 59 dB b) 20 m - output power: 2.74 W - current drain: 563 mA - 2nd harmonic: 48 dB - 3rd harmonic: 56 dB Comments: with L2 turns well spaced I get: more power on 20 m and even a better harmonic rejection. At 40 m, the current drain is lower, and even the harmonic rejection is 44 dB for the 2nd harmonic, it is between specs (40 dB). tests done at 9 V (with L2 squeezed): harmonic rejection results similar to 12 V tests. all tests done with Rohde Schwarz CMTA-54 Radiocommunication Analyzer Tektronix 495 P Spectrum Analyzer. So, in my case, for my KX1 s/n 1881 and with output power mod done (R11 = 4.7 Ohm; R30 = 33 Ohm), I will left L2 not squeezed !!. Hope this helps. 73, Paco _ Moda para esta temporada. Ponte al día de todas las tendencias. http://www.msn.es/Mujer/moda/default.asp ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 - Low output during initial TX alignment
On 9/4/07, Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: If you have little or no RF output Exactly, this is my problem. Continuing onward. An added note - measure the RF voltage across your dummy load. I'm not seeing any RF voltage across the dummy load. I am only seeing about 350 mV of DC voltage across the DL1 on key-down. I have just completed the Pre-driver, Driver, and PA signal tracing. Things are very interesting here. Driver voltages are very high, especially the output voltage but the PA Inputs and Detector Input are very low. Pre-Driver Output: 1.841 V (Expected: 0.120 V) Driver Input: 0.355 V (Expected: 0.026 V) Driver Output: 8.04 V (Expected: 1.8 V) PA Input (Q7): 0.030 V (Expected: 0.38 V) PA Input (Q8): 0.002 V (Expected: 0.38 V) RF Detector Input: 0.040 V (Expected: 2.0 V) Does this mean I have a problem between the Driver and PA or do I have a different problem area due the the high output of the Driver? Thanks -- JT Croteau, N1ESE - Manchester, NH ___ 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] K3 Display
I hate pumpkin too. If I am understanding it OMNIGLOW style is orange when the backlight is off and becomes more so as the backlight is increased. The K3 display has a light gray backround with black digits when the backlight is off (transflective), and becomes more (ahem - Amber according to Señior Wayne) as the backlight is increased. Seems to me you'll get the best of both worlds as long as there is minimal room light. I have some LCD clocks in my shack where you can read them without their backlight as long as there is any lamp on in any part of the room. What say beta's? [Elecraft] K3 Display Randy Downs randyddowns at gmail.com Fri Aug 31 21:38:01 EDT 2007 Any idea how the Lcd is backlit on the K3? I hate pumpkin. Yeah I know it's the best color in all types of light etc., but I would like to have some options. I will be buying a K3 or a Flex 5000. It looks like the K3 may be the one. I bought an Ft-2000 early. I'll wait on the K3. I believe that it will be a very good rig. W8RAN Randy ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 - Low output during initial TX alignment
JT, Fine information. You have a problem between the collector of Q6 and the bases of Q7 and Q8. Your next step is to turn to the schematic RF Board sheet 4 of 4 and locate Q6, Q7 and Q8 and all the components between them. Check all for good soldering and be certain the 3 and 4 (green) leads of T2 are well tinned and soldered. You should have zero ohms between the end of R54 and the end of R53 (the ends that are connected to the T2 winding) - if not, T2 is not well tinned and soldered - if that is the problem, remove T2, re-strip the leads and re-install it, it is next to impossible to correct a poor lead tinning condition with the leads connected on the board (I have tried that and failed many times). The T2 3/4 winding is the most likely source of your problem. If you want to check the components with your ohmmeter, you will have to lift one end of many of the components (RF Chokes and resistors), with the RF chokes paralleling the resistors it is just not possible to check the actual resistance in-circuit, but you can usually trust the color code markings - but be certain the correct resistor is in the right place. 73, Don W3FPR JT Croteau wrote: On 9/4/07, Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: If you have little or no RF output Exactly, this is my problem. Continuing onward. An added note - measure the RF voltage across your dummy load. I'm not seeing any RF voltage across the dummy load. I am only seeing about 350 mV of DC voltage across the DL1 on key-down. I have just completed the Pre-driver, Driver, and PA signal tracing. Things are very interesting here. Driver voltages are very high, especially the output voltage but the PA Inputs and Detector Input are very low. Pre-Driver Output: 1.841 V (Expected: 0.120 V) Driver Input: 0.355 V (Expected: 0.026 V) Driver Output: 8.04 V (Expected: 1.8 V) PA Input (Q7): 0.030 V (Expected: 0.38 V) PA Input (Q8): 0.002 V (Expected: 0.38 V) RF Detector Input: 0.040 V (Expected: 2.0 V) Does this mean I have a problem between the Driver and PA or do I have a different problem area due the the high output of the Driver? Thanks ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 - Low output during initial TX alignment
On 9/4/07, Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: You should have zero ohms between the end of R54 and the end of R53 (the ends that are connected to the T2 winding) - if not, T2 is not well tinned and soldered Well, I am showing 12 ohms so I guess I'll have to take another look at this bugger. Thanks -- JT Croteau, N1ESE - Manchester, NH ___ 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] K3 NB
AE6WA said: OTHR is a big problem in NA, at least on the west coast. On 40M in the early AM it can prevent operation over the entire CW segment using my current equipment (no noise blanker). This is a primary focus of my wanting NB capability. I have yet to hear a report of any tester on the efficacy of the K3 NB on OTHR. Perhaps this is because the NB is late-arrival functionality and the summer QRN has just about shut the band down here during the early dark hours. For example this morning; I can't hear one CW signal through the noise at 5:00am local. During winter up through late July this was prime DX time except when the OTHR was present. When it was I just turn the radio off. It's odd, depending on who you are talking to, on the east coast of NA the ZC4 woodpecker is/isn't a problem; likewise on the west coast BY7. Maybe this is a sign of how active one is, as these things are hard to miss (ZC4 can be 20-40 over S9 here by itself on a band with no other signals; BY7 taking out the entirety [for much of the rest of the world, at least] of 40m should also be hard not to notice). With the K3 hardware NB having just been finished, I guess we'll have to wait a while to see how well it works, at least from NA. With a synchronous string of pulses, it should be easy to generate synchronize same to drive an upstream noise gate not have to detect when to blank in the presence of numerous signals pushing the better part of -10 dBm. Otherwise, not much use for that ID timer if we're switching the rig off giving it all a miss. ;^) 73, VR10BrettGraham/p. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 - Low output during initial TX alignment
Holy cow! I got it to work! It was definitely a improperly tinned green lead on T2. So much for buying pre-wound/tinned 'roids to save me some grief. Heh. Thanks Don. What a relief. Time to button it back up and continue 40M TX alignment. -- JT Croteau, N1ESE - Manchester, NH ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 - Low output during initial TX alignment
JT, The green leads of T2 are meant to be long so they can be routed under the core as shown in the manual. Mychael does a good job of tinning the leads for the proper length, but if you tug on them during installation, you can pull the untinned portion of the lead into the hole and the result is a PTTL (poorly tinned solder lead). If T2 is mounted right down on the board, there is often a drop-off of maximum power on the higher bands. Should you encounter that difficulty, consider re-winding T2 as a first solution and mounting it 1/8 inch above the board. 73, Don W3FPR JT Croteau wrote: Holy cow! I got it to work! It was definitely a improperly tinned green lead on T2. So much for buying pre-wound/tinned 'roids to save me some grief. Heh. Thanks Don. What a relief. Time to button it back up and continue 40M TX alignment. ___ 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] K3 Display
One thing I'm noticing, there is not a good description, YET, with regards what comprises a NO-SOLDER kit for the K3. No one has said whether or not the DISPLAY FRONT PANEL - is finished, and shipped with the K3 kit, or whether we have to build that too? I guess an Assembly Manual will fill in the blanks - but a heads up on FRONT PANEL would be appreciated. Do I get a Icom IC-7000-like Front Panel component with the K3 kit, or not? Fred, N3CSY Building a website is a piece of cake. Yahoo! Small Business gives you all the tools to get online. http://smallbusiness.yahoo.com/webhosting ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 - Low output during initial TX alignment
Hi, John- Since I am the fellow who provides the pre wound toroids, I would like to offer that I do include a note with my K2 sets instructing the builder not to pull the leads too tightly while installing K2-T2 . Its design is a little unusual insofar that the toroid is spaced slightly up off of the PCB, its green secondary leads hidden under the core. I tin most parts up to or onto the core itself, and with this part care must be taken not to distort how the lengthy green leads are positioned since this could result in pulling some enamel into the PCB. 73, Mychael AA3WF K2#1025 It was definitely a improperly tinned green lead on T2. So much for buying pre-wound/tinned 'roids to save me some grief. Heh. JT Croteau, N1ESE - Manchester, NH ___ 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] I can't take it any more . . .
Get your wish list in to Santa (Wayne and Elecraft staff) early this year ! Sounds like you will have something under the tree ! Greg w9gb - Original Message - From: John Graf [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Reflector (post) elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2007 11:38 AM Subject: [Elecraft] I can't take it any more . . . I tried and tried, but I finally had to give in. I ordered my K3 today. Delivery will be late November or early December. 73, John, WA6L ___ 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 band mods
Hi all... I have purchased a pre-owned K1. I was wondering if anyone had come up with a mod to the two band or four band filter board to include 12 and/or 10 meters. I realize that the sunspot cycle has not started to go up, but you can never be to early when it does. Larry N5OSG ___ 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 L16 Adjustment
Hi All, I'm having trouble getting 20W out of an XV144. I get around 7W out with 5W drive (with the jumpers set for 5W drive), and more drive doesn't produce more output. The drive attenuation resistors show a little burned color, but a check with an ohm meter says they are OK. The voltages in the troubleshooting chart look fine. Receiving seems to be OK as well. It's part of a club station, so it's possible it's been overdriven at one point or another. I replaced the MAR-3 (in case it was damaged), but no difference. While adjusting the 28MHz IF strip I noticed that L16 peaks when the slug is removed from the top of the can. The instructions say this is normal for L17, but is it also normal for L16? The voltage at TP5 was still going up quickly when the slug came out, so it seems the inductance needs to be even lower to reach resonance. When I first build the unit it tuned right up and worked fine. Unfortunately I didn't make any notes on where L16 was then. Any sage advice before I drag a 'scope out of a lab to the shack to continue troubleshooting? Thanks joe n6kk ___ 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] Major Flaw in the K3
What you mean you don't always get 599 reports??? *holding my lamp up* *sigh* ;o) Cheers, Julius n2wn And when you do finally work them you can send RST 519. 73, Leigh/WA5ZNU ___ 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
