Re: [Elecraft] RSGB RadCom K3 review posted on RSGB Members web page
Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: Looks like he clearly had a bad 500 Hz filter. It does not match our measurements here or Sherwood's. We'll make sure the customer gets a replacement. We were not contacted prior to publication so we were unable to replace it ahead of time. Like the ARRL review, this one was very much a first shot - and as we all well know, the K3 is a moving target. A few words about Radcom reviews may help put this into perspective. Availability of new models is typically several months behind the USA, and quite frequently the QST review is already in print before a reviewer in Europe can even lay hands on the hardware. This puts reviewers under intense time pressure. On receiving the equipment, the reviewer has a very short time to make some basic functional checks, just to confirm that the equipment is fit to be reviewed. More than once, I have rejected equipment at this point, and I'm sure Peter Hart has too. But once a reviewer commits himself to the magazine's production schedule, the process cannot be stopped. If subtle issues emerge from the detailed measurements, the reviewer will report whatever he sees. The issue about the 500Hz filter was one of that kind, and I don't believe it was dealt with unfairly. All parties agree that it would be extremely hard to spot by a normal user. The problem does need to be investigated - was it confined to that individual filter, or could it affect any or all of them... or is there a measurement problem? - but all that needs to be done on a much longer and more (ahem) measured timescale. The reason Elecraft didn't make the front cover seems perfectly simple - no dark conspiracy but simply that Alinco provided superb photo artwork that no editor could possibly resist. Sorry, folks, but editors of radio magazines see far too many pictures of black boxes with glowing displays... Also, their TX tests were incorrectly run at 120W instead of at our spec limit of 100w. TX IMD will degrade at least 5 dB at 120W. That's there for the CW guys ;-) Equally important would be that Peter's editorial deadline (which is the same as mine) would have been before the major firmware update that considerably improved the SSB performance. It's pretty certain that he didn't try any upgrades himself, or else he'd surely have mentioned how simple it is. All of these issues could perhaps be addressed in a 10,000 mile report sometime down the road. (I'll be away now until Tuesday. Mike - listen out for me in Abingdon... you won't need a radio :-) -- 73 from Ian GM3SEK 'In Practice' columnist for RadCom (RSGB) http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek ___ 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 FP Board
Just to record thanks to Elecraft for great service. Had a big problem with control from the front panel. Rather than prolong diagnosis and my attempts to cure the problem, Gary sent me a new front panel board which arrived here in UK in four working days. Now fitted, working and off to Uganda next Tuesday (5X1NH). Wonderful! 73 Nick G3RWF ___ 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 noise reduction
Hi Windy, I wonder if adjusting the AGC SLP would have an impact on NR processing? I have AGC SLP at 12 and when I need NT it is set for F1-2. Maybe a higher AGC SLP would cause less distortion with stronger signals? 73, N2TK, Tony -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of KM5Q Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:47 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 noise reduction Continuing from my previous message -- I just loaded the current Firmware 2.02. I think NR works better now, but I'm not really sure. In the process however, I found that I was being distracted by the more powerful ranges of 3-x and 4-x. For SSB, the best setting seems to be 1-3. Before, I didn't think it was so effective. The 1 range maintains good volume equalizing between on/off. Higher ranges cause too much distortion. Maybe they are OK on CW, but any advantage seems to be not worth the time to continue experimenting. For now, I'm going to use 1-3 and forget about the higher ranges of NR. A good improvement would be if the NR processing could reduce automatically with signal strength, to avoid unnecessary distortion on strong signals. I trust we'll see some further improvement eventually but meanwhile, I can enjoy using it on low signal/noise ratio conditions and switching it off on stronger signals. Windy KM5Q ___ 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] RSGB RadCom K3 review posted on RSGB Members web page
Stewart I agree with you. I haven't completely read the RSGB K3 review yet. But I think I will trust the ARRL results, Bob Sherwood's and those of Elecraft more than those of the 'RSGB'. 73 Rob G3RCE - Stewart G3RXQ said: More the need for advertising revenue, I suspect... - ___ 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 AM feature request
Would it be possible to have a 1 KHz tuning step for AM? Unless I missed something it seems the smallest AM coarse step is 5 KHz. 1 KHz would be a lot better for tuning around the SWBC bands; 5 is just too coarse. Thanks. 73, Drew AF2Z ___ 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] RSGB RadCom K3 review posted on RSGB Members web page
Ian and All, While I agree with much of what you say, and I sympathize with the various issues, I can't quite agree that it necessarily is a good reason for everything. First of all, U.K. stations had the same access to K3's as U.S. stations did. Indeed, many U.K. bound units were included in the early shipments. But Elecraft's production delays does make it extremely complex to get a unit on any kind of a predictable timeline. If Radcom intended to review the K3 (and I would assume they should have been interested from day 1), they should have probably been quicker off the mark to get a unit in the Que, unless they were willing to delay review until they had proper time to do it right. I'm not saying Peter did it wrong--indeed his review may be quite accurate based on the radio he had--but saying he didn't have enough time suggests a hurried review. It seems to me that any committment to make such a review should be predicated on having sufficient time to do it properly. If Radcom wants it done earlier, they should insure access to a unit on a timely basis. The timing should not be the sole responsibility of the author. I also don't understand why any review (QST, Radcom, or otherwise) would be done without allowing sufficient time for communication with the manufacturer in case problems arise. Now, if the manufacturer doesn't cooperate, so be it. But I assume Elecraft, or any manufacturer, would want to be consulted about any claimed specifications not achieved. The need to work with the manufuacturer should be disclosed, as it says something about the status of production units, but the long term benefit of the review really depends on disclosing whether or not claimed specifications are achievable, and what it took to get there. After all, the problem could possibly be on either end. In short, I think any review that is rushed due to time constraints is of limited value. I'm not being naive' about deadlines, but deadlines must be imposed reasonably. I also think that a review should be something that is updatable. If issues occur, which are subsequently resolved, I think it's good practice to disclose them on a timely basis in a subsequent issue, including how it was achieved. Buyers rely heavily on such reviews, and I would think it is in everyone's interest to do them as completely as possible. And they shouldn't pull any punches either. I hate it when reviewers seem to gloss around certain issues. If it doesn't perform as advertised, say so!!! Dave W7AQK - Original Message - From: Ian White GM3SEK [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:21 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] RSGB RadCom K3 review posted on RSGB Members web page Like the ARRL review, this one was very much a first shot - and as we all well know, the K3 is a moving target. A few words about Radcom reviews may help put this into perspective. Availability of new models is typically several months behind the USA, and quite frequently the QST review is already in print before a reviewer in Europe can even lay hands on the hardware. This puts reviewers under intense time pressure. On receiving the equipment, the reviewer has a very short time to make some basic functional checks, just to confirm that the equipment is fit to be reviewed. More than once, I have rejected equipment at this point, and I'm sure Peter Hart has too. But once a reviewer commits himself to the magazine's production schedule, the process cannot be stopped. If subtle issues emerge from the detailed measurements, the reviewer will report whatever he sees. 73 from Ian GM3SEK 'In Practice' columnist for RadCom (RSGB) http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek ___ 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] RSGB RadCom K3 review posted on RSGB Members web page
Overall I am very pleased with the review that Peter produced. Having chided him somewhat over the lack of a K2 review, I and others pushed him quite hard towards producing one for the K3. Given that the K3 is quite a different beast to the Far East Black Boxes he normally reviews, the end result IMHO is quite good. I don't know where, given the continual changes in the K3 development/manufacturing timeline would be a better place to conduct a review. I don't think the RadCom (RSGB) has had any interest either way in the K3 review, other than to provide an interesting read for the membership. As has been said before the RSGB does not purchase radios anonymously, the reviewer is normally loaned them by a dealer. The K3 review is very different in that this time the unit came from a user. Probably this approach is better at showing the rig, warts and all. 73 Stewart G3RXQ On Thu, 19 Jun 2008 05:49:29 -0700, David Yarnes wrote: Ian and All, While I agree with much of what you say, and I sympathize with the various issues, I can't quite agree that it necessarily is a good reason for everything. First of all, U.K. stations had the same access to K3's as U.S. stations did. Indeed, many U.K. bound units were included in the early shipments. But Elecraft's production delays does make it extremely complex to get a unit on any kind of a predictable timeline. If Radcom intended to review the K3 (and I would assume they should have been interested from day 1), they should have probably been quicker off the mark to get a unit in the Que, unless they were willing to delay review until they had proper time to do it right. I'm not saying Peter did it wrong--indeed his review may be quite accurate based on the radio he had--but saying he didn't have enough time suggests a hurried review. It seems to me that any committment to make such a review should be predicated on having sufficient time to do it properly. If Radcom wants it done earlier, they should insure access to a unit on a timely basis. The timing should not be the sole responsibility of the author. I also don't understand why any review (QST, Radcom, or otherwise) would be done without allowing sufficient time for communication with the manufacturer in case problems arise. Now, if the manufacturer doesn't cooperate, so be it. But I assume Elecraft, or any manufacturer, would want to be consulted about any claimed specifications not achieved. The need to work with the manufuacturer should be disclosed, as it says something about the status of production units, but the long term benefit of the review really depends on disclosing whether or not claimed specifications are achievable, and what it took to get there. After all, the problem could possibly be on either end. In short, I think any review that is rushed due to time constraints is of limited value. I'm not being naive' about deadlines, but deadlines must be imposed reasonably. I also think that a review should be something that is updatable. If issues occur, which are subsequently resolved, I think it's good practice to disclose them on a timely basis in a subsequent issue, including how it was achieved. Buyers rely heavily on such reviews, and I would think it is in everyone's interest to do them as completely as possible. And they shouldn't pull any punches either. I hate it when reviewers seem to gloss around certain issues. If it doesn't perform as advertised, say so!!! Dave W7AQK - Original Message - From: Ian White GM3SEK [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 12:21 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] RSGB RadCom K3 review posted on RSGB Members web page Like the ARRL review, this one was very much a first shot - and as we all well know, the K3 is a moving target. A few words about Radcom reviews may help put this into perspective. Availability of new models is typically several months behind the USA, and quite frequently the QST review is already in print before a reviewer in Europe can even lay hands on the hardware. This puts reviewers under intense time pressure. On receiving the equipment, the reviewer has a very short time to make some basic functional checks, just to confirm that the equipment is fit to be reviewed. More than once, I have rejected equipment at this point, and I'm sure Peter Hart has too. But once a reviewer commits himself to the magazine's production schedule, the process cannot be stopped. If subtle issues emerge from the detailed measurements, the reviewer will report whatever he sees. 73 from Ian GM3SEK 'In Practice' columnist for RadCom (RSGB) http://www.ifwtech.co.uk/g3sek ___ 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:
[Elecraft] K3 USB option
Is it necessary to have the USB option to install firmware updates or is it simply a faster method that I can add on later? What other capabilities does it add? 73, de Jim KG0KP ___ 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] Checking crystal filters, [K3]
I received a bad 6 KHz filter and it was replaced immediately upon my discovery. In my case the upper and lower sidebands had significantly different pass band characteristics so it was easy to tell by ear and then measured with Spectrogram software on my PC. I have a 500 Hz filter and would not know how to test it for IMD. I don't have the test equipment to support the test. Does someone know of something simple that can be done to check roofing filters? Mike Scott - AE6WA Tarzana, CA (DM04 / near LA) K3-100 #508/ KX1 #1311 -- Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2008 15:16:19 -0400 From: Jerry Flanders [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] RSGB RadCom K3 review posted on RSGB Members web page To: Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed At 02:44 PM 6/18/2008, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: Looks like he clearly had a bad 500 Hz filter. It does not match our measurements here or Sherwood's. We'll make sure the customer gets a replacement. Just curious - do you guys check filters before shipping them? Most of us out here wouldn't have a clue if we had a bad filter - we would just suffer with poor performance without ever knowing why. Jerry W4UK ___ 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 USB option
The KUSB is a USB to Serial Adapter that connects the K3 to your personal computer, and should be used if your personal computer has no RS-232 serial ports but has USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports. The KUSB is not something built into the K3, it is an external cable with a USB-to-Serial conversion function in a microcontroller built into the cable. There is a picture of it in the K3 Utility Help. You can install the K3 Utility before your K3 arrives. Under K3 Utility Help, select Getting started and cable requirements. If your PC has an RS-232 serial port, then the KUSB is not necessary. Instead you'll need a straight-through 9-pin RS-232 cable. Firmware updates require that the PC be able to communicate with the K3, either with a 9-pin RS-232 cable attached to your PC's RS-232 serial port, or if your computer has no RS-232 port but has USB ports, you'll need a USB to Serial Adapter like the KUSB for firmware updates (and any other computer rig control you may desire). The KUSB has the right gender of connectors (nuts instead of jack screws) so that it will attach correctly to the back of the K3. If you choose another USB to Serial Adapter and it has jack screw connectors, you should also acquire a 9-pin male-to-female straight thru RS-232 cable that has screw connectors on each end. Dick, K6KR -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jim Miller Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 7:30 AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: [Elecraft] K3 USB option Is it necessary to have the USB option to install firmware updates or is it simply a faster method that I can add on later? What other capabilities does it add? 73, de Jim KG0KP ___ 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 USB option
Is it necessary to have the USB option to install firmware updates? The USB option is simply a USB to RS232 (serial port) converter. You don't need it if your computer has an RS232 serial port. If your computer has USB ports but no serial port, then a USB to serial port converter is needed. 73, Lyle KK7P ___ 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: [K3] [Elecraft] Checking crystal filters,
Traditionally this is a particularly hard measurement to make unless the filter performance is very poor. Without professional test gear you will need to obtain or build two very high quality signal sources, (say identical 7MHz crystal oscillators) at least one of which needs to be tunable. These have to be buffered and then very carefully combined. I think there was a design in the ARRL solid state design book back in the 1980s. Then you can look for the 3rd order IMD products at audio with something like Spectraview - hoping that your sound card IMD performance is better than the radio, which it probably is not if the radio is working. You need test sources with very low phase noise, more than 100dB down at the spacing you are testing at. A typical signal generator is probably not good enough for this measurement. Well designed crystal oscillators should be OK. Maybe it is easier just to use the radio. When listening, if you can not detect any intermods, then you don't have a problem with them. Mike -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Checking-crystal-filters%2C-tp18010302p1803.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.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 USB option
Thanks for the information. I guess I need to reread a good share of the information, I'm getting old. There is just sooo much (including trying to keep up with the reflector which I don't think is even possible). I have read all the information available except not having finished the actual K3 Manuals itself. Anxiously awaiting my Katiegram, early August? Katie, you listening? Thanks es 73, de Jim KG0KP - Original Message - From: Dick Dievendorff [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'Jim Miller' [EMAIL PROTECTED]; 'Elecraft Reflector' elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 9:54 AM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 USB option The KUSB is a USB to Serial Adapter that connects the K3 to your personal computer, and should be used if your personal computer has no RS-232 serial ports but has USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports. The KUSB is not something built into the K3, it is an external cable with a USB-to-Serial conversion function in a microcontroller built into the cable. There is a picture of it in the K3 Utility Help. You can install the K3 Utility before your K3 arrives. Under K3 Utility Help, select Getting started and cable requirements. If your PC has an RS-232 serial port, then the KUSB is not necessary. Instead you'll need a straight-through 9-pin RS-232 cable. Firmware updates require that the PC be able to communicate with the K3, either with a 9-pin RS-232 cable attached to your PC's RS-232 serial port, or if your computer has no RS-232 port but has USB ports, you'll need a USB to Serial Adapter like the KUSB for firmware updates (and any other computer rig control you may desire). The KUSB has the right gender of connectors (nuts instead of jack screws) so that it will attach correctly to the back of the K3. If you choose another USB to Serial Adapter and it has jack screw connectors, you should also acquire a 9-pin male-to-female straight thru RS-232 cable that has screw connectors on each end. Dick, K6KR -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jim Miller Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 7:30 AM To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: [Elecraft] K3 USB option Is it necessary to have the USB option to install firmware updates or is it simply a faster method that I can add on later? What other capabilities does it add? 73, de Jim KG0KP ___ 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 K3 owner (soon I hope)
I ordered my new K3 at Dayton which is scheduled for delivery in Sept. My question to the group is: Will the radio come with some version of software or firmware installed or be dumb as a box of rocks just out of the box and require some version of downloading before it will work at all. Any heads up for when the radio arrives would be appreciated. TIA, de gary, kd9sv ___ 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: Synchronous AM Receive
Yeah, well... it had better be soon. Us SWL natives are getting restless! ;-) (We tease because we love...) Paul WW2PT Lyle KK7P wrote: Any idea whether the synchronous AM receive capability will require hardware mods or will it solely be a firmware modification? It will be a firmware update only. 73, Lyle KK7P -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3%3A-Synchronous-AM-Receive-tp17959523p18011337.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] received dust covers
Hello, I received two dust-covers today. They are perfect!!! Vy 73 Holger - DL9HDA ___ 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 K3 owner (soon I hope)
Hi Gary Mine came with software/firmware already installed. However, they recommend you download after testing to ensure you have the latest. Worked fine without the download, but always nice to have the latest and greatest. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG The Little Station with Attitude - Original Message - From: Gary Nichols [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 8:19 AM Subject: [Elecraft] new K3 owner (soon I hope) I ordered my new K3 at Dayton which is scheduled for delivery in Sept. My question to the group is: Will the radio come with some version of software or firmware installed or be dumb as a box of rocks just out of the box and require some version of downloading before it will work at all. Any heads up for when the radio arrives would be appreciated. TIA, de gary, kd9sv ___ 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] new K3 owner (soon I hope)
Gary, It will arrive with firmware loaded, but it is a good idea to download the latest firmware as soon as possible so your K3 can be 'up-to-date'. You can download K3 Utility (this is the firmware loader) at any time and go from there. K3 Utility has several features that may help you in setting up your K3 configuration (particularly the filters). K3 Utility and the latest firmware files are available from the Elecraft website. The K3 Utility help file can guide you in selecting a folder to hold the files on your local computer - it will check and download the latest firmware files if you tell it to do that. All in all, it is an almost painless process. 73, Don W3FPR Gary Nichols wrote: I ordered my new K3 at Dayton which is scheduled for delivery in Sept. My question to the group is: Will the radio come with some version of software or firmware installed or be dumb as a box of rocks just out of the box and require some version of downloading before it will work at all. Any heads up for when the radio arrives would be appreciated. TIA, de gary, kd9sv ___ 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 Apple iMac w/VMFusion
Have new Apple iMac running VMFusion w/Windows XP SP2. I hve set it up to run HRD and N1MM contest software. The problem with N1MM which uses the F1-10 keys is that the computer does not recognize these keys, i.e., when selecting F1 for CQ, it reverts to Apple commands. Anyone using this config and have suggestion? Otherwise,it's pretty neat to be able to run both MS and Apple software. The iMac handled the installation of all the MS programs very well, with no hand ups nor blue screens of death. 73 Tom CX7TT ___ 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: Synchronous AM Receive
I noticed that Sync Det is already listed in the config menu (just not implemented yet.) Likewise for audio annunciators for button pushes (and button identification in Morse... did I dream that?... can't seem to find it now.) Anyhow, I think that will be very nice as the tactile feedback on the buttons is not as snappy as it is on the K2. 73, Drew AF2Z On Thu, 19 Jun 2008 08:21:46 -0700 (PDT), you wrote: Yeah, well... it had better be soon. Us SWL natives are getting restless! ;-) (We tease because we love...) Paul WW2PT ___ 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 Apple iMac w/VMFusion
Hi Tom, I use VMware Fusion on my iMac to run WinXP and several Linux distros. I'm not using HRD or N1MM, but I believe if you hold down the Fn key while pressing the Function keys it should work. I'm not in front of my Mac right now so I'm not 100% sure, but give that a try. David, W4SMT --- TMorton [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Have new Apple iMac running VMFusion w/Windows XP SP2. I hve set it up to run HRD and N1MM contest software. The problem with N1MM which uses the F1-10 keys is that the computer does not recognize these keys, i.e., when selecting F1 for CQ, it reverts to Apple commands. Anyone using this config and have suggestion? Otherwise,it's pretty neat to be able to run both MS and Apple software. The iMac handled the installation of all the MS programs very well, with no hand ups nor blue screens of death. 73 Tom CX7TT ___ 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: Power cable question
Glad you raised that point, Brian. In my Sunday school classes I ask the question: what does the fuse protect? It's a revelation to all when I give the right answer. On our 240V distribution system, a melted cable can lead to a severe shock hazard and I'm guessing that in the 110V centre-tapped system since the shock hazard is so much less, the next major hazard is fire, so, I've often thought that we are protecting against 2 hazards, each with a different emphasis in each case. In a 14V dc distribution system there is no real shock hazard (SELV), so the remaining hazard has to be fire, so, a slow fuse is not a problem, since heating effect in the wiring is so much slower. Anyone care to comment/add? David On Jun 16, 2008, at 9:59 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: A regular fuse should blow at 2.6 x the rating within 30s, in other words very slowly. It's only a short circuit that will normally blow a new fuse. Have not seen any data on old fuses which might get metal fatigue. There are faster fuses, but the fastest are rf transistors - on three legs anyway... Most people don't know that the purpose of a fuse or circuit breaker is to protect the power distribution wiring, not the electronic component itself. Wire will carry a surge without too much temperature rise. The idea is that the fuse will blow or the breaker open before there is any chance of damage to the wire. This means that a fuse or breaker cannot protect your active devices. If you want that level of protection you need something like a power supply with fold-back current limiting. Brian Lloyd ___ 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 K3 owner (soon I hope)
I will have software installed. There is a not included that says to upgrade to the latest version ASAP. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Gary Nichols Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 9:19 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] new K3 owner (soon I hope) I ordered my new K3 at Dayton which is scheduled for delivery in Sept. My question to the group is: Will the radio come with some version of software or firmware installed or be dumb as a box of rocks just out of the box and require some version of downloading before it will work at all. Any heads up for when the radio arrives would be appreciated. TIA, de gary, kd9sv ___ 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: [K3] [Elecraft] Checking crystal filters,
Doesn't the radio have a 2-tone generator built into it? -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of AD6XY - Mike Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 8:12 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [K3] [Elecraft] Checking crystal filters, Traditionally this is a particularly hard measurement to make unless the filter performance is very poor. Without professional test gear you will need to obtain or build two very high quality signal sources, (say identical 7MHz crystal oscillators) at least one of which needs to be tunable. These have to be buffered and then very carefully combined. I think there was a design in the ARRL solid state design book back in the 1980s. Then you can look for the 3rd order IMD products at audio with something like Spectraview - hoping that your sound card IMD performance is better than the radio, which it probably is not if the radio is working. You need test sources with very low phase noise, more than 100dB down at the spacing you are testing at. A typical signal generator is probably not good enough for this measurement. Well designed crystal oscillators should be OK. Maybe it is easier just to use the radio. When listening, if you can not detect any intermods, then you don't have a problem with them. Mike -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Checking-crystal-filters%2C-tp18010302p1803.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3: Power cable question
--- David Cutter [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Glad you raised that point, Brian. In my Sunday school classes I ask the question: what does the fuse protect? It's a revelation to all when I give the right answer. On our 240V distribution system, a melted cable can lead to a severe shock hazard and I'm guessing that in the 110V centre-tapped system since the shock hazard is so much less, the next major hazard is fire, so, I've often You are right David. 110 VAC is much safer than 240V, it can just barely kill you. Cookie, K5EWJ Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ ___ 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 transmit problem
Gurus Wanted -- I'm having a problem with my new K3 and would like some suggestions if someone has lived through the same problem. This is transceiver kit received June 17, 2008 - S.N - 1068 Problem: Cannot get any transmit power out. Settings: KAT3 - Byp KBPF3 - nor KIO3 - nor KNB3 - nor KPA3 - not installed KRX3 - not installed KXV3 - nor TX INH = off Receiver is OK and receives on all bands No error messages displayed on either RX or TX I can hear weak signal from K3 on other ham transceiver. Have 100w. amplifier KPA3 but it is still in the box. TX LED lights with XMIT button Displays ANT1 on LCD Only filter available (2.7) is located in middle (F3) position but all RX and TX modes are set for F3. Things tried: Checked through archives and tried suggestions other had tried but most of these had an error of some sort displayed. The error message helped to aim the user toward a solution. Several mentioned corrupt firmware so I upgraded and downloaded latest firmware last night but still no transmit. I've tried at least 2 different coax cables, 2 different wattmeters, and 2 different dummy loads. Any of the procedures for alignment which involve transmitting stop me dead in my tracks with no output. I've emailed K3support last night but have, so far, received no reply. I've built lots of kits and multiple transmitters but this one is a little different animal. If anyone has a suggestion of something I should check before disassembling the rig, I'd be grateful. Additional unrelated problem noted: Setting the Date and Time - only first digits will change with VFO A dial (Month and Hour) Pressing the buttons 2 and 3 don't let other parts of the date and time to be set. I appreciate any help. 73, Jim - K5LAD It's so simple to be wise. Just think of something stupid to say and then don't say it. -- Sam Levenson === My Web Page - http://www.hayseed.net/~jpk5lad ___ 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] SDR processing delays, Flex 5000
Brian, Is the Flex 5000 any good on CW? My understanding is that the delays through the processing chain make it impossible to use QSK. Mike Scott - AE6WA Tarzana, CA (DM04 / near LA) K3-100 #508/ KX1 #1311 --- Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:30:52 -0700 From: Brian Lloyd [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SDR Adapter To: David Woolley (E.L) [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes As I understand it, the difficulty is not in feeding the IF into a Softrock, but in preventing the Softrock feeding its local oscillator into the K3 and compromising that's performance. Two words: buffer amp. Incidentally, the K3 *is* an SDR! Somewhat. It may be on the inside but to those of us on the outside it is still a monolithic radio. It is also locked into the processing power that it now has. It is difficult to take advantage of Moore's Law the way it is currently designed. (Moore's Law says that computing power per dollar doubles every 18 months. Anyone buying a PC understands this.) Also, we can't make changes. We are dependent on Lyle and Wayne to have the same interest we do in the features we want and we need them to do the work. This is the disadvantage of a closed environment. I have been on the fence for quite some time and have finally decided to go the route of a Flex 5000 instead of a K3. Even tho' I think that the K3 has a better receiver for traditional modes, I believe that the open software of the Flex and other hardware like the SoftRock will end up offering me more in the long run. Yes I give up some in BDR and IP3 but I get back huge flexibility and expandability with new modulation schemes. I can even hack the code if I want. So it is more appealing to the engineer/hacker in me. But I plan to stick with the K2 as a portable rig. I still really like that little radio. I would love to see Elecraft open up the code for the K2. -- 73 de Brian, WB6RQN Brian Lloyd - brian HYPHEN wb6rqn AT lloyd DOT 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] SDR processing delays, Flex 5000
The Flex 5000 has a wonderful receiver, great transmitter but those delays make QSK impossible. Also, it has a rather loud relay. The Flex is a hobby of it's own and many hours can be spent experimenting with all the settings. Steve Ellington [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: Mike Scott [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 2:21 PM Subject: [Elecraft] SDR processing delays, Flex 5000 Brian, Is the Flex 5000 any good on CW? My understanding is that the delays through the processing chain make it impossible to use QSK. Mike Scott - AE6WA Tarzana, CA (DM04 / near LA) K3-100 #508/ KX1 #1311 --- Date: Wed, 18 Jun 2008 12:30:52 -0700 From: Brian Lloyd [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SDR Adapter To: David Woolley (E.L) [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed; delsp=yes As I understand it, the difficulty is not in feeding the IF into a Softrock, but in preventing the Softrock feeding its local oscillator into the K3 and compromising that's performance. Two words: buffer amp. Incidentally, the K3 *is* an SDR! Somewhat. It may be on the inside but to those of us on the outside it is still a monolithic radio. It is also locked into the processing power that it now has. It is difficult to take advantage of Moore's Law the way it is currently designed. (Moore's Law says that computing power per dollar doubles every 18 months. Anyone buying a PC understands this.) Also, we can't make changes. We are dependent on Lyle and Wayne to have the same interest we do in the features we want and we need them to do the work. This is the disadvantage of a closed environment. I have been on the fence for quite some time and have finally decided to go the route of a Flex 5000 instead of a K3. Even tho' I think that the K3 has a better receiver for traditional modes, I believe that the open software of the Flex and other hardware like the SoftRock will end up offering me more in the long run. Yes I give up some in BDR and IP3 but I get back huge flexibility and expandability with new modulation schemes. I can even hack the code if I want. So it is more appealing to the engineer/hacker in me. But I plan to stick with the K2 as a portable rig. I still really like that little radio. I would love to see Elecraft open up the code for the K2. -- 73 de Brian, WB6RQN Brian Lloyd - brian HYPHEN wb6rqn AT lloyd DOT 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. Version: 8.0.100 / Virus Database: 270.4.0/1509 - Release Date: 6/19/2008 8:00 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 transmit problem
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: ... Problem: Cannot get any transmit power out. ... Receiver is OK and receives on all bands No error messages displayed on either RX or TX I can hear weak signal from K3 on other ham transceiver. Hi Jim, You didn't say that you have run the TX gain setting procedure. If not, do that first. If there is a problem with the LPA you'll see ERR TXG message in the VFO B display area. My K3 had a defective LPA module, which Elecraft quickly replaced once we determined that power at the input to the module was OK, but no output was being produced on any band. Gus Hansen KB0YH ___ 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] SDR Adapter
N2TK wrote: In 1965 Gordon Moore stated The number of transistors on a chip will double about every two years. In 1968 this became known as Moore's law. Typically this is done through shrinking geometries. There is actually a problem with this in that, in the near future, scaling will reach a point where the physics breaks down and oxide thicknesses are so small that electrons simply (quantum mechanically) tunnel through them, and the number of electrons in a memory cell capacitor tends to one. Quite a few sources suggest this will be around the end of the decade. Unless some other way of continuing the speed up process can be found, this might have an interesting effect on the rate of software inventions, as many of these aren't really new ideas, but ones that would have run too slowly at the time they were first thought of. Incidentally, Peter Hart's review volunteers that the K3 is effectively an SDR. (Also for those not familiar with RadCom, Peter Hart does solid technical reviews, however they also have reviewers who are basically journalists (the one who did the handie one used to work for a commercial ham magazine). Increasingly the journalist reviews seem to be infomercials, as the RSGB shop then (acting as an order taking agent) sells the products at a discount.) -- David Woolley Emails are not formal business letters, whatever businesses may want. RFC1855 says there should be an address here, but, in a world of spam, that is no longer good advice, as archive address hiding may not work. ___ 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] SDR processing delays, Flex 5000
Hi All, I bought a used flex sdr 1000 whilst waiting for a K3, and would agree with Steve. It does however make a good modem for digi modes! That was a mission in itself getting the virtual connections etc to function. I found it almost impossible to send Morse, although Power SDR v 12 seems a bit better. I am hoping that the K3 will make a worthy successor to my elderly TT Corsair II 73 Tim gm4lmh - Original Message - From: n4lq [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 8:10 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] SDR processing delays, Flex 5000 The Flex 5000 has a wonderful receiver, great transmitter but those delays make QSK impossible. Also, it has a rather loud relay. The Flex is a hobby of it's own and many hours can be spent experimenting with all the settings. Steve Ellington [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: Mike Scott [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 2:21 PM Subject: [Elecraft] SDR processing delays, Flex 5000 Brian, Is the Flex 5000 any good on CW? My understanding is that the delays through the processing chain make it impossible to use QSK. Mike Scott - AE6WA Tarzana, CA (DM04 / near LA) K3-100 #508/ KX1 #1311 ___ 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 transmit problem
Make sure you're not in TEST mode. Phil - AD5X ... Problem: Cannot get any transmit power out. ___ 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: Synchronous AM Receive
WW2PT wrote: Yeah, well... it had better be soon. Us SWL natives are getting restless! ;-) (We tease because we love...) Paul WW2PT Yes and I'm having trouble justifying $12,500 for an IC-7800 (which also has synch AM RX). I've been told though that the IC-7700 doesn't have synch AM. Does anyone here disagree with this? I reckon I could almost justify the money for that. -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3%3A-Synchronous-AM-Receive-tp17959523p18020330.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] Second Receiver Discussion
Elecraftians. (sounds like a Indian Tribe from the Dakotas or from an alien planet) Would someone like to expound the virtues and advantages of adding the second receiver to the K3? I want to know what I could gain from have a second receiver in the K3. Lee - K0WA In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply. If you don't have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it. If you can't find any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense. Is Common Sense divine? ___ 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: Synchronous AM Receive
Hi Paul, I also own a IC-7800 but it does NOT have sync AM detector (at least I haven't found it). I just checked the manual and cannot find any reference to Sync AM. Maybe I missed something. How do you get your 7800 in sync AM mode? Using my K3 + LP-PAN and PowerSDR I enjoy Sync AM while listening to SW broadcasts. Works great! Thanks for any info on 7800 Sync AM, Frank - W6NEK - Original Message - From: Shane White [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2008 4:39 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: Synchronous AM Receive WW2PT wrote: Yeah, well... it had better be soon. Us SWL natives are getting restless! ;-) (We tease because we love...) Paul WW2PT Yes and I'm having trouble justifying $12,500 for an IC-7800 (which also has synch AM RX). I've been told though that the IC-7700 doesn't have synch AM. Does anyone here disagree with this? I reckon I could almost justify the money for that. -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3%3A-Synchronous-AM-Receive-tp17959523p18020330.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] Second Receiver Discussion
On Thu, 19 Jun 2008 17:32:55 -0700 (PDT), Lee Buller [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Elecraftians. (sounds like a Indian Tribe from the Dakotas or from an alien planet) Would someone like to expound the virtues and advantages of adding the second receiver to the K3? I want to know what I could gain from have a second receiver in the K3. Lee - K0WA Lee, Most hams will say that it is an aid to working DX, because when the DX station is QSX on a frequency other than his TX frequency you can use the sub RX to find the frequency he is QSX on by finding the STNs he answering, and that is true, but I like them for another reason. Every time I get in a round table QSO on CW or SSB, nobody is on the same frequency. Being able to QSX on your TX frequency when working split lets you tune the net control in so that you will be TX on his freq and use the other RX to copy the other guys who can't seem to zero beat the NCS frequency. This keeps your TX on the correct frequency while allowing you to move the main RX around. You can do that with the A and B VFOs also, but it is a bit more difficult. I guess when it comes down to it it depends on how much you want to spend for convenience. Tom, N5GE - SWOT 3537 - Grid EM12jq Those who would give up Essential Liberty to purchase a little Temporary Safety deserve neither Liberty nor Safety An excerpt from a letter written in 1755 from the Assembly to the Governor of Pennsylvania. Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like. http://www.n5ge.com http://www.eQSL.cc/Member.cfm?N5GE ___ 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] Second Receiver Discussion
Would someone like to expound the virtues and advantages of adding the second receiver to the K3? I want to know what I could gain from have a second receiver in the K3. One reason I really wanted the second Rx in the K3 is from experience long ago in a town far, far away. QRM WARS I used to have a regular sked on 20 meter SSB with a friend in New Zealand. He was running low power to a simple dipole and his signal was often as weak as mine. Once we had our QSO going, someone would invariably stomp on his signal, tuning up and calling CQ, and then getting abusive if told that there was QSO in progress. (I know this never happens in the polite society of the 21st century, but it did in the early 1980s.) I then acquired a used Signal/One CX-7A. It had dual receive. After that, once our QSO started, I'd tune around with the second receiver to locate a clear spot. When we got QRM'ed, I'd tell him the new frequency, and instantly QSY to it and call him. Once we were chatting on that frequency, I'd tune around with the second receiver looking for a clear spot... 73, Lyle KK7P ___ 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 noise reduction
Tony, I have AGC SLP set somewhere around 12 like you. That isn't the problem. Distortion is the inevitable effect of DSP noise reduction. The higher the S/N ratio, the less NR is needed, so I end up turning NR on and off manually according to S/N conditions (on SSB). Someone else was asking for NR comparisons with other radios. I had a chance to compare K3 to a SGC-2020 ADSP2 (the late, advanced edition, highly regarded) -- NR is about equally effective, as is overall weak signal performance on SSB. However, the K3 has much more pleasant audio, with or without NR. I also have a ClearSpeach DSP speaker (purchased in '99), which reduces any noise that is steady-state, like background hiss. It's good, but K3 NR is substantially more effective. I still believe that there is room to improve the NR effect on steady background hiss. Nobody has commented on my description of my NR seeming to get worse over a few weeks (while using the same firmware). I've begun to doubt my own sensibilities. Windy KM5Q K3 #764 Hi Windy, I wonder if adjusting the AGC SLP would have an impact on NR processing? I have AGC SLP at 12 and when I need NT it is set for F1-2. Maybe a higher AGC SLP would cause less distortion with stronger signals? 73, N2TK, Tony ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Synchronous AM Receive
Wasn't me who said it! I know little about the 7800. But I have seen specs online that indicate Synchronous AM mode (here for example: http://tinyurl.com/43yz2g), but no mention of it on the Icom web site or in the English brochure that I have. As for the K3... I can (but won't) name a handful of radios with bad synchronous AM detection, and only a few that implement it effectively. I'm banking on my belief that Elecraft can and will do it right if it isn't rushed. Right, Lyle? ;-) Paul WW2PT W6NEK wrote: Hi Paul, I also own a IC-7800 but it does NOT have sync AM detector (at least I haven't found it). I just checked the manual and cannot find any reference to Sync AM. Maybe I missed something. How do you get your 7800 in sync AM mode? Using my K3 + LP-PAN and PowerSDR I enjoy Sync AM while listening to SW broadcasts. Works great! Thanks for any info on 7800 Sync AM, Frank - W6NEK -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3%3A-Synchronous-AM-Receive-tp17959523p18021874.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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: Synchronous AM Receive
WW2PT wrote: Wasn't me who said it! I know little about the 7800. But I have seen specs online that indicate Synchronous AM mode (here for example: http://tinyurl.com/43yz2g), but no mention of it on the Icom web site or in the English brochure that I have. As for the K3... I can (but won't) name a handful of radios with bad synchronous AM detection, and only a few that implement it effectively. I'm banking on my belief that Elecraft can and will do it right if it isn't rushed. Right, Lyle? ;-) Paul WW2PT My local Icom agent rang Icom Hong Kong yesterday who told him that the IC-7800 uses synchronous AM receive automatically. You can't engage or disengage it. They also told him that the 7800 is the only Icom radio to incorporate synchronous AM. I find it hard to believe that the 7700 doesn't feature it though considering it's new. Shane VK5ABQ -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3%3A-Synchronous-AM-Receive-tp17959523p18022156.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] Elecraft K3 ALC
Has anyone implemented the new negative ALC facility yet ? What are the hardware mods required and are these now incorporated in new K3's ? How well does it work with linears ? Barry Simpson VK2BJ ___ 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 and Quadra amp automatic bandswitching SUCCESS
For anyone struggling to get their Yaesu Quadra amp interfaced to the K3 - 1. In it's original condition, the K3 provides no means to pull up the band data lines. 2. In it's original condition, the Quadra provides no means to pull up the band data lines. 3. The Quadra has 10K resistors wired from each band data line to ground, pulling DOWN any voltage impressed on the band data inputs. 4. The Quadra uses a 74HC244 device to interface the band data lines to the outside world, which requires around 3.5 volts to switch to the high state. For band data line HI/LO switching to occur, you need to provide your own pullups of the appropriate size to provide enough current to deal with the 10K pulldown resistors inside the Quadra and still bring the band data lines up to around 3.5 Volts. I tried 10K pullup resistors before I did the math, which failed because not enough current could flow to bring the lines up to the 3.5 V minimum. I am now using 2.2K resistors connected to a +5V regulator and now I have all lines switching properly, and the Quadra will now follow the K3 with automatic bandswitching throughout the entire 160 - 6 M range. I have separate cables made up for each of the two independent inputs and either works properly now (only one is required). I will try to wire up the remaining lines tomorrow - ALC, ON/OFF, PTT, TX INH etc. I received the DB15HD breakout board I ordered ( http://www.winfordeng.com/products/brk15hd.php ) and have made up a new cable with it. That breakout board gives enough space for everything needed, including the FSK and ALC connections. It also has screw terminals, which makes it easy to patch it all together. The board is wider than I have clear space for at the back of the K3, but it works OK if I plug the DB9 in last. This board looks like a good solution to the problem of connecting up to all those pins in the DB15HD but is a little pricey at $16 + 5.50 shipping. Adding a DB15HD male to female extension cord (which the same company also sells) would simplify things and make it possible to put the breakout board in an external box. Jerry W4UK ___ 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
[K3] [Elecraft] Heil BM10ic K3 or K2 ?
Has anyone tried using the Heil BM-10 ic (Icom) headset microphone with the K3 or K2 rig? I have a modified David Clark headset using the BM10ic speakers and microphone. They were incredible on my old IC 751 rig, mostly due to the noise reduction earphones. If you have any info I would like to hear from you. 73, VE7HJ James Johnson www.ve7hj.com -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Heil-BM10ic-K3-or-K2---tp18022942p18022942.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.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
