Re: [Elecraft] UK Elecraft Net
Ian Thanks for running the net, sorry I couldn't stay long but a great pleasure to work everybody. I started making notes about what folks were using, it might be useful to make a table of essential parameters, antenna, settings and such like. I'm quite surprised for instance that my little prototype antenna works so well (G7FEK antenna) I call is a lazy U. Great for small gardens like mine. Hope cu next week David G3UNA Hi all, After a short break for the festive period, I will be starting the net again tomorrow (Sunday) 9th January 2011 at 09:00z. It would be great to hear you all again :) 73 Ian -- Ian J Maude, G0VGS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft_K3] Re: Power gain calibration
This turned out to be a K3 Utility bug, which showed up in Tx Gain calibration if your K3 has the K3 CONFIG menu: AUTO INF set to something other than NOR. Users of a SteppIR controller might normally have this set. Earlier versions of the K3 Utility turned off Auto-Info and restored it after Tx Gain calibration was complete. A few months ago I made changes to remove Auto Info setters in an effort to be compatible with LP-Bridge's requirements. Larry, N8LP, indicated that changing Auto Info interfered with rig sharing and that was a reason (perhaps not the only reason) that the K3 Utility wasn't able to run under LP-Bridge. When Auto Info is on, a fair number of unsolicited responses are generated when the band is changed. The calibration code issues a band change setter, then reads the existing frequency on the new band (so that the last used frequency on each band can be restored), then changes to the calibration frequency. The frequency setter is issued during the flurry of unsolicited responses and apparently was lost (on some radios but not others), and the retry code reissued a confirming frequency query rather than reissuing the frequency setter. I've changed the K3 Utility Tx Gain calibration routine to re-issue the frequency setter in these circumstances. I've asked our web site owner to move the newly fixed version to the Elecraft K3 software web page. That sometimes takes a little while depending on workload. If you are suffering from this issue and don't mind being a bit of a pioneer, the new K3 Utility version is available from this FTP site: ftp://ftp.elecraft.com/tmp/K3/K3UTIL/K3_Utility_Setup_1_4_1_8.exe Thanks to John, N1JM, for testing the new version and for supplying before and after fix traces. Thanks to Jack, W6FB, for an earlier note that suggested that my retry code should reissue the setter rather than the getter. You were right, Jack! Thanks to Adrian, VK4TUX, for noting that I had an extra period in the hyperlink to the FTP location in an earlier message. Neither of my K3s did this in my repeated tests of Tx Gain calibration with Auto Info on. Band change time is variable. 73 de Dick, K6KR From: elecraft...@yahoogroups.com mailto:Elecraft_K3%40yahoogroups.com [mailto:elecraft...@yahoogroups.com mailto:Elecraft_K3%40yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of John Merrill Sent: Saturday, January 08, 2011 10:52 AM To: Elecraft_K3 Subject: [Elecraft_K3] Power gain calibration Must be doing something wrong. Using the utility I get this error for both 5w and 50w cal: Elecraft K3 Utility Version 1.3.10.15 OS Version 6.1 Build 7600 Windows 7/Windows Server 2008 R2 Starting 50 watt calibration Calibrating at 1.900 MHz Elapsed time: 17 seconds K3 did not respond to VFO A query (FA) 50 watt calibration failed FA responds fine on the command tester tab. 73, John N1JM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Backup/Restore current configuration via file
Hi Fred (I think this is your firstname) yes I wonder if there is a way to copy the configuration info. I see there's another utility called K3_EZ that many collegues appreciated, but I did not try it right now. My question starts from this: I noticed collegues having problems setting k3 for digimodes using external card . I suffered too with my signalink but in a short time I was operating (thanks to help I found here). Now I'd like to help who's posting question in this matter, but to do this I would navigate deeply into menus to find what I touched to have my k3 running in digi via signalink. If I had a dump of my configuration I should have had the possibility to help in easier way I think. 73 and thanks. Giorgio -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Backup-Restore-current-configuration-via-file-tp5902987p5904181.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Backup/Restore current configuration via file
Hi Fred (I think this is your firstname) yes I wonder if there is a way to copy the configuration info. I see there's another utility called K3_EZ that many collegues appreciated, but I did not try it right now. My question starts from this: I noticed collegues having problems setting k3 for digimodes using external card . I suffered too with my signalink but in a short time I was operating (thanks to help I found here). Now I'd like to help who's posting question in this matter, but to do this I would navigate deeply into menus to find what I touched to have my k3 running in digi via signalink. If I had a dump of my configuration I should have had the possibility to help in easier way I think. 73 and thanks. Giorgio -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Backup-Restore-current-configuration-via-file-tp5902987p5904182.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 10W dual receivers current?
Thanks. I guess that means the 13.5V 2.5A switcher I have won't quite cut it. Oh well.. Happy new year everyone! 73, Ross N4RP On 12/31/10 2:46 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: In receive mode, about 0.9 amps with the sub off, 1.2 with it on. This can go up with installed options. In transmit, around 3 to 4 amps at full power (10-12 W). 73, Wayne N6KR On Dec 31, 2010, at 11:11 AM, Ross Primrose N4RP wrote: Anyone know the key down current draw for a 10W K3 with dual receivers? 73, Ross N4RP -- FCC Section 97.313(a) “At all times, an amateur station must use the minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communications.” __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- FCC Section 97.313(a) “At all times, an amateur station must use the minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communications.” __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] TX Issue in Part III checks
Brian, Looking again at your Q24 measurements, I think you reversed the leads. Check against the J310 basing diagram on the Schematic Key page and remeasure. 5.6 volts on the drain is well within reason when there is no output - VALC will go to its maximum value when there is no output sensed and tries to make Q24 conduct harder so more BFO signal is delivered to the Transmit Mixer. That is how the power control works - the conduction of Q24 is the controlling element. The voltages listed in the DC voltage chart are for a properly working K2 at 5 watts output. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/8/2011 10:44 PM, Brian Handy wrote: Hi All, I've been working on my K2 and I'm on the home stretch. I had to dabble a bit to find a cold solder joint in the Part II checks, but eventually got a home-brewed test oscillator to reach through on 40m! Quite happy with things so far, and learning a lot. I still have a lot to learn about the transmitter side though, that doesn't work. When I first hit 'tune' in the Part III checks, I noticed high current on the power supply, high current on the front panel, and changing the power level didn't help, it was always high draw. It didn't take much of this to zorch the PA finals and short things straight to ground. Nothing worked until I pulled T3, and while I had the soldering out I took out the PAs and started looking around and reading the mail archives. I noted one suggestion from Don to someone else and checked the voltages on base on the finals - both are around 0.65V, which I think is OK. I realize things won't be quite the same without the PAs there and proper feedback happening, but ... I then started going through all the voltages on the RF board with TUNE on. Everything looked pretty much fine except for Q24 ~ Leg - Expected - Measured: G- 0V - 5.6V S - 1.2 - 2.5V D - 13V - 0V That doesn't look right at all to me. Exploring further, I started chasing VALC down the rabbit hole. Pin 2 of U8 (V PWR) seems to vary between 3.8-5V as I turn the PWR knob in TUNE. I decided that was OK. Pin 1 of U10A doesn't move around a lot, only up and down about 0.1V. Finally the emitter of Q8 (V ALC) seems stuck at 7.4V. I was firmly confused at this point, so went back and started checking Control Board voltages per the page of expected readings in the back of the manual with CAL FCTR turned on. Everything seems turned off when I do that and I'm seeing pretty much 0V everywhere. I'm a bit saturated at the moment, but thought I would ask if this sounds like I'm on the right track, or if I have to get to poking elsewhere ... Cheers and thanks in advance, Brian Handy AE7JW Tokyo, Japan __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] TX Issue in Part III checks
Brian, I did not respond to your original problem of high current. A HiCur problem combined with low or zero output normally indicates a problem in the Low Pass filter and/or T4. Your voltage on the base of the PA transistors is a bit high - I do not like to see anything higher than 0.64 volts, so check the resistor values connecting to Q11 and Q13. When you receive the K2PAKIT from Elecraft, it will have replacement transistors for Q11 and Q13, and I would suggest using them. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/8/2011 10:44 PM, Brian Handy wrote: Hi All, I've been working on my K2 and I'm on the home stretch. I had to dabble a bit to find a cold solder joint in the Part II checks, but eventually got a home-brewed test oscillator to reach through on 40m! Quite happy with things so far, and learning a lot. I still have a lot to learn about the transmitter side though, that doesn't work. When I first hit 'tune' in the Part III checks, I noticed high current on the power supply, high current on the front panel, and changing the power level didn't help, it was always high draw. It didn't take much of this to zorch the PA finals and short things straight to ground. Nothing worked until I pulled T3, and while I had the soldering out I took out the PAs and started looking around and reading the mail archives. I noted one suggestion from Don to someone else and checked the voltages on base on the finals - both are around 0.65V, which I think is OK. I realize things won't be quite the same without the PAs there and proper feedback happening, but ... I then started going through all the voltages on the RF board with TUNE on. Everything looked pretty much fine except for Q24 ~ Leg - Expected - Measured: G- 0V - 5.6V S - 1.2 - 2.5V D - 13V - 0V That doesn't look right at all to me. Exploring further, I started chasing VALC down the rabbit hole. Pin 2 of U8 (V PWR) seems to vary between 3.8-5V as I turn the PWR knob in TUNE. I decided that was OK. Pin 1 of U10A doesn't move around a lot, only up and down about 0.1V. Finally the emitter of Q8 (V ALC) seems stuck at 7.4V. I was firmly confused at this point, so went back and started checking Control Board voltages per the page of expected readings in the back of the manual with CAL FCTR turned on. Everything seems turned off when I do that and I'm seeing pretty much 0V everywhere. I'm a bit saturated at the moment, but thought I would ask if this sounds like I'm on the right track, or if I have to get to poking elsewhere ... Cheers and thanks in advance, Brian Handy AE7JW Tokyo, Japan __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] For Sale FM Roofing Filters for K3
I have two 13 Khz filters (KFL3B-FM) excess to my needs. Perfect condition. I don't use FM, although I must say it makes AM broadcast sound nice with good speakers. I will take $90 each or the pair for $160. Free shipping. USA only. Please contact me off list. Kermit, KF5VM. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 Getting warm
I was operating in the NAQP this weekend I was running QRP at 5 watts I did notice the case around the front top and both sides was warm not hot but warm. This was only around the front of the radio only was not sure if this was normal. The rig was on for about 4 hours as well. Mike VE3WDM K3/100 3619 KAT3, KRX3, __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 PA Temp
Playing around in the RTTY RU after a full effort in NAQP CW yesterday. PA temp @100W gets up to about 56C while CQ'ing, so I backed off to 80W. Anyone know how hot is too hot? 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2011 Cal QSO Party 1-2 Oct 2011 - www.cqp.org __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 PA Temp
Fred, I've been running some stations in the RU for almost an hour, but only running 50W on the K3 into an amp. My temp is showing 34C. Just loafing at that power output. Dave, N4QS - Original Message - From: Fred Jensen k6...@foothill.net To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2011 1:24 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 PA Temp Playing around in the RTTY RU after a full effort in NAQP CW yesterday. PA temp @100W gets up to about 56C while CQ'ing, so I backed off to 80W. Anyone know how hot is too hot? 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2011 Cal QSO Party 1-2 Oct 2011 - www.cqp.org __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] P3 Panadapter
Hello All, If I am looking at the bandwidth of a signal on the P3 Can I set marker A on the left side of the signal and Marker B on the right side and have a digital readout Showing the bandwidth of the signal? Ken K5DNL __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Power Switching
The thing I find inconvenient with the K3's power switching is that it makes remote operation awkward. I hate to leave the radio on when I go away for a few days and want to operate remotely. When I do want to operate that way, I use my Yaesu Mark-V and an AC power controller accessible by computer (USB) and/or telephone link. Simple codes entered via either route connection from the turn the radio on or off. (And, yes, the computer can be controlled in the same way using the telephone link.) Wish I could do this with the K3. --Jeff, K6JW __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3/RigExpert TI-5
Good afternoon everyone I just received a RigExpert TI-5 with the factory-made cable for my K3. I've installed it as directed and I get the K3 to transmit using MXWin software, I can get the frequency/mode to change on the K3 but not much else. I have the Line-In on the K3 turned on,etc and just can't figure out why this won't work. Anyone else have the RigExpert and the K3 that could point me to a configuration I might be missing on the K3? Thanks. Larry, KN8N __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] kat2 question
Hello all, I have completed the assembly of my kat2 and am at the testing phase. The question is: I hear relay clicking when going thru the display settings for L0-L8, C0-C8, N1 N2, but NOT for CALn,CALP, CALS, AUTO, ALT and POUT. Is this normal? Thanks in advance 73 Dan Daniel Grizzard Extra Class af4lb __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Power Switching
Jeff, The K3 has an input on the ACC connector called Remote Power On on Pin 8. Pull that pin to ground to turn the K3 on. See the Remote Power On description in the manual. There are many computer devices that will provide a switch closure which can be used for this purpose. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/9/2011 2:48 PM, J. Wolf wrote: The thing I find inconvenient with the K3's power switching is that it makes remote operation awkward. I hate to leave the radio on when I go away for a few days and want to operate remotely. When I do want to operate that way, I use my Yaesu Mark-V and an AC power controller accessible by computer (USB) and/or telephone link. Simple codes entered via either route connection from the turn the radio on or off. (And, yes, the computer can be controlled in the same way using the telephone link.) Wish I could do this with the K3. --Jeff, K6JW __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3/RigExpert TI-5
I use a RigExpert Plus, which appears to be very similar to the TI-5. You'll need to set the OUT pot to max and use a high setting on the windows slider control related to that output. I don't know how that maps to usage with MixW; I'm using DM780. The K3 requires more drive than some radios for sufficient transmit audio on Line In. Be *sure* to set the drive to 4-5 bars of ALC. I know the conventional wisdom on PSK31 tells you to have no ALC indication on your transmitter or your Tx IMD will suffer, but the purveyors of that wisdom aren't using a K3 :-) The ALC indication on the K3 is an audio input level indication until you get to 5 bars. It is *not* a Tx power has been reduced due to overdive indicator. 73, Lyle KK7P I just received a RigExpert TI-5 with the factory-made cable for my K3. I've installed it as directed... I have the Line-In on the K3 turned on,etc and just can't figure out why this won't work. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 - RF Gain Calibration Error
This afternoon I performed an RF gain calibration on the main and sub receivers using my XG2 and K3 Utility Version 1.3.10.15. All went well. Then I realised that, contrary to the instructions, I had not turned off TEXT DEC. So I turned it off and re-did the RF gain calibration. All went well with the main rx but when I started the sub rx calibration a box came up headed RF Gain Calibration Error and the message in it said DSP command response did not arrive. Tried exiting utility, turning off K3 and restarting pc but now the same thing happens every time. K3 f/w 4.22. Any ideas? 73 to all Geoff G3UCK __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 PA Temp
It seems that your PA temp is too high,mine I run it all the time on CW at 100W and at high speeds over 40 wpm and the maximun temp I see is 36C. You should check why is so high. AD4C If freedom means something,it is the right to tell others what they don't want to hear –George Orwell --- On Sun, 1/9/11, Fred Jensen k6...@foothill.net wrote: From: Fred Jensen k6...@foothill.net Subject: [Elecraft] K3 PA Temp To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Sunday, January 9, 2011, 7:24 PM Playing around in the RTTY RU after a full effort in NAQP CW yesterday. PA temp @100W gets up to about 56C while CQ'ing, so I backed off to 80W. Anyone know how hot is too hot? 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2011 Cal QSO Party 1-2 Oct 2011 - www.cqp.org __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3/RigExpert TI-5
Larry, We had a similar problem yesterday too. Put the K3 into TX TEST and check the audio input level. Are you getting at least 4 bars indicated on the ALC meter with the 5th bar flashing occasionally? If not, the audio level is not high enough. The RigExpert manual only addresses using microphone input to the transceiver, but there is a jumper to insert or remove a 10 dB attenuator - try it in the non-attenuated position and see if the level becomes high enough. See Appendix A of the Rigexpert manual, the proper jumper is labeled OUT, but unfortunately the manual does not state how the jumper should be configured to remove the attenuator. The level required by the K3 is the normal Line level available from a computer soundcard. Several ham type digital interfaces apparently do not produce a line level because the manufacturer provides only microphone levels - mic level is down in the millivolt range while line level in in the low volts range. You *could* use the microphone input to the K3 if worse comes to worse, but the TX EQ is in line with the microphone input and you would want to set all bands of the TX EQ to zero for digital use. With the K3, no digital interface is required - just a computer soundcard. Connect the soundcard Line Out to the K3 Line In, and the K3 Line Out to the soundcard Line In using a pair of stereo cables with 3.5mm stereo jacks and you can run DATA A or AFSK A (for RTTY) using VOX. If your application can key the K3 using RS-232 commands, so much the better, and the K3 provides for DTR or RTS keying as well. The K3 has everything needed built-in, no need for a separate interface box. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/9/2011 2:48 PM, Larry Boekeloo wrote: Good afternoon everyone I just received a RigExpert TI-5 with the factory-made cable for my K3. I've installed it as directed and I get the K3 to transmit using MXWin software, I can get the frequency/mode to change on the K3 but not much else. I have the Line-In on the K3 turned on,etc and just can't figure out why this won't work. Anyone else have the RigExpert and the K3 that could point me to a configuration I might be missing on the K3? Thanks. Larry, KN8N __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] kat2 question
Dan, That is quite normal. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/9/2011 2:58 PM, Dan Grizzard wrote: Hello all, I have completed the assembly of my kat2 and am at the testing phase. The question is: I hear relay clicking when going thru the display settings for L0-L8, C0-C8, N1 N2, but NOT for CALn,CALP, CALS, AUTO, ALT and POUT. Is this normal? Thanks in advance 73 Dan __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] P3 Panadapter
You could also center the filter width bracket on the signal and adjust the filter bandwidth so it fits against the right and left sides of the signal and read the bandwidth from the filter width setting on the K3. 73, Tom Childers Radio Amateur N5GE Licensed since 1976 QCWA Life Member 35102 ARRL Life Member Retired Professional C# Software developer http://www.n5ge.net On Sun, 9 Jan 2011 11:45:02 -0800 (PST), Ken Roberson kwrober...@yahoo.com wrote: Hello All, If I am looking at the bandwidth of a signal on the P3 Can I set marker A on the left side of the signal and Marker B on the right side and have a digital readout Showing the bandwidth of the signal? Ken K5DNL [snip] __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Getting warm
This is normal. The right panel of the K3 is used as a heat sink for one of the components (don't remember which one) and most of the heat generating components are on the left side. If you have the K144XV installed you will also notice some heart at the rear left side of the K3. 73, Tom Childers Radio Amateur N5GE Licensed since 1976 QCWA Life Member 35102 ARRL Life Member Retired Professional C# Software developer http://www.n5ge.net On Sun, 9 Jan 2011 13:56:32 -0500, Mike Weir ve3...@hotmail.com wrote: I was operating in the NAQP this weekend I was running QRP at 5 watts I did notice the case around the front top and both sides was warm not hot but warm. This was only around the front of the radio only was not sure if this was normal. The rig was on for about 4 hours as well. Mike VE3WDM K3/100 3619 KAT3, KRX3, __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - RF Gain Calibration Error
Try it with the latest version of the K3 Utility 1.3.11.5 and see if that helps. 73, Tom Childers Radio Amateur N5GE Licensed since 1976 QCWA Life Member 35102 ARRL Life Member Retired Professional C# Software developer http://www.n5ge.net On Sun, 9 Jan 2011 20:18:43 -, Geoffrey Downs geoffre...@madasafish.com wrote: This afternoon I performed an RF gain calibration on the main and sub receivers using my XG2 and K3 Utility Version 1.3.10.15. All went well. Then I realised that, contrary to the instructions, I had not turned off TEXT DEC. So I turned it off and re-did the RF gain calibration. All went well with the main rx but when I started the sub rx calibration a box came up headed RF Gain Calibration Error and the message in it said DSP command response did not arrive. Tried exiting utility, turning off K3 and restarting pc but now the same thing happens every time. K3 f/w 4.22. Any ideas? 73 to all Geoff G3UCK [snip] __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3/P3/PC baud rate
Greetings, The P3 manual says that the P3 and K3 are ALWAYS communicating at 38400 baud, but the PC/P3 baud rate is adjustable. I'm using N1MM-Logger on my PC, and I'm wondering what baud rate others are using successfully in such a setup. (Using 38400 for PC/P3 seems to be too fast for N1MM to be rock-solid reliable. For example, N1MM's frequency display is sometimes sluggish in catching up with the K3's displayed freqency.) What works for you? 73, George T Daughters, K6GT CU in the California QSO Party (CQP) October 1-2, 2011 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - RF Gain Calibration Error
Geoff: I had this same problem back in mid October 2010 (may still have it... I just haven't tried to do the RF Cal recently) and swapped several emails with Dick Dievendorff on the subject. We came up with nothing and he was going to confer with Lyle when he got back from vacation. Obviously, this wasn't at the top of the priority list :-D . Dick... any late breaking developments on this issue??? 73, Ken Wagner K3IU K3 #202 ~ On 1/9/2011 3:18 PM, Geoffrey Downs wrote: This afternoon I performed an RF gain calibration on the main and sub receivers using my XG2 and K3 Utility Version 1.3.10.15. All went well. Then I realised that, contrary to the instructions, I had not turned off TEXT DEC. So I turned it off and re-did the RF gain calibration. All went well with the main rx but when I started the sub rx calibration a box came up headed RF Gain Calibration Error and the message in it said DSP command response did not arrive. Tried exiting utility, turning off K3 and restarting pc but now the same thing happens every time. K3 f/w 4.22. Any ideas? 73 to all Geoff G3UCK __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3/RigExpert TI-5
On Sun, Jan 9, 2011 at 2:26 PM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: ...With the K3, no digital interface is required...everything needed built-in, no need for a separate interface box. What Don said. Start out by hooking the K3 straight to the computer (3 cables: serial, audio in, audio out) and get it working that way. It will do all digital modes, SSB, CW, and everything else without an interface. Then you will know everything works and can adjust levels, etc. After that you can insert an interface if for some reason you need one. Tony KT0NY __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - RF Gain Calibration Error
Geoff: I had also forgotten that I had installed the upgrade to the K3 Utility. I just ran the test and it worked properly on both the main Rx and the Sub Rx using v 1.3.11.5. Sorry to have bothered you, Dick... 73, Ken K3IU ~~~ On 1/9/2011 3:50 PM, Ken K3IU wrote: Geoff: I had this same problem back in mid October 2010 (may still have it... I just haven't tried to do the RF Cal recently) and swapped several emails with Dick Dievendorff on the subject. We came up with nothing and he was going to confer with Lyle when he got back from vacation. Obviously, this wasn't at the top of the priority list :-D . Dick... any late breaking developments on this issue??? 73, Ken Wagner K3IU K3 #202 ~ On 1/9/2011 3:18 PM, Geoffrey Downs wrote: This afternoon I performed an RF gain calibration on the main and sub receivers using my XG2 and K3 Utility Version 1.3.10.15. All went well. Then I realised that, contrary to the instructions, I had not turned off TEXT DEC. So I turned it off and re-did the RF gain calibration. All went well with the main rx but when I started the sub rx calibration a box came up headed RF Gain Calibration Error and the message in it said DSP command response did not arrive. Tried exiting utility, turning off K3 and restarting pc but now the same thing happens every time. K3 f/w 4.22. Any ideas? 73 to all Geoff G3UCK __ Elecraft mailing list Home:http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help:http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post:mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by:http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list:http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - RF Gain Calibration Error
Had the same problem in the Fall. Solution (for me) was to download the latest firmware into a fresh directory (no other files), and re-install the latest version of the Utility. Calibration proceeded normally after that. 73, Kent K9ZTV K3 #21 On 1/9/2011 2:50 PM, Ken K3IU wrote: Geoff: I had this same problem back in mid October 2010 (may still have it... I just haven't tried to do the RF Cal recently) and swapped several emails with Dick Dievendorff on the subject. We came up with nothing and he was going to confer with Lyle when he got back from vacation. Obviously, this wasn't at the top of the priority list :-D . Dick... any late breaking developments on this issue??? 73, Ken Wagner K3IU K3 #202 On 1/9/2011 3:18 PM, Geoffrey Downs wrote: This afternoon I performed an RF gain calibration on the main and sub receivers using my XG2 and K3 Utility Version 1.3.10.15. All went well. Then I realised that, contrary to the instructions, I had not turned off TEXT DEC. So I turned it off and re-did the RF gain calibration. All went well with the main rx but when I started the sub rx calibration a box came up headed RF Gain Calibration Error and the message in it said DSP command response did not arrive. Tried exiting utility, turning off K3 and restarting pc but now the same thing happens every time. K3 f/w 4.22. Any ideas? 73 to all Geoff G3UCK __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3/P3/PC baud rate
38,400b works well for me, with either N1MM Logger or my QSO program, YPlog. Never have any problem other than those caused by the nut behind the wheel! I use a K3 and the P3 with no issue at that baud rate. Tom - W4BQF -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of gdaug...@stanford.edu Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2011 3:50 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K3/P3/PC baud rate Greetings, The P3 manual says that the P3 and K3 are ALWAYS communicating at 38400 baud, but the PC/P3 baud rate is adjustable. I'm using N1MM-Logger on my PC, and I'm wondering what baud rate others are using successfully in such a setup. (Using 38400 for PC/P3 seems to be too fast for N1MM to be rock-solid reliable. For example, N1MM's frequency display is sometimes sluggish in catching up with the K3's displayed freqency.) What works for you? 73, George T Daughters, K6GT CU in the California QSO Party (CQP) October 1-2, 2011 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 PA Temp
Hi Fred, According to the manual, the PA drops out at 84C, so that's clearly the upper limit that Elecraft thought was safe. I routinely see PA temperatures of 60C - 65C when running 100% modes like RTTY, PSK31, etc. into a well matched load for more than a minute or two. I have performed the PA temperature calibration procedure with a thermometer that I trust. I am not overly concerned with temps in the mid 60s. That said, there seems to be some variation in what people experience with regard to PA temperature. Some folks will swear that they never see anything over 35C - 40C. Others (like me) will report higher temps. Of course, ambient air temperature and good air circulation play a large role, but otherwise I don't know the reasons for the variations. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 9, 2011, at 11:24 AM, Fred Jensen wrote: Playing around in the RTTY RU after a full effort in NAQP CW yesterday. PA temp @100W gets up to about 56C while CQ'ing, so I backed off to 80W. Anyone know how hot is too hot? 73, Fred K6DGW __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3/P3/PC baud rate
I use 38400. Dick, K6KR On Jan 9, 2011, at 12:49, gdaug...@stanford.edu wrote: Greetings, The P3 manual says that the P3 and K3 are ALWAYS communicating at 38400 baud, but the PC/P3 baud rate is adjustable. I'm using N1MM-Logger on my PC, and I'm wondering what baud rate others are using successfully in such a setup. (Using 38400 for PC/P3 seems to be too fast for N1MM to be rock-solid reliable. For example, N1MM's frequency display is sometimes sluggish in catching up with the K3's displayed freqency.) What works for you? 73, George T Daughters, K6GT CU in the California QSO Party (CQP) October 1-2, 2011 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KPA100 Page 44 Resistance Measurements
The instructions with the resistance check chart on page 44 of the Rev G KPA100 manual are very explicit about the measurement on J3, namely that the electrolytic capacitor in the 12V line causes this measurement to appear as a short initially, and then slowly go up to a resistance value within range. I am seeing exactly the same behavior on the Q1 and Q2's collectors and D13's cathode, starts at 0 ohms and ramps up to an in-range value in a number of seconds. Since the instructions were so explicit about J3 and didn't mention these other measurements, I'd like to make sure that this behavior is OK. Thanks - Bruce - Bruce Rosen K1FFX -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA100-Page-44-Resistance-Measurements-tp5905235p5905235.html Sent from the [K2] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 Page 44 Resistance Measurements
Bruce, Yes. those points are all connected together by low value resistors or transformer windings. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/9/2011 4:15 PM, K1FFX wrote: The instructions with the resistance check chart on page 44 of the Rev G KPA100 manual are very explicit about the measurement on J3, namely that the electrolytic capacitor in the 12V line causes this measurement to appear as a short initially, and then slowly go up to a resistance value within range. I am seeing exactly the same behavior on the Q1 and Q2's collectors and D13's cathode, starts at 0 ohms and ramps up to an in-range value in a number of seconds. Since the instructions were so explicit about J3 and didn't mention these other measurements, I'd like to make sure that this behavior is OK. Thanks - Bruce __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Antenna
Anybody using a SteppIR yagi and willing to talk a little troubleshooting, please contact me off list. 73, Mike NF4L __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - RF Gain Calibration Error
Thank you Kent and also thanks to Tom N5GE and Ken K3IU for their replies. Downloaded the latest utility but still got the error message on doing the RF gain calibration on the sub rx. Restarted PC and K3, redownloaded and installed 4.22 f/w and re- performed RF gain calibration. This time no error message. So problem solved but goodness knows why! 73 all and thanks again Geoff G3UCK - Original Message - From: K9ZTV k9...@socket.net Had the same problem in the Fall. Solution (for me) was to download the latest firmware into a fresh directory (no other files), and re-install the latest version of the Utility. Calibration proceeded normally after that. 73, Kent K9ZTV K3 #21 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Sold FM Roofing Filters
The 2 FM roofing filters have sold pending payment. Thanks for the inquiries. 73 KF5VM Kermit __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Selling my K2
Hi ALL I am selling my K2 to fund other projects The radio is ser# 2676 and has not been brought up to the latest revision. its got the KAT2 antenna tuner, KSB2 ssb adaptor, KNB2 noise blanker, K160RX 160 meter module, KDSP2 dsp filter module, and KSB2 firmware upgrade. Includes the Elecraft/Heil mic. I would like to get 900.00 for it, including shipping. It works great, I have used it mostly on 17/20/40 and 80 phone. Please let me know if this sounds fair, and if you know anyone who may be interested, please spread the word. -Neil Shubert AC2O __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 Utility for MAC
I've been waiting several months for the new features in the PC version of the K3 Utility (specifically the ability to view text decoding on the computer screen if we have a P3 inline) to be ported over to a MAC version of the K3 Utility. I noted the MAC version is still at 1.3.9.2. Any knowledge of when we might see a new MAC version? thanks, Oscar, WB5GCX -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Utility-for-MAC-tp5905550p5905550.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3/RigExpert TI-5
The TI-5 has a USB sound card in it. The idea is so you don't have to interfere with your normal computer's sound card. I have a TI-5 and it works nicely - although I do FSK RTTY so the transmit levels are not something I have to mess with. 73, Bob W5OV -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Tony Estep Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2011 2:50 PM To: Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/RigExpert TI-5 On Sun, Jan 9, 2011 at 2:26 PM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: ...With the K3, no digital interface is required...everything needed built-in, no need for a separate interface box. What Don said. Start out by hooking the K3 straight to the computer (3 cables: serial, audio in, audio out) and get it working that way. It will do all digital modes, SSB, CW, and everything else without an interface. Then you will know everything works and can adjust levels, etc. After that you can insert an interface if for some reason you need one. Tony KT0NY __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] TX Issue in Part III checks
Don, You're absolutely right, I checked again across R98 just to confirm and you are on the money5.6V at the drain. It seems possible this part may be working fine. I understand the voltages are going to be different, the whole feedback loop isn't there. I'm just hopeful to identify the problem before nuking another set of finals ... ! I'll keep looking. Thanks! Brian AE7JW - Original Message From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com To: Brian Handy holy_tire_i...@yahoo.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sun, January 9, 2011 11:27:58 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K2] TX Issue in Part III checks Brian, Looking again at your Q24 measurements, I think you reversed the leads. Check against the J310 basing diagram on the Schematic Key page and remeasure. 5.6 volts on the drain is well within reason when there is no output - VALC will go to its maximum value when there is no output sensed and tries to make Q24 conduct harder so more BFO signal is delivered to the Transmit Mixer. That is how the power control works - the conduction of Q24 is the controlling element. The voltages listed in the DC voltage chart are for a properly working K2 at 5 watts output. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/8/2011 10:44 PM, Brian Handy wrote: Hi All, I've been working on my K2 and I'm on the home stretch. I had to dabble a bit to find a cold solder joint in the Part II checks, but eventually got a home-brewed test oscillator to reach through on 40m! Quite happy with things so far, and learning a lot. I still have a lot to learn about the transmitter side though, that doesn't work. When I first hit 'tune' in the Part III checks, I noticed high current on the power supply, high current on the front panel, and changing the power level didn't help, it was always high draw. It didn't take much of this to zorch the PA finals and short things straight to ground. Nothing worked until I pulled T3, and while I had the soldering out I took out the PAs and started looking around and reading the mail archives. I noted one suggestion from Don to someone else and checked the voltages on base on the finals - both are around 0.65V, which I think is OK. I realize things won't be quite the same without the PAs there and proper feedback happening, but ... I then started going through all the voltages on the RF board with TUNE on. Everything looked pretty much fine except for Q24 ~ Leg - Expected - Measured: G- 0V - 5.6V S - 1.2 - 2.5V D - 13V - 0V That doesn't look right at all to me. Exploring further, I started chasing VALC down the rabbit hole. Pin 2 of U8 (V PWR) seems to vary between 3.8-5V as I turn the PWR knob in TUNE. I decided that was OK. Pin 1 of U10A doesn't move around a lot, only up and down about 0.1V. Finally the emitter of Q8 (V ALC) seems stuck at 7.4V. I was firmly confused at this point, so went back and started checking Control Board voltages per the page of expected readings in the back of the manual with CAL FCTR turned on. Everything seems turned off when I do that and I'm seeing pretty much 0V everywhere. I'm a bit saturated at the moment, but thought I would ask if this sounds like I'm on the right track, or if I have to get to poking elsewhere ... Cheers and thanks in advance, Brian Handy AE7JW Tokyo, Japan __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Text Decode on P3 screen?
The ability to work PSK and RTTY without a computer is SO cool... I was just wondering if there are plans or any discussion on allowing a portion of the P3 screen to show the K3 Text decode data for cw, RTTY, and PSK31. I always assumed that would someday be part of the K3/P3 experience once we had more display real estate. That VFO B display area on the K3 sure seems small some days :) Oscar, WB5GCX -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Text-Decode-on-P3-screen-tp5905583p5905583.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] TX Issue in Part III checks
I checked the resistors, and they all look right. Seems like the plan of attack is to replace Q11 and Q13, and have a hard look at T4 ... I may rewind that just to take the moral high ground. Check the base voltage on the finals again and make sure it's below 0.64 before installing the high-ticket items. Thanks a bunch! Brian AE7JW - Original Message From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com To: Brian Handy holy_tire_i...@yahoo.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sun, January 9, 2011 11:38:28 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K2] TX Issue in Part III checks Brian, I did not respond to your original problem of high current. A HiCur problem combined with low or zero output normally indicates a problem in the Low Pass filter and/or T4. Your voltage on the base of the PA transistors is a bit high - I do not like to see anything higher than 0.64 volts, so check the resistor values connecting to Q11 and Q13. When you receive the K2PAKIT from Elecraft, it will have replacement transistors for Q11 and Q13, and I would suggest using them. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/8/2011 10:44 PM, Brian Handy wrote: Hi All, I've been working on my K2 and I'm on the home stretch. I had to dabble a bit to find a cold solder joint in the Part II checks, but eventually got a home-brewed test oscillator to reach through on 40m! Quite happy with things so far, and learning a lot. I still have a lot to learn about the transmitter side though, that doesn't work. When I first hit 'tune' in the Part III checks, I noticed high current on the power supply, high current on the front panel, and changing the power level didn't help, it was always high draw. It didn't take much of this to zorch the PA finals and short things straight to ground. Nothing worked until I pulled T3, and while I had the soldering out I took out the PAs and started looking around and reading the mail archives. I noted one suggestion from Don to someone else and checked the voltages on base on the finals - both are around 0.65V, which I think is OK. I realize things won't be quite the same without the PAs there and proper feedback happening, but ... I then started going through all the voltages on the RF board with TUNE on. Everything looked pretty much fine except for Q24 ~ Leg - Expected - Measured: G- 0V - 5.6V S - 1.2 - 2.5V D - 13V - 0V That doesn't look right at all to me. Exploring further, I started chasing VALC down the rabbit hole. Pin 2 of U8 (V PWR) seems to vary between 3.8-5V as I turn the PWR knob in TUNE. I decided that was OK. Pin 1 of U10A doesn't move around a lot, only up and down about 0.1V. Finally the emitter of Q8 (V ALC) seems stuck at 7.4V. I was firmly confused at this point, so went back and started checking Control Board voltages per the page of expected readings in the back of the manual with CAL FCTR turned on. Everything seems turned off when I do that and I'm seeing pretty much 0V everywhere. I'm a bit saturated at the moment, but thought I would ask if this sounds like I'm on the right track, or if I have to get to poking elsewhere ... Cheers and thanks in advance, Brian Handy AE7JW Tokyo, Japan __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [K3] Mods missing from web page
I'm preparing to go into my K3 and do some mods while I have it open to install new filters. I see mods listed at http://www.elecraft.com/K3/mods/ but the list is not complete. One that I notice to be missing is the KSYN3 stiffener mod. The app note is stored near the manual but is not linked anywhere that I can find. This is one that I probably wouldn't bother with, but are there other mods that somehow never made it to the mod page? Thanks for your help. 73, Carl WS7L K3 #486 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3/RigExpert TI-5
Bob, Your assertion that one does not have to use the normal computer soundcard is well received. BUT there is no need to use one of the Digital Interfaces just to get the soundcard function. There are plenty of external soundcards available at less cost than the digital interfaces, and for those with desktop computers, adding an internal soundcard (in addition to the normal Windows soundcard) is an easy thing to do. Most applications will let you select which soundcard should be used. In other words (for those using a K3), an additional soundcard may be a better solution than one of the Digital Interface boxes. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/9/2011 6:59 PM, Bob Naumann wrote: The TI-5 has a USB sound card in it. The idea is so you don't have to interfere with your normal computer's sound card. I have a TI-5 and it works nicely - although I do FSK RTTY so the transmit levels are not something I have to mess with. 73, Bob W5OV -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Tony Estep Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2011 2:50 PM To: Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/RigExpert TI-5 On Sun, Jan 9, 2011 at 2:26 PM, Don Wilhelmw3...@embarqmail.com wrote: ...With the K3, no digital interface is required...everything needed built-in, no need for a separate interface box. What Don said. Start out by hooking the K3 straight to the computer (3 cables: serial, audio in, audio out) and get it working that way. It will do all digital modes, SSB, CW, and everything else without an interface. Then you will know everything works and can adjust levels, etc. After that you can insert an interface if for some reason you need one. Tony KT0NY __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] TX Issue in Part III checks
Brian, The PA transistors will normally take some abuse - for a short time, so put them in and do a short test to see what happens - just be aware of the conditions and keep the transmit times as short as possible while still allowing some measurements to be taken. Everything in life is a compromise, including this situation - TX time vs. potential abuse must be compromised to come to the resolution of the problem. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/9/2011 7:01 PM, Brian Handy wrote: Don, You're absolutely right, I checked again across R98 just to confirm and you are on the money5.6V at the drain. It seems possible this part may be working fine. I understand the voltages are going to be different, the whole feedback loop isn't there. I'm just hopeful to identify the problem before nuking another set of finals ... ! I'll keep looking. Thanks! Brian AE7JW - Original Message From: Don Wilhelmw3...@embarqmail.com To: Brian Handyholy_tire_i...@yahoo.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sun, January 9, 2011 11:27:58 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K2] TX Issue in Part III checks Brian, Looking again at your Q24 measurements, I think you reversed the leads. Check against the J310 basing diagram on the Schematic Key page and remeasure. 5.6 volts on the drain is well within reason when there is no output - VALC will go to its maximum value when there is no output sensed and tries to make Q24 conduct harder so more BFO signal is delivered to the Transmit Mixer. That is how the power control works - the conduction of Q24 is the controlling element. The voltages listed in the DC voltage chart are for a properly working K2 at 5 watts output. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/8/2011 10:44 PM, Brian Handy wrote: Hi All, I've been working on my K2 and I'm on the home stretch. I had to dabble a bit to find a cold solder joint in the Part II checks, but eventually got a home-brewed test oscillator to reach through on 40m! Quite happy with things so far, and learning a lot. I still have a lot to learn about the transmitter side though, that doesn't work. When I first hit 'tune' in the Part III checks, I noticed high current on the power supply, high current on the front panel, and changing the power level didn't help, it was always high draw. It didn't take much of this to zorch the PA finals and short things straight to ground. Nothing worked until I pulled T3, and while I had the soldering out I took out the PAs and started looking around and reading the mail archives. I noted one suggestion from Don to someone else and checked the voltages on base on the finals - both are around 0.65V, which I think is OK. I realize things won't be quite the same without the PAs there and proper feedback happening, but ... I then started going through all the voltages on the RF board with TUNE on. Everything looked pretty much fine except for Q24 ~ Leg - Expected - Measured: G- 0V - 5.6V S - 1.2 - 2.5V D - 13V - 0V That doesn't look right at all to me. Exploring further, I started chasing VALC down the rabbit hole. Pin 2 of U8 (V PWR) seems to vary between 3.8-5V as I turn the PWR knob in TUNE. I decided that was OK. Pin 1 of U10A doesn't move around a lot, only up and down about 0.1V. Finally the emitter of Q8 (V ALC) seems stuck at 7.4V. I was firmly confused at this point, so went back and started checking Control Board voltages per the page of expected readings in the back of the manual with CAL FCTR turned on. Everything seems turned off when I do that and I'm seeing pretty much 0V everywhere. I'm a bit saturated at the moment, but thought I would ask if this sounds like I'm on the right track, or if I have to get to poking elsewhere ... Cheers and thanks in advance, Brian Handy AE7JW Tokyo, Japan __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Mods missing from web page
Carl Clawson-2 wrote: One that I notice to be missing is the KSYN3 stiffener mod. The app note is stored near the manual but is not linked anywhere that I can find. This is one that I probably wouldn't bother with, but are there other mods that somehow never made it to the mod page? http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_app_notes.htm http://www.elecraft.com/order_form_parts.htm#K3%20Parts K3STFNR is third one down on last page above. 73, Bill -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Mods-missing-from-web-page-tp5905599p5905653.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Mods missing from web page
While the stiffener IS in the orderables, it is NOT in the list of mods, as Carl reports. It should be in the list. 73, Guy. On Sun, Jan 9, 2011 at 8:11 PM, Bill W4ZV btipp...@alum.mit.edu wrote: Carl Clawson-2 wrote: One that I notice to be missing is the KSYN3 stiffener mod. The app note is stored near the manual but is not linked anywhere that I can find. This is one that I probably wouldn't bother with, but are there other mods that somehow never made it to the mod page? http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_app_notes.htm http://www.elecraft.com/order_form_parts.htm#K3%20Parts K3STFNR is third one down on last page above. 73, Bill -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Mods-missing-from-web-page-tp5905599p5905653.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3/RigExpert TI-5
Joe, My apologies to your products, but I have been a long and strong believer in the KISS principle. Keep It Simple Stupid. Yes, there are accessories that make things more usable, but at the expense of simplicity. Every device added to the combination of things to put a signal on the air adds to the complexity of the entire setup. And that added complexity adds to the number of devices that can fail, and adds exponentially to the number of setup combinations that are possible - some combinations will work, others will almost work, and a lot of other combinations result in requests for help here on the Elecraft reflector. None of those combinations are a K3 problem, but are a result of the complexity of the various components in the users station setup. Since the K3 does support digital modes direct from a computer soundcard, it would be prudent IMHO for users to try that combination first before committing to the extra features afforded by an external interface box. In two cases in the last two days, we have encountered problems on this reflector where the user of an external interface box had problems because the audio levels presented to the K3 were at microphone level instead of line level - simply because the interface box manufacturer did not consider that any transceiver would be using line level inputs. Your Microham interface boxes may give consideration to line level input (I don't know one way or the other), but many do not even consider anything other than mic level input. I am not targeting the Microham products, but am simply indicating that many digital interface boxes do not consider line level audio input to the transceiver. Again with the KISS principle, the more functions that are placed in the interface box, the more complex the entire station operation becomes. Once properly set up, it can be a benefit, but for those who are initially venturing into digital modes, the variety of setup tools and menus for a particular interface box can be overwhelming. This is not a K3 problem. Set things up using the simplest connections possible, and determine that the K3 works. Then add the interface box - if it does not work, then it should be obvious that some setup parameter for the interface box is the problem and the user should direct his questions to the interface box reflector and not bring implications that the K3 is faulty. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/9/2011 8:06 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: In other words (for those using a K3), an additional soundcard may be a better solution than one of the Digital Interface boxes. That depends entirely on the feature set the user needs. 1) The K3 can not switch between soundcard input and microphone input based on PTT source to support DVK from logging software 2) The K3 can not automatically control band switching in an Icom PW-1 or other CI-V compatible accessories. 3) The K3 does not have a keyer compatible with the three major contest loggers and several major day to day loggers. I'm sure I can come up with two or three more features if pressed. In any case, dismissing the digital interfaces rather than helping K3 users make their equipment coexist properly is rather short sighted. 73, ... Joe Subich, W4TV microHAM America, LLC. http://www.microHAM-USA.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/microHAM On 1/9/2011 7:29 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Bob, Your assertion that one does not have to use the normal computer soundcard is well received. BUT there is no need to use one of the Digital Interfaces just to get the soundcard function. There are plenty of external soundcards available at less cost than the digital interfaces, and for those with desktop computers, adding an internal soundcard (in addition to the normal Windows soundcard) is an easy thing to do. Most applications will let you select which soundcard should be used. In other words (for those using a K3), an additional soundcard may be a better solution than one of the Digital Interface boxes. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/9/2011 6:59 PM, Bob Naumann wrote: The TI-5 has a USB sound card in it. The idea is so you don't have to interfere with your normal computer's sound card. I have a TI-5 and it works nicely - although I do FSK RTTY so the transmit levels are not something I have to mess with. 73, Bob W5OV -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Tony Estep Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2011 2:50 PM To: Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/RigExpert TI-5 On Sun, Jan 9, 2011 at 2:26 PM, Don Wilhelmw3...@embarqmail.com wrote: ...With the K3, no digital interface is required...everything needed built-in, no need for a separate interface box. What Don said. Start out by hooking the K3 straight to the computer (3 cables: serial, audio in, audio out) and get it working that way. It will
Re: [Elecraft] K3/RigExpert TI-5
Amen Don, you just hit the nail right on the head. I struggled with an interface box and set it aside and got the K3/PC hookup working and never did bother with the interface box after that as I found the current setup does it all. KISS is the Portable Operators 'Bible' for me now..:-) 73''s Gary On Mon, Jan 10, 2011 at 11:56 AM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Joe, My apologies to your products, but I have been a long and strong believer in the KISS principle. Keep It Simple Stupid. Yes, there are accessories that make things more usable, but at the expense of simplicity. Every device added to the combination of things to put a signal on the air adds to the complexity of the entire setup. And that added complexity adds to the number of devices that can fail, and adds exponentially to the number of setup combinations that are possible - some combinations will work, others will almost work, and a lot of other combinations result in requests for help here on the Elecraft reflector. None of those combinations are a K3 problem, but are a result of the complexity of the various components in the users station setup. Since the K3 does support digital modes direct from a computer soundcard, it would be prudent IMHO for users to try that combination first before committing to the extra features afforded by an external interface box. In two cases in the last two days, we have encountered problems on this reflector where the user of an external interface box had problems because the audio levels presented to the K3 were at microphone level instead of line level - simply because the interface box manufacturer did not consider that any transceiver would be using line level inputs. Your Microham interface boxes may give consideration to line level input (I don't know one way or the other), but many do not even consider anything other than mic level input. I am not targeting the Microham products, but am simply indicating that many digital interface boxes do not consider line level audio input to the transceiver. Again with the KISS principle, the more functions that are placed in the interface box, the more complex the entire station operation becomes. Once properly set up, it can be a benefit, but for those who are initially venturing into digital modes, the variety of setup tools and menus for a particular interface box can be overwhelming. This is not a K3 problem. Set things up using the simplest connections possible, and determine that the K3 works. Then add the interface box - if it does not work, then it should be obvious that some setup parameter for the interface box is the problem and the user should direct his questions to the interface box reflector and not bring implications that the K3 is faulty. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/9/2011 8:06 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: In other words (for those using a K3), an additional soundcard may be a better solution than one of the Digital Interface boxes. That depends entirely on the feature set the user needs. 1) The K3 can not switch between soundcard input and microphone input based on PTT source to support DVK from logging software 2) The K3 can not automatically control band switching in an Icom PW-1 or other CI-V compatible accessories. 3) The K3 does not have a keyer compatible with the three major contest loggers and several major day to day loggers. I'm sure I can come up with two or three more features if pressed. In any case, dismissing the digital interfaces rather than helping K3 users make their equipment coexist properly is rather short sighted. 73, ... Joe Subich, W4TV microHAM America, LLC. http://www.microHAM-USA.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/microHAM On 1/9/2011 7:29 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Bob, Your assertion that one does not have to use the normal computer soundcard is well received. BUT there is no need to use one of the Digital Interfaces just to get the soundcard function. There are plenty of external soundcards available at less cost than the digital interfaces, and for those with desktop computers, adding an internal soundcard (in addition to the normal Windows soundcard) is an easy thing to do. Most applications will let you select which soundcard should be used. In other words (for those using a K3), an additional soundcard may be a better solution than one of the Digital Interface boxes. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/9/2011 6:59 PM, Bob Naumann wrote: The TI-5 has a USB sound card in it. The idea is so you don't have to interfere with your normal computer's sound card. I have a TI-5 and it works nicely - although I do FSK RTTY so the transmit levels are not something I have to mess with. 73, Bob W5OV -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Tony Estep Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2011 2:50 PM To: Elecraft Subject:
[Elecraft] Me and my K3 in the ARRL RTTY Roundup
I decided to jump into the RTTY Roundup with both feet this year. Of course, having just gotten me a K3 and P3 just before Christmas was a pretty big factor. I'm a big fan of N3FJP's simple but powerful contest logging programs. He produces a dedicated program for each contest, so you don't have to spend a month beforehand trying to set up all the MACRO's for the contest yourself as with some of the other available software. He used a program written by K7RE to add some RTTY functionality to his general ham log and to the RTTY contests. It uses the encoder/decoder engine from MMTTY and in spite of it's simplicity, it works pretty well with the K3, especially if you let COM1 talk to the log and COM2 do the PTT and FSK keying. I built up W3YY's opto-isolator interface to give me the PTT and FSK drive from a com port and along with that came a CW key out as well. RTS provides PTT and DTR provides CW keying. When the PTT and FSK from the interface are connected to the K3 through the accessory connector, you don't need to worry about the menu item selecting DTR or RTS for PTT and / or KEY, just leave them OFF. Works like a champ.. I'm not a serious contester, and I didn't operate the full time of the contest. Stopped to watch the Seattle/New Orleans football game and went to bed after the game. Started again this morning (Sunday) and kept at it on and off through the day. At times, my QSO rate was actually up around 40 per hour which I think is better than I ever do even in a CW contest. Wound up with just shy of 245 contacts and a fair amount of those were actually DX. Now, the main observation. There were an awful lot of Alligator stations out there that don't have very good receivers. If I could decode the signals, I called them. Many of the weaker signals came right back to me, but an awful lot of the S9+ stations couldn't seem to hear anything (not just me, but a lot of stations). Sure makes the K3 look better and better and BOY what a super tuning aid the P3 turned out to be. I wound up relying on it to find those weaker stations between the big guns and worked 90 percent of them. The power company is working on a serious line noise problem around here, and they haven't gotten it all located yet though and I had to put up with a lot of insulator arc noise as it was very windy all weekend. I'll be glad when they get it all fixed (they promised me they wouldn't quit till the noise was gone after some prompting from the FCC). I also HAD problems with my previous radios (including a K2) and another ham that lives about 5 blocks from me. When he was on the same band and mode I was, he'd most times overload my front end bad enough I'd have to kick in the attenuator even when he was running 100 watts, not the KW he usually runs in contests that allow it. He was operating the NAQP contest this weekend at the same time I was in the RTTY contest. The only reason I even knew he was there was I came across him calling CQ. I was able to copy weak cw signals on 20 meters within 1KHz of him (400 Hz 8pole filter was in line with the DSP set to 250Hz) with no noticeable degradation and I didn't notice any phase noise from him until I got within that 250 Hz DSP filter. I suspect if he had his Alpha 9500 on running full bore I might not be able to get quite that close without noticing him, but unless his FT-1000MP is really noisy, the problems are gone. Took a while to come up with the money to buy this K3, but it ain't leaving the shack except maybe to demo it at a hamfest like I used to do with the K2!!! Jim - W0EB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Report for January 9th 10th, 2011
Good Evening, Twenty meters was very good today. Sitting at the rig watching the snow fall and working folks all over was fun. There was some QSB but not like on forty meters. The snow was coming down in large flakes but it was pretty bright outside. I was expecting the sun to break out but it did not. Then during the second net right at the end of my contact with W0CZ and the beginning of N0AR I saw one deer and then another. The dusk was growing deeper as I saw the second one. I was in a lighted room and must have moved too fast when I was writing because I spooked the second doe and she bolted. They were kicking through the snow to find something to eat. On to the lists = On 14049.5 kHz at 2300z: WB3AAL - Ron - PA - K2 - 1392 NO8V - John - MI - K3 - 820 AB9V - Mike - IN - K3 - 398 W0CZ - Ken - ND - K3 - 457 K4JPN - Steve - GA - K2 - 1422 W8OV - Dave - TX - K3 - 3139 KB3FBR - Joe - PA - K2 - 6178 N0AR - Scott - MN - K2 - 4866 K2HYD - Ray - NC - KX1 - 608 N7KRT - Jeff - TX - K2 - 5471 WB5BKL - Nick - TX - K3 - 231 KZ2V - Nick - CA On 7045 kHz at 0100z: K1THP - Dave - CT - K3 - 686 K6DGW - Fred - CA - K3 - 642 AB9V - Mike - IN - K3 - 398 W0CZ - Ken - ND - K3 - 457 N0AR - Scott - MN - K2 - 4866 NO8V - John - MI - K3 - 820 WB3AAL - Ron - PA - K2 - 1392 KB3FBR - Joe - PA - K2 - 6178 W8OV - Dave - TX - K3 - 3139 N0TA - John - CO - K3 - 994 N7KRT - Jeff - TX - K2 - 5471 K1EV - Bill - CT - K2 - 2152 Forty meters has gone long early making contacts into California harder. But I am working folks to the east much easier now. I am glad propagation has grown better. Maybe the fox hunts won't be so tough this week ;) Weather reports were of snow and cold all over the place. Now that we are in the depths of winter the northern plains are becoming frigid. Here I bounce between colder weather and mild weather from the south. As the snow line drops and raises again I get snow then sun then rain again. Over and over. I wonder how the roads will be for tomorrow's trip into town for supplies? Until next week stay well, 73, Kevin. KD5ONS (Net Control Operator 5th Class) - -- Using Opera's revolutionary e-mail client: http://www.opera.com/mail/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3/RigExpert TI-5
Don, I think it's fair to say that interfacing a K3 with a USB port is easily the most commonly occurring issue on this reflector. The infinite messages and inquiries about what driver will work with a KUSB and the apparent change of the KUSB hardware from Prolific to FTDI chipsets while retaining the same part number is obviously confusing to many users. In the case of the interface that is the subject of this thread, it greatly simplifies all of the interfacing for all modes with the K3 to a single USB port. The TI-5, and other Rig Expert interfaces allow the user to have one physical USB port drive the K3 with RS232, a WinKey, PTT/CW/Soft FSK for all modes, hard FSK for RTTY and not have to mess around with figuring all of those different things. It's all built-in. One of the benefits of the Rig Expert units is that you do not need to take them out of the line to use the K3 utility or the P3 utility to manage your K3. Again, I have not used mine to do any of the digital modes that require the use of audio coming from the interface so there could be an issue there, but I suspect that there is likely a simple resolution to that problem. And yes, I agree that support for the use of the interface should be directed to the interface manufacturer's reflector - not here. 73, Bob W5OV -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm Sent: Sunday, January 09, 2011 7:57 PM To: Joe Subich, W4TV Cc: 'Elecraft'; d...@w3fpr.com Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/RigExpert TI-5 Joe, My apologies to your products, but I have been a long and strong believer in the KISS principle. Keep It Simple Stupid. Yes, there are accessories that make things more usable, but at the expense of simplicity. Every device added to the combination of things to put a signal on the air adds to the complexity of the entire setup. And that added complexity adds to the number of devices that can fail, and adds exponentially to the number of setup combinations that are possible - some combinations will work, others will almost work, and a lot of other combinations result in requests for help here on the Elecraft reflector. None of those combinations are a K3 problem, but are a result of the complexity of the various components in the users station setup. Since the K3 does support digital modes direct from a computer soundcard, it would be prudent IMHO for users to try that combination first before committing to the extra features afforded by an external interface box. In two cases in the last two days, we have encountered problems on this reflector where the user of an external interface box had problems because the audio levels presented to the K3 were at microphone level instead of line level - simply because the interface box manufacturer did not consider that any transceiver would be using line level inputs. Your Microham interface boxes may give consideration to line level input (I don't know one way or the other), but many do not even consider anything other than mic level input. I am not targeting the Microham products, but am simply indicating that many digital interface boxes do not consider line level audio input to the transceiver. Again with the KISS principle, the more functions that are placed in the interface box, the more complex the entire station operation becomes. Once properly set up, it can be a benefit, but for those who are initially venturing into digital modes, the variety of setup tools and menus for a particular interface box can be overwhelming. This is not a K3 problem. Set things up using the simplest connections possible, and determine that the K3 works. Then add the interface box - if it does not work, then it should be obvious that some setup parameter for the interface box is the problem and the user should direct his questions to the interface box reflector and not bring implications that the K3 is faulty. 73, Don W3FPR On 1/9/2011 8:06 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: In other words (for those using a K3), an additional soundcard may be a better solution than one of the Digital Interface boxes. That depends entirely on the feature set the user needs. 1) The K3 can not switch between soundcard input and microphone input based on PTT source to support DVK from logging software 2) The K3 can not automatically control band switching in an Icom PW-1 or other CI-V compatible accessories. 3) The K3 does not have a keyer compatible with the three major contest loggers and several major day to day loggers. I'm sure I can come up with two or three more features if pressed. In any case, dismissing the digital interfaces rather than helping K3 users make their equipment coexist properly is rather short sighted. 73, ... Joe Subich, W4TV microHAM America, LLC. http://www.microHAM-USA.com http://groups.yahoo.com/group/microHAM On
[Elecraft] K1 Battery Solution
I'm looking for a good low weight small volume battery solution for using with the K1. I'd like to keep it outside the radio. I'll simply plug it into the back of the radio to power it. I'll probably put the same plug as is in the radio onto a charger or just make some APP pigtails... I'd like to be able to run the radio at full power so being able to get to 13+ volts would be great. I'd like charging to be fairly simple and safe. I'd like the battery as well as the radio to fit into one of Rose's K2 cases... Another thing is that I would like a solution that will have decent longevity if it's somewhat expensive. But if its a fairly inexpensive cell then I'd put up with replacement every so often. I'd like to be able to at least get 4 hours at full power using normal contest operating assumptions. I'll probably only use it casually so that should allow for more like 7 to 8 total hours hopefully. What solutions might you all recommend? If you can provide links on where the items might be purchased that would be greatly appreciated. Thanks gentlemen ~Brett (N7MG) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [K2] K2/KPA100 build for K2-7006
So far so good. The KPA100 passed the first functional test without issue. The only thing I have run into is that I was missing one small capacitor, and one of the toroid cores was cracked... I didn't notice it until I started winding it and it fell apart. The Elecraft parts department has an email in their in-box (two, actually). I am now up to the steps just after installing and winding the large output transformer. Kudos (again) for the excellent instructions! 73, David Macchiarolo AJ4TF __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [KX1] For Sale KX-1
Elecraft KX-1 for sale: $495 plus shipping. KX-1 with KXB3080, KXAT1, KXPD1 options built July 2009 by Don Wilhelm and in excellent working condition. Serial 2234. Please contact me off reflector. Dan Perez AD1P __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [P3] VFO A cursor shifts after TUNE
Why does my P3 do this?: In LSB mode, whenever I go into TUNE for more than about six or seven seconds, upon hitting the XMIT button to come back out of TUNE the VFO A cursor has shifted into an incorrect position. (Instead of showing an LSB position below center frequency [in this particular case] it shifts slightly to the right to straddle the center frequency-- incorrect.) I can hit the A/B button twice to return the cursor to the correct position. I've noticed this in a number of firmware revs going back a couple of months. Can anybody duplicate this behavior? If it's a known bug, no response is needed. Thanks very much, Al W6LX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [OT] For Sale Wilderness NorCal 40A
For Sale Wilderness NorCal 40A. $95 plus shipping. Unit in excellent working condition was aligned by Bob Dyer of Wilderness. “NorCal 40A is a third-generation 40-meter QRP transceiver, designed by Wayne Burdick, N6KR. The rig covers” 7.004 to 7.046 “portion of the CW band, with a very stable VFO operating in the 2MHz range. The receiver is a superhet with crystal filter, AGC, and RIT. The KC1 is an Iambic keyer with message memory AND a Morse-code-output, universal frequency counter that reports your operating frequency to +/- 1kHz.” Please contact me off reflector. Dan Perez AD1P __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K1 Battery Solution
Model helicopter pilots (among others) have created a consumer market for just what you want. Lipo packs of all sizes, and chargers to match, at a number of sources including www.cheapbatterypacks.com Tony KT0NY On Sun, Jan 9, 2011 at 11:04 PM, Brett Howard br...@livecomputers.comwrote: I'm looking for a good low weight small volume battery solution __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] K2/KPA100 build for K2-7006
I'm sure you will get a replacement, but be aware that you can super-glue a broken toroid together and it will work fine. Worth knowing for emergencies or if you live in Bhutan. On 1/9/11 9:22 PM, david wrote: So far so good. The KPA100 passed the first functional test without issue. The only thing I have run into is that I was missing one small capacitor, and one of the toroid cores was cracked... I didn't notice it until I started winding it and it fell apart. The Elecraft parts department has an email in their in-box (two, actually). I am now up to the steps just after installing and winding the large output transformer. Kudos (again) for the excellent instructions! 73, David Macchiarolo AJ4TF -- Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K1 Battery Solution
Take a look at this site for battery alternatives for the K1 _http://www.onlybatterypacks.com/main.asp_ (http://www.onlybatterypacks.com/main.asp) Alan KB7MBI __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Me and my K3 in the ARRL RTTY Roundup
Jim, I had a very similar experience with limited operating time here as well. I used the N3FJP software also but had no keying interface. I used the K3 Utility program for the whole time. Kept the N3FJP logger open in a second window and entered the call/exchange after working them then jumped back to the K3 utility window. Despite this inefficient (but blockhead simple) setup I exceeded 40 QSO's/hr rate search and pounce without much trouble. Ended up with 230 Q's and a lot of fun. Worked about everything I heard with 100 W and wire antenna. Despite being first licensed in 1972 this is my first year trying RTTY. Many thanks to the K3 and K3 utility program for making it so simple. 73, Joe, W8JHK3 1713 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Me-and-my-K3-in-the-ARRL-RTTY-Roundup-tp5905749p5906092.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
