Re: [Elecraft] Which Paddle?

[brianchapnick]

Thanks Bert. I'll try it.

Brian VE3GMZ 



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  Original Message  


From: ve...@bell.net
Sent: May 5, 2020 12:02 a.m.
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Which Paddle?


Hi Brian,

A business card with some DeOxit5 cleaner on it, usually does the trick!
Bert VE3NR


On 5/4/2020 11:00 PM, brianchapn...@rogers.com wrote:
> So Wayne, how do you suggest cleaning the contacts? I have been slipping a 
> piece of paper between the contacts,  closing the paddle and pulling the 
> paper through. First time I've heard of the contact burnisher.
>
> Brian VE3GMZ
>
>  
>
>
>
> Sent via BlackBerry Hub+ Inbox for Android
>
>
>    Original Message
>
>
> From: n...@elecraft.com
> Sent: May 4, 2020 10:43 p.m.
> To: tso...@icloud.com
> Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Which Paddle?
>
>
> Hi Tommy,
>
> I designed both keys, but I prefer the KXPD2. I use a KXPD2 with the KX2 
> frequently and have never had a problem. We improved the design over time.
>
> It weighs less than the KXPD3, takes up less space when packed, and is 
> shorter so when it’s used trailside, the paddle tips will be higher off the 
> ground. The adjustment tool is “docked” on the key as well so you can’t lose 
> it.
>
> (Bonus feature: if you use it outdoors often enough, it’ll gradually acquire 
> a slight amber tint that matches the LCD backlight color :)
>
> 72,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
> 
> elecraft.com
>
>> On May 4, 2020, at 6:42 PM, Tommy Judson via Elecraft 
>>  wrote:
>>
>> Well, gotta make up my mind on which paddle to order along with the radio.  
>> Just checked and my CU deposited what I thought the cost of a complete 
>> station should be into my account.  These isolate in place options are 
>> dangerous, it was to easy to do this on-line.
>>
>> Not sure I want to spend it now though - preliminary buyer’s remorse?
>>
>> Think I’ll go over everything again, maybe have forgotten something.  Let's 
>> see, antenna and feed line, check; inverted V support pole, check; and 
>> radio, check (except what paddle).  Haven’t nailed down exactly what all 
>> other options might as well be purchased along with the radio either.
>>
>> That’s ok, got about a week before moving out to a nice country hill side a 
>> handful of miles out of the city limits.  Been looking forward to this for a 
>> long time and want to savor it for a while.
>>
>> __
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
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>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to n...@elecraft.com
> __
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Re: [Elecraft] Which Paddle?

[brianchapnick]

I have had the kx 3 for 5 +years. It was and is the only radio I have since 
getting back into Ham Radio after many years of inactivity. It is a wow radio 
and Elecraft support is excellent. You won't go wrong. I would add to your list 
an antenna analyzer. It will make your life alot easier. The ATU I would say is 
not an option, it is a must.  The panadapter is a  fabulous add on too, but you 
can always get that later. Get whatever key you want. You will get another no 
matter what you buy now. The forums are fabulous reservoirs of knowledge from 
experts. 

Good luck

Brian VE3GMZ 



Sent via BlackBerry Hub+ Inbox for Android


  Original Message  


From: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: May 5, 2020 12:07 a.m.
To: tso...@icloud.com; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Reply to: k7...@aol.com
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Which Paddle?


Hi,My suggestions on options. Get the ATU, it tunes anything. If you are going 
to do SOTA, you need a battery and a charger. The KX2 internal battery is not 
cheap but it is inside the radio so you won't forget it and it is light weight. 
Mine lasts many hours. I'm not a CW operator so I can't say much but the KXPD2 
is slightly lighter and the adjustment tool is part of the paddle.
Jim HK7SSS

In a message dated 5/4/2020 6:44:32 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
elecraft@mailman.qth.net writes:

Well, gotta make up my mind on which paddle to order along with the radio.  
Just checked and my CU deposited what I thought the cost of a complete station 
should be into my account.  These isolate in place options are dangerous, it 
was to easy to do this on-line.
Not sure I want to spend it now though - preliminary buyer’s remorse?
Think I’ll go over everything again, maybe have forgotten something.  Let's 
see, antenna and feed line, check; inverted V support pole, check; and radio, 
check (except what paddle).  Haven’t nailed down exactly what all other options 
might as well be purchased along with the radio either.
That’s ok, got about a week before moving out to a nice country hill side a 
handful of miles out of the city limits.  Been looking forward to this for a 
long time and want to savor it for a while.
__Elecraft mailing 
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http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htmPost: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.netPlease help support this email list: 
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Re: [Elecraft] Which Paddle?

[Jim H via Elecraft]

Hi,My suggestions on options. Get the ATU, it tunes anything. If you are going 
to do SOTA, you need a battery and a charger. The KX2 internal battery is not 
cheap but it is inside the radio so you won't forget it and it is light weight. 
Mine lasts many hours. I'm not a CW operator so I can't say much but the KXPD2 
is slightly lighter and the adjustment tool is part of the paddle.
Jim HK7SSS

In a message dated 5/4/2020 6:44:32 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
elecraft@mailman.qth.net writes:

Well, gotta make up my mind on which paddle to order along with the radio.  
Just checked and my CU deposited what I thought the cost of a complete station 
should be into my account.  These isolate in place options are dangerous, it 
was to easy to do this on-line.
Not sure I want to spend it now though - preliminary buyer’s remorse?
Think I’ll go over everything again, maybe have forgotten something.  Let's 
see, antenna and feed line, check; inverted V support pole, check; and radio, 
check (except what paddle).  Haven’t nailed down exactly what all other options 
might as well be purchased along with the radio either.
That’s ok, got about a week before moving out to a nice country hill side a 
handful of miles out of the city limits.  Been looking forward to this for a 
long time and want to savor it for a while.
__Elecraft mailing 
listHome: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraftHelp: 
http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htmPost: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
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Re: [Elecraft] Which Paddle?

[Bert]

Hi Brian,

A business card with some DeOxit5 cleaner on it, usually does the trick!
Bert VE3NR


On 5/4/2020 11:00 PM, brianchapn...@rogers.com wrote:

So Wayne, how do you suggest cleaning the contacts? I have been slipping a 
piece of paper between the contacts,  closing the paddle and pulling the paper 
through. First time I've heard of the contact burnisher.

Brian VE3GMZ

  




Sent via BlackBerry Hub+ Inbox for Android


   Original Message


From: n...@elecraft.com
Sent: May 4, 2020 10:43 p.m.
To: tso...@icloud.com
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Which Paddle?


Hi Tommy,

I designed both keys, but I prefer the KXPD2. I use a KXPD2 with the KX2 
frequently and have never had a problem. We improved the design over time.

It weighs less than the KXPD3, takes up less space when packed, and is shorter 
so when it’s used trailside, the paddle tips will be higher off the ground. The 
adjustment tool is “docked” on the key as well so you can’t lose it.

(Bonus feature: if you use it outdoors often enough, it’ll gradually acquire a 
slight amber tint that matches the LCD backlight color :)

72,
Wayne
N6KR


elecraft.com


On May 4, 2020, at 6:42 PM, Tommy Judson via Elecraft 
 wrote:

Well, gotta make up my mind on which paddle to order along with the radio.  
Just checked and my CU deposited what I thought the cost of a complete station 
should be into my account.  These isolate in place options are dangerous, it 
was to easy to do this on-line.

Not sure I want to spend it now though - preliminary buyer’s remorse?

Think I’ll go over everything again, maybe have forgotten something.  Let's 
see, antenna and feed line, check; inverted V support pole, check; and radio, 
check (except what paddle).  Haven’t nailed down exactly what all other options 
might as well be purchased along with the radio either.

That’s ok, got about a week before moving out to a nice country hill side a 
handful of miles out of the city limits.  Been looking forward to this for a 
long time and want to savor it for a while.

__
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Re: [Elecraft] Which Paddle?

[brianchapnick]

So Wayne, how do you suggest cleaning the contacts? I have been slipping a 
piece of paper between the contacts,  closing the paddle and pulling the paper 
through. First time I've heard of the contact burnisher.

Brian VE3GMZ 

 



Sent via BlackBerry Hub+ Inbox for Android


  Original Message  


From: n...@elecraft.com
Sent: May 4, 2020 10:43 p.m.
To: tso...@icloud.com
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Which Paddle?


Hi Tommy,

I designed both keys, but I prefer the KXPD2. I use a KXPD2 with the KX2 
frequently and have never had a problem. We improved the design over time.

It weighs less than the KXPD3, takes up less space when packed, and is shorter 
so when it’s used trailside, the paddle tips will be higher off the ground. The 
adjustment tool is “docked” on the key as well so you can’t lose it.

(Bonus feature: if you use it outdoors often enough, it’ll gradually acquire a 
slight amber tint that matches the LCD backlight color :)

72,
Wayne
N6KR


elecraft.com

> On May 4, 2020, at 6:42 PM, Tommy Judson via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
>
> Well, gotta make up my mind on which paddle to order along with the radio.  
> Just checked and my CU deposited what I thought the cost of a complete 
> station should be into my account.  These isolate in place options are 
> dangerous, it was to easy to do this on-line.
>
> Not sure I want to spend it now though - preliminary buyer’s remorse?
>
> Think I’ll go over everything again, maybe have forgotten something.  Let's 
> see, antenna and feed line, check; inverted V support pole, check; and radio, 
> check (except what paddle).  Haven’t nailed down exactly what all other 
> options might as well be purchased along with the radio either.
>
> That’s ok, got about a week before moving out to a nice country hill side a 
> handful of miles out of the city limits.  Been looking forward to this for a 
> long time and want to savor it for a while.
>
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
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Re: [Elecraft] Which Paddle?

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Tommy,

I designed both keys, but I prefer the KXPD2. I use a KXPD2 with the KX2 
frequently and have never had a problem. We improved the design over time.

It weighs less than the KXPD3, takes up less space when packed, and is shorter 
so when it’s used trailside, the paddle tips will be higher off the ground. The 
adjustment tool is “docked” on the key as well so you can’t lose it. 

(Bonus feature: if you use it outdoors often enough, it’ll gradually acquire a 
slight amber tint that matches the LCD backlight color :)

72,
Wayne
N6KR


elecraft.com

> On May 4, 2020, at 6:42 PM, Tommy Judson via Elecraft 
>  wrote:
> 
> Well, gotta make up my mind on which paddle to order along with the radio.  
> Just checked and my CU deposited what I thought the cost of a complete 
> station should be into my account.  These isolate in place options are 
> dangerous, it was to easy to do this on-line.
> 
> Not sure I want to spend it now though - preliminary buyer’s remorse?
> 
> Think I’ll go over everything again, maybe have forgotten something.  Let's 
> see, antenna and feed line, check; inverted V support pole, check; and radio, 
> check (except what paddle).  Haven’t nailed down exactly what all other 
> options might as well be purchased along with the radio either.
> 
> That’s ok, got about a week before moving out to a nice country hill side a 
> handful of miles out of the city limits.  Been looking forward to this for a 
> long time and want to savor it for a while.
> 
> __
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Re: [Elecraft] Which Paddle?

[Tommy Judson via Elecraft]

Well, gotta make up my mind on which paddle to order along with the radio.  
Just checked and my CU deposited what I thought the cost of a complete station 
should be into my account.  These isolate in place options are dangerous, it 
was to easy to do this on-line.

Not sure I want to spend it now though - preliminary buyer’s remorse?

Think I’ll go over everything again, maybe have forgotten something.  Let's 
see, antenna and feed line, check; inverted V support pole, check; and radio, 
check (except what paddle).  Haven’t nailed down exactly what all other options 
might as well be purchased along with the radio either.

That’s ok, got about a week before moving out to a nice country hill side a 
handful of miles out of the city limits.  Been looking forward to this for a 
long time and want to savor it for a while.

__
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Re: [Elecraft] "2" or "3" Paddle

[Bill Frantz]

When I built a single lever paddle, I used silver wire for the 
contacts since I had heard that all the normal corrosion 
products of silver are also conductive. I haven't had any 
problems with it, although it doesn't get much use.


It might be worth while looking for a paddle with silver contacts.

73 Bill AE6JV

On 5/4/20 at 7:08 PM, huntin...@coastside.net wrote:

The KX2 appears to be designed for very low current through the 
paddle contacts.  If there is any corrosion at all on the 
stainless steel contact or post, keying be inconsistent. A 
larger gap so there is more 'swing' for the contact will help.  
Now I use a small burnishing wand and clean the contacts each 
time I install the paddles on the KX2.  Works well.


---
Bill Frantz|"After all, if the conventional wisdom was 
working, the
408-348-7900   | rate of systems being compromised would be 
going down,

www.pwpconsult.com | wouldn't it?" -- Marcus Ranum

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[Elecraft] OT: 15 year anniversary

[Mike Markowski]

After building a K1 and K2, extra parts were kept in the wonderful 
Elecraft white boxes that meant radio building time!  At looong last 
when organizing those extras tonight, I found my K2/10 cover (later 
replaced by the K2/100 cover).  On the inside with a Sharpie is written 
'Built by Mike Markowski AB3AP  Apr 7, 2005'.  Fifteen years!  Wow. 
Time really does fly when you're having fun.


Looking forward to the next 15,
Mike ab3ap

PS I also found endless "Packed by Christine" slips.  :-)
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 digital 0ps?

[Jim Rhodes]

This is a newer version of the one I have been using for years now.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076PC4VV4/ref=dp_cerb_2
It has a dedicated line in port so the level is not so touchy.  Actually
with the sound card and Elecraft USB cable it is a very simple setup. Set
the sound out level on computer settings for the USB card to something a
little less than half way, set the input (transmit) level in the software a
little under half way and adjust mic level on radio to get 4 bars of ALC
with the 5th bar just flashing. If the mic control seems too sensitive
decrease one or both of the other levels a bit more. Use the volume control
and rf gain to control the receive level from the radio. You do not want to
saturate the waterfall display but need to have enough level to show
the signals on the band. You can set the power level on the KX3 to 0.0
watts for level setting so you don't QRM anyone. Without an aftermarket
heatsink I believe the recommended power out max is 5 watts, I am
usually running the amp at 30 watts or so because when I use this setup I
am usually on the road in a motel or park with temporary antennas. I don't
like vox for keying, I know it is simple to use but so is telling the
software to key via CAT.

On Mon, May 4, 2020 at 2:46 PM Tox  wrote:

> I have a signalink I haven't used in years. For my kx3 wsjtx, I use a cheap
> usb sound dongle, and use cheaper 1/8" phono cords than I probably should,
> with small chokes of unknown mix. It works with my mbp.
>
> Scott
> AD6YT
>
> On Mon, May 4, 2020 at 12:25 PM rich hurd WC3T  wrote:
>
> > Just as a point of reference, I bought a SL and later bought "cheapie"
> > sound card dongles.   I never got the dongles to work despite repeated
> > efforts.   The SL worked every time.  I now have two.  One for home use
> and
> > one for mobile.
> >
> > On Mon, May 4, 2020 at 3:13 PM Bill Frantz 
> wrote:
> >
> > > There are 3 kinds of digital operation you might want to use:
> > > wsjt-modes (FT8, FT4 etc.), RTTY, and "Sound card modes" (PSK,
> > > Olivia etc.). The setup for all of them is similar.
> > >
> > > For sound cards (useful in all 3 kinds) a cheap USB "sound card"
> > > is all you need. I started with a SignaLink years ago, but now I
> > > have a cheapie I impulse bought from Amazon more recently for
> > > about $5. The "headphone" output will drive the Mic input of the
> > > KX3 nicely with a 3.5mm to 3.5mm stereo cable.
> > >
> > > For driving the sound card Mic input from the headphone output
> > > of the KX3, I found I needed a pad to reduce the drive. I have a
> > > 47K resistor in series with the line from the KX3 Phones jack
> > > and the tip of the plug which goes into the sound card, and a 1K
> > > resistor between the tip and the sleeve. These resistors fit in
> > > a 3.5mm plug. The values were based on what I could find in my
> > > junque box.
> > >
> > >
> > > For the wsjt-modes, it is best to have CAT control of the radio
> > > from the computer. For the KX3, the USB to 3.5mm plug used for
> > > updating the firmware is all the hardware you need. Then wsjt-x
> > > will set your radio correctly when you select the band in the software.
> > >
> > > For RTTY, if you are good with CW and a paddle, you can do the
> > > whole thing with the KX3. Depending on your computer software,
> > > you can also treat it like any other sound card mode. Or your
> > > software can depend on the KX3 encoder/decoder and use CAT
> > > commands for sending and receiving. Most people doing RTTY from
> > > a computer like to use the AFSK or FSK modes.
> > >
> > >
> > > For the other sound card modes, use DATA A, and either use the
> > > CAT interface to key the radio for transmission, or use VOX on
> > > the radio.
> > >
> > >
> > > Getting your computer software connected to these hardware
> > > interfaces depends on which OS you are using. I use a Mac, which
> > > just means selecting the correct interface in the setup menus in
> > > the programs. I have heard complaints from the Windows users
> > > that software updates make it necessary to redo these
> > > connections. I haven't tried the Linux world.
> > >
> > >
> > > Getting the sound levels set correctly is another issue, since
> > > there are frequently as many as 4 (computer program, OS, sound
> > > card, and KX3) level controls. On reception, try setting
> > > everything about the middle of the range, and then aim for the
> > > highest level that won't overload the A/D converter in your
> > > sound card. This setting is straight forward in wsjt-x.
> > >
> > > For output, again try to set everything to about the middle of
> > > the range and then set things so the ALC indicator is showing 4
> > > bars with the 5th one flashing. One gotcha is that when severely
> > > overdriven, the KX3 will show 0 signal rather than maximum, so
> > > if you're having problems, start low and work up.
> > >
> > > Good luck at Gitmo and maybe we'll see you on the air.
> > >
> > > 73 Bill AE6JV
> > >
> > > On 5/4/20 at 

Re: [Elecraft] "2" or "3" Paddle

[brianchapnick]

What kind of small burnishing wand are you using?

Brian VE3GMZ 



Sent via BlackBerry Hub+ Inbox for Android


  Original Message  


From: huntin...@coastside.net
Sent: May 4, 2020 7:10 p.m.
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] "2" or "3" Paddle




I've never used the KPDX3 but I bought the KPDX2 when I got my KX2.  At first I 
was disappointed in because it wasn't consistent in feel or accuracy.  I spent 
some quality time with it carefully adjusting the play in the pins that hold 
the paddles and the spacing and now it's very usable. 

The KX2 appears to be designed for very low current through the paddle 
contacts.  If there is any corrosion at all on the stainless steel contact or 
post, keying be inconsistent. A larger gap so there is more 'swing' for the 
contact will help.  Now I use a small burnishing wand and clean the contacts 
each time I install the paddles on the KX2.  Works well.

I normally use a full-sized iambic paddle with my K3 and I've found it takes a 
minute or two to get used to the smaller finger pieces and spacing.  Not a big 
deal.

I also tried the QRPGuys single lever paddle for the KX2 for a while but went 
back to the KPDX2.  A higher quality (more expensive) single lever paddle would 
likely be better.  Still debating that with myself (see Skip's comments about 
aging fingers).

GL & 73,
Brian, K0DTJ
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Re: [Elecraft] Upper limits of KPA500?

[Nr4c]

I imagine like a repeater. Always ON w/light load and intermittent heavy load. 

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill


> On May 4, 2020, at 7:03 PM, John Simmons  wrote:
> 
> Bob,
> 
> My bad... thanks for the correction. However, the key word is 'intermittent'. 
> So, what in the world does 'continuous intermittent' mean?
> 
> -de John NI0K
> 
> Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote on 5/4/2020 3:06 PM:
>> That would be "Intermittent Commercial and Amateur Service".
>> 
>> 73
>> 
>> Bob, K4TAX
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>> On 5/4/2020 1:24 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>>> On 5/4/2020 6:53 AM, John Simmons wrote:
 Nowadays manufacturers use 'ICAS'. One even specs their amp for '100% duty 
 cycle ICAS'. ICAS=Intermittent Continuous Amateur Service'. Gobbledegook!
>>> 
>>> 
>> 
>> __
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Re: [Elecraft] "2" or "3" Paddle

[huntinhmb]

 
I've never used the KPDX3 but I bought the KPDX2 when I got my KX2.  At first I 
was disappointed in because it wasn't consistent in feel or accuracy.  I spent 
some quality time with it carefully adjusting the play in the pins that hold 
the paddles and the spacing and now it's very usable.  
 
The KX2 appears to be designed for very low current through the paddle 
contacts.  If there is any corrosion at all on the stainless steel contact or 
post, keying be inconsistent. A larger gap so there is more 'swing' for the 
contact will help.  Now I use a small burnishing wand and clean the contacts 
each time I install the paddles on the KX2.  Works well.
 
I normally use a full-sized iambic paddle with my K3 and I've found it takes a 
minute or two to get used to the smaller finger pieces and spacing.  Not a big 
deal.
 
I also tried the QRPGuys single lever paddle for the KX2 for a while but went 
back to the KPDX2.  A higher quality (more expensive) single lever paddle would 
likely be better.  Still debating that with myself (see Skip's comments about 
aging fingers).
 
GL & 73,
Brian, K0DTJ
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Re: [Elecraft] Upper limits of KPA500?

[John Simmons]

Bob,

My bad... thanks for the correction. However, the key word is 
'intermittent'. So, what in the world does 'continuous intermittent' mean?


-de John NI0K

Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote on 5/4/2020 3:06 PM:

That would be "Intermittent Commercial and Amateur Service".

73

Bob, K4TAX



On 5/4/2020 1:24 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

On 5/4/2020 6:53 AM, John Simmons wrote:
Nowadays manufacturers use 'ICAS'. One even specs their amp for 
'100% duty cycle ICAS'. ICAS=Intermittent Continuous Amateur 
Service'. Gobbledegook!





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Re: [Elecraft] K4 updates

[Wayne Burdick]

We'll have another status update on the K4 soon. Been a bit crazy around here 
with the lockdowns, which affect both us and some of our key suppliers.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


> On May 4, 2020, at 2:46 PM, Tom Doligalski  wrote:
> 
> I placed my K4 order on 17 May 2019, with a full deposit.
> 
> I understand all of the difficulties experienced over the last year, but 
> really would appreciate some sort of idea about the K4 status. 
> 
> Thanks!
> 
> Tom W4KX
> 
> Sent from my iPad 
> 
>> On May 1, 2020, at 1:25 PM, Wayne Burdick  wrote:
>> 
>> Eric will be posting an update soon. 
>> 
>> Wayne
>> N6KRd
>> 
>> 
>> elecraft.com
>> 
>>> On May 1, 2020, at 9:34 AM, Joseph Trombino, Jr  wrote:
>>> 
>>> Howdy Gang.
>>> 
>>> Checked the Elecraft website and not much new on the K4 delivery dates.
>>> 
>>> Also, haven’t seen any videos on new K4 features as mentioned by Elecraft.
>>> 
>>> Anyone have any additional info they can share with the group?
>>> 
>>>  73, Joe W2KJ
>>>  I QRP, therefore I am
>>> 
>>> 
>>> __
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Re: [Elecraft] K4 updates

[Tom Doligalski via Elecraft]

I placed my K4 order on 17 May 2019, with a full deposit.

I understand all of the difficulties experienced over the last year, but really 
would appreciate some sort of idea about the K4 status. 

Thanks!

Tom W4KX

Sent from my iPad 

> On May 1, 2020, at 1:25 PM, Wayne Burdick  wrote:
> 
> Eric will be posting an update soon. 
> 
> Wayne
> N6KRd
> 
> 
> elecraft.com
> 
>> On May 1, 2020, at 9:34 AM, Joseph Trombino, Jr  wrote:
>> 
>> Howdy Gang.
>> 
>> Checked the Elecraft website and not much new on the K4 delivery dates.
>> 
>> Also, haven’t seen any videos on new K4 features as mentioned by Elecraft.
>> 
>> Anyone have any additional info they can share with the group?
>> 
>>   73, Joe W2KJ
>>   I QRP, therefore I am
>> 
>> 
>> __
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Re: [Elecraft] "2" or "3" Paddle

[Fred Jensen]

I think so.  I switched from a Bencher HexKey to a N3ZN Single Lever 
since I have never been iambicized. Although left-handed, I've always 
paddled with my right, there was a time when your log was sacred and I 
can't write legibly right-handed.  I hoped the single-lever would be a 
bit more forgiving of the growing arthritis in my hands, which it has 
been.  When I bought the Begali MagPro, it went on the right and I moved 
the N3ZN to the left.  I tend to use the Begali in contesting, the ZN 
for rag chewing.  The Vibroplex bug, a BY-1, and the straight key are on 
the shelf.  I have a second BY-1 for the K2/10 in the "Summertime GO 
Bag."  Apparently, you can never have enough telegraph keys.


73,
Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

On 5/4/2020 12:43 PM, brianchapn...@rogers.com wrote:

Have fun. I guess everyone eventually uses multiple keys in the same way we 
have multiple antennae.

Brian VE3GMZ



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Re: [Elecraft] Upper limits of KPA500?

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

That would be "Intermittent Commercial and Amateur Service".

73

Bob, K4TAX



On 5/4/2020 1:24 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

On 5/4/2020 6:53 AM, John Simmons wrote:
Nowadays manufacturers use 'ICAS'. One even specs their amp for '100% 
duty cycle ICAS'. ICAS=Intermittent Continuous Amateur Service'. 
Gobbledegook!





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Re: [Elecraft] [OT] dumb question about oscilloscope probes

[Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP]

Thank you, that explains it (and more)!


73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
Formerly K2VCO
CWops no. 5
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/
.
On 04/05/2020 20:28, demindor . wrote:

Look at this article: "THE SECRET WORLD OF OSCILLOSCOPE PROBES" by Doug Ford.

It will explain where the extra resistance is coming from and what it
is for (TLDNR - it's for suppressing ringing of 1:10 probe at high
frequencies where the cable of the probe starts looking like a
transmission line).

http://www.dfad.com.au/links/THE%20SECRET%20WORLD%20OF%20PROBES%20OCt09.pdf

On Mon, May 4, 2020 at 6:48 AM Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP
 wrote:


I like the way scope probes have a tip that hooks onto a component lead,
and a little alligator clip for the ground. So I thought I could use a
passive scope probe in the X1 position on my DVM too. I hooked one up
with a BNC-bannana adapter, but it turns out that there seems to be a
series resistance of about 250 ohms, which is inconvenient for
resistance measurements. I got the same result from several probes.

My question is, what's going on here? Schematics of probes I found all
showed that in the X1 position they were straight through.
--
73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
Formerly K2VCO
CWops no. 5
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/

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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 digital 0ps?

[Tox]

I have a signalink I haven't used in years. For my kx3 wsjtx, I use a cheap
usb sound dongle, and use cheaper 1/8" phono cords than I probably should,
with small chokes of unknown mix. It works with my mbp.

Scott
AD6YT

On Mon, May 4, 2020 at 12:25 PM rich hurd WC3T  wrote:

> Just as a point of reference, I bought a SL and later bought "cheapie"
> sound card dongles.   I never got the dongles to work despite repeated
> efforts.   The SL worked every time.  I now have two.  One for home use and
> one for mobile.
>
> On Mon, May 4, 2020 at 3:13 PM Bill Frantz  wrote:
>
> > There are 3 kinds of digital operation you might want to use:
> > wsjt-modes (FT8, FT4 etc.), RTTY, and "Sound card modes" (PSK,
> > Olivia etc.). The setup for all of them is similar.
> >
> > For sound cards (useful in all 3 kinds) a cheap USB "sound card"
> > is all you need. I started with a SignaLink years ago, but now I
> > have a cheapie I impulse bought from Amazon more recently for
> > about $5. The "headphone" output will drive the Mic input of the
> > KX3 nicely with a 3.5mm to 3.5mm stereo cable.
> >
> > For driving the sound card Mic input from the headphone output
> > of the KX3, I found I needed a pad to reduce the drive. I have a
> > 47K resistor in series with the line from the KX3 Phones jack
> > and the tip of the plug which goes into the sound card, and a 1K
> > resistor between the tip and the sleeve. These resistors fit in
> > a 3.5mm plug. The values were based on what I could find in my
> > junque box.
> >
> >
> > For the wsjt-modes, it is best to have CAT control of the radio
> > from the computer. For the KX3, the USB to 3.5mm plug used for
> > updating the firmware is all the hardware you need. Then wsjt-x
> > will set your radio correctly when you select the band in the software.
> >
> > For RTTY, if you are good with CW and a paddle, you can do the
> > whole thing with the KX3. Depending on your computer software,
> > you can also treat it like any other sound card mode. Or your
> > software can depend on the KX3 encoder/decoder and use CAT
> > commands for sending and receiving. Most people doing RTTY from
> > a computer like to use the AFSK or FSK modes.
> >
> >
> > For the other sound card modes, use DATA A, and either use the
> > CAT interface to key the radio for transmission, or use VOX on
> > the radio.
> >
> >
> > Getting your computer software connected to these hardware
> > interfaces depends on which OS you are using. I use a Mac, which
> > just means selecting the correct interface in the setup menus in
> > the programs. I have heard complaints from the Windows users
> > that software updates make it necessary to redo these
> > connections. I haven't tried the Linux world.
> >
> >
> > Getting the sound levels set correctly is another issue, since
> > there are frequently as many as 4 (computer program, OS, sound
> > card, and KX3) level controls. On reception, try setting
> > everything about the middle of the range, and then aim for the
> > highest level that won't overload the A/D converter in your
> > sound card. This setting is straight forward in wsjt-x.
> >
> > For output, again try to set everything to about the middle of
> > the range and then set things so the ALC indicator is showing 4
> > bars with the 5th one flashing. One gotcha is that when severely
> > overdriven, the KX3 will show 0 signal rather than maximum, so
> > if you're having problems, start low and work up.
> >
> > Good luck at Gitmo and maybe we'll see you on the air.
> >
> > 73 Bill AE6JV
> >
> > On 5/4/20 at 12:21 PM, w1srra...@gmail.com (MIKE W1SRR) wrote:
> >
> > >so rookie question as I just got my KX3 in time for mobilization (my
> call
> > >sign will be KG4MA, wink wink)  I want to setup my KX3 for
> > FT8/FT4/JT9/JT65.
> > >
> > >Will have a brand new laptop and of course my radio what all are you
> using
> > >for sound cards and settings on the KX3 and WSJT?
> > >
> > >If all possible I would like to get a Raspberry Pi computer to lighten
> the
> > >load a bit, is that possible?
> > >
> > >Thanks in advance
> > >
> > >Future KG4MA (in mid june)
> > >Mike
> >
> ---
> > Bill Frantz| If you want total security, go to prison.
> > There you're
> > 408-348-7900   | fed, clothed, given medical care and so on.
> > The only
> > www.pwpconsult.com | thing lacking is freedom. - Dwight D. Eisenhower
> >
> > __
> > Elecraft mailing list
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> > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> >
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> > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> > Message delivered to r...@wc3t.us
> >
>
>
> --
> 72,
> Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737
> Northampton County RACES, EPA-ARRL Public Information Officer for Scouting
> Latitude: 40.761621 

Re: [Elecraft] "2" or "3" Paddle

[brianchapnick]

It's an interesting question. I've been using the 3 for a few years on my kx3. 
I'm actually considering going to a winkey and external paddle so that I am 
able to get N1MM functional. I'm actually a little frustrated with the present 
3 paddle. From a convenience point of view it is great but I have a persistent 
recurring problem of incorrect responses. Sometimes i think it may be due to 
dirty contacts and sometimes stray RF? I dont know which. I always remove the 
key after use for storing. I clean the contacts regularly. Sometimes it is a 
joy to use, and at other times not so much. Maybe this is common to all 
paddles? I'm not a heavy user or super CW op. I've posted the issue before. 

Have fun. I guess everyone eventually uses multiple keys in the same way we 
have multiple antennae.

Brian VE3GMZ 



Sent via BlackBerry Hub+ Inbox for Android


  Original Message  


From: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: May 4, 2020 3:07 p.m.
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Reply to: tso...@icloud.com
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] "2" or "3" Paddle


Which one?

This is something like the guy with more than one watch, he never knows what 
the time really should be.

There is so much discussion about the two paddles it seems to me they both are 
good and it really comes down to just which one an operator owns to use.  (Yes, 
read reports from owners of both but could not read a specific reason one was 
chosen over the other - in the same operating scenario.)

So where I’m coming from is I’ve never used either.  I learned on a Vibroplex 
Lightening Bug but now with the advent of electronic keyers don’t want to dig 
it out to really use.  And am wondering if it makes any difference which I get 
when ordering a new radio.  Ie, which would be the easiest to take up and use 
considering my experience.  At this time I'm thinking the “3” because it has a 
longer pivot arm - maybe the same or close to the what the bug has.  This might 
not really be all oranges though since the fore arm will most likely just 
rotate instead pushing the dash lever with finger movement along with the arm 
movement as with the bug.

Guess when I order a radio I’ll just order its specifically designated 
components - unless there is something constructive to be said by anyone?

P.S.  Someone specifically wrote the beveled paddle pads on the “2” were more 
comfortable.
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 digital 0ps?

[rich hurd WC3T]

Just as a point of reference, I bought a SL and later bought "cheapie"
sound card dongles.   I never got the dongles to work despite repeated
efforts.   The SL worked every time.  I now have two.  One for home use and
one for mobile.

On Mon, May 4, 2020 at 3:13 PM Bill Frantz  wrote:

> There are 3 kinds of digital operation you might want to use:
> wsjt-modes (FT8, FT4 etc.), RTTY, and "Sound card modes" (PSK,
> Olivia etc.). The setup for all of them is similar.
>
> For sound cards (useful in all 3 kinds) a cheap USB "sound card"
> is all you need. I started with a SignaLink years ago, but now I
> have a cheapie I impulse bought from Amazon more recently for
> about $5. The "headphone" output will drive the Mic input of the
> KX3 nicely with a 3.5mm to 3.5mm stereo cable.
>
> For driving the sound card Mic input from the headphone output
> of the KX3, I found I needed a pad to reduce the drive. I have a
> 47K resistor in series with the line from the KX3 Phones jack
> and the tip of the plug which goes into the sound card, and a 1K
> resistor between the tip and the sleeve. These resistors fit in
> a 3.5mm plug. The values were based on what I could find in my
> junque box.
>
>
> For the wsjt-modes, it is best to have CAT control of the radio
> from the computer. For the KX3, the USB to 3.5mm plug used for
> updating the firmware is all the hardware you need. Then wsjt-x
> will set your radio correctly when you select the band in the software.
>
> For RTTY, if you are good with CW and a paddle, you can do the
> whole thing with the KX3. Depending on your computer software,
> you can also treat it like any other sound card mode. Or your
> software can depend on the KX3 encoder/decoder and use CAT
> commands for sending and receiving. Most people doing RTTY from
> a computer like to use the AFSK or FSK modes.
>
>
> For the other sound card modes, use DATA A, and either use the
> CAT interface to key the radio for transmission, or use VOX on
> the radio.
>
>
> Getting your computer software connected to these hardware
> interfaces depends on which OS you are using. I use a Mac, which
> just means selecting the correct interface in the setup menus in
> the programs. I have heard complaints from the Windows users
> that software updates make it necessary to redo these
> connections. I haven't tried the Linux world.
>
>
> Getting the sound levels set correctly is another issue, since
> there are frequently as many as 4 (computer program, OS, sound
> card, and KX3) level controls. On reception, try setting
> everything about the middle of the range, and then aim for the
> highest level that won't overload the A/D converter in your
> sound card. This setting is straight forward in wsjt-x.
>
> For output, again try to set everything to about the middle of
> the range and then set things so the ALC indicator is showing 4
> bars with the 5th one flashing. One gotcha is that when severely
> overdriven, the KX3 will show 0 signal rather than maximum, so
> if you're having problems, start low and work up.
>
> Good luck at Gitmo and maybe we'll see you on the air.
>
> 73 Bill AE6JV
>
> On 5/4/20 at 12:21 PM, w1srra...@gmail.com (MIKE W1SRR) wrote:
>
> >so rookie question as I just got my KX3 in time for mobilization (my call
> >sign will be KG4MA, wink wink)  I want to setup my KX3 for
> FT8/FT4/JT9/JT65.
> >
> >Will have a brand new laptop and of course my radio what all are you using
> >for sound cards and settings on the KX3 and WSJT?
> >
> >If all possible I would like to get a Raspberry Pi computer to lighten the
> >load a bit, is that possible?
> >
> >Thanks in advance
> >
> >Future KG4MA (in mid june)
> >Mike
> ---
> Bill Frantz| If you want total security, go to prison.
> There you're
> 408-348-7900   | fed, clothed, given medical care and so on.
> The only
> www.pwpconsult.com | thing lacking is freedom. - Dwight D. Eisenhower
>
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> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to r...@wc3t.us
>


-- 
72,
Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737
Northampton County RACES, EPA-ARRL Public Information Officer for Scouting
Latitude: 40.761621 Longitude: -75.288988  (40°45.68' N 75°17.33' W) Grid:
*FN20is*
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 digital 0ps?

[Bill Frantz]

There are 3 kinds of digital operation you might want to use: 
wsjt-modes (FT8, FT4 etc.), RTTY, and "Sound card modes" (PSK, 
Olivia etc.). The setup for all of them is similar.


For sound cards (useful in all 3 kinds) a cheap USB "sound card" 
is all you need. I started with a SignaLink years ago, but now I 
have a cheapie I impulse bought from Amazon more recently for 
about $5. The "headphone" output will drive the Mic input of the 
KX3 nicely with a 3.5mm to 3.5mm stereo cable.


For driving the sound card Mic input from the headphone output 
of the KX3, I found I needed a pad to reduce the drive. I have a 
47K resistor in series with the line from the KX3 Phones jack 
and the tip of the plug which goes into the sound card, and a 1K 
resistor between the tip and the sleeve. These resistors fit in 
a 3.5mm plug. The values were based on what I could find in my 
junque box.



For the wsjt-modes, it is best to have CAT control of the radio 
from the computer. For the KX3, the USB to 3.5mm plug used for 
updating the firmware is all the hardware you need. Then wsjt-x 
will set your radio correctly when you select the band in the software.


For RTTY, if you are good with CW and a paddle, you can do the 
whole thing with the KX3. Depending on your computer software, 
you can also treat it like any other sound card mode. Or your 
software can depend on the KX3 encoder/decoder and use CAT 
commands for sending and receiving. Most people doing RTTY from 
a computer like to use the AFSK or FSK modes.



For the other sound card modes, use DATA A, and either use the 
CAT interface to key the radio for transmission, or use VOX on 
the radio.



Getting your computer software connected to these hardware 
interfaces depends on which OS you are using. I use a Mac, which 
just means selecting the correct interface in the setup menus in 
the programs. I have heard complaints from the Windows users 
that software updates make it necessary to redo these 
connections. I haven't tried the Linux world.



Getting the sound levels set correctly is another issue, since 
there are frequently as many as 4 (computer program, OS, sound 
card, and KX3) level controls. On reception, try setting 
everything about the middle of the range, and then aim for the 
highest level that won't overload the A/D converter in your 
sound card. This setting is straight forward in wsjt-x.


For output, again try to set everything to about the middle of 
the range and then set things so the ALC indicator is showing 4 
bars with the 5th one flashing. One gotcha is that when severely 
overdriven, the KX3 will show 0 signal rather than maximum, so 
if you're having problems, start low and work up.


Good luck at Gitmo and maybe we'll see you on the air.

73 Bill AE6JV

On 5/4/20 at 12:21 PM, w1srra...@gmail.com (MIKE W1SRR) wrote:


so rookie question as I just got my KX3 in time for mobilization (my call
sign will be KG4MA, wink wink)  I want to setup my KX3 for FT8/FT4/JT9/JT65.

Will have a brand new laptop and of course my radio what all are you using
for sound cards and settings on the KX3 and WSJT?

If all possible I would like to get a Raspberry Pi computer to lighten the
load a bit, is that possible?

Thanks in advance

Future KG4MA (in mid june)
Mike

---
Bill Frantz| If you want total security, go to prison. 
There you're
408-348-7900   | fed, clothed, given medical care and so on. 
The only

www.pwpconsult.com | thing lacking is freedom. - Dwight D. Eisenhower

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Re: [Elecraft] Upper limits of KPA500?

[Edward R Cole]

That seems excessive (shows good engineering).

FM seems to be the hardest mode on amps.  If you are long-winded 
probably exceed 3-minutes which is common Time-out-timer limit on 
commercial FM gear (and several ham rigs, too).  I have a fan switch 
on my 150w 2m amp and too often forget to switch it on when operating 
FM.  My 222 FM 30w radio has built-in TOT which shuts off Tx at 
3-minutes of transmit.


On my QRO sspa's I try not to do any key-down tests over a minute in 
length (and they are designed for JT65 service).  Having overtemp 
protection and SWR protection is good insurance for protecting those 
expensive components.  All my amps have that.


Maybe someday I will own a KPA500 (do very little HF and have a 1000w 6m sspa).

73, Ed - KL7UW

I once blew up a 500w dummy load by excessive transmit time running 
1200w.  Had that old Sierra MW for about 30-years.  Now have a 
surplus 500w Bird dummy.



Date: Mon, 4 May 2020 09:11:56 -0700
From: Jack Brindle 
To: Dave Cole 
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Upper limits of KPA500?
Message-ID: <8d7f4c18-45f5-408a-b13b-e0bff47a9...@me.com>
Content-Type: text/plain;   charset=us-ascii

From the KPA500 manual, Rev E1, page 41 Specifications:
Duty Cycle at 500 Watts 10 minutes key down / 5 minutes standby

Sometimes it is very worth while to read the manual. It gives me 
something to do when being stuck at home for so long gets me down.


73!
Jack, W6FB


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] "2" or "3" Paddle

[Tommy Judson via Elecraft]

Which one?

This is something like the guy with more than one watch, he never knows what 
the time really should be.

There is so much discussion about the two paddles it seems to me they both are 
good and it really comes down to just which one an operator owns to use.  (Yes, 
read reports from owners of both but could not read a specific reason one was 
chosen over the other - in the same operating scenario.)

So where I’m coming from is I’ve never used either.  I learned on a Vibroplex 
Lightening Bug but now with the advent of electronic keyers don’t want to dig 
it out to really use.  And am wondering if it makes any difference which I get 
when ordering a new radio.  Ie, which would be the easiest to take up and use 
considering my experience.  At this time I'm thinking the “3” because it has a 
longer pivot arm - maybe the same or close to the what the bug has.  This might 
not really be all oranges though since the fore arm will most likely just 
rotate instead pushing the dash lever with finger movement along with the arm 
movement as with the bug.

Guess when I order a radio I’ll just order its specifically designated 
components - unless there is something constructive to be said by anyone?

P.S.  Someone specifically wrote the beveled paddle pads on the “2” were more 
comfortable.
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[Elecraft] Correction to 5-4-2020 SSB Net

[Eric Lanzl]

I have an incorrect entry to the Net. 

KS7D Mike Florida K3 118 is the correct entry. I had him as KF7D. 

Eric WB9JNZ
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Re: [Elecraft] Upper limits of KPA500?

[Dave Cole]

1850, or 1950?  Sorry Jim, I had too...  :)

73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 5/4/20 11:24 AM, Jim Brown wrote:

Not really. ICAS and CCS have been used by power tube mfrs longer than I 
have been reading their data sheets in the '50s.


73, Jim K9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] Upper limits of KPA500?

[Jim Brown]

On 5/4/2020 6:53 AM, John Simmons wrote:
Nowadays manufacturers use 'ICAS'. One even specs their amp for '100% 
duty cycle ICAS'. ICAS=Intermittent Continuous Amateur Service'. 
Gobbledegook!


Not really. ICAS and CCS have been used by power tube mfrs longer than I 
have been reading their data sheets in the '50s.


73, Jim K9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] Upper limits of KPA500?

[Dave Cole]

Thank you Jack...  I had not seen that.  That answers the question.

73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 5/4/20 9:11 AM, Jack Brindle wrote:

 From the KPA500 manual, Rev E1, page 41 Specifications:

Duty Cycle at 500 Watts10 minutes key down / 5 minutes standby

Sometimes it is very worth while to read the manual. It gives me 
something to do when being stuck at home for so long gets me down.


73!
Jack, W6FB

On May 4, 2020, at 6:39 AM, Dave Cole > wrote:


Hi Rick,

This brings up a point I have been unsure about for years...  Duty 
Cycle...  What constitutes 100%?  Over how long a time frame?


If I run JT65, (one minute on one minute off), and I use a timeframe 
of say 5 minutes, I buy it is 50% duty cycle.


But if I use a timeframe of one minute it is 100% Duty Cycle...

So when stating duty cycle it is important to spec the timeframe, as 
you did...  Is there an actual timeframe stated someplace as a standard?


I do like the way you stated it by the way...  With time to 'catch the 
breath'...


73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 5/3/20 8:53 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I wrote:
I didn't add the obvious, FT8 in that manner is a 50% duty cycle but 
with enough time to 'catch the breath'.
I remember back when it first came out, Wayne suggested to 'run it 
with all the LEDs lit' or something along that line but... it's 
capable of MUCH more than 500 watts and wisely better limited by 
firmware upgrades (in the early days I watched it put out almost 700, 
at which point I was far more cautious).  It's nice to know there is 
a certain amount of 'overhead'.

Rick NK7I
On 5/3/2020 8:23 PM, Dave Cole wrote:

Hi Rick,
That is how mine behaves as well, almost exactly like that... 
However, I will be running SSTV, and that is hard on the amp...  I 
need to do a bit more testing prior to that.


As someone else said upthread, half power is really tough on the amp...

73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 5/3/20 7:52 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I wrote:

I spent 15 minutes active on 20M FT8 this afternoon (some lurking).

At 530 watts output (on the display and utility) into a 1.13:1 
antenna load (SteppIR) for a ten minute calling period (Mongolia 
then Oman), the temp rose to 66C; a few moments of elevated fan 
quickly brought that down to the low 60's between transmissions.


Ambient room temp 77F.  (Both calls succeeded.)

Rick NK7I
North Idaho

On 5/3/2020 7:42 PM, Andy Durbin wrote:
"It is interesting to hear how others experience their KPA500s 
over various conditions."


I have over a years's worth of KPA500 data recorded but it takes 
some effort to run it through the Excel templates to make pretty 
plots.


My KPA500 temperatures are strongly influenced by ambient 
temperature.  Shack temperature is often over 30 deg C in the 
summer months and it's not at all unusual for my fan to run at 
level 3 in FT8 QSO.  I think I have only reached fan speed 5 twice 
and that was while running temperature tests not while 
operating.   I terminated those tests at fan speed 5 and didn't 
wish to push it any higher.


So many people seem to think reducing the output power will keep 
the temperature down.  It does not.   Half power is about the 
worst heat dissipation condition for the KPA500.


73,
Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] Upper limits of KPA500?

[Dave Cole]

Hi John,

Pretty much every answer to the Duty Cycle question involved time, hence 
why I asked about RTTY, that forced the issue of time to come into the 
definition.


Based on the manual definition, 10 minutes out of every 15 can be in 
transmit.  That seems to constitute 100% duty cycle for the KPA500.  So 
I now have my question answered.


73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 5/4/20 6:53 AM, John Simmons wrote:
Nowadays manufacturers use 'ICAS'. One even specs their amp for '100% 
duty cycle ICAS'. ICAS=Intermittent Continuous Amateur Service'. 
Gobbledegook!


100% duty cycle is what Alpha used to say brick on the key forever. 
FT8, JT65 are 50% duty cycle modes. SSB is about 33% during transmit, CW 
is 50% during transmit. Duty cycle has no time limit.


-de John NI0K

Dave Cole wrote on 5/4/2020 8:39 AM:

Hi Rick,

This brings up a point I have been unsure about for years...  Duty 
Cycle...  What constitutes 100%?  Over how long a time frame?


If I run JT65, (one minute on one minute off), and I use a timeframe 
of say 5 minutes, I buy it is 50% duty cycle.


But if I use a timeframe of one minute it is 100% Duty Cycle...

So when stating duty cycle it is important to spec the timeframe, as 
you did...  Is there an actual timeframe stated someplace as a standard?


I do like the way you stated it by the way...  With time to 'catch the 
breath'...


73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 5/3/20 8:53 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I wrote:
I didn't add the obvious, FT8 in that manner is a 50% duty cycle but 
with enough time to 'catch the breath'.


I remember back when it first came out, Wayne suggested to 'run it 
with all the LEDs lit' or something along that line but... it's 
capable of MUCH more than 500 watts and wisely better limited by 
firmware upgrades (in the early days I watched it put out almost 700, 
at which point I was far more cautious).  It's nice to know there is 
a certain amount of 'overhead'.


Rick NK7I


On 5/3/2020 8:23 PM, Dave Cole wrote:

Hi Rick,
That is how mine behaves as well, almost exactly like that... 
However, I will be running SSTV, and that is hard on the amp...  I 
need to do a bit more testing prior to that.


As someone else said upthread, half power is really tough on the amp...

73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 5/3/20 7:52 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I wrote:

I spent 15 minutes active on 20M FT8 this afternoon (some lurking).

At 530 watts output (on the display and utility) into a 1.13:1 
antenna load (SteppIR) for a ten minute calling period (Mongolia 
then Oman), the temp rose to 66C; a few moments of elevated fan 
quickly brought that down to the low 60's between transmissions.


Ambient room temp 77F.  (Both calls succeeded.)

Rick NK7I
North Idaho

On 5/3/2020 7:42 PM, Andy Durbin wrote:
"It is interesting to hear how others experience their KPA500s 
over various conditions."


I have over a years's worth of KPA500 data recorded but it takes 
some effort to run it through the Excel templates to make pretty 
plots.


My KPA500 temperatures are strongly influenced by ambient 
temperature.  Shack temperature is often over 30 deg C in the 
summer months and it's not at all unusual for my fan to run at 
level 3 in FT8 QSO.  I think I have only reached fan speed 5 twice 
and that was while running temperature tests not while 
operating.   I terminated those tests at fan speed 5 and didn't 
wish to push it any higher.


So many people seem to think reducing the output power will keep 
the temperature down.  It does not.   Half power is about the 
worst heat dissipation condition for the KPA500.


73,
Andy, k3wyc
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[Elecraft] Remoting K3 and Expert 1.3 using RemoteRig RC1258

[Roger Dixon]

Hi All,
I'd be interested to hear from anyone who has successfully remoted a
K3/Expert 1.3 combination using a RemoteRig RC1258.
We have successfully established a link to the remote K3 using a K3/0-mini
and have full functionality on CW and SSB.  We have also managed to
integrate DXlog at the control station.  Good news so far!!  However,
attempts to control the Expert 1.3 over the RC1258 COM1 channel have failed.
Has anyone else successfully achieved this?
TIA and 73
Roger - G4BVY

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Re: [Elecraft] Upper limits of KPA500?

[Michael Walker]

Thanks Jack!

I guess part 2 to Jack's comments are...

If it gets too hot, it starts to dial back the output power.

(I would have to read the manual again to see if that is in there).

Mike va3mw


On Mon, May 4, 2020 at 12:12 PM Jack Brindle via Elecraft <
elecraft@mailman.qth.net> wrote:

> From the KPA500 manual, Rev E1, page 41 Specifications:
> Duty Cycle at 500 Watts  10 minutes key down / 5 minutes standby
>
> Sometimes it is very worth while to read the manual. It gives me something
> to do when being stuck at home for so long gets me down.
>
> 73!
> Jack, W6FB
>
> > On May 4, 2020, at 6:39 AM, Dave Cole  wrote:
> >
> > Hi Rick,
> >
> > This brings up a point I have been unsure about for years...  Duty
> Cycle...  What constitutes 100%?  Over how long a time frame?
> >
> > If I run JT65, (one minute on one minute off), and I use a timeframe of
> say 5 minutes, I buy it is 50% duty cycle.
> >
> > But if I use a timeframe of one minute it is 100% Duty Cycle...
> >
> > So when stating duty cycle it is important to spec the timeframe, as you
> did...  Is there an actual timeframe stated someplace as a standard?
> >
> > I do like the way you stated it by the way...  With time to 'catch the
> breath'...
> >
> > 73, and thanks,
> > Dave (NK7Z)
> > https://www.nk7z.net
> > ARRL Volunteer Examiner
> > ARRL Technical Specialist
> > ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
> >
> > On 5/3/20 8:53 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I wrote:
> >> I didn't add the obvious, FT8 in that manner is a 50% duty cycle but
> with enough time to 'catch the breath'.
> >> I remember back when it first came out, Wayne suggested to 'run it with
> all the LEDs lit' or something along that line but... it's capable of MUCH
> more than 500 watts and wisely better limited by firmware upgrades (in the
> early days I watched it put out almost 700, at which point I was far more
> cautious).  It's nice to know there is a certain amount of 'overhead'.
> >> Rick NK7I
> >> On 5/3/2020 8:23 PM, Dave Cole wrote:
> >>> Hi Rick,
> >>> That is how mine behaves as well, almost exactly like that... However,
> I will be running SSTV, and that is hard on the amp...  I need to do a bit
> more testing prior to that.
> >>>
> >>> As someone else said upthread, half power is really tough on the amp...
> >>>
> >>> 73, and thanks,
> >>> Dave (NK7Z)
> >>> https://www.nk7z.net
> >>> ARRL Volunteer Examiner
> >>> ARRL Technical Specialist
> >>> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
> >>>
> >>> On 5/3/20 7:52 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I wrote:
>  I spent 15 minutes active on 20M FT8 this afternoon (some lurking).
> 
>  At 530 watts output (on the display and utility) into a 1.13:1
> antenna load (SteppIR) for a ten minute calling period (Mongolia then
> Oman), the temp rose to 66C; a few moments of elevated fan quickly brought
> that down to the low 60's between transmissions.
> 
>  Ambient room temp 77F.  (Both calls succeeded.)
> 
>  Rick NK7I
>  North Idaho
> 
>  On 5/3/2020 7:42 PM, Andy Durbin wrote:
> > "It is interesting to hear how others experience their KPA500s over
> various conditions."
> >
> > I have over a years's worth of KPA500 data recorded but it takes
> some effort to run it through the Excel templates to make pretty plots.
> >
> > My KPA500 temperatures are strongly influenced by ambient
> temperature.  Shack temperature is often over 30 deg C in the summer months
> and it's not at all unusual for my fan to run at level 3 in FT8 QSO.  I
> think I have only reached fan speed 5 twice and that was while running
> temperature tests not while operating.   I terminated those tests at fan
> speed 5 and didn't wish to push it any higher.
> >
> > So many people seem to think reducing the output power will keep the
> temperature down.  It does not.   Half power is about the worst heat
> dissipation condition for the KPA500.
> >
> > 73,
> > Andy, k3wyc
> > __
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 digital 0ps?

[Gwen Patton]

Mike,

On my main PC, I use a StarTech USB sound dongle:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00F7120TQ/
On my Chromebook, I used this device:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01J7P0OGI/ but it's unavailable now.
Others have used the Sabrent USB audio dongle just fine. I have one, but I
haven't tried it because the others worked.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IRVQ0F8/

The key is that you need a USB sound dongle, and two 3.5mm TRS patch cables
to connect the dongle to your KX3's mic in and speaker out jacks. It's a
crossover connection -- the mike jack on the KX3 goes to the speaker out on
the dongle, and the speaker out on the KX3 goes to the mike in on the
dongle. If you've ever done any RS-232, it's like crossing over the TX and
RX lines. I use the shortest audio cables I can easily route, and get well
shielded ones of good quality. Don't cheap out on them and get 20 for $5
flat cable jumpers or something, get decent cables. That's to keep stray RF
from getting into your audio lines. You MIGHT have to add some clip-on
ferrites to them as well, depending on your grounding and bonding
situation, and whether or not you get RF in your shack from your antenna.
But that's a long and involved discussion that I STILL can't get through
without scratching my head.

The SignalLink will WORK...but it's basically just a very expensive
external sound dongle. The KX3 should have come with a USB to 3.5mm control
cable. That goes from the KX3 to the computer, so you can use CAT control
to key the radio. (Some people just use the VOX setting and skip the USB
interface cable. I use CAT because it works with my other programs better.)

Does that make any sense? I think I'm rambling a little...

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
73,
Gwen, NG3P


On Mon, May 4, 2020 at 1:18 PM Barry  wrote:

> Mike,
>  The simplest way I discovered was to use a SignaLink USB with the
> cable for the KX3. I also use VOX in digital modes to key the
> transmitter. That means you connect your computer to the SignaLink, and
> using just the one cable, connect the SignaLink to the radio. You're
> basically in business. Set your software to the external sound card and
> start to operate.
>
> 73,
> Barry
> K3NDM
>
> -- Original Message --
> From: "MIKE W1SRR" 
> To: "Elecraft Reflector" 
> Sent: 5/4/2020 12:21:10 PM
> Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 digital 0ps?
>
> >so rookie question as I just got my KX3 in time for mobilization (my call
> >sign will be KG4MA, wink wink)  I want to setup my KX3 for
> FT8/FT4/JT9/JT65.
> >
> >Will have a brand new laptop and of course my radio what all are you using
> >for sound cards and settings on the KX3 and WSJT?
> >
> >If all possible I would like to get a Raspberry Pi computer to lighten the
> >load a bit, is that possible?
> >
> >Thanks in advance
> >
> >Future KG4MA (in mid june)
> >Mike
> >
> >
> ><
> https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail_term=icon
> >
> >Virus-free.
> >http://www.avast.com
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> https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail_term=link
> >
> ><#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
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Re: [Elecraft] [OT] dumb question about oscilloscope probes

[demindor .]

Look at this article: "THE SECRET WORLD OF OSCILLOSCOPE PROBES" by Doug Ford.

It will explain where the extra resistance is coming from and what it
is for (TLDNR - it's for suppressing ringing of 1:10 probe at high
frequencies where the cable of the probe starts looking like a
transmission line).

http://www.dfad.com.au/links/THE%20SECRET%20WORLD%20OF%20PROBES%20OCt09.pdf

On Mon, May 4, 2020 at 6:48 AM Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP
 wrote:
>
> I like the way scope probes have a tip that hooks onto a component lead,
> and a little alligator clip for the ground. So I thought I could use a
> passive scope probe in the X1 position on my DVM too. I hooked one up
> with a BNC-bannana adapter, but it turns out that there seems to be a
> series resistance of about 250 ohms, which is inconvenient for
> resistance measurements. I got the same result from several probes.
>
> My question is, what's going on here? Schematics of probes I found all
> showed that in the X1 position they were straight through.
> --
> 73,
> Victor, 4X6GP
> Rehovot, Israel
> Formerly K2VCO
> CWops no. 5
> http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/
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-- 
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 digital 0ps?

[Barry]

Mike,
The simplest way I discovered was to use a SignaLink USB with the 
cable for the KX3. I also use VOX in digital modes to key the 
transmitter. That means you connect your computer to the SignaLink, and 
using just the one cable, connect the SignaLink to the radio. You're 
basically in business. Set your software to the external sound card and 
start to operate.


73,
Barry
K3NDM

-- Original Message --
From: "MIKE W1SRR" 
To: "Elecraft Reflector" 
Sent: 5/4/2020 12:21:10 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 digital 0ps?


so rookie question as I just got my KX3 in time for mobilization (my call
sign will be KG4MA, wink wink)  I want to setup my KX3 for FT8/FT4/JT9/JT65.

Will have a brand new laptop and of course my radio what all are you using
for sound cards and settings on the KX3 and WSJT?

If all possible I would like to get a Raspberry Pi computer to lighten the
load a bit, is that possible?

Thanks in advance

Future KG4MA (in mid june)
Mike



Virus-free.
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Re: [Elecraft] [OT] dumb question about oscilloscope probes

[Augie "Gus" Hansen]

On 5/4/2020 7:47 AM, Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP wrote:
... My question is, what's going on here? Schematics of probes I found 
all showed that in the X1 position they were straight through.


Check the resistance of the adapter without the probe.

Gus Hansen
KB0YH


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Re: [Elecraft] Upper limits of KPA500?

[Andy Durbin]

When considering the upper temperature limit of a KPA500 I think it is 
important to know if, for the planned operating condition, the temperature 
limits at a value that the owner is willing to accept.  In other words,  does 
the fan produce sufficient airflow for the temperature to reach its maximum 
before thermal protection kicks in.  If it does, what is that limiting 
temperature and is it acceptable?

I have not tested any higher than 70 deg C and don't have any plans to do so.   
I don't want to operate there because the fan noise is intolerable.  If I felt 
the need to operate in that region I think I would duct a much larger 
fan/blower to the rear chassis fan opening.

Data from one of my test runs shows the front left heat sink fin was only at 47 
deg C when the finals peaked at 70 deg C.  The heat sink temperature continued 
to rise after TX stopped and peaked at 48 deg C.   This suggests to me that the 
thermal path between the finals and the heat sink could be improved but I have 
no expertise in this field.

73,
Andy, k3wyc






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[Elecraft] Sunday SSB Net 5-3-2020

[Eric Lanzl]

The list of stations checking in for this past Sunday's 20 meter net. We meet 
on Sundays at 18:00 Z on a frequency of 13.303.5. Also at 18:45 we have the 40 
meter net which takes place on 7.280 or close to it depending upon usage of the 
frequency. Thank you to the net control stations which were: NC0JW Jim, KO5V 
Jim, N4NRW Roger, K1NW Brian, and WM6P Steve. I hope to hear you next Sunday on 
either or both nets. Eric WB9JNZ


Call Name  State   Radio    Serial #  QRP   
  Notes

WB9JNZ  Eric    IL    K3
 4017      Net Control    

K8NU/7   Carl    OH/WA    Yaesu FT           2000   
       Remote WA   

NC0JW    Jim    CO KX3    
1356      Relay station  

KO5V  Jim    NM    K2/100     
7225      Relay station

N4NRW   Roger    SC  K3  
1318      Relay station 

N6PGQ   Bob    CA  K3 
5891     

K1NW Brian  RI   K3     
 4974      Relay station  

K7BRR    Bill AZ  K3S          
10939     

W1NGA  Al   CO K3      
5765     

K6FW Frank      CA  K3S 
11672       

WM6P    Steve      GA K3S  
11453          Relay station  

N0MPM  Mike        IA   K3S 
10514       

K4AMQ  Alan    TN  K3S  
10917       

KF7D  Mike       FL   K3
   118         1st time check in   

WA0BEU    Keith       CO KX3    
7048     

W1DFB   Don    AZ  K3      
2937        


KB9AVO Paul        IN   K3S   
11103       

W7QHD  Kurt    AZ  K2/100 / Kx3 1538 / 8697 
       

K6VWE   Stan       MI  K3       
 650       

N8SBE    Dave       MI  K3S   
11361       

KC1ACL  Steve      NM    KX3    
10677 12watts      

W7AZC   Shawn         AZ  Xiego         
 90      

WB7SDX Gary        WA    Icom         
746       

K6SBA    David       CA  K3     
  565       

KA6MOK John        CA  K2 
1251  10watts   

KC9JXJ    Hi    IL    Kenwood    
590 SG     

 
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Re: [Elecraft] Upper limits of KPA500?

[Ted Edwards W3TB]

Yes did read the manual but didn’t address the temperature matter much.

On Mon, May 4, 2020 at 11:13 Jack Brindle via Elecraft <
elecraft@mailman.qth.net> wrote:

> From the KPA500 manual, Rev E1, page 41 Specifications:
> Duty Cycle at 500 Watts  10 minutes key down / 5 minutes standby
>
> Sometimes it is very worth while to read the manual. It gives me something
> to do when being stuck at home for so long gets me down.
>
> 73!
> Jack, W6FB
>
> > On May 4, 2020, at 6:39 AM, Dave Cole  wrote:
> >
> > Hi Rick,
> >
> > This brings up a point I have been unsure about for years...  Duty
> Cycle...  What constitutes 100%?  Over how long a time frame?
> >
> > If I run JT65, (one minute on one minute off), and I use a timeframe of
> say 5 minutes, I buy it is 50% duty cycle.
> >
> > But if I use a timeframe of one minute it is 100% Duty Cycle...
> >
> > So when stating duty cycle it is important to spec the timeframe, as you
> did...  Is there an actual timeframe stated someplace as a standard?
> >
> > I do like the way you stated it by the way...  With time to 'catch the
> breath'...
> >
> > 73, and thanks,
> > Dave (NK7Z)
> > https://www.nk7z.net
> > ARRL Volunteer Examiner
> > ARRL Technical Specialist
> > ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
> >
> > On 5/3/20 8:53 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I wrote:
> >> I didn't add the obvious, FT8 in that manner is a 50% duty cycle but
> with enough time to 'catch the breath'.
> >> I remember back when it first came out, Wayne suggested to 'run it with
> all the LEDs lit' or something along that line but... it's capable of MUCH
> more than 500 watts and wisely better limited by firmware upgrades (in the
> early days I watched it put out almost 700, at which point I was far more
> cautious).  It's nice to know there is a certain amount of 'overhead'.
> >> Rick NK7I
> >> On 5/3/2020 8:23 PM, Dave Cole wrote:
> >>> Hi Rick,
> >>> That is how mine behaves as well, almost exactly like that... However,
> I will be running SSTV, and that is hard on the amp...  I need to do a bit
> more testing prior to that.
> >>>
> >>> As someone else said upthread, half power is really tough on the amp...
> >>>
> >>> 73, and thanks,
> >>> Dave (NK7Z)
> >>> https://www.nk7z.net
> >>> ARRL Volunteer Examiner
> >>> ARRL Technical Specialist
> >>> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
> >>>
> >>> On 5/3/20 7:52 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I wrote:
>  I spent 15 minutes active on 20M FT8 this afternoon (some lurking).
> 
>  At 530 watts output (on the display and utility) into a 1.13:1
> antenna load (SteppIR) for a ten minute calling period (Mongolia then
> Oman), the temp rose to 66C; a few moments of elevated fan quickly brought
> that down to the low 60's between transmissions.
> 
>  Ambient room temp 77F.  (Both calls succeeded.)
> 
>  Rick NK7I
>  North Idaho
> 
>  On 5/3/2020 7:42 PM, Andy Durbin wrote:
> > "It is interesting to hear how others experience their KPA500s over
> various conditions."
> >
> > I have over a years's worth of KPA500 data recorded but it takes
> some effort to run it through the Excel templates to make pretty plots.
> >
> > My KPA500 temperatures are strongly influenced by ambient
> temperature.  Shack temperature is often over 30 deg C in the summer months
> and it's not at all unusual for my fan to run at level 3 in FT8 QSO.  I
> think I have only reached fan speed 5 twice and that was while running
> temperature tests not while operating.   I terminated those tests at fan
> speed 5 and didn't wish to push it any higher.
> >
> > So many people seem to think reducing the output power will keep the
> temperature down.  It does not.   Half power is about the worst heat
> dissipation condition for the KPA500.
> >
> > 73,
> > Andy, k3wyc
> > __
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[Elecraft] KX3 digital 0ps?

[MIKE W1SRR]

so rookie question as I just got my KX3 in time for mobilization (my call
sign will be KG4MA, wink wink)  I want to setup my KX3 for FT8/FT4/JT9/JT65.

Will have a brand new laptop and of course my radio what all are you using
for sound cards and settings on the KX3 and WSJT?

If all possible I would like to get a Raspberry Pi computer to lighten the
load a bit, is that possible?

Thanks in advance

Future KG4MA (in mid june)
Mike



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Re: [Elecraft] Upper limits of KPA500?

[Jack Brindle via Elecraft]

>From the KPA500 manual, Rev E1, page 41 Specifications:
Duty Cycle at 500 Watts  10 minutes key down / 5 minutes standby

Sometimes it is very worth while to read the manual. It gives me something to 
do when being stuck at home for so long gets me down.

73!
Jack, W6FB
 
> On May 4, 2020, at 6:39 AM, Dave Cole  wrote:
> 
> Hi Rick,
> 
> This brings up a point I have been unsure about for years...  Duty Cycle...  
> What constitutes 100%?  Over how long a time frame?
> 
> If I run JT65, (one minute on one minute off), and I use a timeframe of say 5 
> minutes, I buy it is 50% duty cycle.
> 
> But if I use a timeframe of one minute it is 100% Duty Cycle...
> 
> So when stating duty cycle it is important to spec the timeframe, as you 
> did...  Is there an actual timeframe stated someplace as a standard?
> 
> I do like the way you stated it by the way...  With time to 'catch the 
> breath'...
> 
> 73, and thanks,
> Dave (NK7Z)
> https://www.nk7z.net
> ARRL Volunteer Examiner
> ARRL Technical Specialist
> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
> 
> On 5/3/20 8:53 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I wrote:
>> I didn't add the obvious, FT8 in that manner is a 50% duty cycle but with 
>> enough time to 'catch the breath'.
>> I remember back when it first came out, Wayne suggested to 'run it with all 
>> the LEDs lit' or something along that line but... it's capable of MUCH more 
>> than 500 watts and wisely better limited by firmware upgrades (in the early 
>> days I watched it put out almost 700, at which point I was far more 
>> cautious).  It's nice to know there is a certain amount of 'overhead'.
>> Rick NK7I
>> On 5/3/2020 8:23 PM, Dave Cole wrote:
>>> Hi Rick,
>>> That is how mine behaves as well, almost exactly like that... However, I 
>>> will be running SSTV, and that is hard on the amp...  I need to do a bit 
>>> more testing prior to that.
>>> 
>>> As someone else said upthread, half power is really tough on the amp...
>>> 
>>> 73, and thanks,
>>> Dave (NK7Z)
>>> https://www.nk7z.net
>>> ARRL Volunteer Examiner
>>> ARRL Technical Specialist
>>> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
>>> 
>>> On 5/3/20 7:52 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I wrote:
 I spent 15 minutes active on 20M FT8 this afternoon (some lurking).
 
 At 530 watts output (on the display and utility) into a 1.13:1 antenna 
 load (SteppIR) for a ten minute calling period (Mongolia then Oman), the 
 temp rose to 66C; a few moments of elevated fan quickly brought that down 
 to the low 60's between transmissions.
 
 Ambient room temp 77F.  (Both calls succeeded.)
 
 Rick NK7I
 North Idaho
 
 On 5/3/2020 7:42 PM, Andy Durbin wrote:
> "It is interesting to hear how others experience their KPA500s over 
> various conditions."
> 
> I have over a years's worth of KPA500 data recorded but it takes some 
> effort to run it through the Excel templates to make pretty plots.
> 
> My KPA500 temperatures are strongly influenced by ambient temperature.  
> Shack temperature is often over 30 deg C in the summer months and it's 
> not at all unusual for my fan to run at level 3 in FT8 QSO.  I think I 
> have only reached fan speed 5 twice and that was while running 
> temperature tests not while operating.   I terminated those tests at fan 
> speed 5 and didn't wish to push it any higher.
> 
> So many people seem to think reducing the output power will keep the 
> temperature down.  It does not.   Half power is about the worst heat 
> dissipation condition for the KPA500.
> 
> 73,
> Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] Getting into CW and WOW! Praise for the KX2

[Wayne Burdick]

Hi Steve,

Thanks for your comments, and welcome to the CW brotherhood.  I too was having 
a blast on 7QP and NEQP over the weekend.

73,
Wayne
N6KR



> On May 2, 2020, at 5:25 PM, Steve Anness  wrote:
> 
> Recently I decided after almost 19 years in ham radio I would finally do
> what it takes to become a CW operator.  After about 10 days of re-learning
> the code and also spending a fair amount of time with sending practice
> using both my dad's old Radio Shack Straight Key (Ameco look alike) and my
> MFJ-564 using the practice feature on the Elecraft KX2, I made my first CW
> contact today with Steve WB2WIK in California.
> 
> Obviously KX2 was designed by people who love CW and the history of the
> Elecraft radios has been about really good CW rigs.  In general I am still
> really impressed with how wonderful the CW signals sound, I am listening to
> K7M right now on 20 meters running in the 7QP, using the default 500Hz B/W
> and it just amazes me how good the signals sound on this tiny little rig.
> 
> So I am not saying anything that anyone on this reflector doesn't already
> know but wanted to share my story and spread some praise.  Keep it up
> Elecraft!
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Re: [Elecraft] Upper Limit of KPA-500

[Don Wilhelm]

Wilson,

Yes you are qualified to be on this list.
An interest in Elecraft gear is all that is needed to qualify.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/4/2020 10:57 AM, Wilson Lamb wrote:

I obviously have time on my hands.
I have two K3, but they were bought used.  Am I qualified to be on the list?
One of them is the one originally reviewed by QST.
The concern with KPA-500 temperature and noise is amusing, given that the 
hardware is so expensive.

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Re: [Elecraft] Upper limits of KPA500?

[Walter Underwood]

The FCC document on estimating RF exposure lists “duty factor” for various 
modes. That is average power compared to peak while transmitting.

SSB 20%
SSB with heavy speech processing 50%
FM, FSK, RTTY, carrier 100%
CW 40%

Separately, they talk about on/off periods, the average time spent transmitting 
during a 6 minute or 30 minute period. See pages 14 and 15.

https://transition.fcc.gov/bureaus/oet/info/documents/bulletins/oet65/oet65b.pdf

wunder
K6WRU
Walter Underwood
CM87wj
http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)

> On May 4, 2020, at 7:40 AM, Randy Moore  wrote:
> 
> ICAS means Intermittent Commercial and Amateur Service.
> 
> From the RCA Transmitting Tube Manual:
> 
> Intermittent Commercial and Amateur Service (ICAS) covers aplications in 
> which high tube output is a more important consideration than long tube life. 
> The term "Intermittent Commercial" in this title applies to types of services 
> in which the operating or "on" periods do not exceed 5 minutes each, and are 
> followed by "off" or stand-by periods of the same or greater duration. The 
> term "Amateur Service" covers other applications where operation is of an 
> infrequent or highly intermittent nature, as well as the use of tubes in 
> "amateur" transmitters. ICAS ratings generally are considerably higher than 
> CCS ratings. Although the ability of a tube to produce greater output power 
> is usually accompanied by a reduction in tube life, the equipment designer 
> may decide that a small tube operated at its ICAS ratings meets his 
> requirements better than a larger tube operated within CCS ratings.
> 
>> On May 4, 2020, at 8:55 AM, John Simmons  wrote:
>> 
>> Nowadays manufacturers use 'ICAS'. One even specs their amp for '100% duty 
>> cycle ICAS'. ICAS=Intermittent Continuous Amateur Service'. Gobbledegook!
>> 
>> 100% duty cycle is what Alpha used to say brick on the key forever. FT8, 
>> JT65 are 50% duty cycle modes. SSB is about 33% during transmit, CW is 50% 
>> during transmit. Duty cycle has no time limit.
>> 
>> -de John NI0K
>> 
>> Dave Cole wrote on 5/4/2020 8:39 AM:
>>> Hi Rick,
>>> 
>>> This brings up a point I have been unsure about for years...  Duty Cycle... 
>>>  What constitutes 100%?  Over how long a time frame?
>>> 
>>> If I run JT65, (one minute on one minute off), and I use a timeframe of say 
>>> 5 minutes, I buy it is 50% duty cycle.
>>> 
>>> But if I use a timeframe of one minute it is 100% Duty Cycle...
>>> 
>>> So when stating duty cycle it is important to spec the timeframe, as you 
>>> did...  Is there an actual timeframe stated someplace as a standard?
>>> 
>>> I do like the way you stated it by the way...  With time to 'catch the 
>>> breath'...
>>> 
>>> 73, and thanks,
>>> Dave (NK7Z)
>>> https://www.nk7z.net
>>> ARRL Volunteer Examiner
>>> ARRL Technical Specialist
>>> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
>>> 
 On 5/3/20 8:53 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I wrote:
 I didn't add the obvious, FT8 in that manner is a 50% duty cycle but with 
 enough time to 'catch the breath'.
 
 I remember back when it first came out, Wayne suggested to 'run it with 
 all the LEDs lit' or something along that line but... it's capable of MUCH 
 more than 500 watts and wisely better limited by firmware upgrades (in the 
 early days I watched it put out almost 700, at which point I was far more 
 cautious).  It's nice to know there is a certain amount of 'overhead'.
 
 Rick NK7I
 
 
 On 5/3/2020 8:23 PM, Dave Cole wrote:
> Hi Rick,
> That is how mine behaves as well, almost exactly like that... However, I 
> will be running SSTV, and that is hard on the amp...  I need to do a bit 
> more testing prior to that.
> 
> As someone else said upthread, half power is really tough on the amp...
> 
> 73, and thanks,
> Dave (NK7Z)
> https://www.nk7z.net
> ARRL Volunteer Examiner
> ARRL Technical Specialist
> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
> 
> On 5/3/20 7:52 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I wrote:
>> I spent 15 minutes active on 20M FT8 this afternoon (some lurking).
>> 
>> At 530 watts output (on the display and utility) into a 1.13:1 antenna 
>> load (SteppIR) for a ten minute calling period (Mongolia then Oman), the 
>> temp rose to 66C; a few moments of elevated fan quickly brought that 
>> down to the low 60's between transmissions.
>> 
>> Ambient room temp 77F.  (Both calls succeeded.)
>> 
>> Rick NK7I
>> North Idaho
>> 
>> On 5/3/2020 7:42 PM, Andy Durbin wrote:
>>> "It is interesting to hear how others experience their KPA500s over 
>>> various conditions."
>>> 
>>> I have over a years's worth of KPA500 data recorded but it takes some 
>>> effort to run it through the Excel templates to make pretty plots.
>>> 
>>> My KPA500 temperatures are strongly influenced by ambient temperature.  
>>> 

[Elecraft] Upper Limit of KPA-500

[Wilson Lamb]

I obviously have time on my hands.
I have two K3, but they were bought used.  Am I qualified to be on the list?
One of them is the one originally reviewed by QST.
The concern with KPA-500 temperature and noise is amusing, given that the 
hardware is so expensive.
 For amps, I run 4-125As and 4-400As in several configurations, with most of 
the tubes at least 50 years old.
With either a pair of 125s or a single 400, I can run a KW, key down CW, all 
day.
The electric stove element I use for a dummy load gives off a pleasant warmth 
in winter.
The blowers are scrounged from microwave ovens, cost a few minutes of fun 
destruction.  Not much noise.
All the other components are legacies dating back to my childhood or collected 
through swaps or rescues from sheds and garages.
If I didn't have something to build, fix, or test I'd quit hamming, since 
watching for alarm lights on a black box is even less fun than watching reruns 
of Blue Bloods!
I do have one commercial amp, a Loudenboomer (1960?), from before the company 
was bought by Hallicrafters.  3-400Z tube, seems to be bulletproof.
73,
Wilson
W4BOH

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Re: [Elecraft] Upper limits of KPA500?

[Randy Moore]

ICAS means Intermittent Commercial and Amateur Service.

From the RCA Transmitting Tube Manual:

Intermittent Commercial and Amateur Service (ICAS) covers aplications in which 
high tube output is a more important consideration than long tube life. The 
term "Intermittent Commercial" in this title applies to types of services in 
which the operating or "on" periods do not exceed 5 minutes each, and are 
followed by "off" or stand-by periods of the same or greater duration. The term 
"Amateur Service" covers other applications where operation is of an infrequent 
or highly intermittent nature, as well as the use of tubes in "amateur" 
transmitters. ICAS ratings generally are considerably higher than CCS ratings. 
Although the ability of a tube to produce greater output power is usually 
accompanied by a reduction in tube life, the equipment designer may decide that 
a small tube operated at its ICAS ratings meets his requirements better than a 
larger tube operated within CCS ratings.

> On May 4, 2020, at 8:55 AM, John Simmons  wrote:
> 
> Nowadays manufacturers use 'ICAS'. One even specs their amp for '100% duty 
> cycle ICAS'. ICAS=Intermittent Continuous Amateur Service'. Gobbledegook!
> 
> 100% duty cycle is what Alpha used to say brick on the key forever. FT8, 
> JT65 are 50% duty cycle modes. SSB is about 33% during transmit, CW is 50% 
> during transmit. Duty cycle has no time limit.
> 
> -de John NI0K
> 
> Dave Cole wrote on 5/4/2020 8:39 AM:
>> Hi Rick,
>> 
>> This brings up a point I have been unsure about for years...  Duty Cycle...  
>> What constitutes 100%?  Over how long a time frame?
>> 
>> If I run JT65, (one minute on one minute off), and I use a timeframe of say 
>> 5 minutes, I buy it is 50% duty cycle.
>> 
>> But if I use a timeframe of one minute it is 100% Duty Cycle...
>> 
>> So when stating duty cycle it is important to spec the timeframe, as you 
>> did...  Is there an actual timeframe stated someplace as a standard?
>> 
>> I do like the way you stated it by the way...  With time to 'catch the 
>> breath'...
>> 
>> 73, and thanks,
>> Dave (NK7Z)
>> https://www.nk7z.net
>> ARRL Volunteer Examiner
>> ARRL Technical Specialist
>> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
>> 
>>> On 5/3/20 8:53 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I wrote:
>>> I didn't add the obvious, FT8 in that manner is a 50% duty cycle but with 
>>> enough time to 'catch the breath'.
>>> 
>>> I remember back when it first came out, Wayne suggested to 'run it with all 
>>> the LEDs lit' or something along that line but... it's capable of MUCH more 
>>> than 500 watts and wisely better limited by firmware upgrades (in the early 
>>> days I watched it put out almost 700, at which point I was far more 
>>> cautious).  It's nice to know there is a certain amount of 'overhead'.
>>> 
>>> Rick NK7I
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On 5/3/2020 8:23 PM, Dave Cole wrote:
 Hi Rick,
 That is how mine behaves as well, almost exactly like that... However, I 
 will be running SSTV, and that is hard on the amp...  I need to do a bit 
 more testing prior to that.
 
 As someone else said upthread, half power is really tough on the amp...
 
 73, and thanks,
 Dave (NK7Z)
 https://www.nk7z.net
 ARRL Volunteer Examiner
 ARRL Technical Specialist
 ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
 
 On 5/3/20 7:52 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I wrote:
> I spent 15 minutes active on 20M FT8 this afternoon (some lurking).
> 
> At 530 watts output (on the display and utility) into a 1.13:1 antenna 
> load (SteppIR) for a ten minute calling period (Mongolia then Oman), the 
> temp rose to 66C; a few moments of elevated fan quickly brought that down 
> to the low 60's between transmissions.
> 
> Ambient room temp 77F.  (Both calls succeeded.)
> 
> Rick NK7I
> North Idaho
> 
> On 5/3/2020 7:42 PM, Andy Durbin wrote:
>> "It is interesting to hear how others experience their KPA500s over 
>> various conditions."
>> 
>> I have over a years's worth of KPA500 data recorded but it takes some 
>> effort to run it through the Excel templates to make pretty plots.
>> 
>> My KPA500 temperatures are strongly influenced by ambient temperature.  
>> Shack temperature is often over 30 deg C in the summer months and it's 
>> not at all unusual for my fan to run at level 3 in FT8 QSO.  I think I 
>> have only reached fan speed 5 twice and that was while running 
>> temperature tests not while operating.   I terminated those tests at fan 
>> speed 5 and didn't wish to push it any higher.
>> 
>> So many people seem to think reducing the output power will keep the 
>> temperature down.  It does not.   Half power is about the worst heat 
>> dissipation condition for the KPA500.
>> 
>> 73,
>> Andy, k3wyc
>> __
>> Elecraft mailing list

Re: [Elecraft] Upper limits of KPA500?

[Dave Cole]

So...  What is RTTY?

73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 5/4/20 6:53 AM, John Simmons wrote:
Nowadays manufacturers use 'ICAS'. One even specs their amp for '100% 
duty cycle ICAS'. ICAS=Intermittent Continuous Amateur Service'. 
Gobbledegook!


100% duty cycle is what Alpha used to say brick on the key forever. 
FT8, JT65 are 50% duty cycle modes. SSB is about 33% during transmit, CW 
is 50% during transmit. Duty cycle has no time limit.


-de John NI0K

Dave Cole wrote on 5/4/2020 8:39 AM:

Hi Rick,

This brings up a point I have been unsure about for years...  Duty 
Cycle...  What constitutes 100%?  Over how long a time frame?


If I run JT65, (one minute on one minute off), and I use a timeframe 
of say 5 minutes, I buy it is 50% duty cycle.


But if I use a timeframe of one minute it is 100% Duty Cycle...

So when stating duty cycle it is important to spec the timeframe, as 
you did...  Is there an actual timeframe stated someplace as a standard?


I do like the way you stated it by the way...  With time to 'catch the 
breath'...


73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 5/3/20 8:53 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I wrote:
I didn't add the obvious, FT8 in that manner is a 50% duty cycle but 
with enough time to 'catch the breath'.


I remember back when it first came out, Wayne suggested to 'run it 
with all the LEDs lit' or something along that line but... it's 
capable of MUCH more than 500 watts and wisely better limited by 
firmware upgrades (in the early days I watched it put out almost 700, 
at which point I was far more cautious).  It's nice to know there is 
a certain amount of 'overhead'.


Rick NK7I


On 5/3/2020 8:23 PM, Dave Cole wrote:

Hi Rick,
That is how mine behaves as well, almost exactly like that... 
However, I will be running SSTV, and that is hard on the amp...  I 
need to do a bit more testing prior to that.


As someone else said upthread, half power is really tough on the amp...

73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 5/3/20 7:52 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I wrote:

I spent 15 minutes active on 20M FT8 this afternoon (some lurking).

At 530 watts output (on the display and utility) into a 1.13:1 
antenna load (SteppIR) for a ten minute calling period (Mongolia 
then Oman), the temp rose to 66C; a few moments of elevated fan 
quickly brought that down to the low 60's between transmissions.


Ambient room temp 77F.  (Both calls succeeded.)

Rick NK7I
North Idaho

On 5/3/2020 7:42 PM, Andy Durbin wrote:
"It is interesting to hear how others experience their KPA500s 
over various conditions."


I have over a years's worth of KPA500 data recorded but it takes 
some effort to run it through the Excel templates to make pretty 
plots.


My KPA500 temperatures are strongly influenced by ambient 
temperature.  Shack temperature is often over 30 deg C in the 
summer months and it's not at all unusual for my fan to run at 
level 3 in FT8 QSO.  I think I have only reached fan speed 5 twice 
and that was while running temperature tests not while 
operating.   I terminated those tests at fan speed 5 and didn't 
wish to push it any higher.


So many people seem to think reducing the output power will keep 
the temperature down.  It does not.   Half power is about the 
worst heat dissipation condition for the KPA500.


73,
Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] Upper limits of KPA500?

[John Simmons]

Nowadays manufacturers use 'ICAS'. One even specs their amp for '100% 
duty cycle ICAS'. ICAS=Intermittent Continuous Amateur Service'. 
Gobbledegook!


100% duty cycle is what Alpha used to say brick on the key forever. 
FT8, JT65 are 50% duty cycle modes. SSB is about 33% during transmit, CW 
is 50% during transmit. Duty cycle has no time limit.


-de John NI0K

Dave Cole wrote on 5/4/2020 8:39 AM:

Hi Rick,

This brings up a point I have been unsure about for years...  Duty 
Cycle...  What constitutes 100%?  Over how long a time frame?


If I run JT65, (one minute on one minute off), and I use a timeframe 
of say 5 minutes, I buy it is 50% duty cycle.


But if I use a timeframe of one minute it is 100% Duty Cycle...

So when stating duty cycle it is important to spec the timeframe, as 
you did...  Is there an actual timeframe stated someplace as a standard?


I do like the way you stated it by the way...  With time to 'catch the 
breath'...


73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 5/3/20 8:53 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I wrote:
I didn't add the obvious, FT8 in that manner is a 50% duty cycle but 
with enough time to 'catch the breath'.


I remember back when it first came out, Wayne suggested to 'run it 
with all the LEDs lit' or something along that line but... it's 
capable of MUCH more than 500 watts and wisely better limited by 
firmware upgrades (in the early days I watched it put out almost 700, 
at which point I was far more cautious).  It's nice to know there is 
a certain amount of 'overhead'.


Rick NK7I


On 5/3/2020 8:23 PM, Dave Cole wrote:

Hi Rick,
That is how mine behaves as well, almost exactly like that... 
However, I will be running SSTV, and that is hard on the amp...  I 
need to do a bit more testing prior to that.


As someone else said upthread, half power is really tough on the amp...

73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 5/3/20 7:52 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I wrote:

I spent 15 minutes active on 20M FT8 this afternoon (some lurking).

At 530 watts output (on the display and utility) into a 1.13:1 
antenna load (SteppIR) for a ten minute calling period (Mongolia 
then Oman), the temp rose to 66C; a few moments of elevated fan 
quickly brought that down to the low 60's between transmissions.


Ambient room temp 77F.  (Both calls succeeded.)

Rick NK7I
North Idaho

On 5/3/2020 7:42 PM, Andy Durbin wrote:
"It is interesting to hear how others experience their KPA500s 
over various conditions."


I have over a years's worth of KPA500 data recorded but it takes 
some effort to run it through the Excel templates to make pretty 
plots.


My KPA500 temperatures are strongly influenced by ambient 
temperature.  Shack temperature is often over 30 deg C in the 
summer months and it's not at all unusual for my fan to run at 
level 3 in FT8 QSO.  I think I have only reached fan speed 5 twice 
and that was while running temperature tests not while 
operating.   I terminated those tests at fan speed 5 and didn't 
wish to push it any higher.


So many people seem to think reducing the output power will keep 
the temperature down.  It does not.   Half power is about the 
worst heat dissipation condition for the KPA500.


73,
Andy, k3wyc
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[Elecraft] [OT] dumb question about oscilloscope probes

[Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP]

I like the way scope probes have a tip that hooks onto a component lead, 
and a little alligator clip for the ground. So I thought I could use a 
passive scope probe in the X1 position on my DVM too. I hooked one up 
with a BNC-bannana adapter, but it turns out that there seems to be a 
series resistance of about 250 ohms, which is inconvenient for 
resistance measurements. I got the same result from several probes.


My question is, what's going on here? Schematics of probes I found all 
showed that in the X1 position they were straight through.

--
73,
Victor, 4X6GP
Rehovot, Israel
Formerly K2VCO
CWops no. 5
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/
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Re: [Elecraft] Upper limits of KPA500?

[Dave Cole]

Hi Rick,

This brings up a point I have been unsure about for years...  Duty 
Cycle...  What constitutes 100%?  Over how long a time frame?


If I run JT65, (one minute on one minute off), and I use a timeframe of 
say 5 minutes, I buy it is 50% duty cycle.


But if I use a timeframe of one minute it is 100% Duty Cycle...

So when stating duty cycle it is important to spec the timeframe, as you 
did...  Is there an actual timeframe stated someplace as a standard?


I do like the way you stated it by the way...  With time to 'catch the 
breath'...


73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 5/3/20 8:53 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I wrote:
I didn't add the obvious, FT8 in that manner is a 50% duty cycle but 
with enough time to 'catch the breath'.


I remember back when it first came out, Wayne suggested to 'run it with 
all the LEDs lit' or something along that line but... it's capable of 
MUCH more than 500 watts and wisely better limited by firmware upgrades 
(in the early days I watched it put out almost 700, at which point I was 
far more cautious).  It's nice to know there is a certain amount of 
'overhead'.


Rick NK7I


On 5/3/2020 8:23 PM, Dave Cole wrote:

Hi Rick,
That is how mine behaves as well, almost exactly like that... However, 
I will be running SSTV, and that is hard on the amp...  I need to do a 
bit more testing prior to that.


As someone else said upthread, half power is really tough on the amp...

73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources

On 5/3/20 7:52 PM, Rick Bates, NK7I wrote:

I spent 15 minutes active on 20M FT8 this afternoon (some lurking).

At 530 watts output (on the display and utility) into a 1.13:1 
antenna load (SteppIR) for a ten minute calling period (Mongolia then 
Oman), the temp rose to 66C; a few moments of elevated fan quickly 
brought that down to the low 60's between transmissions.


Ambient room temp 77F.  (Both calls succeeded.)

Rick NK7I
North Idaho

On 5/3/2020 7:42 PM, Andy Durbin wrote:
"It is interesting to hear how others experience their KPA500s over 
various conditions."


I have over a years's worth of KPA500 data recorded but it takes 
some effort to run it through the Excel templates to make pretty plots.


My KPA500 temperatures are strongly influenced by ambient 
temperature.  Shack temperature is often over 30 deg C in the summer 
months and it's not at all unusual for my fan to run at level 3 in 
FT8 QSO.  I think I have only reached fan speed 5 twice and that was 
while running temperature tests not while operating.   I terminated 
those tests at fan speed 5 and didn't wish to push it any higher.


So many people seem to think reducing the output power will keep the 
temperature down.  It does not.   Half power is about the worst heat 
dissipation condition for the KPA500.


73,
Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] mailman.qth

[Barry]

I agree.  Parsing/filtering tens or hundreds of emails per day is such an
inefficient and wasteful method of getting this info across.  Most people
are interested in one or two product discussions, max.  Using something like
vBulletin makes so much more sense in terms of continuity and search
capability.

Personally, I read this "forum" on Nabble, but it's a poor interface,
breaking up email threads into multiple subjects and not putting them in the
correct categories.

Barry W2UP


I still wonder why Elecraft a forward looking company uses a "reflector"
like mailman rather than the .io type so many others now use. Sure makes it
easier to navigate using .io
Neil   N4FN




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Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
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Re: [Elecraft] mailman.qth

[Peter Eijlander (PA0PJE)]

Groups.io works exactly like a reflector like mailman to me.
Like said time and again: Use a proper client like the free Thunderbird 
mailprogram. It is there for all three major operating systems.


Do not use a web interface and stick to plain text for reduced message 
size and DO NOT USE A SMARTPHONE unless you know what that enter key is 
for. Proper formatting makes a mail a lot more readable.


If you use a digest and a mail cient PLEASE do NOT use the reply button 
but copy/paste the subject + text you want to reflect on! Of course, if 
you are the 100th in line, cut short the answer.


@Mailman leave it the way it is, Please!


are replying to so it arrives with no context.
Is due to HTML ony answers. That Should Not Be Done. Study The Matter So 
You Understand What The Differences Are.



73,
Peter



Op 01-05-2020 om 23:53 schreef Gary K9GS:

are replying to so it arrives with no context.Groups.io should default to 
quoting messages but they refuse to do so.

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