[Elecraft] March/April NCJ
The latest NCJ issue has HF Transceiver Price vs Performance, Part 2. Elecraft does very well overall in this comprehensive article! If you're an ARRL member, you can view online at this link (login required): http://www.arrl.org/arrl-magazines Sorry if this has been posted before but I searched and could not find it. 73, Bill W4ZV -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K4 model v. K3S for strong nearby signal rejection.
Thanks Joe! From those BWs I assume both are 5-poles. BTW has anyone ever compared the old 5-pole 200 to the newer 6-pole? 73, Bill W4ZV -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K4 model v. K3S for strong nearby signal rejection.
Does anyone exactly what BW the filters are in the K4HD? -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Possible OT: Bouvet Island again
ab2tc wrote > PS. I am guessing if they have any Elecraft equipment we would have heard > about it here. I don't know but Dom 3Z9DX bought a K3 from me in May 2017. I had upgraded to an 86XX S/N and sold him my 47XX S/N. 73, Bill W4ZV -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] New DSP Idea
David Gilbert wrote > Yes, I agree that the computation needs to be done in the frequency > domain with an FFT. I have no clue whether or not the K3 and K3s have > enough computational power to do so, but Lyle (Elecraft's DSP guru) > briefly discussed this idea with me when I suggested it several years > ago and he seemed to think it might be feasible. At the time the K3 > synths wouldn't preserve lock when you changed frequency so it wouldn't > have been very practical back then, but the new synths are fed by the > same oscillator now. You asked a good question Dave. I recall Lyle telling me the same years ago (where is Lyle anyway...buried in K4 firmware?). I've used the NCC-1, MFJ-1025 and ANC-4 over the years to phase parallel staggered Beverages. This is probably beyond the processor in the K3 but it remains a good idea to investigate for the K4. The downside to phasing two identical antennas internally is that you must give up diversity. Using the NCC-1 output for one input to the K3 diversity and a different antenna for the other allows both simultaneously (but for two different purposes). I'm afraid the market for users who want to do this sort of thing may be small, but clearly there is a decent market for noise canceling devices. BTW noise canceling boxes ONLY work well for canceling a single local noise source which requires a nearby sense antenna for one input (groundwave only since propagation introduces constantly shifting relative phase changes). 73, Bill W4ZV P.S. The bottom 2 plots in the link below show what can be done by phasing two parallel staggered Beverages: http://users.vnet.net/btippett/new_page_10.htm -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] TF3MA sidetone mod for K2
Don Wilhelm wrote > All, > > While Bill's comments are useful, I can say that the TF3MA sidetone mod > is designed for the Rev A K2s (below SN 3000). Those K2s SN 3000 and > above have improvements in the sidetone waveform shaping. If you have > upgraded your K2 below SN 3000 with the A to B kit, then you have the > same sidetone wave shaping as the newer K2s. > > I am not familiar with the TF3MA LP audio cutoff nor the JG1XLZ KSB2 > audio quality mod, and cannot comment. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 1/6/2019 8:20 AM, Bill W4ZV wrote: >> >> Here are a few audio mods that I've made to my K2: >> >> 1. TF3MA's sidetone mod. This cleans up the sidetone to a more pure >> sinusoid, allowing better zero-beating by ear. Without it, I found it >> easy >> to zero beat on a spurious product. The improvement also does not >> fatigue >> my ears as much as before during extended operating. This one is >> definitely >> worth doing in my opinion. >> >> 2. TF3MA's LF audio cutoff mod. >> >> 3. JG1XLZ's KSB2 audio quality mod. (not needed for CW). >> >> I don't have time to find links for these but you should be able to find >> them in a keyword search. They are all free and simple to install once >> you >> have the parts. > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto: > Elecraft@.qth > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > Message delivered to > lists+1215531472858-365791@.nabble Are you sure about that Don? Others with S/N above 3000 have noted the difference I did in #4119. Here's a thread from 2008, well past my 2004 vintage unit. http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/sidetone-mod-now-works-td395423.html 73, Bill W4ZV -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FW: New customer message on December 14, 2018 at 02:22 AM
"3.Are the audio filter options needed - would they enhance CW operation?? " JMHO but I have a contrarian opinion on the KAF2. I installed one but resold it after several months of use. I do a lot of weak signal work on 160 and have probably tried about every audio filter known to man. The ONLY one which actually helped me was the Audio Peak Filter (APF) first implemented in Yaesu's FT-1000D as an analog circuit. Elecraft, Icom and others have now made digital clones of APF in their newer rigs (e.g. K3, KX3, etc). Besides APF, I don't believe there is a better audio filter than your natural ear/brain combination. I've often fooled myself into thinking others helped but when I switched them off, I found there was no real S/N improvement to my ears. Another issue I disliked about the KAF2 was the RFI generated by the clock. If the clock was enabled, there was a "chuff chuff chuff" sound in the audio that was quite annoying (not to mention clock drift, the complexity of setting time, etc). Here are a few audio mods that I've made to my K2: 1. TF3MA's sidetone mod. This cleans up the sidetone to a more pure sinusoid, allowing better zero-beating by ear. Without it, I found it easy to zero beat on a spurious product. The improvement also does not fatigue my ears as much as before during extended operating. This one is definitely worth doing in my opinion. 2. TF3MA's LF audio cutoff mod. 3. JG1XLZ's KSB2 audio quality mod. (not needed for CW). I don't have time to find links for these but you should be able to find them in a keyword search. They are all free and simple to install once you have the parts. 73, Bill W4ZV -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elec raft, will I ever own one ?
OK1RP wrote: "try to look for used K3 with appropriate options matched for your needs" Dick I strongly endorse Petr's excellent advice. You can find some excellent choices on sites such as qth.com and eham.net. I've bought and resold 5 or 6 units since my very first SN #111 since I like to trade up to the latest production versions (now on #86XX). I're made enough on these units by stripping out options I don't need and reselling them separately for higher prices such that the total net cost of my current unit is probably zero or maybe even a net profit. Here are a couple of units on qth.com (click Search Ads at the top) that are worthy of consideration: Elecraft k3/100 100 watt transceiver; KAT3 Auto Antenna Tuner: KBPF3 General Coverage Receiver; KFL3A-28k 2.8khz 8 pole filter; K3FLA-400 400hz 8 pole filter; power cord; all manuals. SN23xx---no holes, blemishes, or dents. Never operated mobile or portable. Nicotine and pet free environment. $1450. Elecraft K3 / 100 Pristine condition- Radio has 2.7 filter ,KAT3A AT, KPA3A 100 watt amplifier Powerpole power cable, Manual, Latest firmware installed. $1450 plus shipping. $1450 is still a LOT of money for many of us, but a bargain compared to buying a brand new K3S, and you're getting about 95% of the performance. BTW I have no connection with either of the sellers above. 73 & GL, Bill W4ZV -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] KSYN3A Synthesizer
Spectacular results Dave! You are indeed fortunate to have a good neighbor who understands the issue and was willing to upgrade to the KSYN3A. I can think of several instances in my 61+ years on the air when I would have loved to have both my neighbors and myself using KSYN3As. This is especially true on 160 where local signals are extremely strong (as in K0RF being line-of-sight about 2 miles away). Thanks for posting those results! 73, Bill W4ZV -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] 3Y0I Bouvet using K3's?
AE5X: Anyone know if the upcoming (later this month?) Bouvet team is using Elecraft gear? I don't know but Dom 3Z9DX bought a K3 from me in May 2017. I had upgraded to an 86XX S/N and sold him my 44XX S/N. 73, Bill W4ZV -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Add to NTCH and APF
Hi Petr, Have you tried Save and then Restore Config in the K3 Utility? I know this is somewhat inconvenient but it might work (don't know if it will but worth a try). 73, Bill W4ZV -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Default K3 transmit delay may be too short for slow QRO amplifiers
Dimitry Borzenko wrote > Why in the 20 century we need to use foot switch? Because I switch other things besides my amp. For example: Beverages disconnected from RX input during TX. Parasitic TX array elements (active during RX, to ground during RX). Detuning stub on TX antenna (during RX). Most of these relays are slow (and cheap) open frame relays. With a little practice, I can listen between words (not characters) using a footswitch. And I have NEVER burned up any TX relays in my amps. 73, Bill W4ZV -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Switching RX ant between ports
I use two different RX antennas in diversity. I have a selection of 7 Beverages on Main and 4 direction switchable Hi-Z RX4SQ on Sub. If I want to listen on my TX antenna (which is occasionally best), I toggle RX ANT to switch from the Beverages to TX ANT. If the RX4SQ is not contributing to SNR, I toggle out of diversity (SUB button on the K3). I know this is not the question you asked but just FWIW. 73, Bill W4ZV -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] New Sub RX
Jim Brown-10 wrote > That works fine IF you're a big signal at the DX QTH, but not so well if > you're not. When, for example, you're in W6 trying to work AF through EU > and the east coast, who are 20 dB louder. For that, you've gotta be a > bit smarter. I guess my 30 years in Colorado made me doubly smart, since I had to work through BOTH coasts. :-)) And I never once complained about either. 73, Bill W4ZV -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] New Sub RX
j...@kk9a.com wrote > I was not aware how high tech it has become. Indeed! It's now possible to work DX you cannot hear with WSJT-FT8 and use Remote Ham Radio to use massive stations anywhere in the US (or world for that matter) from your easy chair. But I still get my thrills from working weak DX on 160 that I hear with my ears (like VU2BGS last night who runs 140W to a 10 meter high vertical!). 73, Bill W4ZV -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] New Sub RX
Bill Frantz wrote > But now I need three receivers. Two for diversity and one to scan the > pileup. Get CW Skimmer and enable its "599" function. You don't even need to listen to the pileup since you can watch for the last "599" in the spectrum display and move your TX there. Here's a macro I wrote in 2011 with details: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Pileup-Buster-Macro-td6579405.html 73, Bill W4ZV -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Off topic feedline question
Here's a thread on zipcord loss from years ago: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/What-your-mother-didn-t-tell-you-about-transmission-lines-td6780383.html This is a real world result I observed: "About 10 years ago ET3PMW was attempting to get on the low bands and only had zip cord available for transmission line. I thought it should work fine for 80 and 160. However, on 80m running 100 watts he was barely detectible here using a 1200' Beverage for receive. Once Paul got some good ladder line, his signal was typically S8 on 80m and S6 on Topband, where he made several hundred QSOs with North America even in summer QRN (June/July)." Stay away from it until you can get decent ladder line! 73, Bill W4ZV -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] K3S Package Discounts
http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3.htm#K3SPkg I still question the wisdom of bundling the the preamp, USB, 630m capabilities, etc into the K3S. This went against Elecraft's original philosophy of keeping base price low and choosing only the options we really wanted. This resulted in inflating the base price which put it out of reach for many folks and further away from competing products (IC-7300, Kenwood 590 and Flex 6300). That must be hurting sales resulting in discounting. A viable option is to buy a recent used K3 and sell/purchase options to configure it as you want. Basic K3 prices are in the $1500 making this a viable alternative IMHO. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Confused-about-K3-to-K3S-Migration-service-tp7626459p7632800.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Fire in the house li-ion
Grant Youngman-2 wrote > Maybe … there are a lot of YouTube videos that show this type of bag being > totally destroyed by the contained batteries, flames shooting out in > spectacular fashion, etc. > > One guy in a video went so far as to build a “containment vessel” of > concrete blocks and cement board for a lid. IMHO, if you have to go to > these extremes to safely charge a battery, you have to question whether > you really want to use those batteries :-) LiPO's energy density (mAh/ounce) is why they're popular for powering helicopters. This website has excellent knowledge that anyone using them should be aware of. Not to say there aren't some Darwin Award candidates using them. ;-) I've never had any problems but I follow charging, care and storage recommendations religiously. http://www.rchelisite.com/lipo_battery_charging_and_safety_guide.php 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Fire-in-the-house-li-ion-tp7630779p7630813.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Fire in the house li-ion
N0CE wrote: /"I’d like to know more about the bag someone mentioned"/ 744 hits for "fireproof charging bag lipo": http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=fireproof+charging+bag&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.Xfireproof+charging+bag+lipo.TRS1&_nkw=fireproof+charging+bag+lipo&_sacat=0 This incident is a really good reminder for all of us! When I got several LiPO batteries and a charger several years ago, I also got a bag like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Fireproof-RC-Lipo-Battery-Safe-Bag-Sleeve-Lipo-Guard-Charge-Storage-bag-9-x11-8-/321816396647?hash=item4aedc08367:g:2UsAAOSwPhdVA5Jj I always charge outside our house with the bag sitting on concrete or a paving stone. I also carefully inspect my LiPOs for swelling which indicates problems. Better safe than sorry! 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Fire-in-the-house-li-ion-tp7630779p7630810.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Main Encoder
Thanks Don! Indeed that was the problem and happily I didn't need to remove the front panel. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Main-Encoder-tp7630319p7630329.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] K3 Main Encoder
I recently bought a relatively new K3 (#8641). In the process of adjusting the Main VFO drag, I noticed the shaft has some minor (few mm?) slippage (perpendicular to the front panel). Is this normal on recent K3 units or is it a defective encoder? Or is it a design "feature" to adjust the drag with the knob in and then pull it out if I want it to spin fast freely. (GRIN) 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Main-Encoder-tp7630319.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] NVIS HF vs VHF line-of-sight
Hi Stan, Responding to excerpts below: KG7FYI wrote > Our very local scenario is filled with mountains and valleys. We are the > land of “One Hundred Valleys”. Actually there are thousands of them! 2M > is very spotty. > > Our ARES group requires go bags for all vehicles. Few people but a lot > of livestock and gardens here. > > My only concern was availability of frequency bandwidth. We have a least > two Extra Class licenses in the community and one MARS certified. > Unfortunately they are many 15+ miles away deep in a valley. Sounds like a beautiful area! You probably know this but NVIS would be a perfect solution for you. 40 meters would be the easiest NVIS antenna (very low dipole) to implement. "Military NVIS communications mostly take place on 2-4 MHz at night and on 5-7 MHz during daylight." Here's a link explaining: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_vertical_incidence_skywave However this would require General Class licenses or higher for voice modes. 73 and Good Luck! Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-P3-and-KAT500-tp7629969p7630119.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Wanted: KFL3A-500 500 Hz, 5-pole filter
A filter has been located so no need for further replies. Thanks all! Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Wanted-KFL3A-500-500-Hz-5-pole-filter-tp7629897p7629907.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Wanted: KFL3A-500 500 Hz, 5-pole filter
If anyone has one for sale, please reply direct with price including shipping and any details. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Wanted-KFL3A-500-500-Hz-5-pole-filter-tp7629897.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] New Sherwood Test for K3 & Flex 6700
http://sherweng.com/table.html Sounds like Rob is working on a new talk for Dayton...probably comparing testing of direct sampling vs traditional receivers. Note the "ag" and "ah" footnotes for dynamic range (at both 2 & 20 kHz) at the bottom of the comparison chart. New K3S result is #3 on the page and new 6700 result is #12 on the page. ag DR3=96 dB with 20 dB Preamp ON. (99 dB Preamp OFF) Otherwise dynamic range independent of signal spacing. NOTE: Testing of 2nd sample made on 10 meters while investigating IFSS* curves. Similar testing of 2nd sample of K3S, also made on 10 meters. * IFSS = Interference free signal strength. ah NOTE: Testing of 2nd sample made on 10 meters while investigating IFSS* curves. Similar testing of 2nd sample of Flex Radio 6700, also made on 10 meters. * IFSS = Interference free signal strength. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/New-Sherwood-Test-for-K3-Flex-6700-tp7628851.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Wanted to Buy: KXV3A
A friend has made me an offer I can't refuse. Thanks to all for the responses. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Wanted-to-Buy-KXV3A-tp7628440p7628460.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] Wanted to Buy: KXV3A
Does anyone have an unused KXV3A after upgrading to KXV3B? Please email direct to 93bmwm5 at gmail.com. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Wanted-to-Buy-KXV3A-tp7628440.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 upgrade to K3S question
Guy Olinger K2AV wrote > The synthesizer upgrade makes a huge improvement in any medium CW speed > operation and gets rid of a slight irregularity in CW formation when > keying > slower tx/rx transition amps. That's in addition to the superb lowering > and narrowing of phase noise. I've had several unsolicited compliments on my CW signal quality on 160 since doing the synthesizer upgrade. My RBNs typically indicate >50 dB SNRs at East Coast RXs and it's nice to be a good neighbor on a band that has very strong local signals. In the ARRL CW DX there was a multiop station in Mass that had bad clicks +/- 1 kHz, so I notified the owner afterwards. Turns out he was using an unmodified FT-1000MP which is notorious for clicks; he had the parts for the mod but had not yet done it. Shame on Yaesu for stonewalling this problem for years. Fortunately MPs are becoming scarcer by the day. Thank you Elecraft for producing one of the best quality CW signals and not allowing owners to shorten rise/fall times to intentionally create dirty signals. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-upgrade-to-K3S-question-tp7627908p7627937.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 upgrade to K3S question
gt-i wrote > I've purchased a used K3 S/N in the 3ks, and plan to apply some of the > K3S upgrade options. IMHO the most significant upgrades are: 1. KSYN3A Synthesizer (already mentioned). 2. Rev. D DSP Board Update The latter has been included in S/N approximately 3626 and above. Hopefully your 3k S/N is above! http://www.elecraft.com/K3/mods/dsp_rev_c_information.htm 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-upgrade-to-K3S-question-tp7627908p7627920.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] High Tx IMD with new K3s/10
Running DC input voltage close to the specified limit of 15.0 V will improve IMD. Perhaps the results you posted were with lower input voltage. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/High-Tx-IMD-with-new-K3s-10-tp7627317p7627318.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Confused about K3 to K3S Migration service
NI0C wrote: "I guess what I really want (and can currently afford) is an upgraded K3, not a new K3S." I think you're not alone Chuck. I recently saw the invoice for my current K3 S/N 4717 purchased in September 2010. The K3/100 kit cost $1899.95 and I added a KXV3A for $109.95. I had many other options in an older unit (S/N 21XX) and had decided I'd rather roll to a new K3 than do the DSP upgrade myself. I uninstalled all the filters, KRX3, KDVR3, KAT3; put them in the new unit and then sold the older 21XX unit bare bones (KXV3 plus CW filter). I've since added two KSYN3As and am very happy with the resulting rig. I never felt the need for the preamp, USB or 630m capabilities. I think Elecraft may have hurt themselves by letting the basic K3S cost escalate above other options like the IC-7300, Kenwood 590 and Flex 6300 and hence we're seeing the recent shipping/bundling/upgrade deals. I wonder if they should have continued offering the original K3 for those who may not have wanted all of the features bundled into the K3S base price? A used K3 is a very viable option since these are available for around $1500 +/- options, although I'd definitely want one above ~3626 to get the new DSP. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Confused-about-K3-to-K3S-Migration-service-tp7626459p7626469.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3s - 80W on 160 - Resolved
"A thicker wire would certainly require less voltage than 14.6 and that's what I am going to look into." Another reason to run higher voltage is improved IMD performance on SSB transmit. Lots of info available from previous threads. I've been running 14.5 at the K3 terminals on multiple units for over 5 years with no problems. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3s-80W-on-160-tp7624720p7624875.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] (K3) APF and selected bandwidth
(BTW I wrote the following ~3 years ago before APF was changed from HOLD to TAP on DUAL PB): ## I use APF virtually all the time and never use RIT, SHIFT, etc. Just HOLD DUAL PB to actuate APF and use the VFO to zero beat. COARSE (10 Hz) VFO steps is usually close enough but you can switch to FINE (1 Hz) if necessary for ultra weak signals. I also strongly endorse N6KR's suggestion below: "I suggest setting the passband width to about 250-300 Hz when using APF." This is extremely important since bandwidths too narrow will introduce additional ringing to the APF which already borders on ringing. I actually use a 200 Hz XFIL but set to actuate at DSP 400 Hz. With WIDTH set to 400 Hz, the signal first goes through the relatively broad (4.0 shape factor) 200 Hz XFIL, then a 400 Hz DSP and finally the narrow APF. This makes the cascaded XFIL/DSP seem more like 250 Hz, reduces ringing, still allows you to hear off-frequency callers (although attenuated) and helps your ears discriminate weak signals from noise by providing a wider background sample of noise. ### The last phrase "helps your ears discriminate weak signals from noise by providing a wider background sample of noise" is key. Narrower bandwidths are not best for the human ear/brain...no matter what theory says about narrower bandwidths having better S/N. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-APF-and-selected-bandwidth-tp7623407p7623455.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] diagram K3S
I don't believe K3S schematics are available yet, but the K3 schematics are probably close and may help. http://www.elecraft.com/manual/K3_Schematics_Jun_2010.pdf 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/diagram-K3S-tp7623381p7623382.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is the K3 have low sensitivity on 10 M and 6 M
1. Is your PREamp turned on for 10m? Hopefully you don't accidentally have RX ANT activated. 2. Please describe your antenna in more detail, including orientation. 3. I've never needed a preamp on 10m in the 8 years I've had a K3, but my antenna system has a lot of gain. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Is-the-K3-have-low-sensitivity-on-10-M-and-6-M-tp7623290p7623306.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Running stations with k3
WILLIE BABER wrote > It wasn't my term. But I think "full-bodied" cw means a slightly wider > I-F to establish background noise that some ops want to hear, particularly > if the receiver has exceptional gain distribution and in-band IMD, which > the latest Icoms do have. This gives articulation to cw signal outs of a > quiet back ground of noise, and so long as you are not dealing with an > exceptionally strong signal nearby, hard-wired fast agc can give relative > strength to the competing signals. Then, a good cw op can pick out > stations actually easier than with a 400hz filter where RIT becomes more > necessary. Of course on the Icom radio there is no choice but to do this > because 3khz is the narrowest setting, though you could ask for more DSP > filtering. This is nothing new. K3ZO has been doing this for about 30 years (at least) using wide filters and his ears as DSP. I did this long ago with a TS-930S using SSB filters with CW VBT fully engaged which shifts two IF filters in opposite directions giving a broad overall response but peaked in the center. See K3ZO's comments here: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-CW-Rx-Audio-td467894.html#a467895 As Guy said this technique will NOT work on extremely crowded bands on the East Coast but I have used it on 10 meters where it was not uncommon for JAs to reply well off-frequency. It absolutely WILL NOT work for 160 contests loaded with S9+++ signals spaced every 200 Hz. Interestingly enough I use this technique with APF for ultra weak signal DXing on 160. I set my 200 Hz filters (in diversity) to engage at 400 Hz (i.e. the DSP filter is 400 Hz but preceded by the broad shape factor 200 Hz XTAL filter). This gives more presence (i.e. "full-bodied" sound) to the weak signal by allowing it to be differentiated from noise by my ear/brain while APF is engaged. The net result is a broad overall response but with a very narrow ~10 dB peak in the center (from APF). 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Running-stations-with-k3-tp7622672p7622733.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Skimmer and the K3S
Peter W2IRT wrote > My previous setup for a DXpedition pileup was to put the pileup on VFO-A, > the DX on SUB (locked), and see all the callers on Skimmer's interface. > Find > the guy sending 5NN TU and pounce. The only problem was that everything > from > about 4 to 6 kHz above the DX frequency gets obscured by the > birdies/mirror > images on the skimmer display. And since most big DXpeditions split up, I > would lose a ton of callers in that murky no-man's land. The skimmer > turned > out to be no help at all on some of the massive DXpeditions earlier this > spring as a result. The exception was Heard Island, who were split down, > rather than up. That worked like a champ on a few bands where the pileup > was > insane. I don't know about the K3S but I've been doing this with the K3 for many years. I even wrote a macro for fast setup which I published 5 years ago: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Pileup-Buster-Macro-td6579405.html It sounds to me like there could be a problem with the K3S's I-Q output causing your birdies. FWIW I never had any birdie issues using my K3, LP-PAN and Audiophile 2496 soundcard. I still prefer Skimmer's panadapter because clicking the last "599" decoder dot will QSY your TX to the exact frequency (within 10 Hz) once the system is calibrated...no need position a cursor any closer than the decoder dot. 73 & GL! Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Skimmer-and-the-K3S-tp7622100p7622171.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] comparing P3, LP-Pan, SDRPlay, others?
>HiWin4K3Suite can also qsy cwskimmer on VFOB allowing split operation which is great for pileup. Cwskimmer alone does not have this functionality. True. However if you have a KRX3, CW Skimmer can use VFOA for TX/RX pileup and VFOB for RX DX frequency *without any other program needed*. Since I already have a KRX3 (necessary for diversity), I created a simple Macro to program VFOA for TX and VFOB for RX (see my previously referenced link for the Macro) allowing Skimmer to jump the TX frequency to Skimmer's 599 decoder dots. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/comparing-P3-LP-Pan-SDRPlay-others-tp7620757p7620825.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] comparing P3, LP-Pan, SDRPlay, others?
Elecraft mailing list wrote > Re: If you want to point and click to EXACT frequencies, I recommend CW > Skimmer > > Both CA Skimmer and Rocky have this feature. All you need to do is click > within a pixel or two of the desired signal and it pulls the frequency to > zero beat the signal. I have only used it on CW, so I don't know if it > works for other modes. It is similar to the CWT function. As I said "Skimmer is the only SDR program I'm aware of that calculates exact frequencies for its decoder dots" and I haven't researched newer programs since 2011, so there are probably others now. BTW your comment assumes the calling station in question is still there for CWT-like behavior to work. The 599 function will send the K3 to the frequency of the *last* station worked in the pileup, even though he's probably no longer transmitting. Here's another neat thing you can do with Skimmer and a script to control it via a mouse wheel. I use the wheel to quickly tune up or down the band in contests. No need to mess with carefully positioning a mouse, pressing a knob, etc. Note that this is Blind Skimmer mode (no callsign decoding) which is legal for unassisted contest categories. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZDXuOgUQJ0 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/comparing-P3-LP-Pan-SDRPlay-others-tp7620757p7620819.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] comparing P3, LP-Pan, SDRPlay, others?
Jim Hoge-2 wrote > Can anything besides the P3 be used to point and click for QSY? If you want to point and click to EXACT frequencies, I recommend CW Skimmer with LP-PAN. Skimmer is the only SDR program I'm aware of that calculates exact frequencies for its decoder dots. When properly set up (which takes some doing), you can dead zero beat decoder dots simply by clicking them. This was one of my gripes about the P3. It's difficult to position the cursor exactly and then press the knob without applying any torque which will slightly shift the frequency. Another useful feature of Skimmer in large pileups is its "599" function. You can watch the display for a magenta 599 to appear and then click to the exact frequency of the last station worked. I've worked stations in very large pileups without ever actually listening to the pileup itself. I do dial in a small XIT offset so that I'm not dead zero beat with others using the same technique. For determining the pattern that the DX is using to work the pileup, it's simply a matter of watching the 599s to appear to see whether the DX op is working up the band, down the band (and by how much) or random tuning. Here's a recent post about how to do this (note that a KRX3 is required) including a link to the Skimmer page which showing the 599 function in a very large pileup: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Now-that-the-K-Pod-is-shipping-we-could-use-your-help-with-useful-macros-td7619773.html#a7619780 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/comparing-P3-LP-Pan-SDRPlay-others-tp7620757p7620815.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Solar Cycle
Tony Estep wrote > On Fri, Jul 22, 2016 at 8:22 PM, Bill W4ZV > btippett@.mit > wrote: > > Yep, those were legendary days. I too made Novice DXCC, shortly after > Bill. > He was KN4RID in those days. I worked my 100th right after he got his, but > I stuck my cards in a drawer and didn't send them in for over a decade. > Finally I dug 'em out and got my DXCC certificate, issued under my novice > call, KN0LTB. It's still up on the wall.There was one other novice who did > it, but I can't remember who it was. Hi Tony. Sorry my linked story didn't mention that you received DXCC because at the time I wrote that article I didn't see it in late 50s QSTs. After checking later QSTs, there were actually 4 that made it: Call QST Total KN4RID Nov 58 102 KN4RID Oct 59 114 (an endorsement) KN1IVT May 60 100 KN0LTB Aug 67 102 WN8TNDSep 67 105 For Mark, another restriction was that we were limited to 21.100 and above, but many DX stations lower in the band would respond if you answered their CQs. My guess is this was because many were using military surplus RXs which did not have great resolution, so they sometimes answered even if you were way off their TX frequency. Those days were the golden years of DXing IMHO...no spotting, no lists, no mega-expeditions and the key to success was lots and lots of tuning the bands and listening. 73, Bill -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Solar-Cycle-tp7620505p7620616.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Solar Cycle
Guy Olinger K2AV wrote > I remember 1956 - 1958. Conditions have never been that way since. We are > in the trough of a very long term solar super-cycle that had a peak in > 1956. The peak was actually late December 1957 (Solar Flux = 375 and sunspots = 355). http://www.solen.info/solar/history/hist1957.html I was very lucky to be QRV then and made the first Novice DXCC: http://www.novice.bappy.com/about_21.html 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Solar-Cycle-tp7620505p7620582.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Solar Cycle
"Secrets of the Sun" is free on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncphh8FWUUE 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Solar-Cycle-tp7620505p7620521.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Upper power supply voltage limit with KX3
Clay Autery wrote > NOW, TRANSMIT on SSB at 100W on the PA Just curious how you get 100W out of the KX3? ;-) 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Upper-power-supply-voltage-limit-with-KX3-tp7619776p7619805.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Now that the K-Pod is shipping, we could use your help with useful macros
Skimmer Pileup Buster Skimmer's "599" function is very powerful since it gives the exact frequency of the last station worked. The macro below allows Skimmer to control VFO A. Why not use VFO B for TX? Because IF OUT is on VFO A and Skimmer can only control VFO A (without mods to both the KRX3 hardware and Skimmer control software). Use as follows assuming Skimmer is running and accurately calibrated for K3 zero beat with the roofing filter you're using in the Main RX (VFO A): 1. Tune in the DX station on VFO A. 2. Activate the SKIMMER Macro via appropriate button on KPOD. 3. Manually tune VFO A to the approximate center of the pileup and watch for a "599" to appear. 4. Click the magenta "599" decoder dot to send VFO A to the last station worked. 5. You can manually add some +/- XIT offset to VFO A if too many guys learn this trick! :-)) 73, Bill W4ZV http://dxatlas.com/CwSkimmer/ (note "599" in the bottom screen shot) SKIMMER: LK0;LK$0;SB0;SWT13;SWT13;FR0;LK$1;UP5;RT0;XT0;SB1;MN111;MP006;MN255; LK0;LK$0 to unLCK both VFOs (all LK commands can be omitted if you never use LCK) SB0; turns the sub receiver off, which also turns Diversity off (i.e. my normal setup) SWT13; taps A>B to copy VFO A frequency to VFO B SWT13; taps A>B again to copy all other settings to VFO B FR0; turns off Split (since we'll use the KRX3's Dual RX mode) LK$1; locks VFO B on the DX station's frequency UP5; sets TX VFO A up 2 kHz (so you don't accidentally TX on the DX initially) RT0; turns RIT off XT0; turns XIT off (can be manually set later depending on how DX tunes the pileup) SB1; turns the sub receiver on MN111; selects the CONFIG:L-MIX-R menu entry MP006; selects the "b b" audio mix; which puts VFO B (the DX station) in both audio channels with no distractions for weak stations. You don't even need to listen to the pileup to successfully work stations! I first did this on a massive 160m pileup for ST0R in 2011. Or, if the DX station is stronger, you can add the pileup in one ear by substituting MP002 to get the "Ab b" audio mix. MN255; closes the CONFIG menu -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Now-that-the-K-Pod-is-shipping-we-could-use-your-help-with-useful-macros-tp7619773p7619780.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Upper power supply voltage limit with KX3
>Damage due to using anything over 15 V would void the warranty, since that's the specified maximum. Add in series a couple of silicon diodes (~0.7V drop each) of sufficient current rating in the positive lead. 16V - 1.4V = 14.6V. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Upper-power-supply-voltage-limit-with-KX3-tp7619776p7619779.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Why buy a KX2/KX3 compared to a KX1/MTR3B in a QRP portable scenario?
The essence of what you stated is that the 2 rigs are apples and oranges. Having built several of KD1JV's QRP rigs (starting with the ATS-2 in 2004) they are for minimalists (weight, power, bands, modes and cost). I've used my ATS-3, Weber (i.e. KD1JV) Tri-Bander and K2 for SOTA activations, general field operating and QRP events like QRPTTF, FOBB, etc. My favorite for lightweight field QRP is the Tri-Bander mainly because it has a KNOB VFO in addition to reasonable size and weight. I find tuning by the up/down push buttons in most KD1JV rigs to be very painful if you do much S (which is necessary since you will be W E A K). Remember that many no-code licensees today who want to do field operations must use SSB out of necessity. Once they become enlightened that CW is a vastly better mode for QRP, then they may consider ultralite rigs like the MTR. The KX2/KX3 are undoubtedly the top of the line for full-featured QRP operations, but I wouldn't lose a bit of sleep agonizing over your decision, based on your planned usage. I do hope you don't eventually regret the push button VFO tuning (as I did) but you can always opt for the Tri-Bander as a reasonable alternative. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Why-buy-a-KX2-KX3-compared-to-a-KX1-MTR3B-in-a-QRP-portable-scenario-tp7619714p7619721.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 mod for K-Pod
Edward A. Dauer wrote > Just put in my order for a K-pod. Has anyone yet done the K3 mod that > allows DC power through the data cable? How did it go? > > Tnx, > > Ted, KN1CBR It's relatively easy Ted. You don't even need to remove the case covers. You remove the front panel assembly by removing 3 screws on top, 2 screws on bottom and then prying the FP assembly apart with a screwdriver in two slots on the bottom. R82 is visible at the lower left area of the reverse side of the FP module. You solder either a 0603 SMD or 1/8 W 6.8 ohm leaded resistor across R82 (i.e. in parallel with the existing 10k). If you're not accustomed to SMD, the 0603 type is not a good one to learn on because it's so small. Elecraft supplies both resistors in the kit. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-mod-for-K-Pod-tp7619427p7619458.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K-Pod owner's manual?
Bob-2 wrote > How? > > Are you a beta tester? Yes. Short summary - the mod is simple IF you have the right parts. Solder a 6.8 ohm resistor across R82 (i.e. in parallel) on the Front Panel Board. No need to remove any panels but unscrew the 3 top and 2 bottom screws holding the FPB to the chassis and then use a flat head screw driver in the 2 bottom slots to pry FPB apart from chassis. Elecraft provides both 1/10 W SMD (0603 size) and leaded 1/8 W resistors in the kit. 0603 SMD is a bit of a challenge but makes a very neat installation if you're experienced with soldering SMD, or Elecraft will install the mod for you if you email k3support at elecraft.com or call 831-763-4211. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K-Pod-owner-s-manual-tp7619352p7619362.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] FD Propagation
Edward A. Dauer wrote > At about 1930 Z last Sunday, during the final hours of FD, it seemed that > HF propagation completely collapsed where I was. Ten went away, not ever > having been open much, then 15 went completely dead, 40 at about the same > time except for some locals, 80 had been useless all afternoon, and > finally by about 2000Z there were only eight or ten signals left on 20. > Finis, all done, as quickly as I’ve ever seen it. I went CL with over an > hour of contest left. The majority of clubs set up before FD begins at 1800 UTC Saturday so activity falls off a cliff 24 hours later. "3.2. Stations who begin setting up before 1800 UTC Saturday may work only 24 consecutive hours, commencing when on-the-air operations begin." 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/FD-Propagation-tp7619346p7619353.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT Looking for PC advice.
I'd go with Windows 10 but load the freeware classicshell.net Windows 7 option. No silly Tiles, Charms, etc. and you get the traditional W7 interface with the added benefits of W10 (better security, automatic updates, automatic maintenance, etc.) I had 2 older Vista laptops that were converted to W7 ($75 upgrade) and then W10 (free) and they are now great. I also had 2 Win 8 laptops that were converted very easily to W10. Now everything is W10 using the same classicshell interface. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/OT-Looking-for-PC-advice-tp7617779p7617789.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] latest K2 serial #?
Don Wilhelm-4 wrote > Yes, those two mods are old, and apply only to the A level boards (below > SN 3000). > There have been improvements in the K2 sidetone incorporated into the B > level boards, and are also included with the A to B mod kit. > The changes added a 47k resistor in series with C24 (R11 for the B level > boards) and a shielded 82mH inductor across pins 7 and 10 of RP5. > The sidetone is still not a pure sine wave, but it is close if your > sidetone pitch is between 500 and 700 Hz. > > Those old mods would be applicable to unmodified A level boards but > re-design of the circuits would be required for the B level boards and A > level boards already modified with the A to B upgrade kit. Don I beg to differ. From LA3ZA's K2 mod site: Sidetone mod Updated Nov 2006 Even more sinusoidal tone than the mod in serial #3000+ gives Important to have an inductor with correct series resistance (KT5X) Simple, one more capacitor TF3MA I installed this mod in my S/N 4119 and it made a huge difference in sidetone quality. The original design had so much harmonic content that it was difficult to zero beat stations by ear. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/latest-K2-serial-tp7615395p7615492.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] latest K2 serial #?
KC6CNN wrote > They K2 might be old school, but you got to love the sound they have with > CW. It is so easy on my ears. It's even better if you fix the horrible distortion in the sidetone! It was so bad that I found it difficult to zero-beat stations by ear. TF3MA mod: http://www.raunvis.hi.is/~matti/TF3MA/sidetone_tf3ma.html KT5X addendum: http://mailman.qth.net/pipermail/elecraft/2006-November/061425.html 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/latest-K2-serial-tp7615395p7615446.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Configuration to KS3
Gary Smith-2 wrote > - Will I encounter any unexpected problems if I load my K3 > configuration to the K3s and start operating? Probably...because Config Save will copy your K3 calibration constants into the K3S. You would at least need to go through all calibration steps again. I doubt the K3 Utility will even allow you to copy K3 settings into the K3S but I honestly don't know. Hopefully someone from Elecraft will respond. You do bring up a good point that it would be nice to have a Config Save Lite that would affect only common menu choices for the K3/K3S but not calibration constants and items unique to the K3. I doubt Elecraft has thought of this but it would be nice if possible. If I were you I'd go through the K3 CONFIG settings, write everything down and then manually duplicate into the K3S. Also don't forget the MENU settings. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Configuration-to-KS3-tp7613960p7613964.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3/K3S noise blanker performance greatly enhanced (at my QTH) -- need testers
j...@kk9a.com wrote > Even if this works for your noise, I wonder how well it will work using a > wide roofing filter in contest conditions. > > Perhaps for RX testing only you can select a different narrower TX filter? Definitely would not work in high activity contests, but fencer clicks would be buried in all the other mess anyway. ;-) I do have a 2.1 in Main which I'll try the next time I experiment. Unfortunately I don't have that in Sub which precludes diversity, which I use for weak signals that the clicks bother. BTW you can NEVER select a narrower TX filter than 2.7/2.8 because the firmware/software will not allow it (even for CW). I know because I tried to do that years ago in an attempt to further cleanse my CW signal. Now the KSYN3A does a great job of that anyway. When I do another experiment with the 2.1, I'll report the results here. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-K3S-noise-blanker-performance-greatly-enhanced-at-my-QTH-need-testers-tp7613491p7613681.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] APF (audio peaking filter) on the K3/K3S/KX3
N1EU wrote > I suspect that when the K3 APF was first engineered, the Yaesu FT-1000D > APF > (original hi-Q version) was used as the model because many prominent > dx'ers/topbanders always raved about it. I lifted the "original" FT-1000D APF from the schematic in 2009 and Al W6LX did a circuit simulation on it. Al's description provided the roadmap for what Elecraft eventually implemented in the K3's DSP in 2010. http://www.mail-archive.com/elecraft%40mailman.qth.net/msg105227.html As Wayne has suggested previously, APF works best if you use a relatively wide DSP setting (I use 400 Hz). I trick my K3 into using my 200 Hz XFIL at DSP=400 by setting the XFIL BW to 400 (similar idea to what Wayne recently suggested with the 2.7/2.8 XFIL for better NB). The wider DSP BW keeps the ringing down and gives your ear/brain a better background to discriminate signals through the 30 Hz APF without ringing while the wide (5 pole) 200 Hz XFIL still gives good protection from nearby strong signal overload. Setting the VFO is not as critical compared to narrow DSP settings, and I use APF virtually all the time...even in contests. This signal path may help visualize what I'm doing: signal >> 200 Hz XFIL >> 400 Hz DSP >> 30 Hz APF >> ear/brain 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/APF-audio-peaking-filter-on-the-K3-K3S-KX3-tp7613416p7613632.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3/K3S noise blanker performance greatly enhanced (at my QTH) -- need testers
wayne burdick wrote > 2.8 kHz should give some improvement over a narrow filter on some types of > noise. Worth a try. Just temporarily tell the firmware that it's a little > bit wider than your narrow filter, then use the WIDTH control to switch > between narrow and wide. Re-optimize the NB settings each time. I've been having a problem with a pulse type electric fencer (not the 60 Hz cycling buzz type which is impossible to cure with a blanker). Most radios' NBs deal effectively with pulses but for some reason (firmware change) my K3 (#4717) is not. I decided to try Wayne's suggestion even though I only have the 2.7 kHz stock filter. The problem with Wayne's suggestion is that the K3 Utility will not accept 0.45 as a valid width for the 2.7 kHz filter because it is used for TX on CW/SSB and bandwidths <2.7 kHz are not allowed. Is there a workaround for this or am I doing something wrong? 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-K3S-noise-blanker-performance-greatly-enhanced-at-my-QTH-need-testers-tp7613491p7613631.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] didn't make myself very clear :(
"So very few controls would actually be needed. Come to think of it, an operator wouldn't even be needed!" BINGO! And how much fun would that be? Which is exactly why I don't care for the computer-to-computer modes. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/didn-t-make-myself-very-clear-tp7610541p7610597.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Issue Resolved K3 Voltage on TX
If you operate SSB, you might want to run higher voltage at the K3 terminals (e.g. at 14.5V which is below the 15.0V spec) to minimize IMD. This was discussed extensively in 2009 but the following by W4TV is a good summary: > Is there something critical in the radio that > gives this outcome? Critical adjustment perhaps? > Is it very sensitive what PS we use (ala W4ZV)? Yes, it is very sensitive to power supply voltage. Look at any of the application notes - the one Craig mentions for the P-P RD100HHF FETs is a good example. Decreasing Vcc (or Vdd) by just one Volt will increase the IMD at 100 Watts by 10 dB and decrease the maximum output power by almost 20 Watts. Running the power supply at 14.0 - 14.5 Volts and using a power supply with good dynamic regulation will go a long way to keeping the K3 "clean." # -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Voltage-on-TX-tp7609564p7609609.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] LiFePO4 replacement for internal SLA battery in K2
inventor61 . wrote > I had strongly considered the LiPo type secondary-cell power packaging > option and rejected it. > > Energy density in that chemistry/package is amazing of course. But that > equation is also true of a bomb. I have no problem with the LiPo in my > iPad, Galaxy S5 phone, and laptop, so, it's not a blind bias. > > It doesn't take too much YouTube searching to find dramatic examples of > LiPo powered RC vehicles and the like bursting into flames. > > There's a good reason that *all* these lithium cells are considered hazmat > now, not just the lithium thionyl chloride ones ... on failure, those burn > and emit nerve gas; they are Class 9 hazmat! They are also not > rechargeable anyway. > > Because this particular power pack would be fully enclosed in the > metal-cased K2, and would be in the 9 ampere-hour range in this desired > form factor ... if such a LiPo pack decided to self-immolate, the rig > would > not only be destroyed but I'd have a real secondary incendiary hazard on > my > hands. > > The charging, power regulation and protective circuitry, etc., needed to > use the LiPo chemistry/packaging inside a K2 took that consideration off > the table for me. YMMV. I understand and agree for your use case of mounting the battery internally in the K2. My "fail safe" is to never use an internal battery and thus avoid issues of fire, leakage, etc. I always charge and mount my LiPOs externally. It's certainly possible to abuse LiPOs and cause them to catch on fire, but as you stated, there are plenty of devices that successfully use them internally...significantly more than LiFePO4s when you consider the volumes of cell phones, tablets, PCs, models, drones, etc. that use LiPOs. Just an FYI for anyone interested, the "11.1V 4500mAh 3S 30C Lipo" listed on a popular auction site for $24.36 is actually available for $20 if you use "Make Offer" (I just bought one). Of course you also need a balancing charger (available for around $20) to properly charge and store LiPOs. You cannot beat the energy density (mAH per ounce) of a LiPO but they DO REQUIRE proper care. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-LiFePO4-replacement-for-internal-SLA-battery-in-K2-tp7607477p7607557.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] LiFePO4 replacement for internal SLA battery in K2
Hi Steve, I'm following this topic with great interest! I've been using my K2 for extended operations (8 hours) from SOTA summits and have been lugging a 5 pound 7AH SLA. Needless to say I'm very interested in going on a weight diet for the K2! I've had good success using external 1AH LiPOs for smaller rigs (ATS-3 and Weber Tri-Bander) but they're CW only and band limited. They're also very inflexible for quick band/mode, where the K2 shines. I've had zero problems with LiPOs but I religiously charge and store them per manufacturer's specs. I'm also a little leery of internal batteries of any type. Since I already have a balancing charger for LiPOs, I've been considering a larger capacity LiPO (e.g. 4.5 AH available on eBay for <$25) for the K2. For comparison, this battery weighs <12 ounces versus the 5 pound 7 AH SLA, so it weighs 86% less and probably has sufficient life for most of my operations. I'd be interested to hear any comments from others about any leakage problems with internal batteries. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-LiFePO4-replacement-for-internal-SLA-battery-in-K2-tp7607467p7607473.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] K3 Note: "The KFL3A-200 is currently unavailable."
Anyone know the details? 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Note-The-KFL3A-200-is-currently-unavailable-tp7607115.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] Miniature self-supporting HF antennas
I recently used a 20m EFHW to operate from 12,300' Trail Ridge (SOTA W0C/FR-123) on June 28. I wanted a very quick activation due to thunderstorm concerns so I took a 15' mast (collapsible to ~18 inches), mounted it to a cairn of stones with a bungee and attached the far end to a stone. I made 6 contacts in 6 minutes and then beat a hasty retreat down the summit. About an hour earlier and 60 miles south of me several hikers were struck by lightning as they descended Mt. Bierstadt (see below). http://www.examiner.com/article/lightning-safety-tips-for-mountain-travel Fast and simple is my rule when operating above timberline in the summer! 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Miniature-self-supporting-HF-antennas-tp7605064p7605079.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] K3S and CW Skimmer's 24 kHz limitation
Just an FYI for anyone interested. Several years ago I opted to use Blind Skimmer's waterfall because I found it so convenient for fast SP (due to Skimmer's ability to quickly jump to *exact* zero beat...see video below). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZDXuOgUQJ0 I asked Alex VE3NEA if the new K3S might change the 24 kHz limitation (Softrock on IF mode). Below is his response. 73, Bill W4ZV Hi Bill, Sorry for the late reply, I have just returned from a 2-week trip and started to answer my email. No, the presence of the USB and RS232 ports in the radio does not change the bandwidth processed by CW Skimmer in the IF mode, sorry. Alex On 2015-05-15 18:12, Bill Tippett wrote: Hi Alex, The data sheet says: Includes both USB and RS232 ports; Using USB port eliminates need for PC sound card and line-level audio cables (line in/out jacks still included) http://www.elecraft.com/manual/K3S%20Data%20Sheet%20rev%20A1.pdf Would this remove the 24 kHz limitation using Skimmer? 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3S-and-CW-Skimmer-s-24-kHz-limitation-tp7603618.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] WRTC 2014 - Congratulations, Elecraft!...(and firmware update)
Below is the actual data and link to the public source of Rick's comment about rigs used in WRTC. 73, Bill W4ZV P.S. In case others missed it there was a major firmware update (MCU 4.86 DSP 2.83) on June 10. For some reason there was no announcement about it (see http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm ) WRTC data: http://mailman.qth.net/pipermail/aocc/2014-July/016712.html Andy N2NT is still collecting data, but his preliminary release showed the following breakdown of radios used at WRTC2014 for 91 radios he compiled. I'll show the final when he releases it, maybe later this week. Not surprising figures, as the K3 has a lot of features in a small package. Great for worldwide travel. It should be noted that at least 2 of the IC7600's were loaners from sponsor Icom. One pair went to the YL Team of DL1QQ/DL8DYL, who finished well, 21st. More when I know more. 73, Bob K8IA - K3 63 IC7600 6 TS590 5 FTdx5000 5 FT1000MP 3 IC7800 2 FT1000D 2 IC756pro3 2 Other (IC7700, FT3000, TS850) 3 91 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/WRTC-2014-Congratulations-Elecraft-tp7591534p7591535.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
Re: [Elecraft] N1MM lack of instructions
N1MM is probably the MOST popular contest logger. There are 4,580 current members on the list below and you'll probably get answers there faster than here. https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/N1MMLogger/info 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/N1MM-lack-of-instructions-tp7590664p7590682.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com
[Elecraft] [K2] Pinout for J2 (headphone jack)
It appears the front panel headphone jack on my K2 may be slightly loose. I'd like to retouch the pins from the bottom side of the RF board without removing the front panel. I can see 8 pins underneath J2 arranged as follows: front of RF board --X-- XX-XX -XXX- rear of RF board Should I retouch all 8 pins or just the first 5? 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-Pinout-for-J2-headphone-jack-tp7585286.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3/K2: cumulative HF xcvr review from eHam
Jim Brown-10 wrote The 7600 is also an RF trash generator -- clicks and phase noise abound. Not as bad as many others...Flex Radios the worst by far: Model QST Rx @20 kHz Tx @20 kHz Diff Tx Wide (-dBc) (-dBc) (dB) (-dBc) K3 Jan 09 112 (104) 119 -7 128@100kHz, 120@360kHz TS-599AT Aug 11 115 (93) 108 7 112@100kHz IC-7600 Nov 09 105 (100) 102 3 111@100kHz IC-7700 Oct 08 109 (105) 108 1 110@100kHz TS-590S May 11 120 (104) 106 14 110@100kHz KX3 Dec 12 120 (105) 97 23 107@100kHz IC-9100 Apr 12 101 101 0 105@100kHz FTdx5000 Dec 10 109 (104) 104 5 103@100kHz FT-950 Mar 08 86 (105) 100 -14 102@100kHz FTdx9000 Jul 10 114 101 13 100@100kHz FT-450D Nov 11 98 85 13 96@100kHz IC-7200 Jun 09 103 95 8 94@100kHz Flex-1500 Dec 11 107 (88) 101 6 81@300kHz Flex-5000A Jul 08 99 (96) 91 8 77@350kHz http://www.sm5bsz.com/dynrange/dubus313.pdf 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-K2-cumulative-HF-xcvr-review-from-eHam-tp7582044p7582068.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] why KRX3 SUB RX
Jorge Diez - CX6VM-2 wrote Will appreciate any feedback about the use of the second RX on the K3 what are the uses for which it is essential to have the second receiver? Hola Jorge! 1. Diversity RX. I use Beverages on my Main RX and a RX4SQ on the Sub RX. Useful for improving RX in one direction or listening in a different direction in contests. 2. Another nice application is using CW Skimmer to spot your TX frequency near the last station worked in a large split pileup. You can even do this without listening to the pileup itself...only clicking on the last 599 on the Skimmer display. See the last graphic below. The only trick to doing this is that the TX frequency must be assigned to the Main VFO and DX frequency to the Sub VFO, since IF OUT always tracks the Main VFO (unless you do a hardware and software modification) so clicking the 599 sends your TX to that frequency. http://dxatlas.com/CwSkimmer/ (see 599 in bottom graphic) 73, Bill -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/why-KRX3-SUB-RX-tp7581533p7581545.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] APF
IMHO K3WC's APF suggestion is WAY TOO COMPLICATED. I use APF virtually all the time and never use RIT, SHIFT, etc. Just HOLD DUAL PB to actuate APF and use the VFO to zero beat. COARSE (10 Hz) VFO steps is usually close enough but you can switch to FINE (1 Hz) if necessary for ultra weak signals. I also strongly endorse N6KR's suggestion below: I suggest setting the passband width to about 250-300 Hz when using APF. This is extremely important since bandwidths too narrow will introduce additional ringing to the APF which already borders on ringing. I actually use a 200 Hz XFIL but set to actuate at DSP 400 Hz. With WIDTH set to 400 Hz, the signal first goes through the relatively broad (4.0 shape factor) 200 Hz XFIL, then a 400 Hz DSP and finally the narrow APF. This makes the cascaded XFIL/DSP look more like 250 Hz, reduces ringing, still allows you to hear off-frequency callers (although attenuated) and helps your ears discriminate weak signals from noise by providing a wider background sample of noise. 73, Bill W4ZV Scott Monks wrote Sam; Your explanation is really good Sam, but it seems that something doesn't follow for me. cut... Turn on the RIT control (tap the RIT button). Next, lower the RIT frequency -20 Hz. (You must have CONFIG:PB CTRL in the config menu set to .01 to move in 10 Hz steps). If your pitch is set to 500 Hz, then the tone of the CW should now be 480 Hz. Next, turn on the APF by HOLDING the DUAL PB button. Adjust the APF using the SHIFT Fc Knob (now APF control). Move the APF down -20 Hz to match the CW signal. Once you have the signal in the center of the new 480 Hz tone you should hear that the CW signal pops up about 5 or 6 dB Ok, I did this, first setting my pitch at 500 Hz, which actually even cut out some ringing! I got the station centered, etc., turned RIT down -20, activated APF, but then the problem began. I am not sure what the SHIFT Fc Knob is--if it is just the regular Shift-Lo knob then this doesn't do anything for me when I turn it. Is this the right knob? Do I need something turned on in CONFIG for it to work? I have had my K3 a little more than 1yr., and I sort of remember that MAYBE I could move the passband once at first, but I my be remembering bad! Thanks for the help. 73 Scott AA0AA; XE1/AA0AA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: Elecraft@.qth This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/APF-tp7581300p7581511.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [K2] Re: sidetone mod now works
I did this mod yesterday to my S/N 4119 and am documenting it primarily for the parts number info. My unit had the REV B Control Board with the mod previously implemented by Elecraft (addition of 82 mH L1 across RP5 pins 7 and 10). The following applies only to REV B boards: 1. Remove L1 and insert a 2.2uF *non-polarized* capacitor in the same holes. I used a NICHION UVP1H2R2MDD1TD which fit nicely in the space for L1. I had to search for a suitable non-polarized capacitor so hopefully this will save time for others. 2. Cut the trace between C33 and C35. Check with a meter to make sure it's open. 3. Tack solder a 47 mH MURATA 22R476C between the pads for C33 and C35 (where the connecting trace was cut). This part is specified with internal resistance of 169 ohms which is key to the mod working properly (see below). I had to search quite a few different parts to find one with high internal resistance. 4. Lay the inductor on its side and be sure it is out of the way of the screw hole/standoff that attaches the Control Board. My K2 now has a very pure sidetone which will make zero beating much easier without harmonic distortion. 73, Bill W4ZV Sverre Holm-2 wrote My L1 82 mH inductor has a DC resistance of 62 ohms. This is quite different from the 180 ohm version used in the mod. Would a series resistor be desired as Fred indicates in the message below? I have 100 ohm, 120 ohm, and 150 ohm resistors on hand. Where is this resistor installed between U10 pin 7 and the inductor or between the inductor and C33? What type of capacitor would be best suited for this mod? My junk box only has 1 uF 100 V 5% metallized polyester or 2.2 uF 16 V 10% dipped tantalum capacitors. The polyester caps are rather large. A couple of the 2.2s in series would be 1.1 uF. Darrell, I did the TF3MA sidetone mod some months ago on my K2 serial #2198 and I am very pleased with it. See my comments on http://www.ac6rm.net/mailarchive/html/elecraft-list/2006-12/msg01043.html where I wrote that This mod really works wonders with the sidetone quality of the K2. I had done the sidetone upgrade to the 3000+ model previously, but this latest change still was very worthwhile doing. You should add series resistance to the inductor. If I understand your question right, the order, L+R or R+L, doesn't make any difference. I would try the 120 ohm resistor giving you a total of 120+62 = 182 ohms. Maybe the size I would probably have tried with the series combination of two 2.2 uF tantalum capacitors in order to avoid putting the large 1 uF capacitor in there. 73 Sverre LA3ZA Unofficial Guide to K2 Modifications http://www.qslnet.de/member/la3za/K2/mod.html -- I am using the free version of SPAMfighter for private users. It has removed 7471 spam emails to date. Paying users do not have this message in their emails. Get the free SPAMfighter here: http://www.spamfighter.com/len ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@.qth You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/sidetone-mod-now-works-tp395423p7581472.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] diversity receive what bands
Jim Brown-10 wrote Beverages tend to favor higher wave angles, while verticals favor low angles. Those who have lots of land like to install both Beverages and vertical RX arrays (Hi-Z Antennas, DX Engineering are US companies that sell them). I've seen reports of signals appearing an hour earlier on one antenna than the other, then disappearing from the first antenna. Beverages and vertical arrays actually have very similar takeoff angles (e.g. 25-40 degrees). Salt water dramatically lowers the lowest takeoff for verticals and a poor ground will raise it. Lengthening Beverages will also lower the takeoff angle. See Graph 3 below for an example of the latter on 160: http://www.seed-solutions.com/gregordy/Amateur%20Radio/Experimentation/Beverage.htm At 1 wavelength (~540' which is about the minimum useful Beverage length) the takeoff angle is 42 degrees. Lengthening it to 2 wavelengths lowers the angle to 27 degrees. Below are two plots (top and very bottom) of my antennas which demonstrate the difference between a low dipole (90 degree takeoff), a vertical array (22 degree takeoff) and a 2 wavelength Beverage (24 degree takeoff): http://users.vnet.net/btippett/new_page_10.htm I normally use Beverages on one port and an RX4SQ on the other port. I can also switch between the RX4SQ and my TX array (Spitfire variant). On 80 and 160 I use diversity almost 100% of the time. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/diversity-receive-what-bands-tp7580624p7580677.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] diversity receive what bands
Hi Fred, Loss is generally not a problem for RX antennas on the low bands because it's low (even for RG6) and ambient atmospheric noise is high. The RX4SQ uses a run of 800' and the Beverages use from 200-500', all RG6. The TX antenna uses about 350' of surplus 7/8 Heliax which replaced RG8 several years ago. That gained 1 dB but it was cheap and much more rugged than RG8. 73, Bill Fred Smith wrote Bill A very nice antenna farm you have for sure! If I might ask how long is your feed line from the beverage and the 4sq's to your shack? And the TX 160m distance and feed line used helix I'm guessing? 73, Fred/N0AZZ Monett, MO. -Original Message- From: elecraft-bounces@.qth [mailto: elecraft-bounces@.qth ] On Behalf Of Bill W4ZV Sent: Monday, November 11, 2013 5:28 AM To: elecraft@.qth Subject: Re: [Elecraft] diversity receive what bands Jim Brown-10 wrote Beverages tend to favor higher wave angles, while verticals favor low angles. Those who have lots of land like to install both Beverages and vertical RX arrays (Hi-Z Antennas, DX Engineering are US companies that sell them). I've seen reports of signals appearing an hour earlier on one antenna than the other, then disappearing from the first antenna. Beverages and vertical arrays actually have very similar takeoff angles (e.g. 25-40 degrees). Salt water dramatically lowers the lowest takeoff for verticals and a poor ground will raise it. Lengthening Beverages will also lower the takeoff angle. See Graph 3 below for an example of the latter on 160: http://www.seed-solutions.com/gregordy/Amateur%20Radio/Experimentation/Bever age.htm At 1 wavelength (~540' which is about the minimum useful Beverage length) the takeoff angle is 42 degrees. Lengthening it to 2 wavelengths lowers the angle to 27 degrees. Below are two plots (top and very bottom) of my antennas which demonstrate the difference between a low dipole (90 degree takeoff), a vertical array (22 degree takeoff) and a 2 wavelength Beverage (24 degree takeoff): http://users.vnet.net/btippett/new_page_10.htm I normally use Beverages on one port and an RX4SQ on the other port. I can also switch between the RX4SQ and my TX array (Spitfire variant). On 80 and 160 I use diversity almost 100% of the time. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/diversity-receive-what-bands-tp7580624p 7580677.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: Elecraft@.qth This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2013.0.3426 / Virus Database: 3222/6826 - Release Date: 11/11/13 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto: Elecraft@.qth This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/diversity-receive-what-bands-tp7580624p7580685.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KAF2 versus AF1 versus APF
I really miss the K3's APF in my K2. I previously tried a KAF2 but found it to be of marginal help. Has anyone found the AF1 to be as useful as APF? Does anyone have an AF1 they no longer need? I'd love to find someone close to Charlotte NC that might have one I could try before buying. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAF2-versus-AF1-versus-APF-tp7580191.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] CW Pitch Resolution
RobertG wrote Bill... Every time I attempt to use APF I encounter so much ringing that it's more or less unusable. I'd appreciate any hint that you might have about taming this feature for use. Thanks. Hi Robert, Reduce the gain and narrow the XFIL/DSP bandwidth such that the desired signal pops out of the noise. I generally don't use APF unless all signals in the passband are relatively weak. Ideally you don't want anything in the passband except band noise and the signal of interest. This may sound counterintuitive but IF QRM ALLOWS, try a relatively wide XFIL/DSP bandwidth (e.g. 400 Hz). I find this helps your brain/ears have better discrimination between the signal and noise. If you narrow XFIL/DSP too much, you may magnify ringing. Contrary to what I thought when I first tried APF, I now use it most of the time, but I hasten to add that most of the time I'm listening to very weak signals (e.g. 160m DX or QRP SOTA ops on higher bands). When I activate SOTA summits, I *REALLY* miss APF on my K2 and this feature alone may eventually push me over the edge to a KX3. 73, Bill -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/CW-Pitch-Resolution-tp7579837p7580141.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] CW Pitch Resolution
drewko wrote If you want to go lower than 300 Hz for your preferred cw pitch you could offset the RIT for the lower tone then compensate with SHIFT to bring it back to the center of the filter. A keyswitch macro could do this automatically if you hve a set pitch in mind, say 270. That doesn't work if you're using APF, which I always use for weak signals. APF is linked to the actual PITCH setting. I also use 200 Hz filters in diversity and 30 Hz away from their center would attenuate signals. 73, Bill -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/CW-Pitch-Resolution-tp7579837p7580087.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] CW Pitch Resolution
Sverre Holm (LA3ZA) wrote To sum up the interesting studies from the early 90's on Morse code recognition and the effects of pitch frequency, signal to noise ratio and code speed I posted the abstracts of some of the Montnemery papers on my blog as well as some key illustrations. See http://la3za.blogspot.no/2013/10/studies-on-morse-code-recognition.html Sverrre I posted the following on your website but am repeating it here in the hopes Fabian DJ1YFK will see it and notify me when his SNR challenge is available on LCWO.net: Hi Fabian Copying weak CW signals and psychoacoustics has been a passion of mine since I was first licensed (1957). More recently it has taken the form of DXing on the low bands (especially Topband) and SOTA operating (QRP from summits). I've signed up on LCWO and hope you will implement your SNR challenge. BTW here is a related website by AB7E about weak signals: http://www.ab7e.com/weak_signal/mdd.html Many years ago I discovered 270 Hz was my personal optimum pitch for copying very weak signals on the low bands. This was using a TS-930S which had continuously adjustable pitch. I even found 240 Hz was sometimes useful. I was disappointed that the Elecraft K3's lowest pitch setting is 300 Hz but have learned to live with it. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/CW-Pitch-Resolution-tp7579837p7580085.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Roofing filters
Paul Barlow-2 wrote Is the widest bandwidth available to the receiver the width of the widest roofing filter? Correct. If you operate mostly CW, you may be wasting money getting wider filters than the stock 2.7 kHz...you definitely need a 500 Hz or lower filter for CW to prevent blocking in the presence of strong (S9+20) signals. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Roofing-filters-tp7579774p7579777.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KXPD3 and single-lever paddles
Dennis L. Haarsager wrote my ability to squeeze the paddles as fast as my CW brain is working is probably impaired over what it was back in the day. As Sverre correctly points out in his article: The issue must be tolerance to errors, not just efficiency. For those who truly squeeze as required by true Iambic (as opposed to many who use a dual paddle key as a single lever in non-Iambic), timing the squeeze is more critical than slapping a single lever back and forth. For the HST guys, timing at ~60 WPM rates becomes very critical. For older hands that have lost some fine motor control, timing is also critical although at much lower speeds. For sending at typical QRP speeds, there's no need to spend $335 for a Begali Adventurer. Here's a video of the $30 Whiterook MK-33 sending at ~25 WPM: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embeddedv=xK01E39GQ38#t=23 For another $10, they make a leg strap which is nice for portable or mobile operation. I recently gave a MK-33 and leg strap to my stepson Christian KF4LXB for his birthday. Here's his report: http://www.uwharrieqrp.com/2013/09/new-addition-to-portable-kit-whiterook.html Of course you can also roll your own with some old relay parts. I did this for my KD1JV ATS-3 Transceiver that I sometimes use for SOTA activations: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wutov8MVr6Q BTW you're near several SOTA summits in case you like to hike and operate outdoors with your KX3. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KXPD3-and-single-lever-paddles-tp7579364p7579380.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] mods to K2
Vic K2VCO-2 wrote This argument will never die. But remember the last time you called CQ and a station came back that you could hear, but not copy. (I'm thinking CW, but it also applies to SSB). You know he is in there, but despite struggling with the narrowest possible bandwidth and every trick your receiver is capable of, you just can't get his call as he floats in and out of the noise. I maintain that even ONE dB matters in this situation. IMHO 1 dB absolutely matters when signals are at or below the noise floor. I've lost several QSOs while activating SOTA summits for exactly the reason Vic described above. I find myself wanting my Beverages (at home) or the K3's APF, neither of which is available on a summit while using my K2. AB7E made a very useful set of recordings which demonstrates differences in weak signal copy in background noise. They also demonstrate why you should not send at QRQ speeds when signals are weak (an exception to this is when lightning crashes are prevalent). http://www.ab7e.com/weak_signal/mdd.html It's interesting to note significant differences in various SOTA activators ability to copy my signal from a summit (i.e. Summit-to-Summit QSOs). I usually hear other SOTAs well but some are deaf as stones. I believe this is due to inexperience by some in copying weak signals. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/mods-to-K2-tp7579293p7579329.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K2 Blinking Annunciators
I don't recall where I found this but hopefully it will be of help to K2 owners: K2 Blinking Annunciators Decimal right of 1 kHz digit = LOCK On MHz Decimal= SCAN On Decimal left of Mode Ind= AGC Off NB Ind= LO NB THRESHOLD On A or B Ind = SPLIT On CW Mode Ind = CW TEST On CW Mode Ind CFCF = FAST PLAY On (CW memories) USB/LSB Mode Ind= VOX On 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/f-blinking-on-display-tp7579304p7579332.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Antenna suggestions, resent
Vic K2VCO-2 wrote I am moving to an apartment on the top floor of a 10 story building. I have access to the roof which has a 30' x 10' flat space. On one edge of this space is a building 9' high with a flat roof of about 10' x 20'. I can put up antennas on top of this little building and on the flat area mentioned above. But there is a catch: the antenna has to be either a wire antenna, or substantially vertical. If vertical, it can't exceed 29' in height above the roof of the small building. Beams not allowed! I'd stay away from a vertical. You'll have problems with manmade interference in an apartment complex and vertical polarization will make it worse. I'd go for a 44' doublet/inv-V supported by a nonconductive mast and fed with twinlead...or an OCF fed with coax. 73, Bill W4ZV 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Antenna-suggestions-resent-tp7579318p7579351.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] One Last Hearing Story
Bill Frantz wrote ...but what really works wonders are my Sennheiser noise-canceling headphones. Sennheiser NoiseGard™ 2.0 technology provides up to 90% active noise cancellation http://en-us.sennheiser.com/noise-cancelling-headphones 90% reduction may sound good but it's only ~10 dB, which is typical for most active noise cancelling headphones. If you're serious about noise reduction, you should be looking for 30 dB, which is available in both in-ear and over-the-ear style passive headphones: http://www.etymotic.com/ephp/epcomp.html http://www.extremeheadphones.com/products/ex-29-headphones 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-One-Last-Hearing-Story-tp7579040p7579054.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 overheating smell after an hour or so.
peterc281 wrote Thanks for the reply Bill. I remeasured the current. KRX3 on 1.82A off 1.52A so if the extra current is consistent with the KRX3 on and off with your measurement then I've got an extra 400mA sneaking off somewhere? I measured mine again and got the following using the internal meter...1.15A KRX3 off and 1.45A on. My readings jump around quite a bit so that's an eyeball average. Yes you may have something else going on somewhere in the rig. Probably time to contact k3support at elecraft.com. 73, Bill -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-overheating-smell-after-an-hour-or-so-tp7578806p7578868.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 overheating smell after an hour or so.
peterc281 wrote Has anybody measured the current draw, is my 1.54A excessive? With KRX3 activated mine measures ~1.4A @ 14.5V so I'd say not. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-overheating-smell-after-an-hour-or-so-tp7578806p7578853.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] CW skimmer setup question
The best place to get answers is the LP-PAN website. It has very complete instructions for both hardware and software. http://www.telepostinc.com/LP-PAN.html For example, here's the page for the E-Mu 0202: http://www.telepostinc.com/emu0202.html If you still have questions after reading the website, the LP-PAN list is also available: http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/LP-PAN/conversations/messages Search the archives before asking questions. If all else fails, Larry N8LP is very responsive if you email him directly: n8lp at telepostinc.com IMHO Larry's products and support are on a par with Elecraft's and I have no connection with him other than being a very satisfied customer for several of his products. 73, Bill W4ZV (LP-PAN #008) -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/CW-skimmer-setup-question-tp7578462p7578469.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 and whats next from Elecraft
Arie Kleingeld PA3A-2 wrote The next Elecraft rig will be a real SDR radio (not a hybrid like the K3). With all the convenience and flexibility of the K3, maybe even better. ...but Wayne said: Direct RF-sampling receivers, for all their technology, still lag well behind the K3 in blocking dynamic range, and probably will continue to for years to come. We're quite happy with our superhet architecture. How refreshing that Elecraft has not been caught up in the direct sampling SDR technology for technology's sake hype. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-and-whats-next-from-Elecraft-tp7577832p7577868.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] My first Field Day...Wow... what a rush!
Rick Prather-2 wrote Your post makes me wish I didn't have to wait a year to get out and do it again! You don't need to wait. Discover Summits On The Air (SOTA) and you can do it any time you like! http://www.sota.org.uk/ 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/My-first-Field-Day-Wow-what-a-rush-tp7575713p7575726.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K2 sn 4900-5000 - Upgrades needed?
Ciao Enzo, The last major mod to the K2 was for S/N 4060 and above using Revision B PCB, so you should be OK with S/Ns above 4900. There have been a few other worthwhile mods such as setting AGC level and the Magnetic Level Shielding Kit but these are not absolutely necessary for most applications. LA3ZA has a very nice summary of most K2 mods with links here: http://www.qslnet.de/member/la3za/K2/modAny.html 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-sn-4900-5000-Upgrades-needed-tp7575646p7575654.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Sensitivity on 17m
Mike K8CN and I both came to the same conclusion overnight. Check the ATU in bypass mode! Using both RX ANT and forcing bypass via CAL_P, the sensitivity is back on 17m. I also notice smaller but still noticeable loss on 15m. I didn't build this KAT2 myself but it seems to tune OK for TX on all bands. I guess it's time for some ATU troubleshooting but other ideas are appreciated. 73, Bill W4ZV Bill W4ZV wrote During a SOTA activation Saturday I used 17m quite a bit as well as 15 and 20. Sensitivity on 17m seemed weaker than on adjacent bands and I thought it could be my antenna (44' doublet up 25' with 450 ohm ladder linie through a BL1 4:1 and KAT2). Tonight I decided to check it with my XG3 and indeed the 1uV setting is noticeably weaker than on 15 and 20. I first redid RX alignment of L10 and L11 on 15m and then C32 and C34 for 17m with no improvement. The S-meter reads the same for all 3 XG3 levels but 1uV sounds weaker on 17. Anyone have any ideas? 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-Sensitivity-on-17m-tp7575428p7575437.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Sensitivity on 17m
ATU INIT appears to have restored the sensitivity loss on affected bands. Anyone have any ideas what might have caused this problem? Hopefully ATU INIT didn't create other problems! 73, Bill Bill W4ZV wrote Mike K8CN and I both came to the same conclusion overnight. Check the ATU in bypass mode! Using both RX ANT and forcing bypass via CAL_P, the sensitivity is back on 17m. I also notice smaller but still noticeable loss on 15m. I didn't build this KAT2 myself but it seems to tune OK for TX on all bands. I guess it's time for some ATU troubleshooting but other ideas are appreciated. 73, Bill W4ZV Bill W4ZV wrote During a SOTA activation Saturday I used 17m quite a bit as well as 15 and 20. Sensitivity on 17m seemed weaker than on adjacent bands and I thought it could be my antenna (44' doublet up 25' with 450 ohm ladder linie through a BL1 4:1 and KAT2). Tonight I decided to check it with my XG3 and indeed the 1uV setting is noticeably weaker than on 15 and 20. I first redid RX alignment of L10 and L11 on 15m and then C32 and C34 for 17m with no improvement. The S-meter reads the same for all 3 XG3 levels but 1uV sounds weaker on 17. Anyone have any ideas? 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-Sensitivity-on-17m-tp7575428p7575439.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Sensitivity on 17m
Joe Subich, W4TV-4 wrote Bill, Is the K2 ATU like the ATU in the K3 in that it simply selects values for 50:50 Ohm rather than physically bypassing? If so, something has undoubtedly overwritten the 50 Ohm values. I just did ATU TUNE into a 50 ohm load and the ATU made no changes so I believe you're correct...and ATU INIT restored the correct 50 ohm values. The strange thing to me about the original problem was that the ATU tuned antennas correctly for transmit yet there was RX sensitivity loss on some bands. Oh well... 73, Bill On 6/18/2013 9:21 AM, Bill W4ZV wrote: ATU INIT appears to have restored the sensitivity loss on affected bands. Anyone have any ideas what might have caused this problem? Hopefully ATU INIT didn't create other problems! 73, Bill Bill W4ZV wrote Mike K8CN and I both came to the same conclusion overnight. Check the ATU in bypass mode! Using both RX ANT and forcing bypass via CAL_P, the sensitivity is back on 17m. I also notice smaller but still noticeable loss on 15m. I didn't build this KAT2 myself but it seems to tune OK for TX on all bands. I guess it's time for some ATU troubleshooting but other ideas are appreciated. 73, Bill W4ZV Bill W4ZV wrote During a SOTA activation Saturday I used 17m quite a bit as well as 15 and 20. Sensitivity on 17m seemed weaker than on adjacent bands and I thought it could be my antenna (44' doublet up 25' with 450 ohm ladder linie through a BL1 4:1 and KAT2). Tonight I decided to check it with my XG3 and indeed the 1uV setting is noticeably weaker than on 15 and 20. I first redid RX alignment of L10 and L11 on 15m and then C32 and C34 for 17m with no improvement. The S-meter reads the same for all 3 XG3 levels but 1uV sounds weaker on 17. Anyone have any ideas? 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-Sensitivity-on-17m-tp7575428p7575439.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@.qth This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@.qth This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-Sensitivity-on-17m-tp7575428p7575441.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [K2] Sensitivity on 17m
During a SOTA activation Saturday I used 17m quite a bit as well as 15 and 20. Sensitivity on 17m seemed weaker than on adjacent bands and I thought it could be my antenna (44' doublet up 25' with 450 ohm ladder linie through a BL1 4:1 and KAT2). Tonight I decided to check it with my XG3 and indeed the 1uV setting is noticeably weaker than on 15 and 20. I first redid RX alignment of L10 and L11 on 15m and then C32 and C34 for 17m with no improvement. The S-meter reads the same for all 3 XG3 levels but 1uV sounds weaker on 17. Anyone have any ideas? 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-Sensitivity-on-17m-tp7575428.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] After Rob Sherwood's Talk at Dayton
Chris Pinholster wrote I am a new Elecraft K3 owner, I received mine yesterday. I made my decision right after I heard Sherwood speak in the Drake forum at Dayton. He gave high praise to the K3, and I thought gave short thrift to the Orion 565, which I owned. After the forum was over, I approached Sherwood, asked him about his Orion remarks and the comparison to the K3. He answered me politely and directly. He was exactly right about the Orion. The encounter with Rob convinced me. When Orion was first introduced in 2003 it was the best performing radio available. Unfortunately Ten-Tec management then went through a dry spell with uncharacteristically poor responsiveness and firmware support. Since John Henry took over engineering a few years ago, Ten-Tec has turned around and done several good things to refresh Orion including a really good Sub-RX instead of the poor one in the original unit. IMHO Orion remains one of the better rigs available today. There are still some things about it I miss (such as the flexible antenna selection matrix...not possible in the K3 due to limited front panel space). The moral to this story for any company is to always maintain responsiveness to customer input. So far that remains one of Elecraft's stellar strengths. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/After-Rob-Sherwood-s-Talk-at-Dayton-tp7574928p7574931.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A Rob Sherwood's talk in Dayton
Bill K9YEQ wrote Glad I never discussed the same issue with the wife when I bought the K2. I now own the K3 and KX3. The K2 is my hearty backup in case of issues. The K2/10 remains a very capable rig for portable use and SOTA activating. While the KX3 has several advantages including weight and size, I've not yet been compelled to get one. If I really want light weight (3 ounces) and small size (Altoids tin), I take my ATS-3. Part of my love for the K2 is from building it myself in 2004...it might be for sale after I leave planet Earth. Here's a little story about SOTA activating using the K2 in the recent QRPTTF event: http://www.uwharrieqrp.com/2013/04/qrpttf-and-rocky-knob-w4cem-047.html 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/A-Rob-Sherwood-s-talk-in-Dayton-tp7574814p7574932.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A Rob Sherwood's talk in Dayton
Hisashi T Fujinaka wrote Can anyone point out more about the K3 transmit audio fixes that Sherwood talked about? I thought most of the comments were about receive audio distortion. There have been several changes, both hardware (DSP upgrade) and firmware (AGC Decay) and possibly others which affect this. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/A-Rob-Sherwood-s-talk-in-Dayton-tp7574814p7574830.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] A Rob Sherwood's talk in Dayton
Keith-K5ENS wrote This statement baffles me... As always, our goal is to continuously improve the K3 in a way that is applicable to units in the field. If we find a practical way to achieve a further significant improvement in the audio channel, we'll certainly make it available. Why would you not make improvements to the K3 just because they can not be applied to older units? I'm not sure what is to gain by holding back improvements. As a early K3 owner I would love to see a better K3 offered. I would have a choice to keep my early K3 or replace it with a improved unit. Radios evolve all the time. It is disappointing to know a better K3 could exist but doesn't because a new K3 may be better than the an older K3. That's just wrong. IMHO. Keith, K5ENS Keith I don't think anything is being held back. Everything (HW and SW) in the K3 can be modified as has been demonstrated numerous times (e.g. most notably replacing the entire DSP board). I believe Wayne is just saying that upgradability of existing units is a key consideration in their thinking (as opposed to Japan's Big 3). I only wish more manufacturers thought the same way. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/A-Rob-Sherwood-s-talk-in-Dayton-tp7574814p7574842.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] TS-590S Audio/Rob Sherwood
Crownhaven wrote Has Elecraft made any progress towards repairing the ugly audio that Rob Sherwood discusses in his presentation. See Wayne's previous comments here: http://www.mail-archive.com/elecraft@mailman.qth.net/msg155172.html I believe Rob's description and photos are ~5 years old (Fall of 2008 I think he said). Responding to problems is a hallmark of Elecraft and something that you won't find from most manufacturers (e.g. has Kenwood yet responded to the TX spike issue?) 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/TS-590S-Audio-Rob-Sherwood-tp7574840p7574844.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] TS-990
Rick Wheeler-2 wrote Me, far from being an electronics guru, would like to have someone offer up an explanation as to if Elecraft rigs are indeed simpler generally and if so why they perform as well or better in many cases. In my opinion, it's because Elecraft is more tuned in to users. Elecraft's owners and many of their staff are active hams. They also directly monitor lists such as this one for user input (and respond accordingly). Elegant simplicity of design focused on real user needs is always a winning combination (e.g. Apple comes to mind). Kenwood came closest to this with the TS-930S but lost their way with succeeding models (although the TS-590S is a nice step in the right direction). 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/TS-990-tp7574707p7574766.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
