Re: [Elecraft] K2 Distorted receive audio and low power output
Hi Don, Many thanks for this sound advice. There is a KDSP2 installed and I found an old post of yours referring to its potential to cause distortion and had therefore already turned NR off and set it to bypass. Alas, it made no difference to the characteristics of the problem. I have an old HP signal generator here but the problem seems so intermittent it's going to be challenging to get to the bottom if re-flowing the solder joints doesn't do the trick. I've been in my shack/office for a couple of hours now and the problem has come and gone more times than I can count. I am out on site (I'm a consultant biologist/ecologist and work some strange hours) over tonight and most of tomorrow but I should have some time over the weekend to at least make a start and will post again when I have made some progress - one way or another! 73 Denis MW0CBC / GW8OQV -Original Message- From: Don Wilhelm [mailto:donw...@embarqmail.com] Sent: 26 April 2017 22:51 To: Denis Jackson; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 Distorted receive audio and low power output Denis, Do you have the KDSP2 installed in your K2? If so, check the DSP NR. If it is on, it can cause distortion. It does an effective job of reducing noise, but does introduce some distortion - and may appear intermittent depending on the signals and their level. If no KDSP2, then check the soldering in the PLL Reference area as well as the BFO area. Marginal solder connections may have been OK in the past, but can fail after time. Check the schematic for components in those areas and re-flow the soldering. You can also do the Receive Signal Tracing as indicated in the manual. You may have to connect a strong signal generator as described in the Troubleshooting section of the manual. An XG1 or XG2 will not provide a strong enough signal (the XG3 will), so construct the oscillator shown in the troubleshooting section of the manual. The power output problem may or may not be related. The best way to find the offending stage is to do Transmit Signal Tracing as described in the Troubleshooting manual appendix. When you get to a stage which produces less than the expected values, that is the output of the failing stage, and you can investigate that particular stage for the problem. Re-flowing the soldering may correct it. Component failure is not the most common cause of failure (soldering is), so do not jump to conclusions about a component being bad - exception is if one of the PA transistors has been damaged. If you find everything up to the PA transistor bases OK, then replacement of the PA transistors with the K2PAKIT from Elecraft may be in order. 73, Don W3FPR On 4/26/2017 5:19 PM, Denis Jackson wrote: > My K2 hasn't been used for a few years but, with the intention of > taking it out for a bit of SOTA work, I powered it up today. Alas, I have a > problem. > > The receive audio is intermittently distorted on all modes. With a > constant carrier, it sounds like there is a warble to the note. There > is another problem in that it has is that the RF power output is only > about 6 watts (it's the 15W version) and that seems constant on all > bands. I don't think these two problems are related because the power > is always low regardless of whether the audio is distorted or not but > thought it worth mentioning nonetheless --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus __ 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 Distorted receive audio and low power output
My K2 hasn't been used for a few years but, with the intention of taking it out for a bit of SOTA work, I powered it up today. Alas, I have a problem. The receive audio is intermittently distorted on all modes. With a constant carrier, it sounds like there is a warble to the note. There is another problem in that it has is that the RF power output is only about 6 watts (it's the 15W version) and that seems constant on all bands. I don't think these two problems are related because the power is always low regardless of whether the audio is distorted or not but thought it worth mentioning nonetheless Any suggestions as to where to start looking for the cause of the RX distortion? 73 Denis MW0CBC / GW8OQV --- This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. https://www.avast.com/antivirus __ 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/Logger 32 Interface issue
Hi to all, In addition to the replies sent via the reflector, Sam, K5OAI sent me some interesting info on USB power save settings. I had adjusted some USB power settings, but some of those in the links he sent were new to me. The bad news is that they didn't actually make any difference, but I learned a little more about Win 7 so worthwhile just for that. I have though made a little progress. All the RS232 cables are shielded. It's something to do with having the SteppIR controller in the mix. If I disconnect the RS232 Y cable, from the controller, the problem goes away. I put the whole lot back on the old PC and it still works fine, so I'm pretty sure it's something about the new PC that's causing the problems.If I don't change bands, Logger will quite happily report accurate frequency and mode as I tune around. If I change bands a few times, and specifically, if I change bands using the band switch on the K3, Logger32 will stop reporting frequency. Using the RS232 monitor utility in Logger, I can see the If; polling message going to the K3/SteppIR controller, but nothing being received. Anyhow, on the basis that my PC has plenty of spare slots, I've ordered a Serial card. I'd quite like to get the USB combination working though, so I will try the various alternative Prolific drivers, as several folks have kindly suggested, and then maybe try an FTDI adaptor and see whether that works. Thanks for all the help and advice. Very much appreciated. 73 Denis MW0CBC / GW8OQV -Original Message- From: Mike Reublin [mailto:n...@nf4l.com] Sent: 22 November 2013 20:54 To: Denis Jackson Cc: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3/Logger 32 Interface issue Ditch the Prolific adapter and get one with the FTDI chip. And of course the proper driver. 73, Mike NF4L On Nov 22, 2013, at 2:31 PM, Denis Jackson ra...@modesgate.com wrote: Just installed a new shack PC, with I7 processor, Haswel chipset,, and WIN 7 64 Bit OS. Using an older KUSB, with the Prolific chip set. K3 has a SteppIR controller connected to it, using a Y cable. This combination works fine, on my old PC, which has a COM port on the motherboard. When I first set it up, the K3 communicated with Logger 32 without any problems. However, after a few miniutes, (or a couple of band-changes on the K3, Logger32 appears to no longer be receiving data from the K3. I can control the k3 from Logger32, i.e. I can change bands etc, but I have no indication of mode or frequency back from the radio. The only way I can get it working again, is to unplug/re-plug the KUSB and the PC. I don't think that this is a configuration options issue (although would be happy for someone to tell me that it is), and suspect this is just another manifestation of the endless USB/serial adaptor problems that seem to be all too frequent. I will probably order myself a PCI serial card, but in the meantime, if anyone has any ideas of what I could try, I would be very grateful. I've already tried disabling the power management features on the internal USB hub, with no luck. Thanks in advance Denis MW0CBC / GW8OQV __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3/Logger 32 Interface issue
Just installed a new shack PC, with I7 processor, Haswel chipset,, and WIN 7 64 Bit OS. Using an older KUSB, with the Prolific chip set. K3 has a SteppIR controller connected to it, using a Y cable. This combination works fine, on my old PC, which has a COM port on the motherboard. When I first set it up, the K3 communicated with Logger 32 without any problems. However, after a few miniutes, (or a couple of band-changes on the K3, Logger32 appears to no longer be receiving data from the K3. I can control the k3 from Logger32, i.e. I can change bands etc, but I have no indication of mode or frequency back from the radio. The only way I can get it working again, is to unplug/re-plug the KUSB and the PC. I don't think that this is a configuration options issue (although would be happy for someone to tell me that it is), and suspect this is just another manifestation of the endless USB/serial adaptor problems that seem to be all too frequent. I will probably order myself a PCI serial card, but in the meantime, if anyone has any ideas of what I could try, I would be very grateful. I've already tried disabling the power management features on the internal USB hub, with no luck. Thanks in advance Denis MW0CBC / GW8OQV __ 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] Using KX3 with CW Skimmer
Having now given up any hope of ever getting my Perseus SDR to work reliably under Windows 7 with CW Skimmer, I'm now looking for another SDR Rx. I have been using the Perseus as a panadaptor with my K3 for quite a few years. I love Elecraft products and wonder if a KX3 is the way to go? My question is how do you set things up so the KX3 can work with Skimmer? I don't see a KX3 (or K3) option on the Skimmer setup. Assuming there is a way of doing it, what kind of bandwidth is available? I'd also like to know if anyone regularly uses this combination for monitoring propagation using the beacon network on 6m. If so, what are your experiences? Thanks and 73 Denis MW0CBC / GW8OQV __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 - Can't seem to make LINE-OUT work properly
Hi Chaps, Fairly new K3 owner here - just getting set up for digimodes. I'm probably doing something stupid but... I can't seem to make line-out do what it should. I have visited lin out in the Config menu and set a value (10) rather than =phones and yet the level on the line-out jack is still dependent on the front panel AF Gain control. Any ideas what I've missed? 73 Denis MW0CBC / GW8OQV __ 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] Fw: K3 - Can't seem to make LINE-OUT work properly
Forget that last mail...I worked out what I was doing wrong! 73 Denis MW0CBC / GW8OQV - Original Message - From: Denis Jackson To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, October 25, 2009 5:56 PM Subject: K3 - Can't seem to make LINE-OUT work properly Hi Chaps, Fairly new K3 owner here - just getting set up for digimodes. I'm probably doing something stupid but... I can't seem to make line-out do what it should. I have visited lin out in the Config menu and set a value (10) rather than =phones and yet the level on the line-out jack is still dependent on the front panel AF Gain control. Any ideas what I've missed? 73 Denis MW0CBC / GW8OQV __ 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 Ser 6160 lives but.
Hi Chaps!! To everyone who offered suggestions, Joe, Dave and Don, a big thanks. Problems were caused by solder joints. One on a connector and one on a relay. Working fine now so planning to start on the SSB module tomorrow. 73 Denis MW0CBC/GW8OQV ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: RFC15 C91
Hi Don, Thanks for this. I can confirm that my problem was yet another manifestation of the open circuit RFC15 - although with a twist. I found that I could only get stable performance by having the top cover on as well, then running CAL PLL. Running this routine without the top cover resulted in stability problems. I will see if I can find a suitable replacement component in the UK otherwise I will have to order one form Elecraft. I have shorted it out for now. Sensitivity and signal/noise seems fine so as you suggested in your previous mail, I shall wait until I have finished building then either download the software you suggested or maybe even see if my ancient Rockland audio spectrum analyser still has any life in it! Many thanks for helping to get me back on track. Buying a K2 isn't just about buying a radio, it's also buying into a very special club that reminds me of how ham radio used to be when I first got interested more than 30 years ago. 73 Denis - Original Message - From: Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Radio [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, October 22, 2007 9:12 PM Subject: Re: RFC15 C91 Denis, Yes, you need all the covers except the top cover in place when running CAL PLL - the counter needs to read the frequencies correctly as the PLL Reference oscillator varactor voltages are being changed by the microprocessor in order to interpolate correctly at the 5 kHz end points The RFC15/C91 change is part of the A to B mod. I believe it may have been mentioned earlier as part of the WAOF (weird at one frequency) problem. It is installed on all K2s above SN3000. If installed, check RFC15 for continuity with an ohmmeter (a voltage check at both ends does not tell the right story - it will be 5 volts even if the choke is open). If you have a K2 with SN less than 3000, you should add it. To install it, you need a 100 uH RF choke and a .001 capacitor. You also need to cut the trace that connects to pin 16 of U4 - RFC15 goes across the trace cut and C91 connects from pin 16 to ground. 73, Don W3FPR Radio wrote: Hi Don, I had a bit more time today to look through the archive and I found several references to tuning chirps and warbles which all seemed to be associated with either not having ALL the covers in place when running CAL PLL or, alternatively, connected with the RFC15/C91 modification from U4, pin 16. What is this modification for - I couldn't seem to find an explanation? 73 Denis MW0CBC/GW8OQV This mail was sent by FutureServers Webmail 3.0 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2 strange Rx tuning effect
Hi! This afternoon I got my new K2 to Alignment and test, Part II All seems to be fine with one small exception - and maybe it's just just the way it is but I thought I would ask anyway. I applied a signal at -110dBm on 7.020Mhz to make the various tuning adjustments. Apat from not being able to peak L34 (which I see from earlier posts is another story altogether) I noticed that tuning very slowlywith the VFO results in what I can only describe as a little chirrup with every 10Hz step. Is that just the way it is with this design or have I something I need to look into? 73 Denis MW0CBC/GW8OQV ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] KSB2 Kit Resistor query
Hi, Just got to the step in the control panel where, if you are also planning to fit the KSB2 board, you add some of the optional components to the control board. On the KSB2 instructions, page 16, it says R13 is 68.1k - and also in the inventory on page 3 it gives the same value for this resistor. Trouble is, I don't have a resistor that value in the bag. I do have one of 64k but that's it. I can't seem to find a 64k resistor elsewhere in the inventory so I'm guessing (again) that this is a substitute. Anyone know for sure? Thanks Denis MW0CBC/GW8OQV ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
