Re: [Elecraft] 500Hz 5-pole vs Inrad 500Hz 8-pole?
Hi Ross, I do not have either 500 Hz filter, but I would expect either one would work for the 500 Hz Olivia modes, although they might be a little tight and require careful centering of the signal. I recently got the 700 Hz 8-pole Inrad filter (from http://unpcbs.com) specifically for the wider digital modes. So far I'm happy with it. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 25, 2011, at 6:27 AM, Ross Primrose wrote: Any thoughts on the merits of one vs the other? The 5-pole filter is cheaper, but they need to me matched for diversity receive, does the 8-pole Inrad filter not need to be matched? Is either one/both wide enough for 500Hz Olivia modes? Thanks... 73, Ross N4RP -- FCC Section 97.313(a) “At all times, an amateur station must use the minimum transmitter power necessary to carry out the desired communications.” __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ 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 build sequence
Hi Dwayne, About the only option that gets in the way of others in the K3 is the KRX3 (the 2nd receiver), and you didn't explicitly mention that on your list. The 2nd RX must be removed to install the general coverage bandpass module in the main RX and to install additional filters in the main rig. But that said, removing the 2nd RX is about a 10 minute job, so even worst case it's not a big deal. Without the 2nd RX, I think you'll be astonished at how empty the K3 is inside. Adding options after the initial build really isn't much of a chore. It's closer to replacing the gas cap than replacing the heater core on that old T-Bird. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 25, 2011, at 4:29 PM, Dwayne Rohmer wrote: Later this year, I plan to order a K3/10 Kit, KAT3 internal Antenna Tuner, and optional filters for CW, then add the 100 Watt Upgrade, General Coverage RX Bandpass Module, and other options as money allows. If possible, I'd like to avoid major disassembly for installation of future options by installing them in the initial build. Lesson learned with an old Thunderbird that needed a heater core replaced; half the insides had to come out just to get to the thing; don't want to do that again. Which options, if any, require major disassembly of the K3? Eventually I'll need SSB and 2 meter capability. Any recommendations for a first time builder would be appreciated. 73, Dwayne, KE5EFY __ 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] KPA3 Fails Calibration
Hi Bruce, You ARE connecting the rig to a dummy load for the calibration and not to an antenna, right? (Just checking the obvious first, no offense intended.) 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 23, 2011, at 11:39 AM, Bruce James Howes wrote: Good suggestion Greg! Tried in manually, same issue. Think it is a power supply problem, RF may be getting into my power supply, shutting it off. Manually I get up to 50 watts, then the K3 shuts down, fine on the other bands, so not a a current draw issue. I'll need to lash up a battery for additional testing, but wager that is it. Will report back to the group. Cordially, Bruce J. Howes On Jan 23, 2011, at 2:31 PM, Greg wrote: Bruce. Try it manually and see if it works. On Sun, Jan 23, 2011 at 11:13 AM, Bruce W1UJR w1...@mac.com wrote: Hello all, Just installed the KPA3 100 watt PA into my K3. While running through the TX Gain Calibration program in the K3 Utility I received an error. Did the 5 watt cal no problem, but when it was doing the 50 MHz calibrate the K3 shut off and displayed the error below in the K3 Utility window. Thinking this an aberration, I attempted 3 more times, each time the K3 shuts off during the 50 MHZ cal period. I used my nifty Elecraft W1 power meter to measure RF, on all bands 50+ watts, the 5/6 LEDs on the W1 were present on all bands, including 50 MHZ, as the K3 Utility runs the RF test on the 50 MHz, the K3 shuts off. I just upgraded to the new firmware before adding the KPA3, not sure if this is related to that or not. Suggestions? ERROR MESSAGE FROM K3 UTILITY FOLLOWS at 24.930 MHz Calibrating at 29.000 MHz Calibrating at 52.000 MHz StartTune: Unexpected response '' to 'TQ;'. State 139 StopTune: Unexpected response '' to 'TQ;'. State 77 RestoreKAT3: Unexpected response '' to 'MP;'. State 224 RestorePower: Unexpected response '' to 'PC;'. State 87 Cordially, Bruce J. Howes __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Line Audio Output Mod
Sounds like either that mod has already been done or your KIO3 board is newer than you think. IIRC the original value of R19 and R20 was 600 ohms. Adding a 51 ohm resistor in parallel gives 47 ohms. The newer boards have 51 ohm resistors in place of the 600 ohm units. Perhaps Elecraft should add a Does My K3 Have This Modification section to their older mod instructions. Most of the newer mod instructions have such a section that explains how to tell if the mod has already been done. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 19, 2011, at 3:24 PM, dbellw...@aol.com wrote: I'm really confused. I have a KIO3A, Rev A, C 2007. According to the Mod instructions this board should need the resistance modification. BEFORE I began the mod, the resistance across R19 and R20 was about 51 ohms each. So how can I put a 51 ohm resistor in parallel with R19 and 20 and end up with a new resistance of between 45 and 49 ohms? Thinking there might be a flaw in my thinking somewhere, I added a leaded resistor across R20 and sure enough, the resistance was now about 26 ohms, so I took it out. What gives? Instructions wrong? Am I missing something? Thanks in advance. 73, Dave __ 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] More confusion
Hi Tom, As you assumed, the fans are thermostatically controlled. They don't turn on until the PA temperature reaches 34 degrees. The fan test settings are just what they say: settings to test that the fans actually work by manually turning them on. Normal operation is with the KPA3 parameter set to PA NOR. You may want to do the PA Temperature Sensor calibration as described in the manual (page 51 in the older D5 manual, should be close to that page in the newest manuals.) 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 19, 2011, at 3:51 PM, Tommy Alderman wrote: I received my K3 (s/n 4521) in early August 2010 and I have never seen the two fans on the rear turning. My typical FP temp was pretty steady at 37C; my typical PA temp was pretty steady at 33C. Note, I seldom run my K3 over about 30 watts output because it is driving an amp. In looking at page 56 of my manual (Rev D7) I see in the description of KP3A-F PA fan test settings (PA FN1-FN4 or PAIO FN1-FN4), and ... I have assumed operation of the two fans are thermostatically controlled? Can someone please explain the meaning of 'PA FN1-FN4' and 'PAIO FN1-FN4' ? I have no clue what that means! I now have KPA3 set for Fn2 and both fans are running and the FP temp is reading 33C while the PA temp is now reading 27C. Somewhere in the manual I'm sure this must be explained to the user, but I can't find it. Thanks for any help. Tom - W4BQF __ 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] More confusion
OOPS. My mistake. The fans turn on at 37C and turn off at 34C. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 19, 2011, at 4:26 PM, Joe Planisky wrote: Hi Tom, As you assumed, the fans are thermostatically controlled. They don't turn on until the PA temperature reaches 34 degrees. The fan test settings are just what they say: settings to test that the fans actually work by manually turning them on. Normal operation is with the KPA3 parameter set to PA NOR. You may want to do the PA Temperature Sensor calibration as described in the manual (page 51 in the older D5 manual, should be close to that page in the newest manuals.) 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 19, 2011, at 3:51 PM, Tommy Alderman wrote: I received my K3 (s/n 4521) in early August 2010 and I have never seen the two fans on the rear turning. My typical FP temp was pretty steady at 37C; my typical PA temp was pretty steady at 33C. Note, I seldom run my K3 over about 30 watts output because it is driving an amp. In looking at page 56 of my manual (Rev D7) I see in the description of KP3A-F PA fan test settings (PA FN1-FN4 or PAIO FN1-FN4), and ... I have assumed operation of the two fans are thermostatically controlled? Can someone please explain the meaning of 'PA FN1-FN4' and 'PAIO FN1-FN4' ? I have no clue what that means! I now have KPA3 set for Fn2 and both fans are running and the FP temp is reading 33C while the PA temp is now reading 27C. Somewhere in the manual I'm sure this must be explained to the user, but I can't find it. Thanks for any help. Tom - W4BQF __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Power puzzlement
I'm assuming he has one of these inline: http://www.powerwerx.com/tools-meters/watts-up-meter-dc-inline.html ...not the similarly named product for AC use made by a different company. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 17, 2011, at 9:21 PM, Craig D. Smith wrote: I believe the meter you are trying to use is intended for AC powerline measurements. No telling what it will do with DC. I expect that if you repeat the measurement using a DVM in a DC current mode you will get a more meaningful result. 73 Craig AC0DS Assuming you've checked the obvious (...nothing else connected to the p/s) Yep. The meter (Watt's Up) is in the 13.8v line in series with the K3. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Power puzzlement
I get about 4.5mA with my K3/100 powered off. Assuming you've checked the obvious (i.e. that there's nothing else connected to the power supply), is it possible your ammeter is defective or needs new batteries? 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 17, 2011, at 4:12 PM, Ralph Parker wrote: I thought I'd check to see how much current my K3/100 draws under various operating condx (for battery powered QRP portable operation, etc.). What the heck is drawing 1.7 amps when the front panel power switch is off? VE7XF __ 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] Shipping costs
IIRC that happens when an inappropriate shipping method is chosen. E.g. USPS 1st class for something that weighs more than 14oz. Not very user friendly, but it definitely gets your attention :-) 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 12, 2011, at 12:11 PM, robt...@comcast.net wrote: Try this: On Elecraft's website add a KXV3A to your cart. When you go to checkout, the shipping costs are $999.00!!! Oops. Robert W9RKK __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 PA temp widely varying ERR12v
Hi Ron, Yes, I would say they are related. From the owner's manual section on troubleshooting transmit problems: ... low voltage may cause an erroneous temperature reading... The ERR 12V message also indicates low voltage. I think you're on the right track checking the circuit breaker lugs, etc., but be sure to check the obvious things first, like measuring the supply voltage, making sure the connections on the power cord are tight, etc. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 11, 2011, at 6:42 AM, Ron N5QQ wrote: Early this SAT morning gettin gready to play in NAQP code I fired up both K3's, the logging PC and such. I started double checking SO2R setup in N1MM when all of a sudden radio #1 (K3 sn 594) flashed the ERR 12v message,...I looked at the PA Temp and it was wildly fluctuating with readings displayed such as -3 then to +30 then 5 then +35 back to 23 then -4 then +27 and kept this , all the while in just receive mode Are these two issues related? The PA temp fluctuation is my real concern. ... Any comments? Ron N5QQ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 PA Temp
Hi Fred, According to the manual, the PA drops out at 84C, so that's clearly the upper limit that Elecraft thought was safe. I routinely see PA temperatures of 60C - 65C when running 100% modes like RTTY, PSK31, etc. into a well matched load for more than a minute or two. I have performed the PA temperature calibration procedure with a thermometer that I trust. I am not overly concerned with temps in the mid 60s. That said, there seems to be some variation in what people experience with regard to PA temperature. Some folks will swear that they never see anything over 35C - 40C. Others (like me) will report higher temps. Of course, ambient air temperature and good air circulation play a large role, but otherwise I don't know the reasons for the variations. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 9, 2011, at 11:24 AM, Fred Jensen wrote: Playing around in the RTTY RU after a full effort in NAQP CW yesterday. PA temp @100W gets up to about 56C while CQ'ing, so I backed off to 80W. Anyone know how hot is too hot? 73, Fred K6DGW __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] OT - SMT breadboarding
Depending on your needs and budget, something like these might work. http://www.beldynsys.com/singledual.htm True, there's no one-size-fits-all solution, but something like the P502 would give you a variety of patterns. I believe Mouser and Jameco stock their products. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 6, 2011, at 10:32 AM, Brian Alsop wrote: Just how does one breadboard something with IC SMT parts having 0.025 (or other similarly small) lead spacing? I have a few projects here that require this. I was just thinking of gluing the chip dead bug fashion to the breadboard and soldering tiny wires to the leads. The problem is that the IC's for any given project tend to have differing numbers of pins and pin spacings. No one size adapter would most likely be useful. There must be a better way. 73 de Brian/K3KO __ 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] Filters and Configuration Questions
I do not know the details, but there is some sort of limitation which prevents the synthesizer from reliably acquiring lock with RX bandwidths greater than 2.8 kHz. I ran into a firmware bug about a year and a half ago (since fixed) that was allowing my 13 kHz FM filter to be selected in CW mode. The result was the RX would go dead intermittently when returning from TX. At that time Wayne explained that the permanent fix for the problem was to correct the firmware so CW mode never allowed a filter 2.8 kHz to be used. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 5, 2011, at 5:47 AM, Bob Naumann wrote: ... Regarding the 6 KHz filter, why can't it be selected to receive CW? I think it was permitted earlier firmware- wasn't it? This one really puzzles me why this would be restricted. I like listening to a wide passband and narrowing it down only as much as necessary - sometimes 6 kHz is OK. Bob Naumann W5OV __ 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] spectrogram
Hi Jim, I just ran the version of spectrogram from your site through virustotal.com which checks any submitted file with 43 different commercial anti-virus products. None of the 43 virus checkers reported any problem with the file. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Dec 30, 2010, at 10:30 AM, Jim Brown wrote: Thanks for the alert, Rich, and for your report, Guy. I would appreciate any others. If it turns out to be real, I'll take it down. 73, Jim K9YC On 12/30/2010 5:42 AM, Rich - K1HTV wrote: Jim, FYI, when I downloaded the 'spectrogram.exe' file from your site I got a message from my Norton Security software that it contained TROJAN.ADH. __ 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] spectrogram
Another alternative for folks running Mac OS X or Linux is Baudline, available at http://baudline.com It is free of charge, though not open source. Do note that it has a somewhat unusual user interface (at least when compared to the typical Windows or Mac application), so some time spent reading the manual may be necessary. It's an incredibly powerful signal analysis program. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Dec 29, 2010, at 8:09 AM, Byron Servies wrote: For Mac, iPhone, or iPad users may I recommend Signal Scope: http://www.faberacoustical.com/products/signalscope/ 73, Byron N6NUL On Wed, Dec 29, 2010 at 7:47 AM, John Cooper w...@gt.rr.com wrote: where can i find this software? tried googling it but apparently the company that made it went out of buiseness. __ 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] Sudden failure of line-in?
Hi Michael, Thanks for the reply. I should have posted a follow-up as I've solved the problem. (Actually, Greg AB7R solved it for me. Thanks again, Greg!) The problem was that the signal level coming out of my sound card was simply too low. How did I miss such an obvious issue? Two factors conspired to trip me up: 1.) I recently changed computers. The old computer was dedicated to ham radio usage and I never changed the audio configuration on it. It didn't even have speakers. I never changed the computer's mixer settings so the audio level was always the same. My new computer is more of a multi-purpose unit (with speakers), so I *do* change the audio level depending on what I'm doing at the moment. 2.) The sound coming out of the K3 speakers while transmitting (i.e. the monitor signal) sounded roughly the same as it always had in the past, so I assumed that meant the audio signal level coming in was the same as it always had been. It turns out that with my particular setup, the difference in how loud the monitor signal sounds between too little drive and just enough drive isn't as great as I would have expected. Lesson learned. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Dec 21, 2010, at 9:18 AM, DL5OCD wrote: Did you check the Mic-gain ? It is stored for each input separately... 73 Michael -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Sudden-failure-of-line-in-tp5851894p5855735.html Sent from the [K3] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ 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] Sudden failure of line-in?
Hey Folks, Fired up my K3 and Fldigi today for an Olivia sked and immediately noticed that I was not getting any RF output. This same setup was working fine 2 weeks ago. Switched the meter to show ALC and saw no indication where I usually get 5 bars. I could hear the Olivia tones in the speakers, so I know the audio was getting from my sound card into the K3. Tried adjusting the mic (line) gain and I can hear it making a difference in the monitor audio, but still nothing on the ALC meter. I'm running firmware version 4.22. I verified I am in DATA / DATA A mode. I verified I am not in SPLIT with VFO B set to a different mode. I verified the rig is actually going into TX (i.e. the red TX light comes on) I verified I have filters configured for use in DATA mode. I verified that CONFIG:TX ALC was set to ON. I verified that SSB mode works with a mic plugged into the rear mic jack and MAIN:MIC SEL = RP.L. SSB mode does NOT work with MAIN:MIC SEL = Line In. I saved my configuration, did an EE INIT, restored the configuration. No difference. I did another EE INIT without restoring my configuration. No difference. I went back to beta 4.17. No difference. I went back to beta 4.10. No difference. What am I missing? Any other suggestions before I send an email to k3support? 73 -- Joe KB8AP __ 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] KX1 Output Power
Hi John, Basically, yes; if you want to get more than 2 watts out of the KX1, you need an external power source. If you look at the specs on page 5 of the manual, it says: Transmitter Max. power output (approx.) 9 V supply 1.5 - 2 W 12 V supply 3 - 4 W The internal battery holders have space for 6 AA cells, so the best you can get from internal batteries (using ordinary batteries) is 1.5V x 6 = 9 V 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Dec 4, 2010, at 1:20 PM, John Overbaugh wrote: In researching the KX1, I thought I had read that it's possible to get 4 watts of output. However, the manual shows 2 watts as the max from internal batteries. Is 4 watts possible? Does it require external batteries? -- John Overbaugh blog: http://kf7dvj.blogspot.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] noisy fans??
Hi Bob, This is a subject that comes up on the reflector from time to time and elicits a whole range of responses; from my fans are totally silent, to my fans are really loud. Intrigued by the range of opinions, I did some research on this topic earlier this year. It turns out that there were two different brands of fans used in the K3. Early units used Elina brand fans, and later units used fans from UTEC. Spec- wise, they are similar. Practically, however, all the reports of loud fans came from units with the UTEC fans. If you're interested in the details, you can search the archives for my email with the subject K3 fan noise, part XXLIV on May 27, 2010. Later, I was able to compare rigs with both brands of fans side-by-side and confirmed that the Elina fans were quieter. (Search the archives for my email with the subject [K3] fan noise: new info on July 2, 2010.) But none of that is any immediate help to you. Make sure the fans and their mounting plate sit flush and aren't warped. I.e. check that you didn't inadvertently install a washer where there shouldn't be one, and that the countersunk heads of the long screws that hold the fans on are seated properly. If everything looks good there and you've carefully checked and confirmed that the fan blades aren't touching anything as they turn (which you say you have), it sounds like you might have one or two defective fans. In that case, a call to Elecraft or an email to k3supp...@elecraft.com seems in order. I consider the fans in my K3 to be moderately noisy, but they don't make what I would call a clicking or buzzing sound. The noise I hear is a combination of a siren-like whine and a sound I can only describe as rough bearings. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Nov 21, 2010, at 10:25 AM, Robert Redmon wrote: I just finished assembling my new K3, and all is working wellexcept that the PA fans are very noisy. Actually, the normal fan noise is not bad unless you set the fans to PA Fn3 or 4. However, even at the lowest setting, they make a kind of clicking or buzzing sound that is very annoying. I originally thought it might have been one of the fans lightly touching one of the wires or cables near them, but I took the top off and checked and that was not the case. I don't think they made this noise when I did the fan test. Any suggestions? -- 73, Bob K5SM __ 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 LPF add-on filter
Hi James, It's been some time since I bought and installed the LPF, and since it's not something you can put in and take out easily I can't comment on whether later firmware changes have reduced high frequency artifacts. The artifacts I was hearing back then were the aliased audio around the 12 kHz D/A clock, which the LPF pretty much knocked out. The difference when I installed the filter was subtle, but noticeable; I still have SOME hearing left in the 12 kHz range :-) I would say it's worth installing if either you hear the high frequency artifacts and they bother you, or you just want to keep your rig up-to-date with the latest mods, perhaps for resale reasons down the road. Installation is pretty straight forward. A sharp knife will do to cut the traces, I don't think you should get in there with a Dremel tool. One twitch and you could do a lot of damage. I used an Xacto knife with a new blade and it was almost disturbing how easily the traces were cut! 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Nov 15, 2010, at 7:25 AM, James Sarte wrote: Good morning Elecrafters! It's been some time now since the K3 LPF add-on filter board was released. I've been contemplating purchasing one since its debut as I've noticed in the past hi-frequency DSP artifiacts, especially when listening with headphones. However, as time passed and firmware improved, I don't seem to hear so many of the things I thought I heard before. Perhaps my hearing has changed as well - who knows? So, with that said - what are people's opinions now on the LPF module? Is it still worth the purchase? Can a noticeable difference be heard, particularly on SSB with the filter installed? Finally, for those who performed the install themselves, what did you use to cut the two traces? Will a box cutter work or should I use a dremel cutting wheel? Tnx, James -- 73 de James K2QI President UNARC/4U1UN __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KX1 Kit -- VFO Tuning and Readout ??
Hi Phil, What you are seeing is exactly correct. When you tap the Band switch, you're seeing two temporary displays (MHz, then KHz), then it returns to the normal frequency display for your current tuning rate. So, yes, the numbers change 3 times, but that 3rd time is just the rig returning to it's normal display. This is explained a bit more clearly on page 29, right hand side, 3rd checkbox: You can check the MHz and kHz digits at any time by tapping BAND. For example, if the VFO frequency is 7100.00 kHz, tapping BAND will first show 7, then 100, then return to the appropriate display for your selected tuning rate. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Nov 11, 2010, at 4:33 PM, Phil Hystad wrote: OK, I think I know what I am reading on the LED display but I need confirmation. I found the W1AW scheduled CW broadcasts on 7.0475 and now see that when I tap the button I get the following displayed sequence: 7, 047, and then 47.5. So, I see that the final is a 100 Hz digit place and 100 Hz tuning would likely produce this final result (although I have not yet tested that). I think I got thrown a curve when the manual seemed to hint, no it actually says, that there are TWO readouts, not THREE. peh On Nov 11, 2010, at 4:23 PM, Phil Hystad wrote: Question For you KX1 experts... I am in the process of building a KX1 and I am currently doing the Receiver Alignment as described on page 45 of the manual. I am stuck. I don't understand the VFO frequency readout. My KX1 is behaving differently then the description in the manual and I am not sure what kind of mistake I am making or if there is something wrong with the KX1 at this stage (although, all tests and functionality have shown to be OK up until this point). Here is the problem. The manual says (page 64) that when you tap the BAND button that the LED readout will the frequency, first showing the MHz, then KHz. Then, it says that L or U are added in LSB or USB modes. But, when I tap the BAND button, I get the MHz readout of 7 then I get two readouts following that as 080 and then 80.0 and only on this third number display is the decimal point lit up. Thus, tapping the BAND button displays 7, then 080, and then 80.0. Now, I can use the VFO Tune to adjust this final number but I am not sure why I am getting three numbers whereas the manual says that I would get two. Also, I don't see how to pick a particular frequency as the VFO Tune control and the LED readout do not seem to correspond in a manner that makes sense. So, I am missing something. For example, if the frequency were something like 7.058 then I would expect the first number to be 7, the second number to be 058. Can someone set me straight? 73, phil, K7PEH __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Tuning problem from 1485 to 1585 kHz (AM broadcast)
Hi Bob. Try rerunning the synthesizer calibration procedure as described in the Calibration Procedures section of the manual (page 49 in the D5 revision). 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Oct 10, 2010, at 9:38 PM, Wright, Robert wrote: I was DXing the AM broadcast band tonight with my K3 when I noticed that the received frequency stopped moving as I tuned from 1485 to 1585 kHz. The dial frequency (VFO-A) continues to change but the received signal does not change. This seems to happen in both AM and SSB modes. Has anyone else noticed this or is this a problem unique to my K3? ... Bob, N7ZO __ 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: RE: Constant Level Line Out Monitor of Xmit Audio
From the hfwnotes.rtf: MCU 2.72 / DSP 1.98, 12-9-2008 Misc. Changes: * LINE OUT INCLUDES TX AUDIO: LINE OUT (nor menu setting) now includes transmit sidetone and speech/data monitor audio. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Sep 29, 2010, at 7:27 AM, Wright, Robert wrote: Did the K3 feature of monitoring transmit audio on line out without having to monitor through the speakers (or headphones) ever get implemented? There was a discussion on this back in 2009, but I haven't found anything recent in this list or in hfwnotes.rtf. My main application is for recording both sides of an SSB or CW conversation (via line out) without having to hear myself through the speakers. Bob, N7ZO __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Fw: Apple/Mac logging program
Depends on what you mean by suitable. I like Aether ( http://www.aetherlog.com ) because it's relatively simple and doesn't (yet) try to be an all-in-one package. Not free (in any sense of the word), but affordable at US$39. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Sep 29, 2010, at 8:42 AM, J FRANCIS wrote: Have recently aquired an Apple/Mac computer to use with my K3 setup. Anyone know of suitable logging program that I can use with the Apple/Mac computer 73 John G3LWI __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] P3 level accuracy
Which do you suppose is inaccurate: the XG-2 or the P3? 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Sep 27, 2010, at 11:22 AM, Stephen Prior wrote: Hi Geoff I've had several replies, all report the XG-2's -73dBm level to be between about -78dBm and -80dBm on the P3, so it's at least consistent, and will, no doubt receive Elecraft's attention in due course! 73 Stephen __ 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] Mounting the Battery Holders in the KX-1
I ran into exactly the same problem building my KX1. It seemed like the screws provided with the kit were just too short; only a turn or two of the thread was engaging (and immediately stripping out.) I had some longer 2-56 screws and verified that there was still good thread in the holes. I was able to make it work by carefully trimming the longer screws to just the right length with a Dremel tool. The longer screws fully engaged all the threads in the holes and hold the battery holders securely. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Sep 27, 2010, at 7:03 PM, Phil Barnes-Roberts WA6DZS wrote: (With photos, too large for the reflector) The Problem: http://wa6dzs.blogspot.com/2010/09/mounting-battery-holders-in-kx-1.html The Fix: http://wa6dzs.blogspot.com/2010/09/fix-mounting-battery-holders-in-kx-1.html -- '---O=o=O---' 73, Phil Barnes-Roberts WA6DZS DM04we | Mailto:pbarnrob at ACM dot org 42 is not an answer, it's an error code. The universe is saying 'Error 42: meaning to universe not found' --DoctorMO, ubuntuforums.org __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] FSK power
There seems to be some variation in this. I often run around 70W and the temp usually tops out around 60 - 65C. It's gone as high as 72C on a warm day. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Sep 23, 2010, at 1:03 PM, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: ... some of us have done the brick on key thing at 110 watts for a long time, and watched the temp level out in the 50's. Fan comes on, goes to high, and blows a lot of reasonably warm air out. ... 73, Guy. On Thu, Sep 23, 2010 at 3:10 PM, Mark n2qt n...@verizon.net wrote: I've become a firm believer in air flow during rtty contests Mark n2qt NR4C wrote: Now, one more. How much power can I safely use with FSK? I have made several contacts so far at about 50 watts. Can I use more? __ 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] FSK power
Do note that the 72C reading was on a day when it was probably around 32C (90F) in the shack. Normal summertime temps in the shack are closer to 27C (80F). Otherwise: Are your fans running at max at that temp? Oh yes. They kick into leaf blower mode around 55C. Do the fans blow out to the rear or pull air in? Blows out the back. What is your supply voltage showing on DISP under full load. 13.6V Have you done the temperature calibration per the manual, Yep. The rig and a thermocouple in my DMM usually agree within +/- 1C at startup. and the power calibration. Yes, but just to make sure I ran it again just now. 70W requested gives me about 63W into a dummy load (as measured with my oscilloscope.) You didn't ask, but yes, I'm adjusting my audio input for 5 bars on the ALC meter. Someone else asked about restricted airflow. The rig sits on an open shelf by itself with about 18 inches of clear space behind it and nothing but the ceiling about 4 feet above it. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Sep 23, 2010, at 6:48 PM, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: No, I don't think that is normal variation. 72C is 162F. I think that is too high and reflects something else. You would be well served to chase that down. Are your fans running at max at that temp? Do the fans blow out to the rear or pull air in? What is your supply voltage showing on DISP under full load. Have you done the temperature calibration per the manual, and the power calibration. (One soul due to an error was putting out 110 when he was set to 60. He too was getting over temps besides his power woes of only going up to an indicated 90 watts.) 73, Guy. On Thu, Sep 23, 2010 at 5:28 PM, Joe Planisky jp...@jeffnet.org wrote: There seems to be some variation in this. I often run around 70W and the temp usually tops out around 60 - 65C. It's gone as high as 72C on a warm day. 73 -- Joe KB8AP __ 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] 700 Hz roofing filters
They should be a pretty good choice for the wider digital modes (e.g. Olivia 500/16). 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Sep 21, 2010, at 1:18 PM, Karl Marderian wrote: Why are these so popular? Please don't tell me they are being used for ssb. Just asking. N6XVT Karl Sent from my iPad __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K2, KAT2 and P6
KAT2 manual. page 15, third checkbox from the top: Install and solder the 2-pin male connector at P6 on the K2 RF board, as shown by its outline on the right-hand edge. (P6 is labeled AUX RF. Do not confuse P6 with P3, which is labeled AUX 12V.) P6 must be oriented so that its plastic polarizing tab is towards the front panel of the K2. It's in the KAT2 parts list as RF-P6. Here's a picture of the connector from the Digikey site: http://media.digikey.com/photos/Molex/26-61-4020.jpg?cshift_ck=nullclient_id=5042 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Sep 20, 2010, at 7:27 AM, Ian Liston-Smith wrote: ... Well I've looked through the KAT2 manual for info about P6 but not found any reference. I did a Find: P6 search on the KAT2 pdf manual: nothing. So... what does this P6 look like and which way should it be installed? Presumably it's in the KAT2 bag of bits somewhere. ... Thanks and regards, Ian, G4JQT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [KX1] Xtal Filter Performance?
I just finished building my KX1, including the KXAT1 and KXB3080 modules. (The KXB3080 is probably the most challenging kit item I've ever built and installed! There are only 19 parts, how hard could it be? ;-) Anyway, everything with the rig seems to be working, but I've noticed the filtering of the unwanted sideband is a bit less than I expected. With my XG2 signal generator connected to the antenna input, I can hear a 1uV signal on both sides of zero beat. The desired side is clearly louder than the undesired side, and with normal band noise I probably wouldn't notice the undesired side. However, a 50uV signal (S9) is very clearly copyable on the unwanted side. I realize that the 3 pole variable bandwidth filter in the KX1 isn't going to provide the same performance as the filters in my K3, but still, I wonder if what I'm hearing is normal. Can anyone with experience with the KX1 comment on whether or not this is normal? Tnx 73 -- Joe KB8AP __ 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] [KX1] Xtal Filter Performance?
Thanks Wayne. I suspected it was normal since everything else seems to be working FB. I still get a thrill from working coast-to-coast on 6 AA batteries! (First QSO was 2300 miles :-) 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Aug 22, 2010, at 5:57 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: Hi Joe, This is normal. A 3-crystal filter at ~5 MHz will definitely allow some opposite-sideband leakthrough, especially when lightly loaded. If you dial the bandwidth way down, the leakthrough will be lessened. 73, Wayne N6KR Joe Planisky wrote: ...I've noticed the filtering of the unwanted sideband is a bit less than I expected __ 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] OT: the gods must be crazy
Something like that (a glow-in-the-dark trim ring for the tuning knob) could actually be useful on the KX1. Just the thing to make it easy to find the rig in total darkness without putting additional drain on the batteries. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Aug 20, 2010, at 5:48 PM, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: 1. When I was a kid (a long time ago), TenTec was known as the CW man's radio. 2. As tubes faded away, the lament often heard was real radios glow in the dark. Well, check out tentec.com 1. They now say, The SSB Company 2. You won't believe their approach to glow in the dark radios. Wonder how Elecraft will face this unique approach I guess you can never tell what marketing approach will work. :-) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 inline fuse
One thing that hasn't been mentioned is that the K3 has a built-in 6A fuse for the basic rig and a separate 20A circuit breaker for the KPA3. So it's not like there's no protection at all between the APP connector and the internal circuits. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Aug 13, 2010, at 9:02 AM, Willis wrote: The transistor is the most probable reason for the fuse blowing but the fuse may save the other components and semi conductors as well as the circuit board. The original query stated he would be using an Astron 35 which has a current limiter but limiting the current to 35 amps will still allow a lot of damage. Sent from my iPhone On Aug 13, 2010, at 9:55, gdaug...@stanford.edu wrote: Ian wrote... The other important point is that fuses provide ZERO protection until AFTER they have blown. In the life and death of a semiconductor, even a few milliseconds is a very long time indeed. I like to tell the story about a series of tests we did when I worked at Fairchild, in Silicon Valley. Our little VHF silicon transistors were very expensive, and quite fragile. We tested many fuses to identify which one(s) would be suitable protection for the transistors. To summarize: transistors are a very effective way of protecting fuses! 73, George T Daughters, K6GT CU in the California QSO Party (CQP) October 2-3, 2010 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] who got P3 sn 44???
You know, sooner or later this practice is going to backfire. Someone is going to swap, say, SN 150 for SN 50. Then Elecraft is going to come out with a hardware mod that applies only to units with SN 100. Pretty unlikely for units a few numbers apart, but there IS a point to having specific numbers associated with specific hardware. I wonder if the SN is programmed into the P3 firmware like it is in the K3? 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Aug 10, 2010, at 9:08 AM, ny9h wrote: my P3 sn # is one off from my radio #44 #...@#%$#@^%$ whomever got # 44would ya swap labels sn for # 43 tnx for the trivial waste of everyone 's time bill __ 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] Power Supply
Couldn't agree more! I've resolved that I simply will not buy another piece of radio equipment that has fans. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Aug 8, 2010, at 10:30 AM, Steve Ellington wrote: No Fan please Figure out a way to cool it with heat sinks but please no more fans. Steve N4LQ - Original Message - From: Nicholas Farrar nfar...@bfpacs.com To: elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, August 08, 2010 12:24 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Power Supply Would anyone be interested in an Elecraft DC power supply? It would look nice to have a powersupply that matches my K3! ... Would any one be interested either model? Any thoughts? Looking for Hams with an opinion. -- Nicholas W. Farrar Network Engineer / IT Coordinator __ 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: Now I've heard everything
Hi Wes, Meant to reply earlier but got distracted. Yes, my PA definitely sings with the 2-tone generator on. Like yours it's somewhat dependent on power level. Unlike yours, I can hear mine down to about 2.0w (albeit at a reduced level when the PA drops out.) 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jul 12, 2010, at 10:25 AM, Wes Stewart wrote: ...I can hear the two tones acoustically emanating from the PA. The level is somewhat proportional to RF power and goes away completely when the power is reduced to the point where the PA drops out. Can anyone else confirm or deny that their PA talks back to them? Wes N7WS __ 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] Short QSO's (was Re: 6M CW)
I've had good luck finding rag chews using the Olivia mode. Olivia is a digital MFSK mode that works very well in poor conditions. Because it uses lots of redundancy when sending data, it's slower than many other digital modes. (The most common sub-mode, 500/16, sends characters at about 19.5 WPM). This slowness seems to make it unpopular with the RST-QTH-Name-73 crowd. Ironically, the slow speed also seems to encourage rag chewing. At least that's been my experience. My theory is that if you're patient enough to use Olivia, your the kind of person who doesn't mind stopping to chat for a while :-) Do a Google search for olivia ham radio and you'll find lots of info on it. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jul 8, 2010, at 7:04 PM, Don Cunningham wrote: ...I spend DAYS looking for a good, RTTY ragchew, unless one of my old friends shows up on frequency. ... I thought maybe it was a change in technology, so geared up for PSK, but got the very same name, location, gear, bye, CUL QSO's there too. ... Don, WB5HAK __ 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] Good side cutter pliers for PC board assembly
Hi Pete, I have both the Xcelite 170M shear cutters that Don mentioned and a pair of Xcelite MS54-5J flush cutters. Both work well. Note that the 170M is a shear cutter. That means that the cutting edges of the blades look ever so slightly mis-aligned so that one cutting edge slightly overlaps the other. Wires are actually sliced all the way through instead of being pinched off. That means the clipped off wire ends don't go flying across the room, and there's less mechanical shock delivered to the component. The Xcelite MS54-5J cutters are the conventional flush-cut dikes. Since the cutting edges exactly meet in the center, it pinches the wire off and can cause the clipped end to go flying. However, it produces a cleaner looking result than the shear cutters. The 170M is cheap: around $5.00 vs around $16.00 for the MS54-5J. The 170M probably won't take as much abuse as the MS54-5J. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jul 7, 2010, at 12:54 PM, Pete Smith wrote: ... I am looking for a good pair of small side cutter pliers ... to use in PC board assembly. -- 73, Pete N4ZR __ 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] fan noise: new info
Hi Folks, A couple months ago I conducted an informal survey of K3 fan noise opinions here on the reflector. That survey turned up the fact that 2 different brands and models of fans were used on the KPA3 (100W module for the K3): Elina HDF6015L-12LB-1 and UTEC AT6015L-12L2B-ND2 and ND5. The Elina fans seemed to be on earlier serial number units ( 900 or so) and the UTECs appeared on later serial numbers. The numbers of reports I received were: UTEC Quiet 3 UTEC Loud: 4 Elina Quiet: 6 Elina Loud: 0 The lack of loud Elina reports was intriguing. I now have 2 K3s on my bench, one with UTEC fans and the other with Elina fans, so I can do an apples-to-apples comparison of the fan noise in the same environment. Between these two particular units, the Elina fans are indeed quieter than the UTEC fans. From my operating position in a quiet room (i.e. no computer fans running, no audio coming from the speakers, etc.), I can just barely detect any sound from the Elina fans at the lowest speed. The UTEC fans are very clearly audible at the lowest speed. At higher speeds, the Elinas are audible, but much less so than the UTEC fans at the same speeds. The Elina fan sound is also lacking the siren whine and bearing noise qualities that I hear with my UTEC fans. Most of the sound from the Elina fans is the white noise of the air flow. So to all of those who claimed your fans were virtually silent, I believe you. I've heard it now (or rather, NOT heard it) with my own ears. I've not yet found a source for single quantities of the Elina fans. 73 -- Joe KB8AP __ 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] rather provocative advert from Kenwood
Congratulations to Wayne, Eric, and the whole Elecraft team! One of the big three have publicly declared the K3 to be the one to beat. When your competitors start knocking you by name in their advertisements, you know you've made it. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jul 2, 2010, at 1:43 PM, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0Bw6A6YLa6L3rZjhjNWRiMGUtODZiMi00OWM3LTljYmItNWM3ODY2YWU0YjVihl=enauthkey=CLe25YAE __ 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] K3 fan noise, part XXLIV
That's a 12MB (medium speed), not a 12LB (low speed). 3700 RPM max vs 2800 RPM max. Not the same thing. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jul 2, 2010, at 6:11 PM, Steve Ellington wrote: Google brings up many sources for Elina. Here's one: http://www.myofficesupplyzone.com/2-193870011-B0038OT78G-Elina_HDF6015L12MB__60_x_60_x_15_mm_236_x_236_x_059_inches_12_Volt_Cooling_Fan Steve N4LQ __ 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 K3 F/D experience
Yep, it's already there (although not settable from the K3 Utility). From the FW release notes: MCU 3.19 / DSP 2.17, 6-14-2009 * POWER-RELATED CONTROL LOCK: The PWR, MIC, and CMP controls can be locked by tapping '1' in CONFIG:PWR_SET. This is useful in some contests, such as Field Day, where a carefully-set up K3 might be used by multiple operators. Accessing a locked control flashes LOCKED. SPD/DELAY/MON functions are still accessible. Tapping a locked knob still displays the current parameter value, even though you can't change it. (Of course, there's nothing to stop an op who knows the secret from simply unlocking the controls.) 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jun 29, 2010, at 6:25 AM, Paul Christensen wrote: ... Probably not too SSB-neighborly that way. Not sure if this is already implemented, but I could almost see a need for maximum PWR and Tx compression settings, controlled only through the K3 utility software where those parameters could be set to some temporary maximum value -- say 100W for stand-alone K3s and ...~35W for use with amps on contest weekends where the K3 may be shared among several button-happy operators. Locking down those parameters and making them only adjustable through utility software might be enough keep guest ops from experimenting with controls that can do the most harm on the bands. Paul, W9AC __ 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] FM Demod Problem with K3 + K144XV
Hi Alan, When you do finally figure out the cause, I hope you'll post your findings to the list. Almost no one has one off problems. If it happened to you, chances are good that it has happened or will happen to someone else, and this email reflector is one of the first places most folks search for guidance. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jun 28, 2010, at 2:24 PM, Alan, K6IV wrote: Ken, I tried adjusting the squelch, but it didn't seem to make any difference. Wayne suggested that I contact Elecraft directly. Mark, AD5SS, suggested to try k3supp...@elecraft.com for official elecraft support in the future. Sorry to bother the mailing list with what is probably a one off problem. 73s, Alan K6IV -- __ 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 DSP?
Hi Cleve, I have a K2 with the DSP option installed. In my opinion, the KDSP2 is nice to have but is not essential to get good performance out of the K2. I occasionally use the NR functionality and the built-in clock, but rarely use the audio filtering. I suppose if the K2 was my main rig, I might use the DSP features more. In my case, the K2 is my backup and portable rig, so it doesn't get heavy use anymore. One unique feature of the KDSP2 is that the DSP code for it is open source, so you can write your own DSP code for it if that's where your interests lie. Keep in mind that you can always add it later, and used modules do show up here from time to time. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jun 23, 2010, at 10:40 AM, W5CEM wrote: Getting closer to ordering a K2...the www page says NOW WITH DSP? Do I order the DSP board or not? Inquiring minds want to know... tnx... cleve/W5CEM -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-DSP-tp5214408p5214408.html Sent from the [K2] mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ 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] V3.97 NR/AGC Glitch?
Hi Brian, It's always been like that. The manual says NR is not applicable in DATA and FM modes, or with AGC turned off. When you say it did not return when a more slow or fast AGC was selected, I assume you mean it didn't automatically turn itself back on when you re-enabled AGC. Again, that's how it's always worked. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jun 21, 2010, at 1:29 PM, Brian Alsop wrote: Was operating on 17M SSB with NR on. Went to change AGC setting. When it cycled through AGC off, the NR turned off. It did not return when a more slow or fast AGC was selected. Don't know if newest firmware has this feature or not. 73 de Brian/K3KO __ 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 VFO-A is tied to RIT knob
Yes, it's a feature. Set CONFIG:VFO OFS to Off to disable it. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jun 13, 2010, at 2:33 PM, Felipe Ceglia wrote: Hello, Dont know what happpened here, but my RIT/XIT knob, with rit/xit disabled (no green or red led lit), is controlling VFO-A (big frequency display). Is this a feature? How do I disable it? 73, Felipe - PY1NB __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Intermod or mixing?
Hi Larry, I assume you've tried playing with different settings of both the IF and DSP noise blankers. If not, by all means try it and use the least aggressive settings that make the situation tolerable. I'm not sure how the DSP NB works, but the IF NB works by essentially shutting off the signal path in the IF stage for the duration of the noise pulse. For relatively infrequent pulses, these brief blank spots in the received signal aren't very noticeable to our ears. However, if the blanking action is frequent (either because of the nature of the noise or because the threshold is set too low), the blanker effectively becomes a mixer combining the desired signal at the IF frequency with the frequency of the noise pulses (and harmonics thereof, etc.) When this happens, you'll hear distortion and intermod just as you've described. I'm afraid it's the nature of the beast. Your best bet in the long run is to find and fix the source of the noise. A distant second best is backing off the NB settings to find a compromise between the noise and the intermod that's at least tolerable. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jun 12, 2010, at 2:34 PM, Larry Godek wrote: I've got some local noise around here that sounds like a water heater or sorts or something along that line. Anyway it's really giving me fits on 6 meters. I ahve to run the NB almost all the time and that distorts the signals and sometimes it doesn't even clean up the noise. Doesn't matter if i use the preamp, attenuator, Noise reduction or what. Plus when i turn the NB on i get all sorts of crap from SSb signals 40 plus kc up in the band. If i turn the NB off the SSb crud is gone. I operate mostly in the CW portion of the band. When the NB is off i don't ahve this problem. Other than finding the noise out there in the 0-90 degree quadrant anyone have any idea as to whats going on? I'm really getting sick of the SSb crud showing up when the NB is on down in the CW portion of the band. I only have one antenna hooked to the radio. What else can i tell you? Larry W0OGH __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] K3 fan noise, part XXLIV
Thanks for the responses, folks. I've got all the info I need for the moment. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On May 27, 2010, at 11:28 AM, Joe Planisky wrote: Since the responses to my inquiry about K3 fan brands/models have virtually stopped, I thought I'd post the results. __ 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] K3 fan noise, part XXLIV
That assumes that the airflow is the predominant source of noise. In my case, the airflow noise is secondary to what I believe is bearing noise. At low speeds, this motor noise is what I hear mostly. It is the same across 2 sets of UTEC fans. I've posted a recording of my K3 fans at http://www.jeffnet.org/~jplan if you're curious about what it sounds like. (note: I'm not sure the embedding works, so there's also a download link. It's a 4.1MB WAV file.) That recording was made with an AKG C1000 mic about 2 feet directly in front of the K3, about where my head would be when operating. Use headphones to get the full effect. Of course, we can't tell anything about how loud it actually sounds from that recording since we have no idea of the gain between my mic and your ears. I'm posting that recording to give an idea of the quality of the sound, not how loud it is. I'd like to try a quality fan with sleeve bearings. Sleeve bearings don't last as long as ball bearings, but they are quieter. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On May 29, 2010, at 3:31 AM, Tom W8JI wrote: That isn't surprising. Fan mounts, although people really like to mess with them, almost never have a noticeable effect on noise. Other than the design of the fan itself, the number one thing that affects noise is having an object near the blades (especially out near the tips). Restricting the airflow also doesn't help. The worse thing to do for a given amount of restriction is place it on the fan inlet. I haven't played with a K3, but cutting some thick spacers to move the fans outward from the PA might be worth a try. Cheap sound meters are readily available, and a good way to test. 73 Tom __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] K3 fan noise, part XXLIV
Since the responses to my inquiry about K3 fan brands/models have virtually stopped, I thought I'd post the results. There are indeed at least 2 different fans in use in K3s: Elina HDF6015L-12LB-1 and UTEC AT6015L-12L2B-ND2 and ND5 The Elina fans are made by Inaba Denki Sangyo, a Japanese company. You can find specs for this fan at http://www.europeanthermodynamics.com/FansBlowers/elina%20fan_eng.pdf The UTEC fans are made by United Thermal Engineering Corp. Their office is in San Jose, CA. but their factories are in Japan, Taiwan, and China. http://www.utecusa.com/products/pdffiles/pid_1-45-152_%28SPEC%29AT6015L-12L2B%20ND1%2812-22-08%29.pdf According to the published specs, the UTEC fans have a slightly higher rated speed (3000 rpm vs 2800 rpm), more airflow (15.4 cfm vs 10.6 cfm), higher static pressure (2.21mm vs 1.5mm),and higher noise (24.8 dBA vs 21 dBA) than the Elina fans. They also operate over a wider range of voltages than the Elina fans (6-13.8v vs 10.2-13.8v). Both use ball bearings. Based just on the specs, I would expect the UTEC fans to be slightly more powerful and slightly louder. From the responses I received, it looks like the Elina fans were used on earlier K3s with serial numbers 900 or so. I received responses from 13 people (including myself), covering 13 K3s. If the reporter used words or phrases like quiet, silent, never hear them, I counted their response as quiet. If they used words or phrases like loud, annoying, I can hear them, I counted their response as loud UTEC Quiet 3 UTEC Loud: 4 Elina Quiet: 6 Elina Loud: 0 With such a small sample of self-reported anecdotes of a subjective perception, the results of this little survey are statistically virtually meaningless. However, they do suggest a direction for further research in that no one reported loud Elina fans. I may have a chance to do some side-by-side comparisons between my K3 and an earlier SN K3 in a few weeks. If that turns up anything interesting, I'll report it here. Thanks to everyone who took the time and effort to respond to my request. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On May 23, 2010, at 9:19 AM, Joe Planisky wrote: The topic of K3 fan noise seems to come up every now and then, and each time it does there's a chorus of people who say the fans in their K3 are absolutely silent, and an equal chorus of people who say the fans are clearly audible. ... However, I'm also wondering if Elecraft has changed brands or models of fans from time to time. It's possible that some brands/models might be quieter than others. __ 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:DSP Upgrade well worth it
See http://www.elecraft.com/order_form_parts.htm#K3%20Parts Look for K3DSPUPGD 73 -- Joe KB8AP On May 23, 2010, at 8:31 AM, Tom W8JI wrote: What serial numbers does this apply to What is changed? __ 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] K3 fan noise, part XXLIV
The topic of K3 fan noise seems to come up every now and then, and each time it does there's a chorus of people who say the fans in their K3 are absolutely silent, and an equal chorus of people who say the fans are clearly audible. I'm in the latter camp. I hate fan noise and I can clearly hear the fans on my K3 even at the lowest speed. I recognize that people's perception of noise depends on many things: other ambient noise in the environment, personal hearing acuity, how the equipment is placed on the desk, what kind of surface is immediately behind it, etc. etc. However, I'm also wondering if Elecraft has changed brands or models of fans from time to time. It's possible that some brands/models might be quieter than others. The fans in my K3 are made by UTEC and have model numbers of AT6015L-12L2B-ND2 and same prefix-ND5 I would be interested in hearing from others who care to check the brand and model # of their fans, and whether you perceive them to be quiet or not. It's probably best if we don't clutter the list with fan brands and models, so please reply to me directly and I'll post a summary of my findings in a few days. 73 -- Joe KB8AP __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 RF Gain calibration
Hi Ian, Some earlier versions of the K3 Utility for Mac and Linux would produce the symptoms you describe. If you're using a Mac or Linux box to do the procedure and don't have the latest version of the K3 Utility, I would recommend updating the K3 Utility and trying the gain calibration again. If you ARE using the latest Mac/Linux K3 Utility, I would suggest trying the calibration using the Windows version if you have access to a Windows machine. If none of the above applies to you, then I don't know what else to suggest. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Apr 24, 2010, at 5:36 AM, Ian Maude wrote: Hi all, I have been playing with the RF gain calibration procedure on my K3. I have used my XG1 as a signal source after fitting a new battery :) What I found had surprised me. If I turn down the RF gain, I cannot completely lose a signal. The RF gain will not move the s-meter about about s7. Now obviously the rig is much more quiet but it seems to me that this is incorrect. If I use the factory default settings, the RF gain acts in the way I would have expected. I am fairly confident that the XG1 is OK. That is I see s9 on several rigs for 50uV. I would appreciate your thoughts :) 73 Ian __ 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] KPA500
I don't understand the too quiet comment, if it's intended to be serious. As for the unwanted modulations, that's probably why they've chosen a toroidal power transformer. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Apr 19, 2010, at 9:05 AM, Jerry T. Dowell wrote: And too quiet! It would not be advisable to operate a linear supply in close proximity to the K3 or the K2. The resulting unwanted modulations have been discussed previously. Jerry AI6L -Original Message- From: Bob McGraw - K4TAX [mailto:rmcg...@blomand.net] Sent: Sunday, April 18, 2010 3:02 PM To: Doug Faunt N6TQS +1-510-655-8604 Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net; m0...@alphadene.co.uk; d...@w3fpr.com Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 I'll pass on linear supplies. Too heavy, too inefficient. 73 Bob, K4TAX __ 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 feelings
G! This is driving me nuts. Don did NOT out someones call!!! The person in question put his callsign in the subject line of the message. Foxjazz did that himself. Don didn't do it. All Don did was look up the call on QRZ.com to associate a name with the call. I WILL continue to come to the defense of someone here when they're accused of doing something they clearly did not do. -- Joe KB8AP On Apr 19, 2010, at 9:37 AM, The Smiths wrote: Don made a simple mistake of outing someone's call sign and name on the group, as do many other people here. __ 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] KPA500
Hi Tom, Please expand on your comment. I had the same thought as Vic. Why wouldn't a toroidal power transformer have less magnetic field coupling to external circuits than a conventional E/I core transformer? 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Apr 19, 2010, at 5:38 PM, Tom W8JI wrote: Don't bet on it. :-) - Original Message - From: Vic K2VCO v...@rakefet.com Obviously I haven't tried it (!) but I suspect that the external magnetic field from a toroidal transformer is much less extensive than that of the usual laminated type. __ 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 pll and ref osc issues n0xdb
Do note that Foxjazz himself included his call in the subject line of the post that started this thread. Not the usual place to be sure, but I doubt his intention in doing so was to remain anonymous. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Apr 17, 2010, at 11:58 PM, The Smiths wrote: For you to not only give out someone's call sign, but to actually go as far as print out their entire name for everyone on this group to read, __ 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] My goodness!
Elecraft announces a 500W amplifier and there's a sudden outbreak of uncivility on the reflector. I guess it's true what they say: Power corrupts -- Joe KB8AP __ 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] KPA500
Nah. It'll be 500 2N's. Wayne had a bunch left over from some QRP projects and had to find a way to get rid of them. :-) 33-1/3 -- Joe KB8AP On Apr 16, 2010, at 2:28 PM, Paul Christensen wrote: I would also think it will be built around MRF-150 FET's? Four years ago, the prototype KPA800 used eight APT ARF 463 transistors (four per RF board). Each plug-in board would be field serviceable. The prototype KPA1500 in effect doubled the number of boards and transistors. ... Paul, W9AC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 power reduction after using TEST mode
Unable to reproduce here. FW 3.79/2.54. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Apr 13, 2010, at 7:40 AM, Mike K2MK wrote: ...I've begun practicing sending CW by putting the K3 into TEST mode and sending paragraphs of text. I discovered that when going back to normal TX mode, the power output was drastically reduced. ... 73, Mike K2MK __ 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 Cooling
This seems to be another one of those extremely variable things about the K3. Some folk's rigs seem to be extremely quiet and others not so much. The fans in my K3 are clearly audible at all speeds. At the highest speed it competes well with the old tower PC I use for digital modes. I've replaced the fans once with very little difference in noise. Most (but not all) of the reports of very quiet fans I've heard of were from rigs with low serial numbers. I suspect Elecraft may have used different brands of fans at different times, which might account for differences in reported noise. As for how often they come on, from an idle temperature of 26C, it takes about 1:15 of 20WPM CW at 50W into a dummy load for the fans in my K3 to kick on. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Apr 6, 2010, at 7:43 AM, Rick Prather wrote: I dislike fan noise in my shack, one of the many reasons I love my iMac, and before I considered a K3 I made a trip to Aptos and they were kind enough to let me play with one for a bit including running the fans through their paces. Then, and now on my own K3, I find it nearly impossible to hear the first 3 speeds and the 4th speed is barely detectable. That, plus the fact the the fans rarely come on at any speed means the K3 passes my personal quiet test. Rick K6LE __ 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 Cooling
Hi Jim, The K3 fans are exhaust fans and are intended to pull hot air out of the rig. A couple years ago (June 4, 2008 if I must be precise), Eric Swartz said this in response to someone asking if 40 - 42C was too warm: We will let the heatsink get up to 85C before dropping the KPA3 off- line, that still has plenty of safety margin for the transistors. 40-42C is actually on the cool side for heavy usage. But it never hurts to keep it cool if you don't mind the added fan noise. His comment about the added fan noise was in reference to the original poster manually turning up the fan speed. I don't know if adding additional fans will help or hurt anything. My PA temp seems to plateau around 60 - 65C with high duty cycle digital modes with a shack temperature around 20C. I'm not too concerned about it, but I do keep an eye on it when running digital. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Apr 4, 2010, at 3:16 PM, Jim Harris wrote: Hi Folks, Which way is the air flow supposed to be through the fans on the K3? Mine blows out, pulling air in from the slots in the top above the KPA3. ... I do some heavy RTTY contesting and I've occasionally seen the PA temp at over 60 degrees centigrade. I'm considering adding a fan on half inch stand offs from the bottom of the shelf above the radio to blow through the slots in the top of the K3. Will this disturb normal airflow around other components possibly causing them to overheat? ... 73, Jim, W0EM __ 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] Older Serial# K3
Hi Gary, Whether it's the same or not depends on whether the previous owner kept up with the hardware mods that Elecraft has published (see http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_app_notes.htm) . Depending on how old the K3 is and what mods might have already been done to it, there could be up to 15 or so hardware changes to bring it up to the latest and greatest, although it would have to be a pretty low serial number to require all 15. In making a decision, you should factor in your willingness and ability to do any hardware mods that haven't already been done. Most of them are well documented and can be done by someone with average soldering skills, common hand tools, and an ESD-safe work mat and wrist band. If doing surgery on the rig isn't your cup of tea, you might want to either make sure the used rig is up to date before buying it, find someone to make the mods for you (Elecraft will do it for a price), or just get a new rig. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Apr 3, 2010, at 7:27 AM, Gary Slagel wrote: I want to get a K3 and wonder if I'm as well off buying an older K3 as getting the latest and greatest straight from elecraft. If I get an older serial# and make sure all firmware updates are in place is it essentially the same radio as the newer version? Thanks, Gary Slagel/N0SXX __ 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 / FLDIGI problem...
IIRC, I had difficulties getting fldigi to work with the K3.xml file from the fldigi site. I had better luck with the one from G4ILO's site ( http://www.g4ilo.com/files/k3.xml ). Never took the time to figure out the difference. That said, I've been having trouble using RigCAT with the 3.20 betas and have had to switch back to Hamlib, which seems to work OK. So I'd suggest trying to use Hamlib and see if you get better results. If that works and you still want to use RigCAT, try G4ILO's xml file. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Mar 31, 2010, at 3:25 PM, John Ragle wrote: I am: Using WIN 7 Ultimate. Using Elecraft K3/100 set to Data A or to USB. RS232 params set to 19200 + 1 stop. Using E'craft USB to RS232 adapter, which loads driver and selects COM13. Device manager shows COM13/19200/1 stop. Using SignaLink USB with E'craft cable to rear connections. Using either fldigi 3.12.5 or 3.20.b9...problem is the same with either. Using RigCat with K3.xml, 19200 + 1 stop on Com 13. Everything appears to be normal...receive OK, transmit OK via SignaLink, TX power levels correct, waterfall appears normal. Problem: NO CAT Control...no rig control (frequency) via fldigi. (Should be coming in on the RS232 line. Disconnecting the RS232 line has no effect.) On bringing up fldigi it throws an errorE: rigCAT_getfreq: Hexout failed in addition the QSY button on the bottom toolbar is greyed out. Both these are clearly related to the failure to communicate across the RS232 line. Any suggestions? John Ragle -- W1ZI __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] (OT) american made
Hi Chris, From http://n2.nabble.com/Are-K3-boards-built-overseas-tp4609367p4609378.html (a post by Lyle Johnson, an Elecraft employee) Component parts come from all over the world. Parts are placed on the PCBs, soldered, and tested all in California. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Mar 27, 2010, at 8:53 AM, Chris Hembree wrote: Are the elecraft boards American made? ... Chris W7CTH __ 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 receiver gain problem
Hoo boy! I know about this one. I actually sent my rig back to Elecraft for repair when it was happening to me. Imagine my chagrin when my backup rig started behaving the same way. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Mar 27, 2010, at 10:44 AM, Vic K2VCO wrote: On 3/27/2010 9:02 AM, Ron W3ZV wrote: I am playing in the contest today. I have had two instances where my receiver gain has gone down dramatically. ... Engaging PTT brings it back. Often this kind of problem is caused by an intermittent poor connection somewhere in the antenna system, ... As soon as you hit it with a bit of RF, it cleans up and works for a while. But in receive, the voltage is so low that it stays in high-resistance mode. ... Vic, K2VCO __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] PSK Whurm Noise
Hi Bill, You didn't say whether your K3 has the 100W option (KPA3), but if it does, are you sure it's not the fans? Maybe kicking up to a higher speed than they did previously? You can turn the fans on manually to see what they sound like at all 4 speeds with the CONFIG:KPA3 item in the menu. See the entry for the KPA3 setting in the manual for details. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Mar 26, 2010, at 7:02 AM, Screwtop wrote: Hi I'm a new owner of a K3 and I'm still in the setting up process. ...This time when transmitting my signal the radio made a strange whurm noise. I'm not sure if t was from the speaker or not. It sounded as if it was coming from somewhere near the back of the K3. ... 73 Bill GM0VIT __ 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] AM Bandwidth
Hi Rick, Yes, that's normal. The displayed bandwidth is audio bandwidth. Remember that AM uses both sidebands, so the 6 kHz filter passes 3 kHz above and 3 kHz below the carrier (6 kHz total). Your resulting audio bandwidth will actually be somewhere around 3 kHz. You can get more audio bandwidth on AM receive by using the FM filter, which is about 13 kHz wide, but you can't transmit AM through the FM filter. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Mar 22, 2010, at 8:57 AM, K6LE wrote: After installing the 6.0 kHz AM filter I notice the Max DSP b/w is 5.0 and the Shift center is 1.5 kHz. Is this the normal set up? TIA, Rick K6LE # 3727 __ 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] ERR KEY / ERR PTT Reports
In the last 9 months or so, there have been a number of reports of issues involving the ERR KEY or ERR PTT message. Some of them may have been due to mics picking up noise on power up, or computers holding an RS-232 keying line active on power up. However, since June 2009, there have been at least 5 separate reports on the reflector of the error appearing while the rig was operating (i.e. not at power up) or persisting with nothing but the power cord connected to the rig. There have been another 3 reports where it wasn't quite clear if it happened while operating or with nothing connected. This happened to me and persisted until I took the rig apart to inspect the key, paddle, and PTT jacks. I found nothing wrong, but when I reassembled the rig, the error was gone. There have been at least 2 other reports of the error spontaneously disappearing. (In other cases, there was no follow up report, so I don't know what the outcome was.) Intermittent problems are hard to track down, but I hope Elecraft either has or will start investigating these reports to figure out why this error is being triggered when it apparently shouldn't be. 73 -- Joe KB8AP __ 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 Power Connector
Hello Richard, What you're describing is not normal. Are you saying the plug pulls out of the socket with very little effort? Or does it fit snugly, but the connection drops out as you move the cord? If the plug fits very loosely or comes out with very little effort, it sounds like you either have the wrong size plug on the end of your power cord, or else the socket in the K2 is broken. If it fits snugly but the power drops out as you move the power cord, you might have a bad connection in either the plug or where the socket is soldered to the K2 circuit board. The plug that came with my K2 fits snugly in the socket and I can move the rig around without it pulling out. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Mar 17, 2010, at 9:32 PM, Irena and Richard jenkins wrote: Hello everybody from Canberra. This may have been covered before, and perhaps you can direct me to the archive BUT ... Has anyone complained about the fragility of the power plug/socket arrangement on the K2?? I *have* to sweep off my bench before starting up the rig. Else it turns itself off and maybe flickers on/OFF until I rest the plug on my bench. Just brushing against mic cords, pens whatever ... is enough to set it off. ... Ideas would be welcome... Richard VK1RJ __ 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] Tunig increments could be better
See CONFIG:VFO CRS and CONFIG:VFO FST in the manual (page 61) 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Mar 19, 2010, at 10:24 AM, John wrote: I love my K3 (#3271), but I have a question and I can't believe I'm alone. You seem to have missed the boat when it comes to tuning increments. Thus, why is there no actual 'Fast' tuning in the second position of the fast button? ... John Kountz, KE6GFF/T6EE __ 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] [NCCC] Elecraft
In an email to the reflector on Feb. 17, 2010 with subject line Re: [Elecraft] For you Anti-Scopes from Eric Swartz, Ted Roycraft had asked: 1) If you purchase a P3, do you also have to purchase a KXV3A or will one be included? And Eric answered: your K3 will need to have the KXV3 or KXV3a for IF output. Its not included with the P3 since most K3s already have added it. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Mar 17, 2010, at 12:26 AM, David Pratt wrote: Are you sure about that, Joe? The need for the KXV3A for the P3 has been denied in the past. 73 David G4DMP In a recent message, Joe Planisky jp...@jeffnet.org wrote ... Don't forget that the transverter option (KXV3 or KXV3A) also gives you the ability to use a separate receive antenna, especially useful for low noise receive-only antennas on 80m and 160m. Also, it will be needed if you intend to eventually add the P3 or other panadapter. -- David G4DMP Leeds, England, UK -- __ 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] [NCCC] Elecraft
Don't forget that the transverter option (KXV3 or KXV3A) also gives you the ability to use a separate receive antenna, especially useful for low noise receive-only antennas on 80m and 160m. Also, it will be needed if you intend to eventually add the P3 or other panadapter. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Mar 16, 2010, at 4:27 PM, Fred Jensen wrote: On Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:54:23 -0700, Rick Sealock wrote: So as a prospective Elecraft K3 purchaser, what options should I get? Want both SSB and CW capabilities (and, maybe, the new panadaptor?) ... Transverter options only if you do VHF/UHF. Fred K6DGW __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] DX Doubler/K3 issue
Would bonding the two chassis together with thick wire or braid work? 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Mar 15, 2010, at 4:44 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: This is a common problem with DXDoubler due to differences in chassis potential between transceivers. ... 73, ... Joe, W4TV -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of k...@baymoon.com Sent: Monday, March 15, 2010 4:41 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] DX Doubler/K3 issue ... When I plug the headset into the DXD phone socket, I hear a hummy sidetone and low-level hum on both radios Rob K6RB __ 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] USB to serial angst
Comments embedded. On Mar 14, 2010, at 11:41 AM, Eric Manning wrote: Placing a USB port in the K3 would simply move the USB UART currently found in the USB to serial converter onto the KIO3 board. Correct, and would thus avoid the un-necessary and superfluous packaging and connector costs of the USB/RS232 dongle. ... Going to USB requires a substantial added investment by the manufacturer and a major ongoing support cost. True, depending on what you mean by substantial and major. But avoids us customers being forced to buy thousands of those stupid and crash-prone dongles. So wait a second. You admit that putting a USB interface in the K3 would essentially be repackaging the same chips that are in the dongles into the K3. But then you condemn those dongles (and by association the chips in them) as stupid and crash-prone. How will putting the same chips into the K3 make them any less stupid and crash-prone? If my external dongle doesn't work with my particular hardware and/or software, I can go out and buy a different one for less than $20. Yes, an irritation and an inconvenience. But if my K3 (with the hypothetical built-in USB interface) doesn't work with my hardware/ software, then what do I do? 73 -- Joe KB8AP __ 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] USB to serial angst
Great idea as long as Elecraft provide and maintain drivers that work with Win2K WinXP, Vista/32 bit Vista/64 bit Win7/32 bit Win7/64 bit Mac OS X 10.5 PPC, Mac OS X 10.5 Intel, Mac OS X 10.6, and the various versions of Linux (32 and 64 bit). I'm all for it. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Mar 13, 2010, at 11:08 AM, eric manning wrote: All in favour of a USB port on the K3? ... eric VA7DZ __ 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] LPF DSP modification
Hi James, I used an Exacto knife to cut the traces on mine. They're pretty thin lines, so it doesn't take much to cut through them. Do note that the LPF mod does NOT give you the extended low frequency response on TX and RX that you would get with the board exchange. If that's not important to you, then the DIY option is a good way to go. Someone recently mentioned that Elecraft offered to modify his DSP board if he sent it in and that the turn-around time was just a few days. Don't know if that's something they're generally offering or if it was a one-time-only deal for him. The downside is you're without your K3 for the time it takes to get the modified board back to you. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Mar 8, 2010, at 7:47 AM, K2QI wrote: Just saw that Elecraft is now offering a DIY kit to upgrade your current DSP board with the LPF module. ... I'm curious as to how you guys that have done this mod have gone about cutting the two traces? Would an exacto knife work? 73 de James K2QI __ 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] LPF DSP modification
Elecraft explains it pretty clearly at http://www.elecraft.com/K3/mods/dsp_rev_c_information.htm The original post was from someone who was going to do the board swap, but decided to go with the user installed LPF option instead. I pointed out (or intended to) that the K3DSPUPGD (the board swap) included the improved low frequency response modifications, whereas the K3DSPLPF (the user installed LPF board) did not. I guess what I should have said was that installing the K3DSPLPF option did not change the low frequency response. My (intended) point was that if they didn't already have the improved low frequency response and wanted it, they should stick with the board swap. If they didn't care about the improved low frequency response or already had it, then installing the LPF board themselves was a reasonable alternative to waiting for the board swap. I did not intend to imply (and I have no knowledge of) any further low frequency response circuit changes since rev C. I do not work for Elecraft. I have no inside information. All I know about their products comes from information that's publicly available on their web site. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Mar 8, 2010, at 11:56 AM, Grant Youngman wrote: Let me be specific in my question. If I add the LPF daughter board to the C level DSP board, are there ADDITIONAL changes that were made to get to the factory D level board or not, beyond what is already in the C board? Maybe Elecraft would chime in on this just for clarification. Thanks ... Grant/NQ5T __ 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] IF output buffer gain Mod
Hi Dave, A via is a small hole in the circuit board used to connect traces from the top side of the board to the bottom. There's a small hollow metal insert in them that connects the two sides of the board (called plated through vias) They're usually smaller than a typical component mounting hole. If you look at the picture in the instructions, the closeup on the right shows a via (the small hole) just to the left of R8. In the picture on the left hand side, it shows the little 1/8 watt resistor with one lead going through that hole. The little white plastic thing in the kit contains a surface mount resistor you can use to replace R8 with if you can do SMD soldering. If you don't have have a fine tipped soldering iron, steady hands, and a good magnifying headset, you can use the 1/8 watt leaded resistor instead. The mod gives you 10 dB more signal at the IF output connector on the KXV3. This is useful if you want to use a panadaptor (such as the P3) with your rig. It won't make any difference in what you hear through your headphones. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Mar 1, 2010, at 8:49 PM, dbellw...@aol.com wrote: So I see how to attach it but have no idea what a via is? ... And for that matter, what is the purpose of this modification? ... 73, Dave __ 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] K3DSPLPF Low Pass Filter
I recently installed the LPF. I did *not* make any other changes (e.g. to extend the low frequency response.) I work mostly CW but do a fair amount of listening to SSB and SWBC. In my case, the effect is rather subtle and I can't be sure it's not just a placebo effect, but I think CW notes and SSB voices sound a bit smoother. I haven't used it for a long period of time since I installed the LPF, so I can't really tell if it's less fatiguing. Like Brett, I have before and after spectrum plots which clearly show that the aliased passband images centered on 12 kHz are completely gone. However, in my case the 12 kHz clock leakage itself is still there. It must be getting into the output some other way than through the normal audio path. It was one of the more challenging mods that I've done to my K3, mostly due to the fact that 4 of the 6 vias used were filled with solder, two of which have an IC on the other side preventing the use of a hot needle to clear them. And I'm *always* nervous cutting traces. That said, it wasn't really difficult. I took my time and spent about 2 hours from power off to power on. I noticed the price on the LPF board has gone up to $35. When I ordered mine it was $25. Was it worth it? I think so. I wouldn't call it a whole-new-rig difference but I seem to think the rig is a bit more pleasant to listen to. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Mar 1, 2010, at 8:40 AM, Edward Dickinson, III wrote: I'm a SSB operator and am interested in the Low Pass Filter Update/ Mod. Can someone with a pre-Rev D DSP board who has installed the K3DSPLPF speak to the improvements? Thanks. 73, Dick - KA5KKT __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [OT] - Spectrogram software for Linux
As has been mentioned several times recently, audio spectrum analysis software can be very useful for aligning the filters in a K2 and for lots of other purposes as well. Spectrogram is frequently mentioned as a good program for Windows. For those of us who run some variant of GNU Linux, the Baudline program (available as a free download at http://www.baudline.com) provides much the same functionality. I've been using it for several months now and find it fast, very powerful, and easy to use once you get the hang of the somewhat different user interface (you WILL have to read the manual.) The manual is well written and easy to understand if you have some familiarity with sampling and basic signal analysis concepts. 73 -- Joe KB8AP __ 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] KBPF3 Query
Hi Brian, This came up and was discussed on Nov. 15, 2009 with a thread titled K3 Firmware Req for SWL band and Using Memories Search for that thread in the archives to read all the gory details. The key information that's missing from the documentation is the band edges. I determined them experimentally to be: 160m 0.5 - 2.99 MHz 80m 3.0 - 4.79 MHz 60m 4.8 - 5.99 MHz 40m 6.0 - 8.99 MHz 30m 9.0 - 12.99 MHz 20m 13.0 - 16.99 MHz 17m 17.0 - 18.99 MHz 15m 19.0 - 22.99 MHz 12m 23.0 - 25.99 MHz 10m 26.0 - 30.00 MHz 6m 44.0 - 54.00 MHz To answer your specific questions: Suppose one wants 9 MHz. Does one set the band to 30M and just tune down to it? You can, but I usually punch in the frequency I want, or one close to it and tune from there. E.g. if I wanted 9 MHz, I punch that in: FREQ ENT 9 AFX (the AFX key is also the ENTER key). Does any of this confuse the band selection via buttons? No. Not as long as you keep in mind the table above. If you're at 9 MHz, you're on the 30m band. If you then go to 15 MHz, you've switched to the 20m band. Alternatively if one sets the frequency with the key pad, what band does it appear in. See the table above. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Feb 26, 2010, at 7:35 AM, Brian Alsop wrote: Guys, I was wondering just how this works. Suppose one wants 9 MHz. Does one set the band to 30M and just tune down to it? Does any of this confuse the band selection via buttons? Alternatively if one sets the frequency with the key pad, what band does it appear in. I seem to recall some unintended consequences reported here a long time ago. 73 de Brian/K3KO __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Can't Find Vox Delay
Press and hold the Speed/Mic knob on the front panel. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Feb 22, 2010, at 8:48 PM, -.-. --.-N3TU -.-. --.- wrote: From reading on here, I see there is a Vox Delay command. Problem is my menu only has VOX GN and Anti VOX command. Right after Anti Vox in the menu it says AFX MD delay but I don't think that is it. I am looking for VOX delay. What am I overlooking? -- __ 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] Digital Noise Reduction
Have you tried F5-1? Remember that there are two completely different sets of NR settings. 1-1 through 4-4 use a different algorithm than 5-1 through 8-4. You might find that you prefer one set over the other. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Feb 15, 2010, at 1:42 PM, Richard Thorpe wrote: I find even the lowest level (1 -1) on the noise reduction is too aggressive especially with weak signals. You can learn to love digital noise reduction, I had an NIR 10 and used judiciously was very helpful. This morning trying to work a station in Senegal 6W2SC, I wished the NR was a little less or more adjustable. Maybe a future software upgrade. R Thorpe AC9D __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Power not restored when swapping A/B and back
Hi Martin, To restore PWR i need to crank up the PWR-knob from Milliwatts to high PWR or use PFx. Are you saying that CONFIG:PWR SET = PER-BAND is not working in that situation? Other observation: When i switch on TEXT DECODE in CW, the AGC acts slower. Is this intended? Yes. See page 33 in the manual, section titled CW Text Decode Tips. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Feb 15, 2010, at 2:23 PM, DM4iM wrote: Elecrafters, ... Martin -- 73, DM4iM __ 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 Competition
Maybe it'll have titanium knobs. :-) 73 -- Joe ducking and running for cover KB8AP On Feb 14, 2010, at 12:11 PM, Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy wrote: Steve, Did the Kenwood sales dude give any hint as to what would be better? Software 'aint everything :-) 73, Geoff GM4ESD __ 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] Shift control quirk?
Hi Bob, The shift control doesn't do anything when the DUAL PB filter is on. (DUAL PB is available in CW, AFSK-A, and FSK-D modes.) If it's happening when DUAL PB is not on, then I don't think it's normal. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Feb 10, 2010, at 5:26 AM, Bob Naumann wrote: I have noticed that my shift control does not always work. Sometimes I turn it, it does nothing. Then other times it changes the shift as I would expect. Is this normal or? In contrast, the width control always works correctly when I turn it, so while this is not a big deal, it just seems a little quirky. Bob W5OV __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] AFSK A not working, while DATA A is!?
Hi Frank. Make sure the mark tone frequency your software is set up for matches the mark tone frequency the K3 is set for. In AFSK-A mode, use the PITCH button (i.e. press and hold the SPOT button) to check and set the AFSK mark frequency. See the section titled Mark/Shift and Pitch Selection on page 31 of the K3 Owners Manual. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Feb 10, 2010, at 10:11 AM, Frank R. Oppedijk wrote: ...so I tweaked the necessary controls on my K3 and on my PC soundcard. But no transmit output?! The PTT is asserted and the receiver is muted, but no transmit output and no monitor output. ... ... I found out that everything was working fine when I changed the DATA MD from AFSK A to DATA A!... Can anyone help me out? What setting or control can be the cause of this? Thanks in advance, Frank PA4N __ 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 Loses RX Audio at BW of 2.8 kHz
Hi Scott, Just a shot in the dark: Have you checked your filter configuration? If you happen to have an empty slot enabled for those modes, you'll get exactly the behavior you described. Use the K3 Utility to look for a slot that you know to be empty but with the Bandwidth set to 2.8 and the LSB, USB, and AM boxes checked. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Feb 5, 2010, at 10:45 PM, Scott Prather wrote: All: This evening when running FW 3.76 I'm seeing a problem with my K3 that I've never seen before. When the K3 is in the LSB, USB or AM mode, adjusting the bandwidth down to 2.8 kHz will result in total loss of audio, even though the S-meter continues to read incoming signal strength. ... To get audio to return, all I need to do is change the BW to 2.9 kHz or greater on either the main or the sub. ... Does anyone have a suggestion as to what might be going on? Tnx. Scott N7NB __ 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] Noise blanker insertion loss
Nearly the same here (-2.2dB), but only when the IF NB is used. No loss at all with just the DSP NB engaged. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 31, 2010, at 4:31 PM, Lyle Johnson wrote: I just noted that my noise blanker has an S-unit of insertion loss. I measure 2.0 dB (AGC OFF, using AFV/dBV internal functions and monitoring a steady nominal S5 carrier on 6 meters). 73, Lyle KK7P __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [OT] PCI Express sound card for digimodes
Lots. I used an M-Audio Delta 44. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 30, 2010, at 9:57 AM, N2TK, Tony wrote: Does anyone make a sound card, internal or external that has two separate inputs/outputs? ... What would be nice if there were two independent inputs and outputs on a sound card. Tnx for any feedback 73, N2TK, Tony __ 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] Lightning Protection articles
I think these may be the PolyPhaser articles Don was referring to. http://www.polyphaser.com/technical_notes.aspx 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 21, 2010, at 3:56 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: OK, this thread has morphed into lightning protection related topics, and I have changed the subject line. I checked the PolyPhaser site and the information is no longer there. __ 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] Lightning Protection articles
Hi Don, The KB2UYT articles from 2002 mentions a perimeter ring, but gives no real details as to the construction and installation of the ring. An article by KD7PEI in the 8/2008 QST gives more details, but still fails to answer some questions such as: How far away from the building foundation can the ring be? Obviously closer means less material needed, but can it be TOO close? Can it be too far? How do you deal with concrete sidewalks, concrete driveways, stone patios, or other obstacles that prevent you from placing the ring close to the foundation? (KB2UYT does say that A perimeter ground that only goes three-quarters or half-way around the house is better than no perimeter ground at all. But would it be better to get a complete ring with parts of it 20' away from the foundation, or a partial ring 3' away?) Is there a recommended vertical separation between the ring conductor and other underground pipes and wires? If you have time and are so inclined, could you perhaps tell us more about the ring you installed, the materials you used, and how you went about the installation? 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 21, 2010, at 3:56 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: ARRL Archives has the best one I know about. It was a 3 part publication run in June, July and August of 2002. Author is W. Ronald Block, KB2UYT and carries the title of Lightning Protection for the Amateur Radio Station. Download the 3 .PDF files - they have pictures and diagrams. That is the guidelines I used to constructed my system. I consider this an authoritative source, and I have not seen one since that covered all aspects. __ 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] [OT] Grounding negative side of power supply?
Correct, and I agree that the power supply chassis should be connected to the AC (mains) safety ground. But that wasn't the situation I was asking about. I was asking whether the negative side of the DC output should be connected to the chassis. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 20, 2010, at 2:57 PM, David Woolley (E.L) wrote: Unless the power supply is a Class II double insulated device and there are no connections from any of your equipment to true ground, it is essential that all its exposed metal work is bonded to the mains ground with a connection that is very low impedance at mains frequency and capable of carrying the full rated current of the nearest fuse. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [OT] Grounding negative side of power supply?
Hi folks, The recent discussions about bonding equipment together to reduce noise has prompted me to ask a question I've been mulling over for a few days now. Should the negative side of a power supply be connected to the supply chassis (and thus to the green wire AC ground), or should it be left floating? I have heard arguments both for and against floating the negative terminal, mostly from the fields of industrial control and precision sensing. The gist seems to be that the negative side of power supplies are usually connected to chassis or structure ground except in cases of very sensitive analog sensing where it is sometimes left floating to help reduce noise. I've heard stories of hum in repeater systems being cured by floating the negative side of the supply. Does whether or not the negative side of the supply is floating affect the idea of bonding the rig and PS cases to a common point? 73 -- Joe KB8AP __ 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 vers K2 questions that I keep seeimg
Note: The first time I sent this, it didn't seem to go out properly. My apologies in advance if 2 copies show up. Hi Harry, Is it my imagination or are K3 question and issues a bit more then K2 issues? My in box since I signed up is buldging with K3 questions and problems. ... Also why is there so many K3 problems listed at this stage of the game? Perhaps because the K2 has been out for over 10 years and the K3 has been out for only 2. Do you suppose you would have been asking why are there so many questions about the K2? back in 2001? How much K3 traffic will be on the reflector in 2018? Also, I think a more demanding class of operator is using the K3 in more demanding situations than the K2. As you mentioned, some of them are a different breed. What are the current problems that you perceive with the K3 that do not ultimately come down to operator preference? So what is the opion of those who have both or had the K2 and now the K3? Which is the better value for the budget minded and for those on a budget what is the cost of a K3/100 that would meet most people needs. I think the basic K3/100 with the stock 2.7 kHz roofing filter would meet most average ham's needs for $1899.95. That gives you everything that a fully loaded K2/100 gives you and then some. I have both a K2/10 and a K3/100. I find the K3 has a noticeably better receiver, is much easier to operate, and has features that make my day-to-day operation much more pleasant. The difference in cost between a fully loaded K2/100 and a stripped down K3/100 is $270.30 if I've done my math correctly. In my opinion the extras the K3 gives you for that $270.30 are well worth the money. The K2 is a great rig if you simply can't afford or can live without the extra features and performance that the K3 gives you. I started out with a pretty basic K2 and added to it over the years as budget permitted (and I'm doing the same with the K3.) I still use my K2 for portable/field work and as a backup rig, but I enjoy using the K3 more. Asking whether a K3 will get you more contacts than a K2 is like asking if a basic economy car will get you more places than a luxury car. Both will get you where you want to go, but the experience you have along the way might be quite different. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 17, 2010, at 2:39 PM, harry latterman wrote: [...snip...] 73 Harry K7ZOV __ 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 vers K2 questions that I keep seeimg
Hi Harry, Is it my imagination or are K3 question and issues a bit more then K2 issues? My in box since I signed up is buldging with K3 questions and problems. ... Also why is there so many K3 problems listed at this stage of the game? Perhaps because the K2 has been out for over 10 years and the K3 has been out for only 2. Do you suppose you would have been asking why are there so many questions about the K2? back in 2001? How much K3 traffic will be on the reflector in 2018? Also, I think a more demanding class of operator is using the K3 in more demanding situations than the K2. As you mentioned, some of them are a different breed. What are the current problems that you perceive with the K3 that do not ultimately come down to operator preference? So what is the opion of those who have both or had the K2 and now the K3? Which is the better value for the budget minded and for those on a budget what is the cost of a K3/100 that would meet most people needs. I think the basic K3/100 with the stock 2.7 kHz roofing filter would meet most average ham's needs for $1899.95. That gives you everything that a fully loaded K2/100 gives you and then some. I have both a K2/10 and a K3/100. I find the K3 has a noticeably better receiver, is much easier to operate, and has features that make my day-to-day operation much more pleasant. The difference in cost between a fully loaded K2/100 and a stripped down K3/100 is $270.30 if I've done my math correctly. In my opinion the extras the K3 gives you for that $270.30 are well worth the money. The K2 is a great rig if you simply can't afford or can live without the extra features and performance that the K3 gives you. I started out with a pretty basic K2 and added to it over the years as budget permitted (and I'm doing the same with the K3.) I still use my K2 for portable/field work and as a backup rig, but I enjoy using the K3 more. Asking whether a K3 will get you more contacts than a K2 is like asking if a basic economy car will get you more places than a luxury car. Both will get you where you want to go, but the experience you have along the way might be quite different. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 17, 2010, at 2:39 PM, harry latterman wrote: I have a wonderful K2/100 and yes have eyed th K3 as so many other has. The new K3 design is clean, filters options are mind boggling, seems to like digital ... But and this is a big BUT for me is cost vers any really added contacts. Or cost per possible, but unlikely contacts missed. By the time all the eye candy and ear candy is added you have one really expenisive radio. Way more the a fully loaded K2 with has some impressive specs...very impressive by a lot of standards. Plus I am really wondering about the K3 issues. Is it my imagination or are K3 question and issues a bit more then K2 issues? My in box since I signed up is buldging with K3 questions and problems. If it were not for the occational K2 question you would think this was a K3 site. Don't get me wrong Elecraft is one fantastic company. I built and used a K1/4 and used it for a while and it was FUN and very inpressive. Very! I am a cheater in that I traded a 706mkII+ a Ft-817 for the K2/100 I have now instead of building it, only becasue the person that listed it decided that the trade was better then what he was asking for it and my trade fit his needs. The chances of that happening again a pretty slim. If he had not then sometime later this year I probably would have had to make a painful choice. A fully loaded K2/100 or a strip down K3/10 and who knows how long before I could afford to get it up to the level I really wanted. But that is my financial problem and like many today price vers performance vers reliablity are all a factor. So what is the opion of those who have both or had the K2 and now the K3? Which is the better value for the budget minded and for those on a budget what is the cost of a K3/100 that would meet most people needs. Not the hard core contester, they are a different breed. But the everyday ham, who likes to take it with him/her and/ or have a great home station. Also why is there so many K3 problems listed at this stage of the game? That is the part that makes me glad I have a K2 and might wait a very long time before I get a K3. Thanks for you time and this great board. 73 Harry K7ZOV __ 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:
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Screen displays ERR PTT msg
I had a similar thing happen to my K3 a few weeks ago. Was getting ERR PTT with literally nothing but power connected. Only way to turn it off was to shut down the power supply. Doing an EE INIT didn't fix it. After disassembling the rig enough to inspect the key jacks and the front panel mic connector, it started working again. I never did find a definite cause for it. It has not happened since. (Side note: I know Wayne is working on a firmware change to let the rig be turned off when ERR PTT happens.) 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 13, 2010, at 8:10 AM, David Windisch wrote: SN28XX, V3.68 firmware, re-loaded several times to no avail. Other than rtm and reading the archives, I've not a clue why this is happening. I've followed the steps in the manual to no avail. *Nothing* but power is connected to the K3. Unit comes uo on 10MHz WWV, loud and clear and that's about it. Won't tune. No consistent behavior pattern, right or wrong. Sometimes I can change a band once, or a mode, then lockup occurs. Can't turn power off. Can't get into any menu. Won't transmit. Now what? Vulcan nerve pinch? Brgds, tia, Dave, W8FGX -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Screen-displays-ERR-PTT-msg-tp4349729p4349729.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] IF output
I don't think you'll hear much of anything on a K2 at 8.215 MHz. That's well outside the 40m passband. The K2 does not have general coverage RX. 73 -- Joe KB8AP On Jan 12, 2010, at 1:05 PM, sr...@swbell.net wrote: I am trying to verify the output at the IF OUT jack on the back of the K3. I have it connected to my K2 with the VFO set for 8215.00 and I see or hear no signal at all. Shouldn't I see the output from the K3? Is the signal that low that I won't even get a blip on the K2 receiver? Am I missing something? I see no menu entry for enabling the IF output. HELP Stan Rife W5EWA __ 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
