[Elecraft] Mounting Toroidal Inductors with Common Materials
I know that this issue comes up from time to time. I ran across this comparison of materials on the Web and thought some might find it useful. www.qrp.pops.net/w7el.htm Best regards, Michael N9BDF, K2 #4137 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Using the MH-2 with the K2
For those of you who use the MH-2 with your K2, do you find that the K2's gain is adequate for full ouput on 10m. Or, did you need to increase the SSB module's gain with modifications? I haven't assembled my SSB module, yet. Thanks, Michael N9BDF, K2 #4137 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] General testing for key clicks: AGC
Thanks, guys. It seems my problem was one of absent mindedness. I had left the noise blanker on in my 930. The result was that I was hearing K2 key clicks that weren't actually there. Once I disabled the noise blanker, things sounded great. As you two noted, the AGC was not affecting the testing. I also took a look at the RF envelope on my scope and was pleased to see what Elecraft had shown in the key click mod document. -Michael N9BDF = Vic, K2VCO wrote: I doubt that it matters. What *does* matter is that you must listen *away* from the transmitter's frequency... == Well put, Vic. The only thing that should be added to Vic's procedure is that you should keep the power output of the transmitter being tested down enough so that the signal in the monitir receiver is S9 or less. I've tested many rigs for klix monitoring in of my many ham receivers and AGC on/off does not make a bit of difference, as long as you do it as Vic and I described (which is the *only* proper way). BTW, of the many rigs I've checked for klix, the K2 with the click mod is the cleanest of all. I believe the click mod is now incorporated in all new K2 kits. 73, de Earl, K6SE ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] General testing for key clicks: AGC
Should the receiver's AGC be disabled when testing a transmitter for key clicks -- does it matter? Does it make the transmitter sound worse or better? Michael N9BDF ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] CP1 Power Handling
Does anyone know what modifications would need to be made to the CP1 Directional Coupler in order to get it to handle 200W at 20dB attenuation? I'd like to use the CP1 as a cost effective means of extending the useful range of my OHR WM-2 QRP Wattmeter, but 30dB is more attenuation than I want and the power handling at 20dB is not high enough. Thanks, Michael N9BDF ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] CP1 Power Handling
Larry, If you have the time, I'd certainly appreciate it if you'd run it through your spreadsheet for me. Thanks! -Michael == You have a couple options. The flux density is higher, and therefore heating, with lower number of turns. They also go to a -43 mix (higher permeability) for the lower turns to keep the shunt reactance of the voltage xfmr high at 1.8 MHz. If you don't care about 1.8 MHz, you might be able to get by with 10 turns on the -61 cores... I would have to do the math. The other option is to stick with the -43 material, but get larger cores. I'm pretty sure they make the FT50A and FT50B (which are thicker) in -43 material, or you could go to a FT68 or FT82 if they'll fit. The best bet would probably be FT50A-43, since we know it would fit physically. I have a spreadsheet that I use that calculates these things for me... I can plug these in to see what would work if you like. 73, Larry N8LP Linden, Mike (BRC-Hes) wrote: Does anyone know what modifications would need to be made to the CP1 Directional Coupler in order to get it to handle 200W at 20dB attenuation? I'd like to use the CP1 as a cost effective means of extending the useful range of my OHR WM-2 QRP Wattmeter, but 30dB is more attenuation than I want and the power handling at 20dB is not high enough. Thanks, Michael N9BDF ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] CP1 Power Handling
Larry, Thanks! 200W is probably a bit on the high side for my needs (safety margin), so this looks pretty good. -Michael -Original Message- From: Larry Phipps [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, March 07, 2006 10:29 AM To: Linden, Mike (BRC-Hes) Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CP1 Power Handling A quick check shows that no small size cores will work for -43 material with 10T at 1.8 MHz and 200W. However, FT50B cores come close, and are fine at 3.5 MHz. FT50B is twice the thickness of the FT50A, and would fit on the board because the thickness would only add height. 73, Larry N8LP Linden, Mike (BRC-Hes) wrote: Larry, If you have the time, I'd certainly appreciate it if you'd run it through your spreadsheet for me. Thanks! -Michael ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] CP1 Power Handling
Robert, Thanks for the insight and alternate solution! -Michael -Original Message- From: Robert Friess [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, March 07, 2006 10:46 AM To: Linden, Mike (BRC-Hes); elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] CP1 Power Handling Hi Michael, I designed the CP1 for Elecraft and in the process I performed many tests to evaluate the power handling capabilities. The power is limited by heating of the core and that is primarily a function of flux density and time. The published specification allows the rated power to be applied for long periods of time without excessive heating. The flux density is proportional to the applied voltage, i.e. square root of power, and inversely proportional to the number of turns, cross sectional area, and frequency. For a 20 dB coupler the number of turns is fixed at 10. Because of the small turns count type 43 material was chosen to provide sufficient inductance to maintain performance at the lowest frequency. Unfortunately, type 43 has a relatively low Curie Temperature, that is, the temperature at which the magnetic properties of the core disappear. Other core materials have much higher temperature ratings and lower loss, but they do not provide sufficient inductance for good performance on 160 meters. So what does all this mean? I suggest that the easiest thing for you to do would be to stack three cores together at each position. It will be easier to wind the cores if you use some sort of adhesive to hold the cores together. This will provide about 9 times the power handling capability and meet your power requirement. If you don't hold the key down for 5 minutes even better. You can order the extra cores from Elecraft. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2: Audio Crackles When Turning Off
The audio of my K2 (#4137) crackles when I turn it off. I always thought this was normal until a friend of mine told me that his doesn't do this. Is this crackle/static noise I get when I turn my K2 off normal? If not, what could the source of the problem be? Thanks, Michael N9BDF, K2 #4137 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2: KAF2 Versus 2.2 kHz KSB2
I plan on building my KSB2 to KI6WX's 2.2 kHz crystal filter bandwidth specifications (which is now the current Elecraft bandwidth). Should I shift the KAF2's low-pass filter roll-off higher in frequency when I build it to account for the increased bandwidth of the KSB2, or will the low-pass roll-off be adequate as is? Thanks, Michael N9BDF K2 #4137 PS The Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Consistency Act (HR 1478) and the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act (HR 713 S. 537) are in Congress. Please contact your Congressmen to ask for their support of these bills! See the following ARRL link for details: http://www.arrl.org/govrelations/ http://www.arrl.org/govrelations/ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2 Filter Alignment: USB vs. LSB, CW vs. CW-Rev
Once I get to the Stage III alignment on my K2, I plan on using Spectrogram to align the CW and SSB filters/BFOs. It seems that proper filter alignment is a juggling act between the following: 1) Proper centering of the signal within the filter's passband: For the most part, CW should be aligned in the center or the largest peak, SSB should be aligned for best audio quality (usually with the bottom at about 300Hz). 2) Constant pitch across the different bandwidth filters for a given mode. In other words, you should hear very little pitch change (= 20Hz or so) as you move from the widest filter for a given mode to the narrowest filter for that same mode. 3) Constant pitch as you switch between USB/LSB on an accurately tuned AM signal like WWV and constant pitch as you switch between CW and CW-Reverse on an accurately tuned CW signal. Is it difficult to satisfy number 3 if you tune the filters with Spectrogram based on number 1? Has anyone come up with a reliable methodology for doing this, or is it just something that you pretty much play with until you are satisfied? Thanks, Michael N9BDF K2 #4137 PS The Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Consistency Act (HR 1478) and the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act (HR 713 S. 537) are in Congress. Please contact your Congressmen to ask for their support of these bills! See the following ARRL link for details: http://www.arrl.org/govrelations/ http://www.arrl.org/govrelations/ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2: VFO clicks/pops in the presence of strong signals
I have just completed Test and Alignment, Stage II of K2 #4137. Everything seems to have gone very well -- all Voltages were in range and it seemed that everything worked as it should. However, I've now run across a strange problem. I find that clicks/pops occur when I tune the VFO in the presence of strong signals. For instance, if I set the XG1 for 50uV and tune the VFO up and down from the XG1's frequency of 7040kHz, I hear clicks/pops (about S-5/6) when the VFO transitions the following boundaries: 7015.79/80 (click/pop getting very weak here) 7020.79/80 7025.79/80 7030.79/80 7035.79/80 7040.79/80 (XG1's signal is theoretically centered at 7040.00) 7045.79/80 7050.79/80 7055.79/80 (clock/pop getting very weak here) The clicks/pops occur when I roll the VFO's last two digits back-and-fourth across the .79/.80 boundary. The clicks/pops do not occur when I turn off the XG1. I have also noticed that I can hear these clicks/pops when I get up around 7300 and strong broadcast stations are present. While I've seen a few mentions of this (or similar problems) in the archives, I've never really seen any explanation or cure. Any ideas? Thanks, Michael N9BDF K2 #4137 PS The Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Consistency Act (HR 1478) and the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act (HR 713 S. 537) are in Congress. Please contact your Congressmen to ask for their support of these bills! See the following ARRL link for details: http://www.arrl.org/govrelations/ http://www.arrl.org/govrelations/ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] K2: VFO clicks/pops in the presence of strong sign als
Sverre, Now that I think about it, it appears that the magnitude (strength) of the clicks/pops is proportional to the strength of any nearby signal. Does that make sense based upon you knowledge of the PLL/VFO system? Thanks, Michael N9BDF -Original Message- From: Linden, Mike (BRC-Hes) Sent: Monday, July 12, 2004 8:34 AM To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]'; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K2: VFO clicks/pops in the presence of strong signals Sverre, Thank you for the information. While I do not necessarily like the behavior, it is comforting to know that it is simply an attribute of the design and not a problem with my particularly K2. Thanks, Michael N9BDF -Original Message- From: Sverre Holm [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, July 12, 2004 7:54 AM To: Linden, Mike (BRC-Hes); elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K2: VFO clicks/pops in the presence of strong signals I hear clicks/pops (about S-5/6) when the VFO transitions the following boundaries: 7015.79/80 (click/pop getting very weak here) 7020.79/80 7025.79/80 7030.79/80 7035.79/80 Such clicks about every 5 kHz is normal and is part of the construction of the PLL/VFO-system of the K2. Let me see if I can explain it. The reference oscillator of the PLL is based on a 12 and something MHz crystal, with a variable division ratio following it. However, these steps would be way too course, and therefore the crystal is pulled by varicaps over about 5 kHz between every change of division ratio. The pops you hear is when you are the end of the pulling range, and the divisor changes and the varicap voltage goes to the other end of the pulling range. -- 73, Sverre -- Sverre Holm, LA3ZA www.qsl.net/la3za ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2: Alignment and Test Part II
After setting L30 for 6v at R30 at 4 MHz, I am reading 1.53V at 3.5 MHz. While this is above the 1.5V limit, is it a little bit too close for comfort or is it OK? The voltages for the other band edges are all well within the specified range. Also, when adjusting the filter BFO values I found that the BFO frequency being displayed would sometimes slowly alternate back-and-fourth between two close frequencies. I believe this is because the frequency counter is being used to display the frequency and that this is normal. Is this the case? Thanks, Michael N9BDF K2 SN #4137 PS The Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Consistency Act (HR 1478) and the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act (HR 713 S. 537) are in Congress. Please contact your Congressmen to ask for their support of these bills! See the following ARRL link for details: http://www.arrl.org/govrelations/ http://www.arrl.org/govrelations/ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2 Frequency Calibration
I've found that using the frequency calibration method in which you switch between LSB/USB when monitoring the tone (tuning for the point at which there is the least difference in the WWV tone between LSB and USB) on WWV at 15 or 20 MHz works very well on my Kenwood TS-930S. Given the fact that the K2 has independent BFO settings for LSB/USB, can this method be accurately used to check the K2's display frequency against WWV? Thanks, Michael N9BDF PS The Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Consistency Act (HR 1478) and the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act (HR 713 S. 537) are in Congress. Please contact your Congressmen to ask for their support of these bills! See the following ARRL link for details: http://www.arrl.org/govrelations/ http://www.arrl.org/govrelations/ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2: Toroid Wire
Just out of curiosity, if you use as the amount of toroid wire specified in the K2 manual, is there enough left over to rewind a few toroids? Thanks, Michael N9BDF K2 #4137 PS The Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Consistency Act (HR 1478) and the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act (HR 713 S. 537) are in Congress. Please contact your Congressmen to ask for their support of these bills! See the following ARRL link for details: http://www.arrl.org/govrelations/ http://www.arrl.org/govrelations/ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2: RFC11
I'm looking for input on the winding and installation of toroid RFC11 which mounts underneath the K2's RF board. Assuming I wind RFC11 such that 85% of the toroid is used, I don't see how it can easily be secured by the leads given the location of the lead holes. How has this worked out for folks who have built their K2s? Thanks, Michael N9BDF K2 SN #4137 PS The Amateur Radio Emergency Communications Consistency Act (HR 1478) and the Amateur Radio Spectrum Protection Act (HR 713 S. 537) are in Congress. Please contact your Congressmen to ask for their support of these bills! See the following ARRL link for details: http://www.arrl.org/govrelations/ http://www.arrl.org/govrelations/ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com
