Re: [Elecraft] Experience with Energizer Lithium AA Batteries?

[Matthew Cook via Elecraft]

Walter,

Like all primary cells they do have some ESR which is a little higher than
other secondary cell chemistries.

Like Julia I have pushed these cells towards 1A/cell at -30 celsius and
achieved reasonable results and the load curve is very flat.

The additional terminal voltage is good for overcoming some of the ESR
problems at high load, but if the final amplifier is prone to distortion or
AM modulation due to voltage drop then things get a little more difficult.

The proof is in the pudding, so I'd simply purchase a set, place your
multimeter across the cells (maybe use a RF choke if TX not into a dummy
load) and watch the terminal voltage when you TX with your desired
modulation, you'll quickly know if you have a problem.

If your experiment is unsuccessful the E2 energisers go forever in your
remote controls and wireless mouses, they will certainly not be wasted !

73

Matthew
VK5ZM


On Fri, 12 May 2023 at 02:15, Walter Underwood 
wrote:

> Thanks, that is actually on the data sheet, now that I look.
>
> https://data.energizer.com/pdfs/l91.pdf
>
> My biggest concern is whether they hold up under a 2+ A current draw. The
> data sheet stops at 1 A.
>
> wunder
> K6WRU
> Walter Underwood
> CM87wj
> http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)
>
> > On May 9, 2023, at 9:10 PM, Matthew Cook  wrote:
> >
> > Walter,
> >
> > These cells have a slightly higher terminal voltage 1.82 c.f 1.65 (when
> full) from your normal heavy duty alkaline battery... flat is still the
> same at 1.0V under load discharge curve is what you'd expect under
> moderate/high loads.
> >
> > We regularly fly these (and only these cells) in our high altitude
> balloon experiments at reasonable currents (> 200mA), so at temperatures
> below zero celsius (+32F) they still have significant usable capacity.
>  They will certainly give your Enerloops a run for their money.
> >
> > 73
> >
> > Matthew
> > VK5ZM
> >
> >
> > On Tue, 9 May 2023 at 06:04, Walter Underwood  <mailto:wun...@wunderwood.org>> wrote:
> >> I’m considering taking Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries
> (non-rechargeable) in my KX3 on a backpacking trip. They are half the
> weight of Eneloop Pro and have about 40% more Watt-hours of energy.
> >>
> >> Anybody tried these? How did they work?
> >>
> >> wunder
> >> K6WRU
> >> Walter Underwood
> >> CM87wj
> >> http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)
> >>
> >> __
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Re: [Elecraft] Experience with Energizer Lithium AA Batteries?

[Matthew Cook via Elecraft]

Walter,

These cells have a slightly higher terminal voltage 1.82 c.f 1.65 (when
full) from your normal heavy duty alkaline battery... flat is still the
same at 1.0V under load discharge curve is what you'd expect under
moderate/high loads.

We regularly fly these (and only these cells) in our high altitude balloon
experiments at reasonable currents (> 200mA), so at temperatures below zero
celsius (+32F) they still have significant *usable* capacity.   They will
certainly give your Enerloops a run for their money.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM


On Tue, 9 May 2023 at 06:04, Walter Underwood  wrote:

> I’m considering taking Energizer Ultimate Lithium AA batteries
> (non-rechargeable) in my KX3 on a backpacking trip. They are half the
> weight of Eneloop Pro and have about 40% more Watt-hours of energy.
>
> Anybody tried these? How did they work?
>
> wunder
> K6WRU
> Walter Underwood
> CM87wj
> http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)
>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 no power out

[Matthew Cook]

Josep,

After the basic checks that Dave and Fred have suggested, if you've not
seen any life I'd quickly check what happens if you turn the power down to
under 10W, this will bypass the KPA3 and if you still see no output then
the problem is deeper into the radio.  From here I'd talk to the folks over
on the Elecraft K3 support email address, they will be able to advise how
to pull the radio apart and make the necessary measurements.   Working back
through the power amplifier chain the next likely culprit is the 10W
amplifier, then the Local oscillator.

I went through something similar where my K3 intermittently refused to
transmit, typically when I'd taken it to a contest.  That one took me a
little longer to fix (faulty LO cable) than I'd care to admit, but your's
isn't intermittent by the sounds, so is a little easier to diagnose and
hopefully fix.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM


On Thu, 9 Feb 2023 at 01:19, Josep Torres via Elecraft <
elecraft@mailman.qth.net> wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> Bad news here…. My K3 (radio 1) is not transmitting power out.!!
> I have used this morning as I normally do and all was fine.
> Around 1330h local time, I turned it on again and did QSO with CT7/DJ2PR
> and all was fine. I let the radio on as the CWT contest started at 1400h
> local.
> When I started to operate the contest I realized that no power was going
> out so very disappointed, I swapped to my other K3 (radio 2).
> I really don’t know what have happened but the thing is that after trying
> for several times, no way, still no power out…
> I think I can hear a light click coming from the back left side.
>
> Any help please..? Thanks.
>
>
> 73,
>
> Josep
> EA6BF
> BUG #256  -  CWops #3072  -  FOC #2182 (ex 1724)
>
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] FW: K3 Synthesizer, KSYN3A

[Matthew Cook]

I'm sure there are many on this list looking for the same board...

I've just acquired a second K3 and it's got the original boards too.  Have
been snooping around looking for the same board, but alas no luck.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On Mon, 4 Jul 2022 at 00:56, bob fctaz.com  wrote:

> Hello K3 user group:
>
> I have a K3 with the original synthesizer boards. I am looking for a pair
> of the new KSYN3A boards.
>
> I have spoken to Elecraft tech support and I am on their list in case they
> decide (Wayne, you might comment) to make a run of new synthesizer boards.
>
> The Tech Rep I spoke to didn’t know if a new run was going to happen
> anytime soon.
>
> So as a long shot I thought I would see if by chance any of you might have
> a pair that I might acquire.
>
> Thanks for reading this post.
>
> Bob Hughes
> W7SNR
> Cave Creek, AZ
>
>
>
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[Elecraft] Spare KLPA3 10W PCBA

[Matthew Cook]

Hi,

I'm wondering if anyone has a spare KLPA3 (10W PA) board in their
collection of spares they may be willing to part with ?  Specifically I'm
looking for the low power PA that was used in the older K3 not the newer
version from the K3S.

If anyone has one they are willing to part with and send "Down Under" if
you could contact me off the list that would be great.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM
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Re: [Elecraft] OT: Australian fires

[Matthew Cook]

Thanks Wayne et al,

For those that are curious about the fires here in Australia you can take a
peek at our Rural Fire Service and Country Fire Service pages...  The black
areas in all cases are fire grounds, both past (1-week) and present.

https://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/fire-information/fires-near-me
https://apps.geohub.sa.gov.au/CFSMap/index.html
https://www.emergency.wa.gov.au/

The conditions this year across all of Australia are unprecedented, which
now includes a tropical cyclone in our states north west;

http://www.bom.gov.au/australia/charts/viewer/index.shtml

Our thoughts go out to those that seem to be under attack on all fronts and
we thank you for your kind words !

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On Fri, 3 Jan 2020 at 02:28, Wayne Burdick  wrote:

> Our thoughts go out to our Australian customers and their families, as
> well as the thousands of other Australians affected by wildfires.
>
> California, too, has seen record droughts and wildfires in recent years,
> so we can empathize. But the number of fires in VK as well as their wide
> geographical impact appears to dwarf ours.
>
> Wishing you better luck in the new year--
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500/K3 AUX bus specification

[Matthew Cook]

Andy,

You'll find the band outputs on the KPA500 aux connector (BAND0-3) are
quite reliable and fast when it comes to detecting band change outputs.
They appear to be flipped/set quite early in the band change
sequence/exchange between the K3 and amp, certainly before RF is applied
(yay !).   At least I've not caught my K3/KPA500(s) doing anything silly in
this regard yet.

My only gripe with the BAND outputs is that 60m was encoded as  and not
 on this 4-bit interface, which means telling the difference between
the amp being physically OFF and/or on 60m requires a separate monitoring
circuit...  >:|

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 30 April 2018 at 09:07, ANDY DURBIN  wrote:

> Don,
>
>
> Thanks for the reply.
>
>
> I'm familiar with the PC interface and have, in the hope of tracking down
> a problem, built a logger that uses that bus to interrogate the KPA500 at
> 10 Hz.  I was hoping the AUX bus would give a faster detection of a
> spurious band change than my 10 Hz interrogation ^bn;.   I'll look at the
> bus with my DSO but I have already been given information than suggests its
> data rate will be too low to be useful.
>
>
> I may have to resort to instrumenting the shift register signals from the
> front panel to the LPF but I was hoping to avoid that.
>
>
> 73,
>
> Andy
>
>
>
>
> 
> From: Don Wilhelm 
> Sent: Sunday, April 29, 2018 2:45 PM
> To: ANDY DURBIN; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500/K3 AUX bus specification
>
> The AUXBUS protocol is Elecraft proprietary and is not published.
> It is the single wire communications between the K3 and its options,
> both internal and external.
>
> The K3 Programmers Reference and KPA500 Programmers Reference gives you
> commands that can be issued from a PC or other connected computer -
> those commands are quite extensive and can give you complete control
> from a PC.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
>
> > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net]
> on behalf of ANDY DURBIN [a.dur...@msn.com]
> > Sent: Sunday, April 29, 2018 3:59 PM
> > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> > Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500/K3 AUX bus specification
> >
> > Can someone please point me to a definition or specification for the
> KPA500 - K3 AUX Bus.   I have the KPA500 Programmer's Reference but this
> appears to only cover the KPA500 - PC interface.
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 apparent PA failure Update.

[Matthew Cook]

Martin,

Contact Elecraft support.   I purchased a pair of the same MOSFET's a
couple of years or so ago when my K3 did the same as yours...

Unfortunately mines done it again just recently, so this time I'm ordering
a few spares.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 10 April 2018 at 14:32, Martin Sole  wrote:

> Hi,
>
> Both output devices in the LPA, Q4 and Q5, RD15HVF-1, show low ohms gate
> to source, one is 2.4 ohms the other 4.6 ohms.
>
> Anyone have a recommended source? I don't think these are available
> locally, I'll need to get a couple shipped in from US or elsewhere most
> likely.
>
> Thanks
> Martin, HS0ZED
>
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Re: [Elecraft] (OT) - Unplanned Discovery

[Matthew Cook]

Josh,

You are quite correct.   The usual CISPR standards limits for many SMPS
designs are typically set to 50dBuV across the HF spectrum, that translates
to roughly 5/9+17dB.

These standards are there to protect your old analog TV and commercial FM
radio being messed up not your local Ham operator unfortunately.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM



On 20 November 2017 at 13:25, Josh  wrote:

> Most, if not all of those certifications are for safety, not emissions.
> Further, I'm not at all convinced that compliance with FCC/CISPR standards
> ensures no RFI to a ham station. Especially if your interests are weak
> signal, EME, etc.
>
> 73,
> Josh W6XU
>
> Sent from my mobile device
>
> > Just because it has the side or back posted with all types of
> certifications basically says  "they met specs at one time".
> >
>
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Re: [Elecraft] sharing K3 RS232 to CAT and Remoterig

[Matthew Cook]

Jorge,

You can reconfigure your Bandmaster III to use the Yaesu BCD band selector
and get this BCD information off the K3 15-way Accessory connector.

The downside is you will loose 60m and 75m as separate outputs.

You'll need to make a new cable between the K3 15-way Accessory connector &
BM III, page 10 of the BM III manual has the relevant info.

If the 15-way connector on the K3 is used already, you can purchase a
y-cable from Elecraft.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 15 November 2017 at 06:53, Jorge Diez - CX6VM 
wrote:

> Hello
>
> At my station, I have Elecraft K3, Bandmaster III, SixPack, CAT cable
> connected to K3´s RS232
>
> So when I change bands in the radio, antenna is selected automatically
> through CAT cable and band decoder (Bandmaster III)
>
> Today I connected remoterig box, so needed to remove CAT cable to connect
> remoterig.
>
> So now I lost the feature to change antennas automatically when I change
> bands on the K3
>
> How can I do to share RS232 to have CAT and remoterig at the same time?
>
> thanks,
> Jorge
> CX6VM/CW5W
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Re: [Elecraft] OT: Street lights - for US hams only

[Matthew Cook]

Be thankful that you're not seeing your sodium lamps replaced with LED
solutions, the number of streetlights in the average suburb are quite
simply staggering.

Don't think for a second that these LED lamps were designed for low noise
or that compliance with EMC standards will prevent unwanted interactions.

A single LED luminaire is permitted to conduct and or radiate RF across HF
up to and including 50dBuV, which equates to S9+15dB  (S9 ~ 34dBuV into
50ohms).

I'm now resigned to moving my HF station out and into a remote location
that doesn't have these nasties with a bulls roar of my receiver..

Sad but true.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 18 September 2017 at 14:46, Al Lorona  wrote:

> Yellow sodium vapor street lights can be a significant source of nighttime
> RFI on the lower bands. They are ignited at dusk by an RF arc that
> typically lasts between 5 and 10 seconds, the lamp lights, and the arc is
> extinguished. This arc noise sounds like a constant, dense static and is
> easily seen as a higher noise floor of up to 10 dB on the screen of a P3
> panadapter or equivalent, depending on how far the street light is from
> your antenna.
>
> The problem occurs when the lamp reaches end-of-life. After turning on for
> the first time in the evening it will go off again after a period of
> seconds or minutes and must be ignited again.  Therefore, every so often
> the noise floor suddenly rises, stays there for some time, and then returns
> to normal after the lamp re-lights. This cycle can repeat several dozen or
> hundred times per evening until it turns off for good at sunrise. 160, 80
> and 60 meters are the bands most affected by these lights.
>
> I have been able to lower my ambient noise floor by several dB by going
> out on 'street light patrol' at night, armed with a flashlight, MP3
> recorder and roll of bright orange tape. I drive around out to about a mile
> from my house looking for street lights that are cycling on and off. An
> efficient way to do this is to look for street lights that are off and
> watch them for a few minutes to see if they come on again, while listening
> on the car's AM radio for the characteristic interference. When I find an
> offending light, I use the flashlight and record the location, pole number,
> and any other important information on the audio recorder. Then I mark the
> pole with the bright orange marker tape and continue to search for other
> lights. On a good night, I can find 5 or more lights within a radius that I
> know can cause RFI at home. I have found that lights a half mile away will
> raise the noise floor only a couple of dB, while those within a block or
> two can add 10 dB to the noise flo
>  or.
>
> My local electric utility has a web site to report street light outages. I
> simply log in and transfer the information from the MP3 recordings to the
> form on the web site and submit the report. I'm extremely fortunate that my
> utility, Southern California Edison, faithfully replaces lamps within a
> business week of my report. They like several reports at once which makes
> it worth their while to spend a day replacing lights in one area, and they
> also appreciate the orange markers which helps them sight the poles easily.
>
> A few poles in my city are owned by the city, not the electric utility. In
> that case, I have made friends with the city worker in charge of taking
> outage reports and so I have someone to e-mail my reports to.
> Interestingly, the city can take several weeks to replace a bad lamp.
> [Government always seems to be less efficient than business.]
>
>
> I encourage you to be vigilant for sodium vapor street lights that could
> be a large source of HF nighttime interference for you.
>
>
> Al  W6LX
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Re: [Elecraft] Really OT: Inside-the-vehicle HF antennas (possible bonus points)

[Matthew Cook]

Mount your iPad/Tablet to the dash, install 3G/4G internet capable router
(internal antennas) into the car, Heil Headset & RR1274 then remote into
your K3/KPA500/KAT500 remote station at home.   Works rather nicely.

Otherwise ruggedised whip tuner under the bonnet (err hood) with a thin
discrete stainless steel whip mounted on the front of the car there
somewhere.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 16 July 2017 at 10:23, Wayne Burdick  wrote:

> I’m dealing with one of the last unsolved problems in amateur radio: how
> to operate HF mobile without an antenna. At least not one that, according
> to some vehicle co-owners/spouses, would defile your new sedan.
>
> For 10 bonus points that have only philosophical value, your challenge is
> to create an invisible mobile antenna and actually make a QSO on it. For
> practical purposes (i.e., not frying the car or passengers) let’s say the
> maximum power level is 10 watts. The bands of interest are 40-10 meters.
>
> Here are some ideas I’m considering:
>
> - mag loop in the rear window
> - thin wire loop on a roof rack
> - gamma match to the entire roof
> - surface acoustic waves
> - prayer
>
> Other ideas?
>
> Yes, I know this violates the laws of physics and bioethics. And I fully
> expect the car to generate debilitating levels of RFI. But isn’t this the
> least you’d expect from an unsolved problem?
>
> Thanks in advance,
>
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
>
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[Elecraft] Voice Keyer Problems

[Matthew Cook]

Howdy All,

We're currently having a few problems the Digital Voice Recorder in one of
the K3's we're using in the IARU contest (in progress).  The radio is
a very late model K3 that was purchased & picked up at Dayton on the
weekend the K3s was released.  As usual a gremlin has crept into our radios
at 2AM (local) in the middle of a contest sigh

The Digital voice recorder is doing a few odd things when placed in the
automatic "repeat" calling mode;

   1. randomly locking up and not returning control after playback complete
   2. stopping prematurely before the end of the playback
   3. randomly replaying white noise for the entire playback period

For situation 1 we can reboot the radio (power off and on) which restores
operation for a while.  The last two issues will resolve them selves on the
next activation of the voice keyer (manually).

We're wondering if we have to pull the KDVR3 out of the radio for repair,
or is there software options/versions available that we can upgrade ?  Has
anyone experienced problems like were describing?

73

Matthew
VK5ZM
VK5WIA IARU HQ station
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Display is Dated...

[Matthew Cook]

Good to see this functionality being added to N1MM, with luck some of the
SDR developers will pick this up and it can be implemented externally to
the K-line.

To be honest for situational awareness during a contest having a 24"
monitor with 2.5M or more pixels (or larger) above the desk fed with an SDR
that's sitting in the RX Loop of the K3 monitoring the entire HF band
(>300kHz) gives you both the resolution bandwidth AND video bandwidth
necessary to process this information.

I've seen a similar concept in one of the Mac based loggers (MacLoggerDX?)
where spots are placed across a pseudo frequency dial, it doesn't take long
on a low res screen for it to become unreadable and unusable.

The additional info from N1MM on top of a waterfall display will make this
all the better for search and pounce contest operation.  This feature is
one of the situations where size does matter.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 31 May 2017 at 11:28, Luis V. Romero  wrote:

> I completely agree with Ken K6MR!
>
> I rarely, if ever, touch the radio. I sometimes twirl the main VFO knobs,
> but frankly, out of habit.
>
> 90% of my interface is via the computer keyboard (N1MMLogger +. Oh, yes,
> I'm
> one of those "Durn Contesters!").
>
> But there are very interesting things on the horizon.
>
> I had a very long talk with Tom Wagner, N1MM at the Dayton Contest Suite
> Friday night while Spurious Emissions played in the other room.  He showed
> me his new Logger feature: I call it "Active Bandmap".  It's a bandmap
> window that integrates live information from an Icom 7300 spectrum display
> and the spotting network data and displays it, dynamically, right on the
> logger screen.  It integrates spots, signal strength and labels the pips
> with the callsign from spot data.
>
> I have a friend with a 7300 and will start playing with this feature next
> week (I have a repeater to install this week ).
>
> This, folks, is what I attempt to do on my P3 display (I do not have the
> VGA
> option, it doesn't do much for me). Marker A. Twist the P3 knob. Drop
> Marker
> A on a pip. Push the knob in. Call the station. Repeat.  But don't do it as
> much as I want to as it takes my hands off the keyboard.
>
> I have *ALWAYS* wanted to be able to do this right on the N1MMLogger
> screen,
> under N1MMLogger *KEYBOARD* control (Shift Up Arrow/Shift Down Arrow. I'm
> not much of a mouser.).  Tom has implemented the functionality EXACTLY as I
> envisioned it. But it currently works only on an Icom 7300 and, in the
> future, other similar Icom transceivers. (Yes, I know Flex rigs can do
> this:
> No I don't think their receivers and Maestro's touch screen workflow are
> not
> up to the challenge. yet.)
>
> I am aware that details towards the implementation of this functionality
> has
> been made known to Elecraft. Tom basically has developed an "API" that
> defines how to format serial data to create a similar display from any
> modern Panadaptor display equipped transceiver with serial or "faux" serial
> over USB communications capability.
>
> I would recommend that the contest ops among us (and others who like this
> kind of stuff) investigate this functionality in N1MMLogger + and see how
> it
> may improve your Search and Pounce workflow efficiency.
>
> I also *strongly* encourage Wayne and Eric and the Elecraft Product
> Managers
> to start down the road of implementing this functionality before
> Icom/Somebody else comes out with a radio that challenges K3's performance
> capability.
>
> 73
>
> Lu Romero - W4LT
> Tampa, FL
>
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Re: [Elecraft] SO2R Antenna/Band Information

[Matthew Cook]

Thanks to everyone that emailed me with responses, this learning curve for
SO2R is steep !

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 25 May 2017 at 16:52, Matthew Cook <vk...@bistre.net> wrote:

> I'm currently trying to get my head around where to get antenna band
> information for a K-line SO2R setup using a Microham MK2R+.
>
> I believe I can pick up band information useful for making antenna
> selections from the following two locations;
>
>- back of the Microham MK2R+... or
>- from the 15-pin ACC (between K3 and KPA500 via Y-Cable)
>
> I'm wondering if there are any pitfalls or hidden gotchya's in either of
> these two locations.
>
> To me it seems more sensible to slave the antenna section to the KPA500's
> since it knows where it will be transmitting when PTT is engaged; where as
> the back of the Microham MK2R+ is where "it thinks" or "has told" the radio
> and amp should be...   Logically the same but time differences or local
> user input can make the two different.
>
> Any suggestions or guidance gratefully appreciated.
>
> The Microham MK2R+ that arrived today certainly has a steep learning curve
> !
>
> 73
>
> Matthew
> VK5ZM
>
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[Elecraft] SO2R Antenna/Band Information

[Matthew Cook]

I'm currently trying to get my head around where to get antenna band
information for a K-line SO2R setup using a Microham MK2R+.

I believe I can pick up band information useful for making antenna
selections from the following two locations;

   - back of the Microham MK2R+... or
   - from the 15-pin ACC (between K3 and KPA500 via Y-Cable)

I'm wondering if there are any pitfalls or hidden gotchya's in either of
these two locations.

To me it seems more sensible to slave the antenna section to the KPA500's
since it knows where it will be transmitting when PTT is engaged; where as
the back of the Microham MK2R+ is where "it thinks" or "has told" the radio
and amp should be...   Logically the same but time differences or local
user input can make the two different.

Any suggestions or guidance gratefully appreciated.

The Microham MK2R+ that arrived today certainly has a steep learning curve !

73

Matthew
VK5ZM
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Re: [Elecraft] Hex Beam

[Matthew Cook]

I'd go and visit Leo K4KIO's webiste, there you will find much inspiration.

http://www.k4kio.com/gallery/#prettyPhoto[gallery]/28/

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 20 May 2017 at 23:35, Dauer, Edward  wrote:

> Recent posts on the hex beam sent me off to look further into it.  I found
> what I think is an  excellent discussion at http://www.karinya.net/g3txq/
> hexbeam/
>
> Anyone know a source for support construction notes or ideas for a
> portable application?
>
> Ted, KN1CBR
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Fire in the house li-ion

[Matthew Cook]

William,

We're sorry to hear about your fire, especially loosing all of your
Elecraft gear.

If you are washing your equipment with water it's important that you go to
the shop and purchase *distilled *water like you should use for your solder
sponge or car battery.  Distilled water will mobilise ions and remove them
from causing further corrosion damage to your electronic assemblies.  Your
worst enemy are alkalies like salt and reactive elements like Iron, both
found in municipal town water.  Keep washing with distilled water and keep
flushing it for a few days and then let it dry out in a warm dry place. I
have rescued a few KX3's after having taken a swim in sea water.   I'm also
luck to work at a semiconductor foundry, so we have 99.5% pure water on
site to work with (*grin*).

I'm also assuming that the fire was a LiPO battery.   The advice you have
received about not entering your basement is wise.   LiPO fires create
compounds that are very, very toxic, I would also expect your insurance
company to have your basement professionally cleaned before going back
inside.  You may find that after cleaning it may be necessary to seal in
all the contaminates with paint or sealing compounds.  If in doubt talk to
your local fire department (seriously) they should have Material Safety
Data Sheets (MSDS) for LiPO battery and containment after a fire.  Europe
and Australia are similar in adoption of solar battery systems, so with
large scale LiPO batteries in homes now, fire departments have further
health risks to concern themselves with.

Having had LiPO and LiFePO4 batteries (yes these burn too) that I use in my
Radio Control Models catch on fire at various times I now charge any LiPO
battery in a fire bag.

https://hobbyking.com/en_us/batteries/lipo-safe-bags.html?___store=en_us

They are cheap insurance that is for certain.

Mijn beste wensen

Matthew
VK5ZM


On 18 May 2017 at 06:59, William Lagerberg  wrote:

> Guys,
>
> I want to give you a advice, my shack it (was) in the basement (cellar??)
> I do all my thing for the hobby there.
> A collega of mine asked me to take a look at two Go-Pro LI-Ion accu's
> because they where not loading anymore.
>
> So I put the first one on the loader for 8 till 9 hours and checked it and
> it was ok  ( with 10% loading current)
> Then I dit put the second one in same place at 10 in the morning at 3 my
> daughter called me there is a fire.
> We rusted to the cellar but I could not enter it was filled with dark
> smoke.
>
> My shack is gone and 90 % off my house, I have insurance don’t now if it
> is enough to cover all of my Elecraft stuff
>
> My K1, my own build K2 my K3  and my KX3 are gone, I found my K1 in 20 cm
> off water really down under, I clean’t it with fresh water.
> After that flushed it with pure alcohol. It is completely taken apart
> today as far as is possible.
> I Hope it will survive I will let it dry for a lot of day’s
>
> My K2 is melted the same as my P3 and my K3 perhaps I can order the
> outside of both, but a am still not allowed to enter the basement so I
> don’t know how it looks at the inside.
>
> So finale the message is please take care with li-ion accuse battery’s. It
> did cost me our house in 1 hour.
>
> http://www.nhnieuws.nl/nieuws/206119/bewoner-vlucht-met-
> dieren-pand-uit-vanwege-grote-brand  nieuws/206119/bewoner-vlucht-met-dieren-pand-uit-vanwege-grote-brand>
>
> Regards William Pe1bsb
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 Enhancement

[Matthew Cook]

Now there's a good point, have to make sure the antennas are well matched
and put the tuner into bypass.

So time to get back to working on the 1500W W3NQN filter designs... and the
high power paperwork requirements from our regulatory body to run that sort
of power level... sigh.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 27 April 2017 at 12:29, Erik Basilier <ebasil...@cox.net> wrote:

> Of course, in an SO2R scenario where the shared amplifier alternates
> between
> two different bands with every transmission, a shared ATU would exercise
> the
> relays a lot. Separate tuners might be needed in order to avoid the relays
> wearing out.
>
> 73,
> Erik K7TV
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of
> Matthew Cook
> Sent: Wednesday, April 26, 2017 5:45 PM
> To: Thomas Donohue <tomdo...@gmail.com>
> Cc: Elecraft Reflector <Elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 Enhancement
>
> If that were to happen then adding a second 15-way connector at the same
> time to said module to allow two K3/K3s to drive the one amp through each
> respective antenna input and matched output would start this amp towards
> the
> "basic" SO2R path.  From there a smart 2x6 antenna switching unit some well
> designed BPF filters and your well on your way.  The rest of the magic is
> then just firmware (says he that writes said firmware every day) within the
> upgraded processor the KPA1500 has been blessed with.
>
> I'm fingers crossed..
>
> 73
>
> Matthew
> VK5ZM
>
> On 26 April 2017 at 22:37, Thomas Donohue <tomdo...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Hi to all:
> >
> > Wayne or Eric. Are there any plans or thoughts about adding a second
> > RF input to the amp, similar to what the Yaesu VL-1000 has?
> >
> > Best 73,
> > Tom/W1QU
> >
> >
> > Sent from my iPad
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 Enhancement

[Matthew Cook]

If that were to happen then adding a second 15-way connector at the same
time to said module to allow two K3/K3s to drive the one amp through each
respective antenna input and matched output would start this amp towards
the "basic" SO2R path.  From there a smart 2x6 antenna switching unit some
well designed BPF filters and your well on your way.  The rest of the magic
is then just firmware (says he that writes said firmware every day) within
the upgraded processor the KPA1500 has been blessed with.

I'm fingers crossed..

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 26 April 2017 at 22:37, Thomas Donohue  wrote:

> Hi to all:
>
> Wayne or Eric. Are there any plans or thoughts about adding a second RF
> input to the amp, similar to what the Yaesu VL-1000 has?
>
> Best 73,
> Tom/W1QU
>
>
> Sent from my iPad
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Re: [Elecraft] Another really good reason to come to the Visailia DX convention this weekend...

[Matthew Cook]

Right so if I book a ticket now I can get there Sunday... damn that's a
long drive.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 21 April 2017 at 02:20, Wayne Burdick  wrote:

> http://www.elecraft.com/images/visalia1.jpg
>
> Watch this space for further details :)
>
> 73,
>
> Wayne, N6KR
> Eric, WA6HHQ
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Another really good reason to come to the Visailia DX convention this weekend...

[Matthew Cook]

Apparently he's here this weekend.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 21 April 2017 at 08:22, Ron D'Eau Claire  wrote:

> Eric, you are better at that than White House spokesperson Mr. Spicer!
>
> 73, Ron AC7AC
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Eric
> Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft
> Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2017 3:08 PM
> To: KV5J; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Another really good reason to come to the Visailia
> DX convention this weekend...
>
> The posting below is a little inaccurate.
>
> If we are going to announce something like everyone is talking about, we
> are
> not yet taking orders.
>
> That said, we can put people on a notification list for when we will have
> additional info and for when we will be taking orders for whatever we are
> talking about.
>
> 73,
>
> Eric
> /elecraft.com/
>
> On 4/20/2017 2:54 PM, KV5J via Elecraft wrote:
> > I just called and pre-ordered one.  I'm 3rd. on the list! Better hurry.
> >
> >
> >
> > --
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 loss of rx signal

[Matthew Cook]

Ok.. My K3 has done something similar recently.

When you suspect that the RX has gone dead, try holding the Tune button and
force the radio to transmit a CW carrier.  I suspect you'll find that you
will get no output power aswell...  In this case the problem is with the
local oscillator and you won't see any error codes on the display either.

In my case I'd run into trouble with low out of from the KREF3 reference
oscillator which was fixed with a resistor change as per these instructions
(
http://www.elecraft.com/manual/E740278%20KREF3%20Output%20Level%20Modification.pdf).
  From memory the green LED on the top of the KSYN3A I'd installed would
not light when it decided it didn't like the look of the reference
oscillator, hence no LO would be generated and the symptoms were similar to
the ones you described.

It was intermittent and could be solved by power cycling the radio a few
times, I could have sworn the odd "calibrated bump" would restore operation
as well  but I'm not so sure.

Otherwise I'd be cleaning all of the TMP connectors with something like
deoxit and making sure all of the LO and Reference oscillator connections
are right.

I certainly hope that you find the gremlin in your radio.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 3 April 2017 at 18:11, LA7NO  wrote:

> Hello group,
>
> I have several times experienced that the K3 receiver goes 100% dead. Same
> as if no antenna was connected.
> A smart bump on the K3 brings it back to normal.
>
> I suspect a relay. The question is which one?
> Suggestion anyone?
>
> 73,
>
> Per-Tore / LA7NO
>
>
>
>
> --
> View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.
> nabble.com/K3-loss-of-rx-signal-tp7628912.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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Re: [Elecraft] Amplifier thoughts

[Matthew Cook]

You can always use impedance transformers to bring your match back within
the "impedance range" of your tuner.   These cost far less per unit price
than the components required to beef up an internal tuner to handle
impedance's of 500-800 ohms or more (or the conjugate) with a solid state
amp.

A simple 3:1 impedance transformation is not expensive in terms of
components and allows you to flatten out the band edges of a dipole or
beam.  Out side of this your amplifier is asking you to pay attention.

For those wanting to use antenna with high impedance (or very low
impedance) feed point there are tuners already that will suit your purpose.
  Thinking about that it would be nice if the KAT1500 could have some form
of tuner interface (like the Icom and Kenwoods) where an external tuner can
be activated, RF applied and held until the tuner releases the tune line.

In the real world as you put it capacitors look like door knobs and
inductors are large enough to stand in and everything is silver plated.
There's that pesky issue with the voltage being the square of the current
for a fixed impedance, it does take long for things to get nasty as you
increase the current by 1 or 2 amps at a time.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 29 March 2017 at 10:00, brian  wrote:

> KAT500 handles a much wider SWR range (like to about 10:1).
>
> Why do you assume people are lucky enough to have antennas with no more
> than a 3:1 SWR across the ham bands?
>
> Yes, higher SWR's require beefed up components but welcome to the real
> world.
>
> 73 de Brian/K3KO
>
>
> On 3/28/2017 23:00 PM, Paul Van Dyke wrote:
>
>> Ralph Parker said my list.
>>
>> 1500w output, 160 - 6m.
>> 2 inputs.
>> 4  outputs (Manual switching is OK).
>> Built-in antenna tuner (good for 3:1 SWR).
>> Reasonably quiet fans.
>> Separate p/s, or remote control head (space considerations.  :-)
>>
>> Paul. KB9AVO​
>>
>> On Mar 28, 2017 4:40 PM, "Ralph Parker"  wrote:
>>
>> I better post this before I'm too late.
>>>
>>> I'd like:
>>> All the features of my KPA500, plus
>>> 1500w output, 160 - 6m.
>>> 2 inputs.
>>> 2 outputs (or more. Manual switching is OK).
>>> Built-in antenna tuner (good for 3:1 SWR).
>>> Reasonably quiet fans.
>>> Separate p/s, or remote control head (space considerations).
>>> (I understand the difficulty of getting high power from the p/s to
>>> the
>>> PA.)
>>> I don't expect to carry it around, so weight is not a problem for me.
>>> Expeditions can use the KPA500 :-)
>>>
>>> When this amp is available, I'll sell amplifiers Ac and Am and buy one.
>>> I'm keeping my KPA-500!
>>>
>>> Ralph, VE7XF
>>>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3/K3s; Digital modes, specifically DV

[Matthew Cook]

I'd wait until David VK5DGR gets the FreeDV bit rate lower which will
improve the Eb/n0 requirements and bring the performance closer to that of
SSB.  If you're not already following along on David's blog it's worth a
read (http://www.rowetel.com/) his writing style is easy going and he
explains things well.

His current work on Codec2 700C surpassing MELP 600 in performance along
with some new modem ideas will push the limits of what's possible with
Digital voice on HF.  It will not be long and the performance of FreeDV
will be equal too if not surpass SSB on a standard HF channel.  Yes this
can be done already, however you do end up sounding like donald duck and a
bit robotic for my liking on current technology.  The work on Codec2 will
change this.

While the FreeDV code base (Modem + Codec2) is open source the integration
work is not insignificant.  The current FreeDV codebase in the SM1000 runs
on a STM32V405xxx 32-bit ARM core clocked at 168MHz with a real FPU and no
RTOS it runs bare metal.  That is some serious beans in terms of DSP
processing !!!  The effort involved in bringing this into any product
should not be underestimated, there is still some very serious work to do
which results in $$$ spent.

While FreeDV is under active development interfacing a linux based laptop
to the K3 and using this to keep up with the Jones's is perhaps the best
course of action.  Those with the K3s are already ahead of those with a
stock K3 since they already have the internal USB sound card.  However
making cables for laptops and PTT cct's isn't hard either.

Once the performance of FreeDV surpasses that of standard SSB then would it
be time for internal integration work to begin.  I'm fingers crossed that
the processors and DSP in the next iteration of the K-line will have enough
processing beans to "answer the meaning of life the universe and
everything" in real time.  As David tells me on the local repeater most
mornings "MIPS are cheap".  That is about the time frame I'd expect both of
these technologies to collide.

YMMV.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 28 March 2017 at 04:40, Richard Fjeld  wrote:

> Greetings to all,
>
> The K3/K3s is an excellent radio for digital modes due to the ease of
> interfacing with a computer if desired.  A computer is not even needed
> for some digital modes, and I have tried that successfully.
>
> I have mentioned in the past that I had tried the free software for
> digital voice on HF called 'FreeDV'.  I had worked a Canadian ham a few
> times using it and he has been keeping in contact with me via email
> encouraging me to get back into it.  I am starting to get up to date
> again, and I found accurate reviews of it on
> http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/11016   by K2RWF and WA0TPN.  I think
> you will find the reviews interesting and informative.
>
> Notice that the reviews seem to be either at, or near, 5/5 or 0/5. I
> think both of the reviews I mentioned answer why that is.  I will keep
> my experience mute and let you glean aye/nay from the reviews. Whether
> you approve of digital voice or not, the K3/K3s is a natural for using
> it, and it's fun.  (As always with digital modes, be kind to your finals.)
>
> FYI,
> Dick, n0ce
>
>
> --
>
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Re: [Elecraft] For Sale: Elecraft K2

[Matthew Cook]

Yes and we'd also buy them too if we could find people willing to send them
to VK !

Sigh.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 28 March 2017 at 12:27, Jim Allen  wrote:

> Pretty good deal?  The new stuff would cost you $1660, and you still have
> to build it!
>
> If I didn't already have two, I'd be all over it.  I wish he would ask
> more, but it's his to do with as he likes.
>
> 73 Jim Allen W6OGC
>
>
> > That's actually a pretty good deal. I've just built a K2 and the base
> radio alone cost more than what you are selling yours for
> >
> Sent from my iPad
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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft SSB net

[Matthew Cook]

That's why you go and hide on the WARC bands (along with the rare DX)
during these large SSB contests (*grin*).

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 27 March 2017 at 11:03, Phil Shepard  wrote:

> The SSB contest wiped out our net.  I could hardly hear the relay
> stations, nor could they hear me. And I was running 500w to a quad at 75’!
> Try again next week.
>
> 73,
> Phil, NS7P
>
> > On Mar 26, 2017, at 3:22 PM, Steve Sergeant 
> wrote:
> >
> > Chuck:
> >
> > I head the SSB net today, but from a 1,960' ridge top above San Jose,
> > CA, using my KX2 and a carefully-tuned loop antenna, I wasn't heard well
> > enough to check-in.
> >
> > --KC6ZKT
> >
> >
> > On 3/26/17 12:28 PM, Chuck Chandler wrote:
> >> Is there an SSB net on some Sunday's but not others? I saw an email last
> >> week but too late to check in.
> >>
> >> 73 de Chuck, WS1L
> >>
> >
> >
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Re: [Elecraft] Linear thoughts

[Matthew Cook]

Eric,

That's easy, #1 requirement should be spectral purity at full smoke.  So
simply take the features and functions of the KPA500 and increase output to
1500W PEP.   I'd not like to see Elecraft waste their time with an
Spurious/IMD spec that only just pass the FCC requirements, it's about time
someone showed leadership here.   At the very least I'd expect to see
Spurious emissions 60dB (or more) below PEP and IMD 30dB (or more) below
PEP across all bands, I'll admit this is not easy to do from 1.8-50MHz but
it's also not impossible.  This is the minimum commercial spec for 1kW HF
gear here in VK already, for inspiration Codan 3062 or LINEARamp Gemini.
However it's not easy especially since the FCC ties your hands behind your
backs in terms of gain from the get go.

The nice to haves (wish list) would be;

   - Four antenna output with an internal tuner that could flatten antennas
   that creep up towards 3:1 at the band edges (ala alpha 9500 series)
   - Limit the weight of the KPA1500 to the same as the KPA500 is now
   (preferably lighter) so switchmode PSU's this time please.
   - Make allowances for those countries that aren't limited to FCC 13dB
   gain, we'd be happy with just 16dB (*30-40W grin*) and let us pocket the
   IMD/Spurious improvements

If Elecraft were to make such an amp with this sort of spectral purity I'd
be inclined to complete the necessary paperwork for a high power variation
on my license here in VK and purchase an amp.  I've toyed with the Gemini
Amp a couple of times but the integration of the KPA500 eventually tipped
the balance.

Then all we've got to do is get more people pointing their beams at us
during DXpeditions and Contests and we'd be set.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 18 March 2017 at 03:36, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft  wrote:

> Interesting discussion.
>
> Folks, if we did introduce a 1500 W solid state amp similar to our KPA500
> in operation, what features etc would be important?
>
> 73,
> Eric
> /elecraft.com/
>
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Product Idea - 25 Watt PA for the K3

[Matthew Cook]

To make this idea work you need to make a 25Wpep amplifier that is kept in
it's linear region so that the IMD from this amplifier does not cause
problems in the output of the KPA500.

To make a class A-B 25W amplifier such as this with enough linearity will
result in you designing an amplifier capable of 100Wpep at full smoke.  The
non-linear nature of HF PA's is easily found on the net.  Having designed
PA's for HF manpacks a number of years ago we simply turned down our
100Wpep design to 25Wpep and pocketed the performance increase at the
expense of cost.

The K3/100 at 25-35W has excellent linearity (highly likely by design, pat
designers on back for this one) which allows a more aggressive approach
within the KPA500 for grunt at the expense of "some" linearity.   You're
not increasing the cost of the KPA500 trying to eeek out every last bit of
linearity to get around the rubbish coming from the transceiver.

I'm keen to do some measurements in the near future of the SPE 1.3k-fa
amplifier being driven by a K3/10.  Having measured the IMD of my the
K3/100 at 10W (KPA3 disabled) recently I was a little surprised at the
result, it was not as clean as when driven at 30W with the KPA3 enabled.
I'd not be surprised to see some output degradation in the SPE from the
K3/10 c.f K3/100 driven at 20W with a -3dB inline attenuator.   This would
certainly explain some of the "wide" local signals that I've been seeing in
my SDR recently.

Engineering is always about compromise, and cascaded amplifiers are one of
the more trickier things to strike the right balance with.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 23 February 2017 at 07:55, Harry Yingst via Elecraft <
elecraft@mailman.qth.net> wrote:

>
> Seeing how the KPA- 500 tends to need less than 25 watts to drive it to
> full output (500 watts) It got me thinking about a 25 watt PA Option.
> Would it be possible to replace the existing 10 watt PA board with a 25
> watt PA board that would use a larger heatsink instead of the case.
>
> If the stock Filters and Relays can handle the 25 watts it would seem that
> it would be a more inexpensive option for those who plan on going with the
> KPA500.
>
> Just a thought...
>
>
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Boost power supplies for RF amps

[Matthew Cook]

I have a Codan 6924 lunch box radio that does just this.

 (
http://www.hfradiosales.com.au/codan_%20barrett_hf_radio_information/RADIOS/files/6924%20MK2-2.jpg
)

It takes in 10-15V and boosts it to 28V to feed a 25W PA, it does so only
on TX.  This radio was designed in 1969 and released to market in 1971, I
got mine given to me in 1979.  So this concept is not new.   Way back when
the 28V RF transistors of the day did not operate well with low collector
voltages at 12V, IMD was way too high.  For reference the 6924 IMD is
better than -40dB PEP for a 38 yr old radio.

I believe we will see a return of the 50V MOSFET PA's in commercial
equipment again, especially with the explosion of LDMOS devices and the
ever decreasing availability of 16-18V bi-polar RF transistors.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 21 February 2017 at 09:10, Mel Farrer via Elecraft <
elecraft@mailman.qth.net> wrote:

> I have long wondered why some manufacture did not think of it.  That is a
> amp with built in 12 VDC boost PS.  With all of the new switching tech, it
> should be a KISS solution and make the amp SOUND GREAT all of the time
> Just my opinion hi.
> Mel, K6KBE
>
>   From: Bill Frantz 
>  To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>  Sent: Monday, February 20, 2017 2:08 PM
>  Subject: [Elecraft] Boost power supplies for RF amps
>
> The short answer is they can. It is only a matter of engineering
> time, cost, resulting price, number of customers and competing
> projects. In other words, the usual business considerations.
>
> Lets work the idea through for several of the Elecraft RF amplifiers:
>
> The 10-15W K3(s) amp: This amp can have significant IMD at low
> voltages as we have discovered with our QRP, all Elecraft, field
> day operation. The KX3 seems to do better, so reengineering the
> amp may be a better solution. For field day, we try to have
> fresh batteries available.
>
> The 100W K3(s) internal amp: This amp also has low voltage IMD
> as we found during our 100W California QSO party expeditions.
> But, consider the K3(s)'s construction. The front of the radio
> is the digital portion, including the DSPs and the front panel
> computer. All of this digital noise is isolated from the analog
> circuits in the back of the radio. If Elecraft were to include a
> boost power supply with the internal amp, that high-current
> switcher would be in the analog section, and probably impossible
> to quiet. Solution: Get an external boost power supply.
>
> The KXPA100 external amp: This form factor would be an ideal
> place to include a boost power supply. The use profile includes
> portable battery operation and designing isolation for the power
> supply into the package seems straight forward.
>
> The KPA500 external amp: The amp setup procedure sets the
> voltage to to 65v to 85v and the specifications call for about
> 1000 VA of power or about 13A at 75v. That would be nearly 75A
> at 13.5 volts assuming 100% efficiency, so it would be a good
> idea to put the boost power supply next to the battery and run
> 75v to the amp. It would make a nice high power mobil rig.
>
> 73 Bill AE6JV
>
> In thread "Re: [Elecraft] Chinese ebay amps for KX3", on 2/20/17
> at 5:47 AM, pin...@erols.com (Charlie T, K3ICH) wrote:
>
> >So now, tell me why a mid-sized radio can't have a built in 12 V to say,
> 50
> >V converter to drive some HV FETs for cleaner output specs like the Yuge
> >radios.
> ---
> Bill Frantz|The nice thing about standards| Periwinkle
> (408)356-8506  |is there are so many to choose| 16345
> Englewood Ave
> www.pwpconsult.com |from.  - Andrew Tanenbaum| Los Gatos,
> CA 95032
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Motor for Cap in Mag Loop

[Matthew Cook]

John,

Firstly build your loop with your chosen capacitor and see how much Q you
can achieve.  From there you can work out by how much (or how little!) you
have to rotate the shaft per kHz of change.   This will then dictate how
you computer control your loop.

Unfortunately you need to start at the other end of the project first and
work backwards to find the right motor and gearbox.  Transmitting loops
with high Q can be fiddly to tune and then hold in tune, especially when
they are only 3kHz wide.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM


On 28 October 2016 at 12:36, johnpierce  wrote:

> I have seen general definitions about motors for driving a capacitor in Mag
> Loop.   But I have not seen a recommendation of a specific type to look for
> on Amazon or Ebay.  For starters I am looking for a 12vdc reversible motor.
> I would like to start with a simple push button system for tuning.  Maybe I
> will consider a stepper later.  I think that would need some computer
> control.  I am also wondering what RPM to consider for use on the lowest
> frequency (40mtrs).  The capacitor I am expecting to use would not have a
> stop and could travel a full 360 degrees.
>
>
>
> John
>
> Ad2F
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Interlocking two K3

[Matthew Cook]

Aren't those just virtual widgets that you stitch together in a software
package drop some pins down and download to your FPGA ?

You'd have to be old enough to know they started as silicon, I'm sure I can
find the masks or some bare dies for those here at work (*wink*).

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 14 October 2016 at 07:41, Roger Dixon  wrote:

> Thanks for the comments.  I now have a prototype solution running with a
> 4027 and a 4528 !!
> 73
> Roger
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of
> Edward
> R Cole
> Sent: 11 October 2016 05:50
> To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Interlocking two K3
>
> The simple fix is to move the 470-ohm resistors to be inserted between
> pin-1
> and Pin-7.  The resistor is used to limit current draw when pin-7 is
> grounded (inhibiting Tx).  With pin-10 directly connected to pin-7, pin-7
> will go directly to low when pin-10 does.
>
> If you want a little more insurance that current goes the correct direction
> add a diode pointing toward pin-10 from pin-7.
>
> I am using inhibit with my station sequencer (except with the opposite
> logic: INH=HI):
> http://www.kl7uw.com/TX-INHIBIT.htm
> also added a little more band logic for use with transverters and disables
> inhibit with HF.
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
>
> -
> From: "Val" 
> To: 
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Interlocking two K3
> Message-ID: <835760C8560A48D18E811EB243F91E3E@OFFICE>
> Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset="iso-8859-1";
>  reply-type=original
>
> Charlie, how this could work after there is no way the TX Inh inputs to be
> pulled down?
>
> 73, Val LZ1VB
>
>  > Roger:
>  > Look at:
>  >
>  > http://www.kkn.net/~n6tv/SimpleElecraftK3SO2RLockoutCircuit.pdf
>  >
>  > I belive it's different than the one you described in your email.
>  > I've
>  > used this one successfully.
>  >
>  > 73 charlie, k1xx
>
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
> http://www.kl7uw.com
>  "Kits made by KL7UW"
> Dubus Mag business:
>  dubus...@gmail.com
>
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> -
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Re: [Elecraft] MAC logging software

[Matthew Cook]

MacLoggerDX from Dog Park Software.

Can't go wrong.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 9 June 2016 at 11:40, George Rebong  wrote:

> Looking for a nice MAC logging software that I can use for my K3/K2. Any
> recommendations that you would like to share.
> Thank you.
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S RJ-45 Pin Alignment

[Matthew Cook]

Unfortunately it's not the plug that gets flogged by the wiggle wiggle
wiggle... it's the socket.

\Replacing the socket of a RJ45 in any piece of equipment that has been
flogged to death is a little more than most Hams can cope with.  The
quality of the sockets that most manufacturers use is also questionable,
some are nothing more than wire pins bent within a plastic frame, cheap and
very nasty.

Having fought a loosing battle with Kenwood microphones in my 4WD, I've now
replaced the lot with something far more robust that has pins and positive
mec mechanical locking, no more plastic clips or bent pieces of wire and my
problems have reduces significantly.

The RJ45 sockets should stay where they were originally intended in IT
racking equipment where they are not disturbed, they are not really
intended for use i mobile/portable/high use equipment.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM



On 2 May 2016 at 14:23, Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT 
wrote:

> Microphone connectors fail eventually, even the well-made ones with set
> screws and clamps.
>
> There is one advantage to the RJ-45 -- it's easy to clip off a little wire
> and crimp on a new one.
>
> Replacing a more traditional connector is much harder.
>
> 73 -- Lynn
>
> On 5/1/2016 9:35 PM, Edward R Cole wrote:
>
>> But the most miserable use is as a mic connector which Motorola went to.
>> Now I see many ham radio mfr's copying. Instead of molded multi-contact
>> connector with set screw which holds contact tension its just wiggle wiggle
>> that poor RJ45.
>>
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] OT: Encounters of the Moose kind

[Matthew Cook]

Oh no... there's a Moose loose near the Hoose !

Sorry couldn't resist (*grin*).

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 16 March 2016 at 10:29, Edward R Cole  wrote:

> "Time out" for interesting event that happened a few minutes, ago.  My
> wife commented that something "HIT" my tower, as she heard a "bang" and
> noted the guy line that secures to post on the front side of the house was
> moving very "agitated".
>
> So in my slippers I went out on the back deck for a quick look.  Tower and
> antennas all looked fine.  Walked to the end of the house where the tower
> is mounted and secured with wall bracket at ten feet.  All fine --- oh
> there is a guy line draped down where it should not.  Further inspection
> showed the guy to the back side of the house had broken.  I walked to the
> guy post and found that the turnbuckle end that secured the guy wire had
> bent full open and tip broken off.  Guy post laid over almost horizontal in
> direction right angle to normal guy force.
>
> We didn't see it but only thing big enough to exert enough force to break
> the turnbuckle would probably be a Moose.  The end hook was totally
> straightened out so the guy loop just slipped off.  Hook on other end of
> turnbuckle looks fine; 3/16 inch galv guy wire survived.
>
> We have been experiencing daily winds above 20mph so that might have
> fatigued the end-bolt hook.  Last two days totally calm, though???  ---
> Then "BANG!"
>
> OK, back to Elecraft "stuff" ;-)
>
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
> http://www.kl7uw.com
> "Kits made by KL7UW"
> Dubus Mag business:
> dubus...@gmail.com
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Noise from LEDs

[Matthew Cook]

John,

That tells you that the noise from the LED power supply is differential
noise and not common mode.  You might find this URL helpful, just focus on
the pictures on the first page.

http://www.murata.com/~/media/webrenewal/products/emc/emifil/knowhow/26to30.ashx

Figuring out what type of noise you're dealing with is the first step to
reducing it.   You might find it easier to replace the LED driver you're
using with another unit and see if you get an improvement.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 2 February 2016 at 14:18, johnpierce  wrote:

> My kitchen, under cabinet lights, are LEDs.  With those lights turned on my
> noise floor changes from -128db to -102db.  If the circuit is changed to a
> different phase the noise improves by 6db.  All of this at 7mhz and other
> higher bands.  Needless to say the AM broadcast band is highly affected by
> the LEDs.
>
>
>
> Placing a type 31 core with three turn of the AC line feeding the LED power
> supply and a clamp on 31 core on the LED side of the power supply provides
> no improvement!  I do not have an oscilloscope to look at the waveforms.
> But given what I have done, why is there no improvement?  I was following
> recommendations provided by NK7Z.
>
>
>
> AD2F,  John
>
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Re: [Elecraft] IMD and supply voltage

[Matthew Cook]

Frank,

Actually No.

You can build solid state 125Wpep HF amplifiers with TX IMD figures better
than  -42dBc that operate quite happily at full power with only 11V.
Unfortunately they are typically designed and built by Military and
Commercial HF manufacturers who then have to recover their development
costs with very high transceiver prices.  I don't think most Hamsters will
want to pay for the amortised development costs, they are not insignificant.

The last commercial BJT HF amplifier design that I was involved with
required ~6 man years of development work and easily made the above
specs/grade, this was done 9 years ago.  However while the FCC and other
regulatory bodies don't make the specifications for Amateur gear better,
then there wont really be any serious developments in this area why would
you?

However there are an equal amount of poorly designed tube amplifiers c.f
solid state amplifiers on the air waves, so this phenomenon is not uncommon.

Oh the K3/K3s 100W power amplifier is certainly well above par, especially
when kept around 30Wpep; just the right amount of power to feed the KPA500
or well designed QRO tube amp.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 30 October 2015 at 10:11, frank  wrote:

> On Thu, 29 Oct 2015 15:21:05 -0700
> Wayne Burdick  wrote:
>
> > Yes, we made sure compression was off. We gave the unit every
> opportunity to exhibit magic properties. Alas, it did not.
> >
> > Wayne
> > N6KR
> >
>
>
> Sounds like all solid state amps offering more than about 50 watts are
> having growing pains.  It does not make much sense investing in something
> you might need to trash in a few years when someone decides to design a
> decent solid state amp or the chip designers create a magic power device.
>
> For my money its a K3S/10 and a homebrew 6146 run off a mobile power
> supply.
>
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Re: [Elecraft] LP-PAN 2 and P3

[Matthew Cook]

Jorge,

Don has given you a good summary of the two devices.

When considering the PC path you should be aware that there is more
opportunity to receive and display a much wider bandwidth than either the
P3 or LP-Pan can provide.  At the moment both the P3 and LP-Pan are limited
to 200kHz and 192kHz of bandwidth respectively.  So they can see +/-100kHz
or so either side of the  current VCO frequency at full span.  This is
great for giving you situational awareness of who and what is happening
either side of your VCO frequency.

However if you own a Software Defined Radio and have a transverter
interface in your Elecraft rig, you can take full advantage of the RX Loop
terminals and insert a RF splitter like this (
http://www.minicircuits.com/pdfs/ZSC-2-1.pdf).   With this setup it means
that signals come in off your antenna are routed out the RX Loop out
terminal and in to the splitter; one path then turns back into the radio
through the RF Loop In terminals (albeit with a 3.6dB loss) and the other
path can be taken off to the SDR. You need to purchase the RX Splitter
separately ~US$20-40 off ebay.

This splitter effectively puts both your SDR and K3/K3s receivers in
parallel fed off the same antenna, just keep in mind that signal levels
into both the Rx and SDR will be half an S-point lower due to the spliter
insertion loss.   If signals fade or are weak, you can switch the RX loop
out of circuit and bypass the splitter, handy trick on a K3 since there's a
button for it. My favourite button actually.

So the hidden benefits of an external SDR in liu of the P3 and LP-Pan are;

   - ability to monitor another band and wait for it to open
  - watch for 10m activity while 15m is running
  - keep an eye on 6m while playing on HF
   - Youi can achieve pan-adaptor bandwidths greater than 200kHz
   - Watch an entire band for activity at once BW > 400kHz

The downside however is that the SDR's that can survive strong signals
without turning up their toes will cost you hundreds of dollars, theres
more software work and jigging and poking of software to get them to go.

It is also possible with a tiny bit more software work to have the SDR and
K3 frequencies and mode track, which means you get mouse control over the
K3 where you can click on the SDR waterfall on the PC and have the K3 track
the SDR, you can also have the SDR change bands when you press the Band
Keys on the K3.

I personally find that with a good SDR I've not felt the need for the
second RX option in my K3 yet.   I do however use a RFSpace Cloud-IQ that
can monitor 1.8MHz with a reasonable dynamic range.  Previously I've used
the RFSpace SDR-IQ and Funcube Dongle Pro plus, results with both were
excellent.   I prefer SDR Radio for my pan-adaptor.  We've used this setup
in our multi-multi contest QRO contest station for a number of years, 24"
portrait pan-adaptor displays are now common in our club.

However as Don has already mentioned, you need to decide on a PC (LP-Pan or
SDR) or no PC path (P3).

There is alot of fun to be had with an external SDR too if you want to push
the boundary.  All of the devices discussed work as described, I don't
think you'll be disappointed which ever way you go.  I will however be
selling my LP-Pan2 adaptor in the not too distant future.

I hope that the above helps.  YMMV.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 15 October 2015 at 13:24, Don Wilhelm  wrote:

> Jorge,
>
> The goal of both the P3 and LP-Pan (with PC software) is the same -- to
> give you a panadapter display of the IF output of the K3 (K3S) or any other
> radio.
>
> The P3 does it by direct digital means and displays the resulting spectrum
> and waterfall on the native screen.  With the SVGA option, it can display
> the same information on a larger SVGA monitor - no computer is involved.
>
> LP-Pan is a hardware box that takes the IF output and produces I/Q
> quadrature audio outputs.  Those I/Q outputs must be sent to a soundcard
> and processed by a computer running SDR software (HDSDR, Win4K3suite, NaP3,
> etc.) to produce a spectrum display and waterfall.
>
> If you are trying to decide between the two solutions, consider the
> "computer or no computer" considerations.  LP-Pan requires a computer to
> process the I/Q signals, but the P3 (with or without the SVGA option) is
> independent of an external computer.  The P3 with SVGA option simply
> provides a larger display on an SVGA monitor (no computer involved).
>
> If you are willing to deal with 'computer things' like soundcard setup
> problems and software application setup problems running on the computer,
> then LP-Pan may be an OK solution for you.  However, if you want something
> that can provide a panadapter display without dependency on a computer,
> then the P3 would be the best choice (with or without the SVGA option).
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> On 10/14/2015 9:01 PM, Jorge Diez - CX6VM wrote:
>
>> Hello
>>
>> I am looking for information about LP-PAN 2 and the P3 SVGA
>>

Re: [Elecraft] TX3X K3/KPA500 DXpedition to Chesterfield Islands on the air

[Matthew Cook]

Ahh.,...That would be why they sounded so great on 20m & 15m over the
weekend when were testing/tuning up our portable QRO OCDX contest
station...  it was K-line to K-line (*grin*)...

http://www.areg.org.au/?p=1793

Five of our ops had a crack at the pileups on both bands, although our
geography gave us something of an advantage.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 7 October 2015 at 03:52, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft <
e...@elecraft.com> wrote:

> TX3X on the the Chesterfield Islands is rolling along with their K3s and
> KPA500s.
>
> See:  www.tx3x.com
> and
> http://www.dxsummit.fi/#/?dx_calls=TX3X
>
> 73,
>
> Eric
> /elecraft.com/
>
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Re: [Elecraft] CFL's - LEDs - Solar

[Matthew Cook]

You should find that many of these lamps will have a little known value
written on the side of the box that will help you decide.  The ]Colour
Rendering Index (CRI) of these lamps will tell you how faithfully they will
reproduce all colours of the spectrum.  If you find a lamp without this
information on the side of the box, then be careful and perhaps don't buy
it.

A CRI of greater than 90% (0.9) with a colour temp between 3000-4000 will
be adequate for the shack and reading of resistors and colour codes.  It
turns out that brown and deep reds are very difficult colour to faithfully
reproduce from blue rich white light, which isn't a new phenomenon since
long arc fluorescent, CFL and LED all derive white light the same way.  For
reference low pressure and high pressure metal halides have a CRI of 100%
which is why you find them used in art museums, ditto tungsten et al.

However pay careful attention to noise from these more modern lamps, the
EMI from some cheap and nasty LED/CFL lamps is just hideous.  We all want
to preserve the noise floor for our Elecraft RX's, just to keep this on
topic.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM


On 28 September 2015 at 04:21, Dale Putnam  wrote:

> For those looking at CFLs or LEDs in the shack, and presuming that is
> where you built, very close attention must be given to
> the color and intensity of the light emitter. Especially if you are
> working with hole through color coded components, like resistors.
> The perceived color of the bands/dots may NOT be exactly what was
> intended, NOR what will be percieved when re-examined under direct
> sunlight. Direct sunlight is tuff to come by after sundown and prior to
> dawn, and with the longer hours of winter darkness coming, look hard and
> long at the different light emitters.
>
> a simple word to the builder, from the... now a bit wiser.
>
> Have a great day,
>
>
> --...   ...--
> Dale - WC7S in Wy
>
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 New kio board

[Matthew Cook]

Eric & Wayne,

Might be an idea to see how many K3 owners will be wanting to install
KIO3B's and pre-order a suitable qty from your supplier.  I'm sure there
will be a run on these board just like the new VCO.  I'm also sure that
many on this list would simply pre-pay the full amount or a deposit to
secure units (we are all waving our hands at you here !).

Both the new KIO3B and KXV3B board are two very worthwhile additions for
K3's owners.   There are at least 4 VK's in my club simply waiting with
cash in hand to procure both of these options in one go as soon as both are
available.

Early Xmas present please ?!?

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 25 September 2015 at 09:50, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft <
e...@elecraft.com> wrote:

> The KIO3B price will not be impacted by the price adjustments.
> 73,
> Eric
> /elecraft.com/
>
> On 9/24/2015 4:59 PM, Johnny Siu wrote:
>
>> I want to know too because they will soon raise their prices.
>> 73
>> Johnny VR2XMC
>>寄件人︰ Gary 
>>   收件人︰ Elecraft 
>>   傳送日期︰ 2015年09月24日 (週四) 2:43 PM
>>   主題︰ [Elecraft] K3 New kio board
>> Anyone heard of a release date for those wishing to upgrade their k3
>> to have the USB option?
>>
>> An email to Elecraft direct went unanswered.
>>
>> Gary
>> __
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Digital Voice Mode - our future?

[Matthew Cook]

If you take a closer look at the spectral bandwidths of the current crop of
digital VHF/UHF voice systems and compare them to 10k1 NBFM I think you'll
be surprised.  Unless govt agencies start racking and stacking digtal LMR
systems without guard bands then there is no clear advantage.  The
technical requirements of each receiver goes through the roof with 10k1
systems as it.  However there is a strong desire from government agencies
to move toward encrypted communications, which is very easy with digital
LMR; basically you get it for free.  This does not relate to the amateur
service.

In terms of Digital voice replacing SSB that has a very long long way to
go.  In truth SSB is very difficult to beat in terms of spectral
efficiency.  SSB puts just enough power into the right spectrum for near
loss less communication.  When you try to stuff the equivalent power into a
low bit rate digital signal, the energy per bit is quite high, meaning
you've got to lower your bit rate substantially until the two powers (SSB
and DV) are the same.  At this low bit rate (<600bps) there is no avoiding
the donald duck or robotic voices at this point.  That pesky information
theory gets in the way.  Lots of great progress has been made in this
regard (i.e. Codec2), however it will be a while before the necessary
200-600MHz hard float DSP will be required in a K3S.  Besides I'm sure a
suitable retrofit DSP module can be squeezed in there somewhere when the
time comes.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 18 September 2015 at 10:33, Robert Nobis  wrote:

> Take a look at the digital voice modes that are being used on the VHF and
> UHF bands: DMR, D-STAR and Fusion.
>
>
> Bob Nobis - N7RJN
> n7...@nobis.net
>
>
> > On Sep 17, 2015, at 17:49, Richard Fjeld  wrote:
> >
> > I was in to freeDV a year or two ago, and it has a long way to go.
> Still, it did work.
> >
> > I'm told the bandwidth has increased since then from 1200 hertz to 1600
> hertz at present, which will be an improvement.
> > At 1200 hertz, voices sounded robotic in nature.  it lost sync often
> which may, or may not, have been due to the compression.
> >
> > I haven't heard of the FCC's having ruled on it's mode and/or where if
> permitted.  I haven't been keeping up with it either.
> >
> > Dick, n0ce
> >
> >
> > On 9/17/2015 1:00 PM, ae...@carolinaheli.com wrote:
> >> I'm wondering since Digital voice is replacing FM around the world how
> hard
> >> it would be to add another mode to the K3S? I'm not even sure what the
> >> standards are but one country just set the date to get rid of FM
> permanently
> >> and switch to DV.
> >>
> >> Jerry Moore
> >> AE4PB, K3S - S.N. 10324
> >>
> >>
> >
> > __
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> >
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Re: [Elecraft] Why black is the hot wire

[Matthew Cook]

Yes this makes wiring 220V US equipment in foreign countries like VK even
more exciting, since we're the other way round...  Black is Neutral.

73

Matthew
 VK5ZM

On 18 September 2015 at 02:41, David Robertson  wrote:

> At the early part of the 20th century, when electricians were wiring houses
> (knob and tube), the color of the electrical wire was only black. The power
> companies found that one side of the power feed (center tap on 220) to the
> house or building had to be grounded to prevent voltage buildup on the
> power lines. In order for the electricians to keep track of the grounded
> side (neutral)  of the power feed they painted the grounded (neutral) wire
> white. Soon after the wire manufacturers started making both black and
> white wires so the electricians now could safely wire buildings without
> resorting to painting the ground wire white.
>
> 73
> --
> Dave Robertson KD1NA
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Re: [Elecraft] Product Suggestion - 500W Dummy Load

[Matthew Cook]

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/DUMMY-LOAD-RESISTOR-HYBRID-TERMINATION-800W-50OHM-DC-1GHZ-17-0376-DICONEX-/191284146241?hash=item2c896c7041

Heatsink, length of coax and a plug... finished !

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 18 September 2015 at 09:49, Byron Peebles  wrote:

> I'd love to find Elecraft offering a 500W dummy load to match the K-Line.
> No one even makes a sturdy paint can anymore.
>
> 73, Byron
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Digital Voice Mode - our future?

[Matthew Cook]

Just to make sure we carry some Elecraft content you might like to look at
the following URL's

http://www.rowetel.com/blog/?p=4584
http://www.areg.org.au/?p=1719

And the code for both the Codec2 and FreeDV is freely available here;

https://github.com/freedv

73

Matthew
VK5ZM


On 18 September 2015 at 14:23, Walter Underwood 
wrote:

> FreeDV is open source. You can use the FreeDV API (
> http://www.rowetel.com/blog/?p=3469 )
> or get a box that will implement it and can be updated with new protocols (
> http://www.rowetel.com/blog/?page_id=3902 <
> http://www.rowetel.com/blog/?page_id=3902>). Or you can download the
> FreeDV app. Or download the source, either one from here:
> http://freedv.org/tiki-index.php 
>
> Dave Rowe (VK5DGR)  is actively improving both the HF and VHF variants of
> FreeDV, with very interesting articles on his blog. He’s working on a low
> bitrate version for nasty HF signal paths (FreeDV 700), and is working on a
> VHF digital voice mode with two levels of fidelity always transmitted. When
> you get more signal, you get more fidelity (
> http://www.rowetel.com/blog/?p=3931  >).
>
> Here are some samples of the current 700 bitrate codec:
> http://www.rowetel.com/blog/?p=4291 
>
> And some A/B comparison QSOs with SSB and FreeDV:
> http://www.rowetel.com/blog/?p=4527 
>
> Dave is doing some very exciting stuff, I’m impressed. And it’s all free.
>
> wunder
> K6WRU
> CM87wj
> http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)
>
> > On Sep 17, 2015, at 8:41 PM, Don Wilhelm  wrote:
> >
> > There are advantages to digital voice, but for Amateur Band use, I don't
> think we are "there yet".  When we see an 'open source' digital voice mode
> that is published and can be implemented by any amateur, then I may change
> my position, but that is not the situation today.  I do not believe that
> proprietary modes of any sort should be permitted on the ham bands.
> >
> > One characteristic of digital streaming 'anything' is that if the signal
> 'loses sync', things go to pot, and you have to wait until it syncs up
> again.  With fading on an analog signal, you can usually fill in the gaps,
> but with digital, it is all or nothing.  When it is "all", it is great, but
> the gaps are annoying - plus the quality is determined by the bit rate in
> the encoding/decoding algorithms.
> >
> > 73,
> > Don W3FPR
> >
> > On 9/17/2015 11:16 PM, Sandy wrote:
> >> I could not agree more Don!   There isn't much advantage for amateur
> radio to digital voice operations.   Just another "kink in the wire"!
> >> No advantage at all.  All the digital voice stuff I have heard sounds
> terrible at times.  Motorola's system (proprietary no doubt!) can sound
> >> absolutely awful when signal conditions are bad.
> >>
> >
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Re: [Elecraft] KIO3B

[Matthew Cook]

There are a lot of people waiting for this add-on to their K3.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 9 September 2015 at 03:24, Dan Atchison via Elecraft <
elecraft@mailman.qth.net> wrote:

> If I recall, the K3S has now caught up with orders. If that is true, when
> can we expect the KIO3B module to be offered for K3 upgrades?
>
> Dan -- N3ND
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Re: [Elecraft] QRP signals from Pathfinder probe (off topic)

[Matthew Cook]

Lets not forget to include Madrid (Spain) and Canberra (Australia) in the
above story, without them Goldstone cant do it on it's own.  One station
may start the transmission, but every 8-12hrs each station seamlessly hands
over to the next to provide continuous coverage at the earth rotates.  It's
even more important for Voyager with a transmission path of 18 hours, now
that is mind blowing stuff.

73

Matthew
VK5ZM

On 17 July 2015 at 04:28, Fred Townsend fptowns...@earthlink.net wrote:

 Mike You can do the math for path loss. The formulas are well known.
 Perhaps less known is the rest of the story. The probe is using its high
 gain (dish) antenna, perhaps 20 db. Since it is a dish antenna it must be
 aimed! The probe is programmed to aim its antennas periodically since it
 can not be commanded to turn its antenna.
 Back at this end, the Goldstone antennas have about 60db gain with
 cryogenically cooled noise figures of 1. I'm guessing the receiver
 sensitivity at around ---150 to -170 dbm using a very narrow bandwidth and
 correlation techniques similar to what is used on GPS receivers.
 Transmission flight of path is  six hours.
 73
 Fred, AE6QL


SNIP
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