Re: [Elecraft] OT: The day I found out I was going to be an engineer

[Mike Morrow]

How long before you painted it flat black? :-)

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
From: Wayne Burdick 
Sent: Sep 15, 2023 7:33 PM

I was 8 years old. My dad had bought me a Radio Shack Science Fair 8-Note 
Electronic Organ kit for Christmas, along with a soldering iron.

That night I built the kit, finishing at something like 11 PM, which was 
unheard of.
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Re: [Elecraft] Manual For KX2 S/N 01888?

[Mike Morrow]

The manual currently available at Elecraft.com will be completely applicable to 
your KX2, especially after you upgrade the firmware to MCP 3.02, DSP 1.52.

The only hardware mod that there has been in seven years is a PA transistor 
mounting mod that you can find described on Elecraft.com.  That was 
incorporated into KX2 production before your KX2.

Elecraft has not been energetic about adding instruction about certain things 
like decoding ATU.DATA, even though that would be a very simple addition to the 
manual.

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
From: KJ 
Sent: Jul 5, 2023 6:56 AM
To: 
Subject: [Elecraft] Manual For KX2 S/N 01888?

Hello all,
Does anyone know just what manual (year and revision) would apply to KX2 S/N 
01888?
I bought this used and the actual age isn't know.
Thanks! Ken, W2GIW

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[Elecraft] KX2 Utility Version 1.23.5.22

[Mike Morrow]

I notice that on 7 June 2023 the corrected version 1.23.5.22 of the KX2 Utility 
has been released.
It restores the ability to set time and edit message memory.
I have missed all talk of this version on either KX2 list, if this has been 
mentioned earlier.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft-KX] On the threshold of a dream

[Mike Morrow]

Pray the case of the futuristic KX is NOT a BLACK solar radiation absorbing 
super-sponge like the KX2.

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
From: Wayne Burdick 
Sent: Apr 1, 2023 10:17 AM
To: 

Wow, Kevin. An instant classic in the emerging field of subliminal viral 
marketing. Dream itown it.

Wayne
N6KR

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Re: [Elecraft] K-1 trouble shooting

[Mike Morrow]

Have you verified K1 MENU item AGC is toggled to ON?   AGC ON is required for 
the S-meter to function.  See last page of K1 manual for quick reference.

FWIW, almost NO  Elecraft model designation uses hyphens or dashes. :-)

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
From: w8kmx 
Sent: Mar 5, 2023 5:00 PM

I obtained a K-1 partially assembled. I completed assembly. All seems to work 
except there is no AGC nor S meter.I have measured voltages per the manual and 
checked components but I can't find problem. Any suggestions?Dan, W8KMX


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Re: [Elecraft] HW-16

[Mike Morrow]

> I don't know what an HW-16 is.

 
The HW-16 is a vacuum tube, 90-watt (maximum) input, crystal-controlled CW-only 
Novice-band transmitter and receiver kit with built-in AC power supply.  It 
covered the CW portion of only 80m, 40m, and 15m.  It was sold by Heath from 
1967 to 1976.  Its 1967 kit price was "only" $110, but that's equivalent to 
almost $1000 in 2022.  Adjusted for inflation my full-house KX2 50 years later 
was less expensive.
 
The HW-16 was popular when I was WN5WGJ in 1968, but at age 16 I could never 
have afforded one. :-)  Its long-term utility was limited by the one-year 
non-renewable Novice license of that era.
 
Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft-KX] Decoding KX2, KX3 ATU.DATA Lde.Cfg.nh

[Mike Morrow]

No...not right.
 
I use the ATU.DATA function every few weeks just to quickly detect 
abnormalities that may have developed on my fixed dipole at home (tree 
branches, ice, broken supports, damage by birds and squirrels, etc.)  I compare 
the last stored ATU.DATA result to that produced after a new ATU tune.  It's 
not necessary to convert the results to L, C, and n, but that would be very 
quick and easy if the appropriate information were supplied in the manual.
 
For camping I use a home-made seven-band RESONANT dipole.  (Resonance is set by 
links around six very small light-weight insulators in each leg.)  It's 
gratifying when ATU.DATA for each band shows only small values of ATU L and C 
were required to produce the match.  Large values of lossy ATU reactance are 
never good if avoidable.
 
Thus, as an "end user" I find the ATU.DATA function to have significant value 
even without determining actual values of L and C.  But philosophically, I find 
it careless whenever some function is described in any type of manual without 
the information necessary to fully interpret the results claimed in the manual. 
 Correction of this deficiency costs only a tiny bit more ink in the manual. :-)
 
Mike / KK5F
 
-Original Message-
Sent: Apr 7, 2022 2:30 AM
 
It is unlikely that end users run the command directly to read out the 
capacity, right?
 
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[Elecraft] Decoding KX2, KX3 ATU.DATA Lde.Cfg.nh

[Mike Morrow]

Operating manuals for the KX2 and KX3 provide no process for determining ATU L, 
C, and network configuration from ATU.DATA or ATU MD functions.
 
The ATU.DATA section in the KX2 and KX3 manuals should be revised to provide 
quick determination of ATU L, C, and configuration.
 
Mike / KK5F


(Suggested)
KX2 MANUAL REVISION for
ATU.DATA and ATU MD

In ATU.DATA or ATU MD, tapping ATU displays Lde.Cfg.nh.  The following table 
translates de to L uH and fg to C pF.  h shows the L-network arrangement.

defg
HEX   Ld   Le    Cf   Cg
0    - 0 0  0 0
1    - 1  .05 164   10
2    - 2  .11 330   18
3    - 3  .16 494   28
4    - 4  .23 680   39
5    - 5  .28 844   49
6    - 6  .34   1010   57
7    - 7  .39   1174   67
8    - *  .50    *  82
9    - *  .55    *  92
A   -  *  .61    *   100
B   -  *  .66    *   110
C   -  *  .73    *   121
D   -  *  .78    *   131
E   -  *  .83    *   139
F   -  *  .88    *   149  
    * Not valid for KXAT2

DECODING Lde.Cfg.nh

1a.  Enter d on the HEX column and find the value of Ld from the Ld column.
1b.  Enter e on the HEX column and find the value of Le from the Le column.
1c.  Add the values of Ld and Le to find KXAT2 L in uH.

2a.  Enter f on the HEX column and find the value of Cf from the Cf column.
2b.  Enter g on the HEX column and find the value of Cg from the Cg column.
2c.  Add the values of Cf and Cg to find KXAT2 C in pF.

3a.  If h is t, then C connects from common to transmitter side of L.
3b.  If h is A, then C connects from common to antenna side of L.
 
The KXAT2 produces 32764 unique ATU network configurations.

Examples:

L4F.C2B.nA means
L=4.88 uH, C=440 pF, C on antenna side

L51.C67.nt means
L=5.05 uH, C=1077 pF, C on transmitter side


(Suggested)
KX3 MANUAL REVISION for
ATU.DATA and ATU MD

In ATU.DATA or ATU MD, tapping ATU displays Lde.Cfg.nh.  The table following 
translates de to L uH and fg to C pF.  h shows the L-network arrangement.

defg
HEX   Ld   Le    Cf   Cg
0    - 0 0  0 0
1    - 1  .06 164   10
2    - 2  .12 330   18
3    - 3  .18 494   28
4    - 4  .25 680   39
5    - 5  .31 844   49
6    - 6  .37   1010   57
7    - 7  .43   1174   67
8    - 8  .50   1360   82
9    - 9  .56   1524   92
A    -   10  .62  1690 100
B    -   11  .68  1854 110
C    -   12  .75  2040 121
D    -   13  .81  2200 131
E    -   14  .87  2370 139
F    -   15  .93  2534 149

DECODING Lde.Cfg.nh

1a.  Enter d on the HEX column and find the value of Ld from the Ld column.
1b.  Enter e on the HEX column and find the value of Le from the Le column.
1c.  Add the values of Ld and Le to find KXAT3 L in uH.

2a.  Enter f on the HEX column and find the value of Cf from the Cf column.
2b.  Enter g on the HEX column and find the value of Cg from the Cg column.
2c.  Add the values of Cf and Cg to find KXAT3 C in pF.

3a.  If h is t, then C connects from common to transmitter side of L.
3b.  If h is A, then C connects from common to antenna side of L.
 
The KXAT3 produces 131068 unique ATU network configurations.

Examples:

L4F.C2B.nA means
L=4.93 uH, C=440 pF, C on antenna side

L51.C67.nt means
L=5.06 uH, C=1077 pF, C on transmitter side

LDA.CE9.nA means
L=13.62 uH, C=2462 pF, C on antenna side


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Re: [Elecraft] RPN Calc App For Android

[Mike Morrow]

The HP-35 (1972) and the HP 35s (2007) are two radically different machines.
 
I was an EE undergrad at Georgia Tech when the HP-35 was introduced in 1972 at 
$400 ($2750 in 2022).  Professors generally did not allow their use on tests 
because so very few students (and professors) could afford them.
 
I have always preferred RPN-entry machines, but I could not afford one for more 
than two years after graduation.
 
The finest pure RPN (not RPL) machine ever made is the HP-42S (1988-1995).  It 
still brings prices above $300 on eBay and is worth it.
 
Thomas Okken's Free42 is the finest emulation of an HP RPN scientific 
calculator that has ever been available.  It is available for all major phone 
and computer platforms.  It's free, but donations are welcome and well deserved.
 
Mike / KK5F
 
-Original Message-
From: Frank Hale 
Sent: Jan 29, 2022 8:11 PM
To: Eric Garner 
Cc: Reflector Elecraft 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] RPN Calc App For Android
 
First time posting to the reflector. Please forgive any errors.
 
I found this little inquiry and the resulting responses fascinating.
 
I'm old enough that:
(1) I had to use a slide rule in college chemistry classes, because
new-fangled electronic calculators were not allowed
(2) I learned RPN as part of understanding the FORTRAN compiler on an IBM
370
(3) I had to debug the early Intel Fortran-80 compiler on their 8008 MDS
system, because it was generating bad code
(4) I have an HP 35s RPN calculator as my "desk calculator," along with a
10" Post 1460 Versalog slide rule, and a 10" Sun Hemmi 255 slide rule
(5) I keep a 5" Pickett N600-ES slide rule (the "Apollo" slide rule) and a
5" Nestler Polymath-Duplex slide rule in my desk pencil holder
(6) I have the "Pocket Slide Rule Expert" app from TestTubeGames.com on my
iPhone (8 SE, ported from 4, because AT won't support the 4 anymore)
 
Sorry I can't help much with Android questions (never had one), but I did
enjoy the discussion of RPN and slide rules!
 
73,
 
Frank KN6QEK
 
On Sat, Jan 29, 2022 at 10:35 AM Eric Garner wrote:
 
> I use Droid48. It's a pretty faithful recreation of the HP48 and has a
> pocket calculator style interface too (but it's still RPN)
>
> https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.ab.x48
>
> Eric KI7LTT
>
> On Fri, Jan 28, 2022, 12:51 PM Jim Brown
> wrote:
>
> > The HP41 emulator I've used for years on older phones isn't compatible
> > with my new one. I still own a few simple RPN calcs, but the phone is
> > always in my pocket. Recommendations?
> >
> > Thanks and 73, Jim
 
 
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Re: [Elecraft] NR after changing bands

[Mike Morrow]

Would you care to take the time to express WHATEVER you are trying to ask 
clearly and coherently...indicating as well SPECIFICALLY which of Elecraft's 
products has you so confused?  They have made more than one transceiver model 
in the past 23 years.

Mike / KK5F
-Original Message-
From: Andy Durbin 
Sent: Sep 9, 2021 8:08 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 
Subject: [Elecraft] NR after changing bands

"Am I crazy or is this real?"

Are these conditions mutually exclusive?

73,
Andy, k3wyc
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Re: [Elecraft] A or B?

[Mike Morrow]

Several have stated they use "squeeze keying" and therefore use mode B.




That is a total non sequitur.  ALL iambic keying requires simultaneous closure 
of both paddles...i.e. squeeze keying.  Mode A is just as much a squeeze keying 
process that closes both paddles to generate an iambic stream as is mode B.  
The only difference is TIMING OF PADDLE RELEASE.  Mode B requires paddle 
release critically earlier to generate a particular iambic stream because it 
automatically generates the final element in the stream depending on a dot or 
dash being sent when paddles are released.  Mode A does not automatically 
generate the final element in any iambic stream.  It simply requires holding 
both paddles closed until the desired final element has been sent.




There is absolutely no speed advantage of one mode over another, although many 
mode B users seem to believe that there is.  Some mode B users even believe 
that they can generate some characters with fewer paddle manipulations than a 
mode A user.  They can not.  Some mode B users believe only mode B is a squeeze 
keying process.  Mode A is also.  Regardless of the basis upon which a person 
selects and learns mode A or mode B, there is no factual basis to claim one 
mode superior for ANY purpose over the other.




Mike / KK5F




-Original Message-
From: Louandzip 
Sent: Jul 6, 2021 11:05 AM
Cc: 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] A or B?

I'm a squeezer and use B.  It's physically the easiest, particularly at higher 
speeds, and I believe B is really most common.  Of course you don't have to 
squeeze using B.  On Tue, Jul 6, 2021 at 9:11 AM, Tom Doligalski via Elecraft 
wrote: I’ve always preferred B, and I do use squeeze keying. If I were starting 
off I would probably recommend B. I doubt there is much difference in the 
learning curve between either! Tom W4KX > On Jul 6, 2021, at 10:58 AM, Wayne 
Burdick wrote: > > I’ve always used mode A. Mode B may be preferable for those 
doing squeeze-keying, especially at higher speeds. > > Wayne > N6KR > >  > 
elecraft.com > >> On Jul 6, 2021, at 7:36 AM, Gary Peterson wrote: >> >> An old 
friend, who has been inactive for several years, recently purchased a used K3.  
This is the first transceiver that he’s owned that includes a built in keyer.  
He has always operated CW with a straight key.  He has acquired Vibroplex 
paddles and wants to know whether to set the radio’s keyer for mode A or mode B 
iambic.  He has never used an iambic keyer or a bug, before. >> >> I learned 
iambic keying with a WB4VVF circuit board, back in the early 1970s, so mode B 
is what I prefer.  I know there are a lot of died-in-the-wool CW people who 
frequent this list and I would like any opinions as to whether it is easier for 
a newbie to learn iambic mode A or mode B.  I have no clue. >> >> Thanks in 
advance for any advice or opinions that I can pass along. >> >> Gary >> KzeroCX 
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Re: [Elecraft] A or B?

[Mike Morrow]

Iambic mode B has the distressing characteristic of ending any iambic string 
after the paddles are released with a dot (when the iambic string ended with a 
dash) or with a dash (when the iambic string ended with a dot) for which there 
had been NO paddle closure.




Mode A always ends an iambic string with only the dot or dash that was being 
sent when the paddles were opened.




The paddle timing is more critical with mode B if an unwanted dot or dash is 
not to follow paddle release.  .  Mode B often requires the paddles to be 
released earlier, before the character has been completely sent.  Mode B 
privides no reduction in the paddle manipulations required to generate any 
character in exchange for its more critical timing.  Mode B is the legacy of a 
logic fault in an early electronic keyer that became advertised as a feature.  
Elecraft sets Mode A as its default because of its relaxed timing to do the 
same things.




Whatever mode one learns, using the other mode will play real havoc when using 
an iambic keyer.  Mode A guys get an extra dot or dash on some of their 
characters, while mode B guys miss a dot or dash on some of their characters.  
Under such circumstances I use a paddle-slap technique, treating the two 
paddles as only one and never allowing both paddles to close simultaneously.




Unfortunately and inexplicably, almost all Asian-source radios allow ONLY mode 
B for their iambic keyer.  That is why most hams are mode B users.  One could 
argue that one should learn mode B simply because that is the only choice 
allowed for incompetently designed ham gear.  I convinced the ARRL Product 
Review manager years ago to add a declaration of what modes of iambic keying 
are allowed by any radio under review.  I have rejected an Icom radio I really 
wanted for no reason other than it allowed only mode B.  There is absolutely no 
excuse for any radio to deny mode selection except designer incompetence or 
laziness.  Elecraft has always supplied excellent iambic keying with choice of 
modes.




BOTTOM LINE:  Mode A is more straightforward and easier to learn, but mode B is 
the only mode the keyer in many radios will allow.  Neither mode offers any 
advantage in terms of reduced paddle manipulation.




Mike / KK5F




-Original Message-
From: Gary Peterson 
Sent: Jul 6, 2021 9:34 AM
To: 
Subject: [Elecraft] A or B?


An old friend, who has been inactive for several years, recently purchased a 
used K3. This is the first transceiver that he’s owned that includes a built in 
keyer. He has always operated CW with a straight key. He has acquired Vibroplex 
paddles and wants to know whether to set the radio’s keyer for mode A or mode B 
iambic. He has never used an iambic keyer or a bug, before. I learned iambic 
keying with a WB4VVF circuit board, back in the early 1970s, so mode B is what 
I prefer. I know there are a lot of died-in-the-wool CW people who frequent 
this list and I would like any opinions as to whether it is easier for a newbie 
to learn iambic mode A or mode B. I have no clue. Thanks in advance for any 
advice or opinions that I can pass along. Gary KzeroCX 
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Re: [Elecraft] OT: High school drafting class, ~1975

[Mike Morrow]

I learned draftmanship in high school indusrial arts beginning in 1966.  I was 
good enough ar it that I was asked in my senior year to do detailed 
construction drawings for the annual project of the machine shop, even though I 
had transferred to a so-called college preparatory curriculum a couple of years 
earlier.  In actuality those high school drafting skills prepared me completely 
for the year of drafting courses that was mandatory at Geogia Tech in 1970.  
I'd finish a lab drafting session in less than 45 minutes while my buddies 
needed the full three hours.  In those pre-calculator pre-computer days the 
only tools that an undergrad student needed were a good slide rule (mine cost 
$36 in 1969, about $260 today) and a drafting set.  To use the Univac 1108 
campus scientific mainframe for Fortran IV programs, we submitted hollerith 
cards we punched using IBM 026 and 029 card punches.

I scraped and saved my summertime active duty pay to buy a Bomar 901 
four-function calculator in 1972 for $150, about $950 today.  Hewlett-Packard 
had introduced their milestone HP-35 scientific calculator that year for $400, 
about $2535 today.  Extremely few students could afford that.

What a wonder something like a KX2 would have been.  I had a station I made 
from a 1950s Multi-Elmac AF-67 mobile AM/CW transmitter and a surplus ARR-15 
receiver to get on 6970 kHz CW nets in the Navy-Marine Corps Military Affiliate 
Radio System, using a random wire antenna and a radiator ground.  Boy, could I 
tear up nearby stereos on several floors of Smith Dormitory.

Those really were the good ol' days...just barely a mere 50 years ago.  :-)

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: Wayne Burdick 
>Sent: Apr 24, 2021 12:08 AM
>
> OK, I've really dated myself now. 
>
> Anyone remember "drafting"? A favorite class in high school:
> blueprints, mechanical drawings, schematics, straight edges,
> hand lettering, projections and elevations.
>
> Wayne
> N6KR
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Re: [Elecraft] KXBC3 clock accuracy?

[Mike Morrow]

The accuracy and features of KX2 and KX3 RTCs are not good.  What you report is 
likely better than typical.  This is in spite of the use of a full-featured 
clock/calendar RTC chip.

I have never figured out how a $10 Casio watch will often gain or lose less 
than two seconds per month, yet Elecraft RTCs are exceptional if they perform 
that well after a single day.

I also don't understand why Elecraft RTCs don't use a 2032 cell capable of 
keeping them alive for many months with external power removed.

The Elecraft RTC is essentially a "token" RTC from which not much should be 
expected.

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: Julia Tuttle 
>Sent: Mar 7, 2021 6:20 PM
>To: Elecraft 
>Subject: [Elecraft] KXBC3 clock accuracy?
>
>Hi,
>
>How accurate do folks find the RTC on the KXBC3 is? Mine seems to be
>gaining a second or so a day and I want to know if this is within the
>expected accuracy.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Julie
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Re: [Elecraft] Waaay OT: A new kind of QRM to be aware of ... warning issued by FCC today

[Mike Morrow]

So...the FCC *specifically* cites only amateur and personal radio services as 
illegal for use in crime.

I wonder how long the list is of radio services that ARE FCC APPROVED for use 
in crime?

Silly nonsense this all is.  It does not bring credit to anyone calling 
attention to this total non-problem.

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: K4HYJ via Elecraft 
>Sent: Jan 17, 2021 4:20 PM
>To: 'Wes' , elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Waaay OT: A new kind of QRM to be aware of ... warning 
>issued by FCC today
>
>I feel safer now!!
>
>K4HYJ
>
>-Original Message-
>From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
>Behalf Of Wes
>Sent: Sunday, January 17, 2021 5:13 PM
>To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Waaay OT: A new kind of QRM to be aware of ...
>warning issued by FCC today
>
>Well I'm glad that CNN cleared that up and I'm so relieved to know that
>Amazon, Apple and Google are protecting me from unmoderated speech.
>
>N7WS
>
>On 1/17/2021 2:07 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote:
>> The FCC just posted this:
>>
>>  
>> https://www.fcc.gov/document/amateur-personal-radio-users-reminded-not
>> -use-radios-crimes
>>
>> I guess this isn't surprising, considering current events. But in case
>their motivation wasn't clear, see this interpretation:
>>
>>  
>> https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/17/tech/fcc-radio-extremist-social-media-a
>> ttack/index.html
>>
>> Chances are VHF+ bands are the more likely vehicle for this form of
>self-expression. It might get lost in the already "interesting" QRM on 75
>meters.
>>
>> 73,
>> Wayne
>> N6KR
>>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 & FT8

[Mike Morrow]

The guidance Joe gives is coherent and complete and a great contribution for 
interested parties. .

It takes a lot of work to get a ham radio and a jumble of external gimmicks to 
do all the work of making ham QSOs...if one very generously credits FT8 as a 
QSO!  :-)

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: Joe DeVincentis 
>Sent: Dec 1, 2020 8:11 AM
>
>These are the steps I usually go through:
>
>1.  Ensure PC has an accurate time source.  Verify against something like 
>https://time.gov . If the website updates its seconds at 
>the same time as your system from a visual perspective, then you're close 
>enough.
>
>2.  If you are using an FTDI based USB to serial converter for CAT control, be 
>sure Serial Enumeration in the advanced properties for the COM port is 
>unchecked (it can do weird things to your system).  I also check the box to 
>disable modem control at start up.
>
>2. In the WSJT-X settings ensure that Test CAT and Test PTT work correctly.  
>Be sure that the Test PTT causes the radio to go into TX.  I use either CAT 
>control or H/W control for PTT trigger depending on what I can do with the 
>H/W.  I generally prefer H/W control.  It's faster in the system to flip a 
>bit, then to send a string a bits via the RS232.
>
>3. Setup the Audio in WSJTX to point to the correct devices.
>
>4. In the Windows Sound control panel ensure levels for both Recording and 
>Playback for the device in use for the radio are somewhat reasonable - say 
>75%.  It's just a starting place.  Also be sure the devices are not the 
>defaults - that will prevent sounds being sent to the radio you don't want.  
>Can't tell you how times I hear audio play back of either alerts or some 
>streaming media come through.   All newly plugged in sound devices are 
>automatically made default by Windows.  IMHO, it's a stupid thing for Windows 
>to do and I've never found a setting to prevent that.
>
>5.  Check the receive is reasonable in WSJTX - generally between 40 and 60 on 
>the WSJTX meter.  Play with settings in the sound control panel and/or the 
>radio until things look right.
>
>6. Set the radio for 0 power and hit the tune button in WSJTX.  The radio 
>should go into TX.
>
>7. Using the Sound panel control for the radio playback device, the Pwr slider 
>in WSJTX and/or the radio mic gain, tune until ALC is just starting kick in.  
>On other Elecraft radios, that's usually the 5 ALC bar flickering.  I try not 
>to have any setting at the max.  
>
>If any step is not working, diagnose and fix that step before proceeding.  
>This is what I have found works best for me.  Your mileage my vary.
>
>73,
>Joe, KO8V
>
>> On Dec 1, 2020, at 08:04, Mark Moeller  wrote:
>> 
>> I am working to get my KX2 setup for FT8 and appreciate any help.
>> 
>> My setup includes: KX2 connected to a G5RV antenna, Windows 10 laptop, USB
>> Sound Card, Mic & Phone cables. I am receiving FT8 signals fine, but cannot
>> make contact with anyone else.
>> 
>> Note that I make CW contacts with no issue, so believe my antenna is fine.
>> 
>> There are many FT8 settings to configure, so unsure where the issue is.
>> 
>> Thank you in advance for advice and/or pointing me in the right direction.
>> 
>> -- 
>> Mark A. Moeller
>> KA9LWK
>> mark.moell...@gmail.com
>> 
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Re: [Elecraft] Sunspots!?!?

[Mike Morrow]

I've been a ham since before the solar peak of cycle 20, more than 50 years 
ago.  I used a K1 with its simple SA612 front end during the peak activity for 
cycle 23 and 24.  The problem that you have conjured is non-existent for 
practical proposes.  There is nothing but joy to be had with any QRP rig in 
times of good solar activity.  (I also used K1SWL's DSW-20, -30, -40 and MFJ 
Cubs for 40, 20, and 15 meters...all rigs with very simple front ends.  I 
experienced no problems  either.

FWIW, cycle 21 (peak November 1979) was my favorite.

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: Douglas Hagerman via Elecraft 
>Sent: Nov 25, 2020 5:52 PM
>
>If, by some miracle, the sunspot count were to eventually jump up to a really 
>high level, as was the case in around 2002, or even better in 1959, how would 
>the various Elecraft receivers work? I’m specifically interested in the K1 and 
>K2, but in general, is there a realistic problem with overloading of the front 
>end? Or, assuming that you can hear signals from all over, will the 
>selectivity, etc., be sufficient?
>
>Doug, W0UHU.
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Re: [Elecraft] KXPD2 screws

[Mike Morrow]

Refer to the instruction sheet for the KXPD2:
  
 
https://ftp.elecraft.com/KX2/Manuals%20Downloads/E740295%20KXPD2%20Paddle%20Instructions%20Rev%20C.pdf

This states that the thumb screws are 4-40 half-inch long.

I regret greatly my purchase of the KXPD2 in 2017.  It is the worst iambic key 
I've used in the past 40 years, with a bizarrely wide finger spacing that's 
twice that of the KXPD3 and all other iambic keys I've used.  It permits 
adjustment of contact spacing only and not the important spacing between 
paddles.  The paddle finger spacing is so wide as to be unusable.  Mine arrived 
missing one of the set screws (not shown or listed in the instruction sheet) 
designed to lock the contact spacing set screws.  The key came with a spare 
spring that is not described in the instructions (is it the same spring force 
as the installed spring?). The key requires two different Allen wrenches, but 
has a storage channel in the key frame for only one.  The design should have 
used only one size Allen wrench for ALL adjustments.

I suggest caveat emptor for the KXPD2 and the MH3, just as I did 20 years ago 
for the K1 KTS1 and KBT1.

Everything else Elecraft that I've owned since 2000 has been great, except for 
the radiant heat-absorbing paint job on the KX2.

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: Alastair Bolton via Elecraft 
>Sent: Nov 16, 2020 3:37 PM
>To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>Subject: [Elecraft] KXPD2 screws
>
>Hello,
>I’ve been offered a secondhand KXPD2 key for my KX3 but it’s missing the 
>screws to attach it to the radio’s case. I’m loath to experiment with random 
>fasteners so could someone please inform me what size the retaining screws are?
>Thank you,
>Al G4VSQ 
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Re: [Elecraft] Newer Elecraft hat not as good as the earlier ones...

[Mike Morrow]

We prescient few who recognize its obvious importance must sincerely hope that, 
after K4 launch, perspective will be restored and marketing only the very 
finest Elecraft-logo ball caps will regain primacy within the company's vision 
and mission.

But yet...either version adequately serves its only real raison d'etre:  
Hiding... outdoors or indoors...the aging balding chrome-dome that lurks 
underneath.  :-)

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: Tommy 
>Sent: Nov 5, 2020 10:02 AM
>
>Funny you mention this Chuck, I just received my hat (along with the MH3 
>mic for my KX2) and really like the hat. Not sure what you mean by 
>"limp". Maybe you mean the older hat was "stiffer"?
>
>Regards!
>
>Tom - KB2SMS
>
>
>On 11/5/20 9:36 AM, hawley, charles j jr wrote:
>>
>> I really liked the Elecraft hat (baseball cap) I bought a couple years ago 
>> so I bought another one this year just to have a spare. BUT the newest one, 
>> while the same brand, is not the same. They are made in different countries. 
>> The cloth is very limp and does not feel as secure and comfortable as the 
>> old one. They look the same inside and outside, but don’t feel the same and 
>> it seems to be the material difference...too soft and limp.
>> Silly issue I know, but while I am pleased about and have just about 
>> everything that Elecraft markets, I’m disappointed by the latest version of 
>> the hat.
>> Just sayin’
>>
>> Chuck KE9UW
>> c-haw...@illinois.edu
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Re: [Elecraft] OT: Now: shipboard callsigns, was: W vs K broadcast station callsigns,

[Mike Morrow]

>You can have a licensed radiotelegraph station, OR
>you can have small boats with permanent radio installations.
>In 2014/5 I got OLIVER HAZARD PERRY the callsign KOHZ by citing that rule when
>we did our original application, and installed radios in our small boats.

Interesting.  There is currently no vessel of that name nor record of a vessel 
with callsign KOHZ in the ITU maritime callsign database.

  https://www.itu.int/mmsapp/ShipStation/list

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] K4 replacement?

[Mike Morrow]

> So, the purpose of this email is to generate information about
> what I should purchase to replace the K3. My predominant operation
> is high speed CW, so ask is very important to me.
>
> Maybe the Kenwood? 
>
> Your thoughts are solicited!
>
> Tom W4KX

Get a KX2.  It will probably be at least a couple of years before announcement 
of its replacement will make it instantly obsolete and unusable in the manner 
that the K4 obviously has made your K3 for you.  :-)

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] OT: W vs K broadcast station callsigns

[Mike Morrow]

Another interesting fact about US broadcast station callsigns is that back 
before U.S. maritime radioTELEGRAPHY ended (except for rare historical 
exercises) in 1999, most US-flag merchant ships with radiotelegraph stations 
were assigned four-letter callsigns beginning with K or W.  There are no longer 
many such calls that are still assigned to merchant shipping.  A quick random 
search at:
  https://www.itu.int/mmsapp/ShipStation/list
found KPLB, WGDX, WQUI.  Twenty-five years ago and earlier there were hundreds 
of US ships whose radiotelegraph station had callsigns of broadcast station 
format.  Maritime radiotelegraph coastal stations like KPH, WCC, WOM used the 
same call format as some broadcast stations like KSL, WLS, WOR, WSM, etc.  
Maritime ship radiotelegraph callsigns were not affected by location for 
assigning K or W as first letter.

Forty years ago I held a commercial radiotelegraph license.  After I received 
ham call KK5F, I day-dreamed about having a ship with maritime radiotelegraph 
call KKHF to match.  :-)

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: a...@elecraft.com
>Sent: Oct 6, 2020 12:04 PM
>
>More than you ever wanted to know about the convention of giving "W" 
>callsigns to broadcast stations east of the Mississippi and "K" 
>callsigns to the west:
>
>  https://earlyradiohistory.us/kwtrivia.htm
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Re: [Elecraft] New KX3 reverse voltage smoke

[Mike Morrow]

Yes, it's "surprising" how much surprise there seems to be that the KX3 (and 
almost any other ham rig) DC power connector's negative terminal connects 
ultimately to the case.

Let me "flog a dead horse".  This whole affair amounts simply to this:

1.  The KX3 case and the power supply's negative output were tied together 
through an owner-established conduction path that was independent of the KX3 
power cable.
2.  The KX3 power cable was carelessly installed such that power supply 
positive output was on the KX3 power connector's negative terminal.
3.  When the KX3 power connector was applied to the KX3, the power supply's 
positive terminal was shorted to its negative side through the power cable and 
KX3 case and whatever external conduction path the owner had established 
between the KX3 case and power supply negative.

The KX3's D6 polarity protection diode did not come into play in any manner.

It is common good practice for DC power cables to have fuses in BOTH the 
positive AND the negative leads.  That would have prevented power cable damage 
here.

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: David Woolley 
>Sent: Sep 6, 2020 7:14 AM
>
>See page 3 of 
>
> 
>for confirmation that the KX3 chassis is connected to the the same 
>network as the negative supply to the internal components.
>
>On 05/09/2020 19:32, Alan - G4GNX wrote:
>> I'd be very surprised if Elecraft had connected the negative supply to 
>> chassis ground inside the KX3 either.
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Re: [Elecraft] New KX3 reverse voltage smoke

[Mike Morrow]

The failure reported by G4JQT and the response of KC1DNY do not reflect what 
should happen when reverse polarity DC is applied to the KX3 or any other 
Elecraft rig.  All have that series blocking diode (D6/CMS04 in KX3) that 
should prevent any significant reverse current flow and certainly should have 
prevented "smoke" and "melted wire" from developing.  If indeed that is an 
accurate report, then an explanation from Elecraft should have been requested.

Something else aside from reverse polarity DC is being hidden in the picture 
being presented so far.

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: David Haines 
>Sent: Sep 5, 2020 9:17 AM
>
>Don't feel bad Ian.  I reversed the polarity from the power supply, too. 
>   After the smoke cleared and the smell went away, I called Elecraft 
>and after a few questions, service said send in my KX3. They called in a 
>couple days to thank me for sending the melted wire, but why did I send 
>the KX3, which was fine?   They apologized, checked out the KX3,  and 
>gave me a free replacement wire.  Great company!
>
>david,  KC1DNY
>
>On 9/5/2020 10:06 AM, Ian Liston-Smith wrote:
>> Well I did it. Inadvertently got the +ve and -ve reversed. Loud buzz from 
>> PSU and smoke from KX3.
>>
>> Surely D6 in the volts input should just stop everything from working if the 
>> polarity is reversed? So I don't understand what has happened.
>>
>> I didn't actually switch it on so hopefully it isn't terminal and just 
>> enquires a new diode. If it is terminal, I'm really surprised it hasn't any 
>> protection.
>>
>> Ian, G4JQT
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Re: [Elecraft] New Mystery: Copying groups vs plain language text (Rather OT)

[Mike Morrow]

Fred,

The Radiotelegraph Second Class license required send and receive at 20 wpm 
Plain Language and 16 wpm Code Groups with no errors for one minute during the 
five minute test.  The First Class license had the same written elements (1, 2, 
5, 6) as the Second Class license but the Morse test was 25 wpm Plain Language 
and 20 wpm Code Groups, plus a six-month service requirement at stations open 
to public correspondence.  (That "public correspondence" service requirement 
kept many operators with decades of commercial Morse service from ever getting 
a First Class license.  However, every maritime Morse station was defined as 
open to public correspondence even if it was on a freighter and never had any 
such traffic.)

The rare Aircraft Radiotelegraph Endorsement to Second or First Class licenses 
required the same Morse exam as the First Class license.

IIRC, the FCC required use of hand copy and straight key for Second Class, but 
allowed typewritter and bug for the First Class tests.

After I left the US Navy as a submarine officer more than 40 years ago, I 
decided I'd like to try my hand as a maritime radio officer before that job 
disappeared.  (I was one of the few Navy people that loved going to sea.) I 
very much found the seemingly slow 16-wpm Code Group test significantly more 
difficult for test-taking purposes (when one is still developing skills) than 
Plain Language.  As few as five errors in the 400 character test could prevent 
getting the required 80 consecutive error-free characters.  It took me three 
400-mile round trips to the Kansas City Field Office, only because of the 16 
wom Code Group test.  The 20 wpm Plain Language test (given first) was always 
child's play.  I know that with practice and a mill an automatic unthinking 
response soon develops, but I did not get that far.

For many years the FCC waived the Amateur Extra Morse exam for an applicant if 
he had held a commercial radiotelegraph license.  In the mid-1990s, the FCC 
started waiving the Radiotelegraph Second Class Morse exams for an applicant 
holding an Amateur Extra Class license.  That was a very signicicant relaxation 
of test standards for the commercial Radiotelegraph license, but by then there 
wasn't much call for the license.

I never did get into Radio Officer work because a few months after licensing a 
new but permanent medical condition disqualified me from Safety-of-Life-at-Sea 
(SOLAS) duties.  During Desert Storm/Desert Shield the US began reactivating 
enough old US-flag merchant vessels that one of the Radio Officer associations 
solicited license holders for a short paid training program and employment as 
new Radio Officers.  Even 30 years ago there weren't many newcomers interested 
in starting a obvious dead end career, but 15 years earlier I'd have sent in my 
application if medically qualified.

WRT Phil's comments below, it surprises me when hams claim adamantly that their 
Morse test was code groups.  I attribute that to fading memory.  Similary, it 
was recently stated that a Broadcast Endorsement was attained after earning the 
Radiotelephone First Class license.  The Broadcast Endorsement was granted only 
to Third Class license holders to show that the announcer (with Third Class 
license) also had knowledge to serve as transmitter attendant (with Broadcast 
Endorsement) at small broadcast stations.  Memory plays tricks on us old 
people. :-)

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: Fred Jensen 
>Sent: Apr 30, 2020 12:35 PM
>
>Why were code tests with groups almost always at a slower speed than 
>plain text?
>
>I had to copy 5-character groups at 16 [I think], and plain text at 20 
>[I also think ... might have been 25, it was a very long time ago] for 
>the 2nd Telegraph.  I've never sat a military circuit to copy groups, 
>all my experience with groups was practice, the test, and WX reports 
>which sort of approximate groups.  However, I find groups to be easier 
>copy than plain text, especially on a mill of teletype tape perforator 
>keyboard.  The transition to "Ear-to-Fingers" mode with nothing passing 
>through brain is almost instantaneous and permanent for the duration. 
>With plain language text, I'll sometimes rouse from that state, try to 
>make sense of what I'm copying and have to catch up.
>
>Just curious, lots of folks here here have copied groups for a living 
>and might know the answer.  Incidentally, Jettie Hill, W6RFF [SK], once 
>told me that in WW2, he had to learn to sight-read inked tape at 45 or 
>50 WPM.  I think that would have caged my eyeballs. [:=)
>
>73,
>Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
>Sparks NV DM09dn
>Washoe County
>
>On 4/30/2020 9:36 AM, Phil Kane wrote:
>
>> On 4/29/2020 10:31 PM, Edward R Cole wrote:
>>
>>> CW test had been downgraded to a multiple question exam about plain
>>> language text message vs the five mixed character groups back in Detroit.
>>
>> The ham CW test was always plain language text.  5-character groups were
>> only for the 

Re: [Elecraft] Comments from Special Forces personnel on KX2 use

[Mike Morrow]

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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft KX2 military use

[Mike Morrow]

Wayne,

This information is extremely interesting and more than a little unexpected.  I 
am fascinated by the capability of the KX2 (mine is 2.5 years old), but its 
internals have very little isolation and protection from adverse ambient 
conditions...an essemtial requirement for most gear in military service.

1.  Is the KX2 supplied by Elecraft identical to those supplied to amateurs?  
It would be interesting to know if and what its military users have fashioned 
some protection from the elements.  At the least, the aftermarket Kx22 heat 
sink, SideKX left side panel, and SideKX cover would seem appropriate.

2.  Is the KX2 being supplied by external DC power?  I'd predict short life for 
the speaker connections with frequent removal of the bottom cover for KXBT2 
replacement.

3.  The stock KX2 (unfortunately) provides no transmit coverage outside the ham 
bands except 5.06 to 5.45 MHz for 60m.  Is a special firmware load being used 
to permit general coverage transmit?

4.  Federal agencies (including CAP, but not MARS) normally use radio equipment 
compliant with standards established by the National Telecommunications and 
Information Administration (NTIA) which manages the use of all federal 
spectrum.  Agencies self-evaluate equipment specs using information supplied by 
the equipment manufacturer.  The CAP currently shows at

  
https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/emergency-services/radio/communications/radios-radio-network

a broad spectrum of ham and commercial gear in which only the FT-817 with 
TXCO-9 meets NTIA specs.  They evaluated the K2, K3S, and KX3.  I suspect the 
military users of the KX2 have not formally evaluated its NTIA compliance.

US military agencies have sometimes adopted commercial radio gear with no 
changes.  In 1965 the Collins KWM-2A MF/HF SSB/CW transceiver was adopted as 
the RT-718/FRC-93 ...and it had very little protection from adverse 
environmental conditions.

73
Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: Wayne Burdick 
>Sent: Feb 8, 2020 12:23
>FYI:
>
>I asked one of our U.S. military KX2 customers (a special forces commander) to 
>describe how they use the rig. Here's the verbatim quote:
>
>* * *
>
>"We use the KX2 to enable us to communicate in emergency situations where 
>military-issue gear is unsuitable, impractical, or has failed.  Its 
>form-factor is ideally suited for increasing the redundancy of our 
>communications without any noticeable increase in weight or bulk.  In 
>addition, and perhaps most importantly, it is used to interface with civilian 
>radio operators when we are assisting with civil emergencies, such as those 
>that are caused by hurricanes or earthquakes.  Unfortunately, we have been 
>called to assist with both of these scenarios lately, and the ability to 
>interface via HF using a tough, portable radio has been instrumental in 
>passing critical information in environments where cell phone and internet 
>networks were non-existent."
>
>* * *
>
>I'm hoping he'll release additional details in the future, but he's asked that 
>we not discuss his actual deployments, names, unit, etc. He did say that many 
>units have been outfitted with KX2s for the reasons above.
>
>If you have a specific question or reason to contact him, I'll be happy to 
>forward the email. He seems to come up for air every week or two, between ops.
>
>73,
>Wayne
>N6KR
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Re: [Elecraft] Copying CW at high speeds (OT to Elecraft)

[Mike Morrow]

Discussions of Morse copying skills are nowadays addressed to casual amateur 
efforts where complete and accurate hard-copy output is seldom required.  
Professional Morse skill was measured at the speed that the operator produced 
complete and accurate hard-copy.  An operator who head copies at 50 wpm but 
hard copies at 15 wpm was a 15 wpm operator.

In the history of Morse for military and commercial service, the ONLY valuable 
skill was producing accurate hard-copy of both plain language text and code 
groups.  The professional licenses for radiotelegraphy were the Third Class, 
Second Class, and First Class Radiotelegraph certificates.  The Third and 
Second Class licenses required the following:

PLAIN LANGUAGE (including common punctuation) - 20 wpm - Receive and send 100 
consecutive characters (1 minute) without error in a 500 character (5 minute) 
text.
CODE GROUPS (5-character groups of letters and numbers) - 16 wpm - Receive and 
send 80 consecutive characters (1 minute) without error in a 400 character (5 
minute) text.

Most candidates found that slow-speed code group receiving test to be the most 
difficult part.  (It took me three 200-mile trips to the Kansas City FCC office 
to finally pass.) All those mental skills that allow an operator to decipher 
entire words in plain language are of no help with code groups...there's no 
process of "hearing code groups".  There is also no possibility of reviewing 
copied text and context for needed obvious corrections.  Although it's not 
required for 16 wpm, operators skilled at high speed code groups develop an 
automatic "unthinking" response to actuate keys on the mill/keyboard as 
characters are heard.

The era of the professional commercial Morse operator essentially ended in July 
1999 when maritime Morse operation ceased in the US.  In the same era the US 
military banned use of Morse, even going so far as eliminating it from MARS 
repeater IDs.

It was a great era with great operators.  A dear friend of mine (Al, W5KGM) was 
a professional Morse operator for airlines and in WWII Atlantic merchant ship 
convoys from 1937 to the 1970s.  He could do do everything commercial-quality 
at 60-wpm or better.  He became a silent key at age 102 last year...there 
aren't many such "real" Morse professionals left.

It's unfortunate that the ham bands have been since 1999 the only place that 
Morse radiotelegraphy may be heard for practice.  Before that, the marine Morse 
bands (especially 400 to 520 kHz) provided far more interesting copy for 
development of Morse reception skill.  (I usually kept a receiver on 500 
kHz/600 meters at night.)  Morse skill was also reinforced (at least for a 
while) in the Cold War for radiomen in my squadron of ballistic missile 
submarines on the logical consideration that if world events ever provoked 
missile launch, it was unlikely that normal sophisticated submarine 
communications networks would exist afterwards.

But today...Morse is only a hobbyist's or historian's undertaking.  I 
personally found practice at Morse reception to be far more rewarding outside 
the ham bands...but that option no longer exists.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 battery issue

[Mike Morrow]

> The battery is as old as the KX2.  Maybe 6 years???
>
> AI6B
> Bryan B. Brauer

Not likely.

Sales of the KX2 and accessories did not begin until May 2016.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] K1 20m power out

[Mike Morrow]

> I recently bought a two-band K1, s/n unknown. 
> It puts out 6W on 40m, but only one watt on 20m,
> measured with a WM-2...

The most likely problem is misalignment of band 2 of the KFL1-2.  Perform a 
realignment of the 20m portion per the K1 manual.

Don't waste too much time optimizing the settings of the KFL1-2 for maximum 
receiver sensitivity.  The same inductances must be adjusted for maximum 
transmitter power output, and those adjustments are far far more critical.

OR...for a direct simple shortcut, put the K1 on 20m in TUNE mode and peak L3, 
L4, L7, and L8 for maximum power output.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] Copy cat - no way

[Mike Morrow]

Wayne wrote of the IC-705:

> It's an interesting radio for those who need built-in VHF/UHF.
>
> But there are major differences between the KX2/KX3
> and '705 for those doing lightweight outdoor operation:
>
> - KX3 is half the size and 33% lighter; KX2 is one-third
>   the size and weight
> - KX3 has max power out of 15 W, KX2 12 W (vs. 10 W);
>   KX2 can put out 10 W on internal battery
> - the KX3/KX2 LCD is very high contrast, easily readable
>   in bright sunlight
>   (I've seen the '7300 display in sunlight, and it's
>   almost completely washed out)
> - both KX-line rigs have a built-in wide-range ATU (not
>   mentioned in the '705 brochure)
> - both work with an attached keyer paddle
> - both have far lower current drain (0.15-0.25 A
>   vs. estimated 0.8-1.0 amps)
> - the '705s internal battery is only 2 AH/7.4 V = 14.8 WH;
>   the KX2's is 2.5 AH and 11 V = 27.5 WH, and the KX3 can be
>   used with 8x Lithium AA, 3A @ 12V = 36 WH

That massive power consumption of the IC-705 just by itself is the Kiss o'Death 
to all serious consideration as a backpack and SOTA radio.

And...there is little doubt that it lacks the advanced exotic capability to do 
really really hard things like operate its iambic keyer in mode A.  I've never 
found an Icom rep even at Dayton who could explain why that was impossible 
technology for Icom, other than blame it vaguely and stupidly on "the 
engineers".  That's if I was lucky enough to find an Icom rep at Hamvention who 
even knew what I meant when I asked about "iambic mode A".

The other IC-705 characteristic that is adverse to outdoor operation is its 
very dark color scheme.  That makes it an effective heat sink for solar 
radiation...never a good thing unless operating in polar regions. :-)  
Unfortunately Icom is **not alone** with the gratuitous inclusion of such a 
harmful "feature" in a small radio.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] [Way (OT)] Pedantic comment about metric usage

[Mike Morrow]

> That should have been written as an 8.3AH battery.
>
> 73 Bill AE6JV

Careful about your wishes.  Strictly speaking, there is no metric time unit 
called an hour...just seconds (s).

Your "8.3AH" should be "29880 A•s".

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] oh my. K1 woes

[Mike Morrow]

> I just set my new-to-me K1 up in the field. I can switch bands,
> but keying.the rig with my straight key results in a steady
> key-down that only stops when I power cycle the rig. The menu
> is not available.

The MENU should be available with your key unplugged.  (If not you have much 
greater problems.)

Go to the MENU, find INP, change that to HND.

Then try your key again.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] K1 boards open source?

[Mike Morrow]

What you propose will very likely not be possible.

Elecraft has always been very "outside the norm" for contemporary QRP kit 
makers in NEVER providing PCB trace info for the kits that it sold.  It is 
deliberate company policy.

I could have used such info a number of times after I built an early K1 some 19 
years ago.  The late great Tom/N0SS was a helpful source of physical 
high-quality photos of some of the PCBs that Elecraft made 15 years ago.

Mike / KK5F

>I have recently realized that I “need” a 30 + 17 meter band filter board for 
>my 40 + 20 K1. Obviously I have had 15+ years to make this realization, but 
>I’m slow. After the recent fire sale, it appears that no more K1 parts are 
>available from Elecraft.
>
>If they are no longer selling K1 kits, and have therefore apparently given up 
>on the K1 as a profit-making activity, and given that the schematics and BOMs 
>are already in the documentation, is there a source for the circuit board 
>layouts so that third-party boards could be sourced? I suppose the board 
>layout is copyrighted.
>
>Or could Elecraft make a run of bare boards? It should not be too hard to 
>collect the required parts if the boards were available.
>
>Seems like there could be a small-volume continuing product availability 
>stream somehow…
>
>Thanks.
>
>Doug, W0UHU.
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[Elecraft] [KX2, KX3] Quick Translation of ATU.DATA To L And C Values

[Mike Morrow]

KX2 and KX3 manuals provide no quick practical process to translate the 
ATU.DATA display into L and C values.

EXISTING KX2 [KX3 (errata C5-3)] TEXT:
In the ATU.DATA and ATU MD menu entries, tapping ATU shows the present values 
of L (inductance), C (capacitance) and N (L-network configuration). This 
applies only to the internal ATU (KXAT2[3]). The displayed data format is 
LxxCxxNy.  is a 2-digit hexadecimal value that, when converted to binary, 
shows which ATU L or C relays are engaged.  shows which side of the 
L-network the capacitance is on:  Nt = TX side, and NA = antenna side.
---

The above process requires the ATU schematic for L and C values (not included 
in manual), hexadecimal number conversion to binary, determining which ATU 
relays and associated L and C values are active, and summing those values.  
Almost all of that is avoided with a value lookup table that uses directly 
those four displayed hexadecimal numbers.

SUGGESTED KX2 MANUAL REVISION:
In the ATU.DATA and ATU MD menu entries, tapping ATU shows KXAT2 status for 
inductance L, capacitance C, and L-network configuration n. The display format 
is Lde.Cfg.nh.  When those two-digit hexadecimal values are translated per the 
table below,  yields L in uH and  yields C in pF.  Value  shows 
L-network capacitance connection as t (transmitter side) or A (antenna side).  
The KXAT2 is capable of 32764 unique configurations.

   de   f    g
hex   Ld   Le  Cf   Cg
0    - 0    0   0    0
1    - 1  .05 164   10
2    - 2  .10 330   18
3    - 3  .15 494   28
4    - 4  .23 680   39
5    - 5  .28 844   49
6    - 6  .33    1010   57
7    - 7  .38    1174   67
8    - *  .50      *    82
9    - *  .55  *    92
A   -  *  .60  *   100
B   -  *  .65  *   110
C   -  *  .73  *   121
D   -  *  .78  *   131
E   -  *  .83  *   139
F   -  *  .88  *   149  
     * Not applicable to KXAT2

  L = Ld + Le     C = Cf + Cg

Examples:
L4F.C2B.nA represents L= 4.88 uH, C= 440 pF, C on antenna side
L51.C67.nt represents L= 5.05 uH, C=1077 pF, C on transmitter side
---

SUGGESTED KX3 MANUAL REVISION:
In the ATU l.DATA and ATU MD menu entries, tapping ATU shows KXAT3 status for 
inductance L, capacitance C, and L-network configuration n. The display format 
is Lde.Cfg.nh.  When those two-digit hexadecimal values are translated per the 
table below,  yields L in uH and  yields C in pF.  Value  shows 
L-network capacitance connection as t (transmitter side) or A (antenna side).  
The KXAT3 is capable of 131068 unique configurations.

   d    e   f    g
hex       Ld   Le  Cf   Cg
0    - 0    0   0    0
1    - 1  .06 164   10
2    - 2  .12 330   18
3    - 3  .18 494   28
4    - 4  .25 680   39
5    - 5  .31 844   49
6    - 6  .37    1010   57
7    - 7  .43    1174   67
8    - 8  .50    1360   82
9    - 9  .56    1524   92
A    -    10  .62    1690      100
B    -    11  .68    1854      110
C    -    12  .75    2040      121
D    -    13  .81    2200      131
E    -    14  .87        2370      139
F    -    15  .93    2534      149  

  L = Ld + Le    C = Cf + Cg

Examples:
L4F.C2B.nA represents L= 4.93 uH, C= 440 pF, C on antenna side
L51.C67.nt represents L= 5.06 uH, C=1077 pF, C on transmitter side
LDA.CE9.nA represents L=13.62 uH, C=2462 pF, C on antenna side
---

Perhaps a future firmware release will report ATU.DATA L and C directly.  Until 
then, this process determines L and C in a matter of seconds by simple table 
inspection.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] K1 VFO problem

[Mike Morrow]

Tom,

You cite my name in your post, but I have absolutely no idea of what you refer. 
 I built my K1 serial 175 in November 2000 and I experienced NO problems start 
to finish.

Quote the posting to which you refer, including its date.

Mike / KK5F


-Original Message-
>From: Tom Johnson 
>Sent: Mar 23, 2019 9:03 PM
>
>I have exactly Mike Morrow's problem, and wonder if he ever got it resolved. 
>Mike, if you are still around I'd like to hear what your resolution was.
>
>I am awaiting arrival of an RF Probe kit so I can do signal testing to
>attempt to trace down my problem.  In the meantime I have looked over my
>board to the point it's invading my dreams, and I do not see any visible
>problem with the installation of any of the parts, with special attention
>to: Q9, Q1, R11, R12, L1, C2.  
>
>I did see that I had not firmly seated U1, and corrected that:  I was hoping
>that would do the trick, but it did not - still get the E42 code.
>
>It just seems to me that as everything tested out fine up until the
>installation of the L1 Toroid and the C2 capacitor (I'm using 68 pF disc for
>the 80 kHz range), that the issue should be centered there.  I've confirmed
>the 33 turns on the toroid, and fiddled with the it's placement.  I'm
>wondering if the winding direction makes a difference in the functioning of
>L1 - there is no picture of it in the manual, only a reference back to
>previous toroids, and I have wound it to match them.  I've also confirmed
>continuity of the windings on L1.  
>
>Lastly, I will reveal my testing ignorance here by mentioning my multimeter
>does measure frequency, but I am not sure if that applies in this case: ie,
>would that function as an RF Probe if I understood how to use it?
>
>I purchased my K1 18 years ago directly from Eric Schwartz when Elecraft was
>still quite young and I was active in the Santa Cruz County Amateur Radio
>Club. It is great to see how the company has grown and prospered!  It wasn't
>until settling into retirement that I mustered up the courage to tackle
>building this project.  
>
>If anyone has any theories on the K1 VFO failure issue other than those
>already offered, please clue me in.  
>
>73,
>Tom Johnson
>KQ7TJ (formerly KQ6DV)
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Re: [Elecraft] Antennas for portable ops

[Mike Morrow]

Steve,

For portable ops from a fixed location, consider a multi-band (through use of 
insulator links) resonant dipole.

High-performance antennas for camping and backpacking have been my principal 
interest in ham radio for 50 years.  Upon request, I can send a pdf file that 
describes a seven-band (40m to 10m) dipole that is easy and inexpensive to 
make, and durable for frequent set-up and take-down. I have used it in one form 
or another with great success for almost 40 years.

Mike / KK5F
DSW-20, -30, -40 1998
K1 #175 2000
KX2 #2211 2017

-Original Message-

>I just bought a KX-3 so I have a couple questions about antennas. I 
>would like suggestions for man portable and portable fixed. I have 
>received suggestions for end fed antennas for fixed ops but will 
>entertain others. Thanks Steve kb1chu
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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft business practices

[Mike Morrow]

>As I stated, they did this twice so I suspect more than a glitch.
>
>I did try to talk to sales and received several excuses but no definitive
>answers.
>
>Lou W2ROW

What, EXACTLY, are you expecting readers of the Elecraft list to do for you?

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] New tuning knob for the KX2

[Mike Morrow]

If **only** we could get the candid and informed evaluation of someone who was 
*really* familiar with the KX2!! :-)

Mike / KK5F
K1 #175 (11/2000)
KX2 #2211 (11/2017)

-Original Message-
>From: Wayne Burdick 
>Sent: Jan 7, 2019 7:48 PM
>To: Mike Morrow 
>Cc: Elecraft 
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New tuning knob for the KX2
>
>Nonetheless: to each his own :)
>
>Wayne
>N6KR
>
>
>elecraft.com
>
>> On Jan 7, 2019, at 2:32 PM, Mike Morrow  wrote:
>> 
>> Joe wrote:
>> 
>>> I love my KX2 but the main tuning knob has always been a problem for me.
>>> 
>>> It’s just a tad too small and not easy to spin rapidly.
>>> 
>>> I found a very nice aluminum knob for the KX2 being sold on eBay by a 
>>> gentleman in Winterport,ME.
>>> 
>>> The tracking item nr. is:  264113321673.
>>> 
>>> The knob costs $24.95 shipped, is CNC machined aluminum and is  black in 
>>> color….not exactly cheap but worth every penny IMHO.
>>> 
>>> I just put it on my KX2 and tuning is now a dream…it feels like a much 
>>> larger knob and the finger dimple is larger than the stock KX2 knob which 
>>> allows for a nice fit.
>>> 
>>> It also fits the KX1 for all of the KX1 users out there.
>>> 
>>> A very nice addition to my KX2.
>>> 
>>> Now, if only Wayne can find a ball bearing rotary encoder for the KX2  all 
>>> would be well in the world (grin).
>>> 
>>> Enjoy those Elecraft radios.
>>> 
>>>73, Joe W2KJ
>>>I QRP, therefore I am
>> 
>> Better is "I QRP, therefore I HAM"?
>> 
>> To your point, this is what Wayne/N6KR wrote about the KX2 knob, 30 March 
>> 2017, on the Elecraft list:
>> 
>> Start quote--
>> In response to various comments on the KX2 knob (today and earlier): 
>> 
>> Our goal for the KX2 was to make it really lightweight. Light enough to be 
>> used as an HT. Goat-optional on longer hikes. 
>> 
>> Even 1 ounce of additional weight can increase fatigue when holding a device 
>> (try, for example, carrying around an iPhone 7 vs. an iPhone 7+). So we 
>> designed a low-profile plastic VFO A knob that is big enough to get the job 
>> done. 
>> 
>> Another reason not to use a heavier knob is that the KX2’s VFO encoder is 
>> itself a compact unit that has a sleeve bearing. Weighted knobs should in 
>> general be used only with heavier, ball-bearing style encoders. On this 
>> encoder, a heavy knob would shorten the rotational life. 
>> 
>> Regarding adding a dimple: I’ve tried knobs this size with dimples and found 
>> that they were hard to use. A matter of taste and fingertip size, I guess. 
>> Meanwhile, the present knob can be “spun” to a certain degree by putting 
>> light finger pressure on the rim. 
>> 
>> 73, 
>> Wayne 
>> N6KR
>> End quote--
>> 
>> Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] New tuning knob for the KX2

[Mike Morrow]

Joe wrote:

>I love my KX2 but the main tuning knob has always been a problem for me.
>
>It’s just a tad too small and not easy to spin rapidly.
>
>I found a very nice aluminum knob for the KX2 being sold on eBay by a 
>gentleman in Winterport,ME.
>
>The tracking item nr. is:  264113321673.
>
>The knob costs $24.95 shipped, is CNC machined aluminum and is  black in 
>color….not exactly cheap but worth every penny IMHO.
>
>I just put it on my KX2 and tuning is now a dream…it feels like a much larger 
>knob and the finger dimple is larger than the stock KX2 knob which allows for 
>a nice fit.
>
>It also fits the KX1 for all of the KX1 users out there.
>
>A very nice addition to my KX2.
>
>Now, if only Wayne can find a ball bearing rotary encoder for the KX2  all 
>would be well in the world (grin).
>
>Enjoy those Elecraft radios.
>
>   73, Joe W2KJ
>   I QRP, therefore I am

Better is "I QRP, therefore I HAM"?

To your point, this is what Wayne/N6KR wrote about the KX2 knob, 30 March 2017, 
on the Elecraft list:

Start quote--
In response to various comments on the KX2 knob (today and earlier): 

Our goal for the KX2 was to make it really lightweight. Light enough to be used 
as an HT. Goat-optional on longer hikes. 

Even 1 ounce of additional weight can increase fatigue when holding a device 
(try, for example, carrying around an iPhone 7 vs. an iPhone 7+). So we 
designed a low-profile plastic VFO A knob that is big enough to get the job 
done. 

Another reason not to use a heavier knob is that the KX2’s VFO encoder is 
itself a compact unit that has a sleeve bearing. Weighted knobs should in 
general be used only with heavier, ball-bearing style encoders. On this 
encoder, a heavy knob would shorten the rotational life. 

Regarding adding a dimple: I’ve tried knobs this size with dimples and found 
that they were hard to use. A matter of taste and fingertip size, I guess. 
Meanwhile, the present knob can be “spun” to a certain degree by putting light 
finger pressure on the rim. 

73, 
Wayne 
N6KR
End quote--

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 receive discontinuity at 6.000 MHz

[Mike Morrow]

I believe my KX2 and your KX3 use almost identical BPF and LPF network 
switching breakpoints (not including the KX3 6m band):

BPF/LPF Span (MHz) Ham Bands (meters)
 Below   4.5   160, 80 (160 below  3.0)
 4.5 to  8.5    60, 40 ( 60 below  6.0)
 8.5 to 17.0    30, 20 ( 30 below 13.0)
17.0 to 23.0    17, 15 ( 17 below 19.0)
23.0 to 30.0    12, 10 ( 12 below 26.0)

Although no BPF or LPF switching occurs at 6.0 MHz, my KX2 band changes from 
60m to 40m at that point and thus changes the KXAT2 ATU relay presets unless I 
have ATU MD in BYP.  That can cause signal strength changes at 6.0 MHz similar 
to what you report.  With ATU MD in AUTO, I get some signal drop at 6.0 MHz 
increasing.  With ATU MD in BYP, I get absolutely NO signal change at 6.0 MHz, 
increasing or decreasing.

The mystery is that you report the signal strength changes at 6.0 MHz even with 
the KXAT3 ATU MD in BYP.  I am at a loss.  There should be no relay operation 
in the KX2/3 at 6.0 MHz if the KXAT2/3 ATU MD is BYP.  Do you hear any relay 
operation at 6.0 MHz with ATU MD in BYP?

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: Walter Underwood 
>Sent: Nov 26, 2018 11:04 PM
>To: "Elecraft QTH.net List" 
>Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 receive discontinuity at 6.000 MHz
>
>I was tuning in Radio Havana Cuba with my KX3 a few nights ago. I received 
>them fine at 5999.999 kHz, but their signal and the background noise dropped 
>way, way down when I tuned 6000.000 kHz. This happened with AM, USB, and LSB. 
>It was also visible on my PX3. I bypassed the ATU, no change. Set the XPA100 
>to “not installed”, no change. Bypassed the ATU.X, no change.
>
>KX3 serial number 2985, latest firmware.
>
>Any clues? I’m tempted to do an EEINIT and reload the config, just on general 
>principles.
>
>wunder
>K6WRU
>Walter Underwood
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Re: [Elecraft] AX-1/K-2/K-1

[Mike Morrow]

> I have yet to see comments here regarding the use of the AX-1 with the
> K2 or K1.
>
> Any experiences or thoughts.

I'm pretty sure it works ONLY if the RF is generated by a KX2 or KX3.

:-)

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] In response to several AX1 questions at Pacificon

[Mike Morrow]

One would need to be mindful of the 630m 5 watt and 2200m 1 watt EIRP limits in 
North America, when using such a modified AX1.

Mike / KK5F
:-)
-

> And with the right size loading coil could it be used on 630
> and 2200 meters pedestrian mobile?

_

> Another question -- if a right-sized capacity hat were added to
> the top of the whip, could this antenna be somewhat effective on
> 30 or 40 meters.
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Re: [Elecraft] CW with my K3s and KX3

[Mike Morrow]

That's a very good and comprehensive list of suggestions, Fred.  I've only one 
nit to pick in this statement:

> 3.  86 the keyboard and send with paddle/bug/J-38

Avoid the J-38 military straight key.  The common J-38 was used in military 
service ONLY for Morse training.  The equally-common J-37 is the Signal Corps 
key most often used with real front-line sets that might be exposed to combat 
environments.  However, the Navy Type 26003 key is the finest of common 
military straight keys.  It's what I use if forced to use an Asian-origin 
commercial ham rig.  They seem not to know how to make a transceiver capable of 
Mode A iambic keying.  I'd rub two wires together before I'd ever try using the 
horrific Mode B that almost all Asian ham rigs force on buyers.  I really 
appreciate how every Elecraft rig ever made allows great Mode A iambic keying, 
so I don't often need to break out my 26003 straight key.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 Mic doubles as speaker source?

[Mike Morrow]

Does anyone besides you know what you are talking about?

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: Robert Sands 
>Sent: Aug 13, 2018 12:10 AM
>To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 Mic doubles as speaker source?
>
>Anyone using this after market item? Who sells them? Any good?
>Robert Sands
>K7VO
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Re: [Elecraft] ATU not working

[Mike Morrow]

Somebody without name or call wrote:

> I have this issue with my trustworthy Elecraft KX3...
> 
>
> Any advice?

Yes.  Exercise courtesy.

1. Since Elecraft makes more than one product, show the model designation in 
the SUBJECT line.

2. Sign the post with name and call sign.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] The KX1 Now and Forever. Look at the QCX.

[Mike Morrow]

> I understand that Elecraft can't make the money work with a
> rig with a very niche market.  So how about a KX0, or KX9000
> in todays marketing bull.  Make it one band.  Make it 5 watts.
> Make it buildable by real people, no smds.
> ...73 Eric WD6DBM

All of what you seek, and more, is already available at almost give-away prices 
in the mono-band transceiver Model QCX kits ($49) and optional custom 
enclosures ($37) from QRP Labs.  The QCX is a modern extremely sophisticated, 
innovative, and capaable design by Hans Summers, G0UPL.

QCX Description Page:
  http://qrp-labs.com/qcx.html

Presentation materials by Hans at Dayton FDIM;
  http://qrp-labs.com/images/news/dayton2018/seminar.pdf
  http://qrp-labs.com/images/news/dayton2018/fdim2018.pdf

QCX Assembly, Alignment, Operation, and Theory Manual:
  http://qrp-labs.com/images/qcx/assembly3_LT.pdf

This manual is outstanding in all areas.  Like the kit design, it is a real 
tour de force.  The kit requires no SMD soldering and is almost all easy TTH 
construction.  The QCX includes all necessary built-in test signal generation 
and associated displays for making alignments.

I don't believe there is any conflict mentioning the QCX mono-band unit on the 
Elecraft list because it is NOT a competitor to ANY product that has ever been 
in Elecraft's 20-year product line.  In one year, almost 6000 QCX kits have 
been sold.  I have recently received four of them and begun construction.

There's more than enough room in my QRP world to appreciate the excellence of 
my three 20-year-old Small Wonders DSW mono-band units, my 18-year-old K1, my 
recent KX2, and my (I hope) soon-to-be completed QCX units.  I love the 
technical innovation in every one of these.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] OT: Call location

[Mike Morrow]

Ken wrote:

> Trivia:. Usta be that all "K" calls on the BC band were
> east of the Mississippi River.

No, most broadcast station calls starting with K were and are WEST of the 
Mississippi River.  A notable exception was KDKA in Pittsburg, PA, still going 
today on 1020 kHz.

> WFAA and WBAP in Ft Worth share a common studio and transmitter
> and split hours of call use.

There's quite a treatise on the history of US broadcast station call sign 
assignments here:

 https://earlyradiohistory.us/kwtrivia.htm

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] KX1 Replacement?

[Mike Morrow]

Ken wrote:

> I must admit that my K1 is still my favorite. It was my first CW
> only, QRP rig. I will log more with the KX2, but every contact
> with the K1 is still thrilling.
> Ken ke4rg

All things considered, the K1 is still my favorite rig in 50 years a ham.  I 
built mine in late 2000 after a six-month wait between order and delivery.  It 
was a deservedly popular rig.  I used mine through Solar Cycles 23 and 24.  It 
has been "hors de combat" since a DC power spike from a nearby lightning strike 
in 2015.  I hope someday to return it to service.

My KX2 is from a different realm of technology and function.  I am amazed by 
its size and capabilities.  I never go on a trip without it.

There is one area where the KX2 is notably deficient, compared to the K1.  
That's its case color. and the problem has nothing to do with aesthetics.

Black paint causes a rapid rise in temperature after only a few minutes 
exposure to direct sunlight...even when the KX2 is turned off!  Black is a poor 
choice for a radio that is likely to see frequent outdoor use under temperate 
fair weather conditions.

The case color appears chosen for style...not service.  The traditional light 
"Elecraft" gray case color would have produced much less temperature rise in 
direct sunlight.  White or light tan would be even better.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] OT OT OT OT Vanity call question OT OT OT OT

[Mike Morrow]

> I want to learn about vanity call signs, why would I want one?

You have posted to the wrong list.  This is the ***Elecraft*** list.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] K1 Band Boards

[Mike Morrow]

Dave speculated about the KFL1-2 filter board:

> ...aren't all the boards the same except for the frequency
> determining parts (toroids and caps)?

Yes, plus the two heterodyne crystals.

> you could just swap out those parts on your 20/30 board.
> Pretty sure the caps and cores would still be available
> somewhere,

Plus the two heterodyne oscillator crystals.

> somebody is bound to have the winding instructions for
> the toroids for 40 and 80.

All the winding info is in the instructions for the KFL1-2, found on the 
Elecraft site at:

 http://www.elecraft.com/manual/E740020%20KFL1-2%20instr%20Rev%20I.pdf

There were a lot of surplus 40/20m filter boards after the KFL1-4 came out in 
2001.  Perhaps someone has one for sale, to have 20m parts replaced with 80m 
parts.  There was also an RFC and capacitor that had to be added on the K1 RF 
board for 80m operation.

FWIW, somewhat bizarrely, links to documents for the KFL1-4 four-band filter 
board are missing from the Manuals and Downloads page of the Elecraft site.  
Now the two needed files must be selected from this link:

 http://www.elecraft.com/manual/?C=M;O=D

or reached directly from these two links:
 
 http://www.elecraft.com/manual/KFL1_4_man_rev_A.pdf
 http://www.elecraft.com/manual/KFL1-4%20Errata%20Rev%20A-4.pdf

It seems to me it would be better to have all this info still available 
directly at the Manuals and Downloads page for the K1.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] Is K1 re-alignment worthwhile?

[Mike Morrow]

Doug wrote:

> I have a K1 that I built several years ago. It seems to work fine,
> but I am wondering if it is worthwhile going back and doing a
> re-alignment. Do they drift out of adjustment over time?

The **most** critical adjustments on every tuned circuit of the K1 filter 
boards are made to peak transmitter output.  These adjustments are far more 
critical than any for receiver performance.

This means that the first sign of a need for filter board re-alignment is the 
inability to obtain 6 to 7 watts output on each band when the DC supply is 
about 14 vdc.

If you are getting good power output on each band, then there is **nothing** to 
be gained for either transmit or receive performance by re-alignment.

The only problems with drifting K1 alignment occurred with very early 
(2001-era) KFL1-4 four-band filter boards.  The original white-body 
tuning-adjustment capacitors were found to drift eith temperature change, which 
had great effect on the KFL1-4 sharply-peaked LC-circuits.  By 2002 superior 
new blue-body capacitors were supplied with with new KFL1-4 kits and also made 
available for back-fit in existing KFL1-4 boards.  I installed the back-fit and 
that permanently solved the problem.

The L-tuned KFL1-2 two-band boards never had the problem, but the circuits of 
the KFL1-2 are not as sharp as those of the KFL1-4 either.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2

[Mike Morrow]

Make sure you are running the KX2 Utility with the PC connected via the KXUSB 
cable to the turned-on KX2.  All that must happen before trying to communicate 
between PC and KX2...you won't be able to select the COM port until then.

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: n4mjg 
>Sent: May 11, 2018 10:45 PM
>To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>Subject: [Elecraft] KX2
>
>I have ser num 2554
>
>I'm trying get to banner the radio show 38400 and com port 4 on my computer 
>with window 7 I can't seem see nothing at least not yet I'm still learning
>wanting to put my name and call sign !
>
>73
>Jackie
>N4MJG
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Re: [Elecraft] Strange CW at each button push

[Mike Morrow]

You may want to upgrade the firmware to version 2.89.

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: Richard Day 
>Sent: Feb 19, 2018 12:53 PM
>To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>Subject: [Elecraft] Strange CW at each button push
>
>On my last two SOTA activations, my KX2 appears to be working valiantly.
>At some point, however, I find that I cannot push any button without it
>giving me a short CW message.
>
>I am not up on CW yet, and during a SOTA activation, there is no time to
>try to understand what is happening.  It doesn't act up when at home!?
>
>When on an activation, I merely turn the radio off and back on.  That
>clears the problem temporarily.
>
>I am on firmware rev. 02.86
>
>Rich Day
>KK4DZE
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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Hex Key worth?

[Mike Morrow]

>Does anyone know what an Elecraft labeled Hex Key is worth? I've got one 
>in great shape that I'm considering selling.
>
>Thanks,
>Scott N9AA

Have you contacted the Elecraft Hex Key Collectors' Association (EHKCA) 
website, or joined their e-mail list on QTH.net?

Frankly, run-of-the-mill garden-variety Elecraft hex keys seldom bring more 
than a C-note, even when accompanied with the original Elecraft sales receipts, 
owner's manuals, and authenticating certificates.  It's common knowledge in the 
Elecraft hex key collector community that only low serial-numbered hex keys 
with the winged Elecraft emblem bring top dollar or trade.  If you are the 
lucky owner of one of those extremely-rare and highly-desired beauties, 
announce details on the list I noted above or on the "Classifieds" page of the 
EHKCA website.  You may be able to arrange even trade for a new K3s/KPA1500/P3 
combo!

Good luck!

Mike / KK5F
EHKCA Member 13P-237784
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Re: [Elecraft] OT: Selling IC-7300 For Friend

[Mike Morrow]

Gary wrote:

> Considering how the other radios on the market are not upgradable,
> I can not imagine any reason to ever buy one of them. As long as
> there is Elecraft, I will buy the next radio that has something new
> to offer.

Those firmware upgrades can be quick.  On 20 Nov 2017 G4SJP reported a problem 
with KX2 production firmware 2.81.  By 21 Nov 2017 new production firmware 
version 2.84 corrected the problem and was available for download.  Never would 
or could Asian ham rig makers respond that fast...if ever they responded in the 
product lifetime at all.

Asian ham rig makers seem universally to lack the intelligence to implement 
iambic mode A on any of their rigs.  The unfortunate owner is forced to use the 
abominable mode B, or to not use iambic keying at all.  Elecraft has always 
allowed selection of either mode.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2, spy radio

[Mike Morrow]

Chas wrote:

> SSB would have been the equivalent of encryption.

Not even remotely so...SSB technology goes back decades before WWII.

From Wikipedia:

"The first U.S. patent for SSB modulation was applied for on December 1, 1915 
by John Renshaw Carson. The U.S. Navy experimented with SSB over its radio 
circuits before World War I.  SSB first entered commercial service on January 
7, 1927 on the longwave transatlantic public radiotelephone circuit between New 
York and London."

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2, spy radio

[Mike Morrow]

Here's a 1970-era small western world 'clandestine' set called the AVCO 
TAR-224A:

  http://www.cryptomuseum.com/spy/tar224/

It's about three times the bulk of the KX3, which is very small for the era and 
not too large even by today's standards.  It puts out 20 watts A1 or A3 from 2 
to 24 MHz, and is all solid state with auto antenna tuner and Morse key built 
onto the front panel.  (Sounds familiar.)  This 47-year-old set will typically 
cost today more than a new full-house KX3 if you find one for sale!  I have 
one...it's the provenance that attracts.  Technically speaking, only its 
suitability for use in unfavorable environmental conditions gives it any 
advantage over a KX3.

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: Stephen Peterson 
>Sent: Aug 31, 2017 8:33 PM
>
>Imagine what the WWII resistance/spies would have given for a KX2!  Fun and
>interesting to look at the equipment they were using.

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Re: [Elecraft] K1 Discontinued

[Mike Morrow]

I saw the K1 first at Dsyton 2000, just after it was announced.  I ordered one 
immediately, but delivery did not happen for almost six months.  It is one of 
my favorite electronic devices from the past 50 years.

It covered 15 meters, and consumed only about 60 mA on receive, with backlight.

Two years ago mine took a lightening strike through the DC input which killed a 
couple of regulators, some diodes, and a DA converter on the front panel board. 
 But tests show the MPU still functions and displays and responds to the keys.  
Perhaps I'll get around to fixing it someday.

Not many rigs (except the K2) have had a production and sales run of 17 years.  
It will be missed, but I don't know how it was kept in production that long.  I 
suspect it had a unit cost to Elecraft not significantly less than the KX2.

Mike / KK5F
K1 serial 175

-Original Message-

>From: N4OI - Ken 
>Sent: Aug 30, 2017 11:36 AM
>
> I guess my kids or XYL will dig it out and put it on the market with the
> rest of my stuff one day...  But man, until then, what a great QRP rig!!
> 4-band K1 with ATU...  a real, take-anywhere radio!!
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[Elecraft] KX2 System Schematics Are Available!

[Mike Morrow]

I notice that today Elecraft has published a 17-page set of schematics for the 
KX2 and its accessories.  The URL below has been added to the "Manuals and 
Downloads" page at Elecraft.com:

 http://www.elecraft.com/manual/E740324%20KX2%20Schematic%20Files%20RevA.pdf

This package, and the device it documents, are beautiful!  Thanks, Wayne, and 
all others who put this document together.

My last excuse for not buying a KX2 system has now been demolished!

73,
Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 added to Sherwood's list ..

[Mike Morrow]

I was surprised that the KX2 ranked **18** positions BELOW the KX3.  That shows 
the KX3 is a really remarkable world-class achievement.   Plus, at least an 
early system schematic (excluding the KX3-2M two-meter module and PX3) is 
available.  That leaves the KXBC3 battery/RTC as the only mediocre component in 
the system.

I decided not to buy a KX2 until and unless minimal technical information 
(schematic) was available.  It has become obvious that such is purposely and 
likely permanently withheld from most customers...a really remarkable and 
negative non-traditional policy for ham gear...especially gear directed to the 
QRP community.

Operating HF hand-held has not had any valuable application since the WWII 
SCR-536/BC-611 handie-talkie.  I like to operate my QRP rigs, especially high 
performance Elecraft units, with antennas that complement the quality of the 
radio.  No Elecraft rig deserves the degradation of a HF telescoping antenna.  
That's pure gimmickry, IMHO  :-)

73,
Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: Wayne Burdick 
>Sent: Jul 27, 2017 9:03 PM
>
>Similar to our lab measurements. (Not bad for a 13 oz radio. If this were 
>1999, it would have been at the top of the list :)
>
>Question for KX2 users: Have you tried it hand-held with a whip yet?
>
>73,
>Wayne
>N6KR
>
>> On Jul 27, 2017, at 6:11 PM, John AE5X  wrote:
>> 
>> I haven't seen this mentioned here yet...KX2 receiver specs were added 
>> yesterday:
>> 
>>  http://www.sherweng.com/table.html
>> 
>> John AE5X
>> http://ae5x.blogspot.com/

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Re: [Elecraft] K1 - 2 band, is possible to add another 2 band PCB ?

[Mike Morrow]

Between 2002 and 2014 Elecraft made a four-band filter board KFL1-4 which 
allowed operation on 40m, 30m, and any two of 20m, 17m, and 15m.  It had 
superior RF performance on each band compared to equivalent two-band filter 
boards.  The unavailability of special temperature-stable trimmer capacitors 
forced its discontinuation.  It was a gem, after its design was altered to use 
those capacitors, and backfit kits to older boards became availble.

So when you read of a four-band K1, the discontinued KFL1-4 is what made it 
possible.

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: roney 
>Sent: May 24, 2017 9:08 AM
>To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>Subject: [Elecraft] K1 - 2 band, is possible to add another 2 band PCB ?
>
>Hello, now that my Rig is ready, I want to ask something that wasn't clear
>when I bought it.
>
>In Elecraft website, there is a "*KFL1-2
> Additional 2 Band Module*";
>I did not buy it, because I still don't know if it works.
>
>I already have B1 as 3.500 mhz
>I already have B2 as 21.000 mhz
>
>If I buy and add the second 2 band module, can I have all together 4 bands
>in my Rig ?
>(Like adding B3 as 14.000 mhz, and B4 as 7.000 mhz)
>
>Thanks
>Roney PY1ZB

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Re: [Elecraft] K1 - VFO frequency range

[Mike Morrow]

I assume you have already calibrated the LCD display on each band using the OCF 
menue function.  That makes the LCD indicate the actual transmitter output 
frequency,  This display calibration for each band must be performed before 
adjustment of where the low end of each band starts.

Because the K1 has no way of adjusting the oscillation frequency of the 
individual heterodyne crystals on the filter board, the only band edge 
adjustment possible is accomplished by altering the VFO frequency.  That 
affects both bands equally.

Your data show the K1 tuning band is too low by about 5.2 kHz.  The VFO 
SUBTRACTS from the heterodyne crystal frequency, so to RAISE the K1 frequency 
of operation you must LOWER the VFO frequency by squeezing CLOSER together some 
of the turns on the RF board L1 VFO toroid.  It won't require much.  Try that 
until the low end of 80m indicates about 3499.0 kHz on the LCD.  That 80m L1 
adjustment will also bring the low end of 15m to about 20996.1 kHz.  That will 
be the closest you'll get on 15m.  If you adjusted L1 until 15m starts at 
20999.0, then 80m will start at 3501.9 kHz.  You'll have lost some low end 80m 
coverage.

The K1 has been around since 2000, which is how long I've had #175.  What's the 
serial on your recent K1?  It's still a magnificent radio.

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: roney 
>Sent: May 24, 2017 7:52 AM
>To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>Subject: [Elecraft] K1 - VFO frequency range
>
>Hello, I just finished all tests and adjustments in my K1.
>It works great. I have 2 filter band as 80m and 15m.
>It's transmitting and receiving very well.
>
>I followed all tests in:
>
>VFO Range Test (Page 38):
>VFO knob fully clockwise = 3.007 khz
>VFO knob fully counterclockwise = 3.091 khz
>VFO range = 84 khz
>
>So I did Band Assignments (Page 39), etc, etc.
>
>When seeing each band, my real ranges are:
>
>80m: 3.493,8   to  3.577,6 mhz
>15m: 20.990,9 to 21.074,6 mhz
>
>I did not understand how to adjust these low and high limits. Should I
>change some inductor turns ? or is there any menu adjust for these limits ?
>
>Thanks for the help,
>Roney Monte PY1ZB
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Re: [Elecraft] OT -- Ham radio operators contribute to protecting the Earth

[Mike Morrow]

That's true...VLF!  Those of us who served on ballistic missile submarines were 
part of the motivation for those megawatt-output coast stations around 15 kHz.

But let's not forget all the localized radiation on VLF coming from hundreds of 
millions of TVs with horizontal sweep tubes and power transistors from pre-21st 
century non-HD TV sets.  It all adds up...with nary a ham station part of it.  
:-)

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: John Marvin 
>Sent: May 18, 2017 7:44 PM
>
>Perhaps you are confusing VLF with VHF? The article talks about VLF 
>transmissions. VLF is 3-30 Khz. There are no ham bands in that range.
>
>73,
>
>John
>AC0ZG
>
>On 5/18/2017 6:23 PM, Phil Hystad wrote:
>> I thought some other ham operators might like to read how they are helping
>> to build a protective bubble around the Earth.
>>
>> https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2017/05/wow-guys/527193/
>>
>> 73, phil, K7PEH
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Re: [Elecraft] KTS1 Tilt Stand for K1

[Mike Morrow]

> Does Elecraft still sell the KTS1 tilt stand for the K1? If not,
> does anyone know of an alternative?
>
>73, Jim W5LA

The KTS1 has been discontinued for many years.

I found it to be a grossly over-engineered and complex solution to what most 
owners likely would have preferred...just some sort of simple bale that 
remained attached and could be folded down in two seconds to prop up the front.

There were a couple of simple third-party alternatives available 15 years ago.  
All development of new K1 features and options ceased by 2002.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] no power

[Mike Morrow]

Have you any idea what Elecraft transceiver you are using?  I don't, after 
reading your posting.

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: Peter B 
>Sent: Apr 27, 2017 10:38 AM
>To: elecraft 
>Subject: [Elecraft] no power
>
>Hello list,
>I need some help with this.
>When i do PTT in data mode i have no TX power.
>I use N1MM with mmtty microham USB lll.
> any help is welcome.
>
>73s
>Peter PD1RP
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 on AM?

[Mike Morrow]

>Scanning the data sheet on the KX2 I don’t see AM as a mode, thought
>that was added a few months back.
>Does it have AM?

Take a look at the firmware revision description for the KX2.  Also, look at 
the KX2 operating manual errata A-5.

The answer is yes.

Mike / KK5F



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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 Matching Power Amplifier

[Mike Morrow]

> I'm enjoying my new KX2 transceiver!  I'd like to see Elecraft make a
> matching RF amplifier with about 35 watts output with 5 watts in.

Since the KX2 runs 10 watts out, more or less, you're asking for external gear 
to run only 5 dB better.  I wouldn't consider something like that for even a 
moment.  The existing 100 watt amp is likely the minimum increment that would 
be almost worth the trouble.

A subsequent post about using a T1 ATU on the output of a 40 watt external amp 
seems ill-advised, especially for such minimal practical benefit.

I'd prefer to see an enhanced KX3HP (not KX2) with KXAT3HP capable (only with 
stout 14 vdc external power) of the 35 watts you seek.  It would sell as a 
unified package that is the buyer's only choice, but not as multiple 
components.  Still ... the benefit for the effort would not be there.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] New KX2 firmware to test; provides two sets of ATU data and LC value display

[Mike Morrow]

Wayne wrote:

>> Someone armed with the KXAT2 schematic could write a little program that
>> converts xx into microhenries and picofarads. I’d do it myself if I had the
>> spare time.

Such a project is challenging because the KXAT2 schematic and parts values have 
*not* been made available outside very limited distribution.

Holger wrote:

> aeons ago you wrote the L/C values into this mailing list (even before the
> schematic was released, AFAIK). *)
>
> I wrote a Python program that convers the bit pattern of the relais setting
> that the AK serial command returns into uF and mH. See here:
> https://gist.github.com/anonymous/5d53f5bdbc50782a9d5e2c8d7062be69
>
> *)
> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-Operating-Tip-Determining-the-ATU-s-L-C-values-and-L-net-configuration-td7560189.html
> is the post I used for the L/C values.

That information applies to the KX3, *not* to the KX2 that is the target of 
Wayne's post.  Necessary technical information in the form of schematics and 
part values has *not* been made generally available for the KXAT2.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Future KX3/KX2 accessories?

[Mike Morrow]

Wayne asked:

> What future accessories, antennas, etc. would you like to see for the 
> KX-line? 

Number One on my list:  A KX2 system schematic similar to what has been 
available for several years for the KX3.

(I hate the appearances of "appliance operating"...unavoidable when basic 
technical information is not made available.)

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 ATU question

[Mike Morrow]

A tabular summary of the various Elecraft ATU characteristics was made by me 
here on 24 May 2016.  Next is the posting with the tabulation, attached below a 
response from Wayne with important KXAT2 design remarks, compared to the T1:
 
  http://mailman.qth.net/pipermail/elecraft/2016-May/232436.html

In summary, both the KXAT2 and the T1 ATUs use 7 inductors and 7 capacitors in 
an L-network low-pass filter, where the capacitor array may be switched to 
either side of the inductor array.  That gives 32764 unique configurations for 
both ATUs.  However, the T1 must use those 32764 between 160m and 6m, while the 
KXAT2 uses its 32764 between 80m and 10m only.  Thus, within the KXAT2's 
reduced frequency range, it performs more precisely to generate a match, 
compared to the T1 between 80m and 10m.

Bottom line:  The KXAT2 is superior to the T1 over the KX2's operating 
frequency range.

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: w7aqk 
>
>A while back, some enterprising person had posted a rather nice summary of 
>all the Elecraft ATU's showing numbers of tuning combinations, etc.  I can't 
>find it now, but maybe someone can post it again.  It may have been here on 
>this reflector, or otherwise, on the KX3 reflector.
>
>As I recall, the KX2 ATU had slightly fewer combinations, but only because 
>160 and 6 meters were not included on the rig.  Thus it was deemed to 
>perform nearly identically to the K3 and KX3 ATU's, and seems to do that 
>based on my usage.
>
>The T1 also had fewer combinations than the K3, but I think shows very 
>similar to the KX2.  My guess is that you would find the KX2 ATU to do a 
>competent job in comparison to the T1.  It is a very worthy addition to the 
>rig.
>
>Dave W7AQK
>
>From: Dave Fugleberg 
>
>How does the optional internal ATU for the KX2 compare to the Elecraft T1
>ATU in terms of tuning range? In other words, if a given length of wire
>works well with the T1, can one expect it to work with the KX2 internal
>tuner?
>
>I have a T1, but not a KX2 (at least not yet).
>Is  it  a similar design?
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S not-ELF, VLF 10KHz

[Mike Morrow]

> Used to listen to 16 khz from GBR in England on an RAL...

That should be the VLF/LF/MF RAK (15 TO 600 KHz), not the RAL, which was the 
MF/HF companion receiver (300 to 23000 kHz).  These 80-year-old-design 
TRF/Regenerative units were outstanding receivers during their era as the US 
Navy's principal shipboard set before and during WWII.  The RAL still does well 
today on HF, especially for CW.

  http://www.virhistory.com/navy/rcvrs/rak-ral.htm

This whole thread was mis-named.  The specified frequency of 10 kHz is far far 
far from ELF.  Tbat is merely a Very Low Frequency VLF, 3 to 30 kHz.

Ultra Low Frequency ULF is 0.3 to 3 kHz.
Super Low Frequency SLF is 30 to 300 Hz.
Extremely Low Frequency ELF is 3 to 30 Hz.

I doubt that there is a firmware mod that could make the K3S work at ELF, 
either going in or coming out!  :-)

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S ELF 10KHz

[Mike Morrow]

I didn't understand the reference to audio either.

When I on the crew of a US ballistic missile submarine more than 40 years ago, 
our main communications receivers were AN/BRR-3 units whose full frequency 
range was only 14 to 30 kHz.  These received signals from coastal stations 
operating at megawatt output levels, but there was no one near such a station 
with his ear drums damaged by or even sensitive to the station's continuous 
output.  :-)

Anyone can listen to such signals as they exist today.  I'm not sure what the 
point would be...everything down there is very deeply encrypted.

Mike / KK5F

--

>> Wait a second, there's a big difference between a sound pressure wave
>> and an electromagnetic wave at 10-kHz...

---

> Receivers THAT I AM AWARE OF begin coverage at 15 khz.  Used to listen to
> 16 khz from GBR in England on an RAL when lived in Florida.
>
> After all, 10 khz -is- audio.
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 and Sherwood Eng. RX Performance Ranking?

[Mike Morrow]

> Can't say for sure but doubt it has been reviewed yet. It is still 
> pretty new.

It's been on the market for ten months...long enough for a popular rig to be 
reviewed.

There's been nothing in QST's product reviews either.

But then, Elecraft has not released much technical information either...still 
no schematics for the typical customer.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 Happiness

[Mike Morrow]

> But I don't think the Maldol HF whips are available anyway,
> so it's a mute point.

And moot as well. :-)

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] [KX3] Re: MFJ 20-meter whip on 17 and 15 meters with the KX2 (or KX3)

[Mike Morrow]

> HiI have been trying to find where to buy one of these!
> Not so easy to find! Any suggestions? Tom

I'm going to go out on a limb here with some wild speculation, but how about 
the MFJ site?

 http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-1820T

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] (KX1) A Story for a Winter Day in NY

[Mike Morrow]

Wayne wrote:

> ...the KX2 is about the same size and has so much more capability.

BUT...unlike the KX1, the KX2 has no schematics available to the customer.  
That is a very significant defect in a HF amateur radio product.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] What Two Bands would you pick for a K1?

[Mike Morrow]

> What Two Bands would you pick for a K1?
> My first thoughts are 40 and 15,

There are only six bands that Elecraft supports with KFL1-2 band parts:  80m, 
40m, 30m, 20m, 17m, 15m.  Some have customized their own boards for other 
bands, notably 160m and 10m.

When I built a K1 in 2000, only two-band filter boardz were available.  I built 
two filter boards, one for 40m/20m, and one for 30m/15m.  I used those until 
the KFL1-4 four-band board for all four of those bands was available.  I 
converted the 40m/20m KFL1-2 to 80m/17m.

Without any doubt or question, if I were limited to one two-band board, 40m/20m 
would easily be my choice even as we head further into a long (perhaps very 
long) period of minimal solar activity.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] Small QRP antenna

[Mike Morrow]

Don wrote:

> A 1/2 wave radiator fed at the end theoretically does not need
> any counterpoise, but in practice it does - but only needs to
> be about 0.05 wavelength long.
>
> Refer to some antenna books (the ARRL has a good one) or the ARRL 
> Handbook for good information about basic antennas.

The concise clarity of Don's input to this thread is refreshing.  Such seem to 
occur rarely in ham discussions about antennas.

With respect to classical end-fed half-wave antennas, I think of the end-fed 
Zepp[elin] and the common VHF J-poles.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] Camping radio ops: then and now

[Mike Morrow]

Phil wrote:

> Why "But the KX2 has no schematics for the 
> customer, so that prevents my purchase.", Mike?  
> Mine works just fine, without schematics.

It's just a matter of principal, Phil.  I've never in almost 49 years a ham 
purchased HF gear that did not, at minimum, include the schematics.  I'm a 
retired electrical engineer for whom knowing a little about what's inside the 
box is actually **much more important** than knowing how to operate the box.   

I accept that firmware will always be shrouded and proprietary.  For the 
hardware, if the complete (though not wholly current) KX3 system schematics can 
released, it is hard to understand why the same hasn't happened for the simpler 
KX2 system.

Mine is unpopular philosophy today, when ham gear is becoming more and more 
like smartphones whose internal workings are shielded from the view of the 
vulgar mob.  (For my phones, I get as much info as I can from the FCC OET 
Device Listings ... even for Bluetooth headsets!)

I just did not expect Elecraft to adopt that attitude.  :-)

73,
Mike / KK5F

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Re: [Elecraft] Camping radio ops: then and now

[Mike Morrow]

Around 1960 to 1962, on my family's tent camping trips to remote locations in 
the Arkansas Ozarks, I would help my dad set up his Drake 2-A receiver, 
Multi-Elmac AF-67 AM transmitter, and 80m dipole in the trees.  Power was from 
a military surplus 120 vac 300 watt generator (run only if no body was camped 
nearby).

When I got out of the Navy 37 years ago, I immediately returned to Arkansas 
campsite ham ops with the new TS-120S, MFJ tuner, and deep-discharge battery.  
(Most of the areas my family had camped years earlier had become the Buffalo 
National River.  I return there every Fall that circumstances allow.)  This 
type of ham operations will always be my favorite use of radio.

My now-defunct K1 had been my principal camp rig since 2001.  I'd like to 
replace it with a KX2 immediately.  But the KX2 has no schematics for the 
customer, so that prevents my purchase.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] "Random wire" vs Buddystick - myth, bias or luck?

[Mike Morrow]

Michael A. Wong (who declines to provide his call sign) writes;

> KX3 and Buddistick owner here.

Great on the former...my sympathies on the latter. :-)

> Mainly, I'm on 20m and maybe I haven't read the right book on random wire 
> antennas,

Remove the words "maybe" and "random wire".

If you wish to experience the stark contrast between a proper wire antenna and 
your expensive ground resistance heater, you need only to construct a simple 
resonant wire dipole for 20 meters.  (It's just a center insulator with 16.5 
feet of wire coming off each side...fed with RG-58 or RG-8X coax going to the 
KX3.)  The dipole provides its own counterpoise.  (You did not describe the 
counterpoise that you used with your random wire.)

The performance difference on transmit and receive (if the band is not dead) 
compared to what you've been using should amaze you.  The ATU will love it as 
well, inserting far less (or even no) lossy reactances for a match.  (Many 
Elecrafters pretend those tiny little ATU inductors and capacitors are 
loss-free, but of course they certainly are not...TANSTAAFL!)

Of course, the above details are only for 20m.  On request I can send 
description of a simple and extremely inexpensive 40m to 10m (seven-band) wire 
dipole that I've used for almost 40 years for portable (camp-site) operation.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] Technology Change (OT)

[Mike Morrow]

Morgan / NJ8M wrote:

> I made a miss key ... 1625 not 1628.

Yep...in fact there was never a 1628.  The 1625 is a 12.6v 807, with different 
base.

> ...then there was the magic EYE of the ARK 5 command transmitter.

That's the 1629.  The equipment nomenclature is AN/ARC-5 (or ARA/ATA or 
SCR-274-N):
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AN/ARC-5
The transmitters use a 1626 MO, two 1625 PA, and a 1629 cal indicator.

There are many many of these sets, often in near original military 
configuration except for some capacitor replacement, in use *today* by those 
who appreciate vintage technology and history.  The users accept that it won't 
be K3S performance. :-)

> ...it was great, A J38.

The J-38 is a Morse training set key.  The J-37 was used with Morse 
communications sets.

> I forgot my first real commercial receiver...the trusty BC454, with one touch
> of the top of the case you wire 20 KHz off freq.

The BC-454-B (3.0 to 6.0 MHz, A1/A2/A3) is not a commercial set, but a USAAF 
version from the command sets mentioned above...the SCR-274-N set.  If your 
BC-454-B drifted that much, something was very very wrong with it.  It was 
designed for use in all aircraft types under extreme mechanical vibration 
stress under gross temperature changes.  It was pilot-tuned via a long flexible 
shaft.  Its entire range was in seven inches of dial travel, so selectivity was 
deliberately very poor by post-war standards.

> Then I upgraded to the BC348.

The USAAC/AAF BC-348-* receiver (200 to 500, 1.5 to 18.0 MHz) is basically a 
1936 RCA design.  It was the finest aircraft radio receiver in the world during 
WWII.  A few remained in USAF service into early 1970s.

I like the idea of a KX2 communicating effectively with a 75-year-old BC-696-A 
(3.0-4.0 MHz) transmitter and associated BC-454-B receiver.  The latest sets 
like the KX2 and KX3 may be appreciated much more with knowledge of antecedent 
technology.  The same can be said of new and (likely) transient communications 
modes.

To borrow from Ecclesiastes 1:4:  "One ham fad passeth away, and another ham 
fad cometh: but CW abideth for ever."

Mike / KK5F
[With one other old-time quirk that the modern crowd doesn't share:  I just can 
not purchase a commercial HF ham rig that lacks schematics.  That violates all 
my ham instincts.  :-) ]
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Re: [Elecraft] OT KX3 wannabe in photo of Qct QST

[Mike Morrow]

It looks nothing like an "ancient Yaesu"...because is a Kenwood TS-830S, 
introduced in 1980.  To this day it's one of the best hybrid-design ham 
transceivers ever made.  It has two S2001A (equivalent to 6146B) tubes in the 
PA for 220 W PEP SSB, 180 W CW.  Ham bands (including WARC) only.  Gotta love a 
rig with PA PLATE and LOAD controls.

Still...what QST editor confused the TS-830S with a KX3, or any other all-solid 
state rig made since 1983?  My guess is some youngster who doesn't know that 
rigs like this with vacuum tubes ever existed. :-)

Mike / KK5F

> ...From the photo it looks like an ancient Yaesu.
> ...
> Joe N9JR

>> Perhaps it was a very early pre-production model, before they had finished 
>> miniaturizing it sufficiently :-)
>> 
>> Dave
>> AA7EE

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Re: [Elecraft] KX2 books by KE7X Available

[Mike Morrow]

Fred wrote:

> I'm pleased to announce two books dedicated to the KX2 are now available
> in PDF format from www.lulu.com and from 
> www.ke7x.com.  Printed, coil bound copies will be
> available from www.elecraft.com in the near future.

Were I you, I would have cited **valid** and **complete** URLs like:

http://www.lulu.com/shop/fred-cady-ke7x/the-elecraft-kx2-pdf-version/ebook/product-22848375.html

and

http://www.lulu.com/shop/fred-cady-ke7x/the-kx2-companions-guide-to-the-kxpa100-and-kxat100-pdf-version/ebook/product-22804291.html

and

http://www.elecraft.com

and

http://www.ke7x.com

Just sayin'.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] KXBC3 clock drift

[Mike Morrow]

> I would like an icebox in my KX3 to keep my sandwiches cool while portable.
> Oh, and how about an automatic coffee maker for use during contest 
> periods. :-)

I would be suprised that even as a joke the listing above could win any 
arguments for the extraordinary lack of performance of Elecraft RTCs.  A $5 
watch does better by orders of magnitude...even the Dallas Semiconductor RTC in 
30-year-old Kantronics hardware does better.  The manufacturer specs for all 
the Elecraft RTC chips promise much better.  Unlike the items in the quoted 
listing, a customer does indeed have every right to expect a competent RTC 
implementation when he purchases the option.  No???

Elecraft fans often have a great tendency to dismiss without substantive basis 
any non-worshipful criticism...at least as far as I've observed in 16 years as 
an owner and list member.  :-)

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] Why buy a KX2/KX3 compared to a KX1/MTR3B in a QRP portable scenario?

[Mike Morrow]

Barry wrote:

> ...I would have preferred the K1, but I don't believe Elecraft is
> selling that anymore.

The K1 is still sold...see http://www.elecraft.com/k1_page.htm .  The K1 
remains an excellent small CW-only transceiver.  However, the four-band KFL1-4 
filter board has been unavailable for a couple of years.

The original posting in this thread contrasted the KX1 vs. KX2 or KX3.  If RF 
performance mattered, where the K1 is clearly superior to the KX1, the 
16-year-old K1 deserves honorable mention among small QRP transceivers:
(1)  The K1 uses an LC VFO that is cleaner than the DDS frequency generation 
scheme of the KX1.  This reduces transmitter spurious output, and improves 
receiver performance because fewer spur frequencies are part of the local 
oscillator signal fed to the front-end mixer.
(2)  The K1 can be placed on any of the HF bands, although Elecraft sells parts 
for 80m through 15m only.  The KX1 DDS chip is clocked at its maximum rate of 
50 MHz, which limits KX1 highest frequency coverage to around those of 20m band.
(3)  The K1 IF uses a four-pole crystal filter...the KX1 IF uses three-pole.  
This makes a very noticeable difference in selectivity.
(4)  The KAT1 produces a larger number of configurations (1020) of impedance 
than the KXAT1 (124).  (It's of note that the KXAT2 produces 32764 different 
network configurations, 264 *times* the number of the KXAT1.  The KXAT3 
produces 131068 configurations, 1057 times the KXAT1.)
(5)  Many find continuous K1 LC VFO tuning more natural than step-wise KX1 DDS 
tuning. 
(6)  The K1 has a noise blanker option...the KX1 does not. 
(7)  The K1 transmitter can produce up to seven watts of output power.  The KX1 
is about half that...at best. 
(8)  The K1 case has a speaker...the KX1 does not. 

OTOH, the KX1 is clearly superior in terms of VFO stability.  It is superior in 
its span of frequency coverage within the limits of the DDS.  It can switch 
between USB and LSB receive mode due to the frequency agility of the DDS as 
local oscillator.  It has neat features like audio feedback to controls.  It is 
smaller and lighter.

With respect to the KX1 vs. KX2 or KX3, the gulf in capability and performance 
is so great as to render the question absurd.  The only advantage to the KX1 
over the KX2 is that Elecraft provides a schematic for the KX1...something that 
very noticeably withheld for the KX2 and its accessories.  That implies the 
customer is an "appliance operator".

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] General Coverage Module - List Courtesy

[Mike Morrow]

> I have the General Coverage Module in my K3, serial number 6969... Any 
> thoughts?

Any???  Any at all???

Yes.  I'm thinking:  "It would be useful and courteous if postings to this list 
indicated ***in the SUBJECT line*** to what Elecraft product the posting 
applies!"

Mike / KK5F

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Re: [Elecraft] In case you missed it.

[Mike Morrow]

Ron, you had more courage than I did to open a link in a posting that looked 
like 100-percent spam...or much worse.  Such a posting with a link so vaguely 
and suspiciously described is high school kid stuff.

I looked to see what you were addressing.  The excerpt with faux subtitles is 
from the 2004 German film "Der Untergang" ("Downfall" in English), a most 
excellently-made historical film.  But it has long been a banal cliche to use 
this excerpt with many different allegedly humorous but always sophomoric 
subtitles.

So...note to list members...the link in the original posting takes you to an 
"angry Hitler" rant from "Der Untergang" that is subtitled to have the KX3 and 
QRP as its subject.  Ha Ha.

Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: Ron D'Eau Claire 
>Sent: May 26, 2016 12:14 AM
>
>Well done adaptaton, although for some of us of a "certain age" the humor is
>limited by the memories of that era and that war. 
>
>73, Ron AC7AC 
>
>-Original Message-
>From: Elecraft On Behalf Of Dan Baker
>Sent: Wednesday, May 25, 2016 8:46 PM
>
>This is good.
>https://youtu.be/kiuO0ddcJFQ
>
>KM6CQ
>Dan Baker

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Re: [Elecraft] KXAT2 vs. Other Elecraft Transceiver ATUs -> Nomenclature

[Mike Morrow]

Phil wrote:

> Interesting analysis, Mike -- though relating the various *AT* acronyms
> to rigs is a bit mind bending :-)

Don't I know it, Phil!  K1AT, K2AT, K3AT, KX1AT, KX2AT, KX3AT, etc. would be 
clearer and cleaner.  Then, there's KAT100, KAT500, KXAT100...perhaps K2AT100, 
K3AT500, KX3AT100 would be more obvious, or just K2AT1, K3AT5, KX3AT1.

This is only good-nature'd nitpicking...but after 17 years I still wonder why a 
simple consistent nomenclature system is not used. :-)

73,
Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] KXAT2 vs. Other Elecraft Transceiver ATUs

[Mike Morrow]

Thanks for your reply, Wayne.  I should have noted at least one of the 
important points you make in my conclusion about KXAT2 vs. T1, since the 
reduced required frequency span is pointed out in other KX2 materials.  I just 
did not want to get much more long-winded than I do naturally.

Thanks for making the KXAT2 instructions available at:

http://www.elecraft.com/manual/E740294%20KXAT2%20Installation%20Instructions%20Rev%20A.pdf

I wrote earlier:

> T1 (7L/7C/N) Configs=32764, L=0 to 7.5 uH (128 steps), C=0 to 1300 pF (128 
> steps)

> KXAT2 (7L/7C/N) Configs=32764, L=0 to ?.?? uH (128 steps), C=0 to  pF 
> (128 steps)

There is no KXAT2 schematic nor component values in its user instructions.  
Those would show the hard evidence of KXAT2 design variance with the T1.  
Obviously the ATU's total and incremental inductance or capacitance values 
spread through 128 steps of each in the KXAT2 will be smaller than those for 
the T1.

Will there be a system schematic similar to the KX3's available for download in 
the near future?  The beauty is not only in the unit itself, but also in what 
lies within that small case.

The size of the KX2 makes it just beg to be taken along on ALL wilderness day 
(or longer) hikes, without any exception.  All I'm waiting for is the initial 
mad mad sales rush to dissipate.  A fantastic achievement...thanks much!

73,
Mike / KK5F

-Original Message-
>From: Wayne Burdick <n...@elecraft.com>
>Sent: May 24, 2016 11:33 AM
>To: Mike Morrow <k...@arrl.net>
>Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KXAT2 vs. Other Elecraft Transceiver ATUs
>
> Mike,
>
> Your analysis of combinations is correct. But the KXAT2 should be compared to 
> the
> KXAT3 (etc.), not the T1. Here's why: 
>
> The KXAT2 only has to cover 80-10 meters. The KXAT3 has one additional L and 
> C, but
> it has to cover 160-6 meters. Over the range of 80-10 meters, for virtually 
> any field
> antenna, the KXAT2 will perform just as well.
>
> The T1 also has to cover 160-6 meters. To do this with 7L/7C, the L and C 
> values in
> its array are spread out with a ratio of slightly greater then 2:1 from one 
> to the
> next. This allows the array to cover a wider range of load impedances, but 
> with an
> average final SWR more like 1.5:1 than 1:1.
>
> The KXAT2, like the KXAT3, uses a ratio of very close to to 2:1, so average 
> final SWR
> is very close to 1:1.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
> On May 24, 2016, at 9:05 AM, Mike Morrow <k...@earthlink.net> wrote:
>
>> Bill wrote:
>> 
>>> As to the ATU in the KX2, 7L/7C is the same range as the KX1, T1 and
>>> I think the K2 ATU.
>> 
>> That is wildly inaccurate, especially for the KXAT1 ATU!!!
>> 
>> The reactance configuration for all Elecraft ATUs is an L-network of series 
>> inductance,
>> with a capacitance connected to common before (radio side) or after (antenna 
>> side) the
>> inductance (but not both) by a relay.  It is a classic simple low pass 
>> filter.
>> 
>> The total number of possible configurations in such a filter of L inductors 
>> and C
>> capacitors, with the capacitor bank capable of being connected to either 
>> side of
>> the series inductor, is:
>> 
>> Different Configurations = ( 2^L x 2^C x 2 )
>> 
>> Four (4) "don't care" (non-unique) configurations should be eliminated from 
>> total:
>> 1.  Capacitor bank connected to inductor input, but all capacitors open.
>> 2.  Capacitor bank connected to inductor output, but all capacitors open.
>> 3.  Capacitor bank connected to inductor input, but all inductors shorted.
>> 4.  Capacitor bank connected to inductor output, but all inductors shorted.
>> 
>> USEFUL Different Configurations = ( 2^L x 2^C x 2 ) - 4
>> 
>> For Elecraft transceiver ATUs before the new KXAT2, here are summaries (N is 
>> the
>> network variable...capacitor connected to input OR output of inductor):
>> 
>> KAT1 (4L/5C/N) Configs=1020, L=0 to 4.9 uH (16 steps), C=0 to 300 pF (32 
>> steps) 
>> 
>> KAT2 (8L/8C/N) Configs=131068, L=0 to 20.7 uH (256 steps), C=0 to 2420 pF 
>> (256 steps) 
>> 
>> KAT3 (8L/8C/N) Configs=131068, L=0 to 17.4 uH (256 steps), C=0 to 2600 pF 
>> (256 steps) 
>> 
>> KXAT1 (3L/3C/N) Configs=124, L=0 to 4.5 uH (8 steps), C=0 to 140 pF (8 
>> steps) 
>> 
>> KXAT3 (8L/8C/N) Configs=131068, L=0 to 15.9 uH (256 steps), C=0 to 2680 pF 
>> (256 steps) 
>> 
>> T1 (7L/7C/N) Configs=32764, L=0 to 7.5 uH (128 steps), C=0 to 1300 pF (128 
>> steps) 
>> 
>> Many already have the new KXAT2, but no circuit value information h

[Elecraft] KXAT2 vs. Other Elecraft Transceiver ATUs

[Mike Morrow]

Bill wrote:

> As to the ATU in the KX2, 7L/7C is the same range as the KX1, T1 and
> I think the K2 ATU.

That is wildly inaccurate, especially for the KXAT1 ATU!!!

The reactance configuration for all Elecraft ATUs is an L-network of series 
inductance, with a capacitance connected to common before (radio side) or after 
(antenna side) the inductance (but not both) by a relay.  It is a classic 
simple low pass filter.

The total number of possible configurations in such a filter of L inductors and 
C capacitors, with the capacitor bank capable of being connected to either side 
of the series inductor, is:

Different Configurations = ( 2^L x 2^C x 2 )

Four (4) "don't care" (non-unique) configurations should be eliminated from 
total:
1.  Capacitor bank connected to inductor input, but all capacitors open.
2.  Capacitor bank connected to inductor output, but all capacitors open.
3.  Capacitor bank connected to inductor input, but all inductors shorted.
4.  Capacitor bank connected to inductor output, but all inductors shorted.

USEFUL Different Configurations = ( 2^L x 2^C x 2 ) - 4

For Elecraft transceiver ATUs before the new KXAT2, here are summaries (N is 
the network variable...capacitor connected to input OR output of inductor):

KAT1 (4L/5C/N) Configs=1020, L=0 to 4.9 uH (16 steps), C=0 to 300 pF (32 steps) 

KAT2 (8L/8C/N) Configs=131068, L=0 to 20.7 uH (256 steps), C=0 to 2420 pF (256 
steps) 

KAT3 (8L/8C/N) Configs=131068, L=0 to 17.4 uH (256 steps), C=0 to 2600 pF (256 
steps) 

KXAT1 (3L/3C/N) Configs=124, L=0 to 4.5 uH (8 steps), C=0 to 140 pF (8 steps) 

KXAT3 (8L/8C/N) Configs=131068, L=0 to 15.9 uH (256 steps), C=0 to 2680 pF (256 
steps) 

T1 (7L/7C/N) Configs=32764, L=0 to 7.5 uH (128 steps), C=0 to 1300 pF (128 
steps) 
 
Many already have the new KXAT2, but no circuit value information has yet been 
provided to those of the great unwashed masses like myself.  All I've seen is 
its description as 7L/7C/N, just like the T1.  If that is correct:

KXAT2 (7L/7C/N) Configs=32764, L=0 to ?.?? uH (128 steps), C=0 to  pF (128 
steps)

The KXAT1 generates 124 unique matching network configurations. 
The KAT1 generates 1020 unique matching network configurations. 
The KXAT2, T1 generate 32724 unique matching network configurations. 
The KAT2, KAT3, KXAT3 generate 131068 unique matching network configurations. 

Conclusion:  The KXAT2 is comparable ONLY to the T1.

73, 
Mike / KK5F 
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Re: [Elecraft] Announcing the KX2 80-10 m, SSB/CW/Data transceiver

[Mike Morrow]

Olli wrote:

> d.) It has general coverage RX, but no AM mode? Does not make sense to me.
>
> e.) No FM mode. A pity, there's quite some FM activity...

I'd also ask why proper (not zero-beat SSB) **reception** of AM (and to lesser 
extent, FM) could not have been easily added with only an small investment in 
firmware.  Perhaps that is possible in a subsequent firmware release.

I have misgivings about the tolerance of the KXBT2 connector/cable for the very 
frequent battery pack removal and installation that is required for **every** 
battery recharge.  In particular, is the small fixed connector in the KX2 rated 
for this service over, say, a 15-year product life with daily (probable 
worst-case) battery removal and replacement?

I have always mistrusted internal batteries in the same space as a radio's 
electronics.  I'd have preferred an internal battery compartment that is 
**environmentally separated** from the rest of the radio, plus integral 
recharge circuitry that allows proper recharge while the battery remains in 
place...just like almost all consumer products have for 40 years.

I wonder if aftermarket heat sinks, side plates, and panel covers will soon 
follow.

These are just nits.  The KX2 is certainly as exciting a product as any ham 
manufacturer has ever introduced.  The apparent prompt availability of the KX2 
and accessories except KXPD2 is astonishing...I waited six months for a K1 
after Dayton 2000!

73,
Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] Announcing the KX2 80-10 m, SSB/CW/Data transceiver

[Mike Morrow]

Wayne wrote:

> Introducing the Elecraft KX2 transceiver -- the newest member of our compact
> KX Line.
> ...
> For further details, please visit www.elecraft.com. 

But...some useful links are still hidden!  Phil Genera posted these **most** 
helpful URLs:

> Manual: http://www.elecraft.com/manual/KX2%20owner's%20man%20A4.pdf
> FAQ:http://www.elecraft.com/manual/KX2%20FAQ%20v-1-1a.pdf

However, without Phil's help, there appears to be no links at the Elecraft 
website to these two important pages.  Perhaps there are others pages there 
right now.

I have some questions:

1.  Does the KX2 and KXAT2 have a MARS transmit firmware mod available to 
authorized users?

2.  Can the KX2 receive in *real* AM mode?

3.  Is the real-time clock in the KXIO2 backed up by a coin cell, or must the 
RTC be reset following any power interruption if the KXBT2 is not installed?

4.  Will the instruction sheets for the KX2 accessories soon be available for 
download?

5.  Will the KX2 system schematic and other technical information not found in 
the Owner's Manual soon be available for download?

Very impressive!  This appears to be a "must have" system for outdoor hikers 
and campers who are hams.  I see a new QRP rig in my near future.

73,
Mike / KK5F 

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Re: [Elecraft] OT: Decoding high speed CW

[Mike Morrow]

I wrote:

>> I passed the Second Class exam almost 40 years ago, but my old study
>> books for the exam indicate that the tests listed above were in place
>> even before WWII.  AFAIK, the only change occurred in the early 1990s
>> when the FCC began giving credit for all of the above if the
>> candidate held an Amateur Extra license.  

Phil replied:

> That credit was only for the code requirements (which I took advantage
> of) not for the written elements which were different from the ham exam
> elements contents.

Of course...I should have written more clearly if my post implied otherwise.

> The Telegraph exam contents remained the same as they were in
> the 60s (or earlier) up until last year, the only change being
> was that diagrams no longer had to be drawn after the testin
> became privatized.

I took the written elements once, the only radiotelegraph candidate at the 
Kansas City FCC office.  The 100-question exam was 10 percent short answer and 
schematic draws.  After the examiner graded all the multiple-choice questions 
and I passed from just those, he asked if I minded if he did mot grade the 
remaining 10 non-M/C questions...i.e. zero credit.  I said OK.

I wrote:

>> That, of course, wasn't even remotely equivalent...I guess the FCC just
>> got lazy.

> No comment.  I was a FCC code examiner for three decades and lazy
> didn't apply.

I have no doubt...I was not casting aspersions on the examining staff.  They 
were not the ones who made the decision in the early 1990s to accept a ham 
20-wpm read-only test requiring (after 1980) answering 10 multiple-choice 
questions about plain-language text, in place of the far more rigorous 
commercial Morse tests.

>> I took several ham Morse exams at the FCC in the late 1960s and early
>> 1970s.  Contrary to some claims otherwise, I do not ever remember the
>> 13 wpm test being random code groups on a ham exam.  That is far more
>> difficult than plain language to a ham new to Morse.

> Code groups were never part of ham exams at any speed.

Exactly!  Yet some report, even here in the past few days, that their ham Morse 
exams were random character code groups.  Thanks for information to the 
contrary that can be neither doubted nor disputed!

73,
Mike / KK5F

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Re: [Elecraft] OT: Decoding high speed CW

[Mike Morrow]

Ron wrote:

> In the 1950's the U.S. 2nd class commercial Radiotelegraph license exam
> required 20 wpm sending and receiving. Receiving was 5 character random
> groups that included all punctuation and most of the special characters you
> see above the numbers on a keyboard. After 6 months of sea duty as an
> assistant radio officer, one could apply for a First Class license that
> required the same but at 25 wpm. I don't recall how long we had to copy,
> just the elation LS experienced at passing, Hi!

Ron, this is what I recall from the FCC commercial radiotelegraph Morse exams:

Third Class and Second Class:
20 wpm plain language receive for five minutes, perfect copy required for 100 
consecutive characters (one minute).
20 wpm plain language send (straight key use mandatory) for up to five minutes, 
perfect sending required for 100 consecutive characters (one minute).
16 wpm random character groups receive for five minutes, perfect copy required 
for 80 consecutive characters (one minute).
16 wpm random character groups send (straight key use mandatory) required for 
up to five minutes, perfect sending required for 80 consecutive characters (one 
minute).

The test for First Class was as described above at 25 wpm plain language and 20 
wpm code groups.

Written exam elements 1, 2, and 5 were required for Third Class.
Written exam elements 1, 2, 5, and 6 were required for Second Class and First 
Class.  Element 6 required some short answer and schematic drawing.

Everyone generally took the exam for element 8 Ship Radar as well.

I passed the Second Class exam almost 40 years ago, but my old study books for 
the exam indicate that the tests listed above were in place even before WWII.  
AFAIK, the only change occurred in the early 1990s when the FCC began giving 
credit for all of the above if the candidate held an Amateur Extra license.  
That, of course, wasn't even remotely equivalent...I guess the FCC just got 
lazy.

I took several ham Morse exams at the FCC in the late 1960s and early 1970s.  
Contrary to some claims otherwise, I do not ever remember the 13 wpm test being 
random code groups on a ham exam.  That is far more difficult than plain 
language to a ham new to Morse.

A good practical capability to function at 25 wpm was sufficient for starting a 
merchant marine radio officer career.  Until it all disappeared on 12 July 
1999, the MF Maritime Morse band (410 to 535 kHz) was the most magical spot in 
the entire radio spectrum...especially at night!

I got solicited by the Radio Officer's Union in 1991...there weren't enough 
radio officers to man the US-flag merchant vessels that got re-activated after 
Desert Storm.

What I really regret is that during my US Navy days there was nothing so small 
and capable as the Elecraft K1.  I could have had a fine time *ashore* with a 
K1.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] [K1] Internal Noise Bursts every 12 seconds or so

[Mike Morrow]

Bob wrote:

> In looking over the Front Panel Schematic quickly, my attention was
> drawn to the 6 volt power supply generated on the Front Panel ("6A")
> and distributed to several high gain parts of the RF board.  Any noise
> on 6A is going to be an issue.  I also noted that there is no traditional
> bulk storage cap on the input of the 78L06 regulator, U4, typically .3 to 10
> uF, and while there are a few decoupling caps on the output, the closest one
> to U4 is several inches away C5.  The output cap on a 78L series regulator
> is typically 0.1uF mounted as close to possible.  Finally the original
> specified regulator has been obsoleted and a different unit was substituted.

I wrote previously:

>> It's a long shot, but you may want to check the installation of the
>> similar capacitors on the Display PCB (C4) and KFL1-2 (C27).

I would look closely on the Front Panel PCB (whicn I erroneously called the 
Display PCB above) at C4 (0.047 uF) on the 6A line to U1 pin 1 and 11.  It of 
course is on the output of regulator U4.  It would be interesting to see what 
happens to the noise if a similar cap was installed in parallel with C4.

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] [K1] Internal Noise Bursts every 12 seconds or so

[Mike Morrow]

Bob wrote:

> Even though the second CPU on the filter board is mostly inactive, no
> telling what internal loops are going on that might result in it turning
> that 4 MHz resonator into a periodic signal.

In addition to the relays on the filter board itself, the PIC on the KFL1 board 
controls RF board relay K1 (the RF Attenuate ATTN relay).  But that info is not 
likely to help isolate the problem you report.

I own K1 #175 that I built in November 2000.  It was unfortunately a lightning 
strike victim a few months ago, ending almost 15 years of service.  A most 
excellent radio for all thoses years.

I have never before read a report of a problem similar to what you describe, 
except for one in 2001 in which a burst of internal noise was generated on 20m 
after going from transmit to receive.  This was caused by the PIC on the KNB1 
noise blanker PCB, and1 was corrected by adding a 0.01 uF capacitor on the 
PIC's Vdd line to ground.  It's a long shot, but you may want to check the 
installation of the similar capacitors on the Display PCB (C4) and KFL1-2 (C27).

Mike / KK5F
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Re: [Elecraft] Need a KFL1-4 Manual

[Mike Morrow]

> That may help.
> http://www.elecraft.com/manual/KFL1_4_man_rev_A.pdf
> http://www.elecraft.com/manual/KFL1-4%20Errata%20Rev%20A-4.pdf

There should be explicit links on the manual download page of Elecraft's 
website.  There should be no need to use something like a google site search to 
turn up reference to the manual.  That just does not make good sense.

Mike / KK5F

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Re: [Elecraft] Need a KFL1-4 Manual

[Mike Morrow]

> I have a four filter band filter board for my K1 that I need to get
> tuned up.  I looked and the manual is no longer posted on the Elecraft site.

What an EXTRAORDINARILY BAD policy by Elecraft to withdraw the manual for the 
KFL1-4 from download simply because it is no longer sold!  It appears that 
Elecraft considers that the installed customer base vanishes when Elecraft 
decides to drop a product.

It is very disappointing to learn of this gross failure of customer support.

Mike / KK5F
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