[Elecraft] Do you really need a K3?
I'm sure I speak for many, and I would be very interested in a K3 if it has a general coverage receiver. That's the main reason I can't seriously consider a K2 to meet my needs. I do a LOT of listening - far more than operating. So a compact mobile transceiver MUST have a general coverage receiver to be of interest to me. As far as price goes, you need to consider that the Kenwood TS-480SAT has all the features the K2 has, PLUS general coverage receive, PLUS 6M. It also comes standards with the remoteable control head. And it's available right now for less than 1 kilobuck. 73, Jim KM5M - We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing. (author unknown) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K1 Backlight Kit
Thanks, Tom (N0SS) Wayne (N6KR) for the backlight upgrade for my K1. Now, the rig is complete! While the kit and instructions are first rate, this upgrade is not for the faint of heart. Although I was careful not to use any more heat than necessary in removing the cut pins from the old LCD, I did have one PCB trace lift up. To restore the path, I fabricated a jumper from a piece of the thin enamelled wire left over from the K1 kit. I'd suggest forgetting about desoldering braid and solder suckers to clear solder from the PC board. With the help of the XYL, we were easily able to clear the holes using a toothpick (just push and twist). I think the toothpick helps to carry away some of heat, too, protecting the PC board traces. Well done, Tom Wayne. 73, Jim KM5M - Nunquam Secundum ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Kid_from_1939.mp3
73, Wayne N6KR P.S. Coincidentally, I *do* play guitar. Here's a tune I threw together for my dad, FWIW: http://home.comcast.net/~wayneb74/songs/Kid_from_1939.mp3 Very nice, Wayne. Reminds me (with a tear in the corner of my eye) of Harry Chapin. When are we going to get a general-coverage version of the K2? I've just about got all my pennies together and am waiting for the announcement. 73, Jim KM5M Bastrop, Texas - Nunquam Secundum ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Time to take the plunge...
Tim, NZ8J writes: Due to circumstances beyond my control I find myself with 5 or 6 weeks of VERY idle time on my hands. I've pretty much decided to order a K2 with some accessories in the next day or so and work my way through it. Tim: I'll assume to speak for others on this reflector, and I have a request. With all the rigs you've tried over the years (especially Ten-Tec), how about putting your impressions of each in writing, with a special focus on CW performance? Perhaps you could showcase the book with a diary of your construction of the K2? With your love of CW and concise style of writing, it would make an excellent read. TIA/73, Jim KM5M - Nunquam Secundum ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Use of Abbreviations (OT?)
On Sunday 12 June 2005 06:14 pm, Ian Stirling G4ICV, AB2GR wrote: I have seen this only on this Elecraft list. It's not something that I know and probably Modesty and Willie didn't. What does '72' mean? A qrp'er saying 73's (confusing, ain't it?) Don't know how it started but if someone signs 72's they are a qrp station saying yep, 73's.. (from [EMAIL PROTECTED]) I don't think this is OT, but it may be. However, I think it will be of sufficient interest to post. I don't wish to be a horse's patootey, but this is a pet peeve of mine. The term 73 translates to best regards, so expressing it as 73's or seventy-thirds is inappropriate. That would translate to best regardses. Also, I'm still searching for a definitive answer to the question of whether it is appropriate to use Q-signals in phone transmissions. For example, is it really appropriate to say QRZ? this is K5XXX. Or would it be correct to say Who is calling me, this is K5XXX? Of course, using a Q-signal by reference would be appropriate, such as The QRN level is very high today. Or is it? And it seems silly to me to say HI, HI instead of just laughing. Should this term be used on phone? Everyone seems to have an opinion on these questions, but are there definitive answers? 73, Jim KM5M ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Use of Abbreviations (OT?) End of Thread
In the spirit of keeping reflector traffic at a readable volume, lets let this topic end for the moment. :-) 73, Eric WA6HHQ Undoubtedly in the best interest of the group. However, I'd like to thank those that replied, both on and off the reflector, to my question about use of Q-signals and CW jargon on phone. I've certainly learned a LOT! I could never have imagined the length to which the minutiae could be explored. It certainly makes the cost of subscribing to this reflector a bargain. (ha ha, not HI HI). 73 (as in seven three) de KM5M ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Headphone police
But common ordinary horse sense is no longer taught in the schools. 73, Steve N7VS Or, unfortunately, relevant in trials. What a pity that society seeks to reassign personal responsibility. 73, Jim K5HO - Nunquam Secundum ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] antenna suggestions?
Brian: If you have ANY metal nearby (e.g., railing), you could use the vise-grips mount and a hamstick, or better an Outbacker. The mount is basically a set of pliers with a stud welded on the tip. Using the Outbacker gives you the freedom to change bands simply by changing taps. This portable antenna system is easy to set up and move, works well, and is relatively inconspicuous. The great advantage is that it will be resonant on your operating frequency and not require a tuner. 73, Jim K5HO - Nunquam Secundum snip So - any antenna suggestions? Preferably something inexpensive and easy to build as I have almost no tools here. Some ideas I've been thinking about are a random wire (using the tuner), a homebrew buddipole, perhaps a magnetic loop to stick by the window, or a shortened vertical. Brian, VE7NGR ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] CW
Ron, I've always attempted to slip in an occasional muffed character in my CW, to add some personality, of course. Who wants to copy machine-like code for any length of time? Enjoy your new Hexkey paddle. It's a keeper. 73, Jim K5HO - Nunquam Secundum --- snip Unfortunately I now have no excuse for missing of muffed characters in my sending...( sigh)... Cheers..Ron ZL1TW ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Tuning Knobs
Hello, Fellow Elecrafters: I recently decided to upgrade the tuning knob on my K1. I purchased several different knobs and have a few spares, if anyone is interested. I have the Alinco DX-70T main tuning knob. It has a skirt diameter of 1-5/16 and is weighted, with a brass insert. It also has knurling around the edge for a nice feel. If you like, I can drill out the brass insert to 1/4. Price is $15, including postage. I also 2 of the main tuning knobs for the Alinco DX-77T. This knob is larger, with a skirt diameter of 1-15/16 (just under 2). It is cast metal and heavy weighted and has the finger dimple and knurling. It is designed to go on a keyed shaft (with the flat edge), but I believe it could be adapted easily to fit a round shaft. It's too large for the K1 (IMO), but could work with the K2 (?) or others. Price is $20 each, including postage. You can see these knobs on www.rigpix.com. Please contact me off list. 73, Jim K5HO - Nunquam Secundum ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] RE: Setting K1 Offset
Hello, Fellow Elecrafters: I'm trying to set the offset on my K1 with some degree of precision. I want to be on top of the other station when he' in the peak of my K1 passband. However, I'm getting reports that I'm off, in spite of my best efforts. My K1 is complete. I flip the switch on the bottom of the RF board. I go into the menu, set the ptich to (in my case) 680 Hz, and zero beat the two tones, using the capacitor. Then, I flip the switch back to operate, close everything up, and I'm NOT zero beat with the other guy. How come this won't accomplish the job? What am I missing? Is it more accurate to use an external receiver to tune in a station, center that same station in my K1's passband, then adjust the capacitor to place the K1's transmitted signal on top of the other station (i.e., in the peak of the passband)? Any ideas or suggestions would be appreciated. 73, Jim K5HO - Nunquam Secundum ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Feasibility of KPA-1(?)
From Space Cadet To the Mother Ship (Elecraft): I sure enjoy my K1, s/n #01453, and use it daily. However, there are times when I'm chasing DX that I'd like to be able to switch in a 10 dB boost to my output. Could we explore the feasibility of offering a kit amplifier for the K1 (say a KPA-1)? I'd suggest that most owners of the K1 would immediately purchase it (1500+ units?). It could also make the K1 more attractive to the part-time QRPers, like me. The only disadvantage that immediately comes to mind is that the KAT-1 antenna tuner couldn't be used with it and would have to be removed. However, perhaps the KPA-1 could be plugged in its place? Are we looking at 7-8 amps current draw, instead of 1 amp? If you're a subscriber to this list and would like to see a KPA-1 amplifier kit, please join me in letting Elecraft know. R/ Jim K5HO - Nunquam Secundum ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Should You Built It?
Steve, Ron: To echo comments by Kevin and others, you really need to be involved in the construction of your rig. In addition to the other benefits that have been pointed out, I can assure you that you will experience an intangible bonding to the radio that will last forever. It's kind of like raising a puppy. Other radios will come and go, but you'll find yourself unable to part with one you built. No amount of money (well, it would take a lot!) can substitute for this feeling, which is the REAL pride of ownership. 73, Jim K5HO Message: 17 Date: Mon, 28 Mar 2005 21:39:56 -0800 From: Kevin Rock [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Greetings! To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-15 By all means, if you have the capability, build the radio. It is a lot of fun. Then you'll want to build another option for it, and then still another. It is insidious but you will feel a bit depressed after finishing your first Elecraft kit. However, remember you can use the rig for many years. Unless you sell it to finance building a new one. You will enjoy getting on the air with it. It is a very nice radio. The best part? You built it yourself! If something goes wrong (heaven forbid) you can repair it with a cry for help to either the Reflector, Gary Surrency, or even Wayne or Eric. All of these options are available. These folks (and us folks too) will not let you fail. Build it yourself unless your slave driver boss works you 24/7, if you can't see to the end of your soldering iron, or you were born with two left hands and tendency toward self-immolation. Barring these disabilities you will regret not building it yourself. Because one night you will find yourself checking in to the Elecraft CW Net and hearing the joy in folks' fists. These folks built their Elecraft rigs and are happily pounding brass in exultation. Do you wish to feel left out of this chorus of joy? Forbid the thought; build the rig and enjoy the happy state of flux, solder, and RF. Sincerely, Kevin. KD5ONS On Mon, 28 Mar 2005 23:46:03 -0500, Stephen W. Kercel [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Ron: Like you, I am taking a bit of time getting ready before I build a rig. Preparation, including creating the workspace, collecting the tools and so on, is no small task. Personally, I have never considered hiring done the construction of an Elecraft rig. It looks to me like the greater half of the experience of operating comes from building it with one's own hands. 73, Steve AA4AK At 10:06 PM 3/28/2005 -0600, you wrote: Wow, I am quite impressed at the responses both on this reflector and direct. I appreciate the info from builders for hire, as well as the encouragement to build it myself. To answer many of your responses, I _am_ considering doing it myself, but it is a matter of time and motivation. (remainder deleted to save bandwidth) --Ron KC0TLN ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K1-4 KAT1
Hello, Fellow Elecrafters: I've completed and installed a KAT1 ATU in my K1-4, s/n 1453. I'm surprised and pleased that in addition to effectively tuning the antenna coax for lowest SWR, the ATU acts as a preselector and improves the gain of the receiver slightly. All 4 band seem just a bit brighter after tuning with the KAT1. I've read a discussion recently about moving a jumper on P3 on the RF board to activate the KAT1. My instructions don't mention this. I'm wondering if I'm missing something. My RF board is Rev. E, and my KAT1 manual is Rev. C (Jan. 18, 2001). I did leave one end of resistor R3 unsoldered, as instructed in the KAT1 manual. I observed a few minor discrepancies in the KAT1 manual that are not covered in the errata. For example, the manual says to install a 3-pin and a 10-pin female connector on the K1 filter board. However, these parts were already installed when I built the K1. Perhaps the extra connectors were supplied in case you had an additional (older?) filter board? It would be helpful if the errata mentioned this. Now I'm looking forward to my next Elecraft project - booties for my K1. I'd like to see an Elecraft KPA-1, an external amplifier for the K1, for fixed station use. It would have at least 10 dB gain, with an in/out switch and a row of leds to indicate peak power. I know this will be heresy to some Elecrafters, but the extra oomph would help working DX pileups! Are you listening Wayne? 73, Jim K5HO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Thanks, Elecraft!
Greetings, Fellow Elecrafters: Just wanted to publicly acknowledge the excellent Elecraft service and say THANKS for the recent shipment I received. The brand spanking new Elecraft special edition Bencher hexkey I just received is gorgeous. I had requested a serial number ending in 0, and I received s/n 150! Also, this is my first posting to the mailing list. I'm just finishing up K1-4 s/n 1453, which I ordered in 12/02. This may be a new record for slow kitbuilding! I hope to fire it up this weekend. 73/ Jim, K5HO (Bastrop, TX.) - Nunquam secundum ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
