Hi Ken,
I only recently qualified as a radio amateur but it's impossible to avoid
stories like these. I've yet to see one negative comment aimed at Elecraft and
even the most critical of reviews of Elecraft products only seem to come up
with minor suggestions which often times find their way
My radio is S/n #1272 The B encoder failed 1 day after build.
An email brought a new encoder to Scotland in 3 days, but why did it
fail in the first place? Is it a bad batch?
Tom
GM4FDM
I just love my K3
Ken Widelitz wrote:
I had a two week old K-3 fail after I brought it to PEI for CQWW.
I think many of us experienced failed encoders, mine failed the 1. Day of
arrival. VFO A. But as always the customer service from Elecraft is
excellent and a new encoder arrived after a few days. Most likely there have
been a tough pressure at the production line in the past and the quality
Seasons Greetings one and all,
Well this year I officially became entitled to have senior moments and being
one who always takes up options for freebies, I decided my time had arrived
to test out how good a senior moment I could create.
So to all those who tried so hard to get my K3 to Tx some
This thread is only the second I've seen mentioning failed decoders,
so 3 of you here I think and the previous mention, back in February I
think was one - that's 4 out of at least 1933 units!
Rather a low failure rate, although of course very inconvenient if
it's you.
73 de M0XDF, K3 #174
Relative to my 1983 Kenwood R-2000 (http://www.rigpix.com/kenwood/r2000.htm),
my K3 sounds awful when listening to any AM broadcast stations. I have the
6KHz and 12KHz filters installed and despite widening the AM IF bandwidth to
10KHz and spending many hours fussing about with the RX EQ, I
As far as I am concerned, there have been a lot more failed encoders
than have been cited on the elecraft reflector. I personally has
three guys call me to inquire about it (months ago now) and none of
them posted anything here. The first guy got a try swapping with VFO
A approach and since VFO
Oops...hit SEND too fast.
Not rescue service but service recovery strategies.
de Doug KR2Q
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Yes, accepted and I'm sure Elecraft have a handle on how many returns
they are getting.
I also understand that not everyone air's their problems here, which
makes such judgements difficult, or even invalid - something I hadn't
considered.
73 de M0XDF, K3 #174
--
The trees that are slow to
Can you get the required number of turns (on the same core) with that wire?
Wire size is usually not important other than the physical requirement
that the turns fit onto a single layer winding (overlapping wires
increases the inter-turn capacitance).
The most important factor for a toroid
Brian,
You have some problem with the wattmeter in the KPA100 - T4, D16, D17,
R26, R27, U5, U6 or on the VRFDET signal pathway back to the K2 control
board.
You seem to have a somewhat normal voltage variation at U5 pin 7, which
(for the moment) says everything is working through U5, but
In a recent message, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote ...
As far as I am concerned, there have been a lot more failed encoders
than have been cited on the elecraft reflector.
The problem with the shaft encoders used in the K3 is with bad design.
The body of the encoder is held together
Lyle,
Thanks for the info! It sounds absolutely correct as the DVR that I am
inputting on line in from my computer sounds a lot better in the
monitor. I did find out when using line in that the mic is still HOT
which makes sense. This leads to the question??? With the KDVR3 when
sending
...I did find out when using line in that the mic is
still HOT which makes sense.
This is true if MIC+LINE IN is turned on; otherwise MIC or LINE IN is
active, but not both.
This leads to the question??? With the KDVR3 when
sending over the air is the mic muted?
I believe it is muted in
Ed raises a good question, with the built in isolation transformers in the K3,
computer audio into the Line in now sounds great. With the mic+line enabled to
allow the computer to call CQ's and a live mic connected to either the FPL or
RPL, is there a way to mute the live mic while audio comes
I have a question or two for those using CW to PSK31.
Please reply directly off board.
73,
Will
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I was happy with the K3 monitor and transmit audio after upgrading from 2.48
(I think) to 2.67. I was happy with TX power stability after the TX
calibration on all bands; the defaults were far off on most bands..
Ignacy
--
View this message in context:
K102 is installed and working FB,
I tried again with the small red wire, but this time remembered to not pull the
wire through, also did the start in the middle style of winding. I know I nicked
one spot but it was in the clear and appeared not to be in contact with any
other turns so I let it
Terry,
I believe Lyle answered that already.
I do not believe that muting the mic when PTT is asserted from the
RS-232 input is a good idea. Many logging programs use the RS-232
signals to activate transmit.
Some mics (mostly handhelds) are muted until their PTT switch is
depressed, but
K3/100 SN 474 (kit). DEAD QUIET fans.
They work. I've checked. I just can't hear them. Sweet.
Terry, W0FM
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Don Wilhelm-4 wrote:
I do not believe that muting the mic when PTT is asserted from the
RS-232 input is a good idea. Many logging programs use the RS-232
signals to activate transmit.
Actually, I think that would be an excellent option: mute the mic input
when PTT is asserted via the
... With the mic+line enabled to allow the computer to
call CQ's and a live mic connected to either the FPL or
RPL, is there a way to mute the live mic while audio
comes in the LINE in?
No. The problem is, what if you want the MIC to override the LINE IN?
Or vice versa? It quickly gets
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
I have a question or two for those using CW to PSK31.
Please reply directly off board.
I know you asked for a direct reply, but the answer is that nobody is using it because it
is not fully implemented yet. It is one of the top items on Elecraft's to-do list.
--
73,
I do not believe that muting the mic when PTT is asserted from the
RS-232 input is a good idea. Many logging programs use the RS-232
signals to activate transmit.
Actually, I think that would be an excellent option: mute the mic input
when PTT is asserted via the CAT RS-232 RTS/DTR line.
I must be missing something. From the way I read the manual you just
turn Line in on and set the level and then you go back to Mic + line in
and the level for line in is retained and different than the mic level.
Did I not understand the manual?
Barry N1EU wrote:
Don Wilhelm-4 wrote:
I do
Pardon my gushing.
I just installed the KRX3, the KDVR3, and the K3AFMDKT in my K3 #384, along
with the MCU 2.72 / DSP 1.98 beta firmware.
What a great radio! It just gets better and better!
Thanks Wayne, Eric and Lyle and all your colleagues at Elecraft.
My K3 has separate level controls for mic and line in. s/n 699. I use line
in for computer-generated audio, as many do I'm sure.
Monty K2DLJ
This would solve N1MM Logger's inability to mute the K3 mic while voice
keying because the K3 doesn't offer separate level controls for mic and
line
Vic K2VCO wrote:
I know you asked for a direct reply, but the answer is that nobody is
using it because it
is not fully implemented yet. It is one of the top items on Elecraft's
to-do list.
I think it is fully implemented now. I don't actually use it, but I tried it
out and it appeared
Actually, it is implemented, and I do use it.
Bob NW8L
On Thu, Dec 11, 2008 at 9:44 AM, Vic K2VCO [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
I have a question or two for those using CW to PSK31.
Please reply directly off board.
I know you asked for a direct reply, but the answer is
Hi all,
I am just starting to get back into CW after years not touching the key
and whilst playing on the K3 it occurred to me how good it would be if
the K3 not only remembered power levels by band but also by mode. I
tend to use 5w on CW and 100W on phone (I know, odd isn't it?) and it is
I pulled this up from last year, seemed like a good time to re-post!
With apologies to Clement Clarke Moore.
Twas the night before shipment
when all through the shop
the Elecraft crew exhausted
and ready to drop!
The K3's were stacked
by the back door with care
in hopes the UPS
First a little back ground as Wayne probably has not read the line-In +
Mic discussion.
When one uses the computer for a DVR for contesting an easy way to do it
is to take advantage of the Line Input but given one also wants to use
the mic for operating then the MIC is hot during the playing
Julian, G4ILO wrote:
I think it is fully implemented now. I don't actually use it, but I tried it
out and it appeared to work.
You are correct, my original statement was wrong. I have been informed that there was a
problem in the initial implementation but it has been fixed and is working.
Much more to it than mere inconvenience. I spent hours on the job -
diagnosis by disassembling the radio, swapping the encoders,
reassembling the radio, verifying the problem followed the encoders,
getting a replacement encoder from Elecraft, disassembling the radio,
installing the replacement
Here's an idea for an expensive ($7.95!) K2 carrying case:
http://www.sciplus.com/singleItem.cfm/terms/14991
I purchased one, and it works. It has a non-removable interior
padded divider in the middle, but it can be folded flat, and thus
provides extra padding. When zipped shut, the K2 fits
On Thu, Dec 11, 2008 at 6:59 AM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote:
Brian,
You have some problem with the wattmeter in the KPA100 - T4, D16, D17, R26,
R27, U5, U6 or on the VRFDET signal pathway back to the K2 control board.
You seem to have a somewhat normal voltage variation at U5 pin
I had also to replace an encoder which was faulty at the outset,
however, the dis-assembly of the front panel
was very easy and straightforward and only took a few minutes. I don't
understand the difficulty
de Tom
GM4FDM
Jerry Flanders wrote:
Much more to it than mere inconvenience. I
Shane, you will probably find external speakers transform the quality of
the K3. I am using a cheap pair of HiFi book shelf speakers that cost
under 20 GBP and it sounds great on local AM broadcast stations using no
RX EQ and 6 KHz IF filter. In side by side comparisons with a Perseus
SDR and
Brian,
Yes, that is not enough voltage from D16. The K2 power control circuits
think that there is not enough power output and ramps up the power in an
effort to see more voltage on the VRFDET line.
I would recommend that you 'bite the bullet' and remove the KPA100 board
from the heat sink
On Thu, Dec 11, 2008 at 10:47 AM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote:
Brian,
Yes, that is not enough voltage from D16. The K2 power control circuits
think that there is not enough power output and ramps up the power in an
effort to see more voltage on the VRFDET line.
That is what I am
Brian,
The real mystery is that this initially occurred when you removed the
KPA100 to tighten the PA transistor screws. I really would not think
that would trigger a component failure, so I encourage you strongly to
look for a bad solder connection.
Be certain the wire from the center of
You are right, even with an external speaker. I would not say it is bad, but
my THS480 is much better, as is my SDR IQ. Like the difference between a
cassette tape and a CD say.
I think the problem is the low frequency response - it could be something to
do with the DSP filtering. The good
Dave, your points are very well taken! I agree that most of these
matters need to be dealt with in the contest/operating software.
However I still think that a firmware choice to prevent all but the most
intentional erasure of a message or recording with the KDVR3 would be a
good thing. It is
Oops! I used it. :-)
73,
Bill
K9YEQ
K2 #35; KX1 #35; K3 #1744; mini mods
-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Vic K2VCO
Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 10:45 AM
To: aa...@aol.com
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Another reason for this request is if I understand what I read that
doing over the air recording would erase an existing message if the
buffer is full.
The 90-second record-off-the-air DVR loop buffer, and the eight DVR Tx
message memory buffers, are completely separate. You can't erase a Tx
Thanks Lyle! For me that is great news!
I have another question on the KDVR3. If I am using PTT rather than VOX
can I play a DVR message by tapping for example M1. Let me explain
more. A long term problem with VHF contesting and using DVR on two
meters and above is hot switching the
Just to provide a bit of perspective, I've also had problems with the
encoder...on my Yaesu FT-857D. It's the lower-lefthand knob that does
double duty for menu selections and also has a push on-off selector
function. When I ordered a replacement from Yaesu, the tech told me
that this
My K3 wattmeter readings have never matched those on my inline WX0B
Power Master. it has always been high by 5-8 watts. Any way to have
the K3 output read more accurately?
73
de
todd
WB2ZAB
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It is OK to make a silly mistake. Just not good if it is too often..
If one never makes a mistake then one is never doing anything. Worse is
not admitting to a mistake. Enjoy the belly laugh and keep enjoying the
wonderful radio.
Aloha,
John KH7T
Gary Gregory wrote:
snip
in the end
Hi Todd,
Yes, wattmeter calibration is described in the Calibration Procedures section
of the K3 Owner's Manual.
David, W4SMT
--- On Thu, 12/11/08, Todd Ruby rubyw...@verizon.net wrote:
From: Todd Ruby rubyw...@verizon.net
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 wattmeter
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
turned on post ack. let's see if the list acknowledges this message...
Save $15 on Flowers and Gifts from FTD!
Shop now at http://offers.netzero.net/TGL1241/?u=http://www.ftd.com/17007
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This one made it through. Let's try my for sale message again...
- Original Message -
From: Thomas M. Beaudry k...@arrl.net
To: Elecraft list elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 4:58 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] test
turned on post ack. let's see if the list
We test -all- of the various modules in the K3 prior to shipment (both
kits and built K3s).
The VFO A/B encoder issue cropped up recently and was a problem at the
Bourns factory that they have now corrected. (Fortunately the problem
only showed up on a very small percentage of encoders.) But
Haven't seen so trying again...
Due to a critical medical/financial crisis, I find I must sell my precious
K2 to come up with sufficient funds. I WILL be building another when I am
in better health and the finances have straightened themselves out.
The K2 in question is SN 3422 with the
It occurred to me that others might benefit from this thread, especially
Lee's pictures.
73,
John, W2GW
-Original Message-
From: Lee (WW2DX) [mailto:l...@ww2dx.com]
Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 4:41 PM
To: John E. Reiser
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3
Thanks John, I really
I never feel this so strong but just now after QSO with JA7NI on 160m
using only 12W out from my K3/10 and 16m vertical with poor radial
system I have some idea what is going on :-)
73!
Lexa, OK1DST
K1DWZ napsal(a):
I worked TO5RZ (St Bart.)with my K3 on 20 mtrs SSB with 10 watts to a
K3 beta-test firmware revision 2.73 (with DSP rev 1.98) is now
available. See release notes below.
Please send any problem reports to k3supp...@elecraft.com. For
instructions on how to load beta firmware, please see:
http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm
73,
Wayne
N6KR
* * *
MCU
This would solve N1MM Logger's inability to mute the K3 mic
while voice keying because the K3 doesn't offer separate
level controls for mic and line (like the Orion does).
All N1MM logger needs to do is read the mic gain (MG;), store
the value and issue an MG000; command to mute the mic.
Hi - I'm new to the list and I want to order all the filters I might need so
I can install them at the same time and not have to open the rig each time.
I operate mainly CW, but also SSB and RTTY. I am primarily a DXer but a
contester secondarily. My main bands are the two extremes: 160 and
I don't understand some functionality of the K3's passband tuning. If I
select AM, and activate NORM then Fc=1.50KHz(an asterisk is alongside this
figure on the display). Since the selected roofing filter defaults to 6KHz I
figure the displayed value of Fc is the centre frequency of the audio
It has been a while since I updated using my own laptop. Can I use the
Microham MK2 interface with the No radio mode, and router query disabled,
and 38400bps settings? I just loaded the new K3 Utility so the utility
software is current. The last time I updated from this laptop, the FP flash
Possibly. Give it a try. But if you have difficulty with the firmware
load, be prepared to cable the K3 directly to the PC.
Dick, K6KR
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of John Gaynard
Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008
Mike, the January issue of QST has an extensive and thorough
review of the K3 and the filters are thoroughly discussed. You'll
likely find it informative.
73! Ken Kopp - K0PP
elecraftcov...@rfwave.net
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I was following Rose around the local WalMart store today
and noticed a display of several sizes of diagonal and long
nose pliers, two different flush-cutters and other neat tools
suitable for electronic kit construction.
I can't vouch for their quality, and the handles were shades
of pink and
The radio has been sold.
73,
Thomas M. Beaudry
K8LA
Click for FHA loan, $0 lender fees, low rates approvals nationwide
http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2241/fc/PnY6rx8araSKXPRrLPAIgWyhTJJFzpX4UfHtEvr5CxXWA3D9WnaWO/
The radio has been sold.
73,
Thomas M. Beaudry
K8LA
Click for FHA loan, $0 lender fees, low rates approvals nationwide
http://thirdpartyoffers.netzero.net/TGL2241/fc/PnY6rx8arZqa43SiKRMtbYBkfR4sOyNbWPM05AKCZXj7ob3lbkXj7/
My new K3 is on it's way. I have anti-static material that my
motherboard came in but that's not enough to work on be static
free.
Where can I easily quickly get an anti-static mat and grounded
wrist strap?
Thanks1
Gary
KA1J
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Elecraft mailing
I'm looking for recommendations for a small padded case for a K3, which could
in turn be
placed into checked luggage. I'd like something not much larger than the radio
itself,
with space for the radio alone.
What have others found that will protect a K3 during transportation?
73, Jeff Maass
Radio Shack.
Dick, K6KR
-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Gary Smith
Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 9:01 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] easy source of static dissipating work mat?
My
Beware that the Radio Shack 276-2370 portable ESD mat does not properly
bleed off static charges. Appended below is a message I sent on this
subject back in February.
Al N1AL
On Thu, 2008-12-11 at 21:04, Dick Dievendorff wrote:
Radio Shack.
Dick, K6KR
-Original Message-
From:
I didn't find a specification on the electrode size, but in the photo of
a popular tester they look to be maybe 3 or 4 inches in diameter. For
my test, the electrodes were two saucepans, each about 7 inches in
diameter and weighted with 5 pounds
When measuring the resistance of a
I used a large food container from the supermarket. I jammed blocks into
the front corners to keep the tuning knob away from the box lest it got a
knock. Clip-on top made the whole thing very cheap, light weight and
robust. Put that in regular travel bag with any padding you like, eg
I'm looking for recommendations for a small padded case for a K3,
which could in turn be placed into checked luggage.
Rose Kopp makes a nice padded case for the radio, but I'm not sure I'd want
to put it inside checked luggage unless it was something like a Pelican
with lots of foam all around..
Sorry to bother you all again.
In CAL FCTR the counter should show 12090 ± 30 kHz.
My K2 flashes between 00434 and 00436 kHz. I know, I have a problem with
probe or PLL ref. osc.
Any suggestions how to attack this problem will be appreciated
Allan, OZ8A
Dr. James C. Garland wrote:
One of the interesting properties of two-dimensional
conductors is that the measured resistance is independent of the spacing
between the probes. In other words, one will get the same measurement on an
ohmmeter if the probes are one centimeter apart as if they are one
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