You guys in the States are lucky, the FCC listens and takes action.
In the UK our Regulator Ofcom blames radio amateurs for having
sensitive receivers, and as a consequence says it can do nothing to help...
73
Stewart G3RXQ
On Tue, 10 May 2011 18:49:49 -0800, Jim Wiley wrote:
You guys are
You lot are all fairly lucky that you can even get a response from your
regulator.
Here in Australia our wonderful regulator ACMA (Australian Communications
Media Authority) does 3/5's of bugger all with almost everything to do with
Amateur Radio, except for holding out their greedy little
This is a common problem with all plasma TVs and the Panasonic brand in
particular. Here in the UK Ofcom ( UK version of FCC) has been involved with
the manufacturer and the defective sets have had their plasma panels replaced.
The interference is radiated directly from the screen and
Jim Wiley-2 wrote:
The FCC has the power to
force your neighbor to stop using the interfering device.
Bet that improves neighbourly relations no end.
-
Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222.
* G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com
* KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html
* KTune -
The AUXBUS provides one-way communication between the KPA500 and the K3
(KPA500 to K3). So the KPA500 won't know that the K3 is in TUNE mode. The
KPA500 has about 12-13 dB gain, so if the SG235 can take up to 100 watts
without problems, you could set the TUNE mode to output no more than
On Wed, 11 May 2011 14:08:16 +1000, Gary Gregory wrote:
I am puzzled as to why split would be used in PSK-31??? Given the
mode it
is, the band width used etc, etc..
I have not come across stations operating split on PSK-31 but then
that is
most likely my fault as I don't use that mode
I see that Phil - AD5X replied along the same lines but I'll toss my $0.02 in.
With about 13 dB gain, an input of 1-2 watts would give you 20-40 watts out. I
have my TUN PWR set to 2.5w typically so I can get a quick read of an antenna
without risking the finals by pressing Tune. If you use
While automating this (disable PTT to the amp for the first transmission
after a band change - just like Tokyo Hy-Power does) should be part of the
eventual Elecraft tuner /amp implementation, and not just when in tune mode,
I'm surprised that pressing the OPER/STBY button on the front panel of
Mine does the same in # 5047. 12/2010. Sometimes it doesn't require power
off/on at first but eventually it does.
73
Mike R
Sent from my spy ring
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As the KPA 500 uses a linear PSU there obviously is a mains
transformer within the cabinet.
I know this is a toroidal type transformer, which is good, but can we
assume that placement of the Amp with respect to the K3 is non
critical, for magnetic hum coupling.
How immune is the K3 to this
I notice KPA500 is using a linear power supply. The technology of switching
power supply is now very mature. Is there any reason why linear PSU is used
instead of switching PSU in KPA500? I just think a switching PSU will make
KPA500 more lighter and the linearity of the amplifier will not
My KPA500 was just delivered! So excited and happy! Thank you Elecraft!
Phil
Philip LaMarche
LaMarche Enterprises, Inc
mailto:p...@lamarcheenterprises.com p...@lamarcheenterprises.com
http://www.lamarcheenterprises.com/ www.LaMarcheEnterprises.com
727-944-3226
The unregulated linear power supply is heavier than a switcher. However, it
is also more efficient and less complex. Everything is a trade-off.
Phil - AD5X
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On 05/11/2011 04:00 PM, Phil Debbie Salas wrote:
The unregulated linear power supply is heavier than a switcher. However, it
is also more efficient and less complex. Everything is a trade-off.
It's also possible that an amp with switcher would be harder to sell.
We're a conservative bunch.
With only six FCC enforcement engineers, it's not likely to result in
another Hatfields vs McCoys relationship.
matt W6NIA
On Wed, 11 May 2011 02:56:22 -0700 (PDT), you wrote:
Jim Wiley-2 wrote:
The FCC has the power to
force your neighbor to stop using the interfering device.
Bet that
This is a known issue reported before on this list. Search the
archives for some fellow sufferers. 73, Guy.
On Tue, May 10, 2011 at 9:56 AM, ab2tc ab...@arrl.net wrote:
Has anybody experienced this with LP-Bridge inserted between the K3 and HRD?
That should slow down the polling of the K3 as
I dont know either, Gary... Usually, when I operate PSK31, I
use the computer, and since I dont use that mode too often
either, I have never run into the need to run split.
But it is a valid question... Why cant you set split in
Digital mode PSK on the radio, yet you can set it for RTTY
and
A couple of years ago, I looked hard at the THP amps at Dayton. They were
using
linear supplies as well. If I remember right, the PS voltage was 60 volts no
load...and 48 volts under full power.
I think there might be a cost issue here as well. Less parts for a non
switching power
Hey guys,
Where are the Elecrafters going to hang out on Saturday night? I have the Top
Band Dinner on Friday...but Saturday night is free. Anything going on with the
gang?
Lee Buller
Come meet me in Dayton
In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply. If you
Joe, W4TV may have hit on the answer - both VFOs muct be in DATA A mode; I'll
have to wait to get home to check this out. This of course wouldn't allow
cross-mode operation, though I don't see that happening with these particular
modes.
I've seen two DX stations on PSK in the last two weeks
One of the inviolable rules in the W6LX shack is: NO SWITCHING POWER SUPPLIES.
Not to make an incendiary statement, but *all* of them generate RFI. Many
people
will tell you that they've never heard RFI from their switching power supplies,
but often it's just because they don't know what it
Every switching supply I have ever owned eventually failed, except my
carry-around 18 amp job for porting my K3, and the current power
supply in my PC, one week old after the previous failed. Most of the
switchers were in PC's. I have never had a linear supply fail.
Everyone is trying to make
On 5/11/2011 7:42 AM, Matt Zilmer wrote:
With only six FCC enforcement engineers, it's not likely to
result in another Hatfields vs McCoys relationship.
You mean only six in one district. Problems of this sort are
usually handled by letter before anyone is sent out. ARRL
Volunteer
I can not believe hams who do not want switching mode supplies in their shack.
This precludes the use of a computer in the shack. It also means no TVs,
printers, and a host of other products. There is also a false notion that so
called linear supplies do not cause RFI. Study Dirac's delta
--- On Wed, 5/11/11, Phil Debbie Salas dpsa...@tx.rr.com wrote:
The unregulated linear power supply is heavier than a switcher. However, it
is also more efficient and less complex. Everything is a trade-off.
Agreed on the heavier and less complex, but as for effieciency, it has been
Has anyone settled on a nice power supply for the K3?
Something that:
- Is quiet from a RF standpoint, switching or non-switching.
- Looks cosmetically attractive to sit on the desk next to the K3
- Has adequate power/current abilities.
Thinking that something like the old Collins S Line power
The manual says the bargraph shows green (normal) up to an SWR of 1.5:1,
yellow (marginal) from 1.5:1 to 2.1:1 and red (excessive) above that.
Does this mean no inhibition of output by the protection system (and no
need for it) up to 1.5:1 but progressive reduction of output above? If so,
In addition, the unregulated analog supplies are potentially 30 to 50%
less expensive than a switcher. Given standing current for class AB1,
the regulation of an analog supply with a properly sized transformer
supply is not an issue.
73,
... Joe, W4TV
On 5/11/2011 10:00 AM, Phil Debbie
On 5/10/2011 7:49 PM, Jim Wiley wrote:
You guys are aware, I suppose, that interference of this level and
duration clearly qualifies as the type of interference that merits
direct FCC intervention. File a complaint.
Absolutely. We are right and they are wrong. If we lay down, we have
only
On Wed, 11 May 2011 09:34:05 -0700, Jim Brown wrote:
On 5/10/2011 7:49 PM, Jim Wiley wrote:
You guys are aware, I suppose, that interference of this level and
duration clearly qualifies as the type of interference that merits
direct FCC intervention. File a complaint.
Absolutely. We are
I am very happy with my SEC 1235M. The 30-amp capacity gives me lots of
headroom. See the review by AD5X on his web site
http://www.ad5x.com/images/Presentations/SEC1235M%20Review.pdf.
73, Pete N4ZR
The World Contest Station Database, updated daily at www.conteststations.com
The Reverse
In keeping with Bob's final comment...
My dad, RIP, used to talk about cars with all the new features, and
proposed a new model to his Ford dealership cousin, that included
among a hilarous list, an automatic *ss wiper, and an automatic **rt
filter. The later would be engaged any time an odor
Astron RS25M.
matt W6NIA
On Wed, 11 May 2011 12:22:56 -0400, you wrote:
Has anyone settled on a nice power supply for the K3?
Cordially,
Bruce J. Howes W1UJR
www.W1UJR.net
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Twenty years ago I purchased a Astron RS-70M. It powers my entire station
with lots of head room. Other than power outages, it's been turned on 24/7
with no problems what so ever.
Philip LaMarche
LaMarche Enterprises, Inc
p...@lamarcheenterprises.com
www.LaMarcheEnterprises.com
Wish there was a way for the KPA500 to provide 12V for the K3. That
would be smokin'.
Another winding on the transformer? DC to DC downconverter from pulse
width gate to a capacitor?
73, Guy.
On Wed, May 11, 2011 at 12:46 PM, Matt Zilmer mzil...@verizon.net wrote:
Astron RS25M.
matt W6NIA
The documentation on the Elecraft site says the KPA-500 requires 40
watts drive for full output.
Nowhere (at least not that I could find) is the minimum drive
requirement specified nor is there any schedule of output for input
such as 40 watts = 500 watts; xx watts = 250 watts, etc.
More to
We're of similar mind. I have a rack-mount RS-50M, RS-35 and RS-25,
and several of the 11 Amp switchers. Astron makes excellent products,
imho.
Most of my hamming and MARSing is done on solar power, but everyone
needs a back up.
73,
matt W6NIA
On Wed, 11 May 2011 12:53:13 -0400, you wrote:
I have had a 35A Astron running under my bench for several
decades. It's never been off, other than for power outages.
There's a RIGrunner fused distribution box on the wall behind
the equipment that feeds everything that's 12VDC in the station.
Works for me.
73! Ken Kopp - K0PP
Stan,
Of course it can be driven by lower power. The KPA500 is a linear
amplifier. If 40 watts in produces 500 out, then 20 in will give 250
out and 10 in will produce 125 watts. If the relationship is otherwise,
then it is not acting as a linear amplifier. The same thing should be
true
On 2011-05-11 10:16 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
Stan,
Of course it can be driven by lower power. The KPA500 is a linear
amplifier. If 40 watts in produces 500 out, then 20 in will give 250
out and 10 in will produce 125 watts. If the relationship is otherwise,
then it is not acting as a
I know this is a real long shot, BUT, do any of you fortunate folks who already
use the KPA500 have the instrument or capability to measure the KVA demand and
power factor or phase angle of the AC input to the amp under full load
output? Just curious about this and the overall
I agree.
One of these days someone will build the ultimate automatic amateur
radio station. One where all you do is flip the big switch on a
Saturday morning then come back on Sunday evening to see how many DX or
contest contacts you made over the weekend.
Where is the fun in running an
Um, linear with respect to power, or linear with respect to voltage?
Linear with respect to power. Both the input and output are fixed Z
thus an increase in drive results in increases in both the current
and voltage variation which given a linear amplifier causes increases
in both current and
In the old days, I used an Astron linear supply to run my 12V radios.
Soon after I got back on the air in 2003 after a long period of
inactivity, I adopted the practice of using a small regulated supply
(about 10A) to float-charge a big 12V deep-cycle battery (about 110AH)
that I bought at
The KPA500 bases its SWR protection on reflected power level, not an
absolute SWR. The KPA500 is happy up to a 2:1 SWR at 500-W out. As long
as the actual reflected power is below that for a 2:1 SWR at 500W, it
will not reduce its power. This means you can operate into a higher than
2:1 SWR
Don Wilhelm-4 wrote:
Of course it can be driven by lower power. The KPA500 is a linear
amplifier. If 40 watts in produces 500 out, then 20 in will give 250
out and 10 in will produce 125 watts. If the relationship is otherwise,
then it is not acting as a linear amplifier. The same
On Wed, May 11, 2011 at 1:10 PM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft
e...@elecraft.com wrote:
...As long as the actual reflected power is below that for a 2:1 SWR at
500W...
Which is quite a bit (62.5 watts), so it's pretty tolerant.
Tony KT0NY
Thank you, Don. I have no experience with any kind of outboard
amplifier since I've been QRP for nearly my entire ham life, but I do
seem to recall that in 'the old days' of tube amps, there was always a
minimum drive requirement and sometimes distortion problems occured at
the lower drive
That's a linear amp in name only. Amplifying SSB should only be
done on that amp with PEP set below the point at which compression
sets in. This of course does not matter on CW or FM, one of the
common uses of such an amp. I'd be surprised if that amp would do
better than 100 watts PEP cleanly.
Then by definition, they aren't linear.
A graph of output power vs. input power should be a straight line. It it isn't
then it's non-linear. The practical question is how much non-linearity is
acceptable.
--- On Wed, 5/11/11, Julian, G4ILO julian.g4...@gmail.com wrote:
If it does that
Perhaps that Mirage amp is intended for FM? Not all amps need to be linear.
Peter W0LLN
On Wed, May 11, 2011 at 2:02 PM, Wes Stewart n...@yahoo.com wrote:
Then by definition, they aren't linear.
A graph of output power vs. input power should be a straight line. It it
isn't then it's
Stu,
OK so you are keying the XV432 Tx control line and not applying RF
drive (not sure how you accomplish this, but not important in this
discussion). It oscillated unless there is a 50-ohm RF load on the output.
I think its time to contact Elecraft for help. I assume you did not
build the
Some equipment needs to be in view and some can be on the floor...
I use an Astron RS-70A on the floor, turned on all the time except when I
leave for a vacation, and a Rig Runner 8012 distribution panel that supplies
12 individually fused Anderson Power Pole connectors.
This is for two K3s and
35A Astron linear running for 24/7 10 years at home with no issues.
Samlex 1223 switcher at Field Day for 24 hours of constant CW in
Virginia-summer heat with no issues. There is no head room in this
supply to run any other accessories so it is a bare minimum for
capacity. I do not hear any
Astron RS-35M 20 +years
73
Gene K1NR
K2 6kxx
On Wed, 11 May 2011 11:01:10 -0600
Ken - K0PP kengk...@gmail.com wrote:
I have had a 35A Astron running under my bench for
several
decades. It's never been off, other than for power
outages.
There's a RIGrunner fused distribution
You can read the detailed description at the link I gave. In fact, it claims
to have active bias for improved SSB linearity. So it is definitely
intended for SSB use.
I agree that a graph of output power vs. input power should be a straight
line. But I don't believe there is a linear amplifier
Thank you Eric. That is interesting and impressive. I will be seriously
considering a kit.
73
Geoff
G3UCK
- Original Message -
From: Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft e...@elecraft.com
To: Geoffrey Downs geoffre...@madasafish.com
Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2011
I use an Astron 35M and RIGrunner to power my K3/10 and other equipment in the
shack.
73s de Dave KJ6CBS
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Post:
Julian,
From the words of Bob Freiss (the designer) on 9/8/2010 --
The KPA500 requires 30 to 40 watts for full output. With 10 watts of drive
the output will be around 200 watts or a little less.
It's very easy to measure the 1-tone gain compression characteristics of an
amplifier. The desired result is a graph of Pout vs. Pin, with Pin on the
horizontal axis and Pout on the vertical.
So what one needs to do is set Pin to the amp, and measure Pout into a dummy
load. If you do this for
Stan,
Allow some variation to antenna variations also.
This on 15M, swr is 1.0:1
2W = 30W out
2.5W = 40W
3w = 50w
3.5w = 60w
4w = 70w
4.5w = 75w out
5w = 80w
5.5w = 90w
6w = 100w
6.5w = 110w
7w = 120w
7.5w = 130w
8w = 150w
8.5w = 160w
9w = 170w
9.5w = 180w
10w = 190w
11w = 200w
12w = 225w
I have operated that way and found no effect at all.
Works here.
Gary
On 11 May 2011 23:26, F5vjc foxfive@gmail.com wrote:
As the KPA 500 uses a linear PSU there obviously is a mains
transformer within the cabinet.
I know this is a toroidal type transformer, which is good, but can we
LU,
Aaaahnow the light bulb has been energised...Grin
Guess I better go listen around some more and yes I see the reason now.
73's
Gary - slow learner
On 12 May 2011 02:03, Kos s...@bellsouth.net wrote:
Joe, W4TV may have hit on the answer - both VFOs muct be in DATA A mode;
I'll have
At the risk of beating the same old expired equine, this is because the
radio's SPLIT function is disabled unless you already have the other VFO
and mode set in a way that allows you to go SPLIT. This is a bad thing and
a flaw in the K3's operational logic.
I have pointed out that this is a flaw
Adding gain calculation ...
2W = 30W 11.8 dB
2.5W = 40W 12.0 dB
3w = 50w 12.2 dB
3.5w = 60w 12.3 dB
4w = 70w 12.4 dB
4.5w = 75w 12.2 dB
5w = 80w 12.0 dB
5.5w = 90w 12.1 dB
6w = 100w 12.2 dB
6.5w = 110w 12.3 dB
7w = 120w 12.3 dB
Joe, I believe your hypothesis (extrapolation to high power) will be verified
once someone makes higher power measurements.
Regards,
Al W6LX
From: Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com
The numbers look about right including the decreased gain at low level
(as
Press 2 times quickly to transfer both frequency and mode to VFO B.
Then, press and hold to go into Split Operation.
Or, even easier, using a program like WinWarbler that decodes multiple
traces, you can pick your transmit frequency and watch the receive side
in a separate frame. That is the
Joe,
325W @ 15W drive
410W @ 20W drive
490W @ 25W drive
510W @ 26W drive
530W @ 27W drive
560W @ 28W drive
580W @ 29W drive
600W @ 30W drive
630W @ 31W drive
650W @ 32W drive
675W @ 35W drive
690W @ 37W drive
700W @ 40W drive
Is this still about right for your calculations.
Gary
On 12 May
Joe,
Just to clarify, the last measurements were on 28.447.44 (a clear frequency
here at the moment), SWR is 1.1:1, tri-band yagi.
On 12 May 2011 08:40, Gary Gregory garyvk...@gmail.com wrote:
Joe,
325W @ 15W drive
410W @ 20W drive
490W @ 25W drive
510W @ 26W drive
530W @ 27W drive
560W
The RFsensing on the K3 is a real trick. The frst 'dit' may suffer a mild
truncation on band change, but this only happens if you don't press a band
button prior to transmitting.
Low power band changing does occur with 1W on CW. Tested it just now with a
band change from 10M to 15M
Maybe this is
Hello George,
From my reading of all the replies both on and off-the-list, the main reasons
are:
1. it is cheaper to use linear PSU so that the price of KPA500 should be
competitive;
2. maintenance and repair will be easier for a linear PSU;
3. RFI is so often found in the switching PSU
Stu - Three more suggestions:
- remove the paint along the inside edges of the box where the lids
meet the box sides and the C shaped front/back panels, and remove the
paint under the screw heads (I used a dremel bit to grind a nice
circle under the head).
- try increasing the PA Bias a bit,
Umm, Bob:
BOTH VFO's *are* in DIGITAL D/PSK31. The radio still wont
do split in PSK31 mode.
Methinks its in the intrnal PSK31 Decoder DSP functionality,
as Joe W4TV mentions.
I bet you used to be an Icom user. :)
-lu-w4lt-
K3 #3192
- Original Message Follows -
From:
Adding the calculations below ... it's obvious that a lot of
care went into the design - the gain is flat +/- 0.2 dB from
8 to 35W in (150 to 650W out). The 1 dB compression point
looks to be somewhere above 700W.
I don't think I would make a habit of running the KPA-500 at
less than 150 W or
I imported Gary's measured data to analyze it. It's a little bit difficult,
because I'm just using a graphical method (a.k.a. 'eyeballing') to try and
find
the 1 dB compression point, but it is only compressed about 0.6 dB at Gary's
highest power point. I estimate, if we extrapolate out a
BOTH VFO's *are* in DIGITAL D/PSK31. The radio still won't do split
in PSK31 mode.
Hi Luis,
At present the K3 firmware won't allow split in PSK-D mode. It's
possible for me to add this, but there are several internal
complications to deal with. Since there have been very few requests
Al,
Output was measured using the KPA FW which has proven to be very accurate so
far in FT units.
Gary
On 12 May 2011 10:10, Al Lorona alor...@sbcglobal.net wrote:
I imported Gary's measured data to analyze it. It's a little bit difficult,
because I'm just using a graphical method (a.k.a.
Thanks, that is what I now surmised. No problem, dont break anything to fix
this. I will pass it along to my friend Frank who uses PSK31 Digital D a
lot (I dont). I served him some KoolAde a year or so ago and coverted him
from TenTec. :)
See you in Dayton!
-lu-w4lt-
K3 # 3192
Follow this link to how I hooked up the MFJ-1026 to eliminate plasma tv and
other noise.
Note there are 2 photos. You can enlarge them by clicking Full Size below the
photo.
http://n4lq.webs.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=125573648
Always keep in mindIf your noise pickkup antenna can't
On 5/11/2011 12:24 PM, Dick Dievendorff wrote:
Some equipment needs to be in view and some can be on the
floor...
On the floor I have a 60A Precision Dynamics charger/supply
floating two Trojan 27AGM batteries (~200 AH) installed
outdoors and connected with 4 AWG cables, a 1500 VA UPS
On 5/11/2011 12:24 PM, Dick Dievendorff wrote:
Some equipment needs to be in view and some can be on the
floor...
On the floor I have a 60A Precision Dynamics charger/supply
floating two Trojan 27AGM batteries (~80 AH each) installed
outdoors and connected with 4 AWG cables, a 1500 VA
PowerWerx SS-30DV...going strong, switcher, is hammered everyday for a
minimum of 12 hours and also runs the 2M Poverty Pack Radio from
Yucksu...:-)
YMMV of course
Gary
On 12 May 2011 12:17, Phil Kane k2...@kanafi.org wrote:
On 5/11/2011 12:24 PM, Dick Dievendorff wrote:
Some equipment
Adding a power gain and rounding to nearest two digit integer,
considering accuracy of measuring device (rarely more than two
significant digits), it is safe to say that the amplifier keeps its
linearity to 650 watts. The variability at 325 and 410 is most likely
the measuring instrument's
While those results are very good, I would like to point out that it
is from a sample of one KPA500. I would suggest that an allowance of
10% be considered over the entire population of KPA500s just due to
component tolerances giving rise to some unit to unit variation. Even
using the 10%
Hi Don,
Perhaps against my better judgement, I adjusted the bias current of the
KPA100 in the KAT100-2 remoted from the K2. Now I'm thoroughly confused!
:-(
The current measurements of the KPA100 in the K2 make sense to me:
Power 11 W, Current ~ 380 mA
Power 11 W, Current ~ 520 mA
Power 11 +
Brian,
Don't worry about the fan - so set it to nor. Observe the current
into the KPA100 and add 400 ma. That is your target for the initial
collector current. Take the KAT100 out of the picture for this
adjustment - unplug the AUX DC cable from the KAT100. When you go to CW
TEST mode
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