Re: [Elecraft] P3 Phantom Signals

I have the same on my P3. I guess the phantom signals come from synthesizer spurious. When K3 VFO tunes to the phantom signal by turning VFO nob, you will hear its carrier. My K3 is not K3s but old one with original synthesizer. I am not sure on K3s or K3 with new synthesizer. 73 de JH3SIF,

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

That is exactly why it's important that the ATU of a solid state amplifier maintain a low SWR. Scott K9MA On 11/29/2018 21:59, Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP wrote: There IS a reason to be fanatical about a 1:1 SWR, although it doesn't apply to an amp like the KPA1500. If you are running a tube

Re: [Elecraft] FT8 Upgrade

If you’re not part of the solution, you’re the precipitate :D De KX2CW Joan . . Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra, said Piglet. Shaka, when the walls fell, said Pooh. > On Nov 28, 2018, at 16:54, Jim Brown wrote: > >> On 11/28/2018 3:28 PM, Mike Harris via Elecraft wrote: >> I installed v2.0.0-rc4

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

There IS a reason to be fanatical about a 1:1 SWR, although it doesn't apply to an amp like the KPA1500. If you are running a tube amplifier that requires tuning, and the tuner always provides the identical load, you can tune the amplifier once, record the dial settings, and quickly reset the

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

Now that you mention it, that sounds right. I SHOULD have the key line set up properly; I did at one time. Guess it's time to accept the pain of pushing the radio desk out from the wall and seeing what's really there. I might have accidentally screwed things up the last time I did some station

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

"However, since the amp is being keyed while the tuner is changing presets, the amp immediately faults and goes off line. This is very annoying, and probably not so good for either the amp or the tuner." That should not happen. The KAT500 should open the amp keying line before changing the

Re: [Elecraft] Wish I had a KAT1500

Bill, While it is true what you said, the KAT500 or ATU in the KPA1500 will generally do a good job. The tuner should be "trained" to the antenna(s) in AUTO and then placed in MAN for operation. That will prevent the ATU from attempting to tune when it falsely detects a high SWR - usually

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

Need to have recent firmware in both the KAT500 and KPA500 also. The KPA500 for this was updated shortly after the KAT500 was created. In any case, the latest firmware for both devices is strongly recommended. 73! Jack, W6FB > On Nov 29, 2018, at 6:48 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > Randy, > >

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

Randy, That indicates that you do not have your KAT500 and amplifier properly connected. The KEYOUT line from the transceiver should go first to the KAT500, and then from the KAT500 to the amplifier. When the KAT500 needs to tune, the amplifier will not be keyed and tuning will take place

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

Lots of important stuff here, most of which I agree with. See comments interspersed. On 11/29/2018 5:22 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: I think in general we fret too much over values of SWR which are 1.5:1 or less at the station end i.e. between the tuner and the amp or transceiver. I paid a

Re: [Elecraft] Wish I had a KAT1500

And a poor antenna system cannot be "fixed" by any a antenna tuner, especially an automatic one. Good luck turning manually. Even AI cannot fix Imbecilic antennas! 73, Bill K9YEQ From: Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2018 4:09:05

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

It's true that the effect a given SWR has on an amplifier output depends on the actual impedance presented.  That 2:1 SWR can be anywhere from 25 to 100 Ohms, plus various reactive impedances in between. On simple-minded way to look at it is to imagine an amplifier as a low-impedance source.

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

In checking my K3S into an antenna that presents a 2:1 SWR as indicated on my external Power/SWR meter, my KPA500 in STBY, and my KAT500 in bypass mode, it does deliver 100 watts.   Although, I prefer not to operate in that configuration if not necessary. I think in general we fret too much

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

I've had difficulties with my KAT500 / KPA500 combo (only) on 160 meters, apparently due to the tuner relying on RF sensing. I've carefully "trained" my KAT500 all across the 160 meter band. Since the manual states that the tuning bins are 10 kHz wide below 3 MHz, I do a tune at 1805, 1815 ...

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

> > I wish Elecraft would give serial data frequency priority over RF detected > frequency until a difference threshold is exceed. +1 73 de AI6KG On Thu, Nov 29, 2018 at 2:43 PM ANDY DURBIN wrote: > > "In addition the tuner may not always be in the segment you think it is. > This is due to

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

On 11/29/2018 16:57, Don Wilhelm wrote: Since the typical driving transceiver can tolerate an SWR of at least 2:1 without power foldback or damage, setting that 1.3:1 limit is reasonable - That certainly is not the case with the KPA1500. An SWR of 1.4:1 can cause it to fault well below 1500

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

"There is also a limit to how far the firmware will go to reducing SWR. In the interest of minimizing tuning time (and relay wear and tear). If the match is less than 1.3:1 or so, tuning will be declared adequate and will be stopped. Since the typical driving transceiver can tolerate an

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

Andy and all, The KAT500 and KAT1500 tuner band segments are divided into frequency band segments - 25kHz wide on the lower bands and 50kHz wide on the upper bands if I recall correctly, so an 8kHz shift will not be significant unless the frequency shift moves the tuning into the adjacent

[Elecraft] KPA-1500 issues

"In addition the tuner may not always be in the segment you think it is. This is due to the 8KHz resolution of the internal counter, that wins over you sending it a more accurate frequency, and also the hysteresis algorithm that can require a 2 segment frequency change before the tuner

Re: [Elecraft] P3 Phantom Signals

Make sure your BNC cable between the K3's IF output and the P3 input  is securely plugged in. (I usually unplug and replug in the cable as part of this test.) If you have an alternate BNC cable, try it too as its always possible there is a poor connection between the cable shield and one of the

Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500

Hi Larry, Take a look at the control cable between the KPA1500 power supply and the RF deck. A loose cable could cause this issue. Make sure its plugged in firmly with the screws tightened on the connectors. If there is still a fault, please contact supp...@elecraft.com (if you haven't

Re: [Elecraft] Wish I had a KAT1500

Folks - If the untuned SWR presented to the KAT500 is above 3:1 or so at a KW and above, it will automatically go into bypass to protect its components. Eric /elecraft.com/ On 11/27/2018 12:15 PM, Victor Rosenthal 4X6GP wrote: I would worry about exceeding voltage ratings on capacitors even if

Re: [Elecraft] Contributing (wasRe: FT8 Upgrade)

Folks - Let's end this thread now as its exceeding our OT posting limit. 73, Eric Moderator (from to time to time..) /elecraft.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help:

Re: [Elecraft] FT8 Upgrade

To test this latest, greatest and most updatest version (guaranteed not to rust, bust or collect dust), a mock two-hour test/contest will take place this weekend. Specifically, from 0200-0300Z on 1 Dec, which is Friday evening here in Los Estados Unido -- Sent from:

Re: [Elecraft] FT8 Upgrade

The mock tests, not the contest. Michael Blake k9...@mac.com > On Nov 29, 2018, at 4:26 PM, Bob N3MNT wrote: > > (1 December, 0200-0300Z) > > > > -- > Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ >

Re: [Elecraft] FT8 Upgrade

(1 December, 0200-0300Z) -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

Re: [Elecraft] Wish I had a KAT1500

Try MFJ-998. It matches my 80m flattop fed by ladderline on 160, 80 and 40m (high impedance full wave) using 1:1 balun. I use it for 40 and 80m running at 1.5 KW level. It had a number of small problems but no problems with relays/caps/inductors. When everything is set up well, it recalls old

Re: [Elecraft] FT8 Upgrade

John, I am confused with your comment (NA time). What is the UTC date and time of the tests? Very 73 - Mike - k9JRI > On Nov 28, 2018, at 4:36 PM, John Harper wrote: > > And there are 3 upcoming events for the newest version of WSJT-X - and the > first one is tonight from 0200 - 0300Z.

[Elecraft] FS: K3/100 P3 W2

I am listing these for my friend: K4DJJ Dirk. He uses his KX3 and these are surplus to his needs. All in Excellent condition; nonsmoking; one owner. K3/100 $1895S/N: 3514One 2.8khz 8pole filter.No other options. P3 -- $595 No options. W2 - $220 If

Re: [Elecraft] Contributing (wasRe: FT8 Upgrade)

On 11/29/2018 11:27 AM, Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT wrote: Running beta software, but not reporting results (good and bad) isn't making a major contribution. Not true -- those who do take the time to report results need someone to work, and users of the new version can only work other users of

[Elecraft] Looking for testers for maintenance update of K3/K3S firmware

Hi all, We made a few minor changes to the K3/K3S firmware build recently, including the addition of the "SW" command (to read SWR from a software application). Even though the changes were minor, a few other functions were updated for esoteric reasons having to do with "the linker," etc.,

Re: [Elecraft] Contributing (wasRe: FT8 Upgrade)

Running beta software, but not reporting results (good and bad) isn't making a major contribution. Less-than-helpful testers is a major problem for developers, which is why some resort to software that reports by itself, and beta versions that quit running on a particular date. Developers

Re: [Elecraft] Contributing (wasRe: FT8 Upgrade)

On Thu, Nov 29, 2018 at 01:45:37AM -0800, Jim Brown wrote: > On 11/29/2018 1:09 AM, Richard Lamont wrote: > > The -rc* versions are release candidates, i.e. beta packages for > > testing. People who use them are expected to report any anomalies they > > find on the relevant mailing list. > > > >

Re: [Elecraft] FT8 Upgrade

If any are going to operate FT8 in the RTTY contest this weekend, you should note that 2.0-RC5 is required.  So you have a couple days to install it.  RC5 is expected to be the full release in Dec. at this point. You CAN install both on the computer (install it to a different folder, don't

[Elecraft] FS: Elecraft T1 and Yaesu FT817ND #QRP

Morning all: I purchased the following items in hopes of setting up a portable QRP station/coms go kit of sorts with the Yaesu FT817ND, however I'm finding that work and family commitments leave me little to no time for the hobby. I also recently obtained a KX2 which also streamlines my QRP

Re: [Elecraft] PROPOSAL: K2/10 Battery LiPO / 8AA carrier option

LiFePO3 is good choice if size does not matter. Li-Ion is half weight and size. Personally I use LiFePO3 for my 100W radios. I use Li-ion for KX3 for travel. Ignacy, NO9E -- Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ __

Re: [Elecraft] PROPOSAL: K2/10 Battery LiPO / 8AA carrier option

I think you would be much better off with a 4S LiFePO4 instead of a 3S LiPO. Your fully charged voltage would be just under 14 volts, and fully discharged around 12 volts. I once found a 4S LiFePO4 battery on Ebay that was almost exactly the same size as the SLAB that the K2 battery kit included,

[Elecraft] Contributing (wasRe: FT8 Upgrade)

On 11/29/2018 1:09 AM, Richard Lamont wrote: The -rc* versions are release candidates, i.e. beta packages for testing. People who use them are expected to report any anomalies they find on the relevant mailing list. If you don't want to test and report bugs, you should not be using (and there

Re: [Elecraft] FT8 Upgrade

On 29/11/2018 00:54, Jim Brown wrote: > On 11/28/2018 3:28 PM, Mike Harris via Elecraft wrote: >> I installed v2.0.0-rc4 which locks you into 77 bit messages and found >> very little decode action on my waterfall so I reverted to v2.0.0-rc3. > > If you're not part of the solution, you're part