R: RE : [Elecraft] KX1 says PO.4 -- is this 0.4 W or 4 W?
IMHO you can try with a bolometer, wich is a milliwatt-meter, an some good attenuators capable of handle the power levels that you are going to use... An HP432A is a good instrument that you often find on ebay for less than 200,00 USD (thermistor head included). If You are going to do some serious test this is the right way to do it! Alternative: find a dear OM near you that operates on microwave (1296 MHz and up) He has the instrument for sure 73 de Giulio IW3HVB K2 N°4681, now completed with KPA100, KSB2, KNB2 KDSP2. -- QUOTE: I was afraid of that -- I recalibrated the tuner with a 50 ohm dummy load and now it's showing 1.9 W when running on batteries, which sounds correct. I will further calibrate when I have access to a known accurate wattmeter. Thank you for clarifying. --Andrew ___ 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] T1 antenna configurations
I waited a while to ask these questions, as I thought they might be in the FAQ. What sort of antenna configurations will the T1 work with? Will it work with short whip antennas, such as you would use pedestrian mobile? How versatile is it compared to the KAT2, which seems to be able to match just about anything! -- Julian, G4ILO (RSGB, ARRL) G4ILO's Shack: http://www.tech-pro.net/g4ilo ___ 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] Elecraft K2 SN# 4728 IS working!!!
On Wed, 2 Mar 2005 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Ladies and Gentlemen: Another K2 is on the Air. This one SN# 4728, Congratulationsyou might want to add it to ther Elecraft Online Owners Database at http://www.zerobeat.net/qrp/k2data.html 73,Thom-k3hrn www.zerobeat.net Home of QRP Web Ring, Drakelist home page, Free Classified Ads for amateur radio, QRP IRC channel Elecraft Owners Database www.tlchost.net/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ 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] Rubber Knob for K2
On Wed, 2 Mar 2005, Jim Sheldon wrote: Yeah, but that looks tacky hi hi. The K2 is more elegant than that. Buy yourself one of those finger dimples. It looks good on the knob, and once you get used to it, makes speed-tuning a snap. Use of the rubber band helps promote the Mojo back to Nature movement. In some ways it also insures that K2 owners may injest vegatables. 73,Thom-k3hrn www.zerobeat.net Home of QRP Web Ring, Drakelist home page, Free Classified Ads for amateur radio, QRP IRC channel Elecraft Owners Database www.tlchost.net/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ 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] T1 antenna configurations
Hi Julian: What sort of antenna configurations will the T1 work with? Will it work with short whip antennas, such as you would use pedestrian mobile? How versatile is it compared to the KAT2, which seems to be able to match just about anything! I'm Field Testing the T1 as I write this reply... So far, the T1 has handled every antenna (and band, 80-10M) I've thrown at it. Granted, I've only exposed the T1 to my 80/40/30 meter dipole (on ALL bands, 160 thru 10m) and my Bencher SkyHawk tribander (on ALL bands, 160 thru 10m), but it acquitted itself quite well on all bands but 160m, which was pretty much of a BIG stretch anyway. Within the next few days, I'll be hanging some SHORT wires outside the shack, with matching counterpoises laid out on the floor of the shack, and will be exposing the T1 to those as well. From having FTed all of the previous versions of ATU from Elecraft, I expect nothing less than excellent handling of these antennas as well. Unfortunately, I have no short whip for using while ped. mobile, but I feel certain that several of the others who are FTing the T1 as well will be able to address your concerns within the next week (max.). If it warms up just a wee bit later today, I'll try to get something up outside and see what results I can conjure up for you... just as a beginning. 73, Tom N0SS ___ 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] K2 SN:4761
Hello List: K2 SN: 4761, my fourteenth K2 to build, has passed Part II testing and working great like all K2's. Now on to complete the last Part and install all the accessories that have already been built. Johnny, KD4ORO, the owner, will be operating it by the middle of next week for sure. Only minor glitch was a broken miniature 100mh RFC in the VCC line to the PLL Chip. Strange in that the PLL locked up fine but was jumpy when tuning and then would settle down and be fine when tuning was stopped. Discovered a 0.7 volt drop across the choke and so replaced it with a jumper and it stablized. Was lucky enough to have one in my Elecraft parts supply and replaced it and all is well. Back to the work bench. 73 Jim Younce K4ZM ___ 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] Rubber Knob for K2
I have a light blue broccoli-band on my K2 and I like the dash of color it adds. Decorative, functional and healthy too. 73/ Bob - W5BIG - Original Message - From: Thom R. Lacosta [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Jim Sheldon [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: 'Elecraft Reflector' elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 5:36 AM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Rubber Knob for K2 On Wed, 2 Mar 2005, Jim Sheldon wrote: Yeah, but that looks tacky hi hi. The K2 is more elegant than that. Buy yourself one of those finger dimples. It looks good on the knob, and once you get used to it, makes speed-tuning a snap. Use of the rubber band helps promote the Mojo back to Nature movement. In some ways it also insures that K2 owners may injest vegatables. ___ 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] ECN Tonight
Just a reminder that ECN will be this evening (Thursday). 30m: 7E/6C/5M/4P (z) on 10115 40m: 8E/7C/6M/5P (0100z) on 7045 Some info about checking in to the net can be found here: http://briefcase.yahoo.com/aa0ni I'd also be curious if there would be any interest in attempting another 30m net at z on Saturdays (for those on the West coast who are still at work during the week). Just drop me a note directly (off-list). If there's enough interest, I'll see if I can clear my schedule for an hour Saturday night. Thanks again for those that checked in last week, and I look forward to see who checks in tonight. 72/73, Daniel / AA0NI ___ 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] K2/100 current consumption problem - update
So far I haven't found anything wrong as such on #3764: The LPF components appear fine (value and condition), and check out ok with an MFJ analyser for SWR on receive. T1 and T2 and associated components appear ok. One thing; C83 is 1000pF, not 1200pF as per circuit. However I tried padding that with a 220pF SM and it made no difference. Looks like 1000pF was supplied with the kit. I've realigned the BPF on 160/80m, which was pretty much ok anyway. I've re-adjusted the bias, which was also ok. I've readjusted the pwr sense pot, again was ok. With the PA disabled the base K2 draws about 2.5A @ 10W op on all bands. With the PSU set to exactly 13.8V, and measuring the current (V across 10x0R1 6W in parallel, in series with V+) I get the following, into a 50R load. Current on the PSU display reads similar. Set power W Current A 160m Current A 80m 5014 14 6015 15 7016.516.5 8018 18 90 24 19 100 27 20 110 29 21 The actual power out is similar to the set power, to about 10%.So topband behaves ok up to about 80W op. This also happens from a cold start, so I don't think it's thermal runaway. No instabilities are apparent on a scope or spec. an. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks / 73 Fraser G4BJM _ It's fast, it's easy and it's free. Get MSN Messenger today! http://www.msn.co.uk/messenger ___ 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] K2/100 current consumption problem - update
Fraser, This is a very very long shot and probably daft! I see that the current drawn on 160m tracks that drawn on 80m until the RF output passes 80w.going up.From this I think that it is safe to say that the bad KPA100 is working as it should to that power output level. Above that it is either starting to flat-top for X reasons or its standing DC bias is changing perhaps towards Class A or the driver has run out of steam. Let me focus on bias change. Is it poissible that 160m RF above a certain output power level mucks up the PA bias oscillator or that some circuit(s) in the bias supply resonate at 160m thereby changing the DC bias to the PA.? There is a lot of PA output RF around, but it might be worthwhile to measure the DC bias voltage as you run up the PA power. Capacitor tolerances alone would move such resonances around greatly. Just a thought. 73, Geoff. GM4ESD - Original Message - From: Fraser Robertson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 2:21 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2/100 current consumption problem - update So far I haven't found anything wrong as such on #3764: The LPF components appear fine (value and condition), and check out ok with an MFJ analyser for SWR on receive. T1 and T2 and associated components appear ok. One thing; C83 is 1000pF, not 1200pF as per circuit. However I tried padding that with a 220pF SM and it made no difference. Looks like 1000pF was supplied with the kit. I've realigned the BPF on 160/80m, which was pretty much ok anyway. I've re-adjusted the bias, which was also ok. I've readjusted the pwr sense pot, again was ok. With the PA disabled the base K2 draws about 2.5A @ 10W op on all bands. With the PSU set to exactly 13.8V, and measuring the current (V across 10x0R1 6W in parallel, in series with V+) I get the following, into a 50R load. Current on the PSU display reads similar. Set power W Current A 160m Current A 80m 5014 14 6015 15 7016.516.5 8018 18 90 24 19 100 27 20 110 29 21 The actual power out is similar to the set power, to about 10%.So topband behaves ok up to about 80W op. This also happens from a cold start, so I don't think it's thermal runaway. No instabilities are apparent on a scope or spec. an. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks / 73 Fraser G4BJM ___ 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] Rubber Knob for K2
I also have brocoli band, but when I push the PA and the rig gets a little warm, the aroma makes me hungry! tom, wb2qdg k2 1103 -- Original message -- From: Bob - W5BIG [EMAIL PROTECTED] I have a light blue broccoli-band on my K2 and I like the dash of color it adds. Decorative, functional and healthy too. 73/ Bob - W5BIG - Original Message - From: Thom R. Lacosta [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Jim Sheldon [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: 'Elecraft Reflector' elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 5:36 AM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Rubber Knob for K2 On Wed, 2 Mar 2005, Jim Sheldon wrote: Yeah, but that looks tacky hi hi. The K2 is more elegant than that. Buy yourself one of those finger dimples. It looks good on the knob, and once you get used to it, makes speed-tuning a snap. Use of the rubber band helps promote the Mojo back to Nature movement. In some ways it also insures that K2 owners may injest vegatables. ___ 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 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] Two more ripples across the ether
Just to add that K2's 4604 and 4605 are now active.Yet to work other Elecrafts on the air! G4YCS Ian York ___ 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] Elecraft # 4775
Elecraft # 4775 is in the process of being built. First HF radio for me, looking forward to the fun. 73's Dan KD7ZFV ___ 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] Toroid's
A question on Toroid's. I am about to start mounting toroid's on the RF board. The question is: Do I mount them flush to the board or raise them up, if raised up, all of them or only certain ones? 73's Dan KD7ZFV ___ 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: T1 antenna configurations (short whips, etc.)
On Mar 3, 2005, at 1:37 AM, Julian, G4ILO wrote: What sort of antenna configurations will the T1 work with? Will it work with short whip antennas, such as you would use pedestrian mobile? How versatile is it compared to the KAT2? Hi Julian, I'll add your question (and the answer) to the FAQ. There's also a section called Antenna Recommendations in the T1 Owner's Manual, which is available on our T1 page (http://www.elecraft.com/T1/T1.htm). We have tested the T1 with a variety of electrically short antennas, including tuned and untuned whips, backpacking verticals and dipoles, and random wires. Here are a few examples of antennas that the T1 matched to a very low SWR: - A 4' base-loaded whip on 40-10 m (when coil was adjusted for resonance on 30 m) - An 8' untuned whip on 30 meters and up - A 15' random-wire on 40 meters and up - An 18' random-wire on 60 meters and up These are representative of antennas you'd find in mobile or HF Pack situations. Longer wires will allow use on the lower bands. At my QTH I have a 50' end-fed wire (no feedline) that the T1 can match from 80-6 meters. The KAT2 has 8 Ls and 8 Cs (vs. 7 each for the T1), providing a greater maximum inductance and capacitance. It can match somewhat shorter antennas than the T1 for a given band. 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ 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] K2/100 current consumption problem - update
Fraser Robertson wrote: One thing; C83 is 1000pF, not 1200pF as per circuit. However I tried padding that with a 220pF SM and it made no difference. Looks like 1000pF was supplied with the kit. Hi Fraser, The change from 1200 to 1000 was made after the field test. It improves efficiency on 10 meters. It shouldn't have any effect on 160. 1000 is correct. I admit to being mystified by your problem! -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ 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] An idea for the K2
On Wed, 2 Mar 2005 20:45:11 -0500, Bill Coleman wrote: On Mar 1, 2005, at 5:07 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I use my K2 on CW and SSB. I was wondering how K2 Hams would feel about different grades of SSB adapters. I've voiced this several times, but I'll reiterate. I think the KSB2 is a great value at $89. It works, and gives reasonable performance. My K2 is probably unique in that I am using the 1.9 filter values as designed by KI6WX. (the bandwidth is closer to 2.0 - slightly narrower than the original filter values, but (most importantly) with a lower passband ripple). However, the KSB2 leaves a little bit to be desired. 1) it doesn't have a great VOX. The VOX works better with higher compression levels. If your mike has a low output, it may not trip. Although the K2 has enough overall gain (and there's another KI6WX mod to increase the tx gain), a bit of mike amplification would be an improvement. I think that it doesn't have a great VOX, is a bit of an understatement. It is not adjustable in threshold, it is insensitive, and has no Anti-VOX. It lets an otherwise excellent transceiver down. 73 Stewart G3RXQ 2) the filter passband is kinda sloppy. It's actually amazingly good for its use of seven inexpensive crystals. Most radios use precision crystal filters that cost as much as the KSB2 or more. But, I'd be willing to pop for a more expensive unit that had a quality SSB filter with steep skirts and very little passband ripple. 3) single filter bandwidth. Even though the K2 has OP1-5, indicating that perhaps there are selections that can be made, there's only one filter. Two filter bandwidths would be nice - a wide and narrow, like most radios. Of course, there is very limited space in the K2 for the KSB2 or filters. The KSB2 is already the hardest module to build, with the highest component density. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ 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 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] K2/100 current consumption problem - update
Thanks Geoff, the TR bias HV is 139V on RX. On TX at 70W out it's about 118V on 160m and 80m. With power flat out it's 113V on 80m and 109V on 160m. So I think that's ok. The voltage on U7B pin 5 and 6 is identical on 160m and 80m at full power at 675mV, so I think the PA bias current is behaving. G3VTT suggested the transformers, but they have the correct number of turns, including the po/swr sensor T4. Thanks / 73 Fraser G4BJM From: Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Fraser Robertson [EMAIL PROTECTED] CC: Elecraft Discussion List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2/100 current consumption problem - update Date: Thu, 3 Mar 2005 15:26:48 - Fraser, This is a very very long shot and probably daft! I see that the current drawn on 160m tracks that drawn on 80m until the RF output passes 80w.going up.From this I think that it is safe to say that the bad KPA100 is working as it should to that power output level. Above that it is either starting to flat-top for X reasons or its standing DC bias is changing perhaps towards Class A or the driver has run out of steam. Let me focus on bias change. Is it poissible that 160m RF above a certain output power level mucks up the PA bias oscillator or that some circuit(s) in the bias supply resonate at 160m thereby changing the DC bias to the PA.? There is a lot of PA output RF around, but it might be worthwhile to measure the DC bias voltage as you run up the PA power. Capacitor tolerances alone would move such resonances around greatly. Just a thought. 73, Geoff. GM4ESD - Original Message - From: Fraser Robertson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 2:21 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2/100 current consumption problem - update So far I haven't found anything wrong as such on #3764: The LPF components appear fine (value and condition), and check out ok with an MFJ analyser for SWR on receive. T1 and T2 and associated components appear ok. One thing; C83 is 1000pF, not 1200pF as per circuit. However I tried padding that with a 220pF SM and it made no difference. Looks like 1000pF was supplied with the kit. I've realigned the BPF on 160/80m, which was pretty much ok anyway. I've re-adjusted the bias, which was also ok. I've readjusted the pwr sense pot, again was ok. With the PA disabled the base K2 draws about 2.5A @ 10W op on all bands. With the PSU set to exactly 13.8V, and measuring the current (V across 10x0R1 6W in parallel, in series with V+) I get the following, into a 50R load. Current on the PSU display reads similar. Set power W Current A 160m Current A 80m 5014 14 6015 15 7016.516.5 8018 18 90 24 19 100 27 20 110 29 21 The actual power out is similar to the set power, to about 10%.So topband behaves ok up to about 80W op. This also happens from a cold start, so I don't think it's thermal runaway. No instabilities are apparent on a scope or spec. an. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks / 73 Fraser G4BJM _ It's fast, it's easy and it's free. Get MSN Messenger today! http://www.msn.co.uk/messenger ___ 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] Mobile Antenna for KX1
Any suggestions for antennas to use for a KX1 from a vehicle? Any experiences folks have would be helpful...72, Ci Ci Jones WU7R FISTS 10789 NAQCC 306 ___ 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: Mobile Antenna for KX1
On Mar 3, 2005, at 9:59 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Any suggestions for antennas to use for a KX1 from a vehicle? Any experiences folks have would be helpful...72, Ci Hi Ci, Operating at 4 watts with a short antenna is a challenge (and loads o' fun, pun intended). You'll want to use the most efficient antenna that will fit on your vehicle. The longer the better. I've had excellent results with QRP using an 8' ham-stick on 40-10 meters. This is mostly due to the length. The loading coil is distributed over about half the antenna's length, too, an improvement over a small coil at the base. With all such antennas you have to switch elements to change bands. A long whip with a large motorized coil is the best way to go if you want to avoid this hassle. Or, you can put an ATU like our new T1 at the base of the whip. You may also be able to tune the antenna on multiple bands with an in-the-rig ATU, such as the KXAT1. Efficiency will probably be worse the farther you go from the whip's resonant band. 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ 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] Mobile Antenna for KX1
Ci, For me, the KX1 is about fun and spontaneity. I don't have a Texas Bugcatcher on my car, but I want to be ready to operate when I have 20 minutes or so. Here are two setups I use: 1. I keep a few continuously-loaded stick antennas (both small sized Lakeview Hamstick and bigger sized ATX/Iron Horse) stored unotrusively in the back of my Subaru Outback. I mount them on a quad-mag on top of the car and run coax through the sunroof. I use the WB6ZQZ balun to feed the low-impedance load to make it easier on the tuner and lower line losses (LMR-100). You can drive with the small Hamsticks, but not big the ones, which I use when parked. At Christmas, I worked OH9SCL with my KX1 on 20m. Google for WA5ZNU OH9SCL for pictures. 2. For my Miata, I used Wayne's 16ft Teflon coated wire suggestion, but run some RG/58 out the car window to Alan's Balun to the 16ft wire. It doesn't work mobile, but in a small convertible it is hard to find a place to put an antenna and with a manual transmission it is hard to operate CW and shift. A couple of weeks ago I worked R1ANF with this rig. Google for WA5ZNU R1ANF for pictures. Leigh / WA5ZNU On Thu, 3 Mar 2005 10:00 am, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Any suggestions for antennas to use for a KX1 from a vehicle? ___ 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] Re: Mobile Antenna for KX1
I use any well made mono bander. I keep extras in the trunk as I don't mind changing them when changing bands. This eliminates the need for tuner, and costs much less overall. (20 dollars each for two or three bands). Make sure (goes without saying) you have a good ground to the chassis as the car is the other half of the antenna. Have fun! Ron Wb1hga [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Any suggestions for antennas to use for a KX1 from a vehicle? Any experiences folks have would be helpful...72, Ci ___ 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] Trip to Canada
Hey all you VE's, I realize this is off topic, but I need some information.I am going to drive to Ontario next week on business and I have my mobile rig in the car. I didn't intend to operate it, but can I bring it along and bring it back in? I hate to take it out; it's such a hassle :-) 73, Chas, W1CG ___ 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] Trip to Canada
Yes, you can take it along. You should, however, take it in to US Customs at the border crossing and have it registered on a Customs Form 4457. That will show that you had it when they looked at it! And, when you return to the US and the Customs person at the re-entry point asks what are you bringing back with you? and you say nothing and he says what about that radio that you bought in Canada? . you will have the piece of paper that says you had it before you entered Canada. If the Customs person wants to be a complete PITA, he can pull you into secondary and make life miserable. If you have the original receipt for the radio, complete with the serial number, that should work too. That said . I have gone to Canada and returned probably several hundred times with radios and other electronic stuff and only been questioned about Form 4457 one time . and that guy was almost a PITA! And that said it is far better to be prepared because US Customs can be one place that it is NOT better to ask forgiveness than it is to ask permission!So my best advice, after quite a few DXpedition trips that have taken us into or through Canada would be to take the safe route and have the paperwork! And you can have fun operating /VE3! 7273 HankK8DD Charles Greene wrote: Hey all you VE's, I realize this is off topic, but I need some information.I am going to drive to Ontario next week on business and I have my mobile rig in the car. I didn't intend to operate it, but can I bring it along and bring it back in? I hate to take it out; it's such a hassle :-) 73, Chas, W1CG ___ 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 . -- 'Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level then beat you with experience.' -anon ___ 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] Trip to Canada
On Thu, 2005-03-03 at 13:30 -0500, Charles Greene wrote: Hey all you VE's, I realize this is off topic, but I need some information.I am going to drive to Ontario next week on business and I have my mobile rig in the car. I didn't intend to operate it, but can I bring it along and bring it back in? I hate to take it out; it's such a hassle :-) You should have no problem bringing it into Canada. Taking it back into the US is up to US Customs! :-) I don't know how the US handles this; in Camada, I can take items to Canada Customs and they will give me a green card listing the items and their serial numbers. When I return to Canada, that is my proof that I did not buy the item on my trip to the US, so I won't get charged taxes at the border. BTW, you can operate in Canada. As an Extra class, you will have full privileges in Canada. Just sign as W1CG/VE3 (for Ontario), which you would pronounce on voice as W1CG mobile VE3, or W1CG portable VE3 if you set the rig up out of the car. -- 73, 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
Re: [Elecraft] Trip to Canada
Actually.. you will have an issue. K2 is an official registered brand used on cattle from a particular ranch here in AB. It is registered with US customs at all border crossings. If the radio is less than 32 months old you might get it back in, but theres really no guarantee. VE6IV Brian Mury wrote: On Thu, 2005-03-03 at 13:30 -0500, Charles Greene wrote: Hey all you VE's, I realize this is off topic, but I need some information.I am going to drive to Ontario next week on business and I have my mobile rig in the car. I didn't intend to operate it, but can I bring it along and bring it back in? I hate to take it out; it's such a hassle :-) You should have no problem bringing it into Canada. Taking it back into the US is up to US Customs! :-) I don't know how the US handles this; in Camada, I can take items to Canada Customs and they will give me a green card listing the items and their serial numbers. When I return to Canada, that is my proof that I did not buy the item on my trip to the US, so I won't get charged taxes at the border. BTW, you can operate in Canada. As an Extra class, you will have full privileges in Canada. Just sign as W1CG/VE3 (for Ontario), which you would pronounce on voice as W1CG mobile VE3, or W1CG portable VE3 if you set the rig up out of the car. -- ___ 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] An idea for the K2
I would like to know more about using a switching mixer for the BM. If the circuitry does not get too complex or introduce problems it would be worth trying. Please let me have more information. 73 Stewart G3RXQ Imagine that you apply audio to a transformer that has a center tapped secondary winding. (With respect to the center tap, the output of the transformer will consist of two independent audio signals, equal in amplitude, but 180 degrees out of phase with one another.) Now imagine that you ground the center tap, and connect a SPDT switch to the free ends of the secondary. The center pole of the switch doesn't connect to the transformer, but serves as the output of this circuit. Finally, imagine that the switch is toggled back and forth at an RF rate while audio is applied to the transformer. The end result will be a double sideband suppressed carrier RF signal on the output of the switch. In real life, we use OP-AMPs to provide the two out-of-phase audio signals instead of a transformer, and CMOS analog switches, such as a CD4066 or CD4053 (or better) in place of the mechanical SPDT switch and apply RF to the control pins. The end result is the same. I use this approach *A LOT* for doubly-balanced mixing, synchronous detection, phase detection, and modulation through the MF spectrum with excellent results. A quick Google search didn't turn up many simple examples of this approach, but Bat Detectors (ultrasonic downconverters used to chase bats), and Cave Radios (LF SSB transceivers with magnetic loop antennas used for underground explorers) that do appear on the net use them quite often. I used a switching demodulator and modulator in my 1200 baud BPSK Pacsat Modem (http://www.amsat.org/amsat/articles/kd2bd/Pacsat_Modem/). More involved examples can be found in Software Defined Radio designs utilizing Commutating Detectors (so-called Tayloe Detectors). A high-quality DSB modulator is quite simple compared to these designs. 73, de John, KD2BD = Visit John on the Web at: http://www.qsl.net/kd2bd/ __ Celebrate Yahoo!'s 10th Birthday! Yahoo! Netrospective: 100 Moments of the Web http://birthday.yahoo.com/netrospective/ ___ 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] Trip to Canada -- my experience over '95 to '03
I have been back and forth several times and merely told the fellow at border I had a ham radio. I always had my license handy but have never been asked about anything else. How come your not going to operate, if I may? 73 --- Chuck AA8VS Linux is only free if your time is worthless. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Charles Greene Sent: Thursday, March 03, 2005 1:31 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Trip to Canada Hey all you VE's, I realize this is off topic, but I need some information.I am going to drive to Ontario next week on business and I have my mobile rig in the car. I didn't intend to operate it, but can I bring it along and bring it back in? I hate to take it out; it's such a hassle :-) 73, Chas, W1CG ___ 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 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] (no subject)
Thanks to all who responded to my question on toroid's, all have helped. 73's Dan KD7ZFV ___ 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] lithium AA's etc.
Tim O'Rourke wrote: I have never seen an article abt a cell phone cataching on fire but I guess it probably happens. You can add explosions to the hazards associated with cell phones. Federal safety officials say they've received 83 reports of cell phones exploding or catching fire in the past two years. The industry blames counterfeit batteries but others aren't so sure. http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/cell_phone_batteries.html The below FAA study of Lithium battery shipments is interesting. too. Excerpts: There has never been a known in-flight fire associated with shipping the batteries in this manner; however, a ramp incident involving palletized batteries has drawn attention to the flammability hazard of primary lithium batteries. The ramp incident occurred at Los Angeles International Airport in April 1999. A pallet of batteries caught fire while being handled between flights. There was no known external ignition source. The nature of lithium fires makes them very difficult to extinguish, with all common extinguishing agents ineffective in controlling the fire. ... discharging the halon after only one battery was ignited had no effect on stopping the propagation of the battery fire to adjacent batteries. The halon extinguished the 1-propanol fire immediately but had no effect on the lithium fire with the exception of turning the normally white sparks bright red. http://www.fire.tc.faa.gov/pdf/04-26.pdf Bright red! How... pretty. There are documented reports of Lithium cell fire or explosion in Automatic External Defibrillators (AED's): The International Association of Fire Fighters has received a report regarding an explosion from an automatic external defibrillator (AED) commonly used by the fire and emergency services. On Friday, October 15, 1999, a Physio-Control LIFEPAK 500 exploded and injured two firefighters. The incident occurred at the Okaloosa Island Fire ... http://www.iaff.org/safe/health/alerts/alert07.html Cortland KA5S ___ 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] K2 paint
Hello to the group Just a few minutes ago I finished alignment and test part I for my brand new K2 with S/N 4726. Everything went right first time with no trouble at all. When assembling the tilt stand to the bottom cover while I was doing pressure to set the second oval foot the screw slipped laterally and lightly scratched just near the foot. Although this is not a visible part I would like to have the whole rig in mint condition and that is why I would appreciate if someone could advice about where to get a bit of paint to repair this scratch. Perhaps it is a standard paint for automobile or airplane models and I am able to find it here in Barcelona. I am sorry about taking some bandwidth of the reflector and many thanks in advance for your advice. 72 de Vicens, EA3ADV K2 # 3279 K1 # 1445 Building K2 # 4726 ___ 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] K2 #4538 is up and running.
Hello Elecrafters, Just a quick note of succes. Finally getting around to completing my K2 and a high efficiency linear power supply took a bit longer than anticipated, even though I haven't put that many hours into the project. The only real trouble encountered during building and tuning was that I initially had a very high SWR when testing the TX a few days ago. That problem was eventually traced to a short in a connector to the dummy load. *Cough* This evening I literally threw the end of a 3m/10ft piece of wire out the window (I live in an appartment) and connected it to the K2 through my trusty FC-901 tuner. I have so far not given the K2 the Spectrogram treatment, yet initial impressions of the RX are extremely favorable. I have of course played with the RX before during testing, but today was the first time I really spent some time with it. First stateside station heard was W8FJ on 14,025, and he was armchair copy to say the least. First lesson learned about the Elecraft mojo is that most of the time the K2 doesn't need the preamp. On 20 and below it just adds excessive noise. Only regrets so far are that I wish I had built the PSU into an EC2 to match the K2. Tomorrow I expect to get a suitably large piece of insulated tubing to use as a form for a large current choke, so that I may build a properly balanced antenna. Then it will be time for the first QSO, which I have reserved for my Elmer, OZ7NB. 73 de Frank, OZ1IOC. K2 #4538. ___ 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] K2 Paint
Hi Touch up paint is available from elecraft see spares Mick m1mgd K1 #01532K2 #?? still in transit ___ 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] What ever happened to the shielding project?
-Original Message- Reading the mail here about the mods to the SSB Module...I remember that someone was playing around with some shielding to cut down on blow-by or something like that. What ever happened to that? I think it was a person in England who was experimenting with shielding on the SSB board and the like. Lee - k0WA --- I tried to make these shields and they can be found here: http://www.qslnet.de/member/la3za/bilder/KSB2-shield-top.jpg and http://www.qslnet.de/member/la3za/bilder/KSB2-shield-under.jpg, but I did not make any measurements. The idea came originally from Merlin W3ICT 73 Sverre LA3ZA http://www.qsl.net/la3za/ -Original Message- Next, I went to local hobby shop and bought some tin. I made little tin houses which I placed around the matching toroids, ground them carefully. It worked too. Next I added a little tin fence which went on the bottom the board, shielding the input of the filter from the output. It worked. Three times is a charm! Merlin W3ICT ___ 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] K2ATOBKT question
-Original Message- The first step is to be sure that C70 and C71 in the VCO area have the shortest possible leads. Then the last step in that segment is to remove C70. This seems strange. Is this the same VCO C70 that we just snugged down in the first step? - The application note on http://www.elecraft.com/Apps/Alert11_WAOF.html sheds some light on it. It says C70 needs to have short leads and should be positioned close to D22. If necessary, remove C70 and scrape some of the ceramic coating from the leads of the cap so it can be installed very close to the PCB. Also, on rereading the A-B mod document, it really says Try them in order, and stop when the symptom disappears. So the removal of C70 is only a last resort and is not necessarily required, it all depends on whether you have any instability left on 7185 kHz. 73 Sverre LA3ZA http://www.qsl.net/la3za/ ___ 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] Trip to Canada
That should not be a problem. Trademarks are product category specific. A 'K2' trademark for cattle will not be in the same category as the 'K2' tm for Radio Equipment. :-) 73, Eric WA6HHQ Kirby Nesbitt wrote: Actually.. you will have an issue. K2 is an official registered brand used on cattle from a particular ranch here in AB. It is registered with US customs at all border crossings. If the radio is less than 32 months old you might get it back in, but theres really no guarantee. VE6IV === On Thu, 2005-03-03 at 13:30 -0500, Charles Greene wrote: Hey all you VE's, I realize this is off topic, but I need some information.I am going to drive to Ontario next week on business and I have my mobile rig in the car. I didn't intend to operate it, but can I bring it along and bring it back in? I hate to take it out; it's such a hassle :-) ___ 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] MMIC's
If anybody wants more info on DBM'S and MMIC's(better than any op-amp) Try www.minicircuits.com ___ 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] K2/100 current consumption problem - update
Fraser, If you have a 'scope handy, try cranking the power up to 100 watts on 160 and 80 and observing the CW envelope - if you see what looks like weak modulation on the top and bottom of the envelope pattern, you have a low frequency oscillation. If you do have that oscillation, the 'cure' has been discussed on this reflector - on the KPA100, put a 1K resistor across RFC3, and change R4 from 100k to 39k. I have worked on KPA100s having this modulation problem, but never related it to current draw before, but it is worthy of investigation. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Thanks Geoff, the TR bias HV is 139V on RX. On TX at 70W out it's about 118V on 160m and 80m. With power flat out it's 113V on 80m and 109V on 160m. So I think that's ok. The voltage on U7B pin 5 and 6 is identical on 160m and 80m at full power at 675mV, so I think the PA bias current is behaving. G3VTT suggested the transformers, but they have the correct number of turns, including the po/swr sensor T4. Thanks / 73 Fraser G4BJM ___ 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] TNX TO ALL WITH INFO
TNX FER THE INPUT ON THE MODS I WOULD LIKE TO DO ON THE SSB ADAPTER. It seems that many want more audio punch, better Vox, and variable audio frequency response on TX. Indeed the SSB adapter is a bargain for $89. However I wonder if some would pay $150 or $200 to have the SSB Tx of a TS-850? Problem is the IF freq. There are many filters for TR-7 and TS-850's IF. The K2's IF is very close to that of a drake. However frequency conversion intoduces many problems. Please feel free to add your opinion. I know the K2 is the best CW rig. However it seems SSB could use some improvement. ___ 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] (no subject)
A few days ago somebody was asking who it might be who's been experimenting with shielding on the KSB2 board. I was that guy I suspect, because nobody else I've observed on this net seems to be as annoyed as I about the bad skirts, high ripple, bad ultimate selectivity, etc. when the K2 is used with the KSB2. This is an unbelievably competent radio; no matter whether it's measured against $10,000 machines, $600.00 machines, or whatever. BUT The performance of its filter, and the way that it performs when installed in the radio, is DISMAL On sideband, tight skirts (the electronic kind, gentlemen!) are terribly important, maybe more so than on CW. There is nothing neater than listening to a weak SSB signal through an IF system that has a 1.2:1 shape factor. That complete absence of interference on the sides is marvelous to hear. I'd be surprised if the KSB2 manages 2:1. Just tune through loud broadcast signals on forty meters sometime; listen to the audio images the other side of zero beat even on moderately strong signals. If this radio were a piece of junk that might be acceptable. On a radio that is truly world class in every other respect it's absolutely unacceptable. Take a look at something like a TR-4C; the way the sideband switch is oriented so that the input side of the filters cannot see the output is typical of the care that used to be taken with filter installation. Similar with Collins S line receivers: those not so wonderful mechanical filters are, nevertheless mounted in such a way as to utilize every drop of filtering that's available. That was fifty or so years ago! How far have we come? I have had good success on the KSB2 with shielding the input and output toroids in little tine cans. Yeah, I know, toroids are self shielding; but even the small wires that go into the board act as little antennas. I've also tried putting a small shield on the bottom of the board, separating the input from the output. It works, as well. All of these things work, but I'm more than a little disappointed that apparently no concern was given to filter isolation when the design was originally created. How about somebody designing a filter? I've contacted Inrad; they already have a CW filter for the K2, but the K2's CW performance isn't as much of a problem as it's sideband performance. Inrad doesn't just doesn't seem to be interested in coming up with a sideband filter. Is anybody else as annoyed as I am about this stuff? Merlin W3ICT ___ 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] Tight Skirts...
Merlin, W3ICT wrote: ...nobody else I've observed on this net seems to be as annoyed as I about the bad skirts, high ripple, bad ultimate selectivity, etc. when the K2 is used with the KSB2. ...On sideband, tight skirts (the electronic kind, gentlemen!) are terribly important, maybe more so than on CW. There is nothing neater than listening to a weak SSB signal through an IF system that has a 1.2:1 shape factor. -- My SSB operating is only casual but I can say with half a century of operating behind me that I absolutely LOATHE steep-sided filters on CW. They produce a lot of trash in the bandpass caused by the way they modulate signals on edge of the bandpass. Of course, signals varying at all in frequency, including noise, are amplitude-modulated by the filter slope, with causes further sidebands, etc. A lot of work has been done by both engineers and mathematicians working out the best shape to minimize these effects, but this ol' operator simply likes listening to a big chunk of the band at one time and letting my grey-filter between the ears do the work for me. I use OPT1 a lot for CW, and switch to the narrower filters mostly when I need the improved S/N ratio the narrower bandpass provides to dig for a weak signal. From many QSO's and posts on this reflector and others, I know that I am not alone in that preference. Even so, I bet if you came up with ways to make the improvements you'd like to see, I bet lots of operators who love tight skirts would appreciate your efforts. One thing about Elecraft is that they encourage experimenting and improving. A number of the improvements that have been made to the K2 over the years have been the direct result of someone like you sitting down and saying What if Ron AC7AC ___ 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] N2CQ QRP Contest Calendar March 2005
~~ N2CQ QRP CONTEST CALENDAR March 2005 ~~ 40 METER FOXHUNT - Each Friday, 0200z to 0359z (Thurs 9 PM to 11 PM EST) (Ends Mar 18, 0359z) Info: http://www.cqc.org/fox/index.htm Truffle Hunt - 30 min before Fox Hunt Info: http://fpqrp.com ~~ ARRL International DX Contest (SSB) ... QRP Category Mar 5, z to Mar 6, 2400z Rules: http://www.arrl.org/contests/calendar.html?year=2005 ~~ Wake-Up! QRP Sprint (CW) *** QRP Contest *** Mar 5, 0400z to 0600z Rules: http://ruqrp.narod.ru/index_e.html ~~ Adventure Radio Society - Spartan Sprint (CW) ... QRP Contest! Mar 8, 0200z to 0400z (First Monday 9 PM EST) Rules: http://www.arsqrp.com/ ~~ Pesky Texan Armadillo Chase (CW) *** QRP Contest *** Mar 10, 0200z to 0400z Rules: http://www.w5nc.org/ptac/default.htm ~~ Oklahoma QSO Party (CW/Digital/Phone) ... QRP Category Mar 12, 1400z to Mar 13, 0200z and Mar 13, 1400z to Mar 13, 2000z Rules: http://okdxa.org ~~ AGCW QRP Contest (CW) ... QRP/QRPp Category Mar 12, 1400z to 2000z Rules: http://www.agcw.de/english/contest/agcw_qrp_e.htm ~~ Elecraft QSO Party (CW/SSB) ...QRP Category Mar 12, 1500z to Mar 13, 1500z Rules: http://www.elecraft.com ~~ Second Class Operator's Club Marathon Sprint (CW) .. QRP Contest! Mar 12, 1800z to 2400z Rules: http://www.qsl.net/soc/contests.htm or http://www.kkn.net/archives//html/QRP-L/2005-02/msg01516.html ~~ North American Sprint (RTTY) ... QRP Category Mar 13, z to 0400z Rules: http://www.ncjweb.com/sprintrules.php ~~ UBA (Belgian) Spring Contest (CW-80m) ... QRP Category Mar 13, 0700z to 1100z Rules: http://www.uba.be/hf_contests/rules_en.html# ~~ Wisconsin QSO Party (CW/SSB)...QRP Category Mar 13, 1800z to Mar 14, 0100z Rules: http://www.warac.org/index.htm ~~ Ten-Ten Mobile QSO Party (CW/SSB) ... QRP Category Mar 19, 0001z to 2359z Rules: http://www.ten-ten.org/calendar.html ~~ Russian DX Contest (SSB/CW) ... QRP Category Mar 19, 1200z to Mar 20, 1200z Rules: http://www.rdxc.org/rulesg.asp ~~ Virginia QSO Party (CW/SSB/Dig) ... QRP Category Mar 19, 1800z to Mar 21, 0200z Rules: http://www.qsl.net/sterling/VA_QSO_Party/2005_VQP_Rules.html ~~ Run For The Bacon (CW) *** QRP Contest *** Mar 21, 0100z to 0300z Rules: http://fpqrp.com ~~ CQ World-Wide WPX Contest (SSB) ... QRP Category Mar 26, z to Mar 27, 2359z Rules: http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com/awards.html ~~ Spring QRP Homebrewer Sprint (CW/PSK31) ... QRP Contest Mar 28, z to 0400z (Sunday Mar 27, 7PM to 11PM EST) Rules: http://www.njqrp.org/data/qrphomebrewersprint.html ~~ Low Power Spring Sprint (CW) ... QRP Category Mar 28, 1400z to 2000z Rules: http://www.sk3bg.se/contest/lpsprspr.htm ~~ QRP BARBERSHOP QUARTET CONTEST (CW QRP)... QRP Contest! Mar 30, 9PM to 11PM EST Rules: http://www.io.com/~n5fc/barbershop_contest.htm ~~~ Thanks to SM3CER, WA7BNM, N0AX(ARRL), WB3AAL and others for assistance in compiling this calendar. Please foreward the contest info you sponsor to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and we will post it and give it more publicity. Anyone may use this N2CQ QRP Contest Calendar for your website, newsletter, e-mail list or other media as you choose. (Include a credit to the source of this material of course.) 72 de Ken Newman - N2CQ [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.amqrp.org/contesting/contesting.html http://www.n3epa.org/Pages/Contest/contest.htm ___ 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:
[Elecraft] Toroid's
Several have emailed me requesting the answer to my previous question on how the toroid's should be mounted, so here goes. With the exception of T2 on the RF board, which should be 1/16 of an inch off the board, the rest should be flushed mounted as tight as possible. 73's Dan KD7ZFV Thanks for inquires. ___ 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] ECN Report
I started the net on 10114 after hearing some weak signals on 10115. There were 5 check-ins on 30m. It seems like I must have a tunnel to Michigan tonight because 4 of the 5 were from there. NA8M John MI [579] K2/100 AB8KJ Chuck MI [589] K2/100 #2596 WA3TUU Rick MI [559] very weak at first - but easier to copy towards the end N4SO Ken AL [579] K2 #3394 K8NWD Tim MI [599] K2 #0076 Only other item to comment on was some QRM from ND9M/MM [599+] near Florida who apparently wasn't hearing the net too well as he was trying to carry on a quick QSO with another station that was too weak to copy here. = The 40 meter net started on time on 7045 and consisted of one check in (actually - a 'recheck' from the 30m net) - also from Michigan :-) AB8KJ Chuck MI [579] K2/100 #2596 I guess tonight was my lucky night for Michigan. Thanks alot to all of you who hung in there as I tried to dig around for more check-ins and also for those who tried to relay my call for check-ins. = If there's anyone interested in trying to repeat 30m on Saturday evening, drop me a quick note, and I'll see if I can clear an hour Saturday evening - either at 2300 or z. Thanks again and 73, Daniel / AA0NI ___ 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] Tight Skirts...
Sounds like the age old debate in the hifi world about the sweet sound of tube amplifiers vs. the hard sound of clearly superior modern solid state amps. Preferences aside about slopes and shape factors... I'd like to have MUCH better ultimate rejection... and a true rf clipper would be a nice addition, especially when using QRP. Larry N8LP Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: Merlin, W3ICT wrote: ...nobody else I've observed on this net seems to be as annoyed as I about the bad skirts, high ripple, bad ultimate selectivity, etc. when the K2 is used with the KSB2. ...On sideband, tight skirts (the electronic kind, gentlemen!) are terribly important, maybe more so than on CW. There is nothing neater than listening to a weak SSB signal through an IF system that has a 1.2:1 shape factor. -- My SSB operating is only casual but I can say with half a century of operating behind me that I absolutely LOATHE steep-sided filters on CW. They produce a lot of trash in the bandpass caused by the way they modulate signals on edge of the bandpass. Of course, signals varying at all in frequency, including noise, are amplitude-modulated by the filter slope, with causes further sidebands, etc. A lot of work has been done by both engineers and mathematicians working out the best shape to minimize these effects, but this ol' operator simply likes listening to a big chunk of the band at one time and letting my grey-filter between the ears do the work for me. I use OPT1 a lot for CW, and switch to the narrower filters mostly when I need the improved S/N ratio the narrower bandpass provides to dig for a weak signal. From many QSO's and posts on this reflector and others, I know that I am not alone in that preference. Even so, I bet if you came up with ways to make the improvements you'd like to see, I bet lots of operators who love tight skirts would appreciate your efforts. One thing about Elecraft is that they encourage experimenting and improving. A number of the improvements that have been made to the K2 over the years have been the direct result of someone like you sitting down and saying What if Ron AC7AC ___ 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 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] K60XV
Finally, everything is fully working One more time... if you are not in a good mood to build leave it there as is but when you feel OK... GO GO GO !!! Thanks to Don for his advice... 73 === Jean-François Ménard / VA2VYZ Elecraft K2 #4130 / KX1 #999 http://homepage.mac.com/jfmenard === ___ 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] Re: Mobile Antenna for KX1
You can use the Hustler spider attachment and put up to three coils on the same antenna - I've seen it done with as many as five bands covered. General rule is the higher you can get the coil the better. The down side is the higher the coil also put the weight up high and you may need to guy the antenna. I usually run two coils on one antenna (40 and 20) on major trips and always guy the antenna. 73 de Larry..WD3P in MD http://www.wd3p.net/ At 10:19 AM 3/3/2005 -0800, wayne burdick wrote: On Mar 3, 2005, at 9:59 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Any suggestions for antennas to use for a KX1 from a vehicle? Any experiences folks have would be helpful...72, Ci Hi Ci, Operating at 4 watts with a short antenna is a challenge (and loads o' fun, pun intended). You'll want to use the most efficient antenna that will fit on your vehicle. The longer the better. I've had excellent results with QRP using an 8' ham-stick on 40-10 meters. This is mostly due to the length. The loading coil is distributed over about half the antenna's length, too, an improvement over a small coil at the base. With all such antennas you have to switch elements to change bands. A long whip with a large motorized coil is the best way to go if you want to avoid this hassle. Or, you can put an ATU like our new T1 at the base of the whip. You may also be able to tune the antenna on multiple bands with an in-the-rig ATU, such as the KXAT1. Efficiency will probably be worse the farther you go from the whip's resonant band. 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ 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 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] Still Available - MD2 TB1
Lou will you take $50 and what method of payment do you prefer PayPal , Money Order, etc.? Lou Roux wrote: Buyer backed out so I still have for sale the above. Given to me as a gift but since I'm 99.9% CW I don't have a need for them. These items are new, the mic has had only a few words spoken into it... ;-) . I'll ship them anywhere in the conus for $55.00 (or make reasonable offer). Please contact me off line if interested. Thanks, Lou - W6UR K2/100 #3578 -- |--| Anthony A. Luscre K8ZT Stow, Ohio |--| Visit My Website at http://www.k8zt.com |--| ___ 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] Tight Skirts...
We designed the KDSP2 to improve ultimate SSB filter ultimate rejection in the K2. The KDSP2, with its brick wall SSB filter settings, when cascaded after the KSB2 filter, totally eliminates any residual leakage from strong signals outside the passband. It also tightens the net filter shape factor. The ultimate rejection is 60-75 dB on the xtal filter, which means a strong residual off freq. signal will not activate the K2's AGC, allowing the DSP to do its job without signal degradation. This is how I run my K2 and I hear no difference with strong off frequency signal blow-by between it and the other $3K+ rigs we have in the lab. :-) 73, Eric WA6HHQ Larry Phipps wrote: Sounds like the age old debate in the hifi world about the sweet sound of tube amplifiers vs. the hard sound of clearly superior modern solid state amps. Preferences aside about slopes and shape factors... I'd like to have MUCH better ultimate rejection... and a true rf clipper would be a nice addition, especially when using QRP. Larry N8LP ___ 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] Tight Skirts...
OK Eric... I just picked up my radio used, and I haven't checked the alignment yet... this was just an impression I had. I'll put it on the bench and make some measurements before commenting further. Larry N8LP Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: We designed the KDSP2 to improve ultimate SSB filter ultimate rejection in the K2. The KDSP2, with its brick wall SSB filter settings, when cascaded after the KSB2 filter, totally eliminates any residual leakage from strong signals outside the passband. It also tightens the net filter shape factor. The ultimate rejection is 60-75 dB on the xtal filter, which means a strong residual off freq. signal will not activate the K2's AGC, allowing the DSP to do its job without signal degradation. This is how I run my K2 and I hear no difference with strong off frequency signal blow-by between it and the other $3K+ rigs we have in the lab. :-) 73, Eric WA6HHQ Larry Phipps wrote: Sounds like the age old debate in the hifi world about the sweet sound of tube amplifiers vs. the hard sound of clearly superior modern solid state amps. Preferences aside about slopes and shape factors... I'd like to have MUCH better ultimate rejection... and a true rf clipper would be a nice addition, especially when using QRP. Larry N8LP ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] RS solder station and ESD Equipment
Took a walk throrugh Radio shack today and they had a digital soldering station for about 69$ in stock also has a ESD set with mat and hand strap for 25$ (I bought this one) May be worth a look if you need the stuff now. George NE2I ___ 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] Test
Only a test.No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 266.5.2 - Release Date: 2/28/2005 ___ 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] Test
To the OM that wanted to test his elecraft net connectionur 599 hi hi ___ 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] (no subject)
Just purchased the T1 tuner and computer interface. I see that some software will let you mix rigs. I would use my 125W Pegasus for TX, and the K2 for its excellent RX. Anybody else found a good rig to use with the K2 ___ 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] EPA QRP Club Polar Bear Moonlight Madness Event
Hello, I finally finished the page for the EPA QRP Club Polar Bear Moonlight Madness Event in Feb. 2005. Click on the links for pictures from that night. Enjoy the reading and look for us in March around the full moon. 72 Ron de N3EPA EPA QRP Club El Presidente' [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.n3epa.org ___ 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] K2 Rubber Knob results
Guys, Thanks to all who replied to my post on the Rubber Knob. Let me do some looking and I will report my results. Thanks in advance, Dave... = Dave... __ Celebrate Yahoo!'s 10th Birthday! Yahoo! Netrospective: 100 Moments of the Web http://birthday.yahoo.com/netrospective/ ___ 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] RS solder station and ESD Equipment
It's what I used for K2 #3421 almost two years ago. Both are ESD safe - just have to use an extra wire with banana plugs betwen the matt and the soldering iron to get everything at the same potential. I have had no trouble at all with any of the ESD sensitive devices in my rig (although, I did have a flaky PLL crystal). Daniel AA0NI --- George Cortez [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Took a walk throrugh Radio shack today and they had a digital soldering station for about 69$ in stock also has a ESD set with mat and hand strap for 25$ (I bought this one) May be worth a look if you need the stuff now. George NE2I ___ 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 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] Tight Skirts...
You may have just sold me on a KDSP2 down the road Eric. I just ran some tests on my new used K2 (#568), and to cut to the chase... I measured ultimate rejection out 5 kHz as 80dB with the KSB2 OP1 filter in, better than you indicated. But with FL2, which is set for 1.8 kHz, I measured 115dB. Is this a result of the KSB2 being outboard? Larry N8LP Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: We designed the KDSP2 to improve ultimate SSB filter ultimate rejection in the K2. The KDSP2, with its brick wall SSB filter settings, when cascaded after the KSB2 filter, totally eliminates any residual leakage from strong signals outside the passband. It also tightens the net filter shape factor. The ultimate rejection is 60-75 dB on the xtal filter, which means a strong residual off freq. signal will not activate the K2's AGC, allowing the DSP to do its job without signal degradation. This is how I run my K2 and I hear no difference with strong off frequency signal blow-by between it and the other $3K+ rigs we have in the lab. :-) 73, Eric WA6HHQ Larry Phipps wrote: Sounds like the age old debate in the hifi world about the sweet sound of tube amplifiers vs. the hard sound of clearly superior modern solid state amps. Preferences aside about slopes and shape factors... I'd like to have MUCH better ultimate rejection... and a true rf clipper would be a nice addition, especially when using QRP. Larry N8LP ___ 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 RIT Mod???
Hi there, I want my RIT to be +/-600Hz like in the K2. C7 has to be changed, to be smaller, says the manual. But how much smaller? Any idea or do I have to try? Thanks Gerhard Schwanz DH3FAW mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.gs-personal.de __ Gesendet von Yahoo! Mail - http://mail.yahoo.de Mit Yahoo! Suche finden Sie alles: http://suche.yahoo.de ___ 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] Tight Skirts...
Hi Larry, OP1 is the KSB2's SSB fixed b/w filter, which has been optimized for minimum ripple at one SSB b/w. In SSB it is always used for transmit, but it or any of the CW filter bandwidths can be used for receive. Looks like you are using one of the CW settings at 1800 Hz.. Any of the variable CW filter settings (1800 Hz etc.) use the varactor tuned CW filter on the motherboard. This variable CW filter is really optimized for user settings below 700 Hz. (You can chose what b/w to use in each of the four filter memories for each mode..) Wider CW filter settings will have more ripple and poorer out of filter rejection. We allowed the variable CW filter to be set wider to facilitate quickly tuning the band in CW mode and for simple SSB reception in K2s that do not have the SSB adapter. We recommend using the OP1 filter for most SSB reception. One interesting side note: The SSB OP1 filter can be used with different BFO settings in each of the four SSB filter memory settings, creating low and high cut settings. See the filter calibration section of the K2 and KSB2 manuals for information on setting up the filters. 73, Eric WA6HHQ - Larry Phipps wrote: You may have just sold me on a KDSP2 down the road Eric. I just ran some tests on my new used K2 (#568), and to cut to the chase... I measured ultimate rejection out 5 kHz as 80dB with the KSB2 OP1 filter in, better than you indicated. But with FL2, which is set for 1.8 kHz, I measured 115dB. Is this a result of the KSB2 being outboard? Larry N8LP Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: We designed the KDSP2 to improve ultimate SSB filter ultimate rejection in the K2. The KDSP2, with its brick wall SSB filter settings, when cascaded after the KSB2 filter, totally eliminates any residual leakage from strong signals outside the passband. ___ 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] Tight Skirts...
Oops! - I missed one point in your email. Yes, the above board mounting of the KSB2 reduces ultimate rejection due to its longer ground return paths. But as you noted, with 80 dB of ultimate rejection, following it with the KDSP2 kills any residual blow by. A number of the $3K and above DSP rigs on the market today take a similar approach to the K2. They use a simple moderate rejection crystal filter followed by the brick wall DSP to gain ultimate filter rejection. The crystal filter does the heavy lifting to keep off frequency signals from pumping the AGC and the DSP cleans up any weak residual blow by that gets past the crystal filter. 73, Eric Larry Phipps wrote: You may have just sold me on a KDSP2 down the road Eric. I just ran some tests on my new used K2 (#568), and to cut to the chase... I measured ultimate rejection out 5 kHz as 80dB with the KSB2 OP1 filter in, better than you indicated. But with FL2, which is set for 1.8 kHz, I measured 115dB. Is this a result of the KSB2 being outboard? Larry N8LP ___ 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] Tight Skirts...
After having fingers burnt while designing very 'srtrong' receivers, may I add comment. IF filters with very tight skirts do allow the recovery of very good SSB audio or CW. To do this the filter must NOT have sharp corners at the top of its 'response', the corners should be a little rounded. i.e. the response at the top, often the top 6db, should approach Gaussian. My understanding of this is that the Group Delay through a filter with SHARP corners varies greatly especially at the corner frequencies, resulting in raspy SSB or as you put it, trash on CW. After the slight rounding at the top, the skirts can drop at a rate of knots. Cohn style Ladder filters are poor when Group Delay is considered. Other types of Ladder filter at mid HF using 14 crystals can yield SSB bandwidths, 0.2db ripple, symmetry, 6/60db shape factors of 1.2 or sometimes a bit less, and stopband attenuation of 100db. How the filter is built and terminated are very important considerations, and for my part I prefer ladder filters with an even number of crystals for reasons of mesh tuning. SSB and CW bandwidth filters can also be built at low VHF, but the CW ones difficult for mass production. How much filter stopband attenuation is useful at a given offset is determined in the greater part by how much noise is produced by the LO driving the mixer ahead of the filter and post mixer amplifier (if the type of mixer requires the isolation). Reciprocal mixing is one bugbear. To take advantage of 100db stopband attenuation the LO must be quiet. The effect of noise/signals on the skirts is tied to the linearity of the filter, and Ron, here we could spend hours!! The filter between the ears is super, it also tracks! 73, Geoff. GM4ESD Merlin, W3ICT wrote: ...nobody else I've observed on this net seems to be as annoyed as I about the bad skirts, high ripple, bad ultimate selectivity, etc. when the K2 is used with the KSB2. ...On sideband, tight skirts (the electronic kind, gentlemen!) are terribly important, maybe more so than on CW. There is nothing neater than listening to a weak SSB signal through an IF system that has a 1.2:1 shape factor. -- On March 04, 2005, Ron AC7AC wrote: My SSB operating is only casual but I can say with half a century of operating behind me that I absolutely LOATHE steep-sided filters on CW. They produce a lot of trash in the bandpass caused by the way they modulate signals on edge of the bandpass. Of course, signals varying at all in frequency, including noise, are amplitude-modulated by the filter slope, with causes further sidebands, etc. A lot of work has been done by both engineers and mathematicians working out the best shape to minimize these effects, but this ol' operator simply likes listening to a big chunk of the band at one time and letting my grey-filter between the ears do the work for me. ___ 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] Tight Skirts...
Eric wrote: The SSB OP1 filter can be used with different BFO settings in each of the four SSB filter memory settings, creating low and high cut settings. I installed the mod kit to widen my OPT1 filter and I'm really pleased with it. Listening to AM stations, the K2 sounds as good as most any communications receiver I've ever had and, with an external speaker, as good as most AM radios I have. I have programmed in several different BFO frequencies to allow me to shift that passband around a bit - sort of pre-programmed passband tuning - that is very handy to provide the best response when listening to various rigs and voices. I'm strictly a casual SSB operator so I'm concentrating on the quality of the audio, not in digging in the mud for the weak ones. I'll leave that for CW G You can call me an easy listening SSB operator. Ron AC7AC ___ 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] K2 S/N 4787 Build In Progress
Hi to everyone, K2 s/n 4787 was received yesterday (3/2/5) at about 1:20pm via UPS. At about 15 hours into the experience I have the control board and front panel complete and just starting the RF board. Several comments. How did they squeeze all that into one box! On the control board I mislocated one capacitor. All resistance measurements were fine. On the front panel board while trying to add SSB components after the fact I managed to slightly burn the edge of a push button. Wish the instructions had mentioned to put the low SSB components in before the higher and vulnerable parts were added. On both completed boards an IC ending in 06 on the parts list actually ended in 16. I'm reasonable sure I got them right by a process of elimination. I'm inventorying each board as it is begun. There is not enough space on my work bench nor do I have enough spare parts trays to do the whole inventory at once. I may be missing 2-3 parts on the RF board. But, I've learned already to wait and see if they turn up in another bag. The torrids cores were confusing at start but seem to have worked out okay. At this point capacitors for the RF board are a wild blur. I'm sure I have not correctly identified at least a third of them. Many numbers on the caps are simply not in the parts list. If anyone has a good way to ID them I would be pleased to hear from you. Measuring them so far has proved somewhat futile with a simple DVM with a capacitance measuring function. Several resistor packs have not had the right part numbers. So far I've been able to ID them by measureing them. My impression so far is that there are components of some of the accessories to be installed on the three main boards but when and sometimes how is not always clear. With the kit I purchased an Elecraft/Heil MD2 microphone. Apparently a resistor is to be added on the back of the mic plug on the front panel board. I have two other Heil mics. Can they be used on the K2 with or without this resistor? I'm trying to take a few pictures as things progress. I'll try to find a way to post them when finished. Thanks for listing guys. This is quiet an experience!! Jim, AB0UK __ Celebrate Yahoo!'s 10th Birthday! Yahoo! Netrospective: 100 Moments of the Web http://birthday.yahoo.com/netrospective/ ___ 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] XTAL AND DSP simply is the best design
You look at the TS-870, 746pro, and many other DSP rigs all make the same stupid design flaw. Dual conversion DSP! No multiple pole xtal filter. No computer algorythm can emulate a multipe pole IF filter. These are your $2000-$3000 rigs The TS-850 had dual xtal IFs. However there was much junk from all the CPU's and yes up conversion, then downconversion and demod after the 2nd IF filter adds to the noise floor. How the R-7A did it was interesting. A 4 pole Fixed Xtal filter followed the upconverter. It has a pass band of 12kcs. That's right a 12Khz wide IF. This gives this collectors radio its used price tag of $2000. The 2nd IF used those 8 pole can filters. I found the K-2 has crystal clear SSB with the 1.8khz filter position. The R-7A the SSB gets muffled at 1.8khz. I use 1.8 khz only on the K2. The TR-7 used a 2 pole filter after up conversion. If you look at the schematic of the TS-850, you see the dual IFs are in the back of the receiver. So after upconversion the passband is 50kc wide. That is a large window for synth junk to get in. HOWEVER IF YOU USE CW filters in both IFs, your CW reception will be as good as a K2 The K2 wisely put much non xtal filtering right after the antenna jack. The band pass filters are wide enough for the Ham bands and very little general coverage. You lose general coverage ability of an R-7A. However do you really need a short wave rcvr in a ham rig? So yes one can compare the K2 with up to $3000 dollar rigs. However on SSB TX the K2 comes up average. It is average because the SSB adapter is a simple design. The all important audio chain is mostly in 2 chips. However I always get good audio reports. A RF proc of the TS-850's design would make the K2 rock. There is a cheap way of doing this. There are a few speech procs that go between the mic and rig. They are true RF procs. Your audio is up converted to 500kc. The 500Kc RF is processed by using an AGC like amp. At the RFstage more compression can be used with out AUDIO DISTORTION. Any RF clipping by products are filtered out. The DSB signal is then down converted back to audio with the exact same phase it entered the device. So one is feeding in audio that was RF processed. One can use up to 12db of RF processing. Audio processing gets distorted after 6db. One company makes this device for $60. It can be put in the mic or in the rig. I am ordering one. I will give on air checks for those that want too. ___ 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] K2 S/N 4787 Build In Progress
Jim, AB0UK, wrote: I'm inventorying each board as it is begun. ... At this point capacitors for the RF board are a wild blur. I'm sure I have not correctly identified at least a third of them. Many numbers on the caps are simply not in the parts list. If anyone has a good way to ID them I would be pleased to hear from you. Measuring them so far has proved somewhat futile with a simple DVM with a capacitance measuring function. Several resistor packs have not had the right part numbers. So far I've been able to ID them by measureing them. My impression so far is that there are components of some of the accessories to be installed on the three main boards but when and sometimes how is not always clear. -- Wow, Jim! I'm surprised you are finding so many irregularities in the parts numbering! I've written the assembly instructions on some of the more recent Elecraft kits like the XV transverters, the KX1 and the new T1 tuner. From what I've seen the parts are very much the same as when I built my K2 five years ago. On the caps there ARE a lot of other marks in addition to the numbers shown in parenthesis, but the right parts in the kit are the ONLY ones with the numbers shown somewhere on them. The value (like 103 for a .01 ufd cap) is often followed by the letter j, but otherwise is usually on a line of its own on the cap. As the section on parts i.d. explains, the numbering is very similar to resistors only done in digits: 103 = 1 pf or 0.01 ufd. Many of the smaller caps have the actual value like (10) for a 10 pF cap since there's no need for a multiplier. If the numbers in paren. in the text are on the part somewhere, it should be the right cap. The resistor pack situation you found is a real surprise. Those things are a real monster if you put the wrong in the wrong place (I did once, and managed to remove it in one piece without a high-powered vacuum desolderer, but it's the sort of thing one doesn't want to do twice in a lifetime!) I don't blame you for being concerned about that. Many of the I.C.s have a couple of different possible numbers because there are a couple of interchangeable types used, but I thought they were called out in the errata. Drop [EMAIL PROTECTED] a note if you have a question. Gary will not only confirm your part i.d., but if there is an issue that hasn't been documented, he'll get the ball rolling to include the info in future kits. I recommend building the basic K2 first. There's very little rework required to add the accessories, and doing the basic unit as described in the K2 assembly manual means that you can check it out according to the manual and be sure all is well before adding the other modules. I'd ignore the other modules until the K2 is up and running. That's how I built ol S/N 1289! As for fitting everything in that box, every time Wayne designs a new rig, I have to buy a stronger magnifier! Today I lost entire whole circuit board assembly for my T1 tuner prototype. Hunted all over for it for an hour. I had dropped a QSL card on my desk. Yep, it was hidden under the card. Ron AC7AC ___ 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] K2 S/N 4787 Build In Progress
Jim Harris wrote: On the front panel board while trying to add SSB components after the fact I managed to slightly burn the edge of a push button. Wish the instructions had mentioned to put the low SSB components in before the higher and vulnerable parts were added. Having just been through that part of the build too, I agree with Jim... the top-of-board soldering for the KSB2 connector is is just the dickens to do with the plastic pots and buttons in place; I made it through without toasting anything but it would have been *so* much easier to do before the top got crowded with tall meltable things. Is there a reason this is where it is in sequence other than Uh-oh, they're about to mate the FP board to the panel and wire the enccoder; drop in the KSB2 parts now because it will be inconvenient later? If not, I say move it to someplace earlier. Another suggestion: Whenever you cue the installation of the KSB parts on the FP, repeat the warning about component height/lead length for Q3 that was issued for Q3 and Q2...I forgot about it and I had to monkey with Q3 after installation to allow the FP board to fit properly against the metal panel. I'm still delighted with the kit, of course... 73 de Maggie K3XS (K2 S/N 1641), who needs to go get more solder in the morning; that no-lead stuff with silver in it stinks. -- -/___. _)Margaret Stephanie Leber CCP, SCJP/The art of progress / /(, /| /| http://voicenet.com/~maggie SCWCD/ is to preserve order/ ---/ / | / | _ _ _` _ AOPA 925383/ amid change and to / --/ ) / |/ |_(_(_(_/_(_/__(__(/_ K3XS / preserve change amid/ -/ (_/ '.-/ .-/ARRL 39280 /order.-A.N.Whitehead/ /(_/_(_/___AMSAT 32844_/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ ___ 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] K2 S/N 4787 Build In Progress
Haw Haw!! And I thought I was then only one who did things like that! I once looked for a part for two days. It was sitting on my workbench, more or less in plain sight, the whole time. - Jim, KL7CC Ron D'Eau Claire wrote snip Today I lost entire whole circuit board assembly for my T1 tuner prototype. Hunted all over for it for an hour. I had dropped a QSL card on my desk. Yep, it was hidden under the card. Ron AC7AC ___ 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
