[Elecraft] N2CQ QRP Contest Calendar - August 2004
~~~ N2CQ QRP CONTEST CALENDAR August 2004 ~~~ Summer FOX Hunt - CW: Every Friday (UTC) through August 20 (UTC) 0100z to 0300z (9 PM - 11 PM EDT Thurs evening US/Canada) Info: http://www.cqc.org/fox/ Truffle Hunt - CW: 30 min before CW Fox hunt. Info: http://fpqrp.com/struffle.html Summer SSB Fox Hunts: Every Friday (UTC) through August 20 (UTC) z to 0100z (8 PM - 9 PM EDT Thurs evening US/Canada) Info: http://www.zianet.com/k5di/ssbfox.htm ~~~ Adventure Radio Spartan Sprint (CW) *** QRP CONTEST! *** Aug 3, 0100z to 0300z (Monday Evenings US/Can local time) Rules: http://www.arsqrp.com/ ~~~ TARA Grid Dip Contest (PSK/RTTY) ... QRP Category Aug 7, z to 2400z Rules: http://www.n2ty.org/seasons/tara_grid_rules.html ~~~ Ten-Ten Summer SSB Contest ... QRP Category Aug 7, 0001z to Aug 8, 2359z Rules: http://www.ten-ten.org/calendar.html ~~~ EUROPEAN HF CHAMPIONSHIP (PH/CW) (EU work EU) Low Power Category Aug 7, 1200z to 2359z Rules: http://lea.hamradio.si/~scc/euhfcrules-04.htm ~~~ ARRL UHF Contest ... Low Power Category Aug 7, 1800z to Aug 8, 1800z Rules: http://www.arrl.org/contests/rules/2004/uhf.html ~~~ North American QSO Party (CW) ... 100W Max. (/QRP noted on entry) Aug 7, 1800z to Aug 8, 0600z Rules: http://www.ncjweb.com/naqprules.php ~~~ Worked All Europe DX Contest (CW) ... 100W category Aug 14, z to Aug 15, 2359z Rules: http://www.darc.de/referate/dx/xedcwr.htm ~~~ Maryland/DC QSO Party (SSB/CW) ... QRP Category Aug 14, 1600z to Aug 15, 0400z Aug 15, 1600z to Aug 15, 2359z Rules: http://www.w3cwc.org ~~~ RUN FOR THE BACON (CW) *** QRP CONTEST! *** Aug 16, 0100z to 0300z Rules: http://fpqrp.com/fpqrprun.html ~~~ SARTG WW RTTY Contest ... Low Power Category Aug 21, z to 0800z Aug 21, 1600z to 2400z Aug 22, 0800z to 1600z Rules: http://www.sartg.com/contest/wwrules.htm ~~~ North American QSO Party (SSB) ... 100W Max. (/QRP noted on entry) Aug 21, 1800z to Aug 22, 0600z Rules: http://www.ncjweb.com/naqprules.php ~~~ NJ QSO Party (CW/SSB) Aug 21, 2000z to Aug 22, 0700z Aug 22, 1300z to Aug 23, 0200z Rules: http://www.qsl.net/w2rj/ ~~~ The Colorado QRP Club Summer VHF/UHF QSO Party *** QRP Contest *** Aug 22, 1600z to 2200z (Sunday North America local time) Rules: http://www.cqc.org/contests/summer04.htm ~~~ Hawaii QSO Party (CW/SSB/Digital) ... QRP Category Aug 28, 0700z to Aug 29, 2200z Rules: http://www.karc.us/hi_qso_party.html ~~~ TOEC WW Grid Contest (CW) ... Low Power category Aug 28, 1200z to Aug 29, 1200z Rules: http://www.qsl.net/toec/contest.htm ~~~ Ohio QSO Party (CW/SSB) ... QRP Category Aug 28, 1600z to Aug 29, 0400z Rules: http://www.oqp.us/ ~~~ SLOVENIA CONTEST CLUB RTTY Championship .. 100W Category Aug 28, 1200z to Aug 29, 1159z Rules: http://lea.hamradio.si/~scc/rtty/htmlrules.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: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Power out in Alignment, Part III
Elecrafters I'm at the alignment part III for my K2 #4155. The first step, on 40 mtrs setting Power control for 2 watts and adjusting L1 and L2 for maximum power out in Tune mode gives me 3 watts. When I change Power setting first to 5 watts then to 10 watts in Tune mode I get about 6+ and 12+ watts respectively. At 10 watt setting current in Tune is about 2.25. Should I back off on L1 and L2 to give only 2 watts with Power set to 2 or should I leave it at max? Thanks in advance for your advice. Joe K4NVJ K1#764 K2#4155 ___ 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: More antenna problems
I've read several responses indicating that verticals are more noise-prone than dipoles, cf zepps, etc.I live on an average city lot with power lines at the back, and my experience has been a little different. I've used a Butternut HF-2V with 16 radials for many years. I've also experimented with a variety of wire antennas, including center fed zepps, dipoles, vertical dipoles fed with ladder line, verticals with elevated radials, verticals with loaded elevated radials (as in Moxon), and consistently the ground mounted vertical monopole is quieter (and provides at least the same signal strength).I've also tried a simple monopole for 30 meters (made from HF-2V parts) mounted on the same ground system, and found it to be quieter than any of the wire antennas on 30, either vertical or horizontal. I believe the ground system is key to the whole thing.the ground mounted vertical is simply quieter than elevated ones. If you can install a decent set of radials (quite easy to do: mow the grass, stake the wires out, and let Mother Nature hide them for you; at least it works in Ohio), I think a vertical is worth considering. I've done extensive EZNEC modelling of all these antennas, and while interesting and fun, the noise issue is hard to predict and can be one of the more important considerations. Parker WD8JOL K2 #2636 ___ 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 #609 in Malta
I just took #609 along with an old Bencher paddle and the Elecraft balun for a week of antenna rigging at 9H3BW's Bugibba apartment. I also took enough wire, ladderline and tools to make a G5RV style dipole on the apartment roof. Nobody asked to look inside my hand baggage or inside the holdall full of wire. Getting a visitor license to operate as 9H3CW was even easier I made 274 contacts in 59 countries in under a week of intermittent mostly rag chew operating, including a least one with another K2 owner. The balun was just 3 feet from the K2; the G5RV is 8-10 feet above the roof and over 100 feet above the sea .. It loads OK on all bands 10-80. No problems at all. We then tried the same setup with 9H3BW's FT847, LDG tuner and 100w. Again no problems. At the 100w level the Elecraft balun worked as well as my homebrew 2 kW balun and it is a lot lighter. Incidentally I have repackaged the Elecraft balun into a rigid plastic box featuring both SO239 and BNC input connectors. The balanced output goes from the PC board terminals to a hefty screw terminal block on the outside of the box. I think it makes a neater and less vulnerable installation for field use, especially if it rains ... It did not rain in Malta, but it did hit 40C. Rigging the antenna in that heat was a chore. Next operation by 9H3CW is scheduled for late September. John G3JAG ___ 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: More antenna problems
Parker, what did you think of the EZNEC gain predictions for verticals? Compared to wire dipoles at a modest height? 73, George W5YR Fairview, TX [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.w5yr.com - Original Message - From: Parker Buckley [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2004 6:10 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Re: More antenna problems I've read several responses indicating that verticals are more noise-prone than dipoles, cf zepps, etc.I live on an average city lot with power lines at the back, and my experience has been a little different. I've used a Butternut HF-2V with 16 radials for many years. I've also experimented with a variety of wire antennas, including center fed zepps, dipoles, vertical dipoles fed with ladder line, verticals with elevated radials, verticals with loaded elevated radials (as in Moxon), and consistently the ground mounted vertical monopole is quieter (and provides at least the same signal strength).I've also tried a simple monopole for 30 meters (made from HF-2V parts) mounted on the same ground system, and found it to be quieter than any of the wire antennas on 30, either vertical or horizontal. I believe the ground system is key to the whole thing.the ground mounted vertical is simply quieter than elevated ones. If you can install a decent set of radials (quite easy to do: mow the grass, stake the wires out, and let Mother Nature hide them for you; at least it works in Ohio), I think a vertical is worth considering. I've done extensive EZNEC modelling of all these antennas, and while interesting and fun, the noise issue is hard to predict and can be one of the more important considerations. Parker WD8JOL K2 #2636 ___ 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] WA3WSJ: Sample QSL Cards of two lights - Take a Look!
Hello all, Take a look at the two qsl cards I've made to date. If you worked me on my Delaware Lighthouse Tour, please send a SASE with #10 envelope for these and the other qsl cards. Go to my website at www. WA3WSJ. com/files/WA3WSJevents.html to view the lighthouse qsl cards I've made so far. 72/73, Edward R. Breneiser, WA3WSJ mailto:[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
[Elecraft] K2's ATU
I got my K2 for this year's FD, ended up using my homebrew 3KW transmatch for the balanced-line antennas. Felt kinda dumb, this tiny radio on a battery and a HUGE transmatch, external VSWR bridge, cables.. So, I rushed to build the ATU for the K2 just in time for the Flight of the Bumblebees contest. Tacked a small 1:1 current balun on the output, started hooking it up to my home antennas for test. Dang, this thing can really tune! I'm amazed, I gave it antenna/band combinations I know are hard to tune from doing it manually with my QRO gear, only had to switch to 'alt' mode ONCE. It has tuned below 1.3:1 every single antenna/feedline/band combo I've thrown at it, I'm impressed. I also really like the SW options of just using it to measure VSWR on an existing antenna and having two antenna jacks is very nice to reduce external switching. Good job, it's a great compliment to the radio, especially for field use. 73, Steve N4SL (this seems to be where everyone lists their radio's SN, so... K2 #4272 __ Do you Yahoo!? New and Improved Yahoo! Mail - Send 10MB messages! http://promotions.yahoo.com/new_mail ___ 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] Several Elecraft radios for sale
I have a K1 with all options including the 40, 30, 20, and 15 meter four band board (with blue trimmer caps) and also has a extra two band board set up for 80 and 17 meters. It includes the noise blanker, internal automatic antenna tuner and internal battery option. It also includes the tilt stand Finger Dimple, precision metal shaft VFO pot and custom made TecPac case. I will also include 3 sets of NiMH batteries and a Maha 401 smart charger. This radio is only slightly used and in perfect condition S/N 542 Selling price $850 shipped con US I have a new KX1 for sale with all options including the 30 meter option, internal antenna tuner and paddle. I will also include 2 sets of NiMH batteries and a Radio Shack 8 cell smart charger. The current price for all of the above including shipping is about $470 less the batteries and charger. My normal charge to build is $200 for a total of $670 shipped con US. This radio was built for sale and is new and unused. I have a K2 with the KAF2 audio filter, K160RX 160 meter/receive antenna and KAT2 internal antenna tuner. I have purchased the KPA100 100 watt amp, the K60XV 60 meter/transverter interface, the KNB2 noise blanker and the KSB2 SSB option. I will build all of this and add to the basic K2 above over the next 2 or 3 of weeks. The price of all of this from Elecraft is about $1490 my normal charge to build all of the above is $825 for a total of $2315. I will sell all of the above with all current mods, latest firmware and 2.5 Khz SSB bandwidth mod for $1999 shipped con US. I did not build this K2 although I will build all of the listed options. I have thoroughly checked out this radio and it is build to my standards. The radio is in perfect condition cosmetically and the same 90 day warranty will apply as if I had built it. The serial number is 3132 Warranty: I will repair any K2, K1 or KX1 that's fails due to my workmanship within 90 days. Shipping is not included on warranty work. New radios have a one year parts warranty from Elecraft. I have built 14 K2's to date and 4 K1's. 5 KPA100's, 3 KAT100's and all of the options many times. I built Wayne and Eric's personal radios and have been a field tester for Elecraft several times. I was a field tester for the XV50, XV144 transverters and have built 7 of them including the XV222. I was also a field tester for the KRC2 band switching box and the KPA100. I have built two KX1's with all options so far. I have built one or more of everything Elecraft makes including all the micro kits. Please email me if you are interested Thanks Don Brown KD5NDB ___ 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: More antenna problems
One of the amateur radio elders in the UK, Dick G2DYM puts forward the theory that buildings and presumably power lines are surrounded by an envelope of electronic smog. To clear this noise you have to have your antenna mounted above this noise source or presumably if on the ground well clear of these items. Additionally he is a firm advocate of using balanced feeders to minimise noise pick on the feeder to the antenna. Have always lived in locations with substantial amounts of rock under the top soil, so never could get verticals to work on the ground no matter what I did. They were just about as good as a vertical piece of wet string! The only way was to get them mounted as high as possible with four full sized radials underneath the base of the antenna for each band they were resonant on. With that you could work the world at the right time. Bob, G3VVT K2 #4168 ___ 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: More antenna problems
The rule of thumb is that verticals are noisier because QRN (lightning crashes, etc.) are generally vertically-polarized. In my experience this is true on the lower frequency bands (e.g. 160 and 80 meters). But there are a lot of other types of noise and noise sources. QRN that is propagated and radiated from power lines - which tend to be horizontal - may couple much better into a horizontal wire than a vertical, for example. Like all rules of thumb, whether or not it is true depends a great deal on the thumb, as Jim points out. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- On Wed, 28 Jul 2004 07:10:27 -0400, Parker Buckley wrote: I believe the ground system is key to the whole thing.the ground mounted vertical is simply quieter than elevated ones. You may be right, but I suspect that the location of the antenna with respect to the noise is more likely the key. Jim K9YC ___ 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: More antenna problems
George, W5YR writes: Parker, what did you think of the EZNEC gain predictions for verticals? Compared to wire dipoles at a modest height? == The free space gain of a vertical is about the same as that of a dipole (2.14 dBi). However, over real ground the horizontal antenna benefits by far field ground reflection. This is borne out in EZNEC. Remember that a vertical's gain is concentrated at the low angles that are good for DXing, while the horizontal antenna must be relatively high (at least 0.5 wavelengths) to have a reasonably low angle of radiation.. As far as noise goes, the dipole has a better receive S/N ratio than a vertical simply because it has directivity, while the vertical is omnidirectional. Also, because of its low angle radiation, the vertical hears man made noises better (which are generated close to the ground and therefore arrive at a low angle). 73, de Earl, K6SE ___ 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: More antenna problems
Earl, I agree that's what the model shows and what the theory says. You're probably assuming the dipole is at least a half wave above ground, which can be a challenge at lower frequencies. I'm just relating my real world experiences, and suggesting that the vertical not be dismissed too soon in the considerations. Would love to continue, but I'm heading out on a trip. Looking forward to checking back in when I return! 73, Parker WD8JOL - Original Message - From: Earl W Cunningham [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2004 1:01 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Re: More antenna problems George, W5YR writes: Parker, what did you think of the EZNEC gain predictions for verticals? Compared to wire dipoles at a modest height? == The free space gain of a vertical is about the same as that of a dipole (2.14 dBi). However, over real ground the horizontal antenna benefits by far field ground reflection. This is borne out in EZNEC. Remember that a vertical's gain is concentrated at the low angles that are good for DXing, while the horizontal antenna must be relatively high (at least 0.5 wavelengths) to have a reasonably low angle of radiation.. As far as noise goes, the dipole has a better receive S/N ratio than a vertical simply because it has directivity, while the vertical is omnidirectional. Also, because of its low angle radiation, the vertical hears man made noises better (which are generated close to the ground and therefore arrive at a low angle). 73, de Earl, K6SE ___ 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 Ser no. 3181
Hello Ron, Your AGC threshold has a huge effect on the range of adjustment of the RF gain control. If the AGC threshold is set too high - meaning that you are generally operating with very little AGC action - your RF gain control will have very little effect. If you lower your threshold, you'll find that the RF gain control will have a much greater effect. Just a reminder, R1 on the control board is what controls this threshold, and in the K2 manual, the information relating to this adjustment is located right next to the info about the S-meter alignment. (page 46 in my Rev D manual for S/N 3039, so it's probably the same version as yours). Hope this helps. 73, Dale / WA8SRA Ron Lorenz wrote: Love this little rig. One slight (mini) probem. Based on over 50 years of radio operating, amateur, commercial and military I always leave the RF gain on max for best SNR. With my K2, turning the control to any position, (max to min and back agin) makes no difference in gain (Noise) except to shift the position of the S meter reading, ie, iaw the HI and LO Cal procedure. Any ideas? 73 Ron VA6RL ___ 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] Elecraft K1 mods
Elecraft K1 Mods that I am aware of: (refers to the 2-band K1 several years ago) VFO linearization-- Attenuator on/off pop QSK thunk from Andy Wallace and Elecraft Appl. Note. Sidetone mod from AG5Q and Elecraft K1 illumination to LCD These mods were saved text files from Wayne Burdick, [EMAIL PROTECTED], Mike Morrow, Andy Wallace and others. The text files are grouped into one text file on this computer. There are other specific mods to the K1 on the Elecraft Web site (depending on the bands you operate and your own desires). Ken Brown N4SO Mobile, AL EM50tk [EMAIL PROTECTED] K2 #3394 The best thing to hit the Internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the Web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! ___ 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] Mounting vertical antennas
I live in an apartment building in a large city, and I have decided that basically the only realistic option (besides operating with stealthy wire antennas) is to mount some form of vertical HF antenna -- and I need to pitch the idea to my landlord, who will obviously have a few concerns. I'm probably happy enough to accept that if I do things as they are normally done, bad stuff won't happen -- but it'd be nice to have some nice pictures, stories and hard specifications rather than vague ideas to put forward. It would be really helpful if I could get descriptions of how *you* have mounted your HF vertical antenna to your roof, and how reliable it has been with respect to winds et cetera. Even more helpful would be pictures of the installation in place! I'm currently leaning towards having some kind of chimney mount, since I won't be allowed to make any holes in the roof itself, but I'm open to other suggestions of course! :-) But I still have some unresolved questions. How can ensure reasonable reliability. Obviously, the last thing I want is for the antenna to come loose and come crashing down on some poor soul or his car. What calculations should I do in order to ensure that the antenna stays up? And how can I accomplish that if it fails, at least it should fail in a relativelty safe way. (I.e. not come crashing down tens of meters. :-) Also, most guides I've read tell you to mount the antenna to a mast tube, using U-bolts to secure the antenna itself to the mast. (It seems that my vertical has holes supplied for just that purpose.) Won't that decrease reliability -- should I try to mount the antenna directly to the chimney, or is the mast tubing there for a good reason? Finally, should I just forget about trying to do this myself, and have it professionally installed? After all, the stakes with respect to reliablilty and safety for working at relatively high altitudes are a bit higher than erecting a horizontal dipole in a couple of trees (which I have done at my summer QTH I might add. :-) What kind of people can I expect to have to contact about this, and if I decide to go professional, how much would it cost reasonably? -- 73 de SM0YUF Rig: Elecraft K2 -- Serial number 4291 (base model -- almost, but not quite finished.) ___ 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] FingerDimple Kit Assembly
Received my 'FingerDimple' kits today for both of my K1's and after reviewing the 3 instruction steps, clearing a workplace, breaking out the alcohol (as described in step 1) I began the installation. This has got to be the most straightforward kit I have ever assembled. No toroids, no solder suckers, no resistance measurments. Before I knew it I was done and toasting my work with alcohol (as described in step 1). On the air: WOW! I can now spin my knob and make it from one end of 40 meters to the other in about 2 seconds. Which will be great while contesting in the NAQP (North American CW QSO Party) on Aug 7th. I have worked all 50 states many times during the 10 allowed hours plus all VE Provences, QRO, but never QRP. Should be a ball as the Big Guys will be begging for QSO's 73 es CU There, Art W6KYK1-2 K1-4 ___ 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] cheap 1A linear power supply
Has anyone tried the 12V 1A linear regulated wall wart from Jameco (part # 170245CL) as a hotel room power supply for the KX1? It is cheap and sounds like it would work-i.e. not a switcher and regulated. TNX and 73, Eric N0HHS ___ 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] KX1 in the Bahamas
Folks, I'll be in Hope Town, Abaco, Bahamas from July 30 through Aug 6. BOLO for NN4CW/C6A. It's a fishing, lobstering, etc. family trip and I'll try to get on the air when I can in the evenings and early morning around the qrp watering holes on 20, 30, and 40. 73/Gil NN4CW K2 #3104 KX1 #53 _ Is your PC infected? Get a FREE online computer virus scan from McAfee® Security. http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 ___ 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] Receive Problems
I've got a Rev A K2 (#529) that a friend brought to me to upgrade to all the Rev B mods ect. Before I did the mods I fixed some problemslow audio out (bad solder joint) and other minor probs. So before I started the upgrades it was working. Here's the problem now. The radio works great except for the following on receive: Very low recovered audio and low S meter reading I'm looking in the preamp/mixer and receive VFO areaI found on the VFO (Q18) the original owner put another 1N4148 on the bottom of the board across D13 in the opposite polaritywas this something I didn't hear about (with or without I still have the problem). I've checked the voltages on the VFO and Buffer and the preamp and everything looks good. So does anyone have some ideas. Thanks in advance. Gregg R. Lengling, W9DHI, Retired Administrator http://www.milwaukeehdtv.org K2/100 S#3075 KX1 S# 57 Member: ARRL, RSGB, RCA, WERA and ORC ___ 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: More antenna problems
I regret that in my Socratic approach. I failed to make the point I was trying to make. Specifically that while vertical antennas may have a low takeoff angle their gain is usually less than that of an isotropic antenna. For example, look at vert1.ez in EZNEC and you find that its gain is -0.04 dB max at an elevation angle of about 25 degrees. Similarly, if you look at bydipole.ez on 40 meters you find that although the elevation angle for a dipole height of 30 ft is near 90 degrees, the gain is over 7 dBi. Raise the dipole to 67 ft as Earl points out and the gain increases slightly but the takeoff angle declines to about 30 degrees and the azimuth pattern begins to form. So, Earl's points are well made: high dipoles if low-angle radiation is desired with gain over isotropic or vertical antennas performing essentially as isotropics but with a low takeoff angle. To me, the trade-off is that if you take the wire invested in the vertical and the radial field and can manage to get it up in the air high enough, you obtain significant gain over isotropic, a low takeoff angle and some degree of azimuthal pattern - which may or may not be advantageous depending upon the orientation of the antenna supports. 73, George W5YR Fairview, TX [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.w5yr.com - Original Message - From: Earl W Cunningham [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2004 12:01 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Re: More antenna problems George, W5YR writes: Parker, what did you think of the EZNEC gain predictions for verticals? Compared to wire dipoles at a modest height? == The free space gain of a vertical is about the same as that of a dipole (2.14 dBi). However, over real ground the horizontal antenna benefits by far field ground reflection. This is borne out in EZNEC. Remember that a vertical's gain is concentrated at the low angles that are good for DXing, while the horizontal antenna must be relatively high (at least 0.5 wavelengths) to have a reasonably low angle of radiation.. As far as noise goes, the dipole has a better receive S/N ratio than a vertical simply because it has directivity, while the vertical is omnidirectional. Also, because of its low angle radiation, the vertical hears man made noises better (which are generated close to the ground and therefore arrive at a low angle). 73, de Earl, K6SE ___ 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] Receive Problems
Gregg Lengling wrote: I've got a Rev A K2 (#529) that a friend brought to me to upgrade to all the Rev B mods ect. Before I did the mods I fixed some problemslow audio out (bad solder joint) and other minor probs. So before I started the upgrades it was working. Here's the problem now. The radio works great except for the following on receive: Very low recovered audio and low S meter reading I'm looking in the preamp/mixer and receive VFO areaI found on the VFO (Q18) the original owner put another 1N4148 on the bottom of the board across D13 in the opposite polaritywas this something I didn't hear about (with or without I still have the problem). I've checked the voltages on the VFO and Buffer and the preamp and everything looks good. So does anyone have some ideas. ~~ Hi Gregg: I'd take a close look around the post-mixer amp (Q22) looking at R82, RFC11, in particular. 73 GL Ken Wagner K3IU ___ 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 Ser no. 3181
Ron, The 'RF Gain' in the K2 is actually an IF gain control and it only controls the gain after the selective elements. All the stages ahead of the IF amplifier operate at fixed gain levels. In many receivers where the RF stage is gain controlled, my experience is that the gain can be made excessive and actually results in added noise when it is advanced to maximum - this is contrary to your experience, but it goes to show that the noise floor of any receiver is the result of careful design for minimum noise. The K2 is in the category of such careful design. The K2 AGC works similarly - only the IF amplifier gain is changed with the AGC. The 'RF' Gain control changes the resistive network that sets the AGC level - so the net result is that the RF Gain and the AGC interact to set the IF amplifier gain. You may wish to check the AGC threshold just to be certain (although it does sound like it is set just fine). Switching from AGC on to AGC off should cause no increase in the noise level when listening to a quiet band (local noise sources CAN produce broadband noise, so use a band where such noise is at a minimum for your location). If the AGC Threshold is set in this manner, one can expect little or no change in the K2 noise floor when the RF Gain control is rotated. 73, Don W3FPR - Original Message - Love this little rig. One slight (mini) probem. Based on over 50 years of radio operating, amateur, commercial and military I always leave the RF gain on max for best SNR. With my K2, turning the control to any position, (max to min and back agin) makes no difference in gain (Noise) except to shift the position of the S meter reading, ie, iaw the HI and LO Cal procedure. ___ 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: Mounting vertical antennas
Hello Per, I live in an apartment building in a large city, and I have decided that basically the only realistic option (besides operating with stealthy wire antennas) is to mount some form of vertical HF antenna ... I had the same situation in my apartment. So I solved the problem with a telescopic mast, which I can errect in a few minutes. The mast is attach with small part from the building store on the railing of my balcony. No need to drill a hole in any parts of the balcony and secure to attach. For more informations please go to www.dk3red.homepage.t-online.de/en/s6.htm#ant1 on my homepage. -- 72/73 de Ingo, DK3RED Don't forget: the fun is the power! [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.dk3red.homepage.t-online.de DL-QRP-AG #824 http://www.dl-qrp-ag.de QRP ARCI #11295 http://www.qrparci.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
Re: [Elecraft] cheap 1A linear power supply
Here's one that's perfect. http://www.mtechnologies.com/cup/index.htm 73, Steve WB6RSE On Jul 28, 2004, at 2:19 PM, Eric Ward wrote: Has anyone tried the 12V 1A linear regulated wall wart from Jameco (part # 170245CL) as a hotel room power supply for the KX1? It is cheap and sounds like it would work-i.e. not a switcher and regulated. TNX and 73, Eric N0HHS ___ 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] Receive Problems
Gregg, I would suggest looking carefully in the IF filter area. You found one bad solder joint, so another one is quite likely. The last one I worked on with similar problems had a bad solder joint on the SSB board at one of the 3 pin headers - which reduced the signal getting to the IF amplifier a LOT. Remove the SSB board and put jumpers into the 3 pin headers (jumper from pins 1 to 3) and see if it comes to life again - if so, the problem is on the SSB board. 73, Don W3FPR - Original Message - I've got a Rev A K2 (#529) that a friend brought to me to upgrade to all the Rev B mods ect. Before I did the mods I fixed some problemslow audio out (bad solder joint) and other minor probs. So before I started the upgrades it was working. Here's the problem now. The radio works great except for the following on receive: Very low recovered audio and low S meter reading I'm looking in the preamp/mixer and receive VFO areaI found on the VFO (Q18) the original owner put another 1N4148 on the bottom of the board across D13 in the opposite polaritywas this something I didn't hear about (with or without I still have the problem). I've checked the voltages on the VFO and Buffer and the preamp and everything looks good. So does anyone have some ideas. ___ 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] KX1 in the Bahamas
'll be listening on 20 I'm in St. Thomas, Virgins from aug 4 to aug 7th, on 32 foot yacht , The Morning After, KB7DPC - Original Message - From: Gil Stacy [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, July 28, 2004 5:48 PM Subject: [Elecraft] KX1 in the Bahamas Folks, I'll be in Hope Town, Abaco, Bahamas from July 30 through Aug 6. BOLO for NN4CW/C6A. It's a fishing, lobstering, etc. family trip and I'll try to get on the air when I can in the evenings and early morning around the qrp watering holes on 20, 30, and 40. 73/Gil NN4CW K2 #3104 KX1 #53 _ Is your PC infected? Get a FREE online computer virus scan from McAfee® Security. http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 ___ 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] need help listening for KI6WX (now)
Tom, N0SS, and I are trying to copy KI6WX on 10108 kHz now (0200Z), then 14062 at 0215Z, then 7040 at 0230Z. Any help? tnx 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] need help listening for KI6WX (now)
wayne burdick wrote: Tom, N0SS, and I are trying to copy KI6WX on 10108 kHz now (0200Z), then 14062 at 0215Z, then 7040 at 0230Z. I arrived in time for the 0230 sked and heard Tom, but I did not hear John. -- 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] Mounting vertical antennas
I would approach it in the same way as mounting a large TV antenna on a chimney stack, though the method used may vary from country to country how to achieve this. In the UK, traditionally we use a galvanised stranded steel band (lashing wire) that passes around the chimney stack which is attached to an antenna mounting bracket with J bolts to terminate the band and adjust for tension. Galvanised steel or aluminium corner plates are placed under the wire band at the other three corners of the chimney stack to spread the load on the corner. A mast of the necessary length and diameter to mount the antenna is attached to the mounted chimney bracket with two U bolts. With a vertical HF antenna a heavy duty chimney bracket is called for, or two separate brackets with separate chimney bands as we used in the early days of TV with large TV antenna installations. The galvanised fitting are fairly robust though they can be replaced with stainless steel stranded wire and J bolts if local corrosion was to be a problem. I use galvanised fittings and paint all potential areas of corrosion with an automobile body underseal/internal panel rust inhibitor. In the UK this is product marketed by Finnegan (Hunting Lubricants) called WAXOYL. This product excludes moisture and dries with a surface skin which also discourages the gathering of moisture. Our Volvo station wagon manufactured in Sweden uses a similar brown coloured product inside it's automobile door panels. Antenna fittings painted in this way are still removable 20 years later whilst a normal fitting would be rusted solid after only a few years in some locations. The moral is if it could rust paint it which I also do with any fittings on the antenna itself that could rust living in a rather wet part of the UK. In the late 1960's I had an antenna similar to the HyGain 12AVQ mounted with two U bolts on a 1 1/2 (38mm) stub mast in this way with radials attached to the ground connection on the base of the antenna. If a longer mast is used the radials could be arranged as guy wires for added strength of the installation. The methods used depend on the exposure to wind and the elements at the chosen location. The same method I now use with a moderate sized VHF/UHF collinear antenna that occupies the prime position on one of my chimney stacks. If an external TV antenna were to used and space was restricted it would be possible to mount a TV antenna under the HF antenna on the mounting mast. In my case I do not have this problem living in an old house with three chimneys stacks to cope with the old situation pre central heating of a fire place in every room. Served my early work experience in the late 1950's in the Radio and TV trade standing on roofs/chimney stacks to install TV antennas. Bob, G3VVT K2 #4168 ___ 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
