[Elecraft] Re: K2 NB
Morning Marinos, Very interesting thoughts. There must be a huge pool of technical knowledge and practical know-how amongst Elecraft's customers, a powerful combination. Now if we could also eliminate storm static QRN - a tough nut to crack !! 73, Geoff GM4ESD - Original Message - From: Marinos Markomanolakis, M.D. [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2005 2:35 PM Subject: K2 NB A comment about the K2NB and the different reasons that we perceive as being responsible for the lack of its improvement: Just how much would an optimized NB design cost as to become prohibitive for the average Elecraft customer ??? We already have a DSP option costing $300 which many people think as very important and continue buying. An optimized NB is guarantied to be both more important and more desirable feature, which I doubt it very much can approach the above cost. (even if it did I, and many other fellow Elecrafters would still go for it) On the other hand, having such an expensive NB available does not necessarily mean that the current design would have to be discontinued. I am sure there are also many of us absolutely satisfied and delighted by the current NB, and some lucky hams do not even get pulse noise ever at their QTH's. These customers could still have the option of getting this K2NB at its low cost and complexity, but for heaven's sake, give the rest of us urban dwellers the chance to optimize our K2s. Marinos, ki4gin ___ 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] W1HYV's fine work
My KX-1 #00278 was recently built by Alan, W1HYV. Even though his meticulous work was completed within a week Alan kept me informed of the building progress. All of the KX-1 features operate perfectly; my unit includes the ATU, the 30m module and the paddle. I expect to be enjoying this rig at home, but especially at evening campsites when I return to VO1 and VO2 on my bicycle. Thanks Alan. de N1PQ, Peter ___ 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: Battery Storage
Julius and others: Thanks very much. Yes, I think Don has the right idea. 73, Steve At 06:29 AM 2/14/2005 -0800, J F wrote: Steve, Storing a battery in a refridgerator will slow down the chemical process, and add life to it. I've not tested for voltage consistency over time. I beleive Don, W3FPR, on this reflector has a little unit that provides a reference voltage that is quite accurate. You may wish to look into builing it, and not worrying about the voltage consistency of a store bought battery. 73, Julius n2wn ___ 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] N fittings
On Feb 14, 2005, at 8:09 AM, Steve Jackson wrote: Yes. I also run (nearly) 100% N connectors at my station. On my KPA100 I simply replaced the supplied SO-239 output connectors with N female connectors. They are the same dimensions, mounting holes, etc. SO-239/PL-259 connectors sure get a bum rap. They have negligible loss up to at least 150 MHz, and are relatively low-loss even to 500 MHz. N connectors, while constant impedance, have their own problems. Biggest of which is the disconnection of the center conductor when the coaxial cable becomes very cold and shrinks. For the frequency range of the K2/100, there's no reason to move to N connectors, unless you want to spend money. 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
Re: [Elecraft] N fittings
Bill Coleman wrote: N connectors, while constant impedance, have their own problems. Biggest of which is the disconnection of the center conductor when the coaxial cable becomes very cold and shrinks. In Finland N-connectors were used in mobile network antennas in towers for many years. Nowadays 7/16-connectors are taking their place. Temperatures in Finland during winter are sometimes very cold, even lower than -50C. When coaxial cable is shrinking, it is coaxial cables fault. Reason is poor quality cable, not the connector. For the frequency range of the K2/100, there's no reason to move to N connectors, unless you want to spend money. I agree what comes to frequency range. I have measured UHF- or PL259-connector's return loss. They are very good in HF and lower VHF bands. In 430 MHz I wouldn't recommend PL259, even when using super high quality like Spinner. N is ofter water tight. Can you find PL-259 which can be put into water for 24 hours? And get adequate return loss measurement results afterwards? Rolf Moberg oh6kxl ___ 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/30m Tuesday night
I've been in touch with Kevin/KD5ONS, and I'm going to try spearheading a 30m version of the Elecraft CW Net Tuesday evening (UTC Wed) from z-0100z on 10115 +/- 2kHz. 30m is (in my opinion) one of the best bands to operate QRP because it has less noise than 40m, and just about everyone is running 'barefoot' on 30m, so there's less chance of getting our 'toes' stepped on when we turn down the power. Except for the occasional DX pileup, it's usually a nice quiet place to make contacts and ragchew, and now with the waning sunspot cycle, 30m is getting longer earlier - so hopefully we'll be able to get stations checking in from all over this spring. If we get enough interest, and if I can figure out this net-control business, maybe we can figure out a way for folks to work towards their K2 awards at the same time. 72/73, Daniel / AA0NI Oklahoma City K2 #3421 ___ 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] ECN/30m Tuesday night
Figures I work on Tuesday nightsbut 30 is the greatest CW band hands down. Gregg R. Lengling, W9DHI, Un-Retired K2/100 SN 3075 http://www.milwaukeehdtv.org - Original Message - From: Daniel Reynolds [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 10:26 AM Subject: [Elecraft] ECN/30m Tuesday night I've been in touch with Kevin/KD5ONS, and I'm going to try spearheading a 30m version of the Elecraft CW Net Tuesday evening (UTC Wed) from z-0100z on 10115 +/- 2kHz. 30m is (in my opinion) one of the best bands to operate QRP because it has less noise than 40m, and just about everyone is running 'barefoot' on 30m, so there's less chance of getting our 'toes' stepped on when we turn down the power. Except for the occasional DX pileup, it's usually a nice quiet place to make contacts and ragchew, and now with the waning sunspot cycle, 30m is getting longer earlier - so hopefully we'll be able to get stations checking in from all over this spring. If we get enough interest, and if I can figure out this net-control business, maybe we can figure out a way for folks to work towards their K2 awards at the same time. 72/73, Daniel / AA0NI Oklahoma City K2 #3421 ___ 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] OT: RF connector selection
Bill On paper, you're right. For the vast majority of hams, N connectors are silly. However, there are many other considerations of station design that influence connector choice. Most of my connections are outdoors and my station is built with nearly 100% hardline. All cables can be used and swapped for any frequency I might use, 1.8 MHz to 2.4 GHz, and I frequently play around with odds and ends like this. If I was a typical ham, running an HF/VHF station employing conventional coax, then that would probably also mean I'd use the PL-259. But I am not the typical ham. Another consideration is the sheer amount of cables and connectors I have, probably 100+ connections, and almost a half-mile of cable. The N connector is significantly more durable and reliable than the PL-259 when installed and supported properly; in fact, only the 7-16 DIN is more durable in practice. I simply can not afford the time to maintain multiple connector types. Correctly installed, an N fitting should never be subject to a pull-stress of the type you describe, and I have never heard of a thermally related failure, in 22 years of broadcast engineering work, in many climates. No commercial communications infrastructure today uses the PL-259 and for good reason. Most hams need to save a buck or two and that is fine, but for a truly flexible and reliable installation, there's no way I'd select the PL-259. /steve __ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail - You care about security. So do we. 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] K2 PTT
My SO2R contesting setup just replaced an FT847 and SB220 amp (2nd station) with the K2/100. My setup is a single PC running Writelog with CW keying and Radio A/B selection coming from the LPT port. A homebrew bit of hardware does the keying and PTT generation for both radios. My previous setup controlled the HW PTT input of the radio, the radio's 'STBY' output driving the SB220's T-R relay, but the K2 doesn't have a HW PTT input in CW mode. I connect the PC's sound card outputs to each radio's microphone input (transformer coupled) for sending SSB voice. My microphone plugs into the PC's sound card MIC IN. I had trouble with the K2's lack of PTT on CW because that's how I did T-R on the SB220. On Don W3FPR's advice, I've changed the station slightly so the HW PTT output now drives the SB220's T-R relay directly. Writelog allows me to program a delay between PTT assertion and sending code to allow for the dinosaur relays to clunk over. The K2 works fine in QSK mode since the amp's T-R is handled externally. This works perfectly for CW but for SSB the VOX simply isn't very good and trips in and out when being driven by the PC (with gain set to 3 and compression set to 3). I set Writelog to assert PTT via the CAT port for SSB, this works perfectly! Is this the 'KY' command I'm hearing about? Writelog does it for me. However, when I use my microphone instead of the PC's sound card output, CAT port PTT is NOT asserted so the SB220's relay doesn't activate... so I ALSO connected the K2's Amp Drive output to the SB220's T-R (buffered) so when the K2's VOX is tripped the SB220 is held in Transmit mode. Now, it's seamless. I can send anything at anytime at any speed and the relays stay in the correct mode, even when sending slow CW or fast CW or whatever. I don't have a key or keyer connected to the K2 in this configuration but it would work just like the SSB VOX and assert the amp output drive. Of course, the key and PTT are optoisolator buffered for ground-break, this makes a huge difference in eliminating RFI in a QRO SO2R station and all the audio is transformer coupled too. So, I was plenty worried about the lack of HW PTT for real contesting applications, but this simple fix cleared it all up. I think I'll make a little audio summing circuit for lack of SSB transmit monitoring. It won't tell me if my SSB TX signal is clean but it WILL let me hear what's being transmitted in case I get confused which I do all the time. I'm so happy I can use my K2 for QRP field activities (just did the FYBO FD event) and then slide it into a real contest setting and use it QRO. Very cool! Of course, none of this crap is needed if you have a QSK amplifier, but I don't run QSK during SO2R contesting because I'm listening on the other radio while transmitting on the first, I want the transmitting radio to be very quiet (I turn the sidetone way down). The DX contest is this coming weekend, the K2/100 will get a serious shakedown cruise! 73, Steve N4SL Snohomish, WA USA __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.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] OT - FS: K1 lid with loudspeaker, never used, with White Mountain enclosure, $ 7 incl. shipping
The WM enclosure is still sealed. 73,Chris Kf6vci Skype: Kf6vci; Phone: 760 367 5718 ___ ALL-NEW Yahoo! Messenger - all new features - even more fun! http://uk.messenger.yahoo.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] Battery Storage
The old rule of thumb for an old dry cell providing 1.55 volts is based on the materials used, not the age or condition of the cell. A zinc-carbon cell produces very close to that voltage as long as the chemicals hold out. What changes with the aging of those cells is their internal resistance. It climbs as the chemicals are depleted. The Heathkit IM-11 tube-type VTVM specified using such a cell and provided a calibration marker on the scale where 1.55 volts should appear just above the 1.5 volt full scale range. It had an 11-megohm input resistance similar to 10-meghom input resistance of most modern DMM's so any droop was insignificant as along as the cell had not been allowed to deteriorate completely. The meter also used a 1.5 volt flashlight battery (zinc-carbon cell) for the Ohms scale, so one got the reference cell for setting the calibration and the Ohms bridge battery all at the same time. I used to check the calibration of my IM-11 whenever I changed the Ohms battery. Whether or not the battery had been on the shelf a month or a year made an insignificant difference because the meter drew only 0.00015 mA! (1.5 volts / 10 megohms). So the internal resistance in any cell still functioning wasn't going to cause any detectable change in the output voltage at such a tiny current. Those batteries are still readily available. Just find the cheapest flashlight battery in the store and make sure it does not say anything about being alkaline. Many stores don't carry them because alkalines are so cheap themselves, but I see them around all the time marked with Extra High Energy or Heavy Duty. Of course those terms are meaningless but they have to say *something* about the battery. They'd never sell if they advertised them as crummy batteries that will run down quickly and may ruin your equipment!' The problem with those batteries is that, given enough time, they will leak a highly corrosive acid that will destroy whatever they are in. That's because one of the materials that is consumed by the cell is the case itself. The case is the zinc electrode. Even disconnected, there's some leakage current flowing through the electrolyte. You can slow it done by chilling it, perhaps, but sooner or later the acid will eat through the case. It's a paste so it moves slowly but it'll destroy everything it reaches. The more current being drawn, the faster the zinc case is eaten. That's why us OT's all knew that the moment we found a flashlight using the old carbon-zinc cells that had been left on for a few weeks, we had a corrosive mess inside the case when we opened it. The best approach was to toss 'em out. 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] Battery Storage
Ron: Very informative. Thanks, Steve At 10:27 AM 2/14/2005 -0800, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: The old rule of thumb for an old dry cell providing 1.55 volts is based on the materials used, not the age or condition of the cell. A zinc-carbon cell produces very close to that voltage as long as the chemicals hold out. What changes with the aging of those cells is their internal resistance. It climbs as the chemicals are depleted. The Heathkit IM-11 tube-type VTVM specified using such a cell and provided a calibration marker on the scale where 1.55 volts should appear just above the 1.5 volt full scale range. It had an 11-megohm input resistance similar to 10-meghom input resistance of most modern DMM's so any droop was insignificant as along as the cell had not been allowed to deteriorate completely. The meter also used a 1.5 volt flashlight battery (zinc-carbon cell) for the Ohms scale, so one got the reference cell for setting the calibration and the Ohms bridge battery all at the same time. I used to check the calibration of my IM-11 whenever I changed the Ohms battery. Whether or not the battery had been on the shelf a month or a year made an insignificant difference because the meter drew only 0.00015 mA! (1.5 volts / 10 megohms). So the internal resistance in any cell still functioning wasn't going to cause any detectable change in the output voltage at such a tiny current. Those batteries are still readily available. Just find the cheapest flashlight battery in the store and make sure it does not say anything about being alkaline. Many stores don't carry them because alkalines are so cheap themselves, but I see them around all the time marked with Extra High Energy or Heavy Duty. Of course those terms are meaningless but they have to say *something* about the battery. They'd never sell if they advertised them as crummy batteries that will run down quickly and may ruin your equipment!' The problem with those batteries is that, given enough time, they will leak a highly corrosive acid that will destroy whatever they are in. That's because one of the materials that is consumed by the cell is the case itself. The case is the zinc electrode. Even disconnected, there's some leakage current flowing through the electrolyte. You can slow it done by chilling it, perhaps, but sooner or later the acid will eat through the case. It's a paste so it moves slowly but it'll destroy everything it reaches. The more current being drawn, the faster the zinc case is eaten. That's why us OT's all knew that the moment we found a flashlight using the old carbon-zinc cells that had been left on for a few weeks, we had a corrosive mess inside the case when we opened it. The best approach was to toss 'em out. 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
Re: [Elecraft] N fittings
Hello boys! PL259 is 4 me just low cost junk...(sorry You HAM's inloved in them! BTW i hate BNC also HI HI) Why? It is impossible to fit them in a way that they last.(maybe only for permanent setup.) The good quality N connector (the type with ground flange) is much more reliable and mounted with 25Wtts soldering iron in few minutes . It has nominal impedance across great bandwidth (it is not important for HF) and they are made once forever+thay handle more power than PL259 does! I use them all around from 1.8Mhz up to 3.4Ghz.(upper bands SMA). Never had a problem with them and ,Yes, on the V-UHF Japan made equipment i changed all conn with N-female. Didnt have time to change the output conn on my KPA100 but i plan to.(because all my coax stuff is fitted with N conn's). But that's only my choice. Adi-S55M- K2/3204 - Original Message - From: Vic Rosenthal [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 6:00 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] N fittings Bill Coleman wrote: SO-239/PL-259 connectors sure get a bum rap. They have negligible loss up to at least 150 MHz, and are relatively low-loss even to 500 MHz. I would like to add that they are simpler to install than N connectors, and more forgiving. No, they aren't waterproof, but neither are poorly installed N's. They are cheap and rugged. They are absolutely 'appropriate technology' for HF at amateur power levels. The one tool that you need is a largeish soldering iron with a tip that has adequate thermal mass. -- 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 ___ 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] N fittings
Rolf Moberg wrote: N is ofter water tight. Can you find PL-259 which can be put into water for 24 hours? And get adequate return loss measurement results afterwards? Also Rolf, with unprotected PL-259 connectors water / moisture can get into the coax's braid and you don't know that you have a problem for some time. Have used N connectors outside for 40+ years - no problems yet. 73, Geoff GM4ESD ___ 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] Mystified with KPA 100 4 MHz audible tone
The KPA 100 manual points out during the receiver test The signal from the KPA100's 4-MHz crystal oscillator (X2) may be audible at the high end of the 80-meter band. If this is the case, you can move it to a point just above 4 MHz using trimmer C27. The signal from the 4-MHz oscillator on the K2 Control board may be much stronger. Rotate C27 slightly to identify the KPA100 signal. Well I verified that I can in fact hear the two identical and separate tones by adjusting the trimmer C27 in the KPA 100. I am just not sure what the intent of the adjustment is other than to verify the two sources for the audio tone on 80 meters. What am I doing when I adjust C27 to move to tone above the 4 MHz region? 73 KI4DGH Chuck G. ___ 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] N fittings power ????
What is the actual power handling capability of an N vs the so239./pl269 ??? Is it all related to the heat dissipation of lossy connection ??? I just got a nice 6 x 3 matrix switchwith VERY nice N connectors. So it's either change the connectors , or change the connectors.. cables to N ...or the box to UHF . Just grabbed an Andros N connector , a two piece which looks like it would be better than my recollections of doing a regular 3 piece N But what about when the BIG amp fries uperrr fires up the connectors.??? UHF or N ?? guess it must be for some future Elecraft product; since the KA100 would be happy with a bnc!!! ( that keeps it on topic) bill ___ 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: Mystified with KPA 100 4 MHz audible tone
On Feb 14, 2005, at 12:33 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I verified that I can in fact hear the two identical and separate tones by adjusting the trimmer C27 in the KPA 100. I am just not sure what the intent of the adjustment is other than to verify the two sources for the audio tone on 80 meters. What am I doing when I adjust C27 to move to tone above the 4 MHz region? 73 KI4DGH Chuck G. Hi Chuck, The adjustment is provided just to ensure that the KPA100's oscillator doesn't fall below 4000 kHz. If it did, it could conceivably interfere with on-air signals. You can use C27 to position it slightly above 4000 kHz if necessary. The K2 itself also has a 4000 kHz oscillator, which gets adjusted to exactly 4000 kHz as part of the alignment. This will not interfere with LSB signals at or below the band edge. 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] N fittings
Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy wrote: Rolf Moberg wrote: N is ofter water tight. Can you find PL-259 which can be put into water for 24 hours? And get adequate return loss measurement results afterwards? Also Rolf, with unprotected PL-259 connectors water / moisture can get into the coax's braid and you don't know that you have a problem for some time. Have used N connectors outside for 40+ years - no problems yet. Part of correctly installing a PL259 outdoors is waterproofing it! I have used both coax seal (for those who don't know, a gummy rubber-like substance) and regular electrical tape coated with liquid electrical tape, with success. -- 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] N fittings power ????
N conn 300Wtts at 1Ghz PL259 500Wtts at 300Mhz But i guess everthing changes with missmatch:( S55M-Adi - Original Message - From: Bill NY9H [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Discussion List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 9:43 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] N fittings power What is the actual power handling capability of an N vs the so239./pl269 ??? Is it all related to the heat dissipation of lossy connection ??? I just got a nice 6 x 3 matrix switchwith VERY nice N connectors. So it's either change the connectors , or change the connectors.. cables to N ...or the box to UHF . Just grabbed an Andros N connector , a two piece which looks like it would be better than my recollections of doing a regular 3 piece N But what about when the BIG amp fries uperrr fires up the connectors.??? UHF or N ?? guess it must be for some future Elecraft product; since the KA100 would be happy with a bnc!!! ( that keeps it on topic) bill ___ 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] ECN/30m Tuesday night
Good luck Daniel, Tomorrow I will not be available since I need to be at the local ARES monthly meeting. I hope you get a number of check ins from around the continent. 73, Kevin. KD5ONS On Mon, 14 Feb 2005 08:26:43 -0800 (PST), Daniel Reynolds [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I've been in touch with Kevin/KD5ONS, and I'm going to try spearheading a 30m version of the Elecraft CW Net Tuesday evening (UTC Wed) from z-0100z on 10115 +/- 2kHz. ... 72/73, Daniel / AA0NI Oklahoma City K2 #3421 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.300 / Virus Database: 265.8.8 - Release Date: 2/14/2005 ___ 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
Re: [Elecraft] N fittings
In a message dated 14/02/05 19:51:09 GMT Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The good quality N connector (the type with ground flange) is much more reliable and mounted with 25Wtts soldering iron in few minutes . If you wish to spend the money, PL259 are available in pressure sleeve type connectors similar to the better class N and BNC types. Used these on our local VHF repeater duplexer which came as original equipment with SO239/PL259. In the right place the SO239/PL259 combination is entirely adequate up to VHF and most VHF 2 way radios seem to come so equipped. All of the GE 2 way VHF radios and repeaters we used at work certainly did. In addition a great deal of the station accessories on the market come already equipped with SO239 sockets. It would be wrong get the idea that just fitting N type connectors will make you bullet proof as there are some extremely poor N and BNC connectors on the market much as there are of the PL259 type. The N type connector has a limited moisture barrier, though if the connector has to be used outside in a damp climate, an external moisture barrier tape over the entire connector assembly would be essential. Even so for any connectors that have to be used outdoors, the N type connector would be desirable. In the end inside the shack for HF and where moisture should not normally be a problem, it is a matter of using whatever connector you a comfortable with and want to adopt as a standard for your station. Bob, G3VVT ___ 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] N fittings
Vic Rosenthal wrote: Part of correctly installing a PL259 outdoors is waterproofing it! I have used both coax seal (for those who don't know, a gummy rubber-like substance) and regular electrical tape coated with liquid electrical tape, with success. Quite agree Vic, which is why I said unprotected !! There are a lot of photos around (e.g. ARRL handbooks) that show bare PL-259s. Vaseline under tape does a good job but not as clean as your method. 73, Geoff. GM4ESD ___ 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] I AM LOOKING FOR OWNER MODS
i have heard there are many mods and add in circuits designed by K2 owners. I recently purchased a used K2. I am very happy with it. I miss two features that were on my TS-850. twin slope PBT and manual notch. I did notice the BFO adjustment. If one had accurate, repeatable, and real time adjustment, could one not get a passband tuning or IF shift effect? I like all the empty space inside to add ones own creations. I am looking forward to what some have come up with. I have a serial number 03100+. I see K2 are up to 04700+, any great difference? I guess it is most prudent to get the PC interface. That is the way one upgrades the K2, correct? TNX MIKE WA2JJH ___ 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] K1 internal signal generator?
Craig, After reading your note I checked my K1. There is a signal in the vicinity of xx99.7 - *but* when I 'CAL' to set that signal at 99.7 my freq indication is off. It looks like one or two things may be happening: 1) the signal should not be set at 99.7 but rather at 99.7 minus the offset you are using (my offset is 800 Hz so I would set it to 98.9) and/or 2) my '99.7' frequency is off to begin with and then moves away from 99.7 as I go up in freq. On 15m it is down to something like 98.2 (from memory, may be off). After CALing to 99.7 minus the offset, the display is fairly close, but still off a bit. If I cal against a better standard my displayed freq will track all of the following: 1) W1AW bulletins at 3581.5, 7047.5, 14047.5, 18097.5, and 21067.5 2) the beacons on 14100.0 3) the beacons on 21150.0 4) on 30m I can check it against WWV (I have the 150kHz option installed) If you don't have the 150 kHz option you can still check against W1AW. Their freq is good to use for CALing. Also, the signal is not really there to use for calibration - it is a birdie that happens to fall at ~xx99.7. I think what really happened was Wayne tweaked an oscillator frequency to put it there - and get it out of the band. And keep in mind that this is from a sample of one, so may be off. Maybe someone else will chip in with their experience. 73 de dave ab9ca Craig Rairdin wrote: I didn't get any responses to this question last week so I'm going to try it one more time: The K1 manual makes a very, very brief mention of using an internally generated signal to calibrate the receiver. It seems to indicate this signal is at 99.7. With an antenna disconnected I hear a carrier that is definitely in the neighborhood of 99.7 on 40, 20, and 15M, but on 30M I don't hear it. OTOH, I set it up with 10.1 MHz as the low end of that band so maybe the signal is at 9997 KHz and that's why I'm not hearing it. (I do hear a carrier around 10.170 MHz with no antenna connected.) So... am I understanding that this signal does exist and its purpose is to calibrate the receiver or am I not understanding the sentence fragment that mentions this signal? And is there something I can use on 30M? FYI the K1 is my only radio so I don't have anything to calibrate it against. Craig WB0GUU ___ 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] Calibration Standard
Look on my website www.qsl.net/w3fpr for an easy to build calibrator for your DMM. 73, Don W3FPR I looked at Don's neat little project, and really like it. However, I just don't have time to scratch-build right now. Out of curiosity, I did an EBay search for voltage reference standard and found a guy named Joe Geller at gellerlabs.com. He sells an assembled calibrator that is NIST traceable when delivered. They start at about $25.00 and go up, but all are under $100. They are available in 2.5, 5, and 10 volt models. If I remember correctly, his claim for accuracy is about 0.1%. For a few dollars more, he will use a chip that doubles that accuracy. I ordered the basic model to test and/or calibrate my used HP 3466A. I will put out a report on how I like it when it gets here! Dan Allen KB4ZVM K2 S/N 1757 ___ 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] Surplus Elecraft items and more
I have the following items for sale: KAF2 $40, replaced by KDSP2 KIO2 $50 w/cable, replaced by KPA100w I/O provision KAT2 $100 w/K2 top cover, replaced by KAT100 MH2 $35 w/jumpers, replaced by MD2 All items with instruction manuals. LDG RT-11 with RT-11 remote $150, replaced by KAT100 HLA-150 $150, replaced by KPA100 The soldering station has grown cold, the floor swept, and tools put awaytime to operate!! 73, Roger, WA7BOC K2 #755 ___ 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] Calibration Standard
Maxim has a nice family of references (MAX6126) speced at 0.02% in several voltage values. It's around $6 but they'll send you a free sample. http://www.maxim-ic.com/quick_view2.cfm/qv_pk/3623 73/Bob - W5BIG === - Original Message - From: Dan Allen [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Stephen W. Kercel [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Elecraft Reflector Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, February 14, 2005 8:58 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Calibration Standard Look on my website www.qsl.net/w3fpr for an easy to build calibrator for your DMM. 73, Don W3FPR I looked at Don's neat little project, and really like it. However, I just don't have time to scratch-build right now. Out of curiosity, I did an EBay search for voltage reference standard and found a guy named Joe Geller at gellerlabs.com. He sells an assembled calibrator that is NIST traceable when delivered. They start at about $25.00 and go up, but all are under $100. They are available in 2.5, 5, and 10 volt models. If I remember correctly, his claim for accuracy is about 0.1%. For a few dollars more, he will use a chip that doubles that accuracy. I ordered the basic model to test and/or calibrate my used HP 3466A. I will put out a report on how I like it when it gets here! Dan Allen KB4ZVM K2 S/N 1757 ___ 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] Surplus Elecraft items and more
Roger, I am interested in buying the LDG RT-11 and control head. Would you take paypal or a Canada Post Money Order? Would you ship to me via US Postal Service International Parcel Post (Air)? Is the RT-11 factory built or built from a kit? Condition? Darrell VA7TO On February 14, 2005 8:17 pm, Roger Stein wrote: I have the following items for sale: KAF2 $40, replaced by KDSP2 KIO2 $50 w/cable, replaced by KPA100w I/O provision KAT2 $100 w/K2 top cover, replaced by KAT100 MH2 $35 w/jumpers, replaced by MD2 All items with instruction manuals. LDG RT-11 with RT-11 remote $150, replaced by KAT100 HLA-150 $150, replaced by KPA100 The soldering station has grown cold, the floor swept, and tools put awaytime to operate!! 73, Roger, WA7BOC K2 #755 ___ 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 -- Darrell Bellerive Amateur Radio Stations: VA7TO, VE7CLA Grand Forks, British Columbia, Canada ___ 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] I AM LOOKING FOR OWNER MODS
Mike, The major changes between your K2 (sn 3000+) and the current one is the PLL Reference Temperature Stability upgrade and the Keying Waveshape change. A minor change is the addition of diodes D40 and D41 to handle strong on-frequency signals. The Keying Waveshape change requires updated firmware. If you want a 'sneak preview' of these changes, download the K2 manual version F from the elecraft website (www.elecraft.com) and look at pages 20, 49, 52 and the first column of page 59. Elecraft offers kits for all but the D40 and D41 addition - I might add that the 'standard Elecraft' SSB filter bandwidth has been changed from 2.1 kHz to 2.4 kHz (Elecraft offers the capacitors to make this change). If you want the most complete list of mods to the K2 (both owner and Elecraft mods), take a look at Sverre Holm's list of mods (http://www.qslnet.de/member/la3za/K2/mod.html). The Elecraft website has information on serial numbers for the break-in of the 'official' changes. Discrete Passband Tuning is possible with the K2 filters - the information has not appeared in the K2 manual for some time now, but if you are interested, download the K2 Field Test Manual from Tom Hammond's website (www.n0ss.net), and you will find the information there. The K2 upgrades are hardware oriented, and the firmware is not field updatable (the PIC chips are read only), you must purchase any desired firmware upgrades from Elecraft. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- i have heard there are many mods and add in circuits designed by K2 owners. I recently purchased a used K2. I am very happy with it. I miss two features that were on my TS-850. twin slope PBT and manual notch. I did notice the BFO adjustment. If one had accurate, repeatable, and real time adjustment, could one not get a passband tuning or IF shift effect? I like all the empty space inside to add ones own creations. I am looking forward to what some have come up with. I have a serial number 03100+. I see K2 are up to 04700+, any great difference? I guess it is most prudent to get the PC interface. That is the way one upgrades the K2, correct? TNX MIKE WA2JJH ___ 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] K1 internal signal generator?
The calibration signal if one can call it that, is a harmonic of the crystal oscillator for the MPU on the front panel board. The nominal frequency of that crystal is 4000 kHz, but the circuit has been purposefully designed to actually oscillate lower in frequency. Most I've heard of seem to oscillate around 3999.6 kHz. Divide that by 4.0 to get a signal of about 999.9 kHz. You'll hear harmonics, then, in the vicinity of the lower end of ham bands at: 7 x 999.9 = 6999.3 kHz 10 x 999.9 = .0 kHz 14 x 999.9 = 13998.6 kHz 21 x 999.9 = 20997.9 kHz. The K1 receiver operates on lower sideband for all bands. If you have properly set your CW offset to, say, 600 Hz, then your transmitter frequency will be 0.6 kHz lower than your receiver frequency. Most hams want the frequency display to show transmitter frequency rather than receiver frequency. In that case, when you are zero-beat with a signal at, say, 6999.3 kHz, you'd want the LCD display to show 6999.3 - 0.6 = 6998.7 kHz, which will be the frequency transmitted when key-down. But there is no assurance that the MCU crystal in your unit is actually at the 3999.6 kHz used in this example. There are really very few signals out there to use as a calibration signal in the narrow confines of ham HF CW bands. The best, had you used a 150 kHz VFO span option, would be WWV at 1 kHz. But that would have allowed you to calibrate only the 30m band. You'd still need known signals in the other three ham bands to properly calibrate your K1. The suggestion to use the signals from W1AW is perhaps about as good as you'll find in the CW segments of the several ham bands, though normally I'd want another source were it available. 73, Mike / KK5F ___ 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
