[Elecraft] field operating tip: paperless logging in a pinch
Suppose you're operating in the field, or mobile, and don't have a log book or writing instrument. You then snag a new state or country and want to remember the call, etc. What to do? This happened to me today while walking around with my KX1. I worked AA5AE in New Mexico using 1.5 watts and a 4-foot whip--a new state for my pedestrian-mobile effort. Not trusting my memory (for the time, call, QTH, name, and RST), I used one of the KX1's two CW message buffers to log the QSO. On arriving home, I played back the buffer (in P=0 playback mode) and logged the QSO. 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: KX1 relays switching
On Jun 13, 2004, at 10:27 AM, Wim van der Zwan wrote: Hello Elecraft users, I have a KX1 with the options 30 m and tuner. the question is? Changing the bands from 40m to 30m, I can hear the relays switching. By changing the band from 30m to 20m, I can not hear the relays switching but 20m is Ok. and everything works fine. By changing from 20m to 40m, I can hear the relays switching. The questions is ? is that normale that by changing the bands from 30m to 20m no relays switching This is correct, Wim. 30 meters uses the 20 meter relay settings. The 30-meter band-pass filters are switched in using PIN diodes. 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com
[HFpack] Elecraft KX1 mini-log attaches to back cover
When the KX1 is used hand-held, it's difficult to log, since you need three hands (one each for the KX1, log, and pen). To simplify this, we've created a loose-leaf mini-log that attaches to the back of the radio via the thumbscrews. When operating hand-held, you simply flip the rig over and log the QSO. Even when not operating hand-held, the log sheets can be stored in this location for ready access. They're easy to get off because of the two U-shaped channels for attachment at the thumbscrews. In our tests, the log worked well even with a solder lug attached at one thumb screw (for a trailing ground wire). You'll find a .pdf file for the mini-log, and a photo showing the log sheets in use, at: http://www.elecraft.com/KX1/KX1.htm Feel free to print out as many sheets as you'd like for your own use. We suggest heavy card stock, 65 pound or higher (about the weight of business card paper). Trim out the sheets carefully using an X-acto knife or other sharp tool. You can stack quite a few sheets under the thumb screws -- certainly enough for a typical outing. You could also cut out a piece of transparency stock or Vellum to protect the paper sheets during transport. This top sheet should be moved to the bottom of the stack during operation. We didn't include columns for mode or power output level. This info could be noted in the blank area at the right of the mini-log, since it's likely to be the same for a group of QSOs. Be sure to write small! 73, Wayne, N6KR Eric, WA6HHQ --- http://www.elecraft.com Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ~-- Yahoo! Domains - Claim yours for only $14.70 http://us.click.yahoo.com/Z1wmxD/DREIAA/yQLSAA/PMYolB/TM ~- http://www.hfpack.com -- = ALWAYS DELETE the ORIGINAL MESSAGE before sending. All messages should be friendly and helpful. Sign your message with your NAME and CALLSIGN. Global: Daily 1630UTC and 2230UTC on 18157.5USB (18158CW) Global: Daily 0350UTC on 10117.5CW Europe: Saturday Sunday 1840z on 7087.5LSB Australia/Asia/Oceania: Saturday 0915z on 3587.5LSB North America: Saturday Sunday 0145z on 5371.5USB or 3996.0USB -- This is a private communication intended only for members of HFpack. -- To unsubscribe, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hfpack/ * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [Elecraft] Application Note: KX1 S-meter calibration procedure
On Jun 14, 2004, at 6:50 PM, David Toepfer wrote: This procedure got an initial nod from Wayne so I am posting it to the list for broader peer review as it were... Thanks, David. To anyone attempting this procedure: - Calibrating the S-meter is a bit tedious by whatever method you use. I hope to make the KX1's S-meter much easier to calibrate in the future. - It's likely that only a very small range of S-meter menu parameter values will be usable, since they depend only on the accuracy of the 5- and 6-volt regulators. So a faster method might be to start with the average values used by all builders, then tweak them up/down over a very small range. - Clearly, the S-meter function of the KX1 is secondary in importance to the rig's other features. There are only six bars, limiting its utility no matter how well you calibrate it. 73, Wayne N6KR ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: Elecraft Net -- thanks, Kevin!
I just wanted to personally thank Kevin for his efforts in starting and maintaining the Elecraft net(s). It's a lot of work, and in the process he's tackling faster CW speeds, net protocol, and just being an MC. Please drop by the net sometime to show your support for CW and see what it's like in an RF chat room. Kevin announces the times and places. See you there! 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Hamcom reminder
If you find yourself anywhere near Arlington, TX this weekend, stop by Hamcom and visit the Elecraft booth. Eric (and Lerma) Swartz will be there, with plenty of kits. Unfortunately I can't be there -- my wife Lillian is due any day now with our second child. With any luck we'll have him helping out in the booth by Hamcom 2010 :) 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: Thoughts on the KDSP2
Don, I've been happy with the defaults. Others tweak them continuously. Take your pick ;) Wayne On Jun 18, 2004, at 12:42 PM, Don Melcher wrote: Wayne - I wonder if you - or anyone else for that matter - has found any values that work better then the default? --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: how to K2 scan
Hi David, Store A B VFOs (start/end frequencies) in a memory (0-9) using STO. You can start scan by cointinuing to hold STO until you see SCAN on the LCD, or RCL the memory at anytime and hold until you see SCAN. You'll also probably want to assign either PF1 or PF2 as scan resume. If you have the latest K2 firmware (2.04), you have an additional scanning option: hold STO or RCL longer, until you see SCAN and then AF ON. This turns on non-muted or live scanning, which doesn't stop. Use 10 Hz tuning in this case. It's useful for scanning a band looking for very weak signals that would not stop the normal scan routine. Finally, the latest firmware also handles channelized scanning. This is especially useful for the 5 channels authorized on 60 meters. Have fun-- Wayne N6KR On Jun 19, 2004, at 7:24 PM, David Walker wrote: How do I get the K2 into SCAN mode again!!! --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: Sierra's 10th
Thanks for noticing, Bill ;) Not as well known is that I had a bit of help from Eric in test/refinement of the prototype Sierra. So 2004 also marks the 10th anniversary of our first collaboration. Also, the Sierra wouldn't have happened without Doug Hendricks, KI6DS, and Jim Cates, WA6GER (SK). These guys worked tirelessly to promote the Sierra (and other designs) as club projects, and deserve much of the credit. 73, Wayne N6KR On Jun 24, 2004, at 4:45 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Wonder just how many of us have had the pleasure of using N6KR's design, the NORCAL Sierra? I picked up one on eBay and find it to be one sweet li'l rig. I've had it on 40 and 20 with consistently good reports. The rx is a pleasure to listen to. Definitely a keeper! I read somewhere that Field Day, 1994 marked the prototype's debut. So happy 10th, Wayne! --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] KPA100 DC connectors do match the standard
We were very careful to ensure that the KPA100's APP connectors matched the emerging standard orientation. I believe it is correct, but I'll review it again just to be certain. (We've been selling the KPA100 for quite a while now with noone raising this issue, which is a good sign!) Thanks, 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/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: IC-7800 vs K2
Gene A. Williamson wrote: Looking at what I consider the three most important measurements of a receiver's contest performance -- BDR, Ip3, and IMD at 5khz spacing -- in the new ARRL review of the IC-7800, I read the K2 as superior in ALL THREE areas. Thank you, thank you, thank you, N6KR and WA6HHQ. Gene, I haven't seen my QST yet. But I'll be looking for it ;) We'll add the new data to our rig comparison table on Monday. 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/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: Eurasian ECN
Thanks for giving this a good try, Dwayne. If I had a better antenna I would have attempted a check-in. 73, Wayne N6KR On Jun 26, 2004, at 11:34 AM, Dwayne Barbee wrote: Well we have another weekend of the Eurasian ECN in the books. Doc YI9RVT/KE4RVT --- 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/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: Why not? (was: [Elecraft] Re: IC-7800)
On Jun 27, 2004, at 12:51 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Wayne, please take note. The KX1 pretty much defines the little end. Now how about a K3 with which to define the big end? I suggest a more ergonomic transceiver than the K2, covering contesters and DXers specific needs rather than backpacker's. Why not put to the list the question what would be desirable in a K3? Bill K3UJ Hi Bill, Without asking, we've already received a huge list of excellent suggestions for future rigs. I'm afraid of what might happen if we *did* ask ;) That said, feel free to send suggestions directly to me. I'm saving them up. 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/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] A small FD experience
On Jun 27, 2004, at 1:57 PM, Tom Bosscher wrote: 10 watts into 20 feet of wire on the ground! ... I double-dare you to model this antenna in EZ-NEC, Tom ;) Congrats on your daring effort. 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/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: FD W4ZV 1B QRP Single Op
Hi Bill, Congratulations on your excellent showing on Field Day. With that many QSOs, I'm sure you'll do very well in your division. Yes, FD is a bit of work, but it's also a great chance to get outdoors and try your hand at emergency communication setup. I think you'll be back next year ;) ...seemed to me that the CW bands were surprisingly empty. ... Wow -- that wasn't my impression at all. I heard wall-to-wall CW signals on 20 and 40 meters most of the time, and a good number on 15 and 80 meters. Having done FD for some 10 years in a row now, I'd say that CW activity is about the same as ever. When using QRP on Field Day, you need a lot of patience and the best possible antenna. What I usually do is put up at least two antennas (typically, orthogonal long wires that favor N-S and E-W). You can connect both to the KAT2 or KAT100 at the same time, since both ATUs have dual antenna jacks. You can then quickly test both antennas, even on a per-signal basis, using the front panel ANT1/2 switch. QSK... Where did you have T-R set in the menu? At T-R = 0.00, the receiver is unmuted very fast, which can cause a small receive artifact with certain narrow crystal filter and DSP settings. But we recommend using T-R = 0.01 or higher anyway. For casual operation, use T-R = 0.02 to 0.05. The time required to cleanly switch the VCO between RX and TX is around 10-15 ms. We put a high value on completely clickless and chirpless CW keying, and adjusted firmware delays accordingly. Still, wiith TR = 0.01, you should be able to hear between characters (not words) even at 50 WPM. If not, you may have an assembly or component problem somewhere. It's likely that we could improve VCO lock time and obtain between-dits receive at such speeds. This is one item on my list of possible future mods for the K2. Power meter... It's a good idea to adjust POWER when not keying. During transmit, a small additional amount of hysteresis is added to the POWER control to improve noise margin, and this can increase the power-control step size. You can also usually adjust one resistor value in the BFO attenuator to improve power-setting accuracy. Some JFETs (Q24) have much higher transconductance than average, leading to coarser steps from the 8-bit DAC. To compensate, try increasing the value of R98 from 270 to as high as 470-820 ohms. (This experiment is best done with a small trim pot installed; replace the pot with a fixed resistor close to the final pot value.) If you adjust R98's value, make sure that the rig can still reach at least 10 watts on all bands with POWER set to 10.0. CW messages... In order to store the maximum possible characters in the K2's CW message memories, the firmware quantizes your sending into standard-length dots, dashes, and spaces. This is not as forgiving as using a times-8 clock for recording, which is characteristic of some keyers. But such keyers have a much larger EEPROM than the K2 does, or they don't provide as many characters of storage. It's conceivable that we could go to a larger part in the future and use a times-8 or even times-16 sample clock. (Another item on my future mods list) 73, Wayne, N6KR ___ 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/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: FD W4ZV 1B QRP Single Op
On Jun 29, 2004, at 10:22 AM, Bill Tippett wrote: By the way, could you explain exactly what the K2's performance tradeoff is when using OPT - BATT? Does this give mainly less sensitivity or less dynamic range? It sounds like sensitivity to my ears so I left it set to OPT - PERF for the entire contest, but would like to know in case I am ever running low on reserve battery power. Hi Bill, OPT BATT has only a very slight impact on receiver sensitivity -- probably 1 dB or so on most bands -- and I'm sure it would not have impacted your FD operation. It reduces current in the IF post-amp by about 50 mA, which can be useful if you're running from a small battery. The tradeoff is several dB of receiver dynamic range. Other current-saving strategies include setting BAR to OFF or DOT, using headphones, reducing TX power, turning off the preamp on the low bands, and (as you discovered) setting LCD to DAY. However, since you were running from a battery 10x the size needed for a FD operation, you did the right thing by leaving it set for OPT PERF ;) I would estimate that you could operate continuously (hunt 'n' pounce) for about 150 hours with a 75 AH battery. The K2 has the lowest current drain of any high-performance transceiver, by far, and was designed specifically with Field Day in mind. 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/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] N4BP Guano Reef Bashful Pervert's Field Day
Nice work, Bob (et al)! Thanks for the report. Wayne N6KR On Jun 29, 2004, at 1:23 PM, Bob Patten wrote: TOTAL 1036 QSO's10,295 + 950 bonus points = 11,245 --- 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/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: ECN Eurasia from the west end
On Jul 3, 2004, at 9:24 AM, SP9NSV wrote: Taking part in ECN Eurasia for the first time, I worked the following Hi Kris ( Dwayne, etc.), It's great to see this Eurasian ECN activity. I'm hoping that conditions will be good enough for state-side checkins someday. I'll have to get to work improving my antenna. Now let's see.if I'm going to put up a fixed-aimed wire beam that would optimize for ECN Eurasia from San Francisco, where should it point? :) 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/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: KX1 and airport security
Eric Ward wrote: Went through 2 airports (RDU and STL) this weekend. KX1+ ~60ft of 26 ga wire were in a Rubbermaid container, which I took out of my carry-on and put in bin to go through the x-ray. One screener asked me if it was an electronic device. No one opened the Rubbermaid box. I was surprised it did not attract more attention-circuit boards, a metal box, 6 AA batteries, a big coil of wire?!? Perhaps you don't match The Profile, Eric ;) 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/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: KX1 antenna experiments
On Jul 7, 2004, at 10:16 PM, Doug Forman wrote: I guess it's just interesting to me that the internal tuner does such a GREAT job matching the 135' slinky dipole on both 20 and 40 meters, but falls apart on 30 meters. It's also interesting to me that the internal tuner NICELY matches the MA5V on 40 meters (it's only a 10-20m vertical with a SWR of 7.6 on the antenna analyzer at 7055khz). Hi Doug, The KXAT1 was designed with medium-length random wires in mind. It has a fairly limited Z-matching range, and may have a rough time with very low-Z or high-Z loads. In your case, the L and C values provided just happened to hit a sweet spot on the Smith chart with your 40-meter tuneup on the vertical. And a sour spot on 30 with the slinky dipole ;) The L and C steps are fairly coarse, so with loads like this, it will be hit-or-miss. If you want to make sure the KXAT1 is working as intended, try the sorta-vertical we recommended in the KXAT1 manual: toss about 20 to 25' of wire into a tree, and lay out a 16' radial on the ground. The L/C values were tuned for this easy-to-erect field antenna. The ATU also does a great job with not-quite-resonant antennas. Example: the Maldol AH-14 20-meter whip. This whip is tuned for the high end of the band, but the ATU finds a match close to 1.0:1, making the transmitter happier. Without it, the SWR is over 3:1. 73, Wayne ___ 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/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] 60-meter get-together tonight?
I hear a few signals on 60 meters, but not a lot. It might be fun to pick a time to converge on one frequency and see what the band *really* sounds like when there's decent activity. It's like the 40-meter call to arms a few weeks ago, but channelized, which might make it easier ;) I'll toss out a suggestion and see if it sticks: 5346.5 kHz (if QRM: 5366.5), 0130 Z (6:30 PM PST), tonight. I'd propose something for next week, but chances are I'll be at the hospital with my wife and new baby (he's due today!). 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/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] 60-meter get-together again, 0130Z
I worked one station on 60 last night after the posting. I'm game to try again tonight. Same time (0130) same channel (5346.5). Wayne On Jul 9, 2004, at 8:21 AM, Dave G. wrote: Wayne, If you meant Thursday night, the digest arrived after the event... :-\ If you mean tonight Friday 07-09-04, then I'll be happy to try :-0 --- 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/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: [XV60 upgrade
Good idea, Dave. We should probably mention this in all of the manuals ;) Wayne On Jul 11, 2004, at 1:09 PM, Dave G. wrote: Wayne, Perhaps there should be a mention, somewhere in the XV60 manual, to re-tighten the PA nuts after operating for a while. While doing routine checking, I found that mine were relatively loose. Dave KK7SS --- 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/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: Icom IC-7800 review
On Jul 20, 2004, at 11:20 AM, Julian, G4ILO wrote: For ten thousand bucks it ought to have a button to control the reflectivity of the ionosphere. :-) And a compartment in the top for storage of your K2, K1, and KX1 ;) 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] Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 3, Issue 24
smart alecks... END of thread, thank you. 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] Re: K1 Manual Errata Sheet - add these?
END of this thread, too ;) Thanks, 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] Elecraft contributor scaling Wyoming peaks with KX1--could use help listening for him this week
Hi All,
Many of you know John Grebenkemper, KI6WX, mastermind of several
improvements to the K2, designer of the Tandem Match, and frequent
contributor to ham journals.
John is an avid hiker, and embarked this weekend on a challenging trek
into the mountains of Wyoming. He's in Pinedale today, preparing for an
assault on Fremont peak later this week. If he makes it, he may be the
first to operate an HF rig from there. I found a web site with some
great photos of the area he's headed for:
http://www.chem.utah.edu/news/activities/WindRivers_1998/
John's principle means of communication will be an Elecraft KX1. He
designed a minimum-weight center-fed antenna that's optimized for use
with the KXAT1 internal ATU, and appropriate for the treeless, rocky
terrain. He'll be using the rig with internal batteries and the keyer
paddle. John's not exactly a CW buff, and will probably be getting by
at 10 WPM or so.
Tom Hammond and I are tasked with fielding John's daily reports via HF,
starting tomorrow night. He'll be sending his QTH, GPS lat/lon, and
status. This info will be relayed to his wife, Mary, who will call
search and rescue if we don't hear from him at all by next Saturday.
Since HF conditions have been very poor, Tom and I would really
appreciate having some help listening for him. Here's his schedule for
each evening:
0200Z, 10108 kHz
0215Z, 14062 kHz
0230Z, 7040 kHz
Once he's made contact with either of us, or a QSP station, he will not
continue on to the other frequencies.
If you don't hear him successfully contact N6KR or N0SS, please feel
free to give him a call and copy his info. You can then e-mail it to
me. To get his attention, you might try KI6WX QSP DE {your call} a
couple of times. Please use 10 WPM or so!
PLEASE don't transmit until it sounds like he's having trouble
contacting us. If all goes well, perhaps some of us will have a chance
to have a more casual QSO with John. But the primary goal is to get the
lat/lon data accurately so Mary can keep track of him ;)
On the day that he climbs Fremont peak, he will also try calling on
10108 between 1800Z and 2100Z. But this is more for fun than for status
reporting.
John's outing is precisely the sort we'd designed the KX1 for, and
we're excited about being able to help him stay in touch via ham radio.
Thanks in advance--
Wayne
N6KR
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[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
[Elecraft] Elecraft KXPD1 paddle -- minor upgrade
The KXPD1 is the custom paddle we supply for use with the KX1 transceiver. Many KXPD1 users have suggested that we supply a label to cover the soldered connections on the paddle's 1/8th inch plug. We have now done just that. It looks nicer than the exposed leads, and the leads are better protected. KXPD1 kits now shipping include this tiny new feature. If you already own a KXPD1, you can request the hole cover free through the end of August. Just send an SASE to Elecraft, with PD1CVR Request written on the outer envelope. This item is also now listed on our parts order page. 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] Re: Elecraft Awards Announcement
Larry, W2LJ, wrote: ...the Elecraft Ragchewer's Award snip I wanted to point out that this award was the great idea of Larry, himself--our new awards administrator. As you'll soon see, he did a beautiful job on the certificate. So: who will be the first to claim this highly-prized new wallpaper? I remember getting the ARRL Ragchewing award back in the early 70s as a novice. It was my first-ever award, and certainly the easiest to obtain. With this new Elecraft version, the tradition of great on-air chats continues. 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] SMT kits and Elecraft
Regarding SMT (surface-mount technology): We will obviously have to use many more SMDs (surface-mount devices) in future kits. But they will all be pre-installed, with rare exceptions. While it is possible to install and remove SMDs by hand, it can require a lot of practice, patience, steady nerves, unimpaired vision, and specialized tools. Only a small fraction of kit builders has all of these *and* the desire to build kits with SMDs. (I can do it, but I don't like to :) That said, we may offer small SMD-based accessory kits someday for those who are interested in learning and applying the necessary skills. 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] Re: XG1 and K2 Signal Tracing
On Aug 10, 2004, at 6:04 PM, Tom Mc wrote: I've also built the XG1 signal generator and would like to trace the signal through my K2. Hi Tom, The signal put out by the XG1 is so low in amplitude that the only point in the circuit you can trace with it is the audio amplifier, and perhaps the output of the product detector. It is intended for calibration at signal levels usually only seen in on-air operation (1 to 50 microvolts). If you'd like to trace signals through the rest of the receive chain, you'll need a signal in the 10s or 100s of millivolts. That's where the oscillator in Appendix E comes in. We provided a full list of signal-tracing points based on the use of this oscillator and the RF probe supplied with the K2. 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] First KX1 QSO
Congratulations, Bill, and have fun with that KX1! 73, Wayne N6KR On Aug 17, 2004, at 4:59 AM, Bill or Lisa Shappley wrote: I guess I'll call it The Golden QSO, hi hi.SM3DBU on 14.061big fish story... --- 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] best ultralightweight beach vertical?
I was using a KX1 at the beach yesterday, with a Maldol 4-foot whip, and found myself wishing I had a longer radiator for beach outings. I'd like a multi-section or telescoping vertical that's 8 to 10' long, 0.5 or smaller in diameter, and most important, weighs just a few ounces. In a perfect world it would also come with a stake to plant in the sand. It doesn't even have to be resonant, since I can use the KX1's internal tuner, supplemented if necessary by a small coil interposed between the rig and the antenna, to tune the antenna on all three bands. This would make for instant band change without fussing with a tap or swapping loading coils. A nonresonant whip would also probably be a lot lighter and less expensive than backpacking-style antennas that are packaged with per-band coils, etc. Anyone know of a vertical that meets the above requirements? Tnx, Wayne N6KR ___ 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: best ultralightweight beach vertical?
Hi Doug, This sounds like a winner. I called them and found that the 10' version is just 3.1 oz. Thanks to everyone else who responded, too. 73, Wayne N6KR I have a 14' graphite panfish pole from Cabela's that weighs 6 or 7 ounces that might be of interest for this application. They sell shorter ones that should be even lighter, but you need to add some wire. The 10' one is $15, the 12' one is $22. and the 14' is $25. --- 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] Re: K2 ALC Anomaly Using PTT
Roy Morris, W4WFB, wrote: Anyone who uses a K2/100 with a linear needs to know that the K2 ALC does not kick in if PTT is used and the K2 display is in the RF mode. Roy, Fortunately, this is definitely not the case. There is no relationship between SSB ALC action in the K2/100 (controlled by hardware) and the setting of the RF/ALC metering (controlled by firmware). We just verified this in the lab. Your specific unit could have an odd problem that causes this, but we've never seen it before. If what you described is repeatable, please contact Gary and explain exactly how it happens. He'll help you debug it. 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] Re: cold/power on/ transmit on/pa hot! software glitch?
Stephen, I recently posted on this topic. It's worth a repeat -- see below. 73, Wayne N6KR * * * I recently discovered that a 20-amp power supply with poor power-up characteristics can cause some odd indications on power-up of the KPA100. These indications have been reported by several customers. Technical Details If the power supply voltage has a significant bounce when first turned on, going high and then low before stabilizing, the microcontroller on the KPA100 may take an invalid sample of the temperature. This can cause the fan to come on at high speed for about two minutes initially, even if it's not set for high fan mode. If you transmit during this two minutes, you may see PA HOT on the LCD. If you go into the CAL tPA menu entry, you may briefly see tPA 255 until the next temperature sample has been taken. Once the temperature has been reset (or if you've waited for over 2 minutes before transmitting), the unit should function normally. This start-up anomaly will not damage the KPA100 or K2 in any way, and you can continue to transmit with the KPA100. What to Do? If you experience the above symptoms, you can take one of three steps: 1. We've just added some self-defense against bouncy power supplies to the KPA100 firmware (revision 1.10). This version is shipping with all new KPA100 kits. It can also be ordered from our parts/firmware/mod kits web page: http://www.elecraft.com/order_form_parts.htm#fw or by calling elecraft sales at 831-662-8345. 2. Turn on the K2's power before you turn on power to the KPA100. This is what I do, and it's why I hadn't noticed the problem before. The best way to power the K2 separately is to connect a low-current (4A) backup supply or battery to the K2's DC barrel jack. (Less convenient would be to run a Y cable from the 20-amp supply to the K2's DC barrel jack, and not connect the KPA100's APP power supply connector until after powering the K2 up.) 3. If you notice the fan running at high speed at power up, even if it's set for nor or loHi mode, you can go into CAL tPA to force the KPA100 to take a correct reading. It should function normally after exiting the menu. (Or, you can wait 2 minutes before transmitting.) 73, Wayne N6KR ___ 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: low bat KX1
On Sep 22, 2004, at 6:59 PM, MC Carpenter wrote: even with new batteries the low bat come up is this a adjustment problem or is a component not of the correct value Hi MC, The LO BAT warning threshold is programmable using the BAT menu entry. You may have it set too low. You can also check the battery voltage at any time using BAT display mode. See the quick-reference guide in the back of the manual. 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] Re: Fun QSO: 3000 miles, 1.5 watts, 4' whip, elevation delta 9998 feet
On Sep 28, 2004, at 10:20 AM, Vic Rosenthal wrote: How far were you from the water, Wayne? Something worth mentioning is that performance of vertical antennas improves quite rapidly as you get very close to salt water -- even few meters makes a difference. The last time I went to a saltwater location (near Morro Bay, I think) I set up a card table with my K2 on it with its legs actually in a couple of inches of water! I had a 16' vertical bungee-strapped to one of the legs. Conditions that day were absolutely atrocious, but I did work a JA. Good point, Vic. I thought about moving closer to the water, but home base (i.e., the family and beach blanket) were 100' from the water and that seemed like the place to be. Wayne --- 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] Re: Elk hair caddis KX1
On Oct 5, 2004, at 10:26 PM, Dan Presley wrote: Just had to share with you all some fun I had on Monday.'wading mobile' Great story, Dan. If you have some photos, we could turn this into a great article for the Elecraft web site ;) 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] Pacificon kit-building forum this Saturday
I'll be talking about kits and kit construction in a forum at Pacificon this Saturday, from 1:15-2:15 PM in the San Ramon room. Please pass this along to any of your friends, in-laws, offspring, etc., who might want to try their hand at our favorite activity. I'll bring lots of examples of Elecraft kits, ranging from the DL1 dummy load to the K2/100. I may also bring a few one-of-a-kind radios that didn't quite make it out of the lab ;) This forum is often standing-room-only, so arrive a few minutes early if you prefer to sit. Looking forward to seeing many of you this weekend. For further details on Pacificon, see www.pacificon.org 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] Re: Mod for more AF gain on K2
On Oct 22, 2004, at 1:17 PM, Mike S wrote: It seems that some people have problems with low audio out on some K2's. There was a recent thread where I mentioned that it may be possible to easily substitute an LM386 for the LM380 AF amp and get more gain. I'm happy to report that this works FB. Mike, I'm glad that this worked for you. However, because of the problem with clipping at high signal levels, I definitely don't recommend that anyone do this unless they're desperate for more audio. The LM386 is a lower-power part and is also noisier than the LM380, partly because of all that extra gain. AF output can be increased in less drastic ways. Here are my favorites: - On older K2s, make the 2nd XFIL modification. This allows you to properly align L34, minimizing loss through the 2nd crystal filter in both SSB and CW modes. - Verify that the band-pass filters and L34 are peaked correctly. - Use Spectrogram to properly align the BFOs as specified in the manual. - Adjust the AGC threshold so that it isn't activated by low-level band noise. (First, turn AGC OFF by holding PRE and ATTN. If the background noise comes up, you may have the AGC pot set too aggressively.) - Add the KDSP2 option, which provides programmable AF gain well above the standard level. - Add the KAF2 option, which also increases AF gain (and it can also be adjusted by changing a couple of resistors). - The gain of the preamp can be increased by a few dB with little overall change in RX performance. Simply change R76 from 10 ohms to about 5 ohms. You can substitute a 5.6-ohm resistor, or just parallel another 10 ohm resistor across the existing one. In fact you can do this live to see what the effect is. - If all else fails, signal trace through the receive chain as described in appendix E. You could be losing RX signal in the T-R switch or elsewhere. Note that you can check your K2's performance easily with an Elecraft XG1 1-microvolt receiver test oscillator. 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] Re: Mod for more AF gain on K2
I think we're on the same page, Mike. I just want to make sure builders know there are other alternatives before they jump into a different AF amp IC. Lord knows I've designed LM386's into a lot of rigs (the NorCal 40A, Sierra, SST, K1, and KX1, to name just those which made it out of the lab). I tame the noise by putting a resistor/capacitor network in series between pins 5 and 8. But ideally the gain and NF ahead of the amp would be adequate so that no heroics are required here. Regarding how loud is loud, the place where you need the audio levels that the '380 is capable of is in mobile or high-noise outdoor situations--such as Field Day with a generator nearby. Or in my rickety VW van at 60 MPH ;) 73, Wayne On Oct 22, 2004, at 5:06 PM, Mike S wrote: At 06:42 PM 10/22/2004, wayne burdick wrote... However, because of the problem with clipping at high signal levels, I definitely don't recommend that anyone do this unless they're desperate for more audio. The LM386 is a lower-power part and is also noisier than the LM380, partly because of all that extra gain. I was able to make both clip, but in both cases it was when the volume exceeded a comfortable level. The LM386 was putting out over 1/2 W when it did. --- 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] Re: Putting the K2 in K2ZR/FD; 3rd in 1A-b
Nice work, Mark! Several K2 users have mentioned how well the rig worked for them at Field Day. This is gratifying for Eric and me, since that's exactly what we designed it for :) Now if I could just get out of the lab and into the great outdoors more often 73, Wayne N6KR On Nov 3, 2004, at 1:34 PM, Mark S. Adams, P.E. wrote: Hi Gang, Just a quick gloat from the Buffalo Lighthouse Crew 1A-Battery FD event 2004. We finished 3rd using my K2 (SN543) and 4 Windoms hung from the top of the Buffalo Lighthouse. The K2 continues to be THE radio for this type of operation. Any laptop and a K2 can go the full event without making a deep cycle battery breath hard :-) And the other group operating from the USS Sullivans, just a stones throw up the shipping channel, and operating with real power, is not even noticed unless we are on the exact same frequency working each other --- 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] Re: Problems with K2 #4502 ??
Hi Fred, Power output varies from K2 to K2, but if you feel that it's low, Gary can send you a list of things to check. Regarding the solar-charging issue: You can probably increase the output of the solar charger a bit. For example if there's a diode in series, you can replace it with a 95SQ015 type, which has very low voltage drop. We should have them in stock (send a request to [EMAIL PROTECTED]). If the solar charger is regulated, there may a voltage trimming adjustment. With no charge regulator, the open-circuit voltage from a solar panel is generally well above 13.7 V. You can continue charging the K2's internal battery as long as the voltage is at 14 V or higher, *or* if it's steadily *rising*, indicating that the battery is pulling the voltage down as it charges. A depleted battery may drag the solar panel down to 12 to 13V during initial recharge, depending on how large a panel you have and how much insolation is available. (It's 800 watts per square meter at the equator in full sun, and you won't need that much :) Further details on solar charging can be found in back issues of QST, on the web, and probably from the manufacturer of your panel. 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] Re: Power lag after changing bands...
Hi Tom, In CW mode, the K2's power output level is controlled in firmware. This allows us to preserve the rig's excellent keying waveform. It can take a few dits (or one dash, usually) to settle when you change bands. Most other rigs close the power-control loop using hardware. This can result in poor rise/fall characteristics and wide-band clicks at certain power levels. 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] Elecraft kits make great gifts...updated buying guide now available
Thinking about buying someone an Elecraft kit this holiday season? Hoping someone might be ordering one for you? Either way, please check out our concise guide to Elecraft products: http://www.elecraft.com/buyers_guide/Elecraft%20Options4.htm This guide is written for the many non-technical people in our lives, offering useful, humorous product descriptions that can help them figure out what a ham might want -- and why! At the end, there's a handy one-page check-list with prices discretely removed. 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] Re: KX1 Wind River Mountains
John, KI6WX wrote: Last summer, I had several folks track my location as I solo hiked through the Wind River Mountains on an historical exploration trip. I used a KX1 to send out my evening GPS location. The historical results of that exploration are now posted on the web at: http://home.pacbell.net/johngreb/fremont1842.htm This trip was able to determine with a high degree of certainty which mountain John C. Fremont climbed in August 1842. This is a question that has been in controversy for many years. I'm convinced, John -- congratulations on this bit of sleuth work. Will your contribution be officially recognized? More importantly, will KX1 appear somewhere as a footnote? :) 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] Re: Stupid C W question
On Nov 28, 2004, at 7:08 AM, Dan Barker wrote: Does A4 mean 14 in Spanish? I hear Zones of A4 from EA7 stations. My map says 14 but my Español es muy stinko. Hi Dan, A4 is just a truncated-elements form of 14. Below is G0UKB's succinct explanation from a posting to our reflector on Nov. 7th, 2001. 73, Wayne N6KR * * * It is becoming more common for operators, in an effort to minimize ANY unnecessary effort, to use cut numbers. Cut numbers are abbreviated forms of the number, expressed as LETTERS: 0 = T 1 = A 2 = U 9 = N Generally all the other numbers are send as numbers, but 5NN T4 means 599 04. The cut numbers for zero and 9 will be the most frequently used. However, in contests where the exchange is RST and POWER, you will often hear a station send 5NN ATT for 599 100, or even 5NN TTT or 5NN K for 599 1000. * * * 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] Re: purchase decision [K2/100 as ARES/ermergency rig]
Hi Scott, Thanks for your interest in the K2/100. I'm sure you'll get many responses to your posting, but I thought I'd give you my perspective, too: I'm looking for a backup, portable, ares rig... I think you'll find the K2 well-suited to an ARES application. It's quite small, and weights just 5 pounds with the KPA100 module or the internal battery installed. Current drain is extremely low for a high-performance transceiver: less than 0.5 amp on receive with the KPA100 module installed. If you ever had to run from a battery and/or solar panel, you'd be on the air for a long time. The K2/100 also has a companion automatic antenna tuner (KAT100) that's quite rugged and can match a very wide range of ad-hoc or emergency antennas. The KAT100-1 (slim package) can be installed directly underneath the rig, forming a compact package. Another unique feature of the K2/100 is that it has two DC input jacks: an APP connector for the usual 20 amp supply, and a DC barrel jack for powering just the 15-watt basic radio. If you have a backup supply (say a small battery) connected to the barrel jack, and the 20 amp supply goes down (due to loss of mains, etc.), the rig will keep right on running at the 15-watt level. This is totally seamless -- you don't even have to unkey the mic. The LCD will flash NO PA P.S. (no PA power supply). 1 At low dc voltage, What is the power output of the k2/100? The basic K2 is unusual in that it's designed to provide stable operation from as low as 9 volts. Power will automatically roll back (due to the programmable current limit) from 15 watts to between 2 and 5 watts as you approach this lower voltage limit. When using the PA, a higher supply voltage is recommended (11 volts), but you'll be able to use the PA even at the end-of-life voltage for a gel-cell (around 10 to 10.5 V) in a pinch. The K2 has a built-in voltmeter for monitoring supply voltage, so it you suspect the voltage is low, you can check it periodically and adjust the POWER control downward manually. You might experiment with this ahead of time to gain some experience with low-voltage operation. 2 Has anyone used the k2/100 on pactor III? Are the ssb filter widths an issue? The K2 meets the turnaround times for Pactor, although I haven't used the rig in this mode myself. The SSB filter bandwidth should suffice (about 2.2 to 2.4 kHz). This bandwidth was selected to provide good punch when operating at low power. 3 The stock radio has 10 memories? Is there a way to expand this? There are actually 20 memories: one per band that saves the last VFO A/B setting on each, and 10 general-purpose memories. The modest number of memories reflects the K2's low-power/high-performance pedigree; the rig has a very efficient microcontroller that keeps internal RFI to a minimum as well as drawing just a few mA. You can use the memories for scanning, either continuously from VFO A to B, or for channel-hopping, e.g. among the five fixed frequencies of the 60 meter band. The VFO knob can even be programmed to channel hop manually, especially useful on 60 meters and with VHF transverters. If you control the radio from a computer, you can have unlimited memories, since the computer can store and retrieve them and program the radio. A number of radio-control and logging programs have been adapted to work well with the K2. 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] Re: zero beat detector with KX1?
Eric Ward wrote: I have been interested in building some version of a visual zero beat detector that uses a PLL tone-decoder IC for use with the KX1. I have read about the K2 guys using N0SS's PC board version of the circuit designed by KR5L. Has anyone tried it (or the Jackson Harbor Press kit, or any such similar) with the KX1? Is the side tone too fuzzy/harmonically rich to make it work? Hi Eric, Tom Hammond has put the tone detector in a KX1, I believe. But I think he's off-line for a few days, since he's visiting here in California. On another topic, you wrote: I was interested in WA5ZNU's recent post about tri-state and side tone levels on the KX1. Can't claim to understand it completely-I am a lowly biologist. It must be frustrating to be a biologist these days, watching species disappear, oceans warm, ice caps melt, habitat destroyed, and very little being done about it by the world's largest polluters. At least it's frustrating for me! Of course any discussion of this topic should be OFF the reflector :) 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] Re: KX1 shares in Pedestrian Mobile WAS
On Dec 23, 2004, at 8:57 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: i just finished my Pedestrian Mobile WAS. All contacts were made using a 7 foot whip and drag wire counterpoise as Pedestrian Mobile... 20 States were worked on CW, hand holding my Elecraft KX1 Outstanding effort, Paul. You had a high degree-of-difficulty factor to overcome -- I know, having worked a lot of /PM myself. (On the other hand, this is more than outweighed by the fun-factor.) Congratulations! 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] Re: Frustrated!
On Jan 8, 2005, at 10:24 AM, Ed Palmer wrote: I still can't get this silly K2 to work on 20 and 30 meters. It appears to work well on all the other bands however. Hi Ed, Having built (and designed) many kits, I can empathize with your frustration at not being able to get part of it to work correctly. Please don't take a hammer to it quite yet -- it's really a great rig ;) The fact that it's working on the other bands means you're 99% there, and you really have successfully completed the kit. It sounds like you've tried all of the things I would try, initially, but here are some more recommendations: - The transmit mode signal-tracing procedure in Appendix E of the manual is very easy, and very effective at locating where the signal is disappearing. An easy to build RF probe is supplied with the kit. Chances are you can find out exactly where the signal is getting lost -- probably the band-pass or low-pass filters, but without tracing, you can't be sure. - If you build a simple test oscillator like that shown in Appendix E, you can inject a signal at the antenna jack, and trace it using the RF probe. To do this, switch to 20 or 30 meters, shut off the rig, then trace backwards with the RF probe starting at the antenna jack. My guess is that you have a short on the RF board in the 20/30-meter lowpass filter. Sometimes these shorts can be hard to find. If all else fails, please send the rig to Gary, our customer support engineer. He's seen just about everything, and I'm sure he can quickly fix it for you. If it turns out that the RF board was defective, the repair will be entirely on us. 73, Wayne, N6KR (principle designer of the K2) --- 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] Re: Comparison
On Jan 13, 2005, at 10:25 AM, William E. Twaddell wrote: I know I ask this before, but do not remember as response. Is there, was there, a K2 to Argonaut V side by side ever done? Hi William (Bill?), There probably are independent comparisons out there somewhere. Meanwhile, both the K2 and the Argo V are listed in our receiver performance comparison tables: http://www.elecraft.com/K2_perf.htm This information is taken entirely from published ARRL lab tests except as noted in footnotes. We believe it to be accurate and unbiased. In the larger table (near the top of the page), transceivers are listed roughly in order of decreasing receive performance. It's a bit of an apples/oranges comparison because the rigs near the top are each best in class in one or two categories. For example, the K2 has the best 5-kHz blocking dynamic range (135 dB), and the Orion has the lowest phase noise (-138 dBc), and the IC-7800 has the best IP3 (+37 dBm). The K2 is also distinguished by having far lower current drain than any other top-rated transceiver. 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] EQP pre-announcement
Hi All, A few people have asked about this year's EQP (Elecraft QSO Party). We've tentatively settled on a contest period of 1500 Z March 12 to 1500 Z March 13. Final details will be posted here and on our web site soon. Of course it's impossible to find a weekend that isn't chock-full of contests, so there's an inevitable overlap between EQP and other activities. We tried to do as little damage as possible, but it's not too late to complain loudly and try to convince us to change our minds ;) 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] Re: KX1: ATU and misc
Hi Andrea, As the designer of the KX1 and options I thought I'd chip in here. 1) my G5RV, accidentally shortened because of a wind gust, cannot be tuned by my IC-736 in 30m while the KXAT1 happily reports a perfect match (r1.0). Is that plausible? Tuners in some commercial transceivers are limited either by power handling or by firmware to 3:1. The KXAT1 is quite capable of matching some (but not all) loads that are 10:1 or higher, thanks to the low power of the KX1. 2) in order to debug the problem above, how can I force the ATU to forget the 30m band LC settings and retune, possibly without resetting the main cpu? If I force a retune in 20m and 40m I hear lot of relays clicking, while all is quiet on 30m. I checked the error code and it is E00, so I'm stuck. Just tune up into a dummy load on any band you want to reset. 3) the pwr meter of the ATU reports 5.2-5.5W on 30m as opposed to 3.0-3.3W on 40m and 3.5-3.8W on 20m. No accurate calibration was done, but the difference is striking. Any clues/things to investigate? If this happens even on a dummy load, the rig probably really is putting out higher power on 30 m. The knee in the low-pass filter moves around a bit and can have a large effect on per-band efficiency. The knee can be adjusted to equalize the bands somewhat by squeezing or spreading the low-pass filter toroid windings. As a side-note (pun not intended), with respect to the KX1 power mods suggested a while ago, I have a question: has anyone thought about putting a fuse on the battery line? The potential for damage due to a shorted Q6 is quite relevant even when running off internal batteries; my external power cord is fused and this has already saved me once 8-) In general I recommend operating the KX1 at 4 W and lower. The extra dB or two you get by exceeding this is usually not worth the risk. As for fusing, I don't know of any cases of battery melt-down on the KX1. Remember that the maximum power output when running from the internal battery is about 2 watts. If you really wanted to fuse it, you could use a very small self-resetting polyfuse -- see www.digikey.com for possible types to use. The main problem in the KX1 is space, so you'll need a *really* small fuse. 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] Re: T1 Tuner [was: T-1 Tuner]
Allow me to set the record straight. There is *no* hyphen in Elecraft T1 :) More later. 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] Re: Bencher/Elecraft Hex Paddle Dust Cover
On Feb 9, 2005, at 8:29 AM, Tony Martin W4FOA wrote: Hi Gang, I am SOOO pleased with my Bencher/Elecraft Hex paddle that I want to make sure it stays clean and pretty until I become a SK. Does anyone know of a source for a Paddle Dust Cover (plexiglass) for this jewel? I have been given a couple of references (one WB3EVL and a WP4). One source says EVL is no longer in business (an email has been sent to him) and the WP4 doesn't appear to be a satisfactory option per reviews of his work and reliability. Thanks for your comments, Tony. To the list: If anyone would like to go into business making dust covers for this paddle, please let us know! We would definitely stock them. 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] Re: Elecraft info [noise blanker technical detail]
Hi Phil, I designed the KNB2 before the KNB1, and the KNB2 is the more versatile the two blankers. It also has more dynamic range, compatible with the K2's receiver. If your friend wants to use the KNB2 in his own design, he'll need to substitute discrete control signals for those that are normally decoded and driven by the KNB2's 8-pin PIC. I think it is clear from the schematic what the PIC's pins do, but you could also probe them as you activate the unit from the front panel of the K2, or I can give you more technical detail as needed. The reason we used a PIC here is so the blanker could be controlled over the auxBus, like other options in the K2. Regarding center frequency: 39 MHz may a little high for the KNB2, so he may if fact want to mix down to the K2's I.F. (which is 4.914 MHz, by the way, not 4.014). Still, it may be worth experimenting with component changes on the KNB2 to make it work at the much higher KWM-380 I.F. This would certainly be simpler. Also, a mixer could compromise his receiver's dynamic range unless carefully designed. The remaining issue is input/output impedance. The KNB2's native Zin/out is about 150 ohms, which matches the K2's mixer post-amp and the following crystal filter. I'm not sure what the KWM-380's impedance is at this point in the circuit, but the KNB2's tuned circuit could be redesigned to match just about anything. One thing he may want to do is eliminate the resistive divider at the input to the first tuned circuit in favor of a capacitive divider. This will improve delay through the filter, which could help with some types of noise. (I had to use a resistive divider here in order to preserve the K2's high dynamic range; the resistors serve essentially the same function as the 5-dB pad that is removed when the KNB2 is installed in the K2.) I wish him good luck with his project. 73, Wayne N6KR On Feb 10, 2005, at 8:20 PM, Philip Westover wrote: Hi Everyone, A good friend of mine wrote the following to me, and I was hoping I might get some comments from this list. He is working on incorporating an Elecraft noise blanker into his old KWM-380 I'd appreciate any input I could get to help my friend. - Phil, WA7URV --- 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] Re: Automated BPL Interference Data Collection.
On Feb 12, 2005, at 6:25 PM, Rich Lentz wrote: Perhaps the amateur radio telescope software would work. Look at this web page, http://radiojove.gsfc.nasa.gov/ they have a kit but why not use a K1 set to one (each for a day) QRP frequencies. More info here http://my.integritynet.com.au/purdic/radio-telescope.htm Perhaps several of us should do this. Nothing would warm my heart more than an Elecraft group effort to help BPL equipment manufacturers fully parameterize their unintentional emitters. I'm sure they'd welcome our enthusiastic participation, our expertise, and our sincere motivation to ensure that such gear complies with *all* regulations. Talk about a great contribution to science as well as to the radio art! Make it so 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] 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
[Elecraft] Re: Wireless Mouse Wish List
What's the maximum distance from paddle to receiver with this unit? I'd want something that would work from across the room (my computers are *not* right next to the ham gear) and with no limitation on the way the paddle could be oriented. I might even want to use it while walking from one place to another in the shack, with a wrist-mounted paddle. A 900-MHz ASK (amplitude-shift-keyed) transceiver chip might be a better way to do this, or of course blue-tooth. There are also very inexpensive garage-door opener receiver/transmitter boards available. Any such solution would require testing in an HF environment, although QRP HF levels would probably not be an issue. I don't quite see the need for a unit that simply replaces the cumbersome wire from paddle to rig. 73, Wayne N6KR On Feb 19, 2005, at 6:44 PM, EricJ wrote: Here's a commercial version of a wireless keyer. http://mysite.verizon.net/k7mqvjim/ No idea how it works. In their photo gallery, they show it with a K2. I like the idea, but I don't like being stuck with their idea of a paddle/keyer. Maybe there is some IR TX/RX out there that could be used. Eric KE6US --- 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] Re: Question on Purchase of K2
On Feb 21, 2005, at 11:39 PM, frank wrote: I'm getting close to order a K2 but I have a few questions. The K2 would be for CW operation only. Like many others, I prefer to tune the band using wide bandpass of over 2khz and only use narrow CW filter operation when band conditions require it. My understanding is that if you equip the K2 with the SSB module, that you can use the SSB filter on CW and that works better than operating the CW filter on wide setting. Is that true? If so it would be worth the extra cost of the ssb option. I have decided not to order the DSP filter but perhaps the passive audio filter. The passive audio filter appears to be set up for 80hz bandwidth which is way too narrow for my liking.Is there any easy way to change that for 250hz bandwidth? If not I'll have to go with an outboard audio filter. Hi Frank, The SSB filter is much more pleasant to use than the CW filter set for a wide bandwidth. The SSB filter has a flat passband, whereas the CW filter, being varactor controlled, develops a lot of ripple by the time you widen it out. We experimented with variations on the filter topology before releasing the K2 to production, but it was getting too complex. A 2 kHz filter is especially useful on quiet bands or if you're working a contest where you may get called up/down significantly from your carrier frequency. I use it much of the time. And heck, you might just want to listen to AM or SSB sometime :) As for the audio filter: you can change the components in the op-amp circuit to make it more like 250 Hz if you prefer. But the time when the 80 Hz filter is really useful is when you're trying to pick a weak one out of atmospheric noise and/or nearby QRM. Most of the time you'll probably just leave the audio filter in its OFF position. But that still keeps in-circuit the KAF2's passive (L-C) low-pass filter, which removes the small amount of residual hiss from the product detector. It also improves roll-off of high-pitched QRM, and thus enhances the ultimate rejection of the I.F. filters. It's very effective for those who sometimes use headphones with the rig. The DSP filter is quite flexible, and adds stochastic noise reduction as well as notch filtering. But if you don't live in a very noisy area or use SSB, you may find the KAF2 just as useful (and at lower cost). I hope you enjoy using the rig if you do decide to buy one. Eric and I are both serious CW ops, and we designed the rig from the ground up to be a great home/portable CW rig. (Keying is state-of-the art with the latest circuit changes, too.) As the principle designer of the K2, I'd be happy to answer any further technical questions. 73, Wayne Burdick 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] New Elecraft Product: T1 Miniature Stand-Alone ATU
Introducing the Elecraft T1 20-Watt Automatic Antenna Tuner and optional T1-FT817 Adapter Ever wish you had a pocket-sized, high-performance ATU to use with low-power 160 through 6-meter transceivers? The Elecraft T1 may be just what you've been waiting for. It's one-fourth the size of other compact ATUs, yet its 7-inductor, 7-capacitor L-network provides a wide matching range and can handle up to 20 watts SSB/CW and 10 watts AM/FM/digital. The T1 is the ultimate backpacking/HF Pack accessory, weighing only 5 ounces (0.14 kg) including its internal 9-volt battery. The T1 can be used with any 0.5-W to 20-W transceiver. This includes home-built rigs, kits, and commercial transceivers such as the FT817, IC703, Argonaut, SG2020, and many others. Users of rigs that have no built-in transmit metering will benefit from the T1's 3-LED, 5-level bargraph, which displays approximate power output at the touch of a button, as well as SWR during auto-tune. Coax-fed antennas such as dipoles, verticals, short whips, and beams will work with the T1, as well as random-wire antennas, with our without feedline. The T1 will allow most antennas to be used on multiple bands -- in some cases covering the entire HF through 6-meter range with a single wire. Balanced feedlines can be used with the aid of a low-loss balun such as our model BL1. The T1 always tries to achieve a 1.0:1 SWR -- it doesn’t stop trying at 1.5:1 like many auto-tuners. And you won’t even need to change modes to tune, since you can use SSB voice or a keyer as well as a constant carrier. Many L-C network settings are saved in the T1's EEPROM memory, providing re-tune times of typically 1 to 2 seconds. Other features include: - auto power-off and latching relays for long battery life - bypass mode - ATU information report (present L and C values, battery voltage, etc.) - low-battery warning - reverse-polarity protection - rugged enclosure - quick-reference guide on the front panel FT-817 Adapter (model T1-FT817) Our “smart” remote control cable for use with the Yaesu FT-817 offers the ultimate in antenna-tuning convenience. On any band change, a small microcontroller built into the cable sends band data from the FT-817 to the T1, which then recalls the appropriate per-band network settings. This means instant QSY without the need to transmit -- less QRM, less hassle. The T1's remote-control capabilities are fully documented in the owner's manual so that users of other transceivers can create their own T1 interface. (We may also offer adapter cables for other rigs in the future.) Pricing, Photos, and Further Information The T1 can be purchased factory assembled and tested for $159, or as a complete, easy-to-build kit for $135 (all surface-mount components are pre-installed, and there's no alignment or test equipment needed). The T1-FT817 remote control adapter is $49 (assembled only). For further details, photos, and answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the T1, please visit our web site: http://www.elecraft.com 73, Wayne, N6KR Eric, WA6HHQ --- 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 T1 inside a Sierra (etc.)?
Hi all, Someone just asked me if our new T1 ATU could be built into a Sierra. The answer most definitely yes. In fact it would fit into just about any 0.5 to 20-watt rig that I know of, including inside the battery compartment of an FT-817. (I'm pretty sure it would even fit into an SST :) The PC board is just over 2 by 3 inches, and only about 3/4 (20 mm) of height is needed to accommodate the PCB, switches, LEDs, and connectors. In the case of a Sierra, you could aim the BNCs out the back, and put holes for the switches and LEDs in the top cover. An enterprising Sierra owner could even write some code for a small microcontroller that would sense which of up to four band modules was plugged in (using the two band-select lines at the edge connector). This little MCU could then wake up the T1 and send it band data, automatically recalling the appropriate L-C settings for each band (without transmitting). The T1's remote-control capabilities are covered extensively in the owner's manual. They should be usable with other rigs as well. 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] Elecraft T1 ATU FAQ: #1 question answer
Hi all, The frequently-asked-questions page for our new T1 antenna tuner will be up in a few hours. Meanwhile, by popular demand, here's the first Q, and first A. 73, Wayne N6KR * * * Q: How does the T1 compare to Elecraft’s other low-power ATUs – the KAT2, KAT1, and KXAT1? A: The T1 is intended for stand-alone use with QRP kits, home-built rigs, and factory-assembled transceivers such as the Yaesu FT-817, Icom IC-703, Ten-Tec Argonaut, and SG2020. It also includes coverage of 6 meters. In contrast, our other QRP ATUs are fully integrated with specific Elecraft HF transceivers, providing internal installation, instant ATU band switching, menu access to ATU information, and additional features. For example, the KAT2 has dual antenna jacks, per-antenna memories, direct readout of power or SWR on the K2’s LCD, and extended matching range on the lowest bands. All three of our internal ATU options also act as the SWR bridge/wattmeter for their respective transceivers, which ensures good power-setting accuracy. --- 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] 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
[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
[Elecraft] Re: K2 - 2nd Xtal Filter
On Mar 5, 2005, at 3:27 AM, Stewart Baker wrote: Anyone any experience of, or thoughts about adding another 3 crystals to the K2 2nd crystal filter ? Hi Stewart, The present 2-crystal filter (as on newer units, or older units with the 2nd XFIL mod) is very carefully designed to provide different bandwidths on CW and SSB. Equally important, this filter must be centered at the same frequency as the main filter over the full controllable bandwidth range. L34 and related circuitry, along with the varactor diode, accomplish these tasks. If you wanted to add more crystals here for the purpose of improving ultimate attenuation, two crystal filters switched by pin diodes would be needed, along with a complete re-design of all associated circuitry (I.F. amp output, product detector input, CW/SSB control, bandwidth control in the CW case). This would be very difficult and time-consuming, and the resulting circuit would not fit in the present location. That would require the use of coax cables to a separate module, along with other potential issues such as RF pickup. Chances are the result would not be much of an improvement. If your goal is to improve ultimate attenuation, the KDSP2 is a much saner route. 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] Elecraft T1 ATU passes brief stress-tests at 100 W
The T1 is rated at 20 W SSB/CW and 10 W FM/AM/digital modes, but we wanted to make sure it could survive brief operation at much higher power levels. One of our field testers set up the tuner on all bands using three different antennas, then transmitted at 100 watts intermittently. As expected, the T37-size cores in the T1's SWR bridge became quite warm and eventually saturated. However, they recovered quickly after they were allowed to cool, and there was no damage to the unit. Another of our field-testers did extensive testing at 40 watts to simulate the use of back-packing amps. The T1's SWR bridge transformers again got very warm, but did not saturate until he increased the duty cycle (by going key down for longer intervals). These results suggest that operation at the T1's rated power of 20 W peak will be quite safe, even with high-SWR loads. It's nice to know that the risk of damage is low if the operator accidentally transmits at 100 W, or might require brief use of the T1 at up to 40 W in an emergency communications situation. 73, Wayne, N6KR Eric, WA6HHQ --- 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] Is s/n 5000 out?
I got s/n 3000, Don. A customer will get s/n 5000 sometime soon, but I'm not sure who 73, Wayne N6KR On Mar 5, 2005, at 5:46 PM, W3FPR - Don Wilhelm wrote: Don't worry much about it - I would bet that someone at Elecraft will be getting SN 5000 - maybe Wayne - the plan was that he was to get SN 1000 (or was it 2000), but that fell thru, so I would guess that Wayne is due for a new one. I don't have any inside info here - just an 'off the cuff' guess. --- 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] design challenge: KXPD1 paddle dock for the K2 tilt stand
Our KXPD1 paddle for the KX1 would work very well with the K2 if it could be directly attached to one of the vertical arms of the K2's tilt stand. This would eliminate the need for a paddle with a heavy base during lightweight portable operation. What we'd need is a very stable bracket that grips the K2's tilt stand and acts as a physical and electrical dock for the KXPD1. It should meet the following criteria (this sounds harder than it really is): 1. The KXPD1's paddle arms must be parallel to the operating surface when the paddle's front mounting surface is aligned with the K2's front panel; this means the dock will have to grip the tilt stand at some odd vertical angle with respect to the face-plate of the KXPD1 2. Should be as small and light as possible consistent with good mechanical rigidity 3. Must be usable on either arm of the tilt stand 4. Has to allow the KXPD1 to be attached in either of its two orientations (for left/right-handed use) 5. Can't scratch the tilt-stand's finish; this implies plastic or rubber jaws in the clamp (if rubber, it should be no thicker than necessary and have a durometer of at least 90 to prevent movement during keying) 6. One or more thumb screws (or some other means) should be used to allow the dock to be secured tightly to the stand 7. Must have a reliable cable for connection to the K2's key jack, with a strain relief at the paddle end (I recommend Belden model 1508A shielded 2-conductor + ground cable, or equivalent); an alternative would be to fit the dock with a second female 3.5 mm jack rather than a pigtail, and supply a male-to-male cable with it 8. Should be black anodized or have plain aluminum finish (like the paddle itself) 9. Can't look too klunky! (for lack of a better term) I'd love to take a crack at such a design myself, but probably won't get a chance this year. Anyone else interested in giving it a try? Ideally, we'd like to see the drawing(s) in .DXF file format, compatible with CNC fabrication. Whoever submits the best *working* prototype (with a complete drawing, and satisfying the criteria above) will most definitely be rewarded for their efforts. 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] Re: design challenge: KXPD1 paddle dock for the K2 tilt stand
On Mar 8, 2005, at 4:16 PM, Gary Hvizdak wrote: What we'd need is a very stable bracket that grips the K2's tilt stand and acts as a physical and electrical dock for the KXPD1. What a neat idea! By when must designs be submitted in order for them to be considered? Gary, KI4GGX K2 #4067 As long as you can put together a working model sometime this year, you'll beat me to it :) No other deadline besides that. 73, Wayne ___ 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] Yes! EQP-2005 is this weekend
The Elecraft QSO Party -- pre-announced in January -- will indeed be happening this weekend from 1500 UTC Saturday (March 12) to 1500 Sunday. We'll have the rules page updated by tomorrow, along with an official and final announcement. The basic rules have not changed, but we'll add links to any new software, etc. See Jerry's comment below about Writelog. There was some very useful feedback on the rules from last year (thanks, everyone). We hope to incorporate some changes in the future, but ran out of time for this year's contest. (Been busy around here!) Hopefully, this means that no one will have to do any software rewrites. Stay tunedand keep your fingers crossed for good conditions. Anyone check the forecast? 73, Wayne N6KR On Mar 8, 2005, at 8:27 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Is it really gonna happen? Writelog has updated the EQP module for the 2005 rules (Where are they posted?). So WL users will want to down load WL1053e. Jerry/k6iii --- 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] Re: design challenge: KXPD1 paddle dock for the K2 tilt stand
Excellent suggestion, Michael! 73, Wayne On Mar 9, 2005, at 6:29 AM, Michael Babineau wrote: Wayne : Why not think big and add one more criteria : The base of the adaptor must be threaded to allow it to be attached to the base of KTS1 Wide range tilt stand for the K1. This should hopefully be pretty easy to do. That way one adaptor allows the KXPD1 to be used on both K1 and K2 Rigs. Michael VE3WMB --- 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 identifying all EQP-compatible logging programs
If you are the author of any EQP-compatible software, please send me an e-mail as soon as possible. I'd like to make sure all such software is mentioned on our EQP page. Thanks, 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] Elecraft QSO Party (EQP) March 12-13
Please join us for the annual Elecraft QSO party this weekend, 1500Z March 12 (Saturday) to 1500Z March 13 (Sunday). It's open to everyone -- no Elecraft rig required. Complete rules can be found at http://www.elecraft.com/Awards/eqp_2005.htm This is a great time to break out the QRP gear, have fun, and possibly earn an Elecraft WAS or CC award. 73, Wayne, N6KR Eric, WA6HHQ --- 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] Re: suggestions for EQP practice
David wrote: May I suggest that we try to make the EQP contest unique among current contests by attempting to give actual (meaningful) signal reports. Because of the association of this content with QRP, the wholesale use of 5nn seems really quite out of place. It will also be good practice to those who haven't fully come to grips with the proper use of RST reports to learn to make snap judgments about a proper report. Those snap judgments are usually pretty good, often better than ones that get deeper consideration. I agree with your suggestion of giving meaningful signal reports. I'd stay away from a shorthand report of serial number, though, because it might confuse someone casually dropping into the contest. The extra K and SN will take a small percentage of actual operating time. Regarding your final comment: Looking forward to getting some new s/n's, (there aren't any more states) I live in Northern Californis, which by all rights should be declared #51 ;) 73, Wayne N6RK --- 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] Re: Any update on T1 shipments
On Mar 9, 2005, at 8:22 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Saw the 100W torture test. How long did it last before it fried? We didn't key down long enough to fry it. 10 or 20 seconds gets the transformers really warm, and they will require about that long to recover before you can do further auto-tuning. Hopefully we won't see a rash of people doing destructive testing of their T1s ;) We're still on track as of now for the shipping dates mentioned on our web site. 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] T1 and 50' end fed.
On Mar 9, 2005, at 8:14 PM, Glen Torr wrote: Just ordered my T1 and was interested in the disposition and ground system of the 50' end-fed Wayne uses with no feed line, sounds really applicable to my home situation. I will be using it with my KX1. Hi Glen, I do a lot of experimenting with antennas, but the one antenna that is always up is the 50' random wire. I don't use feedline with it, so it's limited to QRP use. It goes from my lab bench to a window about 5 feet away, through a slot in the bottom of the aluminum frame (made with a round file and insulated with a plastic tube), up to the roof (with some standoffs), then up at a 60-degree angle to a tall pine tree. The ground system that is always available is the house electrical ground -- not the best thing to use from a noise or efficiency standpoint. Now you know why I have to operate portable most of the time ;) I actually have two tall trees available, and plan to install a long, off-center-fed sloper some day. I'll feed it with balanced line and use a balun at the tuner(s). This is likely to be a better antenna both in transmit and receive modes. 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] Re: KAT100 Tuner and a Longwire
On Mar 10, 2005, at 9:17 AM, Lee Buller wrote: I am not sure that this has been discussed before on the reflector, but will the KAT100 tune a longwire? Yes. You can connect it directly to the ATU using a binding-post adapter, or just wire up a PL-259's center pin to an alligator clip or to the wire itself. Counterpoise goes to the ground lug -- use a very high-quality ground to maximize transmit efficiency. (House electrical ground is marginal from both all angles -- noise, efficiency, and safety.) A better alternative than direct feed is to use balanced feedline (and a low-loss 4:1 balun such as our BL1 at the tuner) to get the radiating part of the antenna *out* of the shack and away from computers, kids, pets, TVs, portable phones, etc. If you use a random wire without feedline, you'll likely have to stick with QRP power levels to avoid RFI. 73, Wayne N6KR ___ 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] EQP reminder: starts tomorrow, 1500Z
Just a quick reminder that the Elecraft QSO Party starts tomorrow at 1500 Z and runs through Sunday at the same time. The bands are open here today -- with any luck they will be tomorrow, too. Details at: http://www.elecraft.com/Awards/eqp_2005.htm I'll be trying to make QSOs on all eligible bands (160, 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters). See you there! 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] EQP -- thanks for participating, and please send us your score
I managed a couple of hours of EQP this year (more than usual), and conditions were quite decent. Even ran a few Q's in a rowalways a thrill for an antenna-challenged suburban QRP guy. Be sure to send your score to [EMAIL PROTECTED] before April 24. Also include any soapbox comments, but no logs. For more submission details, see: http://www.elecraft.com/Awards/eqp_2005.htm 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] Elecraft/Bencher Hex Paddle Dust Covers are now available
Tony, If your dust cover was made by Stan, K7NUU, then the URL is: http://www.radiocovers.com/elecraft.htm Stan just made a cover for my Hexkey that looks great. We'll be posting a photo of this cover on our Hexkey page, along with the link to Stan's site, on Monday. This is a great way to protect your Hexkey, and the cover can be made in your choice of materials, colors, and with custom labeling. 73, Wayne N6KR On Mar 18, 2005, at 1:29 PM, Tony Martin W4FOA wrote: Greetings Elecraft Gang, A few weeks ago discussions were held on this reflector regarding the search for a dust cover for the Elecraft/Bencher Hex Paddle. Today I received a custom made dust cover for my paddle. 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] Separate Groups: maybe someday, but not yet...
Thanks for the interesting discussion, everyone. This issue has come up before, and we've concluded that creating separate lists might drain energy from what is at present a lively and diverse forum. We've achieved the critical mass needed to sustain community, and we'd hate to lose it. Of course if participation suddenly jumped by a factor of five, we might have to do some partitioning. All of the arguments made so far (e.g., per-rig lists) would be taken into consideration at that point. Meanwhile, those who want to screen what they read can select one of the alternatives to getting every posting as e-mail. You can get a daily digest, or read selected postings via the web. We do have one separate list called Elecraft-Announce that you can find on www.qth.net, right next to our regular list. We post new-product announcements, firmware upgrades, builder alerts, etc. on this list, as well as on the regular list. (I think we could be a little more diligent about it, and I'll remind our staff about this.) So, if you wanted to keep up with what's new without participating in the big discussion, you could subscribe only to Elecraft-Announce. I suppose we could create a recursive list exclusively for the discussion of how many lists to create ;) 73, Wayne N6KR ___ 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 log
Hi RC, You'll find it at: http://www.elecraft.com/KX1/KX1.htm I'm not sure how many people have tried this method. I used it a lot during field testing of the KX1 and it's great for casual logging. 73, Wayne N6KR On Mar 22, 2005, at 8:04 PM, Robert Conley wrote: I'm most likely mistaken but I seem to recall a listing for a Mini log Sheet for the KX1. how about pointing me in the correct direction de rc kc5wa --- 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 Yahoo group?
Folks who see value in creating a separate Elecraft group, for whatever reason, might consider looking at the Elecraft group on Yahoo. This group is intended to augment the Elecraft reflector, according to its summary. It doesn't have a lot of members right now, and I'm not sure what their focus is. 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] Re: Help Identify a Balun
On Mar 24, 2005, at 8:33 PM, Jeff Burns wrote: Ultra-Bal 2000 Model UV-1...? Hi Jeff, It's a 5-KW coax balun made in about 1988 by DKP, which may or may not still be in business. See this URL: http://lists.contesting.com/pipermail/towertalk/2003-April/055789.html 73, Wayne N6KR ___ 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: Linus (The T1 Eating Maching) Update
On Mar 25, 2005, at 11:39 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: If he wasn't so darn cute and innocent looking I'd be mad. I guess we can add Dog-Proof! to the T1 spec sheet? 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] Re: T1 ERRATA
On Apr 1, 2005, at 9:03 AM, W2AGN wrote: I was pleased to complete my T1 yesterday, after receiving a couple of missing 1/8 watt resistors from Elecraft. Everything worked right away. Happy Dance time.. Then today..I receive another envelope from Elecraft with Errata... John, Some kits were shipped before the final errata went out, and yours was one of them. Sorry for the inconvenience. 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] Re: T1 @ 100W?
The relays and inductors would have to be increased substantially in size. That's why a KAT100 is a lot bigger than a T1 ;) 73, Wayne On Apr 1, 2005, at 12:19 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: Vic, K2VCO, asked: How hard would it be to beef up a T1 to handle 100W? A few extra cores, bigger wire, higher voltage caps - That's a question for Wayne! Ron AC7AC --- 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] Re: [T1
On Apr 3, 2005, at 11:19 PM, Bill Scovell wrote: This is probably a question that Ron could answer before I trouble Sott or Brian. The one 20pF capacitor supplied with my T1 kit is a small NPO (black edge) device with no voltage marking, it looks like a 50V item to me but maybe the're getting smaller. This part is for C2 which is spec'd at 500V --- should this part carry a voltage rating? Hi Bill, This cap is indeed rated at 500 V, despite the lack of a voltage label. (If you have the courage to do destructive testing, we'll send you a replacement ;) All the caps in the T1's L-network are rated at 500 or 1000 V to ensure reliability when using max power at very high SWR. 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 mic hole plugs FOUND!
Lloyd, I'm mostly a CW guy myself, and can understand why someone might not want the mic jack. But this is only the second request for a mic-jack hole cover I've heard in the five years the K2 has been around, so I don't think we'll be stocking them. I would suggest as an alternative to [symbolic protest? phon-o-phobia?] that you install the mic jack, but just not use it for anything. If you ever sell your K2, its resale will be higher if it is whole ;). 73, Wayne N6KR On Apr 5, 2005, at 8:23 AM, Lloyd Lachow wrote: Thanks to Scott, N0AR, I've found a great-looking plug for that unsightly 3/4 hole on the lower left of my K2's front panel. ... --- 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] N5ESE's T1 review -- excellent, but one correction
Monty, Thanks for comprehensive review of our T1 ATU (http://www.dit-dididit-dit.com/t1_atu.htm). I'm glad it worked well for you in field tests. We may make a few assembly and owner's manual tweaks based on your feedback. (We could have used you as a field tester :) One important comment: There is definitely no need to use stacked cores for both transformers in the SWR bridge. Balance is excellent even with a stacked core at transformer T2 only, because the characteristics of the bridge are set strictly by the turns ratio, which is the same on both transformers (8:1). There is also no need for a stacked core at transformer T1 for power dissipation reasons, since only T2 sees the effect of the voltage step-up and corresponding core heating. We have fully tested the unit at its maximum rated power with just the one stacked core. We did send out an incorrect version of the errata sheet to a few builders that claimed 7 turns were required on T2. Hopefully you got the word to use 8! 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] Rhythm the NY6Q Blues
My favorite practice line went like this: Ben's best bent wire (leaving out the apostrophe, of course) But for the ultimate in Morse rhythm, brought to my attention by Ron, AC7AC, see: http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2005/01/15/1/ Click on the NY6Q Blues link. As a musician/ham, I really loved this piece. As part of my minor in music at UCSD I had to take a comprehensive rhythm final that was nothing but eighth notes [dits] and dotted quarter notes [dahs]. I recited the piece for the instructor using di and dah, and aced the test ;) More interesting is that Morse rhythms seem to appear once in awhile in jazz pieces; hard to say, sometimes, whether it was intentional or not. I've sometimes injected Morse letter patterns into my own compositions, since they force you to break out of the rhythm ruts that any composer can fall into. 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] OT: looking for a very lightweight telescoping mast -- preferably motorized
Hi all, I'm hoping to put up a compact, lightweight rotatable dipole or 2-element yagi for 20-10 meters. This may not be a very efficient antenna, at least on the lower bands, but I have limited space available. The antenna may be home-brew and will weigh just a couple of pounds. I'd like to keep the antenna at roof level except when I'm actually using it, thereby minimizing scrutiny by Neighborhood Aesthetics Monitors. This calls for a 20 to 30 foot telescoping mast made of small-diameter tubing. If it's motorized, and goes up quietly, so much the better! I can guy it at the top if necessary, and it will be clamped to the side of the house. Anyone have suggestions on where to find such a mast? Thanks, 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] Re: KX1 shakedown
Hi Lynn, Glad you like the KX1. A bit of opposite-sideband leak-through is typical for a 3-crystal I.F. filter. But I think you'll find that this rarely gets in the way of operating. When necessary you can increase the amount of opposite-sideband rejection by using a narrower setting of the bandwidth control. 73, Wayne N6KR Only question is the single signal characteristic. Stronger signals can be detected on the wrong side of zero beat, although this is barely noticable except in the case of very strong (like AL7FS just down the streeet) signals. All crystals are appropriately grounded. Is this normal for this little rig? --- 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] Re: How are T1s built [WAS: Need winding machine?]
Assembled T1's are built in California, not far from Elecraft World Headquarters near Santa Cruz. The trick is to make a lot of them at once ;) 73, Wayne N6KR On Apr 13, 2005, at 3:33 AM, Julian, G4ILO wrote: I was wondering much the same a couple of days ago, when trying to figure out how Elecraft can offer built T1s for only 24 bucks more than the price of the kit --- 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] Re: Fw: Need winding machine? END OF THREAD.
On Wed, 13 Apr 2005, Julian, G4ILO wrote: Do you think it's appropriate to forward a spam message to a mailing list? Clearly, spam should not be forwarded. But just as clearly, Earl didn't know this was spam. He thought it was legitimate and that he was potentially doing someone on the list a favor. We've all received messages that we thought were interesting, but later turned out to be urban myths that have circulated for years, or were outright spam. Let's avoid criticism of those who unintentionally forward such messages. We all have things to learn about the internet. In any case, it's time to end this thread. 73, Wayne N6KR ___ 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 losing its match (discussion and remedies)
The KX1 should definitely not lose power output or the KXAT1 change its L-network settings under any normal circumstances. We've tested the tuner and the rig extensively, and I've never seen this happen. The first things that come to mind are intermittent component failures or power supply brownouts that reset the MCU. However, using the tuner with a very poor (or non-existent) ground, and/or an antenna that is close to a half wavelength or a multiple thereof could also cause trouble. RFI in such cases is a challenge for almost any ATU. The usual remedies are (1) better ground counterpoise, (2) adjustment to antenna length, (3) balun. A 4:1 balun can be quite effective at reducing high RF voltages that might be present on the chassis or antenna, in many cases transforming a difficult match into one that's in range of the tuner. If anyone has a KX1 that exhibits a consistent failure pattern, please contact me directly. I would need to know exactly how the failure occurs so I can determine whether it's likely to be due to RFI, a component failure, or some other cause. I'll also need to know what L, C, and network selections were in effect at the time. (The KX1, like the K1 and K2, provide ATU menu entries that allow you to determine how the tuner is configured. See the manual for details.) I will analyze and repair any KX1 that is demonstrated to have such a problem. But let's discuss it by e-mail first ;) I should mention one other possibility. If you have an antenna that you know presents high RFI to the rig, but you'd like to use it anyway, or if you just want to ruggedize the KXAT1, you could add a few bypass capacitors. I would place a very small .01 uF capacitor from each of the MCU's relay drive pins to ground. Since relays K1-K3 are so close to the KXAT1's MCU, you could place capacitors directly across the relay coil drive pins. The other four relays (K4-K7) are farther from the MCU, so it would be best to put the bypass capacitors right at the MCU itself, i.e. from pins 10, 11, and 12 to pin 5 (ground). The Elecraft part number for these bypass capacitors is E530019. Anyone who wants to add these to their KXAT1 can request seven of them at no charge by e-mailing [EMAIL PROTECTED] Note that our new T1 ATU has such bypass capacitors on all relay drive lines (surface-mount capacitors, pre-installed on the board). We felt that the T1 should have this protection because it is a very wide-range tuner, capable of operation on 6 meters where RFI problems can be significantly worse than on the HF bands. Also, the T1 is rated at 20 watts, and has been successfully used at twice this level on 40 meters and up (with backpacker amps, usually). The KXAT1, in contrast, is never going to be operated at high power levels and is only intended to cover 40, 30, and 20 meters. But in extreme cases, it too could benefit from the extra bypassing. 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
