[Elecraft] Re: K3: Still unable to set power correctly in DATA A (sigh)
Could I suggest that we table this topic until Lyle and I can work together to resolve it? We'll be looking into the RTTY anomalies as well. 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: K3: Still unable to set power correctly in Data A (sigh)
The K3's internal wattmeter *is* intended to be peak-reading. I'm looking into whether I need to sample the ADC faster and/or increase the size of the filter capacitor at the cathode of each diode in the detector. ALC is a separate issue. In some cases (e.g., data modes), we have to apply ALC sparingly, if at all, to minimize distortion. Adjust PWR and MIC levels accordingly. As I said earlier, Lyle and I will be reviewing the issues when he returns. Thanks for all the input. 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: K3: Still unable to set power correctly - clarification
On Jan 4, 2009, at 8:18 AM, Julian, G4ILO wrote: The problem is quite simply that the output on a pure tone in DATA A is twice the power requested, and twice what it would be in SSB mode. What's more, it's twice what the K3 firmware expects it to be, with the result that if you set the power control to 10W it will try to produce 20W with the PA switched out. This, if true, would be a firmware problem. So noted. 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: VFO CTS changing
I this is really happening, Knut, I'll fix it in the next revision. Thanks for letting me know. 73, Wayne N6KR On Jan 4, 2009, at 5:15 PM, ab2tc wrote: I am on the latest firmware, 2.76. Recently I have played around more with AM listening on the SWL bands and generally found it enjoyable (audio clearly there from 100-4200Hz when set to do so!!). However there is definitely an anomaly with the VFO tuning rate (steps per revolution VFO CTS). For normal SSB ham band use I have this set at 400. If I go to AM mode and press coarse to set the step to 1kHz, this gets changed to 100. This may be intentional; at this big tuning step, 100 steps per revolution is OK. But if I go back to SSB and 10Hz tuning step, the CTS is still at 100. I believe this has been around for a while since I have many times inexplicably found my CTS being set to 100. I can't recall seeing that the CTS should be mode dependent in any way and I think it's best if left totally mode independent. Knut - AB2TC --- 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: KRX3 Question
On Jan 4, 2009, at 6:23 PM, Terry Price wrote: Hi all and Happy 2009. I want to add a KRX3 to my K3 but I have a question that maybe someone who has a KRX3 installed can answer. I want to use my K3 to drive transverters, all with 28MHz IF's. If I set transverter band 1 to be 2m low power using the transverter ports and transverter band 2 to be 70cm using high power (100mw) ANT A, theoritically, the rig is on the same band for both transverter bands. Ignoring the PTT switching and tx IF switching issues, can main the main receiver listen to 2m while the sub receiver monitor 70cm??? Hi Terry, This is a complex case of main/sub receiver interaction that hasn't been dealt with yet in firmware. Since both receivers would be using a 28 MHz I.F., it's definitely *possible*, but I think I have work to do in actually allowing you to display the two different transverter bands on VFO A and B. I'll put it on my list and let you know. The main limitation is that there's only one KXV3, meaning you can only connect one transverter at a time. You could connect a second transverter to the sub's AUX jack for listening purposes, but some sort of external switching would be necessary to go back and forth between the two bands for transceive. Wayne Thanks!! Terry - W8ZN___ 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 --- 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] K3: The ARRL RTTY Round UP
All RTTY issues noted, Dave -- thanks. Congratulations on your excellent showing! Wayne N6KR On Jan 5, 2009, at 9:00 AM, Dave Hachadorian wrote: My pair of K3's also worked well in the RTTY Roundup - 1800 qso's. There are only a couple of issues that I saw: 1. On each transition between mark/space, there is a brief upward power excursion. One of my amplifiers has an LED wattmeter, and one of the LED's was blinking like crazy. Also, the screen current on that amp was varying significantly. I've complained about this in the past. Elecraft is supposed to be working on it. 2. When you reduce the DSP bandwidth to 300 Hz, it is not possible for me to get the audio output exactly centered between the RTTY modem's mark and space detector. The SHIFT control is too coarse. One click of the SHIFT control moves the audio either slightly left of center, or slightly right of center. It would be nice if there were a fine mode setting for the SHIFT control. I can live with both of these issues, but fixing them would make this rig absolutely perfect for RTTY, at least for me. Dave Hachadorian, K6LL Yuma, AZ - Original Message - From: Lee Buller k...@swbell.net To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, January 05, 2009 2:56 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K3: The ARRL RTTY Round UP Ladies and Gents I just about cleared a thousand Qs this weekend in the RU in only 17 hours of on-the-air time. The K3 was spectacular in performance. The RX is magnificent and copied signals that I could not hear out of the speaker but printed on the screen. This happened many times. From Kansas, I did get to work some deep Europeans and even Israel called me. I did not hear any Russian stations at all. The DX was weak but workable. Magnificent RX. The TX was healthing and robust. I was running my amp so I was only running about 60 watts or less. The TX stayed cool and stable. The only issue I noticed was that between Dual PB on and off...the power would drop about 200 watts. No big deal, but interesting phenomonon. With the Dual PB on...the power would drop...with it off...the power would return to normal. Wayne and Eric already know about this issue. Thanks to all who worked me. Fun contest. Lee - K0WA In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply. If you don't have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it. If you can't find any Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense. Is Common Sense divine? --- - ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com --- 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] Six meter birdies -- theory and mitigation
Some birdies are unavoidable in a high-dynamic-range, down-conversion design. We worked very hard to keep them out of the ham bands, and in the case of 6 m, we focused on keeping them out of the portion of the band typically used for weak-signal work. (The Orion has a similar conversion scheme to the K3's, but doesn't provide 6 meter coverage. That simplifies things ;) Up-conversion transceivers generally have fewer spurious signals on 6 m, but they also typically have very weak receivers, due to the use of wide first I.F. filters, as well as very high-frequency 1st LOs with much worse minimum phase noise than the K3. Birdies usually result from VHF or UHF harmonics of the K3's high-level signal sources, mixed with another signal source, internal or external. In both cases, they may not actually be on the band you think they are; they could be on an image band, circumventing the filters. External VHF or UHF signals could be getting in through other I/O besides the antenna jack, and every receiver will respond differently to them. So, while a given VHF receiver with a whip doesn't pick them up, that doesn't mean they aren't there--they could just be well outside the 6-m band, and mixing to produce a response in the K3. The only way to tell for sure is to put the unit under test in a screen room. It's possible to eliminate every last portal for such signals, but to do so would take many pound's worth (and $ worth) of additional shielding, bypassing, and filtered connectors. That's just not possible within the K3's budget or package size, so we aimed for the best possible compromise. All that said, there are things we can do on an individual K3: 1. Make sure that the screw from the left side panel into the front shield is tight. If a birdie drops a lot in amplitude when you wedge a knife blade between these two panels, near the screw, then the panels aren't making good electrical contact. We're considering whether to add a small piece of copper EMI tape here so that the screw tension isn't so critical. 2. EMI tape can be applied in various places within the cabinet, typically along seams where panels join. This tape is very expensive. Some experimentation may be in order here to see were we can get the most bang for the buck (dB for the inch?). 3. Specific birdies due to VHF harmonics can sometimes be shifted out of harm's way just by shifting the passband (SHIFT control) or selecting a different crystal filter. The reason for this is that it moves the synthesizer (1st LO). 4. If all else fails, try turning on the notch filter. You can use auto-notch in voice modes, but in CW mode you're limited to manual notch. If you still feel that your K3 has excessive 6-m birdies, or that they're causing specific operating problems, please contact me directly and I'll try to help work out a solution. 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] Six meter birdies and CW norm/reverse
wayne burdick wrote: 3. Specific birdies due to VHF harmonics can sometimes be shifted out of harm's way just by shifting the passband (SHIFT control) or selecting a different crystal filter. The reason for this is that it moves the synthesizer (1st LO). I forgot to mention that in CW mode, a birdie due to high VHF/UHF signal mixing can often be moved or eliminated altogether by switching to CW REV (CW reverse, i.e. opposite-sideband-CW). The K3 works just as well either way, but CW REV moves the LOs and thus may move the birdie. 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] K3 Programmer's Reference updated
The programmer's reference for K3 remote control commands has just been updated to revision B17. Here's the link: http://www.elecraft.com/manual/K3_Pgmrs_Ref_Rev_B17.pdf See the last page for change history. 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] KDVR3
Hi John, Thanks for the report. This will be corrected in a future firmware revision. 73, Wayne N6KR On Jan 8, 2009, at 1:04 AM, John Lemay wrote: When I do get a reply, I have to remember to cancel the DVR function by pressing - as the manual says - any switch besides M1 to M4. But - hitting the microphone ptt seems to be the one switch that does not cancel the DVR. My thinking is that this would be a sensible inclusion. --- 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] K3 Firmware Updates
Gary Gregory wrote: Can anyone at Elecraft advise when the release of the next firmware upgrade will be and what features/fixes will be addressed? Hi Gary, A new beta release is likely for today or tomorrow. I'll summarize all of the changes at that time. 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] K3 10-meter sensitivity
Max, This is unusually low MDS on 10 m for the K3. It should be more like -136. Either your K3 isn't properly aligned, or you're injecting a smaller signal than you think, or there's a problem. Please email k3support so Gary can help you with it. 73, Wayne N6KR Max iw0gxy wrote: Hi Tony following you post I did 10mt MDS calculation on my K3 sn1118 @400hz and I found that the MDS W/O preamp is only -127dBm and -131 with Preamp. --- 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] K3 Beta firmware rev. 2.78: Sign-on banner and misc. improvements
K3 beta-test firmware revision 2.78 (with DSP rev 1.98) is now available. See release notes below. Please send any problem reports to k3supp...@elecraft.com. For instructions on how to load beta firmware, please see: http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm We also recommend that you use the latest revision of K3 Utility, which can also be found on this page. 73, Wayne N6KR * * * MCU 2.78 / DSP 1.98, 1-8-2009 * SIGN-ON BANNER SUPPORT (for your callsign, etc.): If you specify a sign-on message (using K3 Utility), it will be displayed when you turn your K3 on. This might include your call sign, serial number, etc. K3 Utililty revision 1.1.12.29 or later is required. Click on the Configuration tab, then click on Edit Sign-On Banner. Up to 22 characters can be entered. If you delete all characters from the message, no banner will be shown. Misc. Changes: * SSB SPLIT TX AUDIO PROBLEM CORRECTED: In certain cases (ESSB, VFO A/B on different modes, or SUB turned on), going into SPLIT mode would result in no SSB transmit audio, or an incorrect transmit audio passband. * VFO COUNTS PER TURN CORRECT AFTER EXIT FROM COARSE TUNING: Previously, if you had CONFIG:VFO CTS set to 400 or 200, selecting COARSE tuning would leave VFO counts/turn at 100 even after switching to another tuning rate. (100 counts per turn is used for coarse tuning due to the large step sizes.) * SUB/MAIN AF BALANCE CONTROL: Main and sub RX audio are now correctly restored when the sub is turned on/off, etc. Previously, either receiver might have remained muted after sub on/off when SUB AF was set up as BALANCE. * DVR WITH COMPUTER CONTROL (HRD, ETC.): Running HRD (and some other PC applications) no longer terminates DVR record/play. Some programs were polling every second or so for the DVR’s firmware revision, which stops the DVR. The K3 MCU now handles this command in all cases without DVR interruption. * AM DSP BANDWIDTH DISPLAY NOW SHOWS *AF* BANDWIDTH, NOT IF. We originally showed the IF bandwidth in AM mode since some operators might be thinking about the underlying AM-mode implementation (i.e., the IF bandwidth has to be twice the AF bandwidth in this mode). But this was causing a lot of confusion, and was inconsistent with the way the DSP bandwidth control works in other modes, where the *AF* bandwidth is displayed. Also, LO and HI CUT show AF cutoff points – not IF – even in AM mode. So we now consistently define the function of all DSP controls as showing AF frequencies/bandwidths. Note: In AM mode, tapping XFIL will still show the *crystal filter* bandwidth, not the DSP BW. So if you select a 6-kHz crystal filter by tapping XFIL, you’ll see “FL2 6.00” displayed (for example). But the DSP width control now be at a starting point of 3.00 kHz. Also see related change to “FW” remote-control command. For software developers: * AM-MODE FW COMMAND CHANGE: The filter bandwidth command (“FW”) was reporting the IF bandwidth in AM mode (multiplying by two) which was confusing for users of some PC applications. It now reports the DSP (AF) bandwidth in AM mode. As with the manual WIDTH control, the IF bandwidth is set to approximately twice the AF bandwidth when an “FW” set command is sent. (Note that “K31” mode must be in effect in order to use “FW” to get/set actual bandwidths.) * ENTERING SPLIT CROSS-MODE VIA FT;: This no longer results in icon flash, so no dummy SWT command is needed to cancel it. (When split is turned on using the K3’s SPLIT switch, the cross-mode warning flash is still present.) --- 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] K3 Beta firmware rev 2.78
Gary Smith wrote: We the willing, lead by the knowing, have done so much, with what is available, for so long, that we will try everything to make what we do even better. blush Thanks, Gary. But how are we going to fit that into our 22-character power-on banner? 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] K3 Beta firmware rev 2.78
Arie Kleingeld PA3A wrote: 3. further improvements in essential performance (improve filtering including notch, transmit IMD, improving user interface, extending possibilities of use of TX and RX, etc) 4. need to haves (like 2 RXs on 2 different bands) There are probably more categories if you think about it. I'm quite happy with the first two categories. I cheer if improvements of category 3 come along. My house is too small if a category 4 improvement happens. I'm working on #4 as we speak (and you and I both will need bigger houses :) It's a very complex change to the firmware, necessitating lots of re-testing. But the basics are already working, and I'll be offering an early version to risk-takers within a week or two. #3 is ongoing. It slowed down a bit recently because Lyle (our DSP guru) is on a long, well-deserved vacation. But knowing Lyle, he'll be working on DSP-related improvements by 5 AM the day he gets back. 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] Using K3's Pre-amp
Dave, The noise floor is your entire problem :) It's a fact that the preamp improves the MDS of the K3 by at least several dB. But if your noise floor is S4, it will do not good at all, because all lower signals are already masked by the noise. I think you'd be a candidate for some sort of high-Q, low-noise, directional receiving antenna. In that case you would most definitely benefit from the preamp! (You'd need the RX ANT IN jack, supplied with the KXV3 option.) May I ask what's causing all that noise in your location? tnx Wayne N6KR On Jan 9, 2009, at 8:43 PM, Dave Yarnes wrote: I'm just curious how others are using (or not using) the K3's pre-amp. I have found few, if any, situations where I felt the pre-amp really improved a signal vs. the additional noise that is associated with turning on the pre-amp. It takes a lot of balancing, in my view, between the RF gain and the AF gain to enhance a weaker signal, and I don't find the pre-amp to be all that helpful. Having said that, I'm pretty happy with the results I get w/o using the pre-amp. Also, signals on the K3 w/o pre-amp compare very favorably to signals on my Orion II with the pre-amp on. The K3 still seems to hear just a tad bit better. So, I'm wondering if I'm missing some other trick or setting that would make the K3's pre-amp more beneficial. I can tell you that 90% or more of the time I tend to have my RF gain at 50% or less (at about 12 o'clock), and make very slight adjustments of the RF gain from there. I suppose much of this might depend on one's noise floor. FWIW, mine is about S4. Dave W7AQK ___ 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 --- 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] K3 Regarding the Power On Banner
There was a firm limit of 240 segments for the K3's LCD, due to the particular LCD driver we used and other considerations. This meant including only those VFO B decimal points needed for parameter displays and frequency display (a total of 4 decimal points among the 7 character positions). Because of this, arbitrary text sent to the VFO B display is subject to some translations, among them conversion of '.' to an underscore, ':' to a top/bottom line, and '!' to well, you'll have to try it :) It's a compromise. You can test text-to-VFO B translations using the power-on banner, or you can send characters to the VFO B display one at a time using the DB remote control command. For example, if you type DB%; in the command tester window, you'll see what passes for a percent sign pop out on the VFO B display. DBJ; would send the letter J, etc. In fact you can send strings of any length to the VFO B display in this way using a PC program. 73, Wayne N6KR On Jan 10, 2009, at 4:45 PM, David Lankshear wrote: Hi Doug. I played with this briefly yesterday before taking the rig down for some mods, so I haven't been able to check it out. I have a feeling that spaces entered by the user appear as underscores, so your period might just be lost in the underscore. I put my serial number in the banner and the # looked most unsatisfactory with an underscore below it, but then, as I know my name, callsign, serial number and that the rig's a K3, I don't really need a power-on reminder just yet HI! --- 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] K3 Sub RX Independence
Stewart Baker wrote: We're getting closer ! I see that the latest Errata for the KRX3 manual (12/1/09) includes operating instructions for when the Main and Sub receivers become fully independent . Maybe there should be a day named after the event... Independence Day? :) Definitely making progress on this. Right now I'm listening to a repeater on 145.23 on VFO A (via an XV144 transverter), and my favorite AM all-news station (740 kHz) on VFO B. Yesterday I handed off an early version of this firmware to our field testers. They'll beat on it for awhile, after which it'll be released as rev 3.00. 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 U12 MC1350 or SMT1A
John Shadle wrote: I'm working on the assembly for S/N 5684. I don't appear to have the SMT1A replacement board for U12, but I have the DIP MC1350. Should I request a replacement part for this non-RoHS part, or just go ahead and stuff this DIP? The DIP will work identically. 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] xv
Hi Ron, You can use the XVx OFS menu entry to enter an offset of +/- 9.99 kHz for each transverter band. 73, Wayne N6KR On Jan 18, 2009, at 8:21 AM, ron wrote: my xv222 displays 2khz lower than it is actually receiving on. how do i adjust it ot display right. ron --- 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] Elecraft K-3 SSB and AM Squelch
I just moved it up on the list. Probably next month. 73, Wayne N6KR On Jan 19, 2009, at 11:32 AM, Phillip Buckholdt wrote: Any word when SSB AM squelch will be available ? --- 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] K3 Audio output mod
Ken Roberson wrote: I have completed the output mod with the 470 ohm resistors. Now is it ok to use a ext speaker with mono connector ?? If you set CONFIG:SPKRS to 1, you can use a mono plug. If you have it set to 2, and accidentally plug in a mono plug, the resistors should prevent damage to the AF amp. But we recommend using a stereo plug in all cases, just to be safe (see page 20 of the owner's 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
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Errata D1-6 errata?
On Jan 20, 2009, at 12:37 AM, David Ferrington, M0XDF wrote: Catching up on my K3 manual and changes - The owners manual Errata D1-6 refers to K3 Firmware (revision 2.77) of which I can find no trace, not in the hfnotes.rtf and I don't appear to have downloaded that version. Perhaps all is contained in 2.78? Yes. 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] K3 feature request - I want Ducking!
Keith, This is an interesting idea, and I've added it to the firmware wish-list. Thanks. In the interim you might try a non-zero value of CW semi-QSK delay, assuming you don't need full break-in. Wayne N6KR On Jan 20, 2009, at 9:52 AM, Darwin, Keith wrote: No, the manual way to achieve this effect is to turn down the AF gain while you're transmitting. Sidetone is still there nice loud but the RX audio that you hear between elements is reduced. When you're done sending, you reach for the AF gain and turn it back up to the normal listening level. Now, imagine it was automatic. As soon as you send, the K3 turns AF gain down and leaves it down until a second or so after you finish sending, then it turns it back up to where it was. This way, while you're sending, the AF signal that you hear between dots dashes is quieter than when you're just listening. --- 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] K3 feature request - I want Ducking!
On Jan 20, 2009, at 10:54 AM, N2TK wrote: Hopefully if implemented it is an option. Definitely. Wayne If not using QSK it is fine. But if using QSK I want to hear between elements, even if the other station is weak while I am sending... --- 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] RTTY
Sending ..-- truncates the usual 4-second idle time to 1 second or so. I think of it as an IM prosign, for IMmediately stop sending. Have fun! 73, Wayne N6KR On Jan 20, 2009, at 11:46 AM, Merv Schweigert wrote: I seem to remember some thead about the length of the diddle after the qso is over, is there a way to shorten that up. dont need all that time in transmit between qsos. Something I did not see in the manual? --- 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] KRX3: configuration for second antenna routing
Brian Machesney wrote: I have the TMP cable connected between the KAT3 and the KRX3 input. The TMP cable from the Aux RF BNC connector is present but insulated, per the manual instructions, so it is inactive. I want the input to the KRX3 to come from the ANT2 connector. What I need to know is how to set the configuration options to make this happen. Obviously, the KAT3 and KRX3 CONFIG menu options are set to something other than notInst. The only options for the KRX3 are Ant-Atu and Ant=bnc. So, if I have the KRX3 set to Ant=bnc and the KRX3 input coming from the KAT3, I would expect the KRX3 input to come from the ANT2 connector - but it doesn't; it still comes from the ANT1 connector. Hi Brian, You have the menu entry correct; you need only select AUX for the sub antenna. You can do that two ways: (1) in BSET mode, tap ANT; (2) outside of BSET mode, *hold* RX ANT. The setting is saved per-band, and separately for diversity (AUX) vs. non-diversity (MAIN) on each band. 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - CWT ON/OFF change request
This is already on the list -- now moved up a notch. 73, Wayne N6KR On Jan 20, 2009, at 5:29 PM, W6NEK wrote: I would like to request that the operation of the CWT function be changed. Now when ever I am on CW and enable CWT as soon as I change modes, or switch bands, the CWT function is turned OFF. I would like to see the CWT function remain ON until I turn it OFF. This function can either be global or on a per-band basis. Right now it's a real pain to have to re-enable CWT everytime I switch modes, or bands, and return to CW mode. I know the firmware change request list is very long but I hope this can be implemented sooner rather then later. Many thanks to the Owners/Designers of Elecraft for encouraging it's customers to make suggestions and actually implement a significant number of change requests. Elecraft is truly unique in this regard. Thank you! Frank - W6NEK --- 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] HRD cw copy
Dan Romanchik KB6NU wrote: But copying CW isn't like trying to understand natural language. If computers can now beat grandmasters at chess, computers should be able to copy any code that a good operator can decipher. I don't even think we need more powerful computers; we just need better algorithms. Humans use lexicographical and semantic clues to fill in dropped CW characters, and computers can do the same. But this goes way beyond the simple signal processing used in, say, the K3's present CW decoder or the one used in HRD. (I studied natural language recognition in college and was anxious to play with either neural networks or traditional AI methods as the foundation for CW decoding, but my other classes got in the way :) One idea from the early days of AI is the so-called blackboard model. Imagine a garbled sentence on a blackboard, with various experts offering their opinions about what each letter and word is based on their specialized knowledge of word morphology, letter frequency, syntax, semantics, etc. You weigh these opinions based on degree of confidence, and once there's enough evidence for a letter or word, you fill it in, which in turn offers additional information to the highest-level expert, who might be considering the actual meaning of a phrase. His predictions can then strengthen the evidence for lower level symbols, and so on. Such methods are very algorithm-intensive, but might be useful for some aspects of CW stream parsing. A neural network could handle this, too, and has the advantage of self-organization. This is how I'd approach it (assuming unlimited free time--not!). You could use any of several different types of networks that have been proven successful at NLP (natural language processing). For example, you might take the incoming CW, break it into samples (say a few samples per bit at the highest code speed to be processed), shift the serial data representing 5 to 20 letters into a serial-to-parallel shift register, then feed the parallel data to the network's inputs. Or you could use a network with internal feedback (memory), with just one input, which itself could be fuzzy (the analog voltage from an envelope detector) or digital (0 or 1 depending on the output of a comparator, looking at the CW stream). The output might be a parallel binary word, perhaps ASCII, or a single output with multiple levels, where the voltage itself represents a symbol. To make this work, you need at least three things: an input representation that provides adequate context (e.g., if you want to decode a letter, the input should contain at least a few letters on either side of the target); a sufficiently complex network; and a large corpus of clean text with which to train the network (probably thousands of words, drawn from actual on-air content). One classic method of training the network involves placing known-good signals at the input, then comparing the desired outputs to the actual outputs, and back-propagating the resulting error through the network--from outputs to hidden layers to inputs--so that the network's nodes gradually acquire the proper weights. Once the network has been trained to the point that it perfectly copies clean CW, you can then present it with a noisy signal stream. A well-designed network would be able to correct dropped CW elements or even letters if its internal representation is highly evolved. The network will have learned language-specific rules, and you don't have to know how it works, anymore than you know how your own brain does it. The actual implementation is left as an exercise for the reader. If you come up with an algorithm written in 'C', let me know and I'll try to port it to the K3's PIC. 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] New K3 owner's manual available; now discounted for existing K3 owners
The K3 owner's manual has been significantly updated (revision D2), and is now available for download on our web site. (There is also a new errata sheet, rev D2-1.) This revision includes all new menu entries, fully rewritten sections on the sub receiver and DVR, an expanded index, and many other changes. You can download the new manual as a .pdf (free, as always), or purchase a printed and bound copy. Existing K3 owners now get a $10 discount off the normal price of the printed manual. We hope this is helpful for those of you who prefer a printed manual over the searchable electronic document. 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] Elecraft tee shirts
We're looking into the possibilities for a new T-shirt. 73, Wayne N6KR On Jan 23, 2009, at 11:36 AM, JIM DAVIS wrote: On Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:18:44 -0500 Benson b...@fastmail.us wrote: I would like to show my support of Elecraft and my enthusiam about my new K3 by wearing a high quality screen-printed tee shirt. I would wear one to all of my club meetings as well as Field Day which will be here before we know it. Where can I purchase such a thing? 73, K4GST * BY JOVE O'l boy I'll 2nd that!!! Great equipment DESERVES free advertising!!! Jim/nn6ee S/N 2404 --- 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] mixed roofing filters for diversity
On Jan 23, 2009, at 2:53 PM, Doug Faunt N6TQS +1-510-655-8604 wrote: The question that came into my head late last night: Can I mix 8-pole filters for diversity reception? Yes. They all have equal offsets (0.00), so even though a different filter may be selected on the two receivers at different bandwidths, there will be no long-term phase drift. If I have a 250 Hz filter and a 400 Hz in my subRX can I do diversity reception using that combination? What about a 2.1kHz and a 1.8kHz? Yes and yes. 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] mixed roofing filters for diversity
wayne burdick wrote: Doug Faunt N6TQS +1-510-655-8604 wrote: The question that came into my head late last night: Can I mix 8-pole filters for diversity reception? Yes. They all have equal offsets (0.00), so even though a different filter may be selected on the two receivers at different bandwidths, there will be no long-term phase drift. Doug, My apologies, but this actually will *not* work in all cases. In some modes, if the automatically-selected crystal filter is wider than will fit above the carrier (Fc), then the I.F., 1st LO, and BFO may all end up shifted to compensate. Thus the two sythesizers will not be on exactly the same frequency, and a phase offset is possible. Using your 400 and 250 Hz filters as an example: If your sidetone pitch were say 500 or 600 Hz and you had no passband SHIFT in effect, both synths would be set at the same frequency. But if you used a much lower sidetone pitch (say 300 Hz), the nominal position of the 400 Hz filter (but not the 250 Hz filter) might be shifted slightly upward, moving the synths apart, even though the perceived receive pitch is identical. This could produce a phase offset. So allow me to humbly retract my claim and suggest that all filters involved in diversity RX should, ideally, have matched bandwidths. In addition to eliminating phase offset in situations like I described, it will result in nearly identical close-in dynamic range performance for both receivers. Having a wide filter on just one of the receivers might leave it open to adjacent signals, detracting from the 'pure' experience of diversity mode that I'd like you to have ;) Thanks, Lyle (KK7P) for catching this. 73, 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
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft QSO party.
We'll figure out the date for EQP this year and let everyone know. Thanks for your interest! 73, Wayne N6KR Ralph Tyrrell wrote: Lets decide a good date in March and run it from z to 2400z Do you know of a good date that does not conflict with big gun contests? --- 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] Elecraft QSO Party (EQP)
Hi All, We were too busy in 2008 to hold EQP, but we'd like to bring it back this year. If you're interested, please review the rules from 2007: http://www.elecraft.com/Awards/eqp_2007.htm Suggestions welcome. Please send them directly to me (n6kr at elecraft dot com). 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] Elecraft QSO party.
On Jan 24, 2009, at 11:37 AM, Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy wrote: So would you consider changing the suggested 40m frequency for the next EQP to be at or close to 7030 kHz, but not above 7033 kHz? Yes. Thanks for the suggestion. 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] Pumping with K3
Gary, If your AGC is getting pumped by nearby stations even with the 250-Hz filter engaged, it's almost surely due to excessive transmit bandwidth on the part of those stations. Their keying sidebands may extend far beyond their carrier frequency. This is a common problem with rigs that have poorly-shaped keying and/or poor phase noise characteristics. If these stations are well over S9 and very close to your frequency, you may not have any really effective defense other than to ask them to reduce power, improve key shaping, or get a new rig. The K3 is extremely clean in both regards, so chances are you're not bothering *them* :) You might try speeding up AGC-F (see associated menu entry) or even turning AGC off, backing down the RF GAIN, and possibly NR and DSP NB. 73, Wayne N6KR On Jan 24, 2009, at 2:20 PM, Gary Smith wrote: I'm working the 160 contest and am wondering if there's some hint to help me overcome pumping from nearby stations. I am using the 8 pole 2.8K, 1K 250Hz filters on CW. I'm mostly tuned down to 50Hz as that's what I need to do to find the DX that's being covered by the local stations calling CQ. --- 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] K3 - KDVR3 FW request
On Jan 25, 2009, at 3:47 AM, ON4WIX wrote: Hi all, I've just finished participating in the UBA SSB contest as a 6h low-power entry using my K3/100 and the KDVR3 I installed last week. This setup was a joy to use and the KDVR3 certainly relieved the strain my vocal chords, hi. The only thing that bothered me a bit was that the KDVR3's playback loop cannot be overridden by PTT or VOX. Just fixed this. We'll have a new firmware revision out in a couple of days. 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] Sub-receiver or 2 k3's
I have a dream :) Wayne Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: Perhaps it's time to revisit that concept with a K3 for each band, or at least a K3 for each mode... --- 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] 6mtrs! END OF THREAD
We all know the facts, here: since the K3 was optimized for dynamic range, its sensitivity on 6 m is lower than some types of operation demand. Hence the PR6 preamp -- for those who want it. We now continue with our regular civilized Elecraft reflector postings :) 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] 6 Meters
Ian, Much forethought was put into this (at the design stage). We knew ahead of time that the 6-m MDS was going to be in the -135 dBm range with the internal preamp, due to the losses in the T-R switching and narrow band-pass filtering. Both were required for this design. A separate 6-m preamp would only have boosted 6-m MDS by a couple of dB because it follows the other front-end losses. Thus we elected -- from the start -- to provide for an *external* 6-m preamp, patched between RX ANT IN/OUT. With this solution, we get a world-class 6-m MDS in the -144 dBm range, and you don't pay for it unless you need it. Every rig has tradeoffs. This was one of ours. 73, Wayne N6KR Ian White GM3SEK wrote: As Wayne's often mentioned here, the advanced up-conversion design of the K3 is superior for HF but makes incorporating VHF a real challenge. No challenge at all... had it been thought about at the design stage. --- 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] K3 temperature
Since I fitted the second receiver, my K3 is running a whole lot warmer, even on receive with the sub receiver turned off. The aux DSP adds around 100 mA even when the sub receiver is turned off, as I recall, so some increase in temperature is normal. The KRX3 module itself adds nearly zero current when turned off, and I don't believe it could cause any increase in temperature since just due to its location above the RF board. When turned on, the KRX3 adds about 150-200 mA. All of the components are rated to handle much higher temperatures than you normally encounter (typically 70 C). However, I've never seen an FP temperature of higher than 41C, so if you're seeing 44C, you might check your FP temp calibration. Even 44C is very unlikely to be a problem. 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] [K3] Main vs. Config Menus
David Ferrington, M0XDF wrote: I use Menu a little, perhaps as much as Config, but then we are all learning and tweaking at the moment. I attempted to make a distinction between operating menu entries (MAIN) and configuration/test menu entries (CONFIG). It's possible I didn't get this right in some cases, in hindsight. But I have noticed that as the firmware and options near completion, the average operator needs CONFIG menu entries less often. I can move menu entries around if there's a compelling reason. So far I haven't seen one :) 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] 6 Meters
Terry Schieler wrote: I posted a number of months back asking if I would be better off using my existing XV50 6 meter transverter with my K3 than the internal K3 receiver. Someone from Elecraft replied that there would be no real benefit to doing this. Can't recall who, but it convinced me to put my XV50 up for sale. It was me. The XV-50 might provide an advantage if: - you already had your station set up with multiple XV-series transverters - you had HF antennas connected to both ANT1 and ANT2, and thus need to use a transverter in order to take advantage of a special 6-m antenna - you already have an XV-50, need the lower NF it provides on 6 m, and you'd rather not outfit your K3 with a PR6 preamp (and KXV3 I/O board) 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] K3 Beta firmware rev. 2.80: misc. improvements (AM mode, DVR, etc.)
K3 beta-test firmware revision 2.80 (with DSP rev 1.99) is now available. See release notes below. Please send any problem reports to k3supp...@elecraft.com. For instructions on how to load beta firmware, please see: http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_software.htm We also recommend that you use the latest revision of K3 Utility, which can also be found on this page. 73, Wayne N6KR * * * MCU 2.80 / DSP 1.99, 1-23-2009 * AM POWER LEVEL NO LONGER DRIFTS: AM power setting is now more accurate, and doesn’t change over time. * AM TRANSMIT SIGNAL NO LONGER OVERMODULATED: AM ALC and audio signal levels have been adjusted to provide a very clean transmit signal. * DVR TERMINATION VIA PTT: Activating PTT will immediately stop DVR transmit message playback. * CWT (CW TUNING AID) ON/OFF STATE SAVED: If you turn CWT on, it will always turn on when you return to the applicable mode (e.g. CW). * MANUAL ATU L/C CHANGES ARE SAVED (per-band, per-antenna, just like when doing an auto-tune). Manual ATU adjustment is possible when CONFIG:KAT3 is set to LC SET (see owner’s manual). Previously, manual L/C changes were lost when the KAT3 mode was returned to AUTO or BYP. * ALC METERING AVAILABLE IN FM MODE: Previously, in FM mode the ALC meter scale was fixed at 7 bars. * CROSS-MODE SPLIT: When using cross-mode SPLIT (e.g. LSB/USB) with the sub RX ON, the use of TUNE would sometimes result in an incorrect sub receiver synthesizer frequency. * SPOT and PITCH switches work correctly with switch feedback tones enabled. Switch feedback tones are not used for these switches since a tone is generated anyway. Previously, the sidetone would sometimes not be heard. * XVx MENU ENTRY BEHAVIOR CORRECTED: Previously, adjusting these menu entries would sometimes change the mode or frequency of the VFOs. * VFO CTS MENU ENTRY: A change in the VFO counts-per-turn setting now takes effect immediately, rather than requiring a mode change or power cycle. --- 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] G3JAG - SK
Ian Maude wrote: Brian wrote: We are very sorry to have to forward the following SK report about G3JAG... John Crux (G3JAG) passed away very suddenly, early on Friday morning, thought to be between 2am and 3am (GMT). I am truly sorry to hear about this. John was a great guy and we had many chats. I will miss him. As will I. We saw him nearly every year at Dayton. A true gentleman. 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] K3 Beta firmware rev. 2.80: misc. improvements (AM mode, DVR, etc.)
M0XDF wrote: Wayne, does that include if actived due to VOX? * DVR TERMINATION VIA PTT: Activating PTT will immediately stop DVR transmit message playback. Not yet. At present the DVR's TX message playback audio appears just like mic audio internally to the DSP, so VOX operation is suspended during the message. We have it on the list for future consideration. 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] K3 Beta firmware rev. 2.80: misc. improvements (AM mode, DVR, etc.)
The PTT switch will work to stop the DVR, even if you're using VOX when normally transmitting. But yes, this is on the list. tnx Wayne N6KR On Jan 26, 2009, at 3:38 PM, David Ferrington, M0XDF wrote: Hope you can get to that soon, since I use the VOX a lot, especially in contests. It's great VOX, I'd hate to have to stop using it. Thanks for doing the PTT bit anyway. M0XDF wrote: Wayne, does that include if actived due to VOX? * DVR TERMINATION VIA PTT: Activating PTT will immediately stop DVR transmit message playback. Not yet. At present the DVR's TX message playback audio appears just like mic audio internally to the DSP, so VOX operation is suspended during the message. We have it on the list for future consideration. --- 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] K3 Beta firmware rev. 2.80: misc. improvements (AM mode, DVR, etc.)
Actually, Lyle just looked into using VOX to stop the DVR, and he seems to have now implemented it at the DSP. I'll get it into the next MCU revision. 73, Wayne N6KR David Ferrington, M0XDF wrote: Yes, thanks Wayne Lyle, I realised I could do that, have to get the footpedal out again :-) The PTT switch will work to stop the DVR, even if you're using VOX when normally transmitting. But yes, this is on the list. Hope you can get to that soon, since I use the VOX a lot, especially in contests. It's great VOX, I'd hate to have to stop using it. Thanks for doing the PTT bit anyway. --- 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] K3 Beta firmware rev. 2.80: misc. improvements (AM mode, DVR, etc.)
Can do, and I'll add this when I add VOX termination of DVR playback. 73, Wayne N6KR On Jan 26, 2009, at 8:37 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Brett, Unlike the K2, the K3 keying and the PTT are separate. It is PTT (only) that currently stops DVR playback, and VOX de-activation is a coming attraction. I am certain Wayne and Lyle will consider your request that a key tap will terminate DVR palyback, but I cannot speak for their response. --- 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] K3 temperature
The fans only come on in response to the PA temp sensor. In a future release they'll also come on if the FP temperature is excessive. But so far, I haven't seen any reports of excessive FP temperature -- they're all in the acceptable range. 73, Wayne N6KR On Jan 27, 2009, at 6:21 AM, Mike Scott wrote: My FP temperature rose from 18 C to 35 C in a three-hour test yesterday. --- 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] SHIFT pitch
W7TEA wrote: The granularity is 50hz and I believe that 10hz would work much better for CW. We're planning to improve SHIFT granularity (etc.) in a future firmware release. 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] A plug for Nifty! accessories
Hi all, I just purchased two items from Nifty! that are really outstanding: the Band Ops Guide and the DX Field Reference. Yes, you can get this info off the web or from various other sources. But their guides are compact, easy to read, and very well organized. http://www.niftyaccessories.com/ (Elecraft has no financial or other ties to Nifty! Accessories. I just like their stuff.) 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] SHIFT pitch
On Jan 28, 2009, at 1:32 PM, Tony Fegan VE3QF wrote: I suggested some time ago that the XFIL button was not much use on SSB. Personal choice SSB filter settings could be saved and be recalled by repeated pressing of the XFIL button. You can use the I/II floating presets if you have two crystal filter/DSP filter setups you prefer during contests. They were intended for exactly this purpose -- quickly adjusting the passband to accommodate changing conditions. Just hold I/II to switch between them (adjust DSP controls as required for each one). These settings are saved per-mode. 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] FSK problem with my K3
Hi Jerry, If your program doesn't provide any way to invert the polarity, I'll try to get FSK POL working for you. It had fallen off the radar because all the applications in use had a way to do this. tnx Wayne N6KR On Jan 28, 2009, at 1:47 PM, n2uz wrote: Hi all, First of all, I prefer to use FSK instead of AFSK. ASFK works fine. My problem is that I have the wrong polarity coming out of my rtty program (fldigi under linux). It is hooked up to pin 1 of the ACC 15 pin connector. It is changing polarity fine (looking at it with my oscope. How can I invert it in the K3? I tried the CONFIG param FSK POL and that does not do it. I read an email on the archives saying that the config item FSK POL does not work. If that is the case, when will it be fixed? I have the latest code 2.78. On the air I get no print from other hams. As a test I use my K2 with another pc to check and ASFK is fine by garbage with FSK. Jerry, N2UZ ___ 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 --- 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] FSK problem with my K3
I've already completed the FSK POL menu entry, too, in case that is needed. I've sent it to a few testers. 73, Wayne N6KR On Jan 28, 2009, at 7:01 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Jerry, I just looked at the fldigi files on the web, and it appears that fldigi does not do FSK, but all its RTTY operation is in AFSK. If that is the case, you will need to connect the soundcard to the line in and line out connectors on the K3 rather than connecting to the ACC connector pin 1. See http://www.w1hkj.com/FldigiHelp/RTTYFSK.html for the source of my information it states that All of the modem signals that fldigi produces are audio signals. If you have implemented the circuit shown in http://www.w1hkj.com/FldigiHelp/PseudoFSK.html to produce Pseudo FSK, it does state that you may have to invert the sense of the keying signal. A second 2N stage like the one shown should accomplish the inversion. 73, Don W3FPR n2uz wrote: Hi all, First of all, I prefer to use FSK instead of AFSK. ASFK works fine. My problem is that I have the wrong polarity coming out of my rtty program (fldigi under linux). It is hooked up to pin 1 of the ACC 15 pin connector. It is changing polarity fine (looking at it with my oscope. How can I invert it in the K3? I tried the CONFIG param FSK POL and that does not do it. I read an email on the archives saying that the config item FSK POL does not work. If that is the case, when will it be fixed? I have the latest code 2.78. On the air I get no print from other hams. As a test I use my K2 with another pc to check and ASFK is fine by garbage with FSK. Jerry, N2UZ ___ 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 -- -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.176 / Virus Database: 270.10.15/1921 - Release Date: 1/28/2009 6:37 AM ___ 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 --- 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] FSK-D/sub-rx
Brian, The main and sub receivers cannot be set differently on this parameter. This is one of several things on my list for future revisions that allow band independence for the sub. 73, Wayne N6KR On Jan 29, 2009, at 6:49 AM, Brian Alsop wrote: Anybody out there successfully configure the SUB-RX for HI tones (2125Hz mark)in FSK-D? I can't seem to do it. A-B all doesn't work. BSET apparently doesn't recognize the pitch control used to set this. --- 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] K3 feature request: Save Menu's states
We originally did this, Bill, but here's the problem. Those new to the K3 sometimes forget that VFO B scrolls the menu entry and VFO A modifies the parameters. If the last-selected menu entry is in effect on power-up, you can inadvertently change something important by spinning VFO A. We initialize the menus to benign entries (MAIN:LCD BRT and CONFIG:FW REVS) so there's no consequence of mixing up the two knobs. There are many subtleties to user interface design, and it'll never be perfect for everyone. I feel that this is an important design choice that should remain in place. 73, Wayne N6KR Bill Johnson wrote: Could the state of the Menu's be left at last position when turning the rig on and off? Right now it appears they revert back to the beginning. I would like to resume where I left off when I turn the rig on. --- 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] K3 - diversity reception question
Hi Werner, Use BSET to see what the sub receiver's PRE and ATTN settings are. They are independent of the main receiver's settings. They are also saved per-band. 73, Wayne N6KR On Jan 30, 2009, at 8:32 AM, Dr. Werner Furlan wrote: Maybe this has been discussed before, if so please forgive me... When I switch on the Sub receiver listening on the headphones, the right channel disappears for a short instance, then comes back but with a slightly lower volume than the left (main RX) channel. Is this intended? I use the Sub knob as balance pot. I have shared Ant 1 with the Sub receiver. --- 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] K3- pace of development
Darwin, Keith wrote: Of course, it could be that SW development at Elecraft is pretty much out of control. It could be that features are worked in random order depending on the whim of the implementer. It could be that things are done in an informal, undocumented, under-tested sort of way. It could be that the process relies almost entirely on the heroics of the individuals doing the work. In other words, they could be following the industry standard model for SW development. If so, I predict the rate of changes will slow as the code architecture becomes a limiting factor and as changes upon changes begin to take their toll. Not :) There are five people responsible for software development at Elecraft. All of us are tasked with gradually improving not just the feature set but also the underlying structure, documentation, and regression test procedures. We all work very closely together, and have frequent discussions about which new features or improvements to work on. Many variables go into the equation, but the buck stops with Eric and myself. It's safe to say that our software and firmware get better with every release. Please keep sending suggestions, and don't pull any punches. We learn more from complaints than we do from praise, and we appreciate the great attitude of our customers. 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] K3 - diversity reception question
Dr. Werner Furlan wrote: hi Wayne, thank you for your answer and suggestion but - the difference in volume is much less than 10db. Using the MAIN antenna for the subreceiver switches in a -3 dB pad, which is required to split the path to the two receivers. This results in about a 3 dB signal attenuation in both. This may be part of what you're hearing. There also may be slight differences in overall path gain between the two receivers, even when configured identically. Here are some contributing factors: 1. band-pass filter alignment and losses 2. 1st mixer loss 3. crystal filter loss 4. crystal filter ripple 5. physical alignment of the SUB AF control (when used as main/sub BALANCE) 6. ears It's quite plausible that overall receive gain could, therefore, differ by a few dB between main and sub receivers. You could use the K3's built-in true-RMS AF voltmeter functions to determine the exact amount, on each band (AFV/dBV). 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] Suggestion
Hi Lynn, It helps to think of it in this way: - the large knob on the left controls what's on the large display that's shifted to the left - the small knob on the right controls what's on the small display that's shifted the right To change it now would cause a huge amount of turmoil, discontent, documentation changes, and endless firmware revisions, so we simply can't do this. Making it a menu selection would be even worse. We had a target size in mind for the K3, and I believe we've optimized the UI within those constraints. Any suggestions other than this will be entertained :) 73, Wayne N6KR Lynn Lamb, W4NL wrote: We all know the VFO B knob changes the menu items and the main tuning knob does the changing within the menu. I make the mistake all the time getting them reversed.. my problem which I can live with, but wonder if they can be reversed? ... --- 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] FM and AM Bandwidth
On Jan 30, 2009, at 1:11 PM, Barry N1EU wrote: Lyle Johnson wrote: In the case of AM, we will be increasing the upper audio frequency response. This is good news Lyle. I've been starting to enjoy what a great SWL radio the K3 is and a little more bandwidth will make it even greater! Meanwhile, try using SSB to copy AM signals. This uses the same crystal filter (6 kHz) but allows for around 4 kHz of AF bandwidth. 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] Unlisted improvements with 2.80
This is on my list for review after I complete the sub receiver band-independence changes. 73, Wayne N6KR Wes Stewart wrote: LO adjustment is now smooth and does not jump from 0.00 to 0.20 like before. Doesn't work that way with my K3. --- 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] K3 KRX3 B SET and FREQ ENT
On Jan 30, 2009, at 12:37 PM, Ian White GM3SEK wrote: When Independence Day arrives, will there be facilities to scan one receiver independently of the other, on a different band? Scanning and text decode/display will still be usable only with the main receiver, initially. 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] K3 Sub Rx idea
I believe what Mike is asking for is to have BSET mode be more comprehensive -- to include things like direct frequency entry and all of the other controls that are normally accessible only for the main receiver. The BSET switch *is* intended as a context swap that allows the front panel to control the sub receiver. It already allows control of many sub receiver parameters, including the DSP controls, mode, preamp, attenuator, and antenna selection. As part of the sub receiver band-independence feature (which I'm working on right now), I'll be adding additional controls to BSET. I've already added BAND change and noise blanker control. I hope to have a beta version of this code available within a week or two. It mostly works, but I have some refinement to do before I let it out of the lab. 73, Wayne N6KR I have been using the K3 sub rx for a while now. What I would like to see is a totally interchangeable main and sub. I want to be able to switch sub for main in a way that the sub rx is acting like the main without a shadow of a difference. Right now if I press Sub I can change sub rx settings but I can't change frequency for example. I would like to be able to operate as if the Sub were main and the Main were Sub and vice versus perhaps by pressing a single button. --- 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] K3 KRX3 B SET and FREQ ENT
Already on the list. tnx Wayne N6KR Leigh L. Klotz, Jr WA5ZNU wrote: I'd like to be able to set the VFO B RX frequency with BSET FREQ ENTER. Leigh/WA5ZNU --- 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] K3 Sub Rx idea
I'm gradually weeding out commands that don't work in BSET mode. Until then, you might want to do A/B, change the setup, then A/B again. 73, Wayne N6KR On Jan 31, 2009, at 6:40 AM, Milt, N5IA wrote: Wayne, The most undesireable aspect of BSET is the fact that the communication with the computer is interrupted. The logging program dispays a pop-up window indicating lost communication if BSET is in use for more than a few seconds. At least that is my experience while using N1MM. Milt, N5IA - Original Message - From: wayne burdick n...@elecraft.com The BSET switch *is* intended as a context swap that allows the front panel to control the sub receiver. It already allows control of many 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] SHIFT pitch
On Jan 31, 2009, at 4:05 AM, GM0ELP wrote: I note that I can use NORM during TX but not NORM I/II, is this in the fix list? Yes. Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - diversity reception question
This is about an 8 dB drop. The first 3 dB can be attributed to the fact that main and sub are now sharing the main antenna path (the splitter gets turned on). The other 5 dB must be due to some combination of the other factors I listed: 1. band-pass filter alignment and losses 2. 1st mixer loss 3. crystal filter loss 4. crystal filter ripple 5. physical alignment of the SUB AF control (when used as main/sub BALANCE) Are the crystal filters in the two receivers matched? If not, you could be using a filter with a lot of loss in the sub vs. the main at a particular bandwidth. I'll be out of town for a few days, so you might want to check with Gary about how to isolate which of the above is causing the loss. You can try different bands and filters, for example. Wayne N6KR On Jan 31, 2009, at 3:06 AM, Dr. Werner Furlan wrote: I think I need some help with this. I have connected a noise gernerator to my ANT1 and I see AFV floating between 622 and 702 with SUB engaged, and 1578 and 1719 without SUB. (this was on 3.670 kHz) 73! de Werner OE9FWV -- Foreploy: Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of obtaining sex. Email powered by Pegasus Mail free at http://www.pmail.com Homepage: http://www.qsl.net/oe9fwv/ Fone +43 5522 75013 Fax +43 5522 75013 15 Mobile +43 664 6340014 Elecraft K2 #5203 K3 #656 --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] ATU Manual Adjust not working ?
Hi Clas, You must exit the menu after setting KAT3 to LC SET. Only then can you tap ATU TUNE and make adjustments to L and C. I'll make this clearer in the manual. 73, Wayne N6KR On Feb 3, 2009, at 8:24 AM, CLAS OLOF BERGMAN wrote: Hi, I just downloaded lastest Firmware MCU 2.80/DSP 1.99 and tried for the first time to do manual ATU LC adjustments. I can not manually change L or C with VFO A or B as it is described in the manual. After tapping ATU TUNE, if I turn the VFOs they still just scrolls through the menu settings but the radio is displaying a fixed L and C value. --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 RF knob Broken
Ron, Just send a request to pa...@elecraft.com and a new one will be sent out immediately. It's possible that either the set screw was over-tightened or that there was a defect not caught in QA. Either way, we'd like the broken one back so we can get it to the vendor for analysis. This is a custom knob (like the others on the K3), so you won't be able to find an exact match elsewhere. 73, Wayne N6KR Ron Hinton wrote: Has anyone other then me had one of the inter knobs for the RF or AF gain break? Came in, turned on the rig and reached up and turned the RF gain down and low and behold the little knob fell off the shaft. It was broken right where one of the set screws was located. I see there is no brass bushing in the knob for the setscrew to be threaded into. --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 main/sub band independence -- need more firmware testers
Hi all, The K3's main/sub band independence functionality is working quite well. To get it finalized, I'd like to find a few more enthusiastic testers to pound on it. The present code (rev 2.92) is at field-test level, so this is not for the risk-averse. Please e-mail me directly if you're interested. I already have several names on my list and will be contacting everyone tomorrow. 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Relay noise?
It may be the delta in supply voltage on keydown slightly stimulating one or more relay coils. The DC shift could move the contacts a tiny bit. Or it might be an extremely small timing window, associated with T/R switching, that puts a little glitch on a relay control line. Either way it's nowhere near enough to change the state of a relay. Nothing to worry about; in fact it might be therapeutic. But I'll listen for it myself. 73, Wayne N6KR My K3 makes a very quiet relay-like keying noise --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Clicks - one at 14.084.40 to 14.084.35
Hi Lee, It should not do this. Try loading the latest firmware and re-doing VCO CAL (on both synthesizers if you have a sub RX, too). 73, Wayne N6KR On Feb 4, 2009, at 7:20 PM, Lee Buller wrote: I hear a relay click when I tune 14.084.40 to 14.084.35. Sounds like a relay to me. I've always wanted to know what that was all about? Lee - K0WA --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Band Independance
On Feb 4, 2009, at 9:29 PM, Brett Howard wrote: Pressing and holding REV while in split mode is a bit odd hearing all the relays fire off as you take a quick jump for a listen on the other side but all works flawlessly. Both VFO A and B knobs remain true to A edits the tob area and B edits the bottom area. Gotta love consistency in the UI! One thing I do dislike here is that when pressing REV it displays the antenna name for a second there... I'd almost prefer not to have that pop up when switching bands via the REV button. It makes sense to display it when I'm switching bands via other methods as its stored on a per band basis but when I'm just quickly jumping via the REV button it just kinda gets in the way. I'll have the antenna name flash removed in the next field-test release, Brett. Thanks for the report. 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] firmware suggestion for k3
Great idea, Gary -- now on my list, along with full CW or DVR feedback for all controls. This will take time to complete, though. 73, Wayne N6KR Gary Lee wrote: I would like some sort of audible indication that a reasonable match has been obtained with the autotuner. I sugggest k for a match, and s for swr alert. Failing that, and maybe easier since you have the switch tones in place, a high pitched beep for good match and low for no good. --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Relay noise?
Steve Ellington wrote: Apparently Elecraft is not aware of the relay and very few of us can hear it. I had my K3 for many months before hearing it. It's as if something suddenly got it started clicking. Either just a few rigs do this or most of us are nearly deaf. Elecraft, can we get an answer on this? Steve, I've heard it, on occasion, as far back as 2007. As I posted earlier, I believe it's either the acoustic side effect of a coil voltage shift (there are *many* relays running on the 12 V line), or a very minor T/R timing window, far too short to switch a relay. It is not a problem. However, if I can get my rig to make the sound again, I'll put an o'scope on each relay's coil drive line to see if there's a tiny timing glitch. 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] firmware suggestion for k3
This is also an excellent way to preserve and promote CW use :) CW pops up in various consumer devices. I think it would be great for eyes-free texting on cellphones, too. Wayne N6KR On Feb 5, 2009, at 11:26 AM, ON4WIX wrote: Actually the Kenwood TS-570 had such a scheme implemented. Whenever one would press the mode button one would get some CW feedback and I've never been confused by that feedback. Signalling for high SWR was both on-screen and by an SWR message in CW --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] remote on off of K3
You need a computer-controlled contact closure from the POWER_ON line (ACC jack) to ground to turn power ON. To turn power OFF cleanly, first send PS0; from the computer, wait a second, then turn power off by releasing the ground on POWER_ON. This is described in the owner's manual under remote control. 73, Wayne N6KR On Feb 5, 2009, at 6:19 PM, Don Greenbaum wrote: Just downloaded HRD and it controls the radio just fine, HOWEVER, there is no CAT connection when the radio is off rendering HRD useless from a remote location. Anyone know how to remotely turn on the K3 from the desktop? (I use logmein to see it). Don N1DG - N1DG--Licensed since 1962 EX-WB2DND, A61AD (GUEST OP, QSL MGR), A52DG, /KH9, /BV, /VS6, /4X, /9V Pilot: VU7RG, 3Y0X, VK9ML, D68C, VK0IR, K8XP/KH9, 9M0C, ZK1XXP, ZL9CI Webmaster: BS7H, 3Y0X, K5K, A52A, VK0IR, 9M0C, ZK1XXP, WB2DND/KH9, BQ9P, ZL9CI QSL Manager: A61AD, A61AO, A61X, A61AQ 2006 inductee into the CQ Magazine DX Hall of Fame Member: FOC, ARRL, DDXA, YCCC SKYPE: aurumtel Please consider the environment before printing this email __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 AFSK remains unrepaired?
Lyle (KK7P) and I are working on a field-test firmware release that corrects all known issues with AFSK A mode. We'll be sending it to several customers this afternoon, and if all goes well it will be released at beta by Wednesday. 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 Birdies: firmware-based fix in progress
The K3 is a down-conversion superhet that uses high-level signal injection to achieve its excellent dynamic range. Short of adding many more pounds of shielding and elaborate cable dressing, there's no way to completely eliminate the few spurious signals that rise above the noise floor. These Fast-tuning birdies result from UHF harmonics of the signal sources that leak back into the main mixer. In some cases they combine and end up in either the I.F. or R.F./image range of the receiver. Typically, they involve 9th-order or higher harmonics of the VFO. That's what makes them fast: if you move the VFO 100 Hz, the pitch of the birdie will shift on the order of 1 to 2 kHz. While it is possible to attenuate some spurious responses by moving coax cables around, there is a firmware-based approach that we're working on. The general idea is to shift the 1st LO and BFO a small amount, simultaneously, when the VFO is tuned to specific frequencies. If the shift is small relative to the communications bandwidth in use, it will hardly be noticeable when the VFO is tuned over a mapped out spot in the tuning range. I have this new firmware nearly completed, and in early tests, it appears to work very well. Fast-tuning birdies that are mapped out pretty much disappear as the VFO is tuned over them. The upshot is that you can have your cake (outstanding dynamic range in a rig that weighs less than 10 pounds) and eat it, too (no annoying birdies). If you'd like to try a field-test version of K3 firmware that includes this new feature, please e-mail me directly. 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Birdies: firmware-based fix in progress
On Feb 10, 2009, at 3:12 PM, O. Johns wrote: Wayne, Won't the birdies still show up on a panadapter? They'll be mysterious blips that disappear when you click on them to tune them in? It's possible, because the panadapter can show a much wider bandwidth than the K3's crystal filter allows into its own I.F. But such signals would have to be above the panadapter's noise floor (at the buffered I.F. output). Most birdies are inaudible with an antenna connected anyway, and some might be finding their way into the second rather than the first mixer, so it's hard to predict which ones would make tiny blips on the panadapter. If this turns out to be an issue, I may be able to enhance the K3's FI command, which the LP-Pan uses to get the current I.F., to flag the occurrence of a mapped-out 100-Hz VFO segment. 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] V2.82
Brian Alsop wrote: Clairification please: SSB/DATA-A/AFSK-A TRANSMIT POWER LEVEL: Power output in these modes now more closely tracks TUNE power. Is it really the tune power as set by menu CONFIG: TUN PWR? And it applies to SSB? Brian, What I should have said is: The power level in SSB and DATA modes more closely matches the requested power output, regardless of how you set it (i.e., by simply rotating the POWER control, or by doing TUNE with or without a specific TUN PWR setting, etc.). 73, Wayne N6kR --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K2-XV222 RFI Susceptibility Problems - a solution found
Hi Steve, Minicircuits makes a 30 MHz in-line (BNC) low-pass filter that should do just as well, for those who don't want to roll their own: their model #BLP-30+. See: http://www.minicircuits.com/cgi-bin/modelsearch? search_type=infomodel=BLP-30%2B I would recommend this filter if anyone has similar RFI problems with any transverter, used with either a K2 or K3. 73, Wayne N6KR From: Steve Kavanagh skavanag...@yahoo.ca Subject: [Elecraft] K2-XV222 RFI Susceptibility Problems A couple of weeks ago I posted here regarding a problem whereby transmitting on my 6m rig cause my XV222 (connected to K2/K60XV) to key up. It appears that if any moderate amount of stray RF ends up on the tranmit IF line (probably due to imperfect shielding of the transverter rear panel jacks), this power is then detected by the power detector diode on the K60XV board, which then apparently triggers the K2 to switch the state of the 8R line. This then keys the transverter. I have found a solution which works at my home station. That is to put a filter in the transmit IF line which passes 28 MHz but does not pass 50 MHz. --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 TX EQ Not saving on power down
Jerry, The EQ frequency bin to change is not saved. Only the *changes* to selected EQ bins is changed. Once you've tapped '5', for example, you're in that bin, but you then have to move VFO A to adjust the gain for that bin. This will be saved. 73, Wayne N6KR On Feb 12, 2009, at 2:11 PM, k4...@juno.com wrote: Hi K3ers: The below is the procedure I use to activate TX EQ. TX EQ does not save when powered off. (I am not changing mode or band). Also RX EQ setting becomes the same as TX EQ and vice versa. Both are changed to what ever EQ number is selected. No matter if you do it from TX eq or RX eq. Anyone else see this? Support is working on it. Running fimware 2.78 --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Elecraft QSO Party (EQP): March 14-15, 2009
Please join us for the Elecraft QSO party, 1800z March 14 to 1800z March 15, 2009. It's open to everyone -- no Elecraft rig required. Complete rules can be found at http://www.elecraft.com/Awards/eqp_2009.htm The object is to have fun, work old and new friends, work new S/P/C's (States/Provinces/Countries), and optionally collect some Elecraft rig serial numbers. You can also work toward an Elecraft WAS or CC award: http://www.elecraft.com/elecraft_awards.htm If you have comments about the EQP rules, please send them to me (n...@elecraft.com). 73, Wayne, N6KR Eric, WA6HHQ --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 crystal filter offset/bandwidth/gain setting guidelines
Here are my thoughts on K3 crystal filter setup, inspired by a recent question posted to the Elecraft K3 Yahoo group by Eric Scace, K3NA. Offset (FLx FRQ) There are many considerations that go into the positioning of the K3's crystal filters with respect to the I.F. center frequency. We shift them upward if the filter is too wide to be centered at Fc/2 + 200 Hz, thus preserving the lower edge of the filter around 200 Hz. This usually happens only in CW mode, typically with lower sidetone pitches. The result is optimization for opposite-sideband rejection. You can argue for a different approach, but the K3's success in CW DXing and contesting suggests that this approach is just as valid as any other. I don't recommend trying to fool the firmware by adjusting the crystal filter offsets; I'd use the marked values. Changing them is likely to cause unwanted side-effects, since the filter passband is inverted for complimentary modes (CW/CW REV, LSB/USB, DATA/DATA-REV). The exception to this rule is when fine-tuning the offsets of 5-pole filters on the main and sub-receivers in order to provide best performance in diversity mode. These adjustments will rarely be larger than +/- 20 Hz anyway. Bandwidth (FLx BW) -- It's OK (but not necessary) to fudge the bandwidth of specific filters (FLx BW). For example, INRAD's 8-pole 400 Hz filter can be declared as 0.4, 0.45, or 0.5 kHz, depending on where you want this filter to be kicked in as WIDTH is rotated. The audible effect is subtle. Ed Muns, W0YK, has described this technique in detail elsewhere. Gain (FLx GN) - Regarding filter loss compensation: I recommend simply sticking with what's on page 46 of the owner's manual (1 to 2 dB compensation for 400-500 Hz filters, 3 to 4 dB compensation for 200-250 Hz filters, and 0 for all others) unless you have a very specialized application and lots of time on your hands. There are three reasons for this. (1) The *perceived* loss of a crystal filter is a function of both actual loss and S/N ratio. If a narrower filter has a little more loss, you may not notice it. (2) Most signals are flattened slightly by AGC anyway. (3) Adding a lot of gain to filters can again cause side-effects, such as interaction with RX EQ settings and variations in gain between main and sub if the filter complements are different (e.g., during diversity use). In fact we recently issued new guidelines for factory-assembled K3s: all crystal filters' FLx GN numbers will be to 0 except for 400-500 Hz (1 dB) and 200-250 Hz (2 dB). Customers are free to optimize these further, of course -- but most won't need to. 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 QST March review
Gene W3ZZ (who owns a K3) is saying the two rigs have very comparable RF performance. I might quibble that he omitted BDR in his table but perhaps that's more of an HF issue than VHF (Gene's focus in the VHF column). For both Phase Noise and BDR, the K3 exceeds the 5000 by ~15 dB (not insignificant if you're in a multi-transmitter environment or have a strong local neighbor). The article also claims -132 dBm MDS for the K3 on 20 m with the preamp on. That's either a typo or a possible test error. The specified typical value is -136 dBm, and I just measured -138 dBm on my lab K3. There are two common measurement errors that can result in an underestimate of MDS: 1. Leaving the AGC turned ON when using the XG1 method (injecting 1 uV and using the K3's dBV metering function). At the default settings, AGC definitely kicks in below 1 uV. 2. Noise pickup by the signal generator cable in its OFF setting. This can result in a higher noise floor. Better to connect a direct 50-ohm terminator with no coax, if available. 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] RTTY Dual Passband Filter and RFI?
Ron, We haven't been able to reproduce this (yet). Are you using the latest beta release (2.82)? It includes a menu entry called CONFIG:AFSK TX. If you set it to FIL ON, you'll have a 400-Hz filter around the RTTY transmit tones. Please try that. It should clean up noise, if that's the issue. I still don't see how DUAL PB could have anything to do with it. When you get a chance, please send me your entire receiver setup. 73, Wayne N6KR On Feb 13, 2009, at 6:41 PM, Ron W3ZV wrote: I am working the CQ WPX contest. K3 FL-7000 amp at about 300W. When I engage the dual passband filter, I hear a rough buzz, which sounds like RFI, on my monitored transmit signal. When I disengage the DPF, my signal sounds clean in the monitor. I continue to make contacts, but a contest is not a great place for critical signal reports. Any clues? Ron W3ZV __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Mods
rfenab...@gmail.com wrote: I really don't want to delve into my K3 with a slodering iron and a baggie full of bits and pieces. So how about Elecraft offering a board swap for those of us who do not wish to do the mods themselves. Hi Gary, We'll be happy to swap any module that you don't want to modify yourself. You can email k3supp...@elecraft.com) and make any necessary arrangements. However, I think you'll find that all of the mods are simple and easy to make, if you'd like to make any of them yourself. The RF board is a special case. Swapping it out would be a factor of 10 more difficult than any of the minor mods you might need to do. Fortunately (taking into considering that the K3 has been shipping for barely a year and a half), there have been very few mods. Whether any mods are required at all depends on your needs and the rig's time of manufacture. Again, K3 support can help you determine what is applicable, or give you further assistance on any mod. If any of the documentation is lacking, or you have trouble getting any of the parts in a timely fashion, please e-mail me directly and I'll expedite whatever action is necessary. 73, Wayne --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Mods -- Important clarification
I wrote: We'll be happy to swap any module that you don't want to modify yourself. You can email k3supp...@elecraft.com) and make any necessary arrangements. However, I think you'll find that all of the mods are simple and easy to make, if you'd like to make any of them yourself. I need to clarify this. First, there is a charge if we make a modification for you, or send you a replacement module. Second, in most cases you can make the needed arrangements by contacting sales. Our K3 mods page has the information you need to determine whether a mod is necessary, so you usually won't need to contact k3support. 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft 70cm transverter, K3 and repeater access tones?
James, The XV432 itself *does* cover the full 70-cm range. If you use it with a rig that covers 28-32 MHz, you'll have this capability. But the K3 only covers 28-30 MHz. 73, Wayne N6KR Thanks for the information. I didn't realize that the XV432 didn't cover the whole 70cm band. This is good to know, as I intended to use the transverter to communicate with local 440 machines. I suppose it would be better for me then to go with the XV144, or just buy a 2m/440 base instead. 73, James KC2UEE --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Correction to MDS figures in March QST article comparing various rigs
Gene (W3ZZ), the author of Comparing VHF + IF Strips in the March 2009 QST, just got back to me with a correction to his article. On page 90, table 2 should show -138 dBm for the K3, and -132 dBm for the SDR-5000 (the two figures were transposed). A correction will also appear in QST. Thanks, Gene, for catching this. 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 pet feature requests
It gives us an excuse to meet for lunch once a week :) 73, Wayne N6KR Ken Kopp wrote: I certainly don't envy Wayne and Eric as they evaluate the relative validity of each of our many and varied ideas. 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] SPLIT
Colin, You might have VFO B in the wrong mode. Try doing AB twice, then go into split. If this doesn't work, try loading the latest beta-test firmware (2.82). I'm sure we tested split on each release, but this rev might have a relevant improvement. 73, Wayne N6KR On Feb 14, 2009, at 12:30 AM, Colin Potter wrote: Hi all, need help! Using ver 2.78 ser 2014. Find SPLIT is not working CW or SSB! Was working previously with other versions. Powered up again and reloaded firmware DSP to no avail. --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Birdies
Bob, I've had very positive feedback from a dozen or so K3 customers who have used the new birdie removal feature successfully. This will be included in the next beta release. But don't take my word for it :) I'm sure others will weigh in. 73, Wayne N6KR On Feb 20, 2009, at 3:31 PM, Robert Dorchuck wrote: I recently installed the KRX3 and seem to have some of the birdie problems others have noted, the loudest on 14.186.7 (S3). The others are masked when connected to an antenna and are not a problem. I have tried adjusting the cables and saw some improvement but it will not be a solution as Wayne noted. Has anyone tried the test firmware that Wayne mentioned a week or so ago? --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Frequency Warping Cap for XV144
Steve, If you're using the XV144 with a K2 or K3 you can set up a transverter band, with a per-band offset of +/- 9.99 kHz. The VFO dial will then read accurately for each transverter. 73, Wayne N6KR On Feb 20, 2009, at 9:14 PM, Steve Berg wrote: Is there any way to put in a tuning capacitor so that I can adjust the LO frequency of my XV144 transverter? The XV50 has one of these, but the 2 meter unit has a somewhat different oscillator circuit. --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Birdies
I could change the firmware so that when in you're in the SIG RMV menu entry, it could slew the VFO over the present 100-Hz segment (i.e., from .000 to .099) once per second. This way you could hear the full effect of each SIG RMV step without having to exit the menu and move VFO A manually. It might be sonically entertaining, too. 73, Wayne N6KR On Feb 20, 2009, at 9:05 PM, Joe Planisky wrote: I'm not suggesting that it would be possible to calculate a solution, but rather provide audio feedback to a program so it could do what I do: listen for a tone, adjust the shift until it disappears, tune up (or down) to the next 100 Hz segment, adjust the shift, repeat until you hit a segment with just noise. (I'm also not proposing that it scan the whole band looking for birdies. I'll do that. But when I find one, I'll hit a button that says 'take it out'.) 73 == Joe KB8AP --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Kx-1 ---help
Hi Russ, What you see when changing bands is the MHz value that you're tuned to on each band. You must have the VFO tuned below 14 MHz on 20 m. 73, Wayne N6KR On Feb 21, 2009, at 1:08 PM, Garrett, Russ wrote: I'm moving through the bands just fine until it is supposed to nove to 14 mhz. Instead it shows as 13? This must be something simple. Did not have this problem last night. --- http://www.elecraft.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
