Re: [Elecraft] OT: High school drafting class, ~1975

[Edward R Cole]

Wayne,

Thanks for sharing the memories.

I had been drawing things since a child, won a contest with a local 
radio show for my crayon drawings at age five.  By the time I was in 
college I was already good at that.  I got 1/2 point off one of my 
drawings in drafting class, otherwise got 100% (found out latter, I 
was top in drafting for my engineering class).


But I went into Electrical Engineering as a profession (where drawing 
skills helped with diagrams).


Many years later I married the chief drafts-person for ORECK 
Engineering.  She was doing 3-D models on a computer which provided 
files for their modeling machine to create scale models of 
prospective products from plastic.  She had been an artist in HS and 
chose drafting as her profession (instead of starving artist).  She 
handled the entire blueprint library, keeping eng. change records for 
the company.  Great organizational skills.  Those of you who 
subscribe to Dubus Magazine in NA know her for managing subscriptions 
(Janet Cole).


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] FS: MFJ-269B

[Edward R Cole]

SOLD!  only took a few hours to receive an offer.  Was shipped on Monday.
Thanks.

73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
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[Elecraft] FS: MFJ-269B

[Edward R Cole]

Thought maybe someone on the list might be interested.
Used for several years but fully functional.  450 KHz to 170 MHz and 
420 to 470 MHz.

$200 and free shipping within the USA.  Write me off list for details.
Modification of 
MFJ-269B to 500-KHz (kl7uw.com)

I bought a new MFJ-269D so no longer needed.

73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 
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Re: [Elecraft] Can I rent a K4?

[Edward R Cole]

So one of you multi-millionaires might buy a dozen K4 and set up a 
rental business.  Hmm?


Rent at month minimum period for 10% of value and have clause to 
recover any damage.


They rent cars that way.  Of course they require the renter to have 
full-coverage insurance.


So there is another business opportunity, selling insurance on ham radios.

Yes, of course, I am joking

73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Automatic lightning protection for radios

[Edward R Cole]

This is a little bit "tongue-in-cheek" reply:

Only sure way to avoid lightning is to live where there is no lightning.

I happen to live in such a location.  We hear thunder every other 
year and see.see/hear lightning about once out of four years.


Odds of an earthquake or volcano eruption is much higher (in Alaska 
on the "ring of fire") with four active volcanoes within sight 
(closest is 50-mile away and has erupted three time while I have 
lived up here).  There are 141 active volcanoes in Alaska roughly 
aligned along the Aleutian island chain and Alaska Peninsula.  I live 
at the  northern end of that.


The climate is maritime as I live two miles from Cook Inlet which is 
a 200+ mile long salt-water sound extending from the Northern 
Pacific.  So we do not get the extremes in temperature that produces 
lightning (summer average 55-65F).  Only 70-miles north Anchorage 
gets more of that weather.  Interior AK gets hundreds of strikes per 
day in summer.


location-location

73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
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Re: [Elecraft] Head Phones

[Edward R Cole]

I have a very old Sony MDR-V600 which is not noise cancelling but 
great sound and muffs very comfortable over my over-ear hearing 
aids.  I bought the Antlion boom mic which uses a small earth magnet 
cemented to the head phones to mount the boom mic.  I don't use the 
mic very much in the shack, but the headphone hang on a coat hook by 
my radio cabinet for  frequent use.  Boom mic is intended for outdoor 
use in portable operation with my KX3.  I tested the mic on air with 
my K3 and got good reports with it.


I also got a Senheiser noise-cancelling headphone but were not as 
comfortable as my Bose QC-2 (which I use mainly on aircraft).  I gave 
the Senheiser to my wife.


I tried the Yamaha with boom mic but they caused my hearing aids to 
oscillate (howl) whenever I put them on (so I sold it).


Get a good quality stereo headphone that are comfortable (over the 
ear muffs for better noise isolation).



73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] External sound card advice needed to attach to K3

[Edward R Cole]

Lets see, you know enough how to set up audio for running FT8 
(wsjt-x) but not enough to disable alert tones??


Actually my solution is easier: I have a separate computer for 
running my ham radio programs so never need to hear that computer 
"burp".  Internet and e-mail done on a separate computer where I can 
enable sound if I want (most of the time speaker is cancelled).  I 
have a FM radio for music.  Occasionally, I want to hear audio with a 
video and enable speaker for that.


Currently using the soundcard (Realtek) in the computer  for digital 
modes (but not very satisfactory as gain is not leveled and has a lot 
of noise below 200-Hz).  Eventually will get my new A/D going (UADC4) 
which will drive with baseband audio from my LP-Pan(SDR) running on 
the K3 1st IF.


With my old winXP computer I used a emu0202 soundcard or a Delta44 
(but neither are supported by win10).


Now run two Dell Inspiron i5 with separate monitors.

73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Used antenna - Arecio antenna collapses

[Edward R Cole]

Really a shame to see its demise.  It might not be re-built in Puerto 
Rico due to exposure to Hurricanes and encroaching civilization 
threatens the radio quiet area for useful radio astronomy.  Wonder if 
a new site might be chosen (someday)?


I copied the 432 MHz SSB signal from Arecibo using my 16-foot dish 
and a hastily made 432 feed.  I tried sending JT65 signals at 100w 
but never got a reply.


In my college years radio astronomy was one of my career choices and 
I even got an invite to do Master's study at Ohio State with Dr. John 
Kraus-W8JK (who built the "Big Ear" radiotelescope).  But was not to 
be - I moved to LA in Nov. 1968 to start work with Hughes Aircraft on 
military projects. (don't ask)


Later in 1972, I did some minor radio astronomy using a 26m dish at Goldstone.

A lot of neat science was done at Arecibo.  Always wanted to  visit 
(too late now).  I did get to see the Big  Ear about 3-months before 
is was torn down to build a golf course.


This where I could make a political joke (but won't).

73, Ed - KL7UW

Date: Wed,  2 Dec 2020 14:51:02 -0500
From: Bill Frantz 
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Used antenna - Arecio antenna collapses

There are some interesting tidbits about Arecibo:

Joe Taylor, K1JT, or wsjt-x fame, did some of the work that lead
to his Nobel Prize at Arecibo. His also mounted an 'expedition'
in April 2010 to use the Arecibo Radio Telescope to conduct
moonbounce with Amateurs around the world using voice, Morse
code, and digital communications. [Wikipedia]

The Arecibo radio telescope was used as a powerful radar to
study other objects in the solar system. Things at certain
distances could not be studied because by the time the
transmitted signal reflected back, the Earth had turned enough
that the radio telescope was pointed in the wrong direction.

It's definitely a sad occurence. I sympathize with the people
who use black humor to handle their sadness.

73 Bill AE6JV


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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[Elecraft] KX3: Computer I/F

[Edward R Cole]

Have posted new webpage showing my KX3 computer interface (diagram 
but no photos, yet):

http://www.kl7uw.com/KX3_Computer_Interface.htm

73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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[Elecraft] OT: KL7UW QRV for 6m eme/ms

[Edward R Cole]

Although my 2m-eme system is down (until next summer), my 6m station 
is QRV with two 7-element LFA yagis and 1000w for eme/meteor 
scatter/50.313 (FT8).
I am aware that KL7 is highly sought after for 6m WAS & DXCC.  Look 
for my activity on ON4KST chat/50-MHz IARU Region 2 and pskreporter.com.

I will have LOTW initialized soon.

73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] KIO3B Main Board Repair

[Edward R Cole]

Received e-mail from Elecraft that my KIO3 board is being 
shipped.  Cost of new digital board $187.50 + $17.50 shipping.


So my K3 will be restored for operating JT65 on eme end of the 
month.  Only my 2m-eme array and tower crashed two days ago in high winds.

http://www.kl7uw.com/2m-eme_down_1.jpg

BTW I got my KX3 running on digital modes by use of a Rigblaster 
NOMIC.  I'll have a webpage up in a couple days with a description.

http://www.kl7uw.com/techtopics.htm

Anyone want to borrow Murphy for a few months!

73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] KIO3B Main Board Repair

[Edward R Cole]

In my case the RS232 I/F in my K3 (SN-4340) quit communicating with 
WSJT-X.  Tested with K3 Utility with same result.  Tried a different 
USB/RS232 cable, still not communicating.  Troubleshot 9-pin 
receptacle and discovered the ground pin was not grounded.  Pulled 
out the KIO3A and found the chip inductor on the ground line had 
blown up open ckt.  Removed it and substituted a wire jumper (still 
not working).


At that point I was going to have to rig up a test cable to be able 
to troubleshoot the module unplugged from the K3.  Instead I sent it 
to Elecraft Repair.  They had it for 28-days and then replied that a 
new digital board was needed as the existing board was not 
reparable.  They are on order.


I did have the option to buy a KIO3B but that was over $400 before 
shipping (and also not in stock)  I don't need or use the USB port.


I worked 1966-2009: ten years as an RF engineer, and the rest as 
technician doing SM level troubleshooting/repairs.  After retiring I 
had a small business building transverters and amplifiers from kits 
(all SM).  I have a pretty decent workbench and test equipment to 
26-GHz.  II could have spent the effort in building a test jig and 
trying to troubleshoot on my own.  I figured it easier to let the 
experienced staff at Elecraft do it.


Hoping to get my KIO3A repaired when board order arrives.  I've 
decided to set up my KX3 for computer modes using a Rig Runner NOMIC 
I/F.  I'll post the project on my website when done.  The KX3 will 
use WSJT-X for running JT65B on 2m-eme by driving a 2m transverter. 
on 28-MHz with 3w.


73, Ed - KL7UW

-
You can view the Schematic diagrams (6 pages) for the Elecraft KIO3B module.
https://ftp.elecraft.com/K3S/Manuals%20Downloads/E740323%20K3s%20Schematic%20Files.pdf
The KIO3B is a multi-function module, that includes these functions:
1. RF Board interface
2. Digital I/O interface
3. Audio I/O interface
4. USB, Codec, RS232
FTDI FT232R (USB), TI PCM2901 (CODEC), TUSB2036 (2/3 port USB hub)
5. Digital I/O
6. Audio I/O
==
It is NOT impossible to repair or troubleshoot (component-level),
BUT it can be time consuming for the novice or weekend technician.
This is why Elecraft stated ?economical? (their bench time is NOT Free).
?
Sage advice from my high school electronics instructor, WB9FUR (sk, 
2016) has served me well : External event (ESD, Over-voltage, Op 
error) and I/O ports are major causes of module or circuit 
failures.  Electronic devices rarely ?die? for no reason (assumes QA 
production of part).

?
?What functionality? has failed will narrow the circuit areas and 
components to examine.  IF you can ?think thru? those observed 
symptoms, many failures can be pinpointed with a DVM to a few key components.

SMT repair experience and tools reduces repair time


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Are Elecraft accepting return to Manufacturer for repairs yet

[Edward R Cole]

I returned my KIO3A module for repair of the digital I/F board.  It 
arrived Sept. 30 and I just received word that the board will have to 
be replaced.  They are awaiting a run of new boards.  My original 
est. was 15-20 days (its now 28) and am hoping I can have it back in 
time to participate in Nov. 28 ARRL EME Contest.  I operate JT65B and 
need the interface for that.


Tim.On October 5th I requested an RMA to return my K3s for 
repair.They sent me an RMA on the 15th of October.I got an email 
today stating that they have received my K3s.Estimating 15 to 20 work 
days for repair.Hope this helpsMikeKC8WHSent from my Verizon, Samsung 
Galaxy smartphone



73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Amplitude variation on K3S with JT65B

[Edward R Cole]

Conrad and all:

Another reason I am glad that I chose the 2.8 KHz and 400 Hz filters 
when I purchased my K3 in 2010.


I do not use the 2nd IF when I run 2m-eme (JT65B under MAP65).  In 
fact I have FL3 open (no filter) and select it in diversity mode to 
reduce zero frequency "suck out" on the MAP65 spectrum screen.  I tap 
off the 1st IF from both main and subRx to feed dual SDR's before the filters.


But running either WSJT-10 or WSJT-X I do use line out audio with 2.8 
KHz filter selected in DATA  Mode.  I  run this on 6m and 23cm  eme.



It seems that the stock 2.7kHz filter is the culprit. Confirmed 
privately by 2 EME operators and by Jim K9YC. So I will buy a couple 
of Inrad 2.8kHz filters.


73

Conrad PA5Y


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft 20M SSB Net for Sunday, September 27, 2020

[Edward R Cole]

I listened on 14.303.5 but heard briefly a SSB signal two minutes 
before the net time and nothing after.


Been a long time since I checked in.  Years ago Phil NS7P was net 
control and I could hear him often.


Even WWV was missing on 15-MHz so guess 20m was not reaching up 
here.  I run 100w into Hygain TH3mk4.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] K4 IF signal 'OUT' for external application useage

[Edward R Cole]

OK, so the only thing I do with ethernet is connect to the Internet 
via a router.


So would the K4 ethernet connect via the router using a local network 
to communicate with my computer?  I have that option to network my 
printer between multiple computers.


One related question will the ethernet permit separate IQ from main 
and sub Rx (diversity mode with separate antennas)?  I do that with 
my K3 by using both 1st IF's to two LP-Pan which create IQ baseband 
to a four-port soundcard.  I have both LP-Pan phase-locked to a 
single LO to preserve diversity reception.  The computer runs MAP65 
which takes two receiver IQ inputs.

http://www.kl7uw.com/MAP65.htm

Just curious at this point.

73, Ed - KL7UW


Date: Thu, 24 Sep 2020 12:30:21 -0700
From: Wayne Burdick 
To: David Gilbert 
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K4 IF signal 'OUT' for external application
useage
Message-ID: <74039e94-753f-4985-ab0c-fa972bdd7...@elecraft.com>
Content-Type: text/plain;   charset=utf-8

IQ streaming data from the K4 will be available over Ethernet.

Wayne
N6KR


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 
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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft] "Introduction to the Elecraft K4" manual now available

[Edward R Cole]

Impressive.  I can see a lot of work went into this (I was a former 
tech writer for Hughes Aircraft 1968-71).  If I could afford it, I 
would be on board to order the K4D when the VHF/UHF modules are 
available.  My K3/10 (SN-4340) does well for me, though.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] K3: KIO3 digital board failed (I think)

[Edward R Cole]

Working with Rob at Elecraft Service, I removed and checked the KIO3 
Digital I/F board and found L1 blown.  L2, L3, R12, and R13 are all 
good.  L1 is on the ground lead from the sub-D9 connector, pin 5 to 
ground in the K3.  Definitely blown as there is a carbon smudge next 
to L1.  I installed a wire jumper but still inoperational.


Going to return the entire KIO3 unit to Elecraft for repair.

73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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[Elecraft] K3: KIO3 dgital board failed (I think)

[Edward R Cole]

My K3 SN 4340 bought in 2010 apparently has a failure in the RS232 I/F.

My computer says the FDTI cable is working and using com port-6 but 
there is no connection using the K3 Utility or WSJT-X which was 
running fine in July.  The radio no longer keys up on computer 
boot-up as before.  I bought another FDTI USB/RS232 conversion cable 
and it does not work wit the K3, either.  I checked the com port and 
cable via Device Manager and both are shown as working with no 
problems.  I even used my second computer to test the cables (also 
showing working well).  Computers are i5 running win10pro64.


I contacted Elecraft Service Dept on Friday so waiting to hear back from them.

I gave a passing thought to just upgrade to the KIO3B but it totals 
$437.80 before shipping.  I don't really need the USB I/F for my use 
of the K3.  I use two com ports to support control of the K3 (I won't 
bother you with details) to run MAP65 and TRAKBOX programs 
simultaneously.  But just have the single com port recently in use with WSJT-X.


I guess I wonder if anyone else has had this failure?

73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] [OT] A Very Quiet Day

[Edward R Cole]

Here in Alaska, we have frequent power outages.  More often in winter 
due to wind storms knocking down wires.


A few years ago we bought a 6500w Honda inverter generator to provide 
emergency power.  Its large enough to supply the entire house 
load.  One of the interesting things was noting the drop in radio 
noise when power is off.  We see no lights in the neighborhood other 
than ours so any noise would be made in our house.  2m noise drop 
almost to S0.  Normal quiet times with commercial power runs 
S3.  Only see S2 or less on 2m when running our generator.  At times 
local noise on 2m rises to S7 which renders the band unusable except 
strong local signals.


I just set up my 6m eme system and measured S6/7 noise with the ARR 
preamp.  PR6 shows S3/4. ARR gain is 25-dB vs about 15-dB for the 
PR6, so I added a 10-dB attenuator in-line with the ARR preamp which 
now matches the PR6 noise floor pretty well.  ARR is closer to the 
antenna with 0.5 dB NF whereas the PR6 is about 0.7 dB NF.  Not 
really noticeable with local signals but makes a little improvement 
with weak eme signals.


When I first came to AK, I lived off the grid (about 2-3 miles from 
nearest power lines (town of pop 75).  80m band was S0 on my dipole 
at night.  Really heard well back then.  I now live 100 miles west of 
there in a buried utility area (2 to 5 acre parcels) which probably 
helps (though overhead lines are only 1/2 mile away.  HF is typically 
S5 noise with my K3 (preamp off).  I use the PR6 on 10m & 6m so that 
raises the noise floor a bit.  Our pop is 4,000 spread over 76 square 
miles with a city of 15,000 12 miles south.


Going to bush towns is no insurance for low noise.  I worked in a 
town 400 miles west of Anchorage (pop 3500) and tried setting up a 
long yagi on 2m on roof above the TV station.  Noise was over S9 (due 
to arc igniters in their furnace).  2m was totally unusable (trying 
for a long shot to Anchorage).  They ran a monitor on the AM radio 
station which blared horrible noise when they shut down the 
transmitter at night.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Inverted L for 160 meters

[Edward R Cole]

Originally, I was looking to hang a half-square on 80m as accidently 
ended up with two 50-foot towers spaced 130-foot apart.  But then 
around 2011, I got interested and joined the ARRL 600m Experimental 
Group and was looking at 600m antennas.  With just under 2-acres 
(200x300 foot). there was just not enough horizontal room for an LF antenna.



Revising my plans I made a 43x122 foot inverted-L.  I tripled the 
vertical wires and doubled the horizontal wires to get a bit more 
bandwidth (5-KHz at 495-KHz).  I laid out three radials on the ground 
using 2-foot wide chicken wire and fourth radial was shield of my 
120-foot run of 1-5/8 inch Heliax to the tower holding the vertical 
section.  All much shorter than 1/4 WL.

http://www.kl7uw.com/630m.htm

Efficiency at 475-KHz is terrible (4%) with such a short vertical but 
it hears well using basically ground-wave prop out to 
1100-miles.  I've copied Rudy-N6LF several times over much longer 
path into Oregon from AK (1647 miles).


I tried a BOG but though a lot quieter also signals were much less 
(500-foot not long enough to work well as a Beverage on 600m)


With some changes on my base loading coil the invert-L could be used 
on 160m (maybe some day??).


Sidenote to 6m ops:  My dual 7-element LFA yagi array is functional 
for FT8 (Es) or JT65 (eme) or MSK-144 (ms); will have 1000w QRV in 
few more days (after testing).


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
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Re: [Elecraft] K4 shipping info

[Edward R Cole]

I'm not waiting as I did not order one, but...

Won't it be simpler for Elecraft to post this on a link from their 
website.  Those who want to know could access and management would be 
an addition for the Elecraft webmaster to handle.


I have an extensive personal website and also manage a VHF club 
website (in raw html code; no authoring sw).  No biggey!


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
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Re: [Elecraft] Inverted L for 160 meters

[Edward R Cole]

Kevinr,

I have an inverted-L on 630m (that is 475 KHz) and is simply a 
vertical section with one horizontal section.  A quarter wave 
vertical for 1.8 MHz would be 137-foot high so 80 foot is going to be 
short.  The horizontal wires add capacitance to the top end of the 
vertical effectively shortening the length needed for resonance.


My inv-L is only 43-foot high (1/4WL= 524-feet) so its not very 
efficient and requires a big loading coil in series to resonate.  If 
you have four top-hat wires that may work better to shorten the 
needed vertical.  But probably still need a loading coil.  Use EZNEC 
to model it and it will provide a close est of the antenna Z.  I 
modified my MFJ-269B to operate 400-800   KHz and directly measured 
mine; adjusted coil to reach resonance.


Also do not forget it also needs ground radials (more the 
merrier)!  I only had a 100-foot square patch of ground for my inv-L 
so radials are very short as well.  But my signal has been heard 
4,000 miles away with 4w EIRP (100w output from amp).  Antenna is 
currently down.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
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Re: [Elecraft] KIO3B waiting list

[Edward R Cole]

Thanks!

Links provided by John, KC7DRI provided enough info for me decide I 
did not need the enhancements.  I run two LP-Pan SDRs off the first 
IF's of my K3 main and sub-receivers in diversity mode to provide 
dual IQ streams to my computer so having an internal soundcard is no 
use.  The USB/RS232 conversion cable works FB for keying my radio.


Plus I have the PR6-10 which works well for 10m-6m and Digout-1 is 
handy function for connecting my remote 6m preamp for eme.


I would buy a K4D except my K3 is working fine for my application as 
IF radio on 50-MHz thru 10-GHz.  I promise my wife when I bought the 
K3 in 2010 it was the "last one".  Yeah, she didn't really believe me.


Getting to the age where investing in ham radio stuff is not really a 
good long-term investment.  Bought a new F250 diesel truck and 
30-foot 5th wheel trailer in 2016/2017 and made two trips with 
it.  Can't leave AK this year due to corona-virus so will be second 
summer it has been parked.  Beginning to doubt wisdom of that 
purchase. (roughly $70K).


73, Ed - KL7UW

At 12:50 PM 8/5/2020, Edward R Cole wrote:
Lots about this option, but what exactly does the upgrade provide 
over the standard board?


My K3, SN4340 dates from 2010 so assume it has a KIO3 board (not 
sure if A or B version).  Trying to determine if I want/need the upgrade.


I did add EXREF, TCXO3, upgraded both Synth boards and Gen Coverage 
filter to cover 475-KHz (630m) band.  I have the subRx installed.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] KIO3B waiting list

[Edward R Cole]

Lots about this option, but what exactly does the upgrade provide 
over the standard board?


My K3, SN4340 dates from 2010 so assume it has a KIO3 board (not sure 
if A or B version).  Trying to determine if I want/need the upgrade.


I did add EXREF, TCXO3, upgraded both Synth boards and Gen Coverage 
filter to cover 475-KHz (630m) band.  I have the subRx installed.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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[Elecraft] K3: interference on 50.313

[Edward R Cole]

Had a strange signal on 50.313 a couple days ago.  To memory it was 
centered on 1500 Hz and about 1000-Hz wide.  I went about looking for 
sources and disconnecting cables.  With all antenna connections 
disconnected it was still there (oh bad).  But I also wondered if a 
setting might have changed to produce it.  Recently a question about 
setting up FT8 on the K3 had me going thru my settings so I rechecked 
them.  Strangely clicking XFIL button cleared the display of the 
interfering signal.


Hmm I said to myself, noting that button also controls DUAL 
PB.  Could activating dual-PB in DATA-A mode produce this 
"effect"?  Attempting to reproduce it with the XFIL/DUAL PB button 
was unsuccessful (which is OK).  So this remains a mystery signal 
(apparently internal to the K3)?


Experts any guesses on what it was?

73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
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Re: [Elecraft] Tired of fretting about the K4.....see what a KX2 looks like at 12, 800 ft

[Edward R Cole]

Thanks for the write-up and especially the photos.  Takes me back to 
my Sierra hiking days mid-1970's!  1977 I logged nearly 500 miles in 
the mountains (every weekend).  I think there were less crowds back 
then.  Solo hiking was quiet-serene.  I also backpacked with the JPL 
Hiking Club back then.  We sumitted Mt. Whitney 14,000+ but that is a 
"walk up" hike.  But you really feel the altitude above 13,500 where 
we dropped our packs.  I hiked with 60-lbs back then.


Only took a 2m-HT in those days.  Made SF area from Lassen crater 
rim.  Wish I could still do the hiking but only drive the high roads, now.
Where we live in AK the terrain-climate is similar to 9,000 feet in 
the Sierra but we are only 138-foot ASL.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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[Elecraft] (no subject)

[Edward R Cole]

73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
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Re: [Elecraft] Matching resonant antennas

[Edward R Cole]

Interesting discussion:

But most of us probably tune our antennas for best SWR at the desired 
frequency.


I have a dual-band 80-40m inverted-V with apex at 40-foot and 80m 
wire tail at 20-foot.  The separate 40m wire is spaced 6-inches from 
the 80m wire with wooden dowels.  I found by trial-n-error that one 
must tune the lowest frequency wires, first.  I did that using an 
antenna analyzer.  Then the 40m wires.  Turns out (probably due to 
coupling) that the 40m antenna is narrow bw (50-KHz at best) whereas 
I get good SWR from 3650-4000 KHz.


The purist will say that's not resonant but the transmitter is 
happy.  I can  run bypass on 3800-4000 KHz with my KXPA100/KXAT100 
but must  tune using the atu on 40m.
For working around Alaska (out to 800-miles) this "cloud burner" 
works well with 100w.  I only use SSB on these bands.  3920 is the 
defacto calling/emcomm channel in AK.


When we have an earthquake, 3920 lights up (as well as 14,292) for 
reporting from our remote areas.  I live two miles from salt-water so 
tsunami watch is common after a "big one".


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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[Elecraft] OT: CQ VHF Contest this weekend

[Edward R Cole]

Although not about Elecraft products:

I though there may be some 6m ops on the list looking to work Alaska (KL7).

I will be on with 3-element yagi pointed to West Coast of US running 
80w on 50.313 (900-Hz) FT8.  I will be using "Contest Mode" which 
exchanges four-digit grid squares instead of signal 
report.  https://www.cqww-vhf.com/


Normally run even (first) sequence to work West Coast that normally 
are on odd (second) sequence.  But either sequence OK as I will adapt.


Opening last Sunday netted several stations in Pac NW for me.  But I 
have seen CO, NM, TX, and AL


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 power out

[Edward R Cole]

I also have the KX3 with 2m module and ATU.

My understanding is Auto is used to tune the antenna but you then 
switch to MAN to operate after the ATU tunes to your antenna (my 
KXPA100/KXTA100 works the same way).


My original 2m module (kit) did not reach full output so I returned 
the module to Elecraft and they fixed it.  But I still only see 2.5w 
output on my Bird meter with 25C element into Bird load.   My guess 
the Bird is off calibration though 5% of 25 is 1.25w, so it could be 
just the limit of the Bird's accuracy.  I use it to drive a 60w MOT 
amp that only needs 2w drive so all good.  My KX3 only outputs 12w on 
HF but I haven't upgraded firmware so maybe that would increase to 
15w.  No matter as the KXPA100 only requires about 5.5w drive for 
100w out on 80-10m and 8w provides 80w on 6m (which is normal).


I think the ATU is kind of fussy at times and I have to redo the 
tuning to have it work right.  I usually trust the power & SWR meter 
on the KXPA100 for day to day use.


I have two Bird meters (one is permanently in my 2m-eme antenna 
line).  A couple years ago I discovered the calibration limits 
of  Bird elements when using a 250E element to measure my 150w 1296 
amp.  It only read 125w.  But the element is rated for 400-1000 MHz 
and falls off above that (which explains the low reading).


I now have a 600w amp on 1296 and use directional couplers and my 
HP432A mw power meter.  The 250E and 500E are grossly inaccurate at 1296.


BTW Bird dummy loads can be found on e-bay and other ham lists.  They 
are rated to 1000 MHz.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 max heat sink temp?

[Edward R Cole]

Not a burning need, but I could see buying a KPA500 some day.

I have the K3/10 and KX3 which are both 12w output and drive my 
KXPA100, nicely.  It has the KXAT100 tuner.


If I decided to have high power on HF that might also mean an upgrade 
in HF yagi (20-10m).  I have an aged Hygain TH3mk4 which needs the 
antenna tuner to match.  Its the old trap design so might opt for a 
SteppIR or a log-periodic, both of which need no tuning.  6-dBi gain 
would be adequate, non-contester or DXer on HF.


Side Note to 6m ops:  I am now monitoring 50.313 FT8, daily (with PSK 
Reporter enabled).


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Difference in dummy loads

[Edward R Cole]

I bought an air-cooled Bird 8201 rated 500w to 3-GHz from e-bay for 
$300.  It can handle 1500w for short transmissions.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] K3s noise figure spec

[Edward R Cole]

Dave,

I don't know the NF, but my K3 with PR6 (which the K3s supposedly has 
internal) has a MDS of -145 dBm at 500-Hz bandwidth.  That is fine 
for 50-MHz on eme (most demanding mode).  I have a ARR P50VDG preamp 
at the base of my 6m-eme tower which provides 0.5 dBNF with 24 dB 
gain.  I run it with PR6 turned off for very slight improvement.


The K3s 50-MHz NF is probably fine with internal preamp ON.  For 
comparison my 2m-eme system MDS is -157 dBm (preamp is 0.1 
dBNF).  But on 144-MHz low NF has more benefit since sky noise is 
lower (250K vs 2000K on 6m).  In truth with the rise in environmental 
noise, low NF on 2m is getting less effective.


6m-eme folk say this:  "If your coax line loss to the antenna is < 1 
dB, locating a preamp at the antenna is unnecessary".


K3s should do fine without external preamp (in general).

BTW my KX3 with internal preamp at 30-dB gain level has equal 
sensitivity to my K3+PR6.


73, Ed - KL7UW

Date: Tue, 30 Jun 2020 19:31:01 -0400
From: Dave Sublette 
To: Elecraft Discussion List 
Subject: [Elecraft] K3s noise figure spec

Does anybody KNOW what the noise figure is for the 50MHz preamp on the
K3s?  It isn't listed in the specifications.

I need to know in order to make system noise figure calculations.  My
feedline is going to be long (low loss, but long) and I'm trying to
determine if I will need a preamp mounted at the antenna.

Thanks,

Dave, K4TO


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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[Elecraft] FD on 6m from Alaska

[Edward R Cole]

I plan to operate class-D on 6m FT8 during FD.  I will be running my 
K3+KXPA100 (80w) with a 3-element yagi pointed SE (favoring the West 
Coast).  This will be casual and intermittent calling/monitoring.  I 
will call odd sequence (as I will be west of all except HI). Per 
special rules my log will be added to KL7AN which traditionally is 
the Moosehorn ARC FD station call.


I have copied stations as far as NM on 50.313.  Most likely to work 
Pac NW stations (K7/VE7/VE6).


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] FIXED--was NOT the feedline

[Edward R Cole]

My two cents worth:

Professionally, I used a layer of Scotch-70 self-fusing tape covered 
by two layers of Scoth-33+ black electric tape.  This was on coax 
cable connectors on small vessels that were in salt-water 
exposure.  Removing 5-years afterward, connectors were still 
bright,dry, and looking like new.


Scotch-70 is expensive (I paid $30 per roll over ten years ago for 
it). But when you got guys on board a 26-foot boat in the North 
Pacific with very high seas (like 30-foot) you want their Marine Radio to work.


At home, I use heat shrink with two layers of Scotch-33+ fairly 
reliably.  If things are too close to wrap with tape then a layer of 
Scotch-Kote seals heat shrink, thoroughly.


I don't use sticky, messy stuff like Coax Seal.  Scotch-70 molds into 
a seamless covering and slits easily with a razor knife.


Some large coax connectors are supplied with heat shrink that has a 
melted inner "goo" which is very good sealant.  I've found removal is 
not messy so apparently the "goo" cures in some manner.  Pretty sure 
you can buy it at commercial electrical suppliers (but probably in 
4-foot chunks which will cost you).  I buy my ordinary heat shrink 
and tywraps (Thomas & Betts) from a local commercial electrical supply house.


When temperatures dip to -30F the cheap stuff gets brittle and 
breaks.  That's not when I want to climb a tower.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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[Elecraft] (no subject)

[Edward R Cole]

Just read the KX3 (with upgraded firmware) does 15w output, so 31.6* 
x 15w = 474w from a KPA500; *15-dB.


I have the KX3 but not the KPA500.

73, Ed - KL7UW

From: "hawley, charles j jr" 
To: Tommy Judson 
Cc: Edward via Elecraft 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Availability

I think I would get the KX3 which is in stock and maybe the KPA500 
and KAT500. I?m not a 1500 watt guy. The KX3 can drive that to 250 
watts or so...and get the K4 later.

The KX3 would be a fun radio to keep.

Chuck Jack Hawley
KE9UW

Sent from my iPhone, cjack


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] KX3/KX2 remote for FD

[Edward R Cole]

I agree with what Bob says:

So a couple comments:
Whether we realize it (or not) the pandemic "is" an emergency, so 
this year's FD has different restrictions which may not be supported 
by the "contest rules".


15-years as communications chief for an emergency response 
organization, the overwhelming reality was every event is different 
and response must adjust to the changed circumstances.  I wrote the 
"Comm Plan" for each event for ICS.  Now retired eleven years.


IF you operate FD from home you can simulate some issues (like 
antenna down or no power).  Or if allowed operating in remote 
locations try single-op mobile/portable.


I have a home emergency generator so might simulate loss of power at 
home running 100w on 20m & 6m.


Our local club is still planning on a traditional FD (but state 
mandates may not allow).


73, Ed - KL7UW

--
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KX3/KX2 remote for FD
Message-ID: <657b1354-b2bb-0500-ca82-5a9d6b319...@blomand.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed

I agree, specially on the first sentence.?? I've been participating in
FD since the very early '60's.? However it has become a "contest" to see
who and what organization can accumulate the most points.? A contact is
a contact, a multiplier is a mathematical term.??? It has no place in
Field Day operation.


73

Bob, K4TAX


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Establishing A New Station

[Edward R Cole]

Look at my website for example of KX3 plus KXPA100 installed in an RV 
(4wd truck, in my case, which tows a 5th wheel):

http://www.kl7uw.com/Mobile.htm

73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 
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Re: [Elecraft] Rig forCW

[Edward R Cole]

OK.  So lets look at what 15-dB does with 10w; answer 316w.  So if 
you bought a KPA500 might feel that's wasting its full potential.  If 
you had a K3/10 or K3s/10 they put out 15w with the firmware 
upgrade.  That would result in 474w.  474/600 is 1-dB.


But then what is the cost differential between a new KX3 and a used K3/100?

Guess other factors might make one more attractive over the other.

My approach was a K3/10 and then a KX3, followed by a KXPA100.  More 
expensive than a basic K3/100 but you can buy a new KX3 or KXPA100 
but not a new K3s.  In my opinion (whatever that's worth) the KX3 
measures up with my K3 pretty well for basic operating (plus smaller 
foot print for the apartment liver).  In full-out urban ham radio 
competition the K3 wins!


Ed - KL7UW .. a long way from urbana
---
From: W0FK 
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Rig forCW

AI4NS wrote

> Newer LDMOS amps don?t need much input power to develop full output. I am
> building a 600W amp that needs about 3watts input. My KX3 will do
> just fine. In fact I had an input attenuator made that will allow full
> power from the KX3 drive the amp at full power. I also have a K3/10.
>
> Mike
> AI4NS

That's fine for a homebrewed amp, but the FCC's 15dB gain limitation on
commercial amps makes the input power from a QRP rig like the KX3 limiting
relative to output power.

73, Lou, W0FK


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] CM500 headset on K3S and KX3?

[Edward R Cole]

A couple years ago I bought the CM500 based on al the nice comments 
by others on this list.  They failed me terribly; set up howling like 
a banshee minute I put them on (over my hearing aids) and not even 
connected to the radio.  My hearing so poor that the amount of gain 
in my hearing aids fed back inside the acoustics of the 
ear-piece.  No amount of fiddling with the headset stopped the 
feedback, so went back to wearing my Sony MDR-V600 stereo headset 
(which work well with my hearing aids).  One if you bought the new 
CM500 from me for a nice discount, so I didn't loose out completely.


I got a lot of advice back then which did not help/fix the problem 
(not wearing the hearing aids and turning up radio volume was one).


In stead, I found a boom mic that attached to my Sony headset via an 
earth magnet "thingy" and that got FB audio reports.  The mic has a 
foam wind-blast reducer and selectable omni or cardiod pattern pick 
up.  Haven't really used the combo as I normally use my  Heil desk 
mic in the shack.  The boom mic was obtained for operating portable outdoors.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 digital 0ps?

[Edward R Cole]

For running the KX3 on digital modes, I bought the Rigblaster OHMIC 
on suggestion by W7GJ:
http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj/KX3.htm 



Probably not make as many modification as I will just connect CW key 
to the KEY jack.  I'm not doing eme with the KX3 so need the simpler 
interface set up (only requires DTR for transmit keying).


Have not actually used it yet.  I bought it for our RV trip in 2018, 
AK to MI (11K miles R/T).


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 
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Re: [Elecraft] Upper limits of KPA500?

[Edward R Cole]

That seems excessive (shows good engineering).

FM seems to be the hardest mode on amps.  If you are long-winded 
probably exceed 3-minutes which is common Time-out-timer limit on 
commercial FM gear (and several ham rigs, too).  I have a fan switch 
on my 150w 2m amp and too often forget to switch it on when operating 
FM.  My 222 FM 30w radio has built-in TOT which shuts off Tx at 
3-minutes of transmit.


On my QRO sspa's I try not to do any key-down tests over a minute in 
length (and they are designed for JT65 service).  Having overtemp 
protection and SWR protection is good insurance for protecting those 
expensive components.  All my amps have that.


Maybe someday I will own a KPA500 (do very little HF and have a 1000w 6m sspa).

73, Ed - KL7UW

I once blew up a 500w dummy load by excessive transmit time running 
1200w.  Had that old Sierra MW for about 30-years.  Now have a 
surplus 500w Bird dummy.



Date: Mon, 4 May 2020 09:11:56 -0700
From: Jack Brindle 
To: Dave Cole 
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Upper limits of KPA500?
Message-ID: <8d7f4c18-45f5-408a-b13b-e0bff47a9...@me.com>
Content-Type: text/plain;   charset=us-ascii

From the KPA500 manual, Rev E1, page 41 Specifications:
Duty Cycle at 500 Watts 10 minutes key down / 5 minutes standby

Sometimes it is very worth while to read the manual. It gives me 
something to do when being stuck at home for so long gets me down.


73!
Jack, W6FB


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] OT: The Great KPA Fan Mystery

[Edward R Cole]

My comment NOT about Elecraft cooling design, but:

I am finding a lot of amplifier designs place fans to exhaust heated 
air with cool air being drawn into the heat sink by the partial 
vacuum created by the fans.


My 6m converted Harris ch.2 TV linear is set up this way (amp has 
openings in the chassis to circuits on input side as well as the 
final transistors).


My W6PQL 1296 LDMOS 600w amp is cooled in the same fashion.

Only departure is my W6PQL 2m-1500w linear that has four 2-inch 
square fans blowing cool air into the heat sink.  But I augmented air 
flow by adding a 4-inch exhaust fan on enclosure top cover.  The 
intake fans were separated from the heat sink by a 2-inch gap which 
bothered me,so added sheet metal fairings to channel air to the heat 
sink.  Seems to work as heat sink temp remains topped out at 39c 
running 1400w with JT65 (Overtemp trips off 50v supply at 55c).


Even my old 2m-8877 with blower had a 7-inch radial exhaust fan to 
reduce back pressure on the blower.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] OT: The Colpitts mystery

[Edward R Cole]

I guess a lot of us took the Commercial Radiotelephone License.

I got my Novice and Technician License by my mentor.  That was the 
General Class written exam back then.  Tried several times to pass my 
General CW test at the Detroit FCC office (we lived 70-miles away so 
not qualified for a Conditional).  By 1962 I was an EE student in 
college with no time for upgrading (or any ham radio).


In 1971 I was laid off from Hughes Aircraft along with thousands of 
other engineers so my job prospects were bleak.  I decided to take my 
2nd Class license to qualify for work for radio or TV broadcast.  The 
theory exam was twice as tough as the Extra in my opinion.


In 1982, I found a job working in marine electronics so pricked up 
the Radar Endorsement.  I also passed my Advanced in 1982 at the 
Anchorage FCC.  CW test had been downgraded to a multiple question 
exam about plain language text message vs the five mixed character 
groups back in Detroit.  Yeah those Detroit FCC guys could have 
passed as FBI guys.


In 1983 my 2nd class finally netted me a job as engineer for KYUK-TV 
in Bethel, AK (I flew out to into the bush to repair the TV 
translator network).


Wasn't until 2000 did I pass the Extra (downgraded to 13wpm).  Missed 
two questions on the written exam (because I knew more than the test 
designers and many of the answers were incorrect).


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] RX Ant K3 Preamp vs External Preamp

[Edward R Cole]

Indeed!

Most eme'rs encounter this issue some point in their operation.

I started out on 144-MHz with only 100w on CW.  Then began use of 
digital in 2003.  But it was not until I started running above 800w 
in 2011 that I began to see preamp failure.  I like my preamps to not 
see RF over 0 dBm (1mw) so that implies the need for 61.8 dB 
isolation if running 1500w.  Initially I was using a coax relay with 
only 45-dB isolation.  So I upgraded to better relays (spec > 
80-dB).  But there are two other paths for RF to reach the 
preamp:  1) thru the dc power leads (solved by using RG-58 for my 
power leads), 2) poor shielding in coax jumper from relay to preamp 
(solved by using double-shielded RG-142).


I also use a sequencer for controlling relay and amp transfer to 
transmit (to avoid hot-switching the relay).


These are probably good arguments for using the internal preamp in a 
K3S or PR6 at the K3.  Internal TR switching protects them.


73, Ed

but the 6M antenna on which I would use it is within 10 ft of two
antennas with which I run legal limit, and I have concerns that it would
survive up there. :) My compromise is 7/8-in hard line for those
antennas, which minimizes the loss, and thus the advantage of a
mast-mounted preamp.

73, Jim K9YC


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] RX Ant K3 Preamp vs External Preamp

[Edward R Cole]

Assuming this question is for the K3, K3S, and K4, then the only 
bands that preamp NF and preamp location matter is on 10m & 6m.


I run eme on 50, 144, and 1296 MHz; at 144 and above a so-called 
masthead preamp (close to antenna) makes a difference in receiver 
sensitivity (ability to hear the weak one's).


At 50-MHz I use an ARR P50VDG preamp at the base of my eme 
tower.  But its a very marginal improvement over using the PR6 on 
back of my K3.  For all non-eme operating I just use the PR6.  I 
believe the PR6 is not needed in the K3S and K4.


If your coax line loss is under 1-dB locating the preamp at the radio 
works fine.  Most 6m-eme stations have under 1-dB loss and place 
their preamp at the radio.


PR6 helps my 2010 era K3 on 10m as well.  I never use the internal 
preamp with either the PR6 or ARR preamps, but sometimes use it on 
20m or 17m.  30, 40, and 80m do not need any preamp as those bands 
are sky noise limited (for most of us).


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation

[Edward R Cole]

Just an observation regarding Don's comment:

Last week I decided to do my radio shack reorganization (complete 
relocation of things) and one result is the main 12v line from my 
station Astron 50M PS, which is welding wire (no.6 awg?), to my main 
distribution strip was shortened from about 16 to 6-feet.  Resulting 
with 110w output on 2m FM vs 90w previous (guessing due to better 
voltage and/or lower coax loss).


One of the reasons for rearranging the station was to shorten 
cabling.  E.g. I eliminated a 20-foot runs of LMR-600 from both my 6m 
1000w PA & 2m 1500w PA.  240vac line is about 12-foot longer to my 
50v PS for the amps.  I don't expect to see much voltage sag with a 
load of 12A.  I only saw 1-volt sag in the original location.


Many of my 12v equipment power lines will also be shortened.  win-win!

73, Ed - KL7UW
630m to 3cm

Date: Sat, 25 Apr 2020 11:42:35 -0400
From: Don Wilhelm 
To: Ron Manfredi , elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3S poor CW keying further investigation
Message-ID: 
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed

Solder each power supply lead to a short length of #10 wire.  Insulate
the connection well.

73,
Don W3FPR


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft K3s, etc. bonding

[Edward R Cole]

Interesting statement.  How did you determine this?

I brought home from work my professional service monitor and checked 
my K3 (SN-4340) s-meter.  Except from S0-S1 all other steps were 
exactly 6-dB.  S9 = -73 dBm as advertised.  I didn't bother much 
measuring above S9 so cannot comment on linearity in that region.


I also measured both K3 and KX3 preamps on ON/OFF on 50 & 28 MHz:
http://www.kl7uw.com/HF.htm

Note K3 sensitivity using -73 dBm on 50-MHz with internal preamp off 
was S8 and S9+5 with internal preamp on.  This was using my XG3 as 
signal source so it might be slightly inaccurate (+/- 1 dB).  I 
checked the XG3 with my mw power meter for accurate output at 0 
dBm.  Subsequent to these measurements Elecraft came out with the PR6 
to help K3 sensitivity on 10m & 6m and I have not checked whether 
that effects s-meter readings (probably).


You might note that I tested 50-MHz sensitivity using an ARR Gasfet 
preamp that has 24-dB gain.  It raises baseline noise due to the gain 
but I use it for 6m eme.  Slightly better than the PR6, but I use 
just the PR6 for non-eme use.  Built-in bypass connectors on the PR6 
make using the ARR easy to switch in/out.


73, Ed - KL7UW

Date: Fri, 24 Apr 2020 07:48:58 -0400
From: John Stengrevics 
To: Morgan Bailey 
Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K4 S-meter characteristics
Message-ID: <7373a874-0e11-493c-b404-4315ef3af...@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain;   charset=utf-8

Agree completely.  I find all S meters to be totally inaccurate and 
next to useless, including my K3S?.



73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 
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Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft-K3] Latest on the new home for my K3...

[Edward R Cole]

I'm halfway thru a complete shack reorg.  Cabling not so fancy but I 
am using peg-board with tiewraps thru the holes to dress cables.  I 
have 17 external antenna cables and at least that many rotator and 
control cables going outside.  Main advantage of the reorg is 
shortening cable length to both QRO amps and 50A PS (dropping IR 
loses).  Photos on my website when complete.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Power supply for KS

[Edward R Cole]

Maybe find an old one that still working??

My Astron 50A analog PS has been run 24/7 for 16 years (or so) and 
was in commercial use before (years?).  Previous to it  I bought an 
Astron V35M (new in 1980) which lasted many years until blowing 
(open) one of the rectifier diodes.  It sits on my workbench.


But there are some good switching supplies (properly RF filtered).  I 
only have three which is are HP 50v-50A supply* for my kilowatt 
amps.  A  toroid works well for RFI filter.  *Likely surplus 48v 
telephone equipment.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] KX3/KXPA100 as a mobile?

[Edward R Cole]

I would say the pair were designed for mobile operation.  Be sure to 
use the RJ45 control cable to remotely control the KXPA100.
I installed mine in my Ford F2504x4 truck for use when traveling with 
our 30-foot 5th wheel trailer.

Details: http://www.kl7uw.com/Mobile.htm

I tried some hamsticks unsuccessfully.  Eventually will get a Tarheel 
to install on front corner of the bed.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
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Re: [Elecraft] 75ohm Impedance question K3S and Antenna side.

[Edward R Cole]

I agree with those who say just try it with TV cable connected, 
direct.  Tuner will keep the transmitter happy.  If you can cut the 
run to integrals of half wave that might be marginally better on 
Tx.  Back before WWII hams never worried about SWR and just maxed RF 
current.  Open-wire transmission line was popular (and low loss).


In 1980 I bought a TS-180S and a 4BTR with 80m coil-whip addition.  I 
attached the base direct to the front bumper of my 4x4 and operated 
mobile with no radials or tuner.  Heard Antarctica on 20m from Eagle, 
AK.  Should have kept the antenna.


Sold the radio after losing the finals (driver still output 
10w).  Before my K3 the best radio I owned was a FT-840.  I traded it 
for a FT-847 which was great on VHF/UHF but nowhere as good on HF 
(and part of the reason for getting the K3).


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] The Big Three...

[Edward R Cole]

Probably not add much of value to this discussion.

When I first got my K3 in 2010 using the internal speaker the SSB 
audio seemed harsh.  So didn't take me long to hook up my old 10-inch 
1950's era National speaker (made a lot of difference).  For 
demanding operation (usually meaning working very weak signals) I use 
a stereo headset.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Off-Topic: Your advice/suggestion about antenna

[Edward R Cole]

OK, well one can study theory for several years before deciding what 
antenna to use ... or just put up something and try it.
My guess a quarter-wave vertical with some radials will work.  How 
well?  You will only find out by trying it.


My favorite HF antenna has been the simple half-wave dipole -cheap, 
easy, quick.  I did eventually obtain a triband trap yagi for 
20-15-10m and works much better. Currently I have a 80/40m inverted-V 
...and it works well for my needs.  Worked a station on 80m SSB with 
S9 signals on Saturday at 11am!  Sure he was only a hundred+ miles 
(short range is often harder). K3/10+KXPA100


On 630m (475-KHz) I have a 43-foot high inverted-L (that is 8% of a 
quarter-wave).  And my radials are limited to 100-foot by my property 
lines.  Obviously a very poor antenna.  My CW signals was heard 4,000 
miles away in Buffalo, NY.  Not an everyday occurrence, but a surprise to me.


73, Ed

---

There is some erroneous information here, as well as in Don W3FPR's post.

Radials, whether buried or raised, only affect near field ground return
currents.? You cannot improve ground conductivity beyond the radials,
and the strength of the low angle lobe is directly affected by the
ground conductivity several wavelengths distant from the vertical.? This
is well established science and you can clearly see the effect in simple
models.

Dave?? AB7E


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Off-Topic: Your advice/suggestion about antenna

[Edward R Cole]

As far as a vertical mounted on solid rock, ever heard of 
radials?  Almost all analysis shows angle lowering by copious 
addition of radials to a vertical.  I suggest You find the QEX 
articles written By  Rudy-N6LF which studied radials 
thoroughly.  Even with very short radials my 630m inverted-L gets out 
over 2500-miles (at times0.


Another antenna I discovered that I really liked is the Moxon.  I has 
the gain of a two-element yagi but works well in almost all 
directions (point it toward your favorite direction).  I ran a 6m 
moxon at 0.7 wavelength height in CO during a contest and worked all 
four borders of the lower 48 states using 150w.  Worked quite well 
without turning it (pointed east).


At home I use an inverted-V with center at 40-foot and tails at 
20-foot.  Works out to 800 miles very well; works West Coast 
(3000-miles) from AK in BP40 with 100w.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 antenna selection

[Edward R Cole]

630m is a 7-KHz wide band.  Probably not requiring an auto-tuner.

Most on 630m will be running a very short antenna in terms of 
wavelength which usually incorporates a large loading coil in series.


My 630m antenna is an Inverted-L 43 by 122 feet and I have a base 
coil to ground which tunes out reactance with a movable 
tap.  Matching to 50-ohms is done a couple turns up from the cold 
end.  2:1 SWR is 5-KHz wide.  Efficiency is 4%.  Radiation resistance 
is 0.8 ohms.  EIRP = 4.15w.  My K3 drives a 100w surplus NDB 
transmitter at 0.1 mw.


I QRV on 600m in 2012 as WD2XSH/45 (experimental license)

73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
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Re: [Elecraft] SSB Net on 20 and 40 meters

[Edward R Cole]

First off all the e-mail in the digest I received at 8:27am on 
Monday, Feb. 24 were posted on Saturday, Feb.22.  Is it normal for 
the digest to wait 48-hours before posting.  My email is set for 
auto-checking every 30-minutes.


Kevin's CW Net announcement was only 24-hours late by the time I read it.

Not to the topic 80 & 40m SSB Nets:

I tuned in 14.303.5 Sunday at 1800 utc (9am AKST) and band was dead - 
nada - no WWV on 15-MHz; not even digital stuff on 14.070.  So 
obviously did not hear the 20m net.  Made me wonder if triband yagi was broke?


Local Alaskan hams have been saying 80m is good at mid-day and not at 
night!  Very different than what I used to know.  Used to be 40m 
daytime/80m nighttime prop.


So maybe 40m might have some propagation > 800 miles???  Seattle is 
only 1400 miles away.


I only have a inverted-V and 100w for 40m but may listen March 1st.

73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] QRO - KPA500 Failure

[Edward R Cole]

I  checked the operating specs on two of my QRO amps.  Not a KPA500.

2m-1500w PA using a MRF1K50 in class AB:
945w  1398w dc  67% eff  453w disp
1511w  1888w dc 80% eff 377w disp

2m-1200w PA using a MRFE6VP61K25H in class AB:
566w  1200w dc 47% eff 634w disp
1133w 1542w dc 73% eff 409w disp

less heat dissipated when running full power RF ouput.
Both are W6PQL amps.

73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 with KPA100/KAT100

[Edward R Cole]

At first I read KXPA100, not KPA100.  Of course the KXPA100 was 
designed to be a companion  to the KX3.


I have one and drive it with either my KX3 or K3/10 (10w version of the K3).

I suppose one could build an interface from KX3 to KPA100.  Basic 
need would be PTT, RF drive, and Band switching.


Years ago, I bought the 100w PA module for a HF mobile with  thoughts 
to make a "cheap 100w amp".  Never got around to it.


I did build some CCI HF kits (300w and 140w) but finally decided on 
the KXPA100/KXTA100 combo.

http://www.kl7uw.com/fs.htm

KX3+KXPA100 works nice in my mobile on HF/6m.  http://www.kl7uw.com/Mobile.htm


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
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Re: [Elecraft] Ameritron 240V inrush limiter: any benefit on a KPA500?

[Edward R Cole]

I used on-rush current limiting series resistors on the 240vac input 
to my 4200 volt transformer and one on the 5v filament of my 8877 
amplifier.  The filament drew normal 11A, so on-rush was 
huge.  Simple resistor-capacitor time constant timer controlled relay 
to short out large 50w and 100w  current-limiting resistors.  Relays 
were 12vdc so a diode rectified the 240vac and I supplied 12v to the 
filament relay ckt from amplifier control panel.


I also had a 100-ohm current limiting resistor on the 4200v PS output 
to protect from HV arc over's.  G3SEK Triode Board was used for bias 
and amplifier over current protection; It provided 5-minute warm-up 
delay for HV to the 8877.


I've retained my 8877 project web-page for information, though it was 
sold in 2018.  Now run only sspa's:  KXPA100, 1000w Harris on 6m, 
1500w W6PQL sspa on 2m, and 600w sspa on 1296.  No more "bangs" when 
HV goes to ground.  SSPA's all use 50v-50A switching PS.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
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Re: [Elecraft] Copying CW at high speeds

[Edward R Cole]

I'm not a high speed CW operator.  Most of my operation was on 40m in 
my Novice year and a little on CW eme.


I found my self hearing complete words or character groups at about 
10wpm.  Examples: CQ, QRZ, SK, Name, RST, 73, QTH, and certain well 
known callsigns.  Others that I can't recall at the moment.  I 
usually operated eme at 15 wpm.  Back in my early years I could send 
20 wpm with a straight key.  Never mastered a paddle.


When I get back on eme I probably will send with a keyboard since my 
hand dexterity has fallen off since loosing a finger on my right 
hand.  Typing is also a challenge since missing a finger requires the 
backup finger to handle twice as many keys.  On eme I have several 
common scrips saved to send at a press of a key.  But receiving is 
still done by ear/mind.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Upgrading the Shack

[Edward R Cole]

This topic probably worn out.  I ran a small ham radio business and 
used USPS to domestic and international destinations with good 
results (most of the time).  There was one shipment to the UK that 
was sent to Canada, and another to Germany was fowarded by funkpost 
to Saudia Arabia (fortunately was returned after a week to Germany 
for deliver in-country).


Main reason to chose USPS Priority Mail was cost.  UPS/FedEX 
typically charge 150% what it costs with USPS.  But funny thing is 
seeing the UPS or FedEx trucks show up to deliver the US Mail to/from 
our local PO.


BTW overnight to AK takes 2-days; 2-day delivery is always 3-days, 
etc.  Deliveries only make it on-time to the Anchorage Airport depot; 
takes another day for delivery by truck (even to Anchorage addresses).


I'm no longer in-business.  WA2ODO-Pete Manfre quit making preamps 
last July.  I stopped making DEMI kits and W6PQL amp kits a couple years ago.


Hope everyone is having a pleasant and joyous holiday.  Maybe the K4 
will arrive by Valentines??  I'm happy with my upgraded K3/10, KX3, 
and KXPA100.  Bucket truck is scheduled to work on my 6m-eme array 
after the holidays (getting new rotator, digital encoder, and thrust bearing).


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Reaching Across the Chronological Divide

[Edward R Cole]

Sub-Topic: survival in emergencies.

I had a good "taste"of that a few years ago when the road from 
Anchorage to the Kenai Peninsula (pop 60K) (where I live) was blocked 
by avalanches for three weeks.  All store products come by truck down 
that 180-mile road (there is only one road).  Power ties were cut but 
we have local generation  plants plus a hydro-plant, so outage was 
short.  My biggest emergency was feeding my twelve sled dogs; stores 
ran out animal feed real quick.


I use to live in a small town which lost power and phones during the 
avalanche.  Convenience store's freezers thawed out and town had a 
serious supply problem.  National Guard flew in a standby generator 
for them after two weeks.  Town had one gas station so ran out.  One 
ham lived there to get the word out.


Having lived ten years off the grid in that town, I had good training 
on surviving.  I had no electric, telephone, or water. Fifteen 
gallons of chainsaw fuel was my annual heating bill.  Lights and 
stove by Coleman were propane (bout three months per 
bottle).  Freezer was a military container out in a snow bank.


So about eight years ago we bought a 6500w Honda generator to power 
the house.  We have natural gas appliances and a well so only need 
electricity to be independent.  I keep 20 gallons of fuel for the 
generator which will carry us about five days.  Only have one house 
dog so that is easier.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Power cable voltage drop

[Edward R Cole]

In my current station layout the rack-mounted Astron-50M is separated 
from the radio shelf, so I need a 15-foot run of cable.  The Astron 
runs 14.2 vdc.  I have 13.69 v at the main power strip (handles 10ga 
wiring).  The primary dc power cable is No. 6 welding cable (more 
flexible than std No. 6) so I have a BUSS30 fuse at the main power 
strip.  The Astron is capable of 50 amps if the main cable were to 
short (cable is rated for a over 200A for welding).


I use the std power cord that came with my K3/10 and see 13.3v 
displayed by the K3 in transmit with 10w RF output.  The K3/10 does 
not draw a lot of current.  I drive a KXPA100 which has 5-foot 
Elecraft power cable (looks like No.12).  I get 100w on all bands 
with about 5w drive (only 6m requires 8w drive for 80w output).


I have not measured the voltage at the power-pole connector when in 
transmit but should be approx 13.5v based on current draw of 20 A.


I run several high power solid-state amplifiers that draw up to 50A 
at 50v so paying attention to dc voltage drop in dc wiring is quite important.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Operating from a retirement home

[Edward R Cole]

First off, I question the legality of renting a ham station for 
profit (which this example seems to be).  But it seems to be done for 
renting stations in exotic (rare DX) locations with no heart attack 
by hamdom.  Treated as vacation rentals.


But owning your own remote located station using internet control 
from our room in assisted living seems a viable alternative.


Many of these senior facilities ban use of RF devices due to RFI 
concerns with pace maker users or medical equipment.  Maybe one could 
use a 5w HT.  External antennas are  problem-some.  My concept was 
installing my ham station in a "toy hauler" trailer with crank-up 
tower that could be moved and located in a convenient 
location.  Also, handy as emmcom station.


Also, some ham groups form a kind of club to jointly own a "super 
station" which members share.  Such a group in Switzerland own a 
45-foot dish which they share using for eme.  But organized as not-for-profit.


I do expect any contest/award operations to claim the physical 
transmitter location (instead of the remote operator's qth).


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] THE FUTURE OF OUR HOBBY

[Edward R Cole]

Quoting myself: "an inexpensive entry level transceiver might find 
market with newcomers on tight budgets (eg the K1, etc.); something 
other than a VHF HT", the $150 ten-watt HF transceiver based on SDR 
is what I was thinking of:  Today's "Heathkit Lunchbox"!


From: John Harper 
To: Elecraft list 
Subject: [Elecraft]  THE FUTURE OF OUR HOBBY
Message-ID:

Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"

10-80m CW and phone for $150:
http://www.hfsignals.com/


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Installing a Sub Receiver

[Edward R Cole]

I  have two of the old  synth boards for the K3.  Available for FREE 
plus $7.90 for small USPS Priority Mail box


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] THE FUTURE OF OUR HOBBY

[Edward R Cole]

Mentors for ham radio:

Well, I had only one who was a young music teacher in a nearby town 
who taught a ham class in the evening.  I got my father to drive to 
them and the teacher lent me one of the paper tape CW practise 
machines to study CW.  He then gave me my Novice and Tech license exams.


There was a ham club in that town. held at the local TV shop.  Mostly 
30-50 year olds that largely ignored me, making me feel unwanted in 
their "little club".  I stopped going after 2-3 times.  I did find a 
WWII surplus VHF AM radio for $15 which a ham at another TV shop (we 
moved 30 miles) modified to  2m for me.  Owner of that shop sold me a 
35-foot TV tower for $35 and I built two 8-element yagis for 2m to 
put on the tower.


I hung out at that shop a lot and talked with them.  Mostly, I was 
self-motivated and read books from ARRL that were in the local 
library.  I only had a $2 allowance per month so it took me half a 
year to save up to buy my 3-tube receiver kit ($19.95).  I never 
thought about needing a solder iron but my dad surprised me with a 
Wen solder gun for my birthday (about $5).  Later, after passing my 
Novice, he surprised me again buying me a DX-35, which my 
teacher-mentor was selling (so he could buy a DX-100).  I did get a 
job working as a bagger at a local grocery.  Mostly, I worked on my 
dad's farm so had little time for a job in HS (for making any money).


Many years later in CA, I joined a ham club specializing in mw and 
one of them became my new boss at Goldstone (and my prof. 
mentor).  He is now sk.  Most, if not all, are now sk.  I figure 
(hope) to be around for two more sun-spot maxima.  My first was in 1958.


Mention was made of "Maker conventions".  Obvious that there is 
interest in making stuff so there is an opportunity to introduce ham radio.
A younger ham and I are embarking on holding training sessions 
(workshops) on ham radio topics this year.  First one was about APRS, 
we will do digital modes, antenna building, and hold a antenna 
measurement session.  Other topics are VHF propagation, meteor 
scatter, eme, and mw.  Just a start.


My hats off to you who mentor!

73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] THE FUTURE OF OUR HOBBY

[Edward R Cole]

Bob,

Already see this in recent hams joining our local ham club.  Most are 
40-60, in their later working years or recently retired, kids have 
left home and time & money available for pursuit of hobbies.  My 
finances did no turn around until age 50 to enable serious ham radio 
purchases.  I was 54 when I built my first eme station.  OK enough reminiscing.


Note to Wayne & Eric that an inexpensive entry level transceiver 
might find market with newcomers on tight budgets (eg the K1, etc.); 
something other than a VHF HT.  KX2/KX3 are still a bit much for the 
college student or newly graduated worker.


73, Ed - KL7UW

Today it my feeling those getting into ham radio will not be the 
youth of today, but will be those retired and looking to continue 
their professional associations.  Plus they can somewhat afford to 
invest the money that we youth didn?t have 60 years ago.  And today?s 
youth won?t have the available financial resources.  They have a 
family to raise, a house to buy, a vehicle to pay for and an internet 
and cell phone bill each month, along with a few credit cards and 
student loans.


Today?s new hams will be the youth of several years back.

73
Bob, K4TAX


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Reaching across the chronological divide

[Edward R Cole]

Fascinating to read the stories how many of you got started in ham radio.

I'm six years younger than Jim W9VNE / VA3VNE.  As a youngster, space 
travel caught my interest (back when it was science fiction) and I 
developed an interest in science.  At age 12, I happened to discover 
a Zenith shortwave radio at a friend's house that showed "Police" 
bands.  We tried it out but heard nothing until tuning down to 4-mcs 
(Hertz was not yet in use) and found a bunch of guys talking.  1957 I 
built a 3-tube regen receiver and 1958 got my Novice license.  My 
aspirations switched to electronics and I pursued an EE degree in 
college a few years later.


Having only a Technician license "shoved" me into the VHF 
bands.  Space tech still attracted me and I was lucky to get a job 
working for NASA in 1971 at Goldstone Tracking Facility.  1979 I 
moved to Alaska for a different lifestyle and worked 30 years as a 
2-way radio tech.  Ham radio lead me to my profession and has 
remained my interest for over 60 years.  These days, I am well into 
doing eme on the microwaves.


Not sure how ham radio attracts folks these days.  But my guess a few 
of the STEM students are a good bet.


These days building small microprocessors as part of ham radio is a 
obvious entry.  Certainly a K3S or K4 is pretty high-end for young 
folks.  So there is the KX2/KX3 and a plethora of SDR's to get folks 
going (like my 3-tube regen and DX-35 did for me). Unfortunately, 
Heathkit is no more but then thru-hole soldering is long gone, as well.


Maybe future will see some youngsters building quantum radios??


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] DZOTA: Dead Zones On The Air

[Edward R Cole]

Actually fruit cake makes a great dummy load ... eat it and you turn 
into a dummy!


-
Date: Tue, 10 Dec 2019 15:26:34 -0800
From: Fred Jensen 
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] DZOTA: Dead Zones On The Air
Message-ID: <5960967f-f037-32e2-26d4-6b316d853...@foothill.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed

It's caused by the excess of fruitcake in MN. All the fruitcake
[chemical symbol Fc] in the universe was created at the Big Bang, along
with a lot of hydrogen [H] and some Helium [He].? It is governed by the
well-known Conservation of Fruitcake law ... you cannot destroy it,
however you can give it away.? It and aluminum foil [Rw] have a mutual
affinity for each other.? For reasons still unknown, it tends to
accumulate in the upper midwest.? Fruitcake absorbs electromagnetic
radiation very well and is probably the cause of your dead zone.

73,
Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] DZOTA: Dead Zones On The Air

[Edward R Cole]

Of course Alaska doesn't count as most companies don't consider 
Alaska as part of the USA (eg free shipping except AK/HI).


Back in 2012, I worked for Wallmart and we had many angry cell phone 
customers who bought phones in the lower-48 and were assured they 
worked in AK.  They were given Verizon (which had just started 
service in Anchorage & no where else in AK). They have expanded 
service, now.  But do not expect cell service off the road system (75% of AK).


On our trips driving out the Alaska Hwy thru Canada we had no service 
anywhere in the Yukon or northern parts of BC or AB.  Only got 
service when we were within 200-miles of the US border (using Rogers 
cell service that apparently partnered with AT).


Fortunately we had our KX3 + KXPA100 in the mobile (no worries), plus 
in the Yukon there is linked repeaters on 146.52 covering most of the hwy.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] TCXO drift and calibration

[Edward R Cole]

To add a little to what Wes said:

The K3 TCXO rest freq is 49,380 KHz.  It is a temperature corrected 
oscillator so will still drift with radio warm up but less than a 
non-compensated oscillator.So best to calibrate after at least 
30-minutes warmup.  If you have the 100w model K3, there will be some 
temperature drift when transmitting (varies with mode and frequency band).


I have the EXREF installed with the TCXO-03 and that holds my 50-MHz 
signal within 3 Hz.  But if you check the TCXO frequency (CONFIG: REF 
CAL) you will see the frequency drift.  Mine seems to top out at 
about 49.380.090 and then hold within a few .001.


The EXREF takes the need for periodic re-calibration away.  But your 
10-MHz reference needs to be very accurate/stable.  I use a surplus 
OCXO that needs re-calib about every 4-6 months (usually only 1-Hz 
drift).  My OCXO runs 24/7 to avoid warm up drift.


Hope that helps.

73, Ed  - KL7UW

From: "Gary Peterson" 
To: 
Subject: [Elecraft] TCXO drift and calibration
Message-ID: 
Content-Type: text/plain;   charset="iso-8859-1"

Last February, I purchased a factory assembled K3S including a 1 ppm 
TCXO.  The transceiver is serial number 11803 and the firmware was 
updated on May 5th of this year.


Last July, I noticed that many of the signals on 50.125 MHz sounded 
as if they were a bit off frequency as they were higher 
pitched.  This led me to believe that the reference oscillator may 
have drifted, possibly due to crystal aging.


Subsequently, I used method 2 and WWV, as described on page 53 of the 
Elecraft K3S manual.  The REF CAL frequency was lowered from 
49.999.996 to 49.379.448.  That seemed to make the signals on the 6 
meter calling frequency sound like they should.


A few days ago, I caught a six meter opening and signals on 50.125 
sounded higher pitched again.  I repeated the reference oscillator 
calibration again, using method 2.  Now, the REF CAL frequency is set 
to 49.379.110.  I have not had the opportunity to hear any six meter 
signals, since I changed the reference oscillator.


I am wondering if the REF CAL frequency change that I have seen in 
less than a year is normal, or whether I have a TCXO problem.


Any thoughts would be most appreciated.  Thanks in advance for any 
time taken to reply.


Gary, K0CX
Rapid City, SD


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] K3S accessories availability, moving forward

[Edward R Cole]

Don explained it well; Elecraft support appears to continue for the 
K3, K3S.  Obtaining new options apparently has a shorter life-span.


If I were shelling out new dollars at this point I would get the K4 
vs K3S so seems a logical shift in emphasis.  I am happy with my 
circa-2010 K3, KX3, KXPA100.  At my point in life, long-term 
investments seem illogical.  Though if money were no issue I'd pick 
up a K4 and KPA500...and maybe a sports car with obligatory blonde 
accessory - haha


But as someone else pointed out, I did upgrade my k3 with two synth 
boards and the gen purpose bw filter (to use 630m).


BTW the old synth boards are on the "dusty shelf" (in plastic bags) 
and available free to anyone paying for shipping.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] KRX3A sensitivity

[Edward R Cole]

Conrad,

Assuming this is for 2m-eme, I would guess you have two preamps 
before the transverter which are adding gain and setting the system NF.


If the preamp gain is approx 25 dB or higher, it will likely set the 
system NF as it has enough gain to overcome the NF of the transverter and K3S.


I have a dual receive transverter that provides 28-MHz to both main 
and sub receivers in my K3.  I tap the 1st IF of both receivers in 
the K3 to provide output to two coherent SDR that provide two IQ 
outputs to a four port soundcard and drives MAP65.


My preamps provide 0.26 dB NF which has a MDS of -146.3 dBm with 
500-Hz bw.  The combination of the 0.8 dBNF transverter with 17-dB 
gain, and K3 only add 0.2 to the NF and lower MDS to -146.2 dBm.


adding 6-dB loss after the transverter only raises NF to 0.30 
dB.  This is using 12 dBNF for the K3; lowering to 9-dB lowers system 
NF to 0.28 dB


On 2m this is insignificant due sky noise and man-made noise having 
more effect on actual MDS.  I used Tsky=250K in above calculations 
which is probably not achievable in today's RF environment.  If I use 
Tsky=1000K, MDS drops to 141.2 dBm.


73, Ed - KL7UW


Date: Mon, 2 Dec 2019 13:19:17 +
From: Conrad PA5Y 
To: "elecraft@mailman.qth.net" 
Subject: [Elecraft] KRX3A sensitivity


Hello all.

I have a dual diversity Xpol EME system for 2m and a dual coherent 
transverter. I am trying to calculate if I have enough gain available 
in the transverter to split the output 4 ways with a loss of approximately 6dB.


The K3S has an MDS of -138dBm in a 500Hz bandwidth which is 
approximately 9dB noise figure with preamp 1 switched on. Does the 
KRX3A have a an independent preamp1? I know that the preamp2 is a 
shared resource. What about preamp1?


Many thanks in advance.

Conrad PA5Y


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] KAT-500 problem

[Edward R Cole]

Something is acting as an antenna.  I made several hundred mile 
contacts with a 100w light bulb "dummy load" on 40m in the 1950's.
Might be ground system is working as antenna or radio as found 
connection via other equipment.


Be interesting to find out what you discover.

73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] External 10 Mhz reference level

[Edward R Cole]

+4 to +16 dBm (2.5mw to 40mw).  It's stated  on last page of kit 
instructions (I don't have a copy of the current manual as I was a 
beta tester).

but look here: http://www.kl7uw.com/K3EXREF.htm

I use a 10-MHz amplifier with four 10 dBm outputs made by DEMI:
https://www.downeastmicrowave.com/searchresults.asp?Search=10-4=

I built the kit into my own enclosure.  My OCXO is Russian surplus 
obtained from e-bay for about $45.  I outputs +7 dBm but has strong 
2nd harmonic which the DEMI amp filters out.  I lock two transverters 
in addition to my K3.


+10 dBm would be a good target level for driving the EXREF.  Be sure 
to check CONFIG: REF CAL for blinking asterisk between REF and 
CAL.  That indicates that the radio is under EXREF control.



=

From: Grant Youngman 
To: k...@arrl.net
Cc: Elecraft Refl 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] External 10 Mhz reference level
Message-ID: <9e98b46e-4c39-432e-b9ea-d14139da5...@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain;   charset=utf-8

It?s in the K3XREF manual.  +4 to +16 dBm.  Your reference doesn?t 
have enough output.


Grant NQ5T

> On Nov 21, 2019, at 3:33 PM, Dave Sublette  wrote:
>
> I have a K3s, delivered in January this year.  I am using an external GPS
> disciplined 10 Mhz reference to the External Ref input on the back.  I
> cannot find anywhere in the manual what the required level for this input
> is.  I have -1.1 dBm and it seems to work.  However, once in a while, the
> K3s frequency shifts down 10 hz, then back to the original frequency, then
> up 10 hz, then back to original frequency, all in a matter of two t four
> seconds.   This happens maybe once a week and lasts for a minute or two.  I
> have never heard it do more than one sequence of  down-back-up-back at
> time.
>


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] KXPA100

[Edward R Cole]

Quick question.  I have the KXAT100 installed which provides two 
antenna ports.  It switches between fine, but I note that it defaults 
back to ANT1 when amp power is shut off on front panel.


I have a 80/40m invert-V attached to ANT1 and a SP4T relay attached 
to ANT2.  The relay permits choosing my triband yagi or two different 
6m yagis, fourth port NC.


There are times I would like to monitor in Rx one of the ANT2 
antennas but have to have amp powered ON to do that.  Is this 
normal?  No problem monitoring 40 or 80m but inconvenient that I have 
to have the amp turned on for other bands.


Yes, I could just use ANT1 to the SP4T but saving  tuning info is 
nice with the two ports.  Invert-V is run in bypass while other bands in MAN.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] [Elecraft-K3] K3S to be discontinued

[Edward R Cole]

Elecraft has made their design decisions for the K4.

Since someone suggested running a 100w 12v device at 60w then it 
occurs to me to obtain 100-120w then run two devices in parallel or 
push-pull.  Should not increase weight or drive requirements by a 
significant amount.  Cost probably under 150%.


I bought the K3/10 initially because i mainly operate VHF thru 
mw.  Later I bought a 10w KX3.  Then decided on the KXPA100 which 
either can drive with about 5w for full output thru 24m.  Of course 
the KXPA100 uses 12v devices but a clever ham could build a two 
device amp, instead.  Only on 6m is full 8w drive required for 80w 
output of the KXPA100.


I use the 1mw (nom) transverter interface to drive transverters on 2m 
and above so output is clean.  I have a 1000w linear* for 6m which 
drives with 11w from the KXPA100 (have to switch on the 3-dB attn on 
input to get that low).  The 1000w amp runs with 48v as do my 2m 
1500w and 600w 1296 LDMOS amps.  I keep output at start of saturation 
or lower on all the high power amps.


*6m 1000w amp is capable of 1600w 24/7 keydown AM operation on ch.2 
TV, so is loafing at 1000w which is the limit of my 48v - 50A PS.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] (OT) Ca Fires

[Edward R Cole]

Wayne has described the issues with susceptibleness to wildfire, well.

In the last 100 years (or so) wildfire has been suppressed by man 
thus providing an increase in "fuel" growth.  Only in the last few 
years have forest scientist and managers modified this to allow 
natural fire to correct the issue.  BTW this betters the environment 
providing food for many species.  So even hunters are realizing the benefit.


The cited paper should give one a good perspective on this topic 
though it left out the spruce bark beetle invasion in Alaska.  Wild 
fire is a normal occurrence up here.


This summer a 160,000 acre fire burned about 50-miles east of me and 
closed traffic on the only road from the Kenai Peninsula to Anchorage 
with huge impact on truck traffic and tourists.  It also burned the 
high voltage intertie from Bradley Lake Dam to regions in Anchorage 
and north which supplies that low price power for a significant part 
of AK.  Fortunately most of the burned area was Nat'l forest with 
little human occupancy (unlike the situation in CA).


We've improved the fire situation around our home quite a lot by 
taking down trees close to the house and converting brush land to 
lawn.  We have just under 2 acres which is backed by wild forest land 
to the south.  FD even took out about five tall spruce along the road 
right-of-way for free.


My wife used to live in Simi Valley so well aware of the area 
impacted in SoCal.  I lived on the beach, valley, desert, and 
foothill area of LA (long ago).


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Transceivers vs operators

[Edward R Cole]

Jim, W9VNE/VA3VNE

Certainly the brain is heavily involved in CW "translation".  But 
also the sound transducer (the ear) and the RF converter (the antenna/radio).


High speed CW receiving requires skill in language 
translation.  Those with true multi-linguistic ability "think" in all 
languages vs mere translating.


Long use and immersion are helpful for realizing such skills.  If you 
want to learn Spanish, go to Spain for a few years.  Schools are 
using immersion techniques for learning languages.


Also I have noted skill in multitasking helps with speed.

I'm an engineer.  Engineers are well known for extreme focus to the 
exclusion of outside disturbances/distraction (also called "tunnel 
vision").  Typically poor multi-taskers.


Thus I am terrible using CW, but good at design or 
troubleshooting.  Not good managing multiple tasks. Plus having 
extreme hearing issues so digital modes are easier for me to work 
weak signals.  I do have fine antennas/radios!



73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Clock Accuracy

[Edward R Cole]

Since I run mostly digital eme (JT65) my computer time accuracy needs 
are pretty strick (<1 second).  For years I used dimension 4 and 
switched to BktTimeSync (from IZ2BKT) last four years to utilize GPS 
time using a cheap USB dongle GPS unit.


BktTime can sync to NTP off the Internet or from a GPS.  Or have both 
running.  I run with NTP turned off and GPS Sync on startup so I do 
not need an Internet connection.  I have another computer for 
Internet/e-mail/loggers, etc.


Just booted the computer and got an update of 1.903000 seconds.  Next 
sync shifted time -0.027000 seconds.  I have it set for sync every 
ten minutes which keeps time within about 0.2 seconds which is more 
than adequate for synchronous digital modes (like JT65 or FT8).


I do not use the clock in my K3 so rarely update it.  Logging is 
manual using computer time.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Center-fed antennas

[Edward R Cole]

A simple way to make a center-fed half-wave dipole multi-band is by 
using alligator clips to disconnect outer section a dipole in order 
to run on a higher freq band.


Simple make a dipole for the lowest freq of interest and then cut the 
wires at the length for the higher band, attach an alligator clip on 
the end of the shorter wires and connect the end wires to the shorter 
wires by use of a small nylon cord.


We made 80/40m dipoles for use on the Iditarod Sled Dog Race in this 
manner and its called an: "Iditarod Special".


Most of the remote checkpoint stations use this for an antenna 
running 100w HF radios to provide race communications support back to 
Anchorage HQ (Often distances of several hundred miles).  Often the 
temporary dipoles were hung pretty low to the ground so they operated NVIS.


Side Note: I just disconnected my old Drake MN-2000 tuner as the 
auto-tuner in my KXPA100 does the job easily.  I use either KX3 or K3 with it.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW Text Decoding

[Edward R Cole]

Barry,

I had CW skimmer installed on my old winXP computer but was not 
impressed with CW detection of weak CW (same for the K3).  But I was 
using K3 line-out audio so maybe I will try it with my new i5 64-bit 
machine and feed IF via LP-Pan and UADC4 (brand new A/D converter 
which supplies 96KHz dual IQ for diversity Rx).


The UADC4 is the latest toy for the digital-eme crowd (but should 
find use outside of eme for general digital op).  Its not cheap but 
has totally flat audio bandwidth which is supposed to improve IMD 
performance for urban users.


I am just building my new i5 win-10pro so haven't used it on the air, 
yet.  I will add a webpage  for the UADC4, once operational.


73, Ed - KL7UW

Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW Text Decoding
Message-ID: 
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=utf-8

Dave,
 Your last comment is correct. However, CW Skimmer comes into its own
when you feed it IF I data. You can see what is happening across the
band or a portion of it and still read the signal narrow band. You do
this by clicking on the signal you want to pursue and and listen in
narrow band. By clicking on the wanted signal, the radio is tuned to it.
This does require a little set up and setting offsets, but it is really
worth it. A little interesting point: in a little less than rigorous
testing, I found that that Skimmer seems to work a bit better using I
data rather than just the receiver audio. But, that was not a rigorous
test and someone who is really interested can do the follow up.

73,
Barry
K3NDM


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Rhombic antenna "gain"

[Edward R Cole]

I guess they were used a many military sites.  In 1984 I helped 
install a 250w commercial VHF link from top of Mt. Balleyhoo (above 
Dutch Harbor in the Aleutians) and there was the remains of many 90 
foot wooden poles arrayed up in a valley on the side of the mountain 
that was used by the military in WWII.  I would guess they held 
rhombic arrays as the poles were in lines with total length probably 1000-foot.


Dutch Harbor was attacked by Japan in WWII but did not fall to the 
Japanese like Attu and Kiska Islands did.  The campaigns often 
referred to as the "Forgotten War".  Only US territory occupied by 
enemy forces since the war of 1812.


There were abandoned concrete gun emplacements on the cliffs on top 
of the mountain - interesting to explore and look out of thinking how 
it was in 1942.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 on digital modes

[Edward R Cole]

Never realized that, but I checked dc input power vs output RF power 
on my LDMOS amps and that appears to be true.


I had intended to run my 2m 1500w amp at 600w for SSB (to be kinder 
and more linear), while running JT65 at 1300w  which is where 
saturation begins.


1385w RF: 37A x 47.2V = 1746w (disp = 361w)
600w RF: 25A x 48.5V = 1212w (disp = 612w)
http://www.kl7uw.com/test2.pdf

MRF-1K50N disp = 2941w at 25c (derate above 25c)
https://www.nxp.com/docs/en/data-sheet/MRF1K50N.pdf

But average current draw in SSB is less than JT65 (which is keydown 
carrier).  So I guess it depends on how long-winded your SSB talking is.

Typically voice duty cycle is 20% at max whereas JT65 is 50/120 seconds = 42%

Fortunately, I have a thermistor on the RF deck to monitor 
temperature with a digital voltmeter.  Control board illuminates 
"overtemp" lamp at 43c and 50v is shutdown at 55c.  Extended running 
of JT65 shows heatsink is a shade under 43c (lots of fans cooling things).

http://www.kl7uw.com/144_1500W_PA.htm

73, Ed - KL7UW

Date: Sat, 31 Aug 2019 17:04:38 -0500
From: K9MA 
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500 on digital modes

This is nothing unique to the KPA1500: ALL class AB amplifiers behave
this way. Even an "ideal" class AB amplifier has a maximum dissipation
at around half of full output.

One thing running at lower output probably will buy you is lower IMD.

73,
Scott K9MA


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
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Re: [Elecraft] K3--Too much ALC creates energy on opposite sideband?

[Edward R Cole]

I assume the measurements with bare K3/K3S were using 100w internal 
amp.  I wonder how the 10w version of these radios Tx IMD perform?


On 6m, I run with the KXPA100 at 11w output (K3 at very low output) 
to drive a 1000w Harris surplus TV linear (which is rated to 1600w 
continuous duty).  1000w limit is due to the 50v-50A PS input 
limit.  On 2m+ I use the 1mw transverter interface output at 28-MHz 
on my K3.  My  2m 1500w and 23cm 600w LDMOS operate on 50v and I load 
to 1-dB output compression point: 2m at 1200w, 23cm at 560w.


Any IMD analysis on the KXPA100?

73, Ed - KL7UW

From: Conrad PA5Y 
To: Michael Walker , "Elecraft@mailman.qth.net"

Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3--Too much ALC creates energy on opposite
sideband?

I have measured the TX IMD performance of my and 2 other K3S 
transceivers. In my opinion it is not possible to have anything other 
than mediocre TX IMD performance from a K3S or a K3 at ANY power 
level. I am so disappointed with this aspect of the K3S. The  mass 
market and cheap IC-7300 is better, especially on 6m. In all other 
respects I am very impressed with the K3S.



73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Fan for KXPA100

[Edward R Cole]

I mounted my KXPA100 in my truck under the back seat for mobile 
operation.  Ford made a nice lockable compartment accessed by tilting 
up the seat and the amp just fits but the seat bottom rests on the 
top of the heat sink fins.  As we were traveling thru hot weather, I 
was concerned there would be enough air flow so I attached two 1-1/2 
inch square fans on the connector end of the amp to force some air 
thru the fins.  I used the spare power-pole connector for 12v power 
which runs when voltage is applied to the amp.  I also cut several 
3/4 inch holes in the sheet metal seat base for air flow to/from the truck cab.


It survived running 80w on 6m-SSB so guess its enough (I did not monitor temp).

I have the amp connected to the KX3 for remote control (nice when mobile).

Adding a fan to solid state amps is good insurance (esp. when running digital).

73, Ed - KL7UW

Date: Fri, 2 Aug 2019 10:09:54 -0700 (MST)
From: MaverickNH 
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Fan for KXPA100
Message-ID: <1564765794266-0.p...@n2.nabble.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Wow - yeah!

Running FT8 30W my KXPA100 is psuging 55C and dropped to 35C with a 3" USB
fan placed on top of the fins. When the shack gets cold this Winter, I may
take the fan off again ;-)

Bret/N4SRN


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Dummy Load

[Edward R Cole]

Don-K8MFO and I attended MSU together in the 1960's; old time 
friend.  We visited him at his home in OH a couple years ago and 
found he was in the Christmas tree business (my parents ran a 
Christmas tree farm).  Don has been a long time Dxer and CW buff (has 
a tremendous collection of keys).


Don't recall but I think Don has Elecraft gear in addition to his 
collection of oldies.  Thanks for reminding me of my old friend!


Someday I will load my invert-L to operate 160.

73, Ed - KL7UW ex-K8MWA

From: Jim Danehy 
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Dummy Load
Message-ID: <0a44f6bf-177a-43f7-be5b-f3ae9a6e4...@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain;   charset=us-ascii

I worked K8MFO on 160 which is 250 miles from me. Used a Heathkit 
Dummy loaf with oil in the can.



73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Dummy Load recommendation

[Edward R Cole]

This discussion reminds me that most on this list are HFers and never 
go above 30mcs (MHz).  Or buy all their ham stuff and believe the 
mfrs specs or meters without question.  Probably do not build 
homebrew equipment so never had to measure if such-an-such actually 
is working (and at what level).

By now I should have made a few of you angry at my post.   Good!

For most arm-chair operators a Bird and Bird load will be more than 
adequate to determine power and SWR to +/- 5% full scale reading.  It 
was my main antenna meter when working as a professional 
technician.  Rugged, fairly accurate, dependable (don't drop it off the tower).


A good non-inductive 50-ohm resistive load and a scope able to 
measure over 50-MHz will do better.


Next some better directional couplers will give more accurate return 
loss (SWR).


My "standard" is using better than good directional couplers (>20 dB) 
with my HP-432A mw power meter using  up to 10 mw signal 
sources.  This is usable to 18 GHz.  With use of high power coax 
attenuators, I can measure power as high as the rating of the 
attenuator.  I use 50-dB directional couplers on 1296 to measure my 
600w amp (58 dBm).


XG3 is a good 1mw source (0 dBm) up to 200-MHz, though not real 
accurate in frequency (which is not that important for 
power/reflected power).  But harmonic energy exists unless you use a 
filter since the output is a square wave.


I recently bought a used Bird HP 8202 500w load (good to 2500-MHz) 
which I can use with amps up to 1500w (as long as transmission is 
kept short - less than a minute; most tests take only a few 
seconds).  I have a Bird 25w load which I have used up to 150w for 
short measurements.  If it feels hot stop  until cool again.


But as a new young ham (1960's) I bought a cantenna (paint can filled 
with mineral oil and resistor load immersed) for HF stuff and a 
Knight-Kit SWR meter.  But as I got older and had more cash I got better stuff.


A dummy load that you can trust to be SWR 1:1 is good thing to check 
those SWR meters or antenna analyzers with.  Handy when measurements 
seem to be "all over the map".  Use it to test coax cables, for instance.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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[Elecraft] (no subject)

[Edward R Cole]

Kjeld,

I agree with Conrad PA5Y,  both Kuhne Engineering or  HA1YA make very 
good transverters and are available in EU.


I would add the DEMI L-series transverter which now is made by a 
company called Q5 (located in US) for any NA hams reading the mail on 
this topic.
I use DEMI transverters on digital-eme on 144, 1296, and higher (have 
had 144,222, 432, 1296, 3456, and 10-GHz models).


I also use preamps located at antennas on 6m, 2m, 432, 1296+  Even 
though local electronic noise can be high at times, when its not they 
make a huge difference.  Only for 6m (50-MHz) would I agree that it 
might not give much help (but if you have a K3, it needs either a PR6 
or other preamp to bring up 6m &10m sensitivity; not an issue with 
K3s or K4).  MY KX3 with internal preamp ON = my K3 + PR6 in sensitivity on 6m)


The early reports on the IC-9700 were not favorable for freq 
stability (though I read they had addressed this, lately).  Still 
investment in K3s + good transverter will beat the IC-9700 without a doubt.


73, Ed - KL7UW

From: Kjeld Holm 
To: Elecraft Reflector 
Subject: [Elecraft] Digital modes on 144MHz only
Message-ID:



Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Digital modes on 144MHz only

I plan for a second station to use for digital modes on 144MHz only. 
If you look at performance only (no price, no ergonomics, no use 
outside digital modes on 144MHz) what would you prefer


1)   K3/K3S with internal transverter
2)   IC-9700

In both cases I plan to use a 1kW amplifier.

Vy 73 de OZ1CCM, Kjeld


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft KX4

[Edward R Cole]

Ah guess this is "letting you know I read the mail":

Mobile is a reach from KX4 as the topic - but - here's my drift:

I outfitted my new (in 2016) truck to be equipped for 
HF/6m/2m/70cm.  Mostly when parked in eve. with our 5th wheel trailer 
(even provided for two coax lines to the trailer for operating the 
KX3 on the dining table).  I can run the 6m-70cm while underway 
(mobile) but most of the time the radios are off when driving. 80m 
and 20m hamsticks did not tune well mounted in the bed so going to 
not bother running HF-mobile.  Buddipole looks like a convenient HF 
portable antenna.


Towing a 30-foot trailer is a full-time job and needs no distraction 
(total rig length is 47 foot).  I will eventually get APRS tracking 
beacon working.(which runs automatic).


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Dual Receiver Tricks

[Edward R Cole]

Dave AB7E,

I have been doing something similar with my K3 with subRx:

I feed signals from two antenna that are orthogonally polarized (one 
is horz and other is Vert polarity, both pointed in the same 
direction and essentially in-phase).
I use the eme sw MAP-65 to process the output of both Rx and it 
resolves the angle of polarization and maxes signal strength in 
alignment with the actual angle of polarity.  There is another sw 
called Linrad that can do that for two signals (written in Linux).

http://www.sm5bsz.com/linuxdsp/linrad.htm

MAP-65 is authored by Joe Taylor - K1JT who also created FT8 and 
FT4.  You might contact Joe about your ideas and maybe he would be 
interested in creating the sw you want??



73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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[Elecraft] Buddy Pole

[Edward R Cole]

I got to see the Buddy Pole antenna for first time at FD last 
weekend.  Very impressed in quality of materials and ease of 
installation.  It was set up for 40m and I helped them tune it by use 
of my MFJ-269B antenna tuner.  The loading coil arrangement was a 
little awkward, I thought.  By nicer to have a roller inductor for 
quicker adjustment. A single radial wire was used and 2:1 balun to 
get 1.2 SWR.  Stepped 1:1/2:1/4:1 balun was nice.  Buddy tripod and 
fabric carrying case had me thinking this would be handy for portable 
operation with my RV at CG's.


I do not operate HF mobile so that would save having an antenna on 
the truck (its outfitted with 2m/70cm whip, 6m whip, and 2m 
horizontal loop for SSB).


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Low Power Output on 160 and 6 meters

[Edward R Cole]

Well I have a K3/10 and KXPA100 with fw vers 5.60 (yeah I need to update).

K3/10 gets 10w on 14-MHz and 8w on 50-MHz.  KXPA gives 100w on 14-MHz 
and 80w on 50-MHz using  a Bird43 meter with a Bird dummy load.
Into an antenna power is dependent on match (as one would 
expect).  The KXPA only needs about 5.6w drive for full output on 
14-MHz but requires full 8w drive on 50-MHz.  Overdriving causes the 
3-dB attenuator to switch on.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] MH3 Mic

[Edward R Cole]

Interesting as I have a MH3 for my KX3 bought during the initial roll 
out of kits (SN475) and mic looks like new.  Most its life is inside 
but it did take a two-month trip logging 11K miles as a mobile last 
summer.  Just wondering if long exposure to sunlight in a mobile is 
cause of cracks?  I have no solution to offer other than wire another 
mic for use with your Elecraft radio.


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] K3S - Win4K3Suite - SDRPlay

[Edward R Cole]

I resisted upgrading my winXP23 SP3 computer because essential 
accessories were not supported with win10 drivers.  A few months ago 
a better device was offered that interfaces with USB and runs under 
win10, so I bought a new i5 win10.  I will be offering my M-Audio 
Delta44 and emu-0202 for sale (as-is).  New device is called UADC4 
which replaces using a soundcard in receive.


Haven't done the changeover as I had many other challenges for my 
time that were higher priority.  May get to the installation of sw in 
the new machine and to the cut-over soon.  I will be able to run my 
ham programs without Internet as I have GPS time, but its capable if 
I need communication for any of those programs (reporting or 
upgrading).  My K3, KX3, etc firmware updates, for example, or FT8 
and WSPR reporting sites.


I have another i5 for e-mail and normal internet use.  I also use it 
for running prop-log sites in parallel with the ham computer (less 
dialog window clutter).


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] New K1 Kit

[Edward R Cole]

Its a skill that one needs time and practise to master.  I used to 
run a home business building smd kits for others after a career as a 
component level technician where I did smd repairs.  But the last 
generation of MOT intrinsically safe radios required a $10,000 school 
and a dedicated repair station to be qualified by MOT to do repair 
work.  MOT instituted a flat-rate repair service for about $150 per 
radio which turned me into a troubleshooter and shipping dept.  I 
retired a few years after that.


I bought a Haako FX-951 repair station for that business and used a 
lighted magnifier.


SMD assembly is much faster/cheaper and can be automated on a 
production line with better reliability than human-built.  That's why 
todays tech does system troubleshooting to the board level and then 
board replacement.  New boards are cheaper than paying the tech to 
repair them.  Most commercial radio shops charge $100-$125/hour for 
servicing.  Another ten years and there will no longer be component 
level techs.


Very hard for a small business to compete using a human production 
line of solderers.  Probably only find a small line to build 
pre-production units for testing/re-engineering.

-

There probably aren?t more than a handful  of folks who could 
actually build an SMD kit of any size without having to send it back 
to Elecraft to be built or to fix the mess.


Grant NQ5T
K3 #2091 KX3 #8342


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] Alpha Antenna/KX3

[Edward R Cole]

Interesting reviews on some of the loop antennas.  I've seen W4OP 
adv's for several years.


I plan to make a receive-only 630m loop (4 to 6 foot diam) out of 
some surplus 1/2-inch hardline that is too old for coax use.  The 
copper shield should do well in a loop.  I will use a preamp with it 
(pcb in hand waiting for some spare time to build).  Plan using a 
small TV rotator and tripod mount.  Advantage of the loop is being 
able to null out noise sources. I transmit using 43x122 foot inverted-L.


The loop might also work for 160m if I ever try that band.

73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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