Re: [Elecraft] The K4's new noise reduction
Thanks for the NR news Wayne. I love working 160m, and I expect the new NR will be a welcome new tool. Really eager to hear some examples of it at work. 73, Bob N6WG > On May 31, 2019 at 10:11 AM Wayne Burdick wrote: > > > We've recently started testing a new DSP NR (noise reduction) algorithm for > the K4. Our early testers are saying it's as good or better than anything > else they've used, removing stochastic noise without the characteristic > "hollow" sound of earlier algorithms. In my own tests, I'm finding weak SSB > signals I simply couldn't copy without it. It goes beyond just reducing > listening fatigue. This type of NR operates in the frequency domain, like > spectral subtraction, but without the usual artifacts (musical tones) or long > sampling delays. > > Once the full implementation is complete, we'll post audio samples and > additional details. > > (In answer to the inevitable question: Unfortunately, we won't be able to > port this to the K3/K3S. The new algorithm requires the new, much faster DSP > chip we're using in the K4.) > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > > __ > Elecraft mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm > Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Buddipole vs. tuner and wire
Hi Brian It really depends on what you can find for antenna supports. A wire dipole cut to frequency and up in the air higher than you are likely to raise a Buddipole will do more for you. The Buddipole makes a nice fallback antenna, but I'd try for an elevated wire antenna where possible. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Brian Lloyd [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, May 12, 2008 9:57 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Buddipole vs. tuner and wire I am heading out on a bit of a DXpedition in a month and will be dragging the K2 along with me. I will be in St. Kitts (V4) and Dominica (J7). Thinking about antennas, I was planning to take my SGC-231 tuner and some wire but am also looking at the Buddipole (which Elecraft sells so that makes it on-topic here :-) as an alternative. Would anyone care to comment on wire/tuner vs. Buddipole? -- 73 de Brian, WB6RQN Brian Lloyd - brian HYPHEN wb6rqn AT lloyd DOT com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Antenna 1/2 Operation
Craig On the antenna port where you would like the ATU to be in BYPASS mode, instead load that port into a 50 ohm load and run the ATU. The other port can then match whatever antenna you throw at it, but when you switch back to the bypass port, you won't have to remember to fuss with the ATU. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Craig D. Smith [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 6:22 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Antenna 1/2 Operation This is a question and perhaps a request about the operation of the antenna 1/2 selection in conjunction with the KAT3 internal K3 antenna tuner. In my normal contest setup here I use two antennas on the same band. One is resonant so I don't need the ATU. The other is a multi-band doublet that I use the KAT3 to tune. The beauty of this is that I can quickly switch from one to the other with the K3 front panel ANT switch to select the one with the stronger signal. The problem is that the state of the ATU (bypass or engaged) has to be reset each time I switch antennas. This is an extra step and one that can easily be forgotten in a contest situation. Am I overlooking something here? That is, is there a way to set up the K3 so that it remembers if the ATU is engaged or bypassed on a given antenna? This would be a MUCH preferred mode of operation. It has been awhile since I've had my K2, but my recollection (which may be wrong) is that the K2 did provide exactly this desired operation. Question: Can I set up the K3 to do this? If not, Request: Can this be provided in a future firmware update? Thanks and 73 ... Craig AC0DS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Bal[un] (was: Buddipole vs. tuner and wire)
Hi Brian I don't recall if you mentioned what power level you would be using with your K2. If it is running barefoot, without the 100w PA, you could use one of the Elecraft switchable baluns. They switch between 1:1 and 4:1 ratios, giving you a good chance to match most balanced feeds. Even though the rig end of the line may be reactive, due to impedance mismatches along the line, the switchable balun can be used to reduce the amount of mismatch the ATU then has to to cope with. This makes a simple dipole with tuned feeders a nice multiband antenna. On a given band, try both switch positions and see which one helps the ATU make the best match. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Brian Lloyd [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 8:37 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Bal[un] (was: Buddipole vs. tuner and wire) OK, I am convinced - keep the tuner and the wire. So, that brings up a second question: balanced vs. unbalanced. Wire antennas that do not require a counterpoise are usually loops or dipoles, i.e. inherently balanced even if not resonant. Most tuners offer an unbalanced output. SGC says, just connect up the antenna. Seems to me that a balun would improve things and keep RF off the coax and power leads to the tuner. But how well do baluns handle huge mismatch? Just off the top of my head, it seems to me that the tuner at the top of a pole with two legs sloped down, i.e. inverted-V, would make a pretty good omni all-band antenna. More thinking aloud. Brian Lloyd Granite Bay Montessori School 9330 Sierra College Bl brian AT gbmontessori DOT com Roseville, CA 95661 +1.916.367.2131 (voice)+1.791.912.8170 (fax) PGP key ID: 12095C52A32A1B6C PGP key fingerprint: 3B1D BA11 4913 3254 B6E0 CC09 1209 5C52 A32A 1B6C ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Antenna 1/2 Operation
I think I see the problem. An ATU does not normally autoadjust. You have to tell it that you want it to run. You first set up the ATU with ant1 at whatever frequency you want to use. Then switch to ant2 and again set it up. Now both antennas are matched on that frequency. From now on, you just switch between antennas and they are already matched and ready to go. The ATU remembers its settings for each antenna until you change them. If you switch to another band, you redo the matching, but when you switch back to the first band, the memory remembers the correct match for each antenna and resets itself accordingly. And if you jump back to the second band again, the ATU remembers the correct settings and is ready to go on that band. Great feature. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Windy Dankoff KM5Q [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 9:34 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Antenna 1/2 Operation I have the same concern as Craig. The recommendation from Robert and Vic don't work on my K3. Here's my scheme: Ant. 1 is a non-resonant dipole. On 20m for example, SWR is 4.5:1. The ATU brings it to 1:1. Ant. 2 is a screwdriver vertical on tin roof, adjusted (with ATU bypassed) to show 1:1. I set the ATU for for either antenna, or one then the other, but it NEVER auto-adjusts when I switch antennas. Never on any band or with any (mis)tuning of my vertical, have I heard more than one relay click when switching ANT 1/2 (no ATU reset). I'm running the new Beta FW now (no problem) and it's my third FW version. Windy KM5Q K3 #764 Santa Fe, NM -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-Antenna-1-2-Operation-tp17208306p17212835.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 programming commands problem
I'm trying to get some of the K3's functions to respond to commands from my computer, running TR LOG. I have the TX antenna switching ok with the AN1 and AN2 commands. However, I can't find a way to get the RX ANT command to work. The programmers reference says that the the K2's SW commands (SWT and SWH in K3) are not yet available. Has anyone found a work around for this? Thanks and 73 Bob N6WG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] RE: K3 Band Changing using Memories
This also works in TR LOG. It's faster than turning the knob to get to the other end of the band :-) 73, Bob N6WG The Little Station with Attitude - Original Message - From: Norm Duxbury [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2008 4:21 AM Subject: [Elecraft] RE: K3 Band Changing using Memories Dick, If you're using Writelog, in the Call entry space simply type the exact frequency to which you want to QSY, hit Return, and you're there! Maybe some other logging programs allow this. 73, Norm - W1MO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Band switch
I would suggest a 1 MHz step, along the lines used in the old Collins 51J series of receivers. They tuned 1 MHz segments, so had to step up to the next 1 MHz segment. A 1 MHz step would touch every hamband directly, while 5 MHz would miss all of them. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Craig D. Smith [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, May 07, 2008 12:30 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 Band switch I wonder if it would be useful to implement a Very-Coarse tuning rate, say 5 MHz per full turn of the VFO knob. This idea sounds appealing to me, Drew. A lot less to remember than when using memory access, etc. I get the feeling that Elecraft is rethinking the whole bandswitching matter, and rightfully so. To me, at least, the present situation is rather confusing. I hope they will consider your idea. 73 ... Craig AC0DS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3--Keying suddenly stopped
Yes, that was it, Vic. Apparently when I toggled the mode switch between ssb and cw I must have also dropped the VOX selection. I think this is an unfortunate control arrangement. I'd rather see a menu selection for this if it is necessary and get it off the button where it can be changed by accident. Thanks and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Vic K2VCO [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Robert Tellefsen [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Reflector Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2008 10:18 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3--Keying suddenly stopped Robert Tellefsen wrote: I was working the 7th District QSO Party, and doing fairly well at 5w on both cw and ssb. Then, just after I logged my 103rd QSO, the keying stopped. Neither the paddles nor the computer coming through the key jack will cause a signal to go out in cw mode. Keying the paddles does give cw sidetone and the red TX light over the headset jack lights in time to the keying. I've cycled through the TEST mode several times, but to no effect. Holding the XMIT/TUNE button does cause a carrier at normal power. Using either VOX or PTT on ssb generates a normal signal Remember that VOX has to be ON in CW mode if you want closing the key to put you into transmit mode. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Band disabling
Has anyone found a way to disable certain bands in the band switching list? I'd like to be able to disable 60m and the WARC bands when working contests, so I don't have to step through them. Maybe even come up with a way to directly address any band with a button push. 73, Bob N6WG The Little Station with Attitude ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3--Keying suddenly stopped
I was working the 7th District QSO Party, and doing fairly well at 5w on both cw and ssb. Then, just after I logged my 103rd QSO, the keying stopped. Neither the paddles nor the computer coming through the key jack will cause a signal to go out in cw mode. Keying the paddles does give cw sidetone and the red TX light over the headset jack lights in time to the keying. I've cycled through the TEST mode several times, but to no effect. Holding the XMIT/TUNE button does cause a carrier at normal power. Using either VOX or PTT on ssb generates a normal signal Either something has suddenly quit on me, or I've accidentally bumped some adjustment that now inhibits keying. No smell of leaking magic smoke, so I expect it is some adjustment that isn't obvious or documented. I've dug through the manual and both the MAIN and CONFIG menus, but nothing obvious. There is a TX INH menu selection, but it is in OFF status, as it was before the keying quit. I've tried cycling the power, but no change there. I'm stumped. Has this happened to anyone else? Any ideas or suggestions where I might look for something that is inhibiting cw TX? Thanks and 73 Bob N6WG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3--Keying suddenly stopped
Good point, Vic. Didn't check that, but I remember seeing it mentioned somewhere before. I'll check that in the morning. It would certainly go along with my idea that I just pushed something in the wrong way :-) Thanks and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Vic K2VCO [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Robert Tellefsen [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Reflector Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, May 03, 2008 10:18 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3--Keying suddenly stopped Robert Tellefsen wrote: I was working the 7th District QSO Party, and doing fairly well at 5w on both cw and ssb. Then, just after I logged my 103rd QSO, the keying stopped. Neither the paddles nor the computer coming through the key jack will cause a signal to go out in cw mode. Keying the paddles does give cw sidetone and the red TX light over the headset jack lights in time to the keying. I've cycled through the TEST mode several times, but to no effect. Holding the XMIT/TUNE button does cause a carrier at normal power. Using either VOX or PTT on ssb generates a normal signal Remember that VOX has to be ON in CW mode if you want closing the key to put you into transmit mode. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Monitoring yourself
Gee, I thought this was SHORT wave and WIRELESS communication :-) 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: G4ILO [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 2:55 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Monitoring yourself K3KO wrote: Try listening to yourself on a web SDR. http://websdr.ewi.utwente.nl:8901/ One can listen with the above link on 40 and 80M. It is tunable and does CW.SSB and I guess digital modes. Bandwidth is also adjustable. This is a great link. I'm amazed how low the latency is. I can't figure out how to decode data modes, though, although the page suggests it's possible. I love the picture of the hardware at the bottom of this page: http://websdr.ewi.utwente.nl:8901/info.html . - Julian, G4ILO K3 s/n: 222 K2 s/n: 392 G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Monitoring-yourself-tp16918110p16957081.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Microphone
Gary Can you find a carbon microphone, such as might be in an older telephone? You could probably cobble a working microphone from it with a load resistor and a blocking capacitor, and using the +8v from the K3. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Gary Gregory [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, April 29, 2008 9:13 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Microphone Hi All, I got really excited when the K3 turned up in the post. I suppose you cannot imagine the look on my face when I opened it all up and lifted all the contents onto the bench in the shack and discovered that my K3 arrived without a microphone. I know, read the order form fully next time. Welll for 3 grand, I didn't think I had to order and pay extra for a fist mic. Kinda took the excitement right out of my sails. I live in what is called Outback queensland, Australia, not the place where I can find a spare Microphone laying around unused. The testing will have to wait a week or so now till i find a Mic. gary VK4WT ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3--Trouble with Power Pole connectors
I thought these PP connectors were supposed to be such great stuff :-) Mine keep falling out and losing power on the rig. I assembled mine very meticulously, as I've read a lot of the comments here about keeping the solder away from the contact area. I assembled mine with the blade standing vertical in a third-hand tool, so the solder never came above the end of the cylinder that the wire end sticks into. The blades are pushed all the way into the plastic housings so the curved end clicks over the little ridge to keep it in its own housing. When I insert the plugs into the receptacles on the back of the K3, they go all the way to the end and bump up against the end of the receptacle. No problem about being pushed in all the way. It seems to me that there is very little friction/pressure between the male and female connectors to hold them together. I tried the little cylinder pin that is supposed to help hold them together, but it quickly got lost when the male connector fell out for the third time. Can anyone tell me if the blades in these connectors need to be bent a bit to maintain a good contact so that will stay together? Otherwise, I'll have to replace the PP connectors with something more reliable. Thanks and 73 Bob N6WG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3--Trouble with Power Pole connectors
Hi Vic Well, it turns out I'm part of the problem :-) I was so sure I had the blade in the red plug all the way in, but I just checked it under a lighted magnifying glass, and it had not gone over the retaining ridge near the front opening. I pushed some more and got it to click over the ridge. So, the connector is back in service, but you are right, there is not a great retaining force in these connectors. I've never used them before, but from the way others talked about them, I expected more. I'll just have to see how they do in service. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Vic K2VCO [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Robert Tellefsen [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Reflector Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, April 28, 2008 6:51 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3--Trouble with Power Pole connectors Robert Tellefsen wrote: I thought these PP connectors were supposed to be such great stuff :-) Mine keep falling out and losing power on the rig. I think this is strange. I use them on a lot of gear and haven't had this problem. They are not held in with a great deal of force, and they can be yanked out -- but they don't *fall* out. Maybe there's some variation in the manufacturing process? Are yours genuine Anderson PPs or another manufacturer? -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 with KRC2--How?
I have a KRC2 connected to my K2, and the K3 manual says it should be compatible with the K3 also, even to plugging into the RS-232 port on the K3. Tried it and the KRC2 isn't responding, so now I'm trying to figure out why. The K3 manual implies the cabling between KRC2 and K2 or K3 should be the same, so I hope that is correct. I can't find anything in the K3 manual talking about this. Also couldn't find anything on the KRC2 working with K3 in the KRC2 manual. I know there are some who have this working. How did you do it? Thanks and 73 Bob N6WG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 #811 in process
Picked up my K3/10 at Aptos yesterday, and had a quick look at the facilities, then hurried home to begin assembly. About half done now, should finish today and be on the air by evening. For those that are tracking, s/n is 811. Still backordered--KXR3, KDVR and 1.8 kHz filter. 73, Bob N6WG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Katiegram received - Ordered Nov 27
Hi Al Picked mine up yesterday. Cost me a lot more than shipping would have, as I had to take my xyl out to a nice restaurant on the pier at Santa Cruz. Very nice outing for us, plus a new toy to play with when we got home :-) 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Alan Bloom [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, April 25, 2008 4:54 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K3: Katiegram received - Ordered Nov 27 Received my Katiegram today. It was ordered Nov 27. K3/100, KAT3, KBPF3, KXV3, KUSB and 500 Hz and FM filters. KRX3 and 6 kHz filter are backordered. I'm going to take the 3-hour drive down to Aptos and pick it up when they tell me it's ready. Hey, it saves $20.40. :=) Al N1AL ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 vs. K2/100
Brian If it were my choice, I'd go with the 100 PA and its ATU in an outboard box. That leaves the K2 and its internal ATU free for things like Field Day or other portable operations. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Brian Lloyd [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2008 9:32 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K2 vs. K2/100 We are currently building the KPA-100 for our K2 at the school. I would like to hear from others who have incorporated the KPA100 into the K2 (K2/100) vs. keeping the KPA100 external and leaving the K2 as a QRP rig. I am waffling on the value of the K2 as a portable QRP rig, probably with the integral KAT2 and battery pack, and an external amp for base operation, and integrating the amp into the K2 and operating with an external tuner. Brian Lloyd Granite Bay Montessori School 9330 Sierra College Bl brian AT gbmontessori DOT com Roseville, CA 95661 +1.916.367.2131 (voice)+1.791.912.8170 (fax) PGP key ID: 12095C52A32A1B6C PGP key fingerprint: 3B1D BA11 4913 3254 B6E0 CC09 1209 5C52 A32A 1B6C ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] simple iambic paddle
Brian You could make an extremely simple paddle from a piece of a hacksaw blade for the arm, and two brass screws for the dit and dah contacts. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Brian Lloyd [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2008 9:39 AM Subject: [Elecraft] simple iambic paddle Knowing the penchant for CW that many of you have, I thought I would ask the following question here. Does anyone have a design for a very simple iambic key that can be made with simple materials and hand tools? The kids are starting to send CW and I am finding they are having a LOT of trouble with a straight key. Most immediately gravitate to the bencher so I am trying to find a way to make a $5 paddle. Brian Lloyd Granite Bay Montessori School 9330 Sierra College Bl brian AT gbmontessori DOT com Roseville, CA 95661 +1.916.367.2131 (voice)+1.791.912.8170 (fax) PGP key ID: 12095C52A32A1B6C PGP key fingerprint: 3B1D BA11 4913 3254 B6E0 CC09 1209 5C52 A32A 1B6C ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2/10 low battery message
Is there some menu setting that would make the K2 think there is a battery installed? If it tried to sample the voltage, it would certainly be low :-) 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Scott McDowell [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, April 23, 2008 2:38 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K2/10 low battery message Hello Has anyone ever had their low battery mesage keep coming on every five minutes on their k2/10. Where does this message originate from? I have re-soldered every joint from the power input up to the power switch and can't figure out where the power circuit goes from there. All components check good up to that point. I even re-soldered the power switch. Anyone ever have a bad power switch? The low battery messages never comes on during transmit. I have the K2/10 connected to the same 30 amp power supply that I used on my K2/100, and I never had a low battery message on it. I don't have a battery installed so that is not the problem. I never got this message on my K2/100 running 100 watts, so I believe the problem is in the K2. Any one know where to start looking? 73 Scott N5SM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Yet another Katiegram
Received mine today, for my K3 kit ordered 11/20/2007. I'm having it held for pickup, to give me an excuse to see the new facility. They've moved since the last time I visited them to pick up some gear. No s/n notice yet, but they say 7-10 days for availability. 73, Bob N6WG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - CW decode on TX only for keyer?
Keith If you have another rig, like a K2, key it into a dummy load and listen on the K3. You can use the decoder then as if it was listening to real signals on a band. 73, Bob N6Wg - Original Message - From: Darwin, Keith [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, April 21, 2008 10:42 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - CW decode on TX only for keyer? IIRC, the manual says that only the CW from the internal keyer can be decoded by the DSP; not CW sent with a manual key or external keyer. Bummer, I was hoping to use that internal CW reader to help me practice my bug straight key skills. - Keith N1AS - - K2 5411.ssb.100 - - K3 711 - ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Main/Sub audio routing
Charles In a mono audio situation, you could connect a 100 ohm pot as a balance control fairly easily. Connect the hot leads to each ear piece to the ends of the pot, and connect the hot lead coming from the radio to the pot's wiper. Now as you vary the pot, more audio will appear in one earpiece or the other. If you have a lot of audio power, you might want to use a pot good for a watt or more, just to keep it from being heated by excess audio power. For headphone use, I wouldn't think this too likely though. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Charles Harpole [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Lyle Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, April 21, 2008 11:04 AM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 Main/Sub audio routing Without the second rcvr, is there a way to get a different level of audio on two channels? With the second rcvr, can do, I think. I have, LIKE SO MANY OTHERS MY AGE, a hearing loss in one ear and need a balance control on the K3 to compensate (or find a nice headphone with vol. controls on each ear). Charles Harpole [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008 10:49:00 -0700 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Main/Sub audio routing CC: elecraft@mailman.qth.net ...If Sub is off, audio from the Main receiver will appear in both the left and right headphones. If Sub is on, audio from the Main receiver will appear in the left headphone and audio from the Sub will appear in the right headphone. Is this correct, and are these the only audio routing options? If so, is this something that can be changed in the firmware, or is it a hardware limitation? This is strictly firmware, and can be changed. 73, Lyle KK7P ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW Rx Audio
well, having just turned 70, Welcome to the club, Fred. 73, Bob N6WG The Little Station with Attitude - Original Message - From: Bill W4ZV [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, April 20, 2008 3:44 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 CW Rx Audio DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: I can't, for the life of me, figure why anyone would want to listen to cw with a really wide filter, but. From K3ZO many time winner of Dayton pileup contests: I just got back from Thailand so am reading all of this old discussion for the first time, but as an Orion owner, and since someone mentioned me in a post, I thought I ought to comment. I have always preferred to use the filters between my ears rather than the ones that come with radios and never liked narrow filters because the ringing bothers me a lot. N3UM and W4AU convinced me to go with the Orion mainly because they said it doesn't ring. Well in my opinion it does, but you can zero out the ringing by using a bandwidth of exactly 970 Hz, so when I'm on CW that's where my bandwidth is always set. Precisely because in a DX contest I had a loud W2 perch 670 Hz above me and used the Orion's very FB notch filter to notch him out, I now also use the notch filter set for 670 Hz tone and 300 Hz bandwidth full time while on CW, because in the Orion the notch filter appears to the user to act like another filter in series with the regular one. This combination has given me reception pleasure like I haven't had for years (maybe my Drake R4C with the Sherwood mods got close way back when). Nevertheless taking Tom's main point, narrowing a filter mainly so you can squeeze up right close to another guy running on an adjacent channel is not a good reason to use a narrow filter. In my experience you always want to know what is going on around you as you run. Narrowing the filter beyond a certain point deprives you of the audio version of peripheral vision, and you lose if you cut yourself off from what's going on around you that way. Tom is right when he says that it will lower your rate even though you think you're really banging away. With a rig like the Orion the tone you set your sidetone monitor to is also very important. I like to copy CW at 400 Hz, and I have been surprised when people have commented that 400 Hz is a much lower tone than they like to use. I believe it is established science that the lower the tone you use to copy, the better your ear is at separating out tones which differ in frequency very little from each other. I actually thought I was using a rather high choice of tone, as I recall some articles I read years ago, perhaps by professional ship-to-shore ops, advocating 200 or 300 Hz as their tones of choice. I also believe in using a first-class pair of headphones. The arguments about communications quality audio vs high fi audio have never cut any mustard with me. In 60 years of using all kinds of different receivers, speakers and headphones, I am of the firm belief that the ear wants to extract as much information as it can get from any receiving setup, meaning that whatever is the final apparatus used to translate electrons into sound, it should be as good as scientifically practical in transmitting the widest range of sounds with as flat a response as possible. Therefore my German Sennheiser headset has pride of place in my shack. As those who are familiar with my views on the subject of people who are quick to send QRL can attest however, this does not mean that I allow someone else to determine for me what my optimum receiving bandwidth should be. When I started contesting in 1952 nobody ever talked about level playing fields or how someone stole your frequency. It was just assumed that if things got too hot for you, you moved. That was part of the game. We have since shot ourselves in the foot by relegating our beginners to two meter FM where they got the idea that all channels everywhere should be as crystal clear as the ones they got started with at the beginning. Back when men were men, a crowded band full of signals was a joy to behold, a challenge to be reckoned with and mastered. I know this discussion has been mainly about CW, but the best example I can think of to illustrate this particular point was 75 meter phone on a winter night with the green tinge of aurora flickering on the northern horizon. Yes, in the AM days the band on such a night would be filled with heterodynes from one end to the other -- we called it jingle bells -- and there were about three signals in the whole band that you could actually copy, and yet the presence of all those heterodynes meant there were sure a hell of a lot of us in there trying. Over the years we have been afforded the right to QSY at will within wide portions of spectrum of which most of our bands consist precisely because we have convinced our authorities that we, more
Re: [Elecraft] KAT3
Hi Jack If you are using a single antenna, TXing and RXing with it, the ATU will affect receive as well as transmit. If you use a separate receive antenna jack to access a separate receiving antenna, the ATU will not be involved in the receive path. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Jack Regan [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, April 20, 2008 4:14 PM Subject: [Elecraft] KAT3 I know the KAT3 is wide ranging but I was wondering if it also has the ability to affect receive as well as transmit. My TS-570D's internal tuner does not, for example, whereas both my external tuners do. Between that and the fact that I also have a 1500 watt PA that works with my existing antenna farm has caused me to not order the KAT3 with my K3/100. I would like to have the convenience of the extra ANT input, I have two antennas, as well as the convenience of the antenna memories, but between the receive tuning AND the fact that I will be occasionally using high power I have decided to forego the internal tuner for now. Am I on the right track here, or am I missing something? BTW, if money were no object I would just order it and be done with it! Jack, AE6GC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] two transceivers and one antenna
Hi Scott Haven't done it myself, but I've read descriptions where others have done it with relays. One radio would be connected to the feedline, and the other radio would be connected to a dummy load. At the throw of a switch, their connections would be reversed. That should provide all the protection you would need, plus be more convenient just having a switch at the operating position, instead of a manual coax switch with three coax runs to it. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Scott McDowell [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, April 18, 2008 7:55 PM Subject: [Elecraft] two transceivers and one antenna Hi I need some ones opinion on something I am thinking about doing. I sure hate to have to say, I wish I hadn't done that! I have two transceivers and one multi-band yagis antenna. Switching the coax from one rig to the other gets to be a hassle. I've been thinking about getting a coaxial switch with two outputs and one input. Then connecting one transceiver to one output and the other transceiver to the other output. Then connect the input to the beam. Is there going to be enough seperation in the switch to keep from damaging the transceiver that is turned off and switched out of the circuit? Has anyone done this? Any information appreciated. 73 Scott N5SM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] PSK etc via external unit and KB
David Some time back there was a QST article to build a cw keyer into a keyboard. I don't know if anyone tried to make a commerical product out of it, but the idea has been around for a while. A little research might turn up a product that already does this. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: David Ferrington, M0XDF [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Crafters Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, April 19, 2008 3:38 AM Subject: [Elecraft] [K3] PSK etc via external unit and KB Having just read the Waters Stanton add in this months RadCom, I see on pg 2 an add for the Icom IC-7700 and its content : Another first: built-in PSK31 and RTTY. Just add a USB keyboard Apart from taking exception - it's not a first, the K3 was I believe (but no point complaining - K3 doesn't have a KB yet), this got me to thinking... Would some bright spark like to produce a very small USB keyboard to paddle converter kit? I would guess a PIC that would produce the appropriate contact closures? This is far beyond me in design, but while we wait for Elecraft to possibly add some form of keyboard interface, this would allow us to drive the built in PSK and RTTY in the K3 via the paddle input. I know there is the NUE-PSK unit, but since most of the requirement is in the K3, I thought a small unit to convert key press to contact closure might be possible? 73 de M0XDF, K3 #174 -- God gives every bird his worm, but he does not throw it into the nest. -Swedish proverb ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Dangerous Low Volage (WAS: Power pole for K3?)
Hi Ron One other precaution I've always used is to ensure that all hot terminals are always female with no exposed metal to accidentally allow a short. I know this is stating the obvious but it may not be to those who are new to this. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Ron D'Eau Claire [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, April 19, 2008 8:10 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Dangerous Low Volage (WAS: Power pole for K3?) I see you got plenty of answers about the APPs, Bill. You will need to provide your own suitable connectors for the power supply end of the cable. You mention having high-capacity batteries and a 70-amp Astron supply. It sounds like you have experience with high-current supplies and understand how dangerous they can be, but there are a lot of readers here who may not have that background. I mention it because many Hams think 13.8 VDC is safe to handle. It's *NOT*. It's not the voltage, of course, but the current. A short often produces a flash of molten metal that may continue for a while if the resistance is enough to avoid tripping a breaker or crowbar circuit. It can take off a finger or a hand, or very severely injure a person in an instant should a ring or watch band get across the supply line, immediately transformed by the current into red-hot metal burning its way through flesh. In my days working in the field as an aircraft radio/radar tech I knew some who were missing fingers because they neglected to take off a wedding band when working. It's not a nice way to lose a hand or finger. It's not always quick. It can take a while, with the ring or watch band welded solidly to the terminals by the current as the hot metal eats its way through a finger or wrist. I've seen tempered steel screwdrivers literally explode into a spray of molten metal blobs when dropped across a high-current, low-voltage supply - blobs of molten steel that splatter the face and eyes of the unwary worker not wearing protective gear. Less severe shorts can set wiring, and the shack, on fire in short order, all without opening a breaker or tripping the crowbar protective circuit in the power supply. Even a more moderate 35 Amp supply can start a fire or cause a severe burn under the right conditions. Working on shipboard and aircraft systems using 12 to 28 VDC at high currents, I've learned to treat such supplies with the same respect I do a 3KV high-voltage supply. The concerns and procedures needed to be safe are different, but either a high voltage or a low-voltage, high-current supply is dangerous in its own way. I use soldered-on ring terminals on my Astron supplies that provide large, low-resistance contact areas with the lugs and which cannot be pulled loose without physically breaking the wire, and I make very sure there are no metallic objects (cabinets, connectors, other equipment, etc.) located where they might be accidentally moved and make contact with exposed supply terminals anywhere. And then I make sure the terminals on my power supply (and anywhere else) are carefully covered and insulated from accidental contact, just in case. Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Dangerous Low Voltage (WAS: Power pole for K3?)
Hi Ron I've noticed a lot of us OFs still have the reflex of putting one hand behind us when the other goes inside a piece of equipment. Lot of us learned it the hard way. :-) 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Ron D'Eau Claire [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, April 19, 2008 2:11 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Dangerous Low Voltage (WAS: Power pole for K3?) I never use a wrench which has exposed metal surfaces long enough to short a battery, and I always disconnect the negative terminal (- ground assumed here) and cap it before working around them. Al WA6VNN Disconnecting power before working on the gear to remove/replace parts is basic to both low and high voltage supplies. My one up-close and frightening experience with low-voltage high-current supply shorts occurred on an F-86 (Korean war era jet fighter) flight line at Lockheed. It was the middle of the night and bitterly cold as I and another tech worked on two fighters sitting side-by-side. They were powered by ground carts. We had lowered the canopies almost all the way down to conserve a little heat in the frigid cockpits as we ran through the avionics ground checks. Suddenly I heard one of the power carts groan under heavy load. It caused me to look up and out of the cockpit to see what was going on. The plane next to me had smoke billowing from the cockpit, coming out around the almost-closed canopy. I could see the other tech's head lying against the canopy. He was apparently unconscious. I hit the canopy button and clambered out as it slowly wound open, yelling for help, very conscious that these planes were fully-fueled bombs sitting wingtip to wingtip waiting for a fire to set them off. We got the guy out. He was splattered with burns but the plane wasn't on fire. Later we learned that he had discovered a defective circuit breaker. He had a replacement with him, but decided he didn't want to open the canopy and climb down to disconnect the power cart. The circuit breaker connected to power by a wire with a lug on the end that attached with a screw into a threaded hole in a large copper bus bar. As he was turning the screw, he dropped the screwdriver and it fell touching the power bus bar and the aluminum side of the console. He got a face full molten metal blobs as the shaft of the tool literally exploded in his face. He instinctively stood bolt upright in the cockpit, smashing his head against the closed canopy and knocking himself unconscious. Lockheed management and the US Air Force were not impressed. They had a badly damaged jet fighter with molten metal drooled down the side of the console and cockpit and it could have been much, much worse. I think he found a new line of work. Even minor short circuits can cause lots of grief. It's very easy to instantly fry a PC board trace with a temporary short circuit. Those can usually be fixed (once you find the break), but it's still a very unnecessary and easily avoided damage by following simple safety protocols, including removing power before touching the circuit to remove parts or taking any other short-cuts. And for those of us who regularly work around equipment with high voltages - a few hundred volts and up - allowing ourselves to be lulled into complacent behavior by the low voltages in most gear today can be dangerous. One time I was troubleshooting a receiver that had something that smelled hot so I was gingerly touching resistors to see if one was overheating when I suddenly remembered I was working on a tube-type receiver with a 250V supply! Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Katie-gram arrives in southern Oregon!!
Cool, mine can't be too far behind then. Good luck Allan 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Allan Taylor [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, April 14, 2008 7:00 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Katie-gram arrives in southern Oregon!! Katie-gram received for a 11/7/07 order! -- 73 Allan K7GT ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 ATU specifications
Bill Whether the ATU is internal or external is not the question. The real problem is what impedance the feedline presents to the rig on each band. If it is something outrageous, no ATU is likely to tune it. You would be better off borrowing an antenna analyzer from someone and measuring the impedance at the shack end of the feedline to see what an ATU would have to try to match. If it is too unreasonable on some band, you can alter it by changing the length of the feedline, just add another 10 ft or so at the shack end and measure again. Eventually you will find a length for the feedline that will give a workable impedance on all bands and your ATU from whatever source will be happy. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: KB1PXD [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, April 10, 2008 3:41 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 ATU specifications Greetings everyone, I'm trying to debate whether or not to pickup an external LDG tuner or just go with the K3 built-in ATU. Does anyone know the tuning specifications of the ATU? I need a tuner that will hopefully tune every band to = 1.5:1 on a Cobra multiband dipole antenna. The built-in ATU in my TS-850 has difficulties with certain frequency ranges within a couple of bands. Should I go with the built-in K3 ATU, or remove that from my order and just pickup an a decent external LDG tuner? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! - Bill, kb1pxd -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-ATU-specifications-tp16607551p16607551.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Band Decoder
Josh I recommend sticking with the KRC2, because it has a variety of outputs that you can mix and match for whatever combination of antennas, filters, stubs, etc that you want to switch as you move from band to band. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: J. Heide [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, April 08, 2008 4:04 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - Band Decoder OK, now that the Katiegram has arrived, I need to think about antenna switching. I have the following antennas that I want to use with the K3 Windom for most all bands Yagi for 20 meters Yagi for 6 meters (goes to the XV50) Vertical for 160 meters Vertical for 6m FM (which is not used with the K2) Right now, I have a KRC2 that switches the 20m yagi and 160 vertical on antenna port 2 on the radio. Since the K3 has 4 band decoder (TTL?) lines coming out of it, it is easy enough to build logic to pull in the right relay. Can the DIGOUT line be used (with proper buffering, of course) to switch a relay for changing from horizontal to vertical on 6m? Basically, windom and 6 meter antennas to antenna port 1 (with the band decoder switching from windom to 6 meters, and digout selecting wither the vert or horiz) and the 20m beam and 160 vert switched on antenna port 2? I have several RelComm RDL-SR002 relays, one of which I am using with the KRC2 now, so quality relays are not a problem here. Sorry if this is a bit long, but without equipment in front of me, I have a hard time visualizing things. 73 Josh K6ZRX ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Wierd Outlook Express behaviour
Suddenly my inbox has gone from a couple of hundred messages received to around a dozen. Where did everything go? I can't find any mention of a forced archiving function. Anyone seen this before? Thanks and 73 Bob N6WG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] APP crimp tool
That's why soldering is typically not used in concealed wiring in buildings, aircraft and other sensitive locations. Interesting point, Ron. Don't think I've ever seen that mentioned before. Logical, when you think about it. Thanks and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Ron D'Eau Claire [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'Darwin, Keith' [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 9:24 AM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] APP crimp tool Keith N1AS wrote: They should be crimped but the crimper is $50 or something like that. The can be soldered but everyone agrees that is not the preferred attachment method. - Not so, Keith. Wayne and many others (including myself for what it's worth) prefer SOLDERING over crimping. Crimping works fine, if you use the right tool and know how to use it properly, but soldering produces a joint that is just as good - electrically and mechanically - as the best crimp. The one caveat about soldering is that if you have an extreme short circuit that is melting the wires and starting a fire the heat might also melt the solder causing it to run out of the connector causing another poor, high resistance connection that can create even more heat. That's why soldering is typically not used in concealed wiring in buildings, aircraft and other sensitive locations. While crimping is generally used in hidden locations, a less-than-perfect crimp in a conductor carrying significant current is sure to cause a hot spot and possible fire. Concerns with fires and melting solder shouldn't be a concern with the connectors plugged into the back of radios in our ham shacks. Hopefully we have fuses, breakers and other safeguards against fire-causing short circuits. I never saw any hesitation to solder power leads in other exposed places in commercial work either. The reason some such cables are crimped instead of soldered is to cut labor costs. Properly done, crimping produces a good connection and one can crimp several connectors in the same length of time it takes to solder one properly. The small savings in time is hardly a concern for most of us working in our ham shacks. Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - beautiful audio!
Yes, these Elecraft fellows really have covered all the bases. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: David Walker [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, March 27, 2008 12:58 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - beautiful audio! It slices bread? Amazing. Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2008 08:22:23 -0800 From: Robert Tellefsen [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - beautiful audio! To: Dave G4AON [EMAIL PROTECTED], elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 I know the K3 is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but apparently it now filters gravel too? :-) 73, Bob N6WG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - beautiful audio!
I know the K3 is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but apparently it now filters gravel too? :-) 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Dave G4AON [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 12:54 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - beautiful audio! There have been various comments on the SSB audio from the K3 in recent times. I use a Kenwood MC-43S dynamic fist microphone with some compression and equalisation. I was in QSO this morning and the station I was working was very impressed with the audio, without prompting he said the audio was beautiful and sounded very nice. Settings: Mic gain: 30 Compression: 20 Equaliser: 50 Hz -8dB, 100 Hz -4dB, 200 Hz 0dB, 400 Hz +2dB, 800 Hz +2dB, 1.6 KHz +5dB, 2.4 KHz +7dB, 3.2 KHz +2dB. I have a fairly deep gravelly voice, so wasn't really expecting such compliments! 73 Dave, G4AON K3/100 #80 MCU firmware ver 1.78, DSP ver 1.58 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Farnsworth Method
Hi Ron Looks like we are of the same vintage. I was a 1952 Novice too. I remember working every day on my code, sturggling up to 13 wpm. The night before I took the bus into Seattle for the General test, I had a buddy send me some code practice for a final tune up. So, he launched into this string of stuff that made no sense to me at all. I had to ask him, what was he sending? Turns out he was sending the index to the tube tables in the back of the handbook! :-) Really had me going 'til I understood what was coming at me. Great days those were. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Ron D'Eau Claire [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 6:58 AM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Farnsworth Method This is a very interesting thread to me because it seems like us dinosaurs really went through the same process you folks are experiencing, but we had a different venue. I doubt if I could copy *anything* but 5 WPM CW when I got my Novice ticket. But I had a whole slice of 80 meters where almost everyone was sending at 5 WPM! 1952 was a l-o-n-g time ago and I won't pretend I remember it well, but I suspect most of us had very little tolerance for sending at various speeds. I do recall the challenge of working that guy who normally sent a bit too fast for me, and finally having a nice QSO. Like you folks today, we could copy CW in our way, but had very little flexibility in what we heard and how we heard it. That came only with lots of practice. We were lucky in that regard: we had the Novice bands where everyone was practicing together and, when I got my Novice ticket, those bands were *busy* with stations. We weren't working DX (most of us were running a couple of watts on 80 meters and happy to work stations 100 miles away!). We were just trying to have a good QSO and get ready for the 13 WPM General license test before our Novice license expired (Back then the Novice was granted for one year and could not be renewed: it was upgrade of go silent.) I managed it during my summer school break that year, thanks to all those guys on the Novice bands. We no longer have the huge number of new CW operators all concentrated into a 50 kHz segment of the CW band trying to figure out what each other is sending. FISTS and similar organizations do yeoman service helping new operators build their speed, but it still takes practice, practice and more practice. It was years before I could be working on a rig at the bench while reading the mail on the CW bands in my head from a receiver going across the room. It's a situation where the process of becoming proficient in CW has to be of as much interest as actually operating CW. In that way CW is like learning any second language. And you have some tools we didn't have. A few lucky guys back in the 50's had access to an Instructograph: a code sending machine with a wind-up motor that passed perforated paper tape over a set of contacts that keyed a code practice oscillator. My neighbor and I were able to use one briefly: and quickly memorized the few tapes that came with the machine! Then his Ham Dad took pity on us and put his brand new state-of-the-art tape recorder to work recording some CW for us to practice on: all sent by hand on a straight key, no doubt. In subsequent years I helped a number of newcomers get their Novice tickets by holding code practice sessions in which I sent CW by hand on a straight key to groups of students in the yard on pleasant summer evenings. I hope for you who are building CW proficiency it's as much fun in its own way as it was for us. I'm sure that it's as satisfying once you have the flexibility to jump into a CW QSO with 90% of the Hams out there. It's a never-ending process. I've related here before the story of visiting KPH, a coastal radio station in California, and one of the operators jumped up from his position to chat for a bit. I could hear CW bleating away from his phones. After a bit he turned and sent R on the key and the bleating continued. Then he excused himself to return to work. Then he sat down at the mill (typewriter) and hammered out the rest of message he had been copying in his head: not plain text but dates, addresses, phone numbers and the like. He ripped that message blank out of the machine, put in another and furiously pounded out the start of the next message until he caught up. I was amazed. I still am. Clearly he wasn't copying words, but characters, and remembering them while carrying on a conversation with me. Such operators typically wore their phones back off of their ears so they could hear what was going on around them, and carry on conversations with others as needed while copying CW. Like most commercial operators, the speed wasn't all that fast -- usually something between 10 and 25 WPM -- but he could copy virtually any fist, no matter how bad. In the maritime service with shipboard operators of all proficiency levels, many of whom spoke English as
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - beautiful audio!
Guess I'll just have to continue the wait for my K3 so I can see how great these things all are. Of course, I expected that they would be :-) 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Don Rasmussen [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 7:59 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - beautiful audio! I know the K3 is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but apparently it now filters gravel too? :-) You won't know how beautiful the -receive- audio is on SSB until you have the FM filter installed listen here: http://tinyurl.com/3a366j Also running CW here with a large speaker the AGC OFF try it! [Elecraft] K3 - beautiful audio! Robert Tellefsen n6wg at comcast.net Wed Mar 26 11:22:23 EST 2008 Previous message: [Elecraft] K3 - beautiful audio! I know the K3 is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but apparently it now filters gravel too? :-) 73, Bob N6WG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Solder fumes
Well, the K2 could still have quite a life ahead of it. Many options are plug-ins, so we could ask for things like improved noise blanker improved ssb option improved gain distribution through the bands so we don't have a super hot radio at 40m and a rather anemic radio at 10m and 160m. Just a few ideas. 73, Bob N6WG The Little Station with Attitude - Original Message - From: Trevor Smithers [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, March 23, 2008 11:51 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Solder fumes It goes without saying that Elecraft have produced an excellent piece of technology in the K3 but even in the kit form it doesn't quite have the I built it feeling like the other Elecraft products. Having said that I'm sure there is no way that the average builder could attempt something quite so complex given the amount of surface mount involved. So, does the K3 represent the end of kit building as we know it - where do we go from here. What could Elecraft offer that would be both technologically challenging (in design and for the builder) and capable of being home built with a mixture of large SMD (some pre-mounted perhaps) and normal components. How about a new design K2 ELF receiver. Station monitor scope What would you like to see next .. Those of us here that have built K1, K2, Kx1, XV's etc will know what I'm talking about - this building thing is addictive, it must be something to do with the solder fumes. 73 to all Trevor G0KTN ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Re:Mike plug for K2
John I had a similar problem with my mobile mic. Where the cable comes out of the mike plug, I put several layers of heat shrink tubing to make a boot of sorts. The inner tubing piece was longest, thenext a bit shorter, and the last shorter yet. This made a supportive but flexible boot on the cable and prevented a lot of trouble. I did not heat treat the shrink tubing, but left it as it came from the box. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, March 21, 2008 8:09 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Re:Mike plug for K2 I just recovered from the wild goose chase instigated by a parted ptt connection within the RS mike plug which I installed on the old Icom VHF mike which I've been using quite effectively on K2/100 5087. Can anyone recommend another plug which has a more extended spring or flexible tube to help isolate the plug connections from cord-flexing? AI4TO, John Ferguson M/V Arcadian Marathon, FL **Create a Home Theater Like the Pros. Watch the video on AOL Home. (http://home.aol.com/diy/home-improvement-eric-stromer?video=15?ncid=a olhom000301) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 and linear amp
Roger Go to this site http://www.k6xx.com/radio/fastrely.pdf K6XX has a need relay speed-up circuit that might be applicable to the relay in your amp. I suppose that it requires the relay to be a 12v relay, though. Don't know what you actually have. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Roger Marrotte [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'Dave G4AON' [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2008 7:12 AM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 and linear amp I guess as of now I'm out of luck if I want to use my amp with a K3. I just checked the manual for my AL-811H and The open frame relay in the AL-811H takes approximately 15ms to switch states. My K3 is on order. I hope there's a K3 firmware change made before I get my K3, that will allow me to adjust the change over timing. I'm far from an expert with amps. I have no idea what an average switch over time is for amps in general. Ameritron sells a high speed switching option, the QSK-5, that reduces the switching time to 1ms. It costs around $300.00. A K3 firmware change would sure be less expensive. Roger, W1EM -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Dave G4AON Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2008 10:45 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and linear amp Todd Beware the manual for the AL1200 doesn't appear to mention the change over timing of it's relay, the K3 outputs RF approx 10 milli seconds after the linear keying line goes low - measured on mine with a half decent scope. There is currently no adjustable delay for that timing in the K3 (although it has been mentioned as being on the to do list), even my TS-480 has a choice of 10 mS or 25 mS - it only costs half the price of a K3... 73 Dave, G4AON K3/100 #80 One question remains and it is probably ridiculously simple but I can not see it. How do I get the K3 to trigger the relay in my Ameritron AL 1200?. I see no connection for a cable to the amp nor nothing in the config menu. thanks in advance! 73 de todd WB2ZAB ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2-KAF2 up and running
Hi Fred I used one before I put the KDSP2 in my K2. The KAF2 will work best if you keep signal levles into it down and use more audio gain after the filter. I seem to recall there is some way to adjust gain in the filter, but I forget just what it is. Where you have enough signal strength, you might benefit from using the attenuator or just straight in. You may not need the preamp except on the higher bands where signals just are not strong. If you have Spectrogram 5.1.7, be sure to use it to carefully match the AF filter to the crystal filter passbands for the best results. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Fred Jensen [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2008 3:46 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K2-KAF2 up and running I build my KAF2, and it works -- amazing since I don't think a single kit I've ever built worked the first time I tried it ... well except the K2 and KX1, both of which worked first try. Now, I just have to figure out how to use it on the air. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2008 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 08 - www.cqp.org ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] New Contest Transceiver
Caution, Shaun. Think before you leap. Contesting has been demonstrated to be an addictive pasttime. You might find that you like it, and there is no known cure for this affliction. We can only treat the symptoms by applying more and more contests to the sufferer. Be warned, my friend. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Shaun Oliver [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Charlotte Bob Higgins [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net; Bill W4ZV [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2008 3:12 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Contest Transceiver now there's a thought, definitely have to study for my advanced if for no other reason than to get away from all them contesters. although it might be fun to jump in there and see just what this contesting business is all about. On 19/03/2008 10:05 PM, the old scribe known as Charlotte Bob Higgins was able to impart this pearl of wisdom: Since the FCC decided to throw away Morse code, courtesy has all but disappeared, and contests have almost totally taken over. There is little places to go and have a CW QSO anymore. Most of the CW ops nowadays seem to be contesters so you either join them or stay off the air. There seems to be no place to go anymore on HF. WARC bands? __ NOD32 2959 (20080319) Information __ This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system. http://www.eset.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: Subject:,Re: [Elecraft] KPA3 for QRP
Hi Kenneth A couple of people have measured their K3s without the KPA3 and again with it. The difference seems to be as follows. In receive, no difference with or without as far as current drain goes. When transmitting at QRP levels with the KPA3 in bypass mode, the TX current drain is approx 600 mA more than if the KPA3 were not installed. So, for a base station with an ac power supply, no big deal. However, for a Field Day rig, if you plan to run a QRP entry, those extra 600 mA will all have to come from your battery. That either reduces the time you can operate from that battery, or cause you to change batteries sooner than you would have to otherwise. That seems to be the essential difference, Kenneth. I had hoped to use my K3 (still to come) on FD, but I think I'll stick with my K2 at 5W. Much easier on my battery and solar panels. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Kenneth A. Christiansen [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 5:25 AM Subject: Subject:,Re: [Elecraft] KPA3 for QRP Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA3 for QRP From: WILLIS COOKE [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 08:44:15 -0700 (PDT) To: Robert Tellefsen [EMAIL PROTECTED], G4ILO [EMAIL PROTECTED], elecraft@mailman.qth.net CC: People talk about the extra current drain. How much is it? I don't have my K3 yet to make any tests and I seldom run QRP (only when the other station wants 2 way QRP), but it would be of interest to us all if anyone had measured the current draw of the K3 at receive with and without the KPA3, transmit at 5 watts without the KPA3 installed and transmit at 5 watts with the KPA3 installed. I am sure that Elecraft has the information, but I don' recall seeing it published. My guess is that the KPA3 does not require much if any current when it is switched out. Anybody do any tests to know for sure? + I measured my currents at the 12 watt part of my build and again when the K3 was finished. on 14.05 MHZ I measured TX 2.73 amps as a 12 watt K3 On 14.05 MHZ I measured TX 2.93 amps as a 120 watt K3 The receive current is 0.9 Amps either way. The receive current can jump as high as 1.1 amps if the fans are running. The extra 0.2 amps is only taken in transmit mode. If the XMIT button is hit it takes the extra 0.2 once the 120 watt amp is installed. If full break in is used than the extra 0.2 amps is only used when the key is down. If you did a field day using S and P and full break in the extra current would be about an extra half amp hour. If you were calling CQ at 50 percent transmit and full break in it would be about an extra two amp hours. If you hit XMIT each time it would add about an extra 0.5 amp hourto the two amp hours. The K3-100 in receive for a 24 hours field day will use about 24 amp hours plus 5 to 24 extra amp hours in transmit depending on duty cycle. That makes a total of 29 to 47 amp hours for a full 24 hour field day. A K2 can do the same field day in about 12 to 26 amp hours. I find the K3 to have so much better receiver and I operate S and P so it will plan to spend the extra 17 to 18 amp hours for my field day. 73 Ken W0CZ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Solar power for the K2
Ken Look up Northern Tools. I've bought several 15w solar panels from them, all under $90. Some I even got during a promotion where they paid shipping :-) 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Kenneth A. Christiansen [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, March 18, 2008 11:32 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Solar power for the K2 I got into some wrong notes this morning. 600 MA is the amount adding the KPA-100 adds to the K3 during key down or transmit conditions. My earlier measurements were the right ones. I have the larger solar controller from Don Brown KD5NDB and it works well with an AC power supply I use to keep my battery charged. I have been using this for 6 years and now wonder if any advances have been made in solar cells so a ham can use them. I looked up a 70 watt solar panel on the internet and it was $500. I can't justify that and don't have any idea if it is even small enough to take car camping. Does anyone have any suggestions for solar power or do I just need to buy a second large battery? Thanks and 73 Ken W0CZ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA3 for QRP
Hi Julian There is one drawback, however. Increased current drain, even though the KPA3 is not in use at QRP levels. If this isn't a problem for you, then go right ahead. However, if you want to take your K3 out to the field for a Field Day operation, that extra drain can create battery problems. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: G4ILO [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, March 17, 2008 1:55 AM Subject: [Elecraft] KPA3 for QRP I run QRP out of practical necessity. I'm forced to use attic antennas and I don't wish to induce more RF into the domestic electrical equipment (or me, for that matter) than I absolutely have to. Nevertheless, I'm thinking about getting a KPA3, because it probably will never be cheaper than it is now, and the occasion might arise in future when I might be able to use it. I'm just wondering if there are any advantages to using the PA when running QRP. As I understand it, the PA is switched out of circuit until you dial the power above 10W, just as in the K2. There is no option for class A operation at a lower power level to produce a cleaner signal. If I run 10W of FM, the QRP PA will do all the work, and warm up very quickly, instead of letting the KPA3 do most of the work and barely getting warm. If I run 5W of PSK31, the IMD generated by the low power PA running at half its rated power will be higher than the KPA3 loafing along at the same power level. Unless I'm missing something, there would be no benefit to me at the moment from having the KPA3 unless I want to wind the power control above 10W. Am I right? - Julian, G4ILO K3 s/n: 222 K2 s/n: 392 G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/KPA3-for-QRP-tp16091280p16091280.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Simple DXCC Questions?
Hi Norm Living in multiple locations does not seem to be a problem, as long as they were all within the same DXCC entity, in our case, the continental US. I think you have a choice of what call you apply for your DXCC under. I worked mine as W0KMF when I lived in Iowa, but have N6WG now. When I finally get around to applying, I'll probably ask for the W0KMF call on the certificate. If they only want to grant to your current call, that's fine too. Reaching way back will probably cause you to have to send your cards to ARRL for checking. By now, some of the countries I have cards for no longer exist :-) Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Norm Klieman [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, March 17, 2008 6:50 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Simple DXCC Questions? I have a few basic DXCC questions and hope someone on the list could help me? If you have lived in multiple locations does that matter? If you have had multiple calls how does that work? How far back can you go for old QSL cards? Can I go back to the early 1970's as a Novice? Thanks for the help! 73's -- Norm K9NK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] : Laptop UPS
Raymond I have an IBM Thinkpad with the same problem. I replaced the IBM switching power supply with an older analog power supply and the problem went away (at least from power supply noise). The laptop still generates some noise itself, but much less than the power supply did. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Raymond METZGER [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, March 16, 2008 12:05 AM Subject: [Elecraft] [K2] : Laptop UPS Hi Elecrafters, I am interested to know what solution can be used to avoid the noise generated by the 220 V AC (OEM) UPS of my recent Dell Latitude Laptop. For the time being, I can only use the laptop with my K2/100 if the laptop is powered by its internal battery. Raymond METZGER F4FNT K2 5,636 - K3 expected at month end (ordered 8 September, Katiegram received last Friday) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] wattmeter calibration
Hi Stewart Just out of curiousity, what is the supply voltage to your K3 at the K3? 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Stewart Baker [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Mike Penkas [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, March 16, 2008 7:18 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] wattmeter calibration Using 3 different pieces of test equipment to measure the RF output power, together with a precision dummy load VSWR 1.02, I am unable to get more than 44W out at a requested level of 50W. WMTR setting is flat out at 30. At 120W I get 106W out. Raised this with Support and Wayne and they are looking into it. Also the gain calibration routine in the manual is very sparse and confusing. 73 Stewart G3RXQ On Sun, 16 Mar 2008 10:45:14 -0400, Mike Penkas wrote: Same here with the wattmeter calibration. Using a new Array Solutions PowerMaster w/ 5% accuracy and when I get down to 30 on the calibration it is still just under 5 watts or around 45-50 watts. Same whether on dummy load or perfectly matched antenna. And- yes I have done the transmitter gain calibration. Mike WA8EBM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Auto ATU for K3 + Amplifier
Here is something for you to check. May work, may not. The K2 has provision for a keying output closure to key amps and such. The K3 does also. Check to see if it is providing its closure during TUNE as well as during TX. That might give you the closure you need to stir your ATU to action. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: AD6XY - Mike [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2008 5:49 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Auto ATU for K3 + Amplifier Thanks for the responses so far. I am currently using a Z11 auto tuner at 10W. Can anyone help me with a configuration setting? What I would like to happen is for something useful to happen when I press the ATU Tune button on the K3. What it should do is provide a low power signal and toggle a tune line. So far all I can get it to do it tell me the KAT3 is not installed, which I know already. Having lived with my K3 for almost 24 hours, I find one of the major design flaws in the K3 is the lack of antenna outputs for those of us who don't need an ATU built in. for HF only it is understandable, but it is crazy considering the rig does 6m. The ANT button appears redundant, I am sure we could have a PCB with two or 3 RF connectors and a relay or two. I am not sure I really like the way the SO239 is connected - but I suppose it is only HF... Operating without the right side panel (don't ask) the wire loop certainly picks up lots of local noise from my PC and monitor. Mike -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Auto-ATU-for-K3-%2B-Amplifier-tp16048136p1606781 1.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 SO-239 Connectors
Good post, Paul. Than you. I've added it to the notes I'm collecting for things to check when my K3 comes. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Paul Christensen [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2008 7:59 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 SO-239 Connectors As indicated earlier, I included a link to a photo that shows my K3's upgraded Amphenol SO-239 connectors. 216.229.20.37/images/K3.jpg The Mouser catalog P/N is 523-83-798. The Amphenol P/N is 83-798. In spending some time reviewing the placement of the K3's SO-239 connectors, the RF connector mounting configuration can be improved with only minor re-work as shown below. In the link to the following photo, you will see the two panel-mounted SO-239 connectors with three (3) solder-lugs added as well as the KAT3 ATU Board. 216.229.20.37/images/K3-1.jpg The K3 comes with both the ANT 1 and ANT 2 SO-239 connections routed to the KAT3 board with only a single-ended wire. The connectors' RF return path necessarily relies upon clean, tight, but unbonded connections through the chassis and also through a path of screws washers, and an aluminum spacer that holds the KAT3 to the K3' side panel. In the photo, you will see that the final RF attachment point to the KAT3 is through a zinc-plated, Phillips-head screw located at the upper left of the board. This is the same attachment point whether its modified or unmodified. Only, in the modified layout, bus wire connects the SO-239 connectors straight to the zinc screw connection point. Removal of the KAT3 board is just as easy as it was before. It's now also possible to replace the aluminum spacer with a ceramic or fiber spacer which, will force all RF current along the new buss wire and keep high RF current from circulating through the K3's chassis. At 100W of RF, I am not completely comfortable with the existing arrangement given my past experiences with transceivers of other manufacturer who similarly use single-ended RF wiring techniques and rely upon good chassis and hardware connections for the RF return path. In almost all cases where RF ingress was an issue, those cases were resolved by creating a direct RF return path from the antenna connectors, rather than allowing 100% of the RF current to flow and circulate through the chassis. True, in a bonded configuration like this, the chassis will still allow for some RF current, but the level of chassis RF current can be reduced by either: (i) running a short buss wire from a solder-lug on the SO-239 connectors to the KAT3; or (ii) using short (3) coaxial cable from the SO-239s to the KAT3 with shields bonded at both ends. I suspect that ANT 1/ANT 2 antenna port isolation may be improved by using the coaxial option. Since the wire length between the KAT3 and SO-239 connectors is so short, I decided to use #20 AWG buss wire with solder-lugs, rather than use coaxial cable, although ideally, something like 2 or 3-inch cuts of RG-174 with Teflon dielectric would be ideal. I may switch to that at a later point and verify port isolation results. Paul, W9AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - BNC's instead of SO-239's
Hi Ken Just ordered three sets yesterday from Marshall. Had a nice phone QSO with him in the process. Getting ready for my K3 :-) 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Ken Kopp [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2008 9:37 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - BNC's instead of SO-239's Here's a repost of an earlier item that relates to the Ks SO-239 subject. -- Oak Hills Research offers kits of 2ea BNC female connectors with nicely pre-punched and finished plates that allow them to be installed in the SO-239 hole pattern. The kits include a ground lug. I've fitted my OHR WM-2 and Elecraft items with them. 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAF2-Assembly questions
Be sure you put the boards in the K3 sunny side up, Fred :-) 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Fred Jensen [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2008 2:52 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAF2-Assembly questions Andrew Moore wrote: Reference: http://www.elecraft.com/kaf2/kaf2_side.jpg Thanks Andrew. As has happened with every kit I've built, I got the sides of the board mixed up, the picture made that clear. It seems that after I get components on each side and they look sort of similarly populated, and have been building for a couple of hours, this happens. I was able to get the two trimpots out and installed on the proper side. I am now going to take a break until tomorrow evening :-) Fortunately, this isn't likely to be a problem when my K3 gets here although some other technical difficulty in my mind will probably arise. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2008 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 08 - www.cqp.org ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] KXV3 clarification requested
I have my K3 on order with the KAT3 ATU. Do I also have to order the KXV3 in order to have an aux receive input port ? The aux receive port came as part of the 160m option in my K2, but 160 is already included in the K3, so I need this clarification (and maybe a quick order update :-) ) Thanks and 73 Bob N6WG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] KXV3 clarification requested
Thanks Stewart. I'll do that. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Stewart Baker [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Robert Tellefsen [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, March 14, 2008 9:09 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KXV3 clarification requested Yes, but clarify that it has the RX antenna isolation improvement fitted. 73 Stewart G3RXQ On Fri, 14 Mar 2008 10:00:58 -0800, Robert Tellefsen wrote: I have my K3 on order with the KAT3 ATU. Do I also have to order the KXV3 in order to have an aux receive input port ? The aux receive port came as part of the 160m option in my K2, but 160 is already included in the K3, so I need this clarification (and maybe a quick order update :-) ) Thanks and 73 Bob N6WG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Multi-Band antenna thoughts
Hi Mike I can address part of your concerns. Here in my QRP contest station, I have a bunch of wire antennas, because one alone just won't cut it. My main antenna is a 40m dipole fed with 450 ohm window line so I can tune it on other bands. It works 80-40-30 and 20m. Above 20m, it starts developing lobes in directions I don't want, and nulls in directions I do want. For 15 and 10m I have nested bisquare antennas supported by the same mast that supports the center of the 40m dipole. To make antenna matching easier for the TX, I have a homebrew relay box that adds in various lengths of more 450 ohm window line to bring the feedpoint reactance down to close to zero. This gives the ATU a chance to match easily and gives the best 2:1 swr bandwidth. The single band antennas are coax fed, but still switched through the relay box. In summary, for any serious operating, one antenna won't really do the job. I suggest you do the best you can with the antenna you presently propose, and after a period of using it, find out what directions you are having trouble with. Then consider what you can do for a supplementary antenna at that time. I truly recommend EZNEC as an antenna modeling program. I won't pick up a tool or a piece of wire to do antenna work untill I've checked out what I plan to do with EZNEC. It has saved me an enormous amount of wasted time and effort. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG Wire antenna farm here: 40m dipole for 80-40-30-20m for E-W path 10m bisquare E-W 15m bisquare E-W 55 ft dipole for 40-30-20-15m for N-S path 20m half square for N-S path (also seems to work well on 17 and 15m) 55 ft top loaded vertical for 160m. Also works well as a top loaded vertical half wave for 80m. - Original Message - From: Mike Scott [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2008 6:54 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Multi-Band antenna thoughts I am considering building a multi-band doublet fed with ladder line to the window and then 10-12 feet of coax to the K3 from the window interface. I would let the K3 ATU tune the beast. I have been playing with a coax calculator and with low loss coax and 10:1 SWR the losses in the short run of coax up to 30MHz are manageable to ½ dB. The ladder line can handle the mismatch with small losses. I was thinking of putting a sleeve balun at the window interface from the coax to ladder line. I could of course put two different length doublets in parallel at the feed point if that would tame problem bands. I don't need this antenna to go to 50 MHz as I will have a separate antenna for 6M. I don't have antenna modeling software. I know I will have pattern issues if I try to push a long antenna too high in frequency. I am not thinking right now of pushing this antenna to 160M. So now the questions: 1. Is there a magic doublet antenna length that will end up with less than 10:1 SWR on the most bands? I know Cebik likes 88 feet or 44 feet depending on lowest operating band but I don't know that he has solved my exact problem for 10:1 SWR or less on all bands. 2. Is there a magic feed line length to make this all work? 3. Have any of you tried something similar to this with the K3 ATU? I have read the reports of just tuning up any old antenna that you have and you get it to work at some unknown efficiency. I have done this too. I know it is time for me to bite the bullet and purchase some real antennal modeling tools. Mike Scott AE6WA Tarzana, CA K3/100 SN508 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Multi-Band antenna thoughts
Hi Vic Yes, I didn't mention it, but there is a 1:1 balun inside the switch box before the feedline exits on its way to the rig. After listening to K9YC at our NCCC meetings, I think I need to increase the impedance of this 1:1 choke balun though. It's a bit undersized from his point of view :-) 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Vic K2VCO [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Robert Tellefsen [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2008 9:59 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Multi-Band antenna thoughts Robert Tellefsen wrote: To make antenna matching easier for the TX, I have a homebrew relay box that adds in various lengths of more 450 ohm window line to bring the feedpoint reactance down to close to zero. This gives the ATU a chance to match easily and gives the best 2:1 swr bandwidth. The single band antennas are coax fed, but still switched through the relay box. I do something similar, although I use inductors and capacitors rather than pieces of line. This is very important to make a balun connected between the balanced line and the coax efficient. I conducted a series of tests in which I measured the temperature rise in the balun -- a sure indicator of losses -- when the mismatch was primarily resistive or reactive. Reactance is poison for balun efficiency! And yes, you need a balun to reduce noise pickup, line radiation, and rf-in-the-shack. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: I will be away for a while
Good luck with it, Don. We'll keep a light on in the window for you. Come back soon. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, March 10, 2008 2:27 PM Subject: [Elecraft] OT: I will be away for a while After this afternoon, I will not be available for about 2 weeks, so if anyone is inclined to email me, you can expect no response. I will have major surgery tomorrow morning to get rid of a spot on my liver and I figure it will be 2 weeks before I can get back to my email. See you all when I get up and around again. Any prayers and/or good thoughts will certainly be appreciated. 73, Don W3FPR ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - New Radio Excitement
Did that include the printing, or was it binding only? 73. Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Rick Commo [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2008 12:59 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 - New Radio Excitement For those who do prefer a two-side, color and bound manual one way to handle this would be to take the downloaded file and have it printed and bound at Kinko's/FedEx While I have offered this idea I need to add the caveat that I haven't priced their double-sided color printing. I do know that to spiral bind a 240 page choral score was only $5.50. Cheers, -rick, K7LOG -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of K9ZTV Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2008 12:27 PM To: Phil Debbie Salas Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 - New Radio Excitement A two-sided color manual as you propose would be obsolete before the ink was dry. And more expensive than you'd want to pay. That's why the manual is down-loadable. K9ZTV Phil Salas wrote: Here's an idea - Why not offer new manuals for sale as a separate line item for those of us with K3s who wish to occasionally purchase a new manual that has all the latest and greatest info? Yes, I can download an updated manual. But I'd prefer a nice two-sided color manual. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Splicing mic cables
Hi Jim That is mighty hard wiring to work on. The old high impedance headsets used to come with that kind of wire, and when it went, we just replaced it entirely with something else flexible. Unless someone comes up with a magic bullet for you, better plan on a rewire job. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Jim Wiley [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, March 08, 2008 1:46 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Splicing mic cables I have a question that perhaps someone on this list might have the answer to. Does anyone know of good method for splicing tinsel-wire cables? I am trying to repair a microphone extension cable that got ripped in two. The cable in question is a 6-wire microphone cable, with conductors that look to be about 24 to 26 gauge in size. The conductors consist of copper foil wrapped around some sort of fabric core. Attempts at stripping were dismal, using several different techniques. The cable is normally terminated into a RJ type connector, that apparently uses ID (insulation displacement) to connect to the wires. I am considering something like Scotch UR type splices, but don't want to spend money on a box without knowing if they will work or not. A new cable is a possibility, but the existing one is built in to a console, and several hours of work would be involved in removing and replacing the existing cable. Soldering to individual conductors does not work. The resulting connection is weak and very fragile. - Jim, KL7CC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Shack PC?
Deni One thing to consider is how the new computer will communicate with all those wonderful external things you want/need to control. Many newer computers, particularly laptops, seem to lack serial ports. So, if the computer only has USB ports, the devices you want to use with it will need USB ports. If you try a USB to serial converter, some are better than others, meaning some external serial boxes will accept the serial data from the converter and some won't. You may have to try several to find a happy solution. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: F5VJC [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2008 10:02 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Shack PC? Would anyone care to suggest a brief spec for a new PC to run all the wonderful applications we have available to us? I have a K3 and do some fun contesting, with computer logging etc. I want to build the LP-Pan and maybe play with CW Skimmer and whatever else comes along. I'm no PC expert and I'm overdue due an upgrade so I would appreciate some advice on a typical machine that would serve me well for maybe a couple of years or more. Soundcard seems to be the E-MU 0202, what about video card, (running two monitors) RAM etc? CPU speed, dual /quad core? Operating system At present using Win XP Pro and I'd like to keep this. Will Vista ever be OK? Advice from you PC Gurus would be most welcome, what say? Is the answer just more of everything, I wonder... 73, Deni F5VJC - 73, Deni F5VJC K2 1188 K3 325 For a Ham Radio friendly holiday in France... Visit www.mycottageinbrittany.com -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Shack-PC--tp15890493p15890493.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] How its made
allows for my forehead to be on the desk That sounds like me about 4 AM of an all-night contest :-) 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Mike [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2008 11:37 AM Subject: [Elecraft] How its made Rather than the Travel Channel or How Its Made, maybe the crew from Dirty Jobs should do a show from Aptos. What with all the solder fumes and static electricity , etc. Among others I have an SDR-1000 and a K3. The SDR requires a visual concentration on the monitor screen for all controls and info. It is not an operating style that I enjoy. I do enjoy the SDR receiver. However, I prefer a more auditory centered operating style that allows for my forehead to be on the desk while my right hand slowly turns the vfo dial - with the AFX engaged the K3 is very nice to listen to reminding me of the IMAX theater audio - coming from a panoramic field. Approaching eligibility for the Half Century Wireless Assoc., I intend to take advantage of my hearing for as long as I can. hi Low band QRN doesn't help for sure. May the Force be with you K3PO. 73, Mike K5NU ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Ducie ...
Good job, Chris No rtty here, but I did work them everywhere but 6 and 10m. Not sweating 6m, as I don't work that, but really bummed I could never hear them on 10m. Oh, well, there will be another VP6 DXpedition someday, if I'm still around :-) 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Chris Kantarjiev [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, February 26, 2008 6:56 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Ducie ... All this talk of easy RTTY QSOs got me going: I rigged my K2 with a couple of patch cords to the sound card and figured out MMTTY: I just made my first ever RTTY QSO to VP6DX with 5W on 30M ... I've got them QRP/CW on 80-10 and RTTY on 30. I'll keep trying for 160 but my best antenna for that is a 40m dipole, so I rarely hear them much less try to transmit :-) 73 de chris K6DBG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: Attn CPU gurus - help me
Hi Doug You've got some real legitimate questions that a lot of us non-gurus would like to hear the answers to. If you get a lot of your replies direct, could you summarize them in a post to us masses? Thanks and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, February 23, 2008 3:49 AM Subject: [Elecraft] OT: Attn CPU gurus - help me I want to hook my K3's up to the latest skimmer software along with computer control of the rig, etc. and of course via the LP-Pan when it is available (soon). My query is about the computer processor and associated elements. Currently, I am reading that the way to go for skimmer (192kc bandwidth - not that I need that), is to use a machine with a 3G processor. But that seems to only account for one element of the system rating. My current ham radio computer is a fossil on which I run DOS stuff. But my home computer (this one) is a Pentium 4, 3.0 Gig. Sounds right, but.. When I look at the new machines (which seem relatively cheap for what you get), I see: Core 2 Quad Q6600 Core 2 Duo Pentiuim Dual Core Celeron Athlon 64 etc. Then I see speeds for each of the above, NONE of which goes up to 3.0 gig. Just because my current processor has the 3.0 gig label, I am assuming that these newer releases are even faster, despite the lower clock rate. For the app's that I'm looking at, DOES CLOCK RATE RULE or does this other stuff count too? I also see big variables on the L2 Cache: 2MB, 4MB, 8MB - relatively speaking, how important are these compared to the other factors? And then there is the Front Side Bus speed: 800, 1333. Weird that the Core 2 Quad (which sounds like the best to me) has a FSB of 1066 (not the fastest). And finally, there is the clock speed, which for most of the above is 2.2, 2.33, 2.66 gig (again, not reaching 3.0). How do I put all this together? Again, for MY apps, which figure of merit is most important? Or do I just multiply them all together? :-) Reminder: CPU gurus only need respond. I prefer direct replies, but I assume that this topic might be of wide interest to the Elecraft group...YOUR CHOICE if you respond to the list or just to me. THANKS A TON! de Doug KR2Q Expert on DRGs, not CPUs http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diagnosis-related_group this page is rather outdated ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Portable Operation
Hello Ken The K3 is designed to be a shack radio with access to ac power. It draws quite a bit more current than the K2, which was designed for the type of use you describe. From measurements others have made, it appears the K3 has a resting receive current right around 1 amp, +/- a little bit. Transmit current at 5w is also higher than for the same output with a K2. Yes, the K3 will operate in the field, but the battery consumption will be quite a bit higher than with a comparable K2 at the same power levels. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Ken Kirkley [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, February 23, 2008 12:22 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Portable Operation I am very interested in the K3 for use as a portable rig while camping. Have any of you new owners taken the K3 outside and operated portable on battery power? If so, what were you impressions? Additionally, if I build the 100W model, I can operate at QRP levels on battery with no issues? Thanks! Ken/NO4D -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3---Portable-Operation-tp15656862p15656862.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Why buy a kit?
Hi Dave A high percentage of us are dedicated kit builders and previous Elecraft customers :-) The K2 was sold as a kit radio, and look how many have gone out so far, over 6000. My own feeling is that if I build a radio, if it ever needs to be worked on, I have no trouble lifting the lid and rummaging around in it. After all, I put all those little pieces in place myself. Same applies to doing mods to the radios or upgrades. True, the K3 comes more as an assemble-it-yourself kit, rather like assembling a computer. Even so, for many of us there is a desire to know what goes on under the hood, and putting the pieces in place is a good start. I'm still waiting for mine, probably April at best at this point. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Dave Hachadorian [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, February 22, 2008 12:40 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 - Why buy a kit? I ordered a K3 (assembled unit) last week, and signed onto the reflector. Since then, I've noticed that the vast majority of units being delivered are in kit form. Why is that? To save a couple hundred bucks? Because people enjoy building their radios? Or is there some delivery time advantage for those folks who order kits? Thanks. Dave Hachadorian, K6LL Yuma, AZ . ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] MP3 Demo of the K3's Noise Blanker under some rather severe conditions
Wow! I was trying to work the CQ 160 SSB tonight, and the noise level was such that it just wasn't worth my time to sit there trying to figure out what I was hearing. Now desparately looking forward to my K3 (in April?). 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Tom Hammond [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, February 22, 2008 5:59 PM Subject: [Elecraft] MP3 Demo of the K3's Noise Blanker under some rather severe conditions Folks: This afternoon my line noise was particularly bad, even giving VP6DX a run for its money on some bands. Just for the heck of it, I punched [NB] on the K3 and... there was VP6DX, and... the noise was GONE!!! This was some of stronger line noise I've had out here (in the sticks) for quite a while. I was so impressed that I mad an MP3 of the differences without and with the NB enabled. The MP3 file can be found at: http://www.n0ss.net/k3_nb_demo_22feb2008.mp3 NOTE: If you choose to manually type this URL into your browser, be aware that the blank spaces are filled with UNDERSCORE _ characters and NOT blank spaces as might appear above. If you can't access the file from this link, go to www.n0ss.net, select the K3-Specific web page (just being built, so there's virtually NOTHING on it other than this file) and click on the file. The source bands for the recording were 15m and 17m, and among others, VP6DX was one of the 'sample' stations. I used a fairly wide bandwidth in order to give a worst-case scenario for the KNB3. Most of the blanking was due to the IF blanker, with just a little DSP NB thrown in for good measure. Nice work Wayne Lyle! 73, Tom Hammond N0SS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1, KX1, K2 antenna tuner high-impedance feed capabilites
Dave The KAT2 ATU is an absolutely great accessory for the K2. It will load darned near anything. You won't regret having it. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Dave Andrus [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 10:36 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K1, KX1, K2 antenna tuner high-impedance feed capabilites I'm interested in using portable end-fed halfwave antennas when I'm out camping. I have a Norcal BLT tuner that is a absorptive Z-match type, suitable for this type of high-impedance tuning and loading. I'm finishing my build of a K2 right now, just about to add an internal tuner to it, and I also plan to build a KX1 in the near future (and who knows, maybe a K1 as well?). I'm wondering whether I should add the tuner in, or just carry my BLT around with me? Since many of you are QRP buffs, and have possibly had occasion to use this type of antenna (and maybe even the BLT) in portable locations, could you tell me if the internal tuners in these rigs are capable of feeding this type of antenna successfully? I don't just mean to ask whether an L-match or T-match type of tuner will handle a high impedance load, but also whether the best power transfer is happening, such as what the BLT will do? Thanks in advance, Dave K7DAA http://www.k7daa.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 antenna jacks
Thanks for the post on the BNCs, Ken. I was just looking for that info. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Ken Kopp [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Jim Miller [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, February 21, 2008 6:06 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 antenna jacks Yes Jim, Type N's will work fine. The pigtails are just stranded wire about 3 or so long with a male pin that plugs into the antenna tuner module. However, I've used BNC's on mine. Oak Hills Research sells a 2-pack with beautiful adapter plates for $7.50. His part number is OP-SB2. 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP K3 #56 K2 #5665 [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] VP6DX on 160M... MAN, talk about EARS!
Good job, Tom. I managed to work them on 30m and 40m cw last night with my 5w K2 and wire antenas. Now the only bands I lack QSOs on are 10m and 6m. Since I don't work 6m, I'm not sweating that one :-) 73, Bob N6WG The Little Station with Attitude - Original Message - From: Tom Hammond [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 2:14 AM Subject: [Elecraft] VP6DX on 160M... MAN, talk about EARS! Wh! Just worked VP6DX on 160M... feeding ONLY the CENTER conductor of my 80/40/30M dipole with about 120' of coax laying on the ground (170' total coax length) and an estimated 20:1 SWR into the K3s ATU... which the KAT3 matched to 2:1 without complaint! NOT ONLY THAT... as I was checking the 'metering' of the above listed parameters, I happened to check my POWER setting... 8.2W output... seems I'd set the POWER down in an effort to get an external ATU to give me a better 'starting' match for the KAT3, but finding that the external ATU couldn't hit 160M I took it out of the line BUT forgot to return the POWER to 100W as intended...!! So not only did I work 'em with a MUCH less than optimum antenna (probably only a few PERCENT efficient), I further hobbled myself 9and them!) by running (nearly) QRP. AND they still heard me! 73, Tom N0SS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] VP6DX on 160M... MAN, talk about EARS!
You are so right, Bill. And we appreciate the heck out of them. QRP is great fun, but the other guy has to be able to hear us or it's no go. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Bill W4ZV [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:50 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] VP6DX on 160M... MAN, talk about EARS! Tom Hammond-2 wrote: So not only did I work 'em with a MUCH less than optimum antenna (probably only a few PERCENT efficient), I further hobbled myself 9and them!) by running (nearly) QRP. AND they still heard me! Not to knock the K3 performance at all (I have one and love it), but you really have the following to thank: 1. VP6DX's location has no man-made noise. 2. Phased parallel Beverages looking at you (see their website antenna layout). 3. Probably the finest 160 operators on the planet (e.g. DL3DXX others). This reminds me of some on the QRP list who crow about their performance. Most of the heavy lifting is actually done by the stations on the other end of the QSO who have exceptional RX capabilities. 73, Bill W4ZV -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/VP6DX-on-160M...-MAN%2C-talk-about-EARS%21-tp155 85992p15590442.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Two Radios, One Antenna
Hi Simon To work through what you want, I'd put together some kind of Boolean algebra table. So you could say TX1 = (NOT TX2) + (NOT TX3) and so on. When you are done, you have defined a relay switching network that can do the job for you. You will have to decide how to tell the system which TX you want to use, perhaps F keys on your keyboard. Then you have to get those commands out into the relay system. That I have to leave to you, as I'm not much of a computer person. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Simon Brown (HB9DRV) [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 2:34 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Two Radios, One Antenna Assume you have many radios and effectively one antenna (in practice up to 3 at times). You would only transmit with one radio, the others being used as high-class receivers, spares etc. How would you route the antenna? What I want to avoid is transmitting into a receiver by accident if the software decides that it would be good to switch to TX. FWIW I am looking at two K3, one TS-480SAT. I would like to receive on all three simultaneously and transmit with either a K3 or TS-480SAT. Simon Brown, HB9DRV ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3: How many amps does it draw?
Hi Tom I'm curious about one thing. In the K2 we can cut back on receive current by menu selections for things like FD on battery power. Is there any plan for such a capability in the K3? 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Tom Hammond [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, February 19, 2008 9:25 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: How many amps does it draw? Doug Zwiebel, KR2Q, posed the following... Wondering if anybody has measured this... I have the K3 with the KPA3, but I run it almost all the time at 5 watts output (5.0 setting). What is the max amps that this configuration might draw, assuming a good SWR and a normal voltage (indoor) supply? I want to see how small (but safe) a power supply I can use. Obviously, this is NOT the absolute answer to your query, but it's what I just measured on my (Field Test) K3, on 20M CW, into a known accurate 50 Ohm load with the ATU in BYPASS mode, using an in-line Fluke 187 DMM in the 10A position and the shortest 'test' clip-leads (about 4 each) I had available. K3 #0008 Mode Current (A) OFF 0.055 A (55 mA) RX 0.99 A (990 mA) 1W TX 2.56 A 5W TX 3.37 A 10W TX 3.95 A 12W TX 4.14 A (power setting just BEFORE KPA3 enabled) 13W TX 8.90 A (KPA3 just enabled) Given a small amount of resistive losses in the (alligator clip) connections to the DC leads, the DC voltage applied to the K3 (measured BY the K3) varied from 13.9VDC (RX), 13.7 VDC (1W TX), to 13.3VDC (13W TX). This may (or may NOT) be representative of all K3s... YMMV.. 73, Tom Hammond N0SS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Re: ARRL CW DX
Good job, Chris. If you do this well at the bottom of the solar cycle, think what you'll be able to do when things are better. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Chris Kantarjiev [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, February 18, 2008 9:28 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Re: ARRL CW DX 112 Qs to 55 countries, using my K2 at 5W to a vertical and dipole. EU was a complete washout - I heard lots of stations but couldn't work any, either day. But I got all the other official continents, plus Antarctica! VP6DX on 20/17/15/10 (but they're easy from the left coast), several new entity contacts (including PZ5WW, DC4 and DP0GVN) and many new band-entity contacts. In the last two hours, the JAs showed up on 20 and I was breaking pileups with 5W to the dipole. That was good fun. Made up for the frustrating hours getting nowhere on 80m during the middle of the night. I'm always learning new ways to run my K2 better. This weekend's lesson was the ATT key. I had been using PRE on 20 and 15, and happened to click through ATT/PRE on 40. The band was noisy, so PRE was a big mistake, but ATT seemed to quiet the noise and make the signals pop - even though they were very quiet signals. Not at all what I expected, but something I'll play with in the future. 73 de chris K6DBG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2: K1EL K40 Keyboard Keyer
Hi Matt The K40 output probably looks like a handkey. Go into the menu and select handkey instead of paddles and you should be ok. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Matt Patterson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, February 15, 2008 1:14 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K2: K1EL K40 Keyboard Keyer Hi, I'm was wondering if there was anyone on this reflector who uses the K1EL K40 with their K2? I am having some difficulty getting mine to key the K2 and was looking for some guidance. I know the K40 works as it works fine with my other rigs but they all work with a mono cable and I notice the K2 manual says a stereo cable is required for external keyers. 73 Matt W5LL ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K160RX
Glen Look for an errata sheet for the K160RX. Turns out that the CAL PLL is done on 40m only these days. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Glenn Haffly [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, February 10, 2008 9:19 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K160RX Group , I am suppose to align the 160 module using CAL PLL. I have the band on 160 with the VFO at 1800.1. Using CAL PLL at TP1 I get the INFO 232 message that CALL PLL should be done on 40 meters. Need help. Glenn K5ZE ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Key-Out of the K3
Is there any adjustment to this delay? I think the K2's delay is a bit longer, for example. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Dave G4AON [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, February 05, 2008 11:28 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Key-Out of the K3 Lee From the key out line on the K3 going low, RF appears just a shade over 10 mS later. You need a linear that can accept RF in that time. 73 Dave, G4AON K3/100 #80 and Acom 1000 linear. http://www.astromag.co.uk/k3/ = I would like a clarification of this feature from the users and what users have found in real-life. Lee Buller K0WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Key-Out of the K3
Yes, Mike, you are right about the release delay. Done the same thing here with my K2. I think the original question addressed the PTT on/carrier up delay though. It sounds like that has a fixed delay of about 10ms at present. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Mike Harris [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net; David Pratt [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Wednesday, February 06, 2008 2:29 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Key-Out of the K3 G'day, | In a recent message, Robert Tellefsen [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote ... | Is there any adjustment to this delay? | I think the K2's delay is a bit longer, | for example. | | I agree there, Bob. Using the K3 with the XV144 on CW, the XV relays | clatter with every dot and dash which did not happen with the K2. I am | a bit worried that it can't be doing the XV144 relays much good. Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't we mixing up two delays here? Currently there isn't an adjustable PTT on/carrier up delay on the K3, this is the same for the K2, approx 10ms if I remember correctly. But did I not read that in semi break-in with the K3 you can adjust the release delay. That should stop the relays rattling. In fact, I did this on my K2 (QSK delay) to reduce the fast vacuum relay activity on my Acom amp. Changed the t-r delay to 0.03 seconds. I don't want to listen to noise between the dots. There again I could be barking up the wrong tree. Regards, Mike VP8NO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] 160 mtr on K2 question
Hi Ed Yes, both my K2s behave the same way. Here all my activity is below about 1925 kHz, so I peak my tuning somewhere areound 1850. Hope to work you on the band. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: k6sdw [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, February 04, 2008 7:48 AM Subject: [Elecraft] 160 mtr on K2 question Recently installed the 160 board on K2 (3349) and tuned up per the directions.I notice that there's a pronounced drop in noise on either end of the band whereas the noise comes up quite a bit at the center of the band. Is this normal receiver operation on 160? Per the tune up directions I get full output at band ends, 1800 and 2000khz and the 75/80-mtr band works as before. many tnx...73 /ed -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/160-mtr-on-K2-question-tp15269012p15269012.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Re: Receive Antennas
Hi Parker I think it depends on the noise source. If it comes from one direction, a loop antenna can be rotated to place its null on the noise source, improving the signal to noise ratio for the signals coming from other directions. On the other hand, if your noise is more pervasive, and turning the loop won't reduce it, the loop isn't going to do anything for you. You might as well stay with your main antenna. One thing you can try that helps sometimes is use an existing dipole for reception on 160m or 80. As horizontally polarized antennas, they will have a different noise pickup than the inv. L. Sometimes this can make a useful difference. All receiving loops I know of have less signal pickup than any full size antenna, such as your inv. L. Larger loops may get by without use of a preamp other than what is already in your receiver. However, the lower in frequency you go, the less signal pickup the loop will have and will probably benefit from a preamp. Homebrew preamps are easy to make, and an Altoids tin makes a great housing. I've built several that way, and they all do just what is needed. By all means, give a loop a try. They are easy to make and inexpensive. A great cheap experiment. If it seems to do a useful job, then by all means make a more permanent version. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Parker Buckley [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, February 03, 2008 2:33 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Re: Receive Antennas I was interested to read recent comments on 160M receive antennas. As it happens, I just completed a coaxial loop antenna for my K2 this weekend, as described by KN4LF and KC2TX, and combined it with their recommended preamp. It's the antenna design that's been in the handbook for years. I've wanted to try one of these for some time, thinking I might hear that rare DX that everyone else seems to be working. So it's all tuned up and seems to work well, but let me ask a basic question. If I already enjoy relatively quiet conditions on 160, in spite of living in the city, will the loop ever hear anything that my full-sized inverted L won't hear? The inverted L seems to work well, as I've worked all over the US, including Hawaii, during contests; all the while at 5 watts (I know, it's all about their beverage and not my whopping signal, but still I'm pretty happy for QRP). My nominal noise level on the L is 2 S units. I peaked up the K2 and measured receive sensitivity, and I think it's doing all that it should. So is this loop antenna just a fun project, or will this let me hear things so far down in the noise that I would not other wise hear them? Parker WD8JOL K2 #2636 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Receive antennas
Hello Rolf Look at this web site for info on the Flag and Pennant receiving loops. They really work. http://www.angelfire.com/md/k3ky/page37.html Also, check out the K9AY loops at http://www.aytechnologies.com/TechData/LoopInstall.htm Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: TWC [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Stewart Baker [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, February 02, 2008 10:47 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Receive antennas Stewart Baker skrev: Drew, Receive only antennas can really extract wanted signals out of a mess of local electrical noise. To be effective they need to have minimal coupling to the transmit antenna, otherwise all the trash collected on the main antenna appears on the receive antenna signal. This means a reasonable distance between the two antennas which also helps to prevent damage to the receiver front end, but with high RF power care is needed. A lot of receive antennas have low output so use a 20dB or so pre-amp. It is possible that this could be killed with RF, long before the rig suffers. Y.M.M.V. 73 Stewart G3RXQ On Sat, 02 Feb 2008 10:38:36 -0500, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I'm a bit confused about using a receive-only antenna. Comments suggest that they could be destructive. Is it safe to use one on the K2 (the k160rx module) and/or k3? 73, Drew AF2Z ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com Hi all, I am looking for a receive antenna for 80 meter because of high levels of white nise here in Stockholm City. Any suggestions there to find good building instructions on the Internet should be appreciated. Best 73's, Rolf - K2 #4979 SMØYQC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is the K3 for non-contesters?
With an Elecraft radio, you can do some surprising things. In a contest, I can operate close to high power stations that have a clean signal, yet sometimes they can't handle having even my 5w K2 close by their receive frequency. That's the beauty of a great receiver. The K3 appears to be even better. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Mike Kasrich [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, February 02, 2008 11:06 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Is the K3 for non-contesters? I contest therefore I am..that aside. You should always get the best rig available. A lot of the complaints I get from non-contest types is you are too close. If you get a great rig for contesting it should be EXCELLENT for casual operating since you won't be using it in nearly the harsh RF environment contesters live in. Just an opinion of course. Mike/aj9c ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is the K3 for non-contesters?
Right on. QRP to the front. Watch the elbows, I'm coming through. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG The Little Station with Attitude - Original Message - From: Richard HIll [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Robert Tellefsen [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Mike Kasrich [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, February 02, 2008 12:45 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Is the K3 for non-contesters? So, I think I hear a warning...It may soon be that we'll have wall to wall K3's up and down the band during contests, and we'll need a K3 just to squeeze in and be able ignore the neighbors grin. Rich NU6T -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Robert Tellefsen Sent: Saturday, February 02, 2008 11:33 AM To: Mike Kasrich Cc: Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Is the K3 for non-contesters? With an Elecraft radio, you can do some surprising things. In a contest, I can operate close to high power stations that have a clean signal, yet sometimes they can't handle having even my 5w K2 close by their receive frequency. That's the beauty of a great receiver. The K3 appears to be even better. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Mike Kasrich [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, February 02, 2008 11:06 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Is the K3 for non-contesters? I contest therefore I am..that aside. You should always get the best rig available. A lot of the complaints I get from non-contest types is you are too close. If you get a great rig for contesting it should be EXCELLENT for casual operating since you won't be using it in nearly the harsh RF environment contesters live in. Just an opinion of course. Mike/aj9c ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] KAT3 - Antenna tuned or not?
Hello Tedd The problem is your external SWR meter is just that, external. The KAT3 provides a 1:1 match to the K3, that is, between the KAT3 and the K3 TX. Your external unit is on the unmatched side of the KAT3 and, of course, sees no change. Trust the KAT3 to get the job done, and set aside the external unit. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Tedd Wong [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, January 28, 2008 10:51 PM Subject: [Elecraft] KAT3 - Antenna tuned or not? I am attempting to tune a Zero-Five Vertical with the KAT3. How do I determine if the KAT3 has found a match? I see the SWR on the K3 close to 1:1and full power out but my external SWR meter is still 5:1. Thanks. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Serial No 278 arrived
Don't let the Sheriff hear that. He'll want it for himself. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: G3SJJ [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, January 23, 2008 4:14 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Serial No 278 arrived K3 Serial Number 278, ordered 14 May, arrived safely in Nottingham at 0900 this morning. Assembly in progress. Chris G3SJJ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] hp 8640 signal generator
I have a nice 8640, which is an excellent signal generator. However, I'm interested in sweeping filters with it. Does anyone know if there is a way to get it to sweep, or are we stuck with manual tuning? Thanks and 73 Bob N6WG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Automatic 1:1/4:1 Balun switching under K3 control?
This idea is right on the money, Wayne. I use simple dipoles with tuned feeders, and have to manually throw the slide switch from one band to the next. This idea would be a real help in automating my contest station. Thanks and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: wayne burdick [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Leigh L Klotz, Jr. [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2007 12:00 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Automatic 1:1/4:1 Balun switching under K3 control? Leigh wrote: This is great! I had been meaning to ask because I have use a switchable BL2 ony my big loop and had no way of knowing what the KAT3 was doing in the 1:1 and 4:1 positions, other than how long it took to find a match. This is certainly one excellent use of the KAT3's LCSET mode, Leigh. You've also given me an idea for a BL3: Same as the BL2 but with a relay rather than a switch for selecting 1:1 vs. 4:1. We could then use one of the K3's spare output lines (say DIGOUT1) to switch the relay under firmware control, per-band. There would be one wire running from the AUX I/O connector to the BL3, and you'd need to power the relay from the K3's switched 12 VDC accessory output. If this is of interest, I'll ask the BL2's designer to take a look at it. I have the same problem myself, so I already want two :) 73, Wayne N6KR On Thu, 20 Dec 2007 10:55 am, wayne burdick wrote: If you're ever curious about the actual L and C values used in the matching network, you can check them using a special setting of the KAT3 menu entry (in the CONFIG menu). Just set KAT3 to LCSET, then exit the menu. Next, tap ATU TUNE. This will display the present L and C values. --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3's Transmit Inihibit function (TX INH)
Just another example of Elecraft responding to a logical request. Great work, Wayne. Thanks and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: wayne burdick [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, December 20, 2007 9:39 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K3's Transmit Inihibit function (TX INH) Hi all, I've just added the TX INH function and its associated menu entry to the K3. Just in case you have no clue what this is: it provides a way for an external station controller to determine which of two or more transceivers can have access to resources such as an amplifier. It's typically used in multi-op contest situations. By popular demand, the TX inhibit level can be *either* active-low or active-high. Thus the TX INH menu entry has three settings: OFF (no TX inhibit) LO=INH (a logic 0 inhibits transmit) HI=INH (a logic 1, 5 V, inhibits transmit) I'm testing this feature right now, and it should be in the next production firmware release. 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] DVK vs DVR in K3
On the order page I see a DVR for the K3. I've also seen references to a DVK, but it must still be in development. Or are they the same thing? If not, what is the difference between the DVR option and DVK? Thanks and 73 Bob N6WG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: US call areas
Hi Julian Unfortunately, our FCC has gotten lazy, and now allows a ham to keep his call when he moves. We've all been bitten by your problem when chasing things like WAS certificates. The only use the district number has now is to tell you in which district the call was issued, and nothing about where it is being used now. In the past we had to add /4 or whatever district the call was being used in, if not the original district. No longer. FCC just doesn't seem to care. Fortunately, the vast majority of calls are still in their original districts, so WAS is still not a big problem. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Julian G4ILO [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, November 26, 2007 7:29 AM Subject: [Elecraft] OT: US call areas This is probably common knowledge to most, but do US calls not relate to the geographic area any more? In the contest, I worked call area 6, which my map shows as the west coast, but the station I worked, N6AR, is listed in qrz.com with an address in Florida, which is call area 4. Do call areas have *any* use (e.g. for multipliers in ARRL contest scores)? -- Julian, G4ILO K2 s/n: 392 K3 s/n: ??? G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT: US call areas
Hi Ken I suspect that when the original call sign issuing system was created, the US population was a lot less mobile than today. From what I've read about the 20's and 30's, it was common for people to have lived their entire lives within one state. That probably helped condition the idea of call sign goes with location. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: David Ferrington, M0XDF [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Ken Kopp [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, November 26, 2007 10:03 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] OT: US call areas Well, I have to say, I found it strange when I first started and discovered you get calls based on location - I thought don't US hams move then?. On 26/11/07 17:54, Ken Kopp [EMAIL PROTECTED] sent: I'm one of those who is VERY glad we can keep our call when moving! (:-)) 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com -- Times are bad. Children no longer obey their parents, and everyone is writing a book. -Marcus Tullius Cicero, statesman, orator and writer (106-43 BC) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Newbie Question re: SSB
Hi Tom Thanks much for the report of the K3 in ssb contesting. I'm very interested in the hardware noise blanker. Do you have it yet? If so, did you notice an artifacts from using it in a crowded band like that contest? Thanks and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Tom Hammond [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Bob [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 6:12 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Newbie Question re: SSB Hi Bob: I understand that Elecraft transceivers to date have really been a CW ops dream, which leads me to the following question re the K3: Will phone (SSB) operators find this rig as wonderful with regard to voice as CW operators do with CW? Just finished operating in the SS Phone... NOT my most favorite MODE of operating, though I DO enjoy the Sweepstakes... Because of family commitments, I did not spend a lot of time in the contest, but I did manage to quite easily knock out well over 100 Q's with my K3. I used one of the older Heil ProSet headphone/boom mic combinations, with the Heil HC5 (wider range than the HC4) element, because I didn't like the highly- restricted audio range of the HC4. I haven't touched the settings on the 8-band (TX or RX) audio equalizer, so everything there was 'stock', just like it came from Elecraft. I'll also note that, antenna-wise, I have a Bencher SkyHawk tribander at 73 feet and a tri-band (80-40-30) dipole (Inv-V) with the apex at 72' and the ends down around 20' off the ground. Being a CW operator at heart, I'm accustomed to operating full QSK on CW, so I saw little reason NOT to try it on SSB as well... or at least as close to full QSK VOX SSB as I could anyway. I set the VOX DELAY to .05 (50 mS), and the MIC IN, VOX GN and ANTIVOX to points where I cold readily trip the VOX with normal level voice speech, and to where nothing coming out of the back side of the headphones would cause the VOX to 'false'. Of course, using headphones, the setting of the ANTIVOX was not terribly critical, but I was also able to set it so that the VOX didn't false when I had the cans unplugged from the rig as well. I first adjusted the MIC IN to give me essentially FULL ALC on the K3's LCD meter. Then I adjusted the MIC CMP (compression) to give me a nice 'full' output pattern on the monitor scope. This corresponded to about 101-2 dB of compression... the effect of the CMP control was REALLY VERY EASY TO SEE, both on the monitor scope AND on the RF WATTMETER...! Dramatic increase in average output. I did some testing prior to the start of the SS, getting both audio quality and intelligibility reports from a number of operators. To a man, every report of audio quality was more than glowing! I had one report, from a non-contester, which said he'd prefer to hear a bit less compression, but that what he was' hearing during the test was 'clean' and 'very clear' with 'no distortion', and no clipping of the first syllable of each word as the VOX went on/off between some words and phrases. A number of reports took the time to volunteer that what they were hearing did NOT sound like the 'normal contest audio setting'. I ran QRP (5W) in the SS, which is a bit more challenging, not only for the user, but also for the guy on the other end, trying to copy my signals thru some really BIG QRM. Though there obviously were times when I didn't get the guy I was calling, and some times when repeats were required, I'd say that fully 90% of the time I got my station on the first call. Additionally, I received MANY(!) completely UNsolicited comments of GREAT SIGNAL and GREAT AUDIO from other ops who generally won't give you the time of day when they're trying to knock out as many Qs as possible and offering such comments just takes away from their available time to make more Q's. How did the receiver perform? Very well...! I found that I'd probably have been better off had I added a 2.1kHz or possibly a 1.8kHz SSB filter to my SSB arsenal, but even with only the 2.8kHz roofing filter available, I was generally able to 'peel off' much of the nearby QRM and get the other guy's report on the first pass... no requests for repeats required. Narrowing down the DSP B/W from 2.8kHz to around 2.4kHz and then adjusting the SHIFT up/dn a bit, on order to roll off QRM from the top/bottom made copying other stations in the presence of QRM fairly easy... MUCH easier than with my K2 OR with my TS-950SD...! The K3's front end is virtually UNCRUNCHABLE!!! I have a local, W4RK, who lives almost within rock-throwing distance of me (probably 1/2 mile) and who runs a 1kW in contests. I found numerous occasions where I'd roll up on a frequency, work my station, only to find that Bill was 1-2 kHz away and I never knew it at all...! I hope I wasn't giving him (his FT-2000) any problems, being that close to him!!! I ran my AGC in FAST mode the entire contest and never noticed one instance where a really big
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] ATU
Hello Kristina The KAT2 has one big advantage over the T1. (I have both of them). With the T1, you are looking at just one antenna. With the KAT2, you have two separate ANT ports, and can switch between them with a button press. On a band-by-band basis, the KAT2 remembers its setting for whatever antenna is connected to either port, so you don't have to retune when switching bands or antennas. Also, ;using a barefoot K2, you have a POWER measuring circuit that is just an rf voltmeter across the 50 ohm output, and it is only accurate when the load is a true 50 ohms, such as with a good dummy load. The KAT2 has a true wattmeter circuit, and measures the power, whether you have a tight match or not. Another advantage of the KAT2 is that it is internal, so when you go to the field, like for FD, that is one less piece of gear to drag along. Personally, I thought the KAT2 was the slickest piece of engineering in the whole K2 options line. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Kristina Wright [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 11:06 AM Subject: [Elecraft] [K2] ATU Hello group, I'm needing a tuner for use with my K2, and wanted to know the pros and cons of the KAT2 vs. the T1. Is the only difference that the T1 is stand-alone and the KAT2 is internal? Thanks in advance for your advice. 73, Kristina KE7LUC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] New List Member with T1 Questions
Hi Steve You will enjoy using the T1. It works best if not feed an endfed half wave. Just how long are your wire antennas? Here I use mine to feed my top loaded vertical on 160m. It also works nicely loading the same vertical as a nearly halfwave top loaded vertical on 80m. I operate it remotely at the base of the vertical, using a relay to provide the TUNE closure. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Steve Ponder, N5WBI [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, November 10, 2007 2:18 AM Subject: [Elecraft] New List Member with T1 Questions Hello, everybody! I just joined this list and have REALLY been looking at the T1 Autotuner. Before I purchase one, I have some questions about using the T1 autotuner with my QRP gear. I have three QRP rigs - SW30+, HW-8, and a 20M rig made by AA Engineering (Gary Breed K9AY). I have a SuperAntenna MP-1 and several end-fed wires cut for 15M, 20M, 30M, and 40M. Will I need a balun for the end-fed wires? Will the T1 work with the SuperAntenna MP1? Thanks for your help! 73, Steve Ponder N5WBI Houston TX ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] mic plug for K2
Drew Have your local RS use their computer to check with other stores. Out here in CA, they will send stuff from one store to another when needed. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2007 6:32 AM Subject: [Elecraft] mic plug for K2 Does anyone know where I can get a 8-pin mic plug for the K2? Radio Shack lists it but doesn't seem to have any. Can't find it at Mouser. Thanks. 73, Drew AF2Z ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA100 no output above 11 watts
Hi Glen Long time no QSO. Check the rf input circuit to the KPA100. If the K2 is looking into a short or aseriously wrong impedance, it would be real unhappy. Hope to see you on the iar one of these days. 73, Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Glenn Maclean [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, November 03, 2007 4:00 PM Subject: [Elecraft] KPA100 no output above 11 watts I just finished putting a KPA100 kit together. All the initial tests were satisfactory until I got to the point where it is time to check the output of the PA above 11 watts. When I set my K2 above 11 watts I get a High Current message with no power out. I set CAL current to 3.5 amps. I set the CAL current to 4 amps with the same issue. The K2 works with the amp connected at power levels below 11 watts. Where do I start looking? I have looked around T1 and components per the manual. The component values are correct. Thanks, Glenn WA7SPY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Current Draw?
Hi Ron Could you measure the DC draw in receive with the big PA turned off (down?) for just QRP use? I'm curious how bad the draw may be, as I work QRP for FD and would like to avoid dissambling the rig to remove the PA. Thanks and 73 Bob N6WG - Original Message - From: Ron D'Eau Claire [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: 'Edward R. Breneiser' [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, November 04, 2007 4:17 PM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 Current Draw? Hi, Ed: The K3 Owner's manual Specifications page has the data: TX: 17-22A typical for K3/100, 3-4A typical for K3/10. RX: 0.9A (subreceiver off). As they say, that's typical. My K3 draws no more than 17 amps on any band at 100 watts output, well within the normal operating parameters of my Astron 20A (16 amps intermittent, 20 amp peak). Conservative as always, Elecraft does recommend a 25A 13.8 VDC supply. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Edward R. Breneiser Sent: Sunday, November 04, 2007 4:00 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Current Draw? Hello all, I ordered my K3 in August. I tried to find the specs on the current draw in Rx and TX, but no joy. Why aren't these specs listed on the data sheet? 72, Ed, WA3WSJ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] What is this stuff??
Looks like 62% tin, 36% lead, 2% silver. 73, Bob N6Wg - Original Message - From: n0jrn [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, October 12, 2007 6:22 AM Subject: [Elecraft] What is this stuff?? Hey gang: A friend drop off some solder he didn't need. I'm having trouble identifying it so figured I would ask you. Made by Kester ! Date of Man. is July 02 Part # 14-7150 SN62PB36AG02 Diameter is.015 I can't find anything on the internet.Is this stuff safe to use for radio ?? Just curious Thanks and 73 JerryN0JRN ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
