[Elecraft] Elecraft, Reply to Herb
Hi Herb, saw your message to the reflector and thought I would offer my own experience. Firstly congrats on the license, I got licensed here in the UK about 16 months ago now, I chose the Elecraft K1 as my first rig for the following reasons: I wanted to work mainly HF CW at QRP levels and the K1 being CW only would commit me to learning CW ( ie no mic to fall back on) I don't have a lot of spare cash. (The K1 is not cheap but excellent value for money) I like building things and have been soldering for many years The write ups for the K1 (and K2 of course) were excellent and having downloaded the instruction manual and circuit diagram I was absolutely hooked, I just had to have one! The K1 is very small and suited my tiny shack (basically a writing desk in the corner of the lounge) The K1 is a rig I can understand (the basics anyway) and would be able to fault find if anything went wrong (can't afford expensive bills for sending gear back to the manufacturers) The K1 offered portability (I have a caravan) The were many other reasons but those are the main ones. It took me a few months to complete the K1 mainly because I took my time and I only had an hour or so in the evenings to do it. I had the minimum of test equipment (a digital multi meter, my ears and a long wire down the garden), it was done on the kitchen table with a basic tool kit and a 25W soldering iron. Herb, you can't believe my amazement when at every step the K1 worked first time perfectly, I had no problems whatsoever, I had to spread the VFO coil out a bit to get the correct range (which it tells you to do in the manual) and aligning the 20m filters took a few goes until I could hear a signal to peak up on. As many have said on this reflector the main thing is go slowly, follow the manual to the letter, check everything as you do it 3 times just to make sure and be able to make a reasonable solder joint. Soldering is not difficult once you know how. If you need to learn soldering then read the elecraft tutorial and if possible watch someone do it and copy them. If you have never put together an electronics kit before then I would suggest you buy one of the cheap QRP kits first (say a SW receiver) and use that as a practise project, it will give you confidence and get your soldering up to scratch. When I have got proficient in CW I may get a K2 but I'm more than happy with the K1 at present, it is still my only rig running 5W into simple dipole antennas and I get great reports and lots of fun. I don't know your personal situation Herb but hope that the above may help. Welcome to the hobby and maybe see you on the bands one day. 73's Martin M0KWV K1 #1534 Why not take a look at our Web site? http://www.simoncarves.com * The information in this email and any attachments may contain privileged and/or confidential information intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If the reader of this email is not the intended addressee, or the employee or agent responsible to deliver it to the addressee, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify me by telephone or email and delete all copies immediately. * ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Report for November 21-22
On Sun, 21 Nov 2004, Kevin Rock wrote: And for Jim, K4GT, I cannot remember my own SN. Here is the correct one: K2/100 #2511 There's' an online database for Eleccraft Owners where they can register their rigsmight help ya all with the serial number stuff: http://www.zerobeat.net/qrp/k2data.html 73 Thom-k3hrn www.zerobeat.net Home of QRP Web Ring, Drakelist home page, Free Classified Ads for amateur radio, QRP IRC channel www.tlchost.net/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Both internal and external keyer
Hello, Is there a way to use an external keyer (a laptop with a contest software) AND the internal keyer with a paddle ? Thanks for your help. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
FW: [Elecraft] Both internal and external keyer
Yes, and it's in the book (even the early ones). Set Menu INP to PDLr (or PDLn if you are one of those oddball, right-handed folks). Set Menu IAB to B (or A if you are one of thoseg). Set Menu INP to ADET On (default). Now, if the dit paddle closes, the K2 sends dits. If the dah paddle closes, the K2 sends dahs. If they close simultaneously, the K2 sends CW as long as they are closed. Get a mini-plug stereo splitter from RatShack or build a pigtail Y so you can plug in two (or three?) devices. The paddles are wired normally. The straight-key or computer needs to pull on BOTH dit and dah lines. Use a wired-and from 2 diodes (Pg 95 in the Rev F manual). I was able to fit the diodes in the mini plug itself. Now, I just plug in the paddles, key or both and the K2 figures out the rest. Some high-speed squeeze keyers occasionally have troubles with the K2 thinking hand key and the op is just a tad early on one of the paddles. I've not heard of this happening below 35wpm and I never run that speed. The ADET Off is the only fix for that if you have such worries (Kinda wish I did have those troublesg). I always leave the straight key plugged in. If someone requests a QRS or is already below 15 wpm, I keep my fist in practice by using the Straight-key (I can't make it send readable code faster than 14 wpm). Another note, for SK or Paddles. If you hook up a CW reader (I use CWGet) and let it copy your sending, you will be in for a surprise. I discovered there is almost NEVER a space between DE and WG4S. Well, now there is. Sending 01234567890 on the straight key with no extra spaces was a good exercise too! Took a while to get that right (actually, it took a while on the paddles too!). Dan / WG4S / K2 #2456 -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, November 22, 2004 5:47 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Both internal and external keyer Hello, Is there a way to use an external keyer (a laptop with a contest software) AND the internal keyer with a paddle ? Thanks for your help. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Possible REALLY GOOD BUY on T/C Soldering Stn
I have a couple of additional comments on the Circuit Specialists Haako-clone offering. 1. This offering has been noticed by US authorized Haako dealers. I can't repeat what they side here. This dealer believes that the Far East mfg. is second sourcing this product to CSI. 2. The iron connector to the base apparently is a bit different. I would be interested in hearing from Bill Tippett, Tom Hammond or an Elecraft list member. 3. Dollar versus foreign currencies. I have noticed over the last 6 weeks price changes for the Haako. At Fry's / Outpost.com -- the Haako 936-9 (non-ESD/white unit) and 936-12 (ESD/black unit) use to be the best buy -- but I have noticed price changes -- up and down. The Haako desoldering gun is $ 159 (price decrease), but the replacement Haako 907 irons OR replacement heaters are now both $ 45 (this is a price increase). Shop carefully as it appears the US Dollar's fall is causing changes in foreign mfg. (US import) pricing. Of course end-of-year holidays is usually the best time to pick-up 4. As Tom, N0SS has mentioned before -- soldering iron tip availability and prices can be difficult at times. I have noticed this problem with all mfg. over past 5 months. Make a list of the tips that you will need for you kit building -- their are sales on tips that occur (such as Wassco's half-price tip sale -- 11 months ago). Have fun kit building during holidays and winter months ! Greg w9gb Hi Folks: Bill Tippett, W4ZV writes regarding the Circuit Specialists soldering station I recently wrote about: Hi Tom, N0SS wrote: T/C soldering station (analog)... http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307http://www.circui tspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307 at $34.95, this looks virtually identical to the Hakko 936-12 T/C soldering station. The one thing I have noted is that this device draws only 40W of power, implying that it probably offers a 40W heater, rather than the 60W heater available on the Hakko 936-x http://www.kiesub.com/hakko936.htmhttp://www.kiesub.com/hakko936.htm for $82. I bought this unit in February this year to build my K2 and a roofing filter kit (using SMD caps) for my Orion. The invoice I got from Circuit Specialists describes this unit as: CSI-STATION1$34.95 CSI936 SOLDER STATION/CERAMIC HEAT ELEMENT STAND Looks like you nailed the source of this product since 936 appears in its description. I've been very pleased with this unit in building my K2, filter kit and KD1JV's AT Sprint 2 (mostly SMD). A spare heating element was also included with it. If of any identification help, all tips' model #'s are all preceded by the word AOYUE. 73, Bill W4ZV ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Both internal and external keyer
Yes it's in the book, I haven't seen. Thanks for you replies (public and private) 73 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Weller TCP series parts
Due to the response to my earlier posting, I a couple of changes in quantity and an additional item to list for kit builders repairing their classic Weller TCP series stations. I am now down to 2 Weller WTCP station packages -- these are $ 30 plus shipping. Adobe Acrobat of the Weller Tech Sheet available upon request. I now have 2 refurbished Weller EC1201A soldering irons (for EC and Silver Series base units) -- these are $ 50 each plus shipping. I also have 2 Weller TC203 irons (non-ESD). These are the original irons (with 3-pin plug) that match the WTCPN (wide base) series of stations -- use the wired in heater -- these are $ 30 plus shipping. As always, I am willing to assist an Elecraft builder with their Weller eBay or hamfest special or to resurrect that older iron that you may wish to pass-on to a new kit-builder or amateur. I can provide the Weller Tech Sheets (WTPCL, WTCPN, WTCPS and WTCPT in Adobe Acrobat format) upon e-mail request. Cheers. Greg w9gb ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 to set up SSB
Well, you made me think, but it turns out, you are right. The CAL FIL display says t for the 2.20 setting, but it's really using OP1. However, with the alignment done on 2.20 and transmit done on OP1, the filter will be very off, and the ripple is extreme. My 2 year old KSB2 seems OK in the flatness department. Dan / WG4S / K2 #2456 Bob (G3VVT) sez: The option of OP1 or 2.2, etc in the filter selection is for receive only. snip ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 to set up SSB
Dan, The 't' is on the BFO display corresponding to FL1 - and its only meaning is that this is the BFO (carrier) frequency that will be used for transmit. 73, Don W3FPR - Original Message - Well, you made me think, but it turns out, you are right. The CAL FIL display says t for the 2.20 setting, but it's really using OP1. However, with the alignment done on 2.20 and transmit done on OP1, the filter will be very off, and the ripple is extreme. My 2 year old KSB2 seems OK in the flatness department. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: 20 M net- propagation
My windom antenna (half wave on 40) must have a major lobe that is aimed right at Kevin's QTH, with just the right takeoff angle to hit my own personal electron cloud in the F layer.. Kevin, you were booming in here last night, and you say you heard me well, but I did not hear a single other station. There were maybe three signals that I could barely detect (but at or below the noise) but not well enough to copy. At about :20 after even Kevin faded away. 73 Ray K2HYD ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] External Speaker for the K2 Update
Yesterday, I posted the following message to the reflector. The prototype mentioned has been spoken for, but I am still happy to forward copies of the article to interested Elecrafters. Regards Dave VE6DRW [[ Hello All: As some of you may remember, there was a development effort undertaken some time ago to produce a companion external speaker for the K2. Unfortunately the prototype -- dubbed the SP2 -- will not make it into production. However, I have compiled a 12-page article that describes the more critical construction details of the project for those who might want to duplicate the effort and produce their own version. The article contains over 20 photos, several construction diagrams, performance curves, a schematic, and a parts list. In brief, the SP2 uses a readily available front-firing 4 speaker mounted in an EC-2 enclosure to achieve superior sound quality over the stock K2. A small amplifier (with low pass and mute circuits) is included to increase the available audio drive from the K2. If you drop me an e-mail (off the reflector), I'll be happy to forward a copy of the article to you (PDF file under 500Kb in size). I will also be selling the prototype pictured in the article. You can contact me directly if you are interested in it. The price would be $150.00 USD plus shipping. Regards Dave VE6DRW [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
RE: [Elecraft] Possible REALLY GOOD BUY on T/C Soldering Stn
At 07:13 AM 11/22/2004, G. Beat wrote... I have a couple of additional comments on the Circuit Specialists Haako-clone offering. 1. This offering has been noticed by US authorized Haako dealers. I can't repeat what they side here. This dealer believes that the Far East mfg. is second sourcing this product to CSI. In addition to the Aoyue brand, these also appear to be sold under the Sunkko label. Some places sell the Sunkko with a choice of China made or Hakko heaters ( http://www.mobile-repairing.com/shopping/index.php?page_number=2id=53 ). The Sunkkos appear to use the same connectors as the Hakkos. Do you know these to be from the same OEM as Hakkos? I've also found opinions that they're clones. It would be interesting to know how closely the Aoyue 936 PCB ( http://www.aoyue.com/engproducts/af/936%20PCB.jpg ) compares to one from a real Hakko 936. Anyone want to tear their Hakko apart? I'll provide a report after I get my 701 rework station. I'll be ecstatic if it's a Hakko OEM, but I'll still be happy if it's a knock off which follows the 80/20 rule (80% the performance of a real Hakko, at 20% of the price), and accepts Hakko spare parts. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Hot air soldering tool
Circuit Specialists also has a hot air soldering tool: http://web-tronics.com/hotairgunwdi.html Has anyone tried this for surface mounted parts? 73/ Bob - W5BIG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Possible REALLY GOOD BUY on T/C Soldering Stn
W9GB wrote: 1. This offering has been noticed by US authorized Haako dealers. I can't repeat what they side here. This dealer believes that the Far East mfg. is second sourcing this product to CSI. These are going fast. Last night CSI had 10 in stock...6 now. 2. The iron connector to the base apparently is a bit different. I would be interested in hearing from Bill Tippett, Tom Hammond or an Elecraft list member. I only have the CSI unit so I have nothing to compare it to. 4. As Tom, N0SS has mentioned before -- soldering iron tip availability and prices can be difficult at times. I have noticed this problem with all mfg. over past 5 months. Make a list of the tips that you will need for you kit building -- their are sales on tips that occur (such as Wassco's half-price tip sale -- 11 months ago). I noticed sellerlin (e-Bayer from Hong Kong) selling two different sets of 10 tips each for $15 plus $9.50 SH. Since CSI charges $4.95 each, this may be a good deal if you need that many. Feedback ratings for sellerlin appear to be excellent, but I have no personal experience with him. http://search.ebay.com/TIPS_W0QQsofocusZbsQQsbrftogZ1QQsorecordsperpageZ50QQfromZR10QQsacategoryZ-1Q26catrefQ3DC6QQsotrtypeZ1QQsotrvalueZ1QQsellerZ1QQsassZsellerlinQQsosortpropertyZ1Q26sosortorderQ3D1QQcoactionZcompareQQcopagenumZ1QQcoentrypageZsearch 73, Bill W4ZV ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Possible REALLY GOOD BUY on T/C Soldering Stn
Yes, I see that the Aoyue brand is 220 V (as a standard, but 120 V available) and the 936 and 936A differ in both the wattage of the heaters and country of mfg (Chinese mfg versus Japanese mfg). This could explain some of the bad reports (early failures, fail on physical shock) that I have heard about ceramic heaters in irons. Greg w9gb - Original Message - From: Mike S [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: G. Beat [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: elecraft_list elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, November 22, 2004 8:22 AM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Possible REALLY GOOD BUY on T/C Soldering Stn At 07:13 AM 11/22/2004, G. Beat wrote... I have a couple of additional comments on the Circuit Specialists Haako-clone offering. 1. This offering has been noticed by US authorized Haako dealers. I can't repeat what they side here. This dealer believes that the Far East mfg. is second sourcing this product to CSI. In addition to the Aoyue brand, these also appear to be sold under the Sunkko label. Some places sell the Sunkko with a choice of China made or Hakko heaters ( http://www.mobile-repairing.com/shopping/index.php?page_number=2id=53 ). The Sunkkos appear to use the same connectors as the Hakkos. Do you know these to be from the same OEM as Hakkos? I've also found opinions that they're clones. It would be interesting to know how closely the Aoyue 936 PCB ( http://www.aoyue.com/engproducts/af/936%20PCB.jpg ) compares to one from a real Hakko 936. Anyone want to tear their Hakko apart? I'll provide a report after I get my 701 rework station. I'll be ecstatic if it's a Hakko OEM, but I'll still be happy if it's a knock off which follows the 80/20 rule (80% the performance of a real Hakko, at 20% of the price), and accepts Hakko spare parts. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] 04 SS Phone / K2
I have a fairly early (and QRP) K2 (S/N 1757), and have been trying for the Elecraft WAS award ever since I completed it. I have needed 11 states for the last two years, and have been unable to add a single one even though I have really tried. Yesterday, I remembered the SS fairly late in the afternoon (about 1600 EST), and thought that might be an excellent way to add a state or two. Even with a long dinner break, I was able to pick up 7 of those 11 stations before the SS ended! All QRP, and all SSB. All on a 90 foot wire out of an upstairs bathroom window to a pine tree using an SGC-230 autotuner (a really old one). Now I am looking for Delaware, Hawaii, Montana, and Wyoming! Hawaii is going to be the hard one from here in South Carolina. I hope I don't have to wait on the sunspot cycle for that one! Dan Allen KB4ZVM K2 S/N 1757 - Original Message - From: TJM [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, November 22, 2004 9:39 AM Subject: [Elecraft] 04 SS Phone / K2 Another SS over till next year. But this one was fun... 73 mults/296q's/20+ hrs. Worked 6 other Q stations ( including another K2 - N9NE ). Nice to see I'm not the only QRP masochist! ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] 04 SS Phone / K2
You should have been on ECN last week. There was a KX1 very decent signal from HI here on Lookout Mountain (GA/AL/TN) border. In fact, AH6RE was louder than Net Control! Dan / WG4S / K2 #2456 snip Hawaii is going to be the hard one from here in South Carolina. /snip ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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: FW: [Elecraft] Both internal and external keyer
Dan Barker wrote: Some high-speed squeeze keyers occasionally have troubles with the K2 thinking hand key and the op is just a tad early on one of the paddles. I've not heard of this happening below 35wpm and I never run that speed. The ADET Off is the only fix for that if you have such worries I recently started using this method to key the K2 with a paddle as well as a bug and contest program. I've not had a problem yet, and I often send around 30-35 wpm. In fact, it's kinda hard to squeeze the paddles at exactly the same time even on purpose! Definitely worth a try. -- 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] FS KX1 SN 194
Folks, I have a newly built KX1 for sale. The rig includes the 30m module, and antenna tuner with 1.2 firmware. $400 CONUS Pictures at: http://users.frii.com/rwc/fs/kx1/ I'm even throwing in a new 6-pack of AA batteries to get you started. 73, Rod N0RC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Possible REALLY GOOD BUY on T/C Soldering Stn
Hi Greg: Yes, I also noticed the difference in the connector which a attaches the cord for the soldering iron to the base unit. And you could be VERY correct that these stations are being second-sourced... certainly not the first time 'clones' of a device have appeared stateside. The cord connector and the 40W (vs. 50W) heater might be good indicators of this as well. Hopefully, we'll find someone who actually HAS one and who can tell us a bit more about theirs. Hopefully, Gary will be able to actually lay an eye on these products within the next week or so... if they look good, they might be some really nice Xmas presents for some lucky builder(s). Thanks for your additional comments. And I'd love to hear (off-reflector) the comments you referred to in point #1 of your comments. 73, Tom N0SS At 06:13 AM 11/22/04, you wrote: I have a couple of additional comments on the Circuit Specialists Haako-clone offering. 1. This offering has been noticed by US authorized Haako dealers. I can't repeat what they side here. This dealer believes that the Far East mfg. is second sourcing this product to CSI. 2. The iron connector to the base apparently is a bit different. I would be interested in hearing from Bill Tippett, Tom Hammond or an Elecraft list member. 3. Dollar versus foreign currencies. I have noticed over the last 6 weeks price changes for the Haako. At Fry's / Outpost.com -- the Haako 936-9 (non-ESD/white unit) and 936-12 (ESD/black unit) use to be the best buy -- but I have noticed price changes -- up and down. The Haako desoldering gun is $ 159 (price decrease), but the replacement Haako 907 irons OR replacement heaters are now both $ 45 (this is a price increase). Shop carefully as it appears the US Dollar's fall is causing changes in foreign mfg. (US import) pricing. Of course end-of-year holidays is usually the best time to pick-up 4. As Tom, N0SS has mentioned before -- soldering iron tip availability and prices can be difficult at times. I have noticed this problem with all mfg. over past 5 months. Make a list of the tips that you will need for you kit building -- their are sales on tips that occur (such as Wassco's half-price tip sale -- 11 months ago). Have fun kit building during holidays and winter months ! Greg w9gb Hi Folks: Bill Tippett, W4ZV writes regarding the Circuit Specialists soldering station I recently wrote about: Hi Tom, N0SS wrote: T/C soldering station (analog)... http://www.circuitspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307http://www.circui tspecialists.com/prod.itml/icOid/7307 at $34.95, this looks virtually identical to the Hakko 936-12 T/C soldering station. The one thing I have noted is that this device draws only 40W of power, implying that it probably offers a 40W heater, rather than the 60W heater available on the Hakko 936-x http://www.kiesub.com/hakko936.htmhttp://www.kiesub.com/hakko936.htm for $82. I bought this unit in February this year to build my K2 and a roofing filter kit (using SMD caps) for my Orion. The invoice I got from Circuit Specialists describes this unit as: CSI-STATION1$34.95 CSI936 SOLDER STATION/CERAMIC HEAT ELEMENT STAND Looks like you nailed the source of this product since 936 appears in its description. I've been very pleased with this unit in building my K2, filter kit and KD1JV's AT Sprint 2 (mostly SMD). A spare heating element was also included with it. If of any identification help, all tips' model #'s are all preceded by the word AOYUE. 73, Bill W4ZV ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] OK, I give in... Another run of the tuning Indicator
And just when I though it was safe to go back outside... I've received enough requests from folks who missed the first (two!) runs of the CW Tuning Indicator that I'll (PROBABLY) make one ( F I N A L ) run of kits. Please note the emphasis placed above... heheh! Since I don't want to get 'stuck' with a large inventory of un-sent kits (this is NOT intended to be a money-making venture for me!), I will base the number of kits I eventually make up on the number of orders I receive between now and then end of December... so you have a little more than a month to make up your mind and to place your order. If someone wants to post the availability of these kits to QRP-L, that's fine with me... I don't subscribe there and don't plan on doing so, but folks from there can e-mail me directly. If you do post this offer to QRP-L, please direct folks to the docs on my web site at www.n0ss.net, so they'll know what to expect. I do NOT like taking a lot of bandwidth on this reflector with this project, so once you contact me all further communications will be direct... other than possibly a few brief updates. For the info of those who might be interested, a couple builders have already installed the SMD CW Tuning Indicator kit into their K1s and at least one builder is working on getting one installed into his KX1 (we think we might try to use the MAP LED as the indicator since it's already there and available). I'm working on installation and alignment docs for kits installed into these two rigs as well. Hope to have something within a couple weeks, though I'll be out of state from Nov 26 thru Dec 5. For folks who decide to install this kit in something other than a K2, where they might have to use a separate LED, you should strongly consider using a High-Efficiency (or high-output) LED. In a test I was doing yesterday on my K1, I tried a number of different LEDs... all set to draw about 7mA of current. Several of the LEDs I had on hand were adequate...some were poor, but a blue-white LED I happened to have just about KNOCKED MY EYES OUT! Same for a white LED I had handy. I'm pretty confident that if you choose a high-eff or high-output LED, you can probably significantly increase the value of Rlimit (the current-limiting resistor to the LED) to the point that even just 2mA-3mA of current will provide more than ample illumination. Please pass the word that the kit will be made available one more time and that ordered will be accepted through the END OF THE YEAR. At that time, parts will be ordered and kits (still $17 US and $19 DX) will be made and mailed out. Please contact me directly at [EMAIL PROTECTED], and please feel free to post your results (good or bad) with the kit to the reflector. If you have problems, folks need to know that as well. I guess I never know when it's time to quit. 73, Tom HammondN0SS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 / KFL1-4 / Question
Dwight, I've been through similar problems a couple of times. The first place to start is find the 'Cheap and Dirty Signal Tracing' document on the Elecraft Web Site at http://www.elecraft.com/TechNotes/SigTr/K1%20Cheap%20'n%20Dirty%20Signal%20Tracing.pdf. If that does not point to the problem I have found some bad solder joints in the premix filter. Another thing to do is spin the filter caps about 20 times each. Then start checking the relays in the premix filter when set to 15 meters and the crystal if you have a general coverage receiver available. I'm assuming you are like me without a lot of test equipment? Good Luck. Rick WA3TUU From: Dwight [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: Dwight [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K1 / KFL1-4 / Question Date: Sun, 21 Nov 2004 20:04:06 -0500 Group, Did the normal search of the archives and elecraft website, without luck. Biulding a KFL1-4 and got to the Receiver Alignment section. My problem is with the 15 meter section. Can not hear a signal what so ever. The 40, 30 and 20 meters I can hear signals. Can anyone point me in the right direction? I seem to be missing it this weekend. Dwight N4GSD ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Internal and External Keying
Page 92 has the instructions for internal/external keying in my Revision E, or look for CW Operation in your ver. Ken N4SO Mobile, AL K2 #3394 K1 #206 Private E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] Juno Platinum $9.95. Juno SpeedBand $14.95. Sign up for Juno Today at http://www.juno.com! Look for special offers at Best Buy stores. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
FW: FW: [Elecraft] Both internal and external keyer
Vic humbly doesn't quote the off-list thread leading up to this exchange. snips are: I've not had a problem yet [with ADET On], and I often send around 30-35 wpm. and: If I warm up for a while, I actually can send up to 45 wpm without too many errors. Followed by my brag and speaking Greek comment. Dan ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] SSB low output
Brian! Do you have another KSB2 you could lend from someone or another proset? I'm using the MH2 here and even with ssba1 and ssbc1 I can with high voice(not yelling!) get 100 watts out. Also see if FL1 is set to OPT1. And ??? Can it be that the bias resistor is touching ground? Tom LA1PHA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KSB2 and SSBA settings?
Hi all! I just read through the mails from Brian and the answers (low ssb output). In one mail it said that SSBA should be sett to 3. As I can remember from assembly there is no differense in setting 2 and 3. Is there any changes here that has been done in firmware or to the KSB2 itself the last months? Tom LA1PHA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Excellent exchange rate (or article?) helping Elecraft sales to Europe?
I've noticed a pleasant increase in orders for K1, K2, KX1 radios and accessories recently from Europe. Much more so than I usually see during this time of year. I guess we must be doing something right, or we're getting a little help from somewhere.. :-) Can anyone tell me if there has been a recent article on Elecraft published in a European ham radio magazine that I may have missed that could account for this? Or is this more simply explained by the recent dip in the Dollar to Euro Pound exchange rate, which has reduced the cost of U.S. items significantly to the UK and the rest of Europe? 73, Eric WA6HHQ http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] RE: Elecraft CW Net Report for November 21-22
Well I took a brake from trying to troubleshoot my 160m high current problem to try and get my 1st check in to the ECN on 40 From here in Florida but the frequency was a mad house 6 or 7 differnt station on above and below and on top after about 15 min after 0:300 I called it quits maybe next Week but I will say one thing the K2 sure has a wonderful reciever David KR4OW K2 #4320 __ Do you Yahoo!? Meet the all-new My Yahoo! - Try it today! http://my.yahoo.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
FW: [Elecraft] Excellent exchange rate (or article?) helping Elecraftsales to Europe?
Didn't you hear about the solar flare? An X-22 on a scale that only goes to 20! That's GOT to be it. Dan / WG4S / K2 #2456 snip [what may] I have missed that could account for this? /snip ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Excellent exchange rate (or article?) helping Elecraftsales to Europe?
Hi Eric.. I am just coming back from France and operated my KX1 for a whole month there..with pretty good results. Maybe part of the explanation (HI)...:-) 72 de Pierre VE2PID KX1 # 442 - Original Message - From: Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, November 22, 2004 1:19 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Excellent exchange rate (or article?) helping Elecraftsales to Europe? I've noticed a pleasant increase in orders for K1, K2, KX1 radios and ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] SSB Low Output
I have found the best way to get additional gain from the KSB2 is to add the KSB2 INCREASED GAIN MOD by KI6WX as well as the other KI6WX KSB2 mods. These mods can be found on the Elecraft site. Be sure the mike input is biased correctly first. Roy Morris W4WFB ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: Excellent exchange rate ...
Hello Eric, Can anyone tell me if there has been a recent article on Elecraft published in a European ham radio magazine that I may have missed that could account for this? 1. The KX1 was published i.e. in the German ham radio magazin Funkamateur some month ago. 2. The English manual for the K2 is for some builder in the German speaking area a problem, so the QRPproject (www.qrpproject.de) has translated these one. 3. The support for the K2, K1 and KX1 by the QRPproject in Berlin/Germany with QRPeter DL2FI on the top is excellent. 4. Last but not least I think the publicity and practical knowledge of more than 4500 builder around the world is pushing the elecraft rigs. -- 72/73 de Ingo, DK3RED Don't forget: the fun is the power! [EMAIL PROTECTED] www.dk3red.homepage.t-online.de DL-QRP-AG #824 www.dl-qrp-ag.de QRP ARCI #11295 www.qrparci.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
Re: [Elecraft] Excellent exchange rate (or article?) helping Elecraft sales to Europe?
Eric, Whilst the exchange rate in the UK is very favourable I think the main reason is that word gets around about the excellence of Elecraft products and the support both from the company and this group. I have had my K2 kit for almost a year...we made a group purchase at a far lower exchange rate..I have yet to start mine...due to pressure of work, hopefully construction will commence at xmas time...the other four members of the group (three in UK, 1 in the Netherlands) have all built them and are very pleased.I know that a couple of talks have been given at clubs in the West of England on the K2. I think you guys at Elecraft should be very proud of what you have achieved 73, Steve G0XAR On Monday 22 November 2004 18:19, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: I've noticed a pleasant increase in orders for K1, K2, KX1 radios and accessories recently from Europe. Much more so than I usually see during this time of year. I guess we must be doing something right, or we're getting a little help from somewhere.. :-) Can anyone tell me if there has been a recent article on Elecraft published in a European ham radio magazine that I may have missed that could account for this? Or is this more simply explained by the recent dip in the Dollar to Euro Pound exchange rate, which has reduced the cost of U.S. items significantly to the UK and the rest of Europe? 73, Eric WA6HHQ http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Excellent exchange rate (or article?) helping Elecraft sales to Europe?
Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: I've noticed a pleasant increase in orders for K1, K2, KX1 radios and accessories recently from Europe. Much more so than I usually see during this time of year. I guess we must be doing something right, or we're getting a little help from somewhere.. :-) Can anyone tell me if there has been a recent article on Elecraft published in a European ham radio magazine that I may have missed that could account for this? Or is this more simply explained by the recent dip in the Dollar to Euro Pound exchange rate, which has reduced the cost of U.S. items significantly to the UK and the rest of Europe? Hi Eric, I'm one of those. In fact I just rang up today from UK to order a another K2 plus add-ons and also another XV144 transverter. An old friend of mine will pick them up from you on Wednesday and bring them over here at Christmas. I'm not aware of a recent article about Elecraft in the European media. I don't think it is the exchange rate either, because the £ to $ rate has been very favourable to the UK for over a year now. Quite simply, I think it is because news of the quality of Elecraft is spreading over here. A month ago, I took delivery of a K2, XV144 and XV50. I built the two transverters quite quickly and the both just worked straight off. With the slugs the suggested number of turns in the coils, signals were received even before full alignment. The quality of the kits, the documentation and quality of components are superb. I think more and more people are hearing, by word of mouth, how good the products are. I've completed the control and front panel boards for my first K2 and will be moving on to the main board within the next few days. I've been licenced since 1968 and built lots of kit, but the Elecraft products are high up amongst the trouble free. Even hope to modify an XV144 for the 70Mhz band soon. Keep up the good work. Ken. -- Ken G3WCS [EMAIL PROTECTED] IO83rh : Cheshire : NW England (+44) (0)1606 892677 (home) (+44) (0)7968 161632 (mobile sms) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Excellent exchange rate (or article?) helping Elecraft sales to Europe?
Hi Erik, Or is this more simply explained by the recent dip in the Dollar to Euro Pound exchange rate, which has reduced the cost of U.S. items significantly to the UK and the rest of Europe? I will say the exchange rate for us is the main driver at the moment :-) Also for your information, the last issue of the Ref-Union association journal has an article about the KX1. In the same journal there was one or two years ago a review about the K2. K1 has been reviewed by Megahertz Magazine last year I guess. Each review has been made by the builders themselves. 73 and good sales ;-), Philippe PS : a friend of mine has sold his 2 years old K2 only to have the pleasure to build a new one and play with the solder iron :-) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Excellent exchange rate (or article?) helping Elecraft sales to Europe?
In a recent message, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft [EMAIL PROTECTED] said Can anyone tell me if there has been a recent article on Elecraft published in a European ham radio magazine that I may have missed that could account for this? We just put out good signals and tell everyone that we are using Elecraft rigs, Eric. I have worked a few folks recently who have said they are going to place an order. The present exchange rate does help. 73 de David G4DMP ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KSB2 and SSBA settings?
I have a KSB2 and MH2 that I just completed as well. I got a report of low audio from my one SSB contact so far, F5PFP in Lyons, France, and the vox seems hard to trigger. I was running my K5OOR amp on 17m, so somewhere between 25 and 40W expected output, though I don't have a PEP meter (yet) so I don't know for real. I am unsure of how to make sense of a report of low audio on SSB--how is that different from low power? I had the mic gain set at 3 and the compresion at 3:1. I noticed the current draw was 0.24-0.26A before and 0.40 after, so I removed the KSB2 board and checked and cleaned it, but no change. Then I slide some paper between the RFCs and the filter XTALs and the draw went down to 0.28, all according to the internal meter. I removed the paper and still about the same. So I dunno. The vox is not very sensitive, and almost impossible to trigger with the 10dB attenuator (SSBa 1) in place, and difficult with SSBa 3, though I haven't tried Vox again since my paper trick. I will try it again...I almost called Art Bell on 75M on Saturday night to ask for a mic check but he then said he was going QRT to do his show... Leigh WA5ZNU ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] MD2 Heil Desk Microphone for the K2
On Mon, 2004-22-11 at 17:01 -0500, Roger Marrotte wrote: is this. I had been using a regular Heil mike that had low gain for the K2 and a few years ago I read somewhere about changing a resistor to increase the gain. The change helped. I don't know which resistor it was! I'm not even sure which board it was on. I think a 10K resistor was involved somehow. That would be R14 on the bottom of the SSB board. Original value is 1K. Does anyone know which resistor it might have been and do I have to change it back to it's original value to have the new MD2 mike work optimally I'm not sure, but I would change it back. -- 73, Brian VE7NGR ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] MD2 Heil Desk Microphone for the K2
It probably doesn't matter with the new mic, Roger, but if you want to put the K2 back the way it was, the resistor in question is R14 on the SSB board. The original value was 1k and it was common to replace it with a 5.6 k resistor to increase the audio level. Depending upon how long ago you made the change, you might check another resistor too on the SSB board: R2. The first iteration of this mod recommended swapping R2, which should be 5.2k, with R14, originally 1k. Reducing R2 from 5.2k to 1.0k also increased the gain, but it was noted that it was then possible to over-drive Balanced Modulator U5, creating unwanted distortion. So if you did the mod a long time ago, it's possible you swapped resistors. Check R2 and make sure it's 5.2k Ron AC7AC -Original Message- I just received the MD2 microphone and the PL2T Pro-Line microphone boom I ordered a few days ago. REALLY REALLY nice looking! And at about half price, what a deal. I have it set up. I had to install 8 jumper blocks onto the microphone header and a 5.6K resistor across pins 1-6 on the rear of the 8 pin mike connector (supplied with the mike). My problem/question is this. I had been using a regular Heil mike that had low gain for the K2 and a few years ago I read somewhere about changing a resistor to increase the gain. The change helped. I don't know which resistor it was! I'm not even sure which board it was on. I think a 10K resistor was involved somehow. Does anyone know which resistor it might have been and do I have to change it back to it's original value to have the new MD2 mike work optimally? Roger, W1EM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Excellent exchange rate (or article?) helping Elecraftsales to Europe?
My theory? Father Christmas needed to get his orders in before Dec 24th so the good G's and F's could get their K2's built by Straight Key Night! Cheers! Tom K2TA - Original Message - From: Ken G3WCS [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Elecraft List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, November 22, 2004 3:54 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Excellent exchange rate (or article?) helping Elecraftsales to Europe? Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: I've noticed a pleasant increase in orders for K1, K2, KX1 radios and accessories recently from Europe. Much more so than I usually see during this time of year. I guess we must be doing something right, or we're getting a little help from somewhere.. :-) Can anyone tell me if there has been a recent article on Elecraft published in a European ham radio magazine that I may have missed that could account for this? Or is this more simply explained by the recent dip in the Dollar to Euro Pound exchange rate, which has reduced the cost of U.S. items significantly to the UK and the rest of Europe? Hi Eric, I'm one of those. In fact I just rang up today from UK to order a another K2 plus add-ons and also another XV144 transverter. An old friend of mine will pick them up from you on Wednesday and bring them over here at Christmas. I'm not aware of a recent article about Elecraft in the European media. I don't think it is the exchange rate either, because the £ to $ rate has been very favourable to the UK for over a year now. Quite simply, I think it is because news of the quality of Elecraft is spreading over here. A month ago, I took delivery of a K2, XV144 and XV50. I built the two transverters quite quickly and the both just worked straight off. With the slugs the suggested number of turns in the coils, signals were received even before full alignment. The quality of the kits, the documentation and quality of components are superb. I think more and more people are hearing, by word of mouth, how good the products are. I've completed the control and front panel boards for my first K2 and will be moving on to the main board within the next few days. I've been licenced since 1968 and built lots of kit, but the Elecraft products are high up amongst the trouble free. Even hope to modify an XV144 for the 70Mhz band soon. Keep up the good work. Ken. -- Ken G3WCS [EMAIL PROTECTED] IO83rh : Cheshire : NW England (+44) (0)1606 892677 (home) (+44) (0)7968 161632 (mobile sms) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KPA-100 upgraded and on the air!
First of all...my thanks to the folks at Elecraft for their helping out with getting my KPA-100 upgraded before the CQ-WW CW test! I did the mod, installed the new shield and clips, set up the bias and am getting 100W out on all bands. So Ser# 1117 is now a full fledged K2/100. It feels good to build something from a kit again! And to have it work first time out is a good feeling too. See you all on the air. 73 de Tom K2TA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] NCH Tone Generator
In ref. to playing around with tones, there is a program on my computer called NCH Tone Generator-- source: www.nch.com.au/tonegen Ken N4SO Mobile, AL K2 #3394 K1 #206 Private E-mail [EMAIL PROTECTED] Juno Platinum $9.95. Juno SpeedBand $14.95. Sign up for Juno Today at http://www.juno.com! Look for special offers at Best Buy stores. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] MD2 Heil Desk Microphone for the K2
Thanks Ron, I changed R14 on the ssb board from 10K back to a 1K resistor. I don't know why I used a 10K resistor. R2 was the original. All seems fine. This is a real nice looking mike and the swing arm mike boom is really well made. It's sturdy, smooth and quiet. I'll get on the air (SSB) with a friend tomorrow night and try to get a signal report with the new mike. I've really become a cw nut lately, trying to get 100 countries on 30m. The K2 with the DSP board really works like a champ on that 30m noise. I have a Kenwood TS-2000 and it works like you know what compared to the K2. 73, Roger, W1EM -- It probably doesn't matter with the new mic, Roger, but if you want to put the K2 back the way it was, the resistor in question is R14 on the SSB board. The original value was 1k and it was common to replace it with a 5.6 k resistor to increase the audio level. Depending upon how long ago you made the change, you might check another resistor too on the SSB board: R2. The first iteration of this mod recommended swapping R2, which should be 5.2k, with R14, originally 1k. Reducing R2 from 5.2k to 1.0k also increased the gain, but it was noted that it was then possible to over-drive Balanced Modulator U5, creating unwanted distortion. So if you did the mod a long time ago, it's possible you swapped resistors. Check R2 and make sure it's 5.2k Ron AC7AC -Original Message- I just received the MD2 microphone and the PL2T Pro-Line microphone boom I ordered a few days ago. REALLY REALLY nice looking! And at about half price, what a deal. I have it set up. I had to install 8 jumper blocks onto the microphone header and a 5.6K resistor across pins 1-6 on the rear of the 8 pin mike connector (supplied with the mike). My problem/question is this. I had been using a regular Heil mike that had low gain for the K2 and a few years ago I read somewhere about changing a resistor to increase the gain. The change helped. I don't know which resistor it was! I'm not even sure which board it was on. I think a 10K resistor was involved somehow. Does anyone know which resistor it might have been and do I have to change it back to it's original value to have the new MD2 mike work optimally? Roger, W1EM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KX-1/MP-1 SWR limits
My KX1 has 30m and the ATU. Works way more than great, if there is such a term.. We're signed up for a trip thru the Canal in the spring (reason #1 for the KX1), and I have acquired what I think is a homebrew version of the MP-1 or sort of. N6QYS loaned me his real MP-1, and it looks pretty much the same and works (electrically) the same. I've been using my MFJ-259B to pre-tune the antenna (with the goal of having the inductor settings marked so I don't have to take the 259 and try to explain that at the security checkpoint in the airports!), and then count on the KX1 tuner to handle the rest. So far, on 40m and 30m seem to come out OK. On 20, with the pre-sets I've been using, the best I can get is about 3:1 according to the KX1 after the ATU relays quit. Questions: 1. Any ideas on what is an acceptable (in terms of actually being able to work someone) SWR for the KX1? 2. As with all antennas, I can tune the antenna for a variety of resistances and reactances. I've been shooting for an impedance magnitude of around 50 ohms. Possibly some combination of R and X is more optimum? It's getting a bit chilly here in N. Cal. to spend time on the deck using trial and error (MN folks get one, and only one, joke apiece regarding chilly) and I was hoping for some accumulated knowlege that will save me from the cold. 73, Fred K6DGW Auburn CA CM98lw ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] CQWW DX CW Contest This Weekend - QRP Fun
This is a great one for QRP because you have some great operators worldwide with super ears and super stations. Great for those peanut whistle signals like my K1's. There are many USA operators on their way worldwide or are already at their CQWW QTH for the contest. Our new Southwestern Division Director, Dick, N6AA is on his way to IG7R in Naples, Italy...I just worked EA8/CT1BOH on 40 CW with my K1 in a great pile-up. This weekend we will have 48 hours to rack up the QRP Countries. Starts Friday night at UTC... Have fun and C U in the pile-ups.. 73, Art W6KY K1-2 K1-4 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] SSB low output
On Sun, 2004-21-11 at 17:45 -0500, W3FPR - Don Wilhelm wrote: Have you checked things on the KSB2 - particularly the resistors (RP5 too) and the soldering of the Speech processor/compressor chip. While the HC4/5 elements are about 10 dB less than most other mics, you ahould be able to make up for that with the SSBA = 3 and SSBC = 2-1 pr 3-1. It does sound like you have a bad connection somewhere. Nah - I'm too good a builder for that to happen! ;-) Ok, so I pulled the KSB2 out to take a look anyway (helps to remove the screw first!). Looked over the bottom for solder joints. Everything looked good. Turned it over and started looking at the top for parts placement when I noticed pin 1 of the P1 connector was not soldered. Oops! Fixed that - but then looked at the schematic and noticed that it doesn't seem to be used by the KSB2 anyway (it's the 8R signal). I stuck it back in the K2 anyway to see what happens. I was plugging the KPA100 back in when I saw that the coax shield had pulled out of the AUX RF connector, so I fixed that too. It seems to be working ok now. I'm not sure when the AUX RF connection got broken, but it seems strange that I would get the full 100W out with a whistle or on CW (which I was) if it was broken. One more thing I just noticed while writing this. If I go into the menu and change the gain or compression settings, I can exit the menu by pressing the PTT, but the new setting DOES NOT take effect! This seems to work ok for other menu items (I haven't tested all of them). I'd gotten into the lazy habit of changing a setting, then just stepping on the footswitch and talking to try out the new setting. The lesson here is don't be lazy! :-) I'm still not getting quite as much mic gain as I would like, but I've got a fairly soft voice. I may still build that external preamp down the road. The important thing is it's working. Too late for sweepstakes, unfortunately... -- 73, Brian VE7NGR ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] SSB low output
Hello Brian, I've done a lot of experimenting with my K2 and the Heil HC5 element, and I think that some of the reasons for the many degrees of success using this element are related more to voice charactersitics than to anything else. The first thing to note is that the Heil HC5 has been deliberately designed to require relatively close talking. The rest of this is conjecture, but until I hear a better explanation, I'm sticking to it :-) Some folks (and I count myself among them, unfortunately) seem to have a higher than normal peak-to-average amplitude variation in their voice. As many have mentioned, you may find that indeed your ALC indicator shows that you are hitting 100 watts on voice peaks, however your average level may be very low - possibly as little as 10 watts or so. Unfortunately, very little usefull intelligence is transmitted during those 100w voice peaks so they aren't a whole lot of use. Additionally, the K2's compressor chip includes a noise gate, so a knee exists at the point where the action changes from noise gate to compressor. Below the knee, input from your microphone is actually attenuated (the assumption is that any low-level noise is probably undesirable background noise). Above the knee, it is amplified, although held below some maximum level. My normal speaking voice is probably lower, both in amplitude and pitch than lots of folks, so what ends up happening is the peaks continue to hit the 100watt level, and unless I shout, much of the rest of the level from the microphone ends up being below the knee and therefore attenuated. Also, the HC5 rolls off the low end rather quickly, so if your voice is lower-pitched to begin with, a lot of the energy from your voice won't make it past the element anyway. After much experimenting, including the building of a second KSB2, I ended up building the single transistor amplifier, the circuit diagram of which is available on the Elecraft website. This amp completely solved the problem. I now have plenty of audio, and have received quite a few compliments on the audio quality. So, my suggestion to you, is to take the time to build up that little preamp; you won't be disappointed. By the way, I now have two microphones with HC5 elements; one amplified, and the other 'stock'. I'd be happy to set up a sked if you'd like, so that you can hear the difference between the amplified, and non-amplified HC5 elements. 73, Dale WA8SRA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] 04 SS Phone / K2
Not that anyone would doubt it, but the K2 can also be a player in the big leagues too: I had 1335q x 79 mults, although the K2 did have a Henry 2K helping it along. I received a number of comments of excellent sounding signal. Using a Heil DX-4 headset mic. And next year I should have a second K2 ready (and maybe even an Elecraft amplifier). Who needs $10K radios..? Ken K6MR TJM wrote: Another SS over till next year. But this one was fun... 73 mults/296q's/20+ hrs. Worked 6 other Q stations ( including another K2 - N9NE ). Nice to see I'm not the only QRP masochist! This year I added a 160m dipole which ended up more like a loop due to yard and trees at about 60ft up. And due to this found working the lower bands a breeze for the locals... and still had some good gain on the upper bands. In all the K2 worked FB, the 1600 filter on SSB was good enough to fight the big-dogs in the air. till next year, all best, Tom aa2vk ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KX-1/MP-1 SWR limits
The $25 KD1JV Tenna-Dipper http://www.4sqrp.com is a lot smaller than a MFJ-259 and works great for tuning the MP-1. I took mine to France along with my K2 last spring. Airport security didn't say a thing, although they ran the bag with the K2 through some sort of detector. Bob, N7XY On Mon, Nov 22, 2004 at 05:37:13PM -0800, Fred Jensen wrote: My KX1 has 30m and the ATU. Works way more than great, if there is such a term.. We're signed up for a trip thru the Canal in the spring (reason #1 for the KX1), and I have acquired what I think is a homebrew version of the MP-1 or sort of. N6QYS loaned me his real MP-1, and it looks pretty much the same and works (electrically) the same. I've been using my MFJ-259B to pre-tune the antenna (with the goal of having the inductor settings marked so I don't have to take the 259 and try to explain that at the security checkpoint in the airports!), and then count on the KX1 tuner to handle the rest. So far, on 40m and 30m seem to come out OK. On 20, with the pre-sets I've been using, the best I can get is about 3:1 according to the KX1 after the ATU relays quit. Questions: 1. Any ideas on what is an acceptable (in terms of actually being able to work someone) SWR for the KX1? 2. As with all antennas, I can tune the antenna for a variety of resistances and reactances. I've been shooting for an impedance magnitude of around 50 ohms. Possibly some combination of R and X is more optimum? It's getting a bit chilly here in N. Cal. to spend time on the deck using trial and error (MN folks get one, and only one, joke apiece regarding chilly) and I was hoping for some accumulated knowlege that will save me from the cold. 73, Fred K6DGW Auburn CA CM98lw ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com -- Bob Nielsen, N7XY n7xy (at) n7xy.net Bainbridge Island, WA http://www.n7xy.net ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] CQWW DX CW Contest This Weekend - QRP Fun
Contests are a great way to add to your QRP country total. Today I received a nice certificate for the 2004 ARRL International DX Contest (QRP category, of course). Bob, N7XY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KFL1-4 trimmer pots
OK, I'll show my *newbie* state. I've built several Dave Benson kits, but the K-1 is my first Elecraft kit. I was installing the new style trimmer pots on the KFL1-4 board. I read the manual and I thought that I carefully read the errata sheet ... turns out that I didn't. I put the trimmer pots on consistently backwards ... with the big flat end as the flat end shown on the diagrams. What kind of difficulty will I have, if any? At least I was consistent ... they are all backwards of the way they should be. Oh, yes. I went out to re-read and pre-read for the next section of assembly and saw that the page 4 errata followed the page 5 errata for this board. :-( Thanks in advance. gene KC0RXY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KX-1/MP-1 SWR limits
Fred Jensen wrote: 2. As with all antennas, I can tune the antenna for a variety of resistances and reactances. I've been shooting for an impedance magnitude of around 50 ohms. Possibly some combination of R and X is more optimum? The ideal is a resistance of 50 ohms and reactance of zero. However, if this is unobtainable, try to zero out the reactance and let the tuner take care of the resistance. -- 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] KX-1/MP-1 SWR limits
Alan's Balun from WB6ZQZ will help low impedance antennas such as electrically short verticals, and is an easy build. Placed at the antenna base and hooked to coax with a BNC connector, it will reduce SWR on the coax feed, and ease the matching job of the KXAT1 at the rig end of the coax. Elecraft's balun has a step-up transformer to go to high-impedance antennas, but Alan's Balun has a tapped step-down transformer to match to a Pac-12 or MP-1. A plus is that once you find the right tap, you can use the Tenna Dipper and actually hope for something closer to 50R 0X. I built one and it was pretty fun. Leigh WA5ZNU. On Mon, 22 Nov 2004 7:34 pm, Vic Rosenthal wrote: Fred Jensen wrote: 2. As with all antennas, I can tune the antenna for a variety of resistances and reactances. I've been shooting for an impedance magnitude of around 50 ohms. Possibly some combination of R and X is more optimum? The ideal is a resistance of 50 ohms and reactance of zero. However, if this is unobtainable, try to zero out the reactance and let the tuner take care of the resistance. -- 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] KX-1/MP-1 SWR limits
Folks, Of course Lee is correct, but the range of the KXAT1 should also match a low impedance - and short antennas do produce a low impedance even if the reactance is close to zero. Whether you need a 'unun' (unbalanced 'balun') at the antenna or not depends a lot on the length of the coax to the antennas is and the operating frequency. The coax losses increase with feedline length and also increase with frequency. With a short coax run, such as that normally encountered in a portable situation, the losses should be quite low, and the only question is the matching range of the KXAT1. An antenna having a low impedance at the feedpoint will translate into a high impedance with a quarter wavelength of coax attached - so figure whether you need a balun such as the Elecraf BL1 (1:4 balun) or a 1:1 balun (alternately unun) depending on the antenna feedpoint impedance AND the feedline length. In antenna situations, look at your feedline length in terms of how many quarter wavelengths it is - if it is an even number it will repeat the antenna impedance, but if it is an odd number of 1/4 waves, it will transform a low impedance to a high impedance and vice-versa - if the length is somewhere in between, it will still act as an impedance transformer, but you will have to do a bit more involved calculation to determine the impedance presented to the KXAT1 output. 73, Don W3FPR - Original Message - Alan's Balun from WB6ZQZ will help low impedance antennas such as electrically short verticals, and is an easy build. Placed at the antenna base and hooked to coax with a BNC connector, it will reduce SWR on the coax feed, and ease the matching job of the KXAT1 at the rig end of the coax. Elecraft's balun has a step-up transformer to go to high-impedance antennas, but Alan's Balun has a tapped step-down transformer to match to a Pac-12 or MP-1. A plus is that once you find the right tap, you can use the Tenna Dipper and actually hope for something closer to 50R 0X. I built one and it was pretty fun. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Elecraft desk mic and stands...which to buy?
Hey kiddies, OK, here's me, not much of a phone op, but thinking that a mic might be a good thing to have (one matched for the K2, anyway) and the price seems to be right right about now on the Elecraft/Heil desk mic. Only one teeny tiny little problem...what combination of mic and stand should I get? The descriptions on the page aren't very, well, descriptive. Do I understand that the mic comes with a connector where you can wire up a foot switch if you so desire but also has a PTT button on it already? I'm not too worried about aesthetics, so if the standard round base, chrome base, etc. etc. are the same, likely as not I'll get the cheaper one...but round base or studio arm? Anyone care to give us some wisdom on this whole phone business anyway? -- Buddy Brannan, KB5ELV | Alena Grace's proud papa! Phone: (814) 455-7333 | Born: 04/06/2000 in Donetsk, Ukraine Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] | Adopted: 10/07/2004 in Mariupol, Ukraine http://buddy.brannan.name | ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] SSB low output
On Mon, 2004-22-11 at 20:56 -0500, Dale Boresz wrote: The first thing to note is that the Heil HC5 has been deliberately designed to require relatively close talking. Got that boom mic right up to my lips! :-) Additionally, the K2's compressor chip includes a noise gate, so a knee exists at the point where the action changes from noise gate to compressor. Below the knee, input from your microphone is actually attenuated (the assumption is that any low-level noise is probably undesirable background noise). Above the knee, it is amplified, although held below some maximum level. My normal speaking voice is probably lower, both in amplitude and pitch than lots of folks, so what ends up happening is the peaks continue to hit the 100watt level, and unless I shout, much of the rest of the level from the microphone ends up being below the knee and therefore attenuated. I've noticed that behaviour as well. As long as I keep the volume of my voice up, it seems ok, but if I speak normally it sometimes seems to cut out on lows. After much experimenting, including the building of a second KSB2, I ended up building the single transistor amplifier, the circuit diagram of which is available on the Elecraft website. This amp completely solved the problem. I now have plenty of audio, and have received quite a few compliments on the audio quality. So, my suggestion to you, is to take the time to build up that little preamp; you won't be disappointed. FB Dale, I was already planning on building it. Maybe now I'll build it sooner! :-) By the way, I now have two microphones with HC5 elements; one amplified, and the other 'stock'. I'd be happy to set up a sked if you'd like, so that you can hear the difference between the amplified, and non-amplified HC5 elements. A sked would be fine. I'm free afternoons, evenings, and weekends. Hope you don't mind me shouting at you... :-) -- 73, Brian VE7NGR ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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: **SPAM** Re: [Elecraft] SSB low output
Brian your K2 sounds pretty normal to me. I have had two late model K2's and have found the drive on SSB marginal on both of them. The resistor swap did not help me either. For somer reason you really have to talk em up and wattmeters do not show a very good indication of output. I checked mine on a scope and output was as rated (110) but the PEP Daiwa showed about 1/8 that. 73, Rich kdozv This mailbox protected from junk email by MailFrontier Desktop from MailFrontier, Inc. http://info.mailfrontier.com - Original Message - From: Brian Mury [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, November 22, 2004 11:20 PM Subject: **SPAM** Re: [Elecraft] SSB low output On Mon, 2004-22-11 at 20:56 -0500, Dale Boresz wrote: The first thing to note is that the Heil HC5 has been deliberately designed to require relatively close talking. Got that boom mic right up to my lips! :-) Additionally, the K2's compressor chip includes a noise gate, so a knee exists at the point where the action changes from noise gate to compressor. Below the knee, input from your microphone is actually attenuated (the assumption is that any low-level noise is probably undesirable background noise). Above the knee, it is amplified, although held below some maximum level. My normal speaking voice is probably lower, both in amplitude and pitch than lots of folks, so what ends up happening is the peaks continue to hit the 100watt level, and unless I shout, much of the rest of the level from the microphone ends up being below the knee and therefore attenuated. I've noticed that behaviour as well. As long as I keep the volume of my voice up, it seems ok, but if I speak normally it sometimes seems to cut out on lows. After much experimenting, including the building of a second KSB2, I ended up building the single transistor amplifier, the circuit diagram of which is available on the Elecraft website. This amp completely solved the problem. I now have plenty of audio, and have received quite a few compliments on the audio quality. So, my suggestion to you, is to take the time to build up that little preamp; you won't be disappointed. FB Dale, I was already planning on building it. Maybe now I'll build it sooner! :-) By the way, I now have two microphones with HC5 elements; one amplified, and the other 'stock'. I'd be happy to set up a sked if you'd like, so that you can hear the difference between the amplified, and non-amplified HC5 elements. A sked would be fine. I'm free afternoons, evenings, and weekends. Hope you don't mind me shouting at you... :-) -- 73, Brian VE7NGR ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KSB2 - 1.9 kHz mods and wish list
This last week, I made the KI6WX modifications to my filter for the 1.9 kHz passband. I don't know of anyone else who has done this mod, although plenty have made the 2.2 and 2.5 kHz changes, and the 2.2 design is now standard. I thought the list might want to read a report. Since my KSB2 had the original caps, it only required changing four caps to get the 1.9 filter. The change was pretty quick. The hardest part of this mod was desoldering the caps. I don't have a Hakko, so this was a pretty ugly process. Slapped the board back in an ran a quick CAL FIL using a spectrum analyser on my Mac. The LSB filter looked fine, the USB filter only needed to be knocked back one notch. This is a very minimal change. According to the figures published by KI6WX, the 1.9 filter is pretty much the same bandwidth as the original, but with slightly less bandpass ripple. I found this to be true. There's visibly less ripple, but it is certainly not flat. After the mod, I made a few contacts and got some audio reports. One fellow told me not to change anything -- it sounded good to him with my HC-4 mic element. I then ran the ARRL SS Phone contest and made 855 contacts. (About 835 of which were made on the K2/100!) Doing SS Phone reminded me of some of the K2's warts with SSB. The K2/100 is such a fantastic CW radio, it's shortcomings on SSB are annoying: 1) Filter. I'm surprised some third party hasn't come up with a monolithic filter for the K2. It really needs one. The existing filter is fine for casual use, but it could use much steeper skirts for contests. And a flatter passband wouldn't hurt either. It would also be very nice to have a choice of filter(s). The 1.9 filter is great in contests, but I'm sure the fidelity suffers a bit for ragchewing. 2) VOX Sensitivity. In contests, I have a one-message voice keyer that runs in-line with my mic. Sometimes, the K2 VOX sensitivity gets really wonky. While speaking, I'll trip it, but the voice keyer will not. The weird thing was I could hit the foot switch and then the voice keyer, and it would start transmitting, and then the VOX would work even if I let go of the foot switch while the message was still playing. But it wouldn't start transmitting without tapping the foot switch. This condition persisted for a long time, and only went away when I cycled the power on the K2. The worst part is, there's no way to crank up the VOX sensitivity. I replaced the R14 resistor with a 3.9k, and this helped a bit. 3) Mic Sensitivity. I haven't done the KI6WX gain mods to the KSB2, but I'm considering it. The HC-4 just barely drives the K2 to full output. Seems like a mic pre-amp is probably a good idea. 4) VOX Delay and Switch. I bought the firmware change with the 0.2 vox hold, but I end up using 0.4 anyway, because of the sensitivity problem. It would be nice to have an adjustable delay, so one could make the delay just short enough to match the cadence of one's voice without it being too long. One problem is that turning the VOX off and one takes multiple key holds. While I'm playing contests, my kids sometimes wander into the shack to ask me questions. Sometimes I don't hold one of the keys long enough and then end up transmitting accidentally. I think I could prefer a menu item to select the VOX delay, and just have the mode-hold toggle the VOX on and off. It certainly would be nice to see these features in an upgrade KSB2. Here's to hoping Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
