[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Report for January 3, 2005
I rushed to the radio for the second net after having a much too leisurely dinner. Four minutes late and the antenna needed tuning! The dual dipole was tuned now call QRL ? and get going. Nobody is using the frequency, good, we're are ready to rock and roll. CQ about ten times. Hmmm... how much power am I running? 100 watts not like when I started the 20 meter net at 20 watts :( Ok, am I really on the air? Call CQ and watch the power supply needles bounce. Tuner's needles are bouncing too. What's up here? OK, tune off frequency, tune up the trusty G5RV and see if the Left Coasters are awake. Call one CQ and there is Dick, honorary Left Coaster in CO. We chat, I mea culpa, he laughs and tells me he will hang around to QSP for me. I call a few more CQs on the G5RV and ask Dick to call. No luck for either of us. So I go back to the dual dipole 40/17 antenna and call. No luck. So I proceed to retune on the G5RV. Finally some luck: Dick with N9IV and I hear K5GUS. We work them and then I call again only to land a KX1 in AK. A bit of work but it was fun to hang out with Dick and see what would happen. Thank you Mr. W0NTA for the company on 40 meters. 20 meters was a bit more lively but no one East of the Ohio River except for Ric up in Ontario. He was just above the noise but wished the net a Happy New Year. On to the lists: On 14050 kHz: W0NTA - Dick - CO - K2 - 1787 K6DGW - Fred - CA - A QRO rig W0CZ - Ken - ND - K2 - 1031 Sorry Mychael. Last week I gave Ken your rig :( You can have it back now. VE3XL - Ric - ON - running 10 watts with his K1 on the bench. AB9V - Mike - IN - KX1 - 718 with a fine signal WB8JOL - Parker - OH - Hallicrafters to warm the aether and the shack ;) N6JW - John - CA - K2 - 3290 NM5U - David - NM - K2 - 3014Very fine signal into Oregon W0QQS - Bruce - MN - K2 - 3646 Making me homesick again. Enjoy God's country and Beloit. On 40 meters 7045 kHz: W0NTA - Dick - CO - K2 - 1787 Thanks for the help Dick! N9IV - Russ - IN - KX1 - 742 K5GUS - Dan - TX - K2 - 4426 KL7CW - Rick - AK - KX1 - 798 Nice clean signal when it came up out of the noise. Happy New Year to you all and thank you for dropping by. Warms this snowy day just a little. That and the strawberry, rhubarb, raspberry pie that awaited me afterward ;) Now it is back to work for both Pat and I and back to school for her too. But her MS is only a few months away. 73, Kevin. KD5ONS (Net Control Operator 5th Class) Happy 2005 to you all! -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.298 / Virus Database: 265.6.7 - Release Date: 12/30/2004 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KNB2 Performance
It has been my experience that the KNB2 is one of the least effective noise blankers that I've used on a current-production radio. At night, I have a high noise level produced by malfunctioning street lights (this has been true for the 10 years I've lived here), and the KNB2 is completely ineffective in blanking this noise while other radios such as my Ten-Tec Paragon II or Drake TR-7 eliminate it completely. As a result, I cannot use the K2 at night. In an effort to understand why this is the case, I've looked at the received noise with a spectrum analyzer. I found that, while the noise sounds continuous across the amateur band, it actually has large peaks and valleys, in some cases varying up to 20 dB across the band. Other noise sources, such as electric motor noise (which the KNB2 blanks well, depending upon the pulse repetition rate) are typically of nearly equal-amplitude across the bandwidth of the RX front end. About a year ago I spent a lot of time trying to improve the performance of the KNB2, but my attempts were in vain, as any improvement in blanking effectiveness caused a corresponding decrease in performance in some other respect. I finally gave up this effort, in my opinion the entire KNB2 needs to be re-designed in order to meet the expectations of those of us who really need it. While I understand that there are folks on the reflector that claim the KNB2 does an excellent job of blanking this or that specific interference type, in general I've found that such instances are relatively rare. I have seen the KNB2 work very well, there's no doubt in my mind that it can under the proper conditions. However, I agree with those on the reflector who see the NB performance as a major impairment to an otherwise excellent receiver. As someone suggested, even if a portion of an updated NB had a surface-mount aspect, that wouldn't be any different than what we had with the KDSP2, and in my opinion, it's much more important. Until a better design comes along for the NB, my K2 will continue to sit unused in the evening when the blanker is needed. Scott N7NB ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] K2 Alignment
Good Evening, I have aligned my K2 according to the builder's manual. So far I have a great working 80 and 40 meter K2. The other bands are puzzling me and after a few days searching and head scratching I'm out of ideas. Using an antenna and/or atmospheric noise for receiver alignment, I have what I consider to be very good reception on 80 and 40. On 17, 15, 12 and 10 meters the reception seems OK in some cases but band conditions are likely the cause of sporadic results for reception. I used the the K2 internal power meter and a 50 ohm dummy load for transmitter alignment. I have the following results. 80 meters14,4 watts 40 metres15.2 watts 30 meters.3 watts 20 meters.3 watts 17 meters 2.0 watts 15 meters 3.0 watts 12 meters 5.2 watts 10 meters 2.0 watts I have checked component values and placement along with checking the soldering once again. Any ideas to point me in the right direction? 73 Ed N0EHQ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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: Sell Elecraft K1
The K1 SN# 416 listed earlier today has been sold! 73, Don ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KPA 100 Power requirements
Steve AA4AK asked: Is the Astron RS-35 series adequate to power the 100 watt version of the transceiver? (I'm sure it supplies enough current. I was wondering if the ripple and regulation are adequate.) --- As you suspected, it's way overkill! I use an Astron 20 to power the K2/100 and some other gear in the shack at the same time. You will normally draw closer to 15 or 16 amps, total, at 100 watts out. It varies with the band. Ripple and regulator are fine. The K2/100 has a 20 amp quick-blow fuse in the power line. With the fuse, I'd question the need for a circuit breaker or other protection. I certainly don't use any. Elecraft supplies the cable and connectors and in-line fuse with the KPA100 module. It uses Anderson Power-Pole connectors - 30 amp size for plenty of reserve capacity. 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
Re: [Elecraft] KPA 100 Power requirements
On Sun, 2005-02-01 at 18:44 -0500, Stephen W. Kercel wrote: > Is the Astron RS-35 series adequate to power the 100 watt version of the > transceiver? (I'm sure it supplies enough current. I was wondering if the > ripple and regulation are adequate.) It is more than adequate. Ripple and regulation are fine. The Astron linear supplies are very good. I'm using an RS-20A with my K2/100, BTW. > Is a circuit breaker actually > necessary, or am I simply succumbing to the temptation to gild the lily? The KPA100 comes with a fuse holder and fuse that you install in the power line during construction. This should provide all the protection you need. I suppose you could use a circuit breaker instead, but I don't see any real advantage. > I am also thinking to install an EMI filter between the power supply and > the transceiver. Is this a good idea, or am > I attempting to solve a problem that does not arise in the K-2/KPA100. I wouldn't worry about it unless you suffer from noise that is getting in via the power cable. > What kind of power connector do I need to make up the high power DC > connection to the K-2? The KPA100 has a PowerPole connector on the back. The kit includes a power cable, a PowerPole connector to put on it, and the fuse holder and fuse I already mentioned. All you need to add is whatever you need to connect to your power supply. With the Astron, either just stick the bare wire ends under the nuts, or (better) use ring terminals. -- 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] KPA 100 Power requirements
I am considering the purchase of a K2 kit with the 100 watt amplifier. I have several questions about power requirements: Is the Astron RS-35 series adequate to power the 100 watt version of the transceiver? (I'm sure it supplies enough current. I was wondering if the ripple and regulation are adequate.) I would like to put a circuit breaker between the power supply and the transceiver. Does anyone have any recommendations as to current rating and operating speed? Preferably, is there a specific manufacturer and model that is considered best suited to the task? Is a circuit breaker actually necessary, or am I simply succumbing to the temptation to gild the lily? I am considering a Potter and Brumfield W31-X2M1G-25, but I wonder if it might be too slow. I am also thinking to install an EMI filter between the power supply and the transceiver. The one I have in mind is the Spectrum Control 54-848-005, rated at 50 amps and with an insertion loss of 30 dB at 3 MHz. (The down side is that the filter costs a bit over $100.) Is this a good idea, or am I attempting to solve a problem that does not arise in the K-2/KPA100. What kind of power connector do I need to make up the high power DC connection to the K-2? Thanks and 73, Steve Kercel AA4AK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Other strange KPA100 behavior
None of that phenomenon at my K2!!! All works perfect! S55M-Adi K2-Nr.3204 - Original Message - From: "Vic Rosenthal" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Elecraft Reflector" Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2005 11:08 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Other strange KPA100 behavior > I have another funny phenomenon related to the KPA100 and the DSP. I mentioned > it before, but no one commented. I would like someone to check and see if they > notice it too. Here it is: > > 1) The KPA100 must be activated (11 watts will do it, more power doesn't change it). > > 2) The DSP must be working (not in bypass mode), but the nr can be on or off and > the bandwidth doesn't seem to matter. > > There is a loud click when the receiver UNMUTES on 160 meters. Is is slightly > weaker on 80 meters, and faintly heard on 30 meters. It is not detectable on > all other bands. It's easy to hear if you lengthen the t-r delay. > > I can't imagine why you need both the DSP and the KPA100 to cause this! > > -- > 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 mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Other strange KPA100 behavior
I have another funny phenomenon related to the KPA100 and the DSP. I mentioned it before, but no one commented. I would like someone to check and see if they notice it too. Here it is: 1) The KPA100 must be activated (11 watts will do it, more power doesn't change it). 2) The DSP must be working (not in bypass mode), but the nr can be on or off and the bandwidth doesn't seem to matter. There is a loud click when the receiver UNMUTES on 160 meters. Is is slightly weaker on 80 meters, and faintly heard on 30 meters. It is not detectable on all other bands. It's easy to hear if you lengthen the t-r delay. I can't imagine why you need both the DSP and the KPA100 to cause this! -- 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] Question about KNB2 Noise Blanker
Partial repeat of Marinos Markomanolakis, M.D. 2 Jan/05 > For a receiver of the K2 caliber, I believe, it is worth every penny and > construction effort, even if it means incorporating a "pre-made" surface > mount module for the NB in order to improve on the NB area which seems to be > suboptimal. > For example an "expensive and/or difficult to build" but optimized NB module > will be FAR more desirable and effective feature in a real world Rx > performance improvement rather than a similar DSP module that is already > available from Elecraft. > > These are my $.02 opinion about the NB, which may be the only area that > needs some improvement in a radio that has no equal in the market today. And > can definitely make a difference for people wanting to have a K2 as their > only/main rig in a urban QTHas most of us live. > > 73, > Marinos, ki4gin Excellent Marinos. Thats what I wanted to say! I am using my K2 as my main rig due to it's excellent features except when I must switch due to city noise. I do, of course, have a variable gain preamp that I built for my 80/160 phased loops that in turn feeds my K2 so I have plenty of rf at the blanker input.and the scope confirms it. There is nothing wrong with the blanking pulse widths. This low level city hash is simply not triggering the blanking mv due to other blanker problems. With my old Kenwood TS-140S and other rigs I typically see a 3 S unit drop in a S4 city noise floor and the weak ones jump out of it. We 160m noise eaters would buy a good RF noise blanker even if the box was twice the size of the K2. Aloha, Bryce, kh6at > > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Birdy on 28020 with K2?
Tom Hammond wrote: For what it may be worth, if you have an older KPA100 (not sure what 'vintage' actually qualified it as 'older' though, mine's as old as the come... an FT unit from before they hit the streets), but there is a mod (available from me, and I think somewhere on the Elecraft web site) to help eliminate, or at lease significantly reduce spurs from the KPA100 HV oscillator. Once a couple components. I have the illustrations for the mod, but NOT spare parts. Hi Tom (and others), I also have this birdie. Mine is especially strong on 18.068 or so. I drove Jack Brindle nuts by claiming it was generated by the KRC2...actually, it is being RADIATED by the serial cable which in my case goes to the KRC2 and my computer. But it definitely goes away when I turn off the KPA100. I have installed the recent Elecraft KPA100 mod that delays the SWR power rollback to 2:1, and also includes a new 18.432 MHz crystal to replace the 16 MHz one. I thought this was done to reduce birdies, but apparently it doesn't reduce these. Tom, I would be interested in your mod to reduce KPA birdies. -- 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] Amateur Radio Covered Bridge Society (ARCBS): New Digital Award!
Hello all, I'm very pleased to announce the new ARCBS DIGI Award. If you operate any of the digital modes, check this award out at: http://www.arcbs.org/files/ARCBSadministration/ABSawards.html 72/73, Ed, WA3WSJ ARCBS # 1 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KNB2 (or any NB) performance
From sitting at my desk with 2 K2/100's and an IC-746 and an IC-706MKiiG in the truck . It seems that noise blankers in general . Work sometimes Don't work sometimes degrade signal quality sometimes don't degrade signal quality sometimes Coupled with (or without) a combination of pre-amps, attenuators, DSP noise reduction and / or the DSP filters .. You could even add one of those noise reduction boxes that use a sense antenna. You might get rid of the noise. Or you might not! The KNB2 works real well for a $40 noise blanker. How many would be willing to pay several hundred dollars for the noise blanker that I'd bet Wayne could have designed? But it's just like paddles, cars, wives and cold drinks . one size/type/model doesn't fit all. I could say "use what works", but that may not be politically correct in this case - so I didn't! 73HankK8DD John Huffman wrote: I'm in a noisy city environment. The KNB2 works 70% of the time. Without it I couldn't operate. I have found that messing with the pre-amp and attenuator sometimes gets it to work. Also, I can only remember a few times when high or low threshold made a difference and only once where NB1 vs. NB2 made a difference. The NB2 is adequate most of the time. I built my K2 to have one of the very best receivers available, regardless of price. For low power draw and portability, the K1 and KX1 fit the bill nicely. But, the prime draw of the K2 is it's top performance. It would be great if the NB2 could be brought to that standard. 73 de NA8M John -- */Hank Kohl K8DD [EMAIL PROTECTED] */ If God intended you to be on single sideband, he would have given you only one nostril. Steve, K2PTS (SK) 'Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level then beat you with experience.' -anon -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.298 / Virus Database: 265.6.7 - Release Date: 12/30/2004 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Birdy on 28020 with K2?
For what it may be worth, if you have an older KPA100 (not sure what 'vintage' actually qualified it as 'older' though, mine's as old as the come... an FT unit from before they hit the streets), but there is a mod (available from me, and I think somewhere on the Elecraft web site) to help eliminate, or at lease significantly reduce spurs from the KPA100 HV oscillator. Once a couple components. I have the illustrations for the mod, but NOT spare parts. Just ask. 73, TomN0SS At 02:50 PM 1/2/05, Tom Althoff wrote: Yes..its the HV osc...I can make a theramin out of the diode/capacitor strings. Sadly..there is no trimmer cap that I can tweak. But lowering the power to get the KPA-100 to drop out kills the birdy which is fine in a pinch if there is a new country ... Like the 5T5 that has been hanging out on 28020. 73 de Tom K2TA - Original Message - From: "Tom Hammond" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Tom Althoff" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Saturday, January 01, 2005 10:34 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Birdy on 28020 with K2? > Tom: > > >I'm getting a birdy near 28.020MHz with my K2/100. Is there anything > >that can be done to eliminate this or move it a few kHz? > > Does it go away if the KPA100 is not powered up (e.g. DC removed)? Might be > the HV osc (PIN diode blocking voltage osc.) in the KPA. > > If so, it can probably be MOVED elsewhere... maybe significantly reduced as > well. > > 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] Birdy on 28020 with K2?
Yes..its the HV osc...I can make a theramin out of the diode/capacitor strings. Sadly..there is no trimmer cap that I can tweak. But lowering the power to get the KPA-100 to drop out kills the birdy which is fine in a pinch if there is a new country ... Like the 5T5 that has been hanging out on 28020. 73 de Tom K2TA - Original Message - From: "Tom Hammond" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Tom Althoff" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Saturday, January 01, 2005 10:34 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Birdy on 28020 with K2? > Tom: > > >I'm getting a birdy near 28.020MHz with my K2/100. Is there anything > >that can be done to eliminate this or move it a few kHz? > > Does it go away if the KPA100 is not powered up (e.g. DC removed)? Might be > the HV osc (PIN diode blocking voltage osc.) in the KPA. > > If so, it can probably be MOVED elsewhere... maybe significantly reduced as > well. > > 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
Re: [Elecraft] Trouble with Alignment and Test, Part II
Mike, Try this - first go the 4000 kHz and adjust L30 until the voltage raises to somewhere between 7 and 7.4 volts. Then see what the voltage is when tuned to 7000 kHz - expect something around 2 volts. If your voltage at 7MHz is still 0.03 volts - you have a problem. Look at the schematic for the RF board (Appendix B) sheet 1 of 4, and identify all the components associated with the VFO Range Selection area (top of the page center below the PLL Synthesizer). Check all those components for proper values place into the correct holes, and proper soldering - including the relay terminals (those are easy to miss if not soldered). Check for excess solder or an unclipped lead that might cause a short only when one of the relays is in the set position. You are getting a proper range of variation when tuning from one end of the band to another, so the basic PLL/VCO is working, your problem is limited to having the frequency correct, and that is associated with relays K13, K14 and K15 plus the capacitors that are connected to these relay points. 73, Don W3FPR - Original Message - I ran into a little snag here and if anyone could help, I'd appreciate it. I have ser# 4619, just started the Alignment and Test, Part II. I In the VCO Alignment steps, I obtained the following results (Table 6-1. VCO Voltage Readings): BandLow Freq.VoltageHigh Freq.Voltage 80m 3500 2.04000 6.0 40m 7000.03 7300.03 30m1.03 10150.03 20m14000 2.3 15000 3.89 17m18000 2.99 18200 3.18 15m21000.03 21450.03 12m24800 3.84 25000 4.21 10m28000 3.16 28800 3.97 As you can see, the readings for 40m, 30m and 15m were not within range (1.5v - 7.5v). I checked all components (L30, D21-D26, and C71-C74 and the correct values were installed). T5 has the correct number of turns. I tried adjusting L30, per the instructions to move all the readings upwards, but adjusting L30 had no effect on the voltage reading for the affected bands. Just to repeat that, I adjusted L30 while watching the voltage readings, and it did not change the readings on the 3 affected bands. It did change the readings on all the other bands. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KNB2 performance
I'm in a noisy city environment. The KNB2 works 70% of the time. Without it I couldn't operate. I have found that messing with the pre-amp and attenuator sometimes gets it to work. Also, I can only remember a few times when high or low threshold made a difference and only once where NB1 vs. NB2 made a difference. The NB2 is adequate most of the time. I built my K2 to have one of the very best receivers available, regardless of price. For low power draw and portability, the K1 and KX1 fit the bill nicely. But, the prime draw of the K2 is it's top performance. It would be great if the NB2 could be brought to that standard. 73 de NA8M John ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Trouble with Alignment and Test, Part II - - - MORE INFO
It says to linearize with the rig on 40 meters. What it doesn't say is that 40 meters needs to be working. As your VCO voltage reading on 40 meters is broke, so will be the linearization. You've got to get the VCO working first, I imagine. Dan / WG4S / K2 #2456 BandLow Freq.VoltageHigh Freq.Voltage 80m 3500 2.04000 6.0 40m 7000.03 7300.03 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KNB2 performance
In general less than stellar performance of the KNB2 circuit in some cases depends on the type of pulse noise that someone tries to eliminate and not to dysfunction of the board itself. It is true that the KNB2 tends to be "picky" on the type of noise that it is most effective against, but for 90% of the time at least in my current QTH, it does not compare favorably to the NB in other rigs. As for an objective test for the "ideal" NB, someone can easily have it by operating a TS830 (in good alignment status) side by side with his/her K2. We still love our K2s in fact we love them enough that we like them to have the best possible (analog) performance. This rig has been designed and built with the serious Rx performance in mind from the start, and certainly several weak points have been "ironed away" since its introduction, so there is absolutely no reason why the NB area should be an exception. Marinos, ki4gin ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Trouble with Alignment and Test, Part II - - - MORE INFO
Vic, thanks for the reply. Just rechecked it and that's not the cause. It was in TP1, per the instructions. - Original Message - From: "Vic Rosenthal" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Mike" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: "Elecraft" Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2005 1:41 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Trouble with Alignment and Test, Part II - - - MORE INFO > Mike wrote: > > > Info 232. The troubleshooting section says that the message "...is most > > likely to be displayed if you use CAL PLL without first selecing 40 meters." > > I am, of course, selecting 40 meters. So it looks like it is not recognizing > > the fact that 40 meters is selected. > > Another common cause of this is not having the probe in the correct test point. > > -- > 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] Sell: Elecraft K1
FOR SALE: Elecraft 2 band K1, SN# 416 It comes with 1 filter board only! Your choice of either the 80 / 40 meter filter board or the 40 / 20 meter filter board. This is a very clean and well built K1 that works great! It has the high qualit y Bournes 10 turn main tuning pot install instead of the lower cost plastic tuning pot supplied with the kit. This K1 works and looks equally as well as my other K1. $250.00 shipped stateside only. Also for sale the optional KTS1 Tilt Stand for the K1. $25 if purchased with the K1 or $30 shipped if purchased separately. WA9TGT / Donnie Garrett / Muncie, IN ARCI #6447, ARS #1717, AmQRP, ECI-QRP #001 K2 #3186, K1 #1806, SW-30+, DSW II - 40 LDG Z-11 Auto Tuner, 102' CF Zepp Visit the "ECI-QRP" web site at: http://qrp.ke9v.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] Trouble with Alignment and Test, Part II - - - MORE INFO
Mike wrote: Info 232. The troubleshooting section says that the message "...is most likely to be displayed if you use CAL PLL without first selecing 40 meters." I am, of course, selecting 40 meters. So it looks like it is not recognizing the fact that 40 meters is selected. Another common cause of this is not having the probe in the correct test point. -- 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] 10m Birdie
-Original Message From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- I've wanted to eliminate this for some time since there a lot of cw activity between 28025 and 28025. My KPA100 is installed on the K2. The birdie produces about 1 s unit bar with the pre-amp on. Based on Sverre comments, how do I eliminate the birdie? Is it merely the freq of the 18 MHz oscillator. -- One solution is to shift the 18432 oscillator on the KPA100 to a frequency above the 10m band. The oscillator is only used in a DC-DC converter for producing a voltage for biasing the T/R-switch diodes and the RS232 interface, so the frequency is not critical at all. The only limitation is that the 2N3904 - FT37-61 oscillator may get into trouble as frequency increases. I have a half-built KPA100 so I cannot yet listen for birdies, but I made some tests with two crystals from my junk box: 1. 38.45 MHz: oscillates, but only produces 42 Volts instead of 130 Volts bias voltage 2. 40.00 MHz: oscillates at 1/3 frequency. So it seems as if the oscillator circuit oscillates with less efficiency, perhaps a transistor with a higher fT is required? 73 Sverre LA3ZA http://www.qsl.net/la3za/ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Trouble with Alignment and Test, Part II - - - MORE INFO
I decided to continuity with the alignment and testing, per the instructions. The BFO test and alignment went fine. But the next step - VFO Linearization, produced the following INFO message when I started the procedure: Info 232. The troubleshooting section says that the message "...is most likely to be displayed if you use CAL PLL without first selecing 40 meters." I am, of course, selecting 40 meters. So it looks like it is not recognizing the fact that 40 meters is selected. I have been going over the RF board, looking for soldering problems, but have found none. What is there that has 40m, 30m and 15m in common - that all would produce bad readings on the VCO Alignment? I have included my original post below. Again, thanks if you can help me. Mike, NJ2OM I ran into a little snag here and if anyone could help, I'd appreciate it. I have ser# 4619, just started the Alignment and Test, Part II. I In the VCO Alignment steps, I obtained the following results (Table 6-1. VCO Voltage Readings): BandLow Freq.VoltageHigh Freq.Voltage 80m 3500 2.04000 6.0 40m 7000.03 7300.03 30m1.03 10150.03 20m14000 2.3 15000 3.89 17m18000 2.99 18200 3.18 15m21000.03 21450.03 12m24800 3.84 25000 4.21 10m28000 3.16 28800 3.97 As you can see, the readings for 40m, 30m and 15m were not within range (1.5v - 7.5v). I checked all components (L30, D21-D26, and C71-C74 and the correct values were installed). T5 has the correct number of turns. I tried adjusting L30, per the instructions to move all the readings upwards, but adjusting L30 had no effect on the voltage reading for the affected bands. Just to repeat that, I adjusted L30 while watching the voltage readings, and it did not change the readings on the 3 affected bands. It did change the readings on all the other bands. If anyone can help, many thanks! Mike, NJ2OM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Question about KNB2 Noise Blanker
Hi Thom. Not to prolong the agony (I think that Wayne has already put this on the "list" - hope it moves up to a high priority), but I have the same problem as you do and for general "power-line" noise, my KNB2 is useless - however, there is a certain "pop, popping, frying" noise that is S9+30 on 80 meters that it eliminates completely!! Too bad I don't operate 80! I'd be glad to beta test something if anyone's got some mods (yes, I already tried changing the "NB2" capacitor a number of times all to no avail). Now before anyone gets too terribly defensive, I've already rated my K2 as way above my Pro II and the Mark V - but simply put, the noise blanker could use some technical attention. 73 es Happy New Year --Don N4HH K2/100/#2028/KPA100, etc. etc. - Original Message - From: "Thom R. Lacosta" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Marinos Markomanolakis, M.D." <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2005 12:05 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Question about KNB2 Noise Blanker > On Sun, 2 Jan 2005, Marinos Markomanolakis, M.D. wrote: > Couldn't agree more...I live in a very old part of the city here...surrounded by > industrial users of power, a leaking power grid and a utility that doesn't care. -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.298 / Virus Database: 265.6.7 - Release Date: 12/30/04 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Question about KNB2 Noise Blanker
On Sun, 2 Jan 2005, Marinos Markomanolakis, M.D. wrote: For example an "expensive and/or difficult to build" but optimized NB module will be FAR more desirable and effective feature in a real world Rx performance improvement rather than a similar DSP module that is already available from Elecraft. These are my $.02 opinion about the NB, which may be the only area that needs some improvement in a radio that has no equal in the market today. And can definitely make a difference for people wanting to have a K2 as their only/main rig in a urban QTHas most of us live. Couldn't agree more...I live in a very old part of the city here...surrounded by industrial users of power, a leaking power grid and a utility that doesn't care. Since I've gotten back on the air the K2 sits on the desk, glaring at me because it's virtually useless with S9+ QRN. If I'm lucky, I can operate between 2 AM and 6 AM, as long as I turn off the oil burner since it too acts like an arc gap. Thom www.baltimorehon.com/Home of the Baltimore Lexicon 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] Re: (Elecraft) Revisiting audio after absence from the reflector
Tim, My I suggest you look at the main Elecraft website www.elecraft.com and go to the Tech Note Articles and then see the article by Dave White VE6DRW re: "SP2 Companion External Speaker for the Elecraft K2". Download Dave's article and seriously consider duplicating his external speaker. As one of the Product reviewers I can highly recommend this speaker/amplifier. Although I have not yet duplicated this speaker it is definetly going to be one of my future projects. I have a hearing impairment and this speaker works wonders for me. Currently I am using a Motorola unamplified extension speaker. It's better than the 3 incher in the K2 but not ideal. I do not have a problem with the sound volume however, I find the K2 produces plenty of volume for my needs. 73, Bob VE3XM K2 S/N 02676 K2/100 S/N 04031 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KAF2
Looking for a KAF2 for my K2 - any out there? Mike ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KAP100 Problem
I just put up an 1/2 wave antenna for 160 meters that is 260 feet long and center fed with 450 ladder line. When RXing on all bands and moving the PWR contorl to 11 watts or more so the relay in the PA switches over to high, I get erratic noise in the receiver. If I back the PWR down to QRP, then RX is OK again. I am almost sure that this noise is rectified AM signals within the TR switch. Not sure if this can be expected with this switching method or if I have a component that's bad. Most of my antennas are Loops or match and fed with coax, and don't display this condition. Several years ago I had a Ten Tec transceiver the experinced the sam problem, I resolved by building a high pass fillter and installing it in the receive line and the problem went away. Not sure there is room for this in the K2. Any ideas? Kurt K0ARO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] WTB: K2 Top Cover with KAT2, KBT2
Looking to buy a spare K2 top cover with speaker, atu, and battery option for a K2/100. Other options might be considered also. Let me know what you have to offer. Please contact me off the reflector. 73's, John, WA6YSY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] 10m Birdie
"In order to get a match at 28019 kHz as has been reported, the KPA100 oscillator has to be shifted to 18434.1 " Hi also have the 28029 birdie. I've also got the much stronger 28262 birdie. I've wanted to eliminate this for some time since there a lot of cw activity between 28025 and 28025. My KPA100 is installed on the K2. The birdie produces about 1 s unit bar with the pre-amp on. Based on Sverre comments, how do I eliminate the birdie? Is it merely the freq of the 18 MHz oscillator. Frank, W4FMS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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) Birdy on 28.020 with K2 ?
My K2/100 S/N 04031 has the birdy at 27.997 and so does my K2 S/N 2676. Both transceivers are completely up to date with all current mods installed. I do not see a problem with this and suspect it is just a harmonic of the 4.000 hZ. oscillator. 73, Happy New Year , Bob VE3XM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Trouble with Alignment and Test, Part II
I ran into a little snag here and if anyone could help, I'd appreciate it. I have ser# 4619, just started the Alignment and Test, Part II. I In the VCO Alignment steps, I obtained the following results (Table 6-1. VCO Voltage Readings): BandLow Freq.VoltageHigh Freq.Voltage 80m 3500 2.04000 6.0 40m 7000.03 7300.03 30m1.03 10150.03 20m14000 2.3 15000 3.89 17m18000 2.99 18200 3.18 15m21000.03 21450.03 12m24800 3.84 25000 4.21 10m28000 3.16 28800 3.97 As you can see, the readings for 40m, 30m and 15m were not within range (1.5v - 7.5v). I checked all components (L30, D21-D26, and C71-C74 and the correct values were installed). T5 has the correct number of turns. I tried adjusting L30, per the instructions to move all the readings upwards, but adjusting L30 had no effect on the voltage reading for the affected bands. Just to repeat that, I adjusted L30 while watching the voltage readings, and it did not change the readings on the 3 affected bands. It did change the readings on all the other bands. If anyone can help, many thanks! Mike, NJ2OM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Question about KNB2 Noise Blanker
I do have to agree with the comments for the NB in the K2. I do have power line noise in my QTH which seems to be unaffected by the K2NB, especially when it falls below an S9 level, which sometimes can be the limiting factor in completing a QSO. The majority of the time I have to engage the Preamp in order for the K2NB to start detecting the pulses, and at that level of Rx gain, the receiver may become overloaded by nearby strong signals if present. From all other rigs that have come here at different times, only the NB in a TT Corsair 560 used to behave in a similar way. In order of NB function, the best rigs I have tried so far are TS830, 930 and Drake TR7. For a receiver of the K2 caliber, I believe, it is worth every penny and construction effort, even if it means incorporating a "pre-made" surface mount module for the NB in order to improve on the NB area which seems to be suboptimal. For example an "expensive and/or difficult to build" but optimized NB module will be FAR more desirable and effective feature in a real world Rx performance improvement rather than a similar DSP module that is already available from Elecraft. These are my $.02 opinion about the NB, which may be the only area that needs some improvement in a radio that has no equal in the market today. And can definitely make a difference for people wanting to have a K2 as their only/main rig in a urban QTHas most of us live. 73, Marinos, ki4gin ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KNB2 and 10M Birdy
G'day, 1.Both birdies in #1400 are at the LF band edge of 10M one is from the K2 MCU clock the other is from the KPA100 processor clock. The latter can be put where you wish depending upon your priorities, no birdie at the top end of 75M or no birdie at the bottom end of 10M, take your pick. See KPA100 receiver tests, last point. 2.No birdie at 28020 3.KNB2 on #1400 works very well in my environment. Pulse noises from electric fences vanish. Broadband pulse junk from a faulty sodium vapour street lamp that is S9 on 160M vanishes. Not quite so good with the same source on 30M. I've no complaints. With apologies I will copy the following post from October 2000: Thought I'd add my two (binary) bits worth to the NB discussion: I find that my NB is very effective on an annoying popping sound (mostly on 80M) that I suspect is caused by an electric fence in the area. NB1 reduces it considerably and NB2 removes it completely. I get similar results for certain types of static crashes: NB1 is somewhat effective and NB2 is very effective. However, neither seems to be too effective against electrical noise from drill motors, etc. Back in August a couple of folks posted notes that they had increased C12 on the NB board by a factor of 10 to 20 (thus increasing the blanking gate width to around 1-2 milliseconds) and got much better blanking of electrical noise. So I decided to give that a try. Increasing C12 to 0.1uF definitely resulted in better attenuation (with NB2 selected) of some types of electrical and atmospheric noise. However, it resulted in a rather raspy sounding CW signals. Backing off to 0.047uF worked just about as well on noise and did not produce any noticeable effects on signals. As a result, I have made the following mod to my NB board: 1. Changed C11 from 0.001uF to 0.0068uF (using the original C12 cap) to give an NB1 blanking pulse width of 65-70 us (instead of 10 us). 2. Changed C12 from 0.0068uF to 0.047uF to give an NB2 blanking pulse width of around 500 us (instead of 70 us). Seems to be a good overall compromise for the types of noise that I hear. Your results may vary. 72/73, Larry W1HUE/7 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
Re: [Elecraft] Revisting audio after absence from the reflector
Tim, I am one of the folks who have said the K2 audio is low - BUT The fact is that one of the K2 design objectives was for low battery drain, and that dictates limits on the audio reserve power available. The K2 audio is adequate, but by comparison to most other transceivers, it is low. An external audio amplifier is a good solution, particularly if you are operating in a high ambient noise environment or want to operate (say) at Field Day with the speaker (non-battery class of course). I use Tom Hammond's amplifier with a 9 ohm speaker here and it has LOTS of output, even though its full power output will only be realized with a 4 ohm speaker. As for the differences between your 2 K2s, I can recommend that you check 2 things - first is the winding of T7. The old turns ratio was 11:3 while the new ratio is 20:5. This sets the impedance that the variable xtal filter sees and could be even be optimized for you particular set of xtals if you want to experiment. The second thing that will make a difference between different K2s is the AGC level. The AGC and the RF gain both feed the AGC input of the IF amp chip, so that level is crutial to the overall gain of the K2 receiver. In working on several K2s, I have noticed sthat there appears to be a slight difference between receivers that is quite sensitive to the AGC voltage. The 3.8 volt setting mentioned in the manual is not graven in stone, so feel free to change the AGC threshold to match the perfomance that you want - I usually find that somewhere in the range of 3.6 volts to 3.8 volts is the optimum setting. 73, Don W3FPR - Original Message - *Hi folks - In anticipation of beginning my next K2 I have been reviewing the archives for the many, many posts on audio - so please forgive one more! I've built two K2's and owned 3. The one I am building now will be my 3rd. The only thought I've ever had as a "negative" about K2's is the audio volume. At one point two of mine seemed to have different relative volumes - even though Gary checked out the lower volume one and said it was A-OK. SO...in building another one I would like to ask three questions for those of you WAY more informed than this dim bulb :-) 1 - During my build, can you suggest particular building stages and components where I should go beyond the normal voltage/continuity checks from the manual to make ADDITIONAL measurements to make 120% sure I have not inadvertantly "built in" anything that might contribute to a lower than standard volume? 2 - Have there been or are there any suggested component substitutions that might increase overall audio? If so, what are the tradeoffs for this experimentation? 3 - I note with interest Tom Hammond's circuit for an external amplified Motorola speaker (see http://N0SS.net) - has anyone adopted and used this particular setup and what do you think? Does the amplification have any negative impacts (distortion, increased noise, etc)? If I missed archived responses that previously addressed these questions, I apologize in advance!!! Thanks folks! 73/Tim NZ7C ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KAF2 FS
I have an Elecraft KAF2, fully built, FS, $35 postpaid to US. Works FB- replaced it with KDSP2. Please contact off reflector. Dennis NB1B ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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: Revisting audio after absence from the reflector
Hi Tim: You might investigate the external SP2 speaker project listed on the Elecraft website (Tech Notes Articles hyperlink). Tom Hammond (among many others) worked on this project to build a prototype external speaker enclosed in an EC-2. It contains a small amplifier, mute circuit, and audio contour network. It completely eliminates the low audio problem that a few have experienced with the K2 while providing a better frequency response. The article is designed for the advanced builder who doesn't mind some fabrication to duplicate the project. Regards Dave VE6DRW ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Revisting audio after absence from the reflector
Hi Tim, I brought up this question a few months ago. On say 40 meters with a narrow filter setting I noticed I needed the preamp on to hear very weak signals. Of course using the preamp on 40 meters made the signal harder to hear so it was a catch 22. I read all about squeezing a little more audio out of the rig, but it seemed that the K2's audio was already optimized. Then by chance I took off my old Heil Pro headset, and put on my cheap RS Novus 71 headphones and I found that I had too much volume! I took the preamp out on 40 meters and could hear the Fox perfectly. By comparing the headphones side by side, in this case, the Heil set seemed to have an audio notch at about 600 Hz. I could hear the static around it but not the zero beated signal. Raising the volume just increased the static. So now I have plenty of volume by just switching headphones. And its at like 9 o'clock now instead of max. Now in retrospect, I would think unless one is partially deaf you would never need more volume than the K2 can give. So try some other headphones first. Maybe the impedance match is not good enough. My second resort would be an external audio amp box with two outputs so two people could listen at the same time. 72.5, Steve Pituch, W2MY -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.296 / Virus Database: 265.6.7 - Release Date: 12/30/2004 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] WB3AAL Appalachian Trail 1 Jan 05
Hello, My two hikes and operations in the past week were very enjoyable. Who would have thought we would have 50'F temperatures in January and no snow. I will never get to use my snow shoes. :-) 29 Dec. 2004 Operation Ed, WA3WSJ and myself, WB3AAL, hiked in the mile to the pond area near the Fort-Deitrich Snyder monument. Unfortunately this day was not so warm, maybe in the 40's. Ed did not bring his dog Trevor because of the hike and then sitting around in the cold. Ed is in progress of purchasing a coat for Trevor, maybe it should be made out of Gore-Tex to keep him dry. Anyway we had to watch where we were hiking due to the trail had ice on the path. When we arrived at the locations we started to setup our stations. Ed stayed up on the hill above me near the tree line and I setup on the edge of the pond. We both found the ground frozen solid. Ed used rocks to support his VBWFPA antenna and I had a metal steak that I drove into the frozen ground. Ed made a few QSO's on 20 meters towards the mid-west and the last one was with myself. I was on 40 meters and I made the following QSO's. QSO # 397 KW3U Jim in PA QSO # 398 W2JSF Bob in NJ QSO # 399 K8CV Walt in MI QSO # 400 W3EEK Carl in PA QSO # 401 WA3WSJ Ed in PA on the AT By this time the wind was blowing and my fingers were becoming very cold. I had gloves but I never put them on. :-o We did meet one day hikers with his dog. This guy was loaded up with cameras. He asked if we have seen any wild life, I said no. But he has seen and took pictures of herds of deer, Coyote's and Bobcats at the pond through out the year. Hum, I will have to keep a better watch next times. 1 Jan 2005 Operation I hiked in and found a major change in the trail from the other day. Now the temp was already 45'F at 15:30 UTC and the path was muddy that I was sinking into while hiking. I setup my station at the same location again and this time I could drive my antenna support into the muddy ground. I was on the air and calling CQ on 20 meters by 15:55 UTC. I made the following QSO's with my Small Wonder SW-20+ rig and 3 watts into the VBWFPA antenna. Oh, Ed WA3WSJ produces this antenna and it could be found at www.wa3wsj.com . I made the following QSO's on 20 m. QSO # 402 KS4L Randy in AL QSO # 403 K9EW Ed in IL QSO # 404 N0TK Dan in CO QSO # 405 N0UR Jim in MN I switched to 30 meters and called CQ for a while with no response. I went to 40 meters to find it packed full of signals. After finding a semi-clear spot I called CQ with my K1 now at 5 watts. I made the following QSO's on 40 m. QSO # 406 N3IW Chip in PA QSO # 407 N3AO Carter in VA QSO # 408 W2GIW Ken in NJ I did have one contact with K3ESE but I never heard him come back to me. The bands were up and down. I found if you chatted for more than 15 minutes, you lost the station due to QSB in the QRM and QRN. Anyway I just wanted to say thanks to all the station that I worked and the ones that tried to work me. I will continue to go out on the Appalachian Trail (AT) for months to come. So far I have been out on the AT once a month since March 2000. I am hoping that March 2005 has another warm day so I can sit for a few hours and make a lot of QSO's. Hopefully by them I will have a logging program that will work on my Palm PDA that gives me the "Worked Before" information like the JR-EQF logging program. Now I am going to spend my last day of vacation making the upgrade to my K1's four band board. Hope everyone's 2005 is joyous and prosperous. 72 and Thanks, Ron Polityka WB3AAL www.wb3aal.com www.n3epa.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] [For Sale] KAT2 + KBT2 + K2 cover with speaker
NOTE: The cover and accessories have been sold. - Original Message - From: "Tom Althoff" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Elecraft" Sent: Friday, December 31, 2004 4:54 AM Subject: [Elecraft] [For Sale] KAT2 + KBT2 + K2 cover with speaker I've decided to leave my K2 as a K2/100 and order a KAT100-1 to set it on. So if anyone is thinking about adding the KAT2 or KBT2 to their K2 I am selling my old cover. It has the KAT2 auto-tuner and the KBT2 internal battery option installed. The KBT2 is less than 3 months old. I'm asking $150 plus shipping. PayPal accepted. 73 de Tom K2TA K2/100 #1117 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Question about KNB2 Noise Blanker
That's been my experience here too. Both the Orion and the KNB2 kill the noise from my furnace as it zaps on but only the K2 was effective on the HF noise generated by our microwave oven when it is on. - Original Message - From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2005 1:12 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Question about KNB2 Noise Blanker > For what it's worth, with just one button press, my KNB2 will blank out > some pretty ugly pulse noise where I live that the blanker in my Ten-Tec > Orion only barely touches. Not bad for one dinky little board, in my > opinion. > > 73 all, > > Bob WA4FOM > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KNB2 Noise Blanker comments from N6KR
On Sat, 1 Jan 2005 17:51:33 -0800, wayne burdick wrote: > And now a word from the designer ;) -- > I'm not sure when we'll be able to update the KNB2 design, but in the > meantime, I'll be happy to answer questions for anyone who wants to try > their hand at it. As must be obvious by now, we've worked hard to > integrate promising modifications in a timely fashion. > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > >> A very comprehensive and interesting reply. >> Many thanks Wayne. >> 73 >> Stewart G3RXQ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 KNB Performance
All, I do not have another radio that I can use to assess KNB2 Performance. I seem to recollect that someone reported poor KNB2 performance due to a defective/zapped component. So maybe there are other reasons for inconsistent assessments. Is there any form of objective test that we can set up to assess KNB2 performance across a number of K2s to help determine if there are common (or unique) factors at work? Mike VK1KCK K2 #2599 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
