[Elecraft] Logs Needed for SOC Marathon Sprint
Participation was much better than usual. Even if you only made one or two QSO's, send me your log and summary sheet. If you don't want to take the time to prepare a summary sheet, I can calculate your score. In spite of a total blackout in the afternoon, many members and non-members are in the W0SOC log. -- 73, Bob Patten, N4BPPlantation, FL E-Mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Website: http://www.qsl.net/n4bp QRP ARCI #3412SOC #1ARS #799SMIRK #6625 FISTS #7871 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] An Interesting Article for Amateur Radio Hikers
In a message dated 9/12/05 12:24:14 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: my K2 used the aux i/o computer link to order a family-sized triple pepperoni pizza in the middle of the sweepstakes. Make that anchovy pizza and I'm in! LesseeKPO2? (PO for Pizza Ordering) 73 de Jim, N2EY kudos to Rod Newkirk, W9BRD, and Grommethead Schultz ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] K1 Backlight Kit
Thanks, Tom (N0SS) Wayne (N6KR) for the backlight upgrade for my K1. Now, the rig is complete! While the kit and instructions are first rate, this upgrade is not for the faint of heart. Although I was careful not to use any more heat than necessary in removing the cut pins from the old LCD, I did have one PCB trace lift up. To restore the path, I fabricated a jumper from a piece of the thin enamelled wire left over from the K1 kit. I'd suggest forgetting about desoldering braid and solder suckers to clear solder from the PC board. With the help of the XYL, we were easily able to clear the holes using a toothpick (just push and twist). I think the toothpick helps to carry away some of heat, too, protecting the PC board traces. Well done, Tom Wayne. 73, Jim KM5M - Nunquam Secundum ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] K1 Backlight!!!!
Tom and the rest of the gang, Gene N0MQ and I got together yesterday evening to give each other moral support for the backlight mods. The modification went well and like other have said, makes the K1 perfect!! Tom did a masterful job on the manual, very professional. The mistake on the backlight--Gene and could have made both ours work without trimming, however, we did go ahead and trim to 1.25 inches. Thanks Tom for a great mod for the K1. cu es 72, Bart W0IIT K1 #907 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.10.21/96 - Release Date: 9/10/05 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Tom, N0SS: beyond backlights
Tom was quite the gentleman to admit a trimming error on the K1 backlight diffusers. But the back story is that Tom volunteered to cut these for us at no charge, AND wrote those great instructions for us, AND worked with us to refine the installation -- all on his own time. Throughout our brief history as a company, Tom has helped us bring up new designs by doing extensive testing of prototypes. He is also the first reviewer for nearly every manual we write. He's got a great eye for detail, and always has the interest of kit builders in mind. This is just a sample of Tom's generosity; he also volunteers his time at trade shows and helps builders with alignment and troubleshooting. We should probably open a store in Lohman, Missouri and make it official. For all this, Tom's reward is being beta tester #1 on most kits, as well as an open invitation to Elecraft's annual Christmas party, which he and Jerri usually make it to. We couldn't ask for a better deal ;) So let's all accept Tom's apology with a wink and a hearty pat on the back. 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 Backlight Kit
Jim wrote: While the kit and instructions are first rate, this upgrade is not for the faint of heart. Although I was careful not to use any more heat than necessary in removing the cut pins from the old LCD, I did have one PCB trace lift up. It would appear to be somewhat taxing, just looking at the effort required to remove the old LCD. I'd like to review the instructions for this mod, but I can't find the instruction sheet for this upgrade on the Elecraft site. Since I use my K1 as a battery-powered portable rig 95 percent of the time, my major concern would be the increase in steady-state receiver current consumption of 10 to 20 percent for display illumination that can't be turned off without using some ersatz technique. Maybe it's time for a K1A, with menu controllable LCD illumination AND a display that shows the whole frequency at once and not just the last three digits. I realize that, due to exhausted I/O capability in the current K1 MPU system, these suggested features would *not* be trivial to implement, and that they would require complete replacement of the re-designed front panel board to backfit to older K1s. I'd be willing to pay for one of those. Realistically, I don't expect to see any further development of the K1 product line. I suspect that KX1 kit production costs are significantly below those of a K1 kit. Mike / KK5F ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Tom, N0SS: beyond backlights
AMEN!! -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.10.21/96 - Release Date: 9/10/05 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] #5095 alive ;160m CAL PLL question
Hello all, First of all: My K2 is alive :-) Second: I installed the K160RX as the 'finishing touch' and went through the instructions in the manual. When trying to Calibrate the PLL for 160m my K2 said Info 232, which means I have to tune to 40m before Cal PLL. In the manual I see nothing about tuning to 7MHz. Do I have to Cal PLL on 40m? will it 'see' that there is also a 160m kit installed? Or is this because I have made a mistake?? Tnx in advance, Sjoerd PE2SVN K2 #5095 (it looks brand new:-)) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] #5095 alive ;160m CAL PLL question
Sjoerd, Check the errata sheet with the K160RX. We used to do CAL PLL on each band, but with Rev 2 firmware and above, CAL PLL is done only on 40 meters. There is no need to run CAL PLL when installing the K160RX. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- First of all: My K2 is alive :-) Second: I installed the K160RX as the 'finishing touch' and went through the instructions in the manual. When trying to Calibrate the PLL for 160m my K2 said Info 232, which means I have to tune to 40m before Cal PLL. In the manual I see nothing about tuning to 7MHz. Do I have to Cal PLL on 40m? will it 'see' that there is also a 160m kit installed? Or is this because I have made a mistake?? Tnx in advance, Sjoerd PE2SVN K2 #5095 (it looks brand new:-)) -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.10.21/96 - Release Date: 9/10/2005 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 Initial Power On Test Failure
During my initial power on of the K2, the EEPROM fails to execute it's entire task. After 2 relay clicks, the INFO 090 message appears. I did make voltage measureemnts on U7 and all appear to be as required except for pin 6 - read 5.0V instead of 0.0. Other observations were: 1. No effect when turning optical encoder 2. Relays did toggle after hitting DISPLAY button and cycling thru the loop with the BAND+ and BAND- buttons. Just can't make it past INFO 090 message. Any suggestions? Bill WA4BMP K2 Ser#5076 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] An Opportunity for CW Ops
There are still a few traffic nets out there. I worked with one for a few years but have let my skills erode lately due to other endeavors. Training does take time and the skills need to be honed at least weekly if not more often. During last year's spate of hurricanes through Florida I worked a couple of ops passing HW traffic out of the area. It is more difficult to insert the messages into the NTS than to receive the traffic due to the cyclic nature of NTS. NREN wants to handle NTS format radiograms on a more regular basis when needed and pass them into section and region NTS nets when possible. The site listed by Ron earlier today and by Conard on the Glowbug list has all of the details. CW is efficient but proficiency is required. Even voice handling of traffic takes training and practice to do correctly and efficiently. Kevin. KD5ONS On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 18:55:37 -0700, Ron D'Eau Claire [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Eric, KE6US wrote: Does NREN have any statistics about the number of messages they have been able to handle concerning Hurricane Katrina? - You might ask NREN. My sense is that they're trying to stimulate interest in using CW. Clearly, it is not a major traffic mode today. It requires dedication and training to be ready to handle traffic. At one time I ran CW nets for the US Army and I'm a commercial radiotelegraph licensee, but I can tell you I'm scrambling when I try follow proper procedure on a directed net today. My hat's off to any casual CW ops who stumble into a traffic net and stick it out. The training program NREN is trying to set up sounds great. After all these years, I'll in as a student myself if I can schedule the hours free (I work odd hours). It's been 30 years since I participated in a CW traffic net. Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] eBay: I Love My K2 Button Pin
Just spotted this 'I love my K2' button on eBay :-) 73, Eric WA6HHQ http://snipurl.com/hmaf ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 For Sale
Doesn't appear to be any interest in trading for a FT-817ND, so I'm moving on to an outright sale, though a trade is still preferred. I have an Elecraft KX-1 with 30 meters, internal auto tuner, batteries and integrated key in a small, padded, hard sided case that looks like a miniature of the large computer equipment cases. The rig works great and I have used it from home and hotel rooms with excellent results. Manual is included. Price is $475 shipped in CONUS. Thanks 73, Steve, N4EUK Reston, VA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] An Opportunity for CW Ops
Same here. I used to run a lot of CW traffic on ham bands and MARS when I worked at K2USA. Three of us opened it a few days after the AK Earthquake in Mar '64. We probably ran half our traffic on CW at the time. I hear all kinds of optimistic figures about CW today, but frankly the throughput was about the same on SSB/AM and CW with experienced operators at both ends. On MARS frequencies, we had a couple of Army radio ops we borrowed from another outfit on a semi-permanent basis. They ran traffic on the MATN net at 50-55wpm, but it didn't make that much difference at the end of the month. I had the mandatory records to show it. OK, thanks for the info. I'll contact Jim, but it looks like another dead end as far as finding an actual use of CW during Hurricane Katrina. Time to stick a fork in it and move on. Eric KE6US www.ke6us.com -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 6:56 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] An Opportunity for CW Ops Eric, KE6US wrote: Does NREN have any statistics about the number of messages they have been able to handle concerning Hurricane Katrina? - You might ask NREN. My sense is that they're trying to stimulate interest in using CW. Clearly, it is not a major traffic mode today. It requires dedication and training to be ready to handle traffic. At one time I ran CW nets for the US Army and I'm a commercial radiotelegraph licensee, but I can tell you I'm scrambling when I try follow proper procedure on a directed net today. My hat's off to any casual CW ops who stumble into a traffic net and stick it out. The training program NREN is trying to set up sounds great. After all these years, I'll in as a student myself if I can schedule the hours free (I work odd hours). It's been 30 years since I participated in a CW traffic net. Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Detaching the K2 Faceplate
Paul, Check in the Elecraft photo archives on Elecraft's website. Someone detached the front faceplate (as well as some other things) to make the K2 bicycle mobile. Perhaps you can get in contact with that person and get some tips. Good luck! James Kern KB2FCV -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Paul T. Rubin Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 4:01 PM To: 'Elecraft Reflector' Subject: [Elecraft] Detaching the K2 Faceplate Hello all: I was wondering if anyone has ever detached the faceplate of a K2? I'm considering using this rig for pedestrian mobile, and I think it would be really neat to have the ability to have the rig in a backpack, and the controls in a fanny pack, as in the ICOM 706. Any ideas? Thanks, Paul Rubin N8NOV ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] 33.25ft vertical with KXAT1 - Why did it work?
No reason for any forgiveness. We are all learners. I am awaiting an answer to this good post also. john-n3drk - Original Message - From: Martin Gillen [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 12:27 PM Subject: [Elecraft] 33.25ft vertical with KXAT1 - Why did it work? Hi. I was trying to build a field portable quick to install antenna and I really liked what I read about an end fed halfwave having a very low angle of radiation and only requiring a very short counterpoise however I remembered that the KXAT1 manual stated not to use lengths near a halfwave as they would be outside the matching range. So... I decided that I would cut an antenna to 33ft (20m halfwave), and then I would cut it back a foot at a time until the KXAT1 found a match. I started at 33.25ft vertical but I did leave a pair of 18.5ft counterpoise wires running at about 2 feet above the ground connected to the ground terminal. I tuned up and ... 1.2:1 match on 20m! I then proceeded to work KF6GC with 2W (almost 4000km) in the middle of a K Index = 8 solar storm! So I know the antenna worked well. I modelled it in EZNEC and the impedance at the base of that antenna should have been 970 + j 1700 ohms, so I am surprised that the KXAT1 was able to match it. Any comments? Was it because I left the counterpoises connected that it worked so well? If I remove the counterpoises in the NEC model the impedance increases and becomes inductive to 1456 - j 1819 ohms. Comments? PS. I am only learning in this stuff so forgive any overly simplistic analysis!! Thanks, Martin. VA3SIE. ___ To help you stay safe and secure online, we've developed the all new Yahoo! Security Centre. http://uk.security.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 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] If cutting your own K1 backlight, a couple thoughts...
Rowland (G4APO) wrote: Hi Tom Installed the backlight this evening. Trimmed 1/8th inch off with junior hacksaw and polished the end with some fine sandpaper. After cutting did have to remove a little fine debris from between the front and back white papers and the plastic light guide. GREAT JOB TOM Many Thanks Rowland G4APO Though, for the sake of 'cleanliness', worrying about the condition of the 'cut' end of the backlight assembly is probably not a problem. Once the light (initiated from the LED end of the assembly) hits the 'cut' end, there's not much need (if any) to worry about where it goes from there. So polishing the cut end should probably not be a big concern. Of course, it won't hurt to polish things up, but it probably won't help either. Makes it look nicer in our minds though... heheh! It probably is more important to ensure that any 'sawdust' which remains from the cutting operation has been removed from the backlight assembly however. So please take just a bit of time to blow away any sawdust which might remain. Thanks for the note, Rowland. Cheers, 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] Detaching the K2 Faceplate
Paul: Way back, in the early days of the K2, there was a young chap who detached the front of the K2 from the body in order to mount it on a bicycle. He did a nice job. I believe there were a number of pictures of his arrangement on the Elecraft site. best wishes, dave belsley, w1euy On Sep 12, 2005, at 4:01 PM, Paul T. Rubin wrote: Hello all: I was wondering if anyone has ever detached the faceplate of a K2? I'm considering using this rig for pedestrian mobile, and I think it would be really neat to have the ability to have the rig in a backpack, and the controls in a fanny pack, as in the ICOM 706. Any ideas? Thanks, Paul Rubin N8NOV ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] An Opportunity for CW Ops
Eric, KE6US wrote: Does NREN have any statistics about the number of messages they have been able to handle concerning Hurricane Katrina? - You might ask NREN. My sense is that they're trying to stimulate interest in using CW. Clearly, it is not a major traffic mode today. It requires dedication and training to be ready to handle traffic. At one time I ran CW nets for the US Army and I'm a commercial radiotelegraph licensee, but I can tell you I'm scrambling when I try follow proper procedure on a directed net today. My hat's off to any casual CW ops who stumble into a traffic net and stick it out. The training program NREN is trying to set up sounds great. After all these years, I'll in as a student myself if I can schedule the hours free (I work odd hours). It's been 30 years since I participated in a CW traffic net. 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] 33.25ft vertical with KXAT1 - Why did it work?
Martin VA3SIE wrote: I really liked what I read about an end fed halfwave having a very low angle of radiation and only requiring a very short counterpoise however I remembered that the KXAT1 manual stated not to use lengths near a halfwave as they would be outside the matching range. So... I decided that I would cut an antenna to 33ft (20m halfwave), and then I would cut it back a foot at a time until the KXAT1 found a match. I started at 33.25ft vertical but I did leave a pair of 18.5ft counterpoise wires running at about 2 feet above the ground connected to the ground terminal. I tuned up and ... 1.2:1 match on 20m! I then proceeded to work KF6GC with 2W (almost 4000km) in the middle of a K Index = 8 solar storm! So I know the antenna worked well. The counterpoise is part of the antenna. (Think an off-center-fed wire without feeder.) So you started out with a nearly 52 foot long radiator as far as the KXAT1 was concerned. Longer is usually better. First, you do have lower ground losses. And, yes, when the radiator is exactly 1/2 wave long the impedance will be very high, beyond what the KXAT1 can handle, so approaching it as close as possible is a good plan except for one thing. That issue is that the rig will end up at a voltage loop meaning that touching the rig will detune the system badly. The counterpoise exhibits a fairly low impedance to keep the case of the rig near RF 'ground'. You mention a low angle of radiation. The pattern is entirely dependent upon the antenna's position with respect to the earth or other conductors. The manner of feeding the antenna has nothing to do with the pattern. An end fed half wave (dipole) has a pattern identical to a center-fed half wave. In free space a half wave radiator has maximum radiation at right angles to the wire. Stand it on end over the earth and I'll show very low angles of radiation out toward the horizon, BUT very little radiation down below 20 degrees in most cases. That's because the earth is not a good conductor. Most of the RF at low angles is used up in earth losses. Those losses occur at several wavelengths from the antenna, so even a hundred radials won't stop that action. Put the antenna horizontally over the earth and its height above the earth has a dramatic effect on the radiation pattern. Keep it low - about 0.2 wavelengths - and it forms a two-element beam using the earth as a reflector producing a huge lobe straight up. That's what's often called an NVIS (near vertical incidence system) nowadays. Raise the horizontal up to about 1/2 wave above the earth and that huge vertical lobe splits out and drops closer to the horizon, producing great low-angle radiation for DX and, because the radiation is horizontally polarized, the ground losses are less than with a vertical. Such a horizontal antenna can show BIG gains - about 6 dB. That means a K2/100 feeding such an antenna can put out a signal equivalent to a 400 watt rig feeding a unity gain antenna like a ground plane. The problem is that most of us can't get a horizontal up 1/2 wave: 130 feet on 80 or even 66 feet on 40. So we live with a compromise. Sometimes a vertical is better for DX than a low horizontal wire. Were radials come into play is when the antenna is too short to be self-resonant. The shortest self-resonant antenna is a dipole (1/2 wave long radiator). When a radiator is shorter than 1/2 wave (a so-called Marconi antenna because that's what he used), the ground system has to take over the duty of providing a current sink that would normally have been provided by the missing length. The lower the impedance of this ground system, the more efficient the antenna. That's why people using radiators shorter than 1/2 wavelength, no matter vertical or horizontal, try to do everything they can to provide the best possible ground. AM broadcast stations, for example, have for years used 120 radials 0.2 wavelengths long for this purpose. It's also why ships have such great success with short antennas. On the old 600 meter marine band (500 kHz), a half wave antenna would be almost 1,000 feet long! No ship I ever saw could provide room for a wire even half that long; usually much, much less. Still they got out very well, and on the short waves their signals were downright astounding compared to shore stations. That's because salt water is just about the best natural ground plane one can expect to find on the planet, and a ship at sea is sitting in the middle of one that extends for thousands of wavelengths in all directions! Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] An Opportunity for CW Ops
I hope this isn't too far afield, but I'll take the chance in order for the CW ops here looking for a new challenge to hear about it. I do NOT want to start a long thread about the value of CW and emergency nets. I DO want to pass along some information about a gang who isn't just talking, but who are doing something about it: the gang at the National Emergency Radio Network (NREN). Jim Wades at NREN is asking for more participation from CW ops who want to get involved, up close and personal. Most importantly, you do NOT have to be an experienced CW hotshot to be a valuable participant. Here's what Jim has to say: -- Are you tired of the unprofessional methods heard during disaster operations? Numerous radio amateurs have complained about the lack of professionalism present on various SSB nets during Hurricane Katrina. While many of the organizations sponsoring these nets have the best intentions, the fact remains than an alternative is needed. The answer to these problems is simple: CW The Amateur Radio response to Hurricane Katrina was problematic for several reasons: The lack of VHF coverage and repeaters, many of which were damaged or destroyed, severely handicapped most ARES operators who had come to rely extensively on VHF-FM. Few HF phone operators in the disaster area could get up and running without access to generators or the gasoline to run them. Radio amateurs were unskilled in the use of proper message formats and emergency communications methods. NREN does not wish to compete with voice nets, many of which are doing the best they can. Likewise, we do not wish to replace existing ARES programs, which serve a valuable local purpose. Rather, our goal is to recruit CW operators who wish to be properly trained and prepared to provide real, professional grade emergency communications when the time comes. CW offers many advantages for disaster communications. Here are some facts: CW Nets typically clear traffic three to four times faster than voice nets. A simple, battery operated CW transceiver operating at 10-watts will have the same reliability as a SSB station operating at 50 to 100-watts. This means a CW operator can establish and maintain communications for days regardless of the availability of gasoline or AC mains. CW Nets are typically uncluttered by the many inexperienced operators who swoop down on unsuspecting voice nets only to clutter-up operations. Portable CW equipment is simple, reliable, and consumes less power than digital stations requiring notebook computers, printers, and other peripherals. How can you get involved? Whether you are a CW operator, or you simply wish to become one, NREN is developing a program to properly train radio amateurs to effectively handle emergency communications via CW. Our program will include practice broadcasts with simulated messages, regular nets, periodic emergency drills, and a periodic electronic newsletter with training information. Our goal is not to compete with existing ARES, RACES or NTS programs, but rather to compliment them with a quality grade of service. We simply wish to offer an alternative for the serious radio amateur; the radio amateur who wants to provide a professional grade of service without disruption from those that simply choose not to learn proper procedures and standard methods. NREN members will be encouraged to support local ARES and NTS groups, but we hope NREN will be a primary resource for you in time of emergency. Amateur Radio is full of competent CW operators including DX contesters, rag chewers, and others who regularly use CW. These individuals can easily develop the skills necessary to provide a real service to their community if or when the big one hits. If you were disappointed with the Keystone Cops style of response so evident on 75 and 20-meter phone, register with NREN today! Join by sending a simple e-mail to the NREN General Manage at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the subject line, simply state Join NREN to be added to the list --- You can learn more about NREN at their website: http://68.43.101.244:81/nren/ 73, Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K1 Backlight
I love it. It's nice to sit in the darkened shack late at night with only the sound of CW and the faint glow of the display. I was able to use a razor saw and miter box for cutting to length. http://www.micromark.com search for miter box I made the cut in two steps - cutting from both sides to avoid chipping the surface. John WA8KNE ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] 33.25ft vertical with KXAT1 - Why did it work?
Hi. I was trying to build a field portable quick to install antenna and I really liked what I read about an end fed halfwave having a very low angle of radiation and only requiring a very short counterpoise however I remembered that the KXAT1 manual stated not to use lengths near a halfwave as they would be outside the matching range. So... I decided that I would cut an antenna to 33ft (20m halfwave), and then I would cut it back a foot at a time until the KXAT1 found a match. I started at 33.25ft vertical but I did leave a pair of 18.5ft counterpoise wires running at about 2 feet above the ground connected to the ground terminal. I tuned up and ... 1.2:1 match on 20m! I then proceeded to work KF6GC with 2W (almost 4000km) in the middle of a K Index = 8 solar storm! So I know the antenna worked well. I modelled it in EZNEC and the impedance at the base of that antenna should have been 970 + j 1700 ohms, so I am surprised that the KXAT1 was able to match it. Any comments? Was it because I left the counterpoises connected that it worked so well? If I remove the counterpoises in the NEC model the impedance increases and becomes inductive to 1456 - j 1819 ohms. Comments? PS. I am only learning in this stuff so forgive any overly simplistic analysis!! Thanks, Martin. VA3SIE. ___ To help you stay safe and secure online, we've developed the all new Yahoo! Security Centre. http://uk.security.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
RE: [Elecraft] An Opportunity for CW Ops
I don't want to start up the CW vs SSB thread again either. But I have spent at least an hour every day on google and Alta Vista since Katrina hit searching for ANY evidence that hams used CW for Katrina traffic and I'm coming up blank. I went to the NREN web site and their newsletter hasn't been posted for a year. I went to their Announcements page and they listed several dozen SSB nets covering the Gulf States, but not a single CW net. Does NREN have any statistics about the number of messages they have been able to handle concerning Hurricane Katrina? Has anyone on here handled any Katrina traffic with CW? I talked to everyone I could find in emergency communications at the SW ARRL Convention here in Riverside this weekend. That included two clubs that are very active in their respective cities, including receiving grants for equipment. None of their specially designed emergency response trailers have HF capability and none of them have ever used CW in a real or simulated emergency. VHF, UHF, FM, packet, even ATV aboard police helicopters tied into the FLIR camera, but no CW. Would someone please tell me what is going on with CW in emergency communications. I seem to be the only one who can't see any evidence of it being used. I'm going to write Jim Wades as well. Maybe he can give me a lead. I would dearly like to write some articles showing CW's role in emergency communication, but its tough without any facts to go on. Offline answers would be great. Eric KE6US www.ke6us.com -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Monday, September 12, 2005 4:20 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] An Opportunity for CW Ops I hope this isn't too far afield, but I'll take the chance in order for the CW ops here looking for a new challenge to hear about it. I do NOT want to start a long thread about the value of CW and emergency nets. I DO want to pass along some information about a gang who isn't just talking, but who are doing something about it: the gang at the National Emergency Radio Network (NREN). Jim Wades at NREN is asking for more participation from CW ops who want to get involved, up close and personal. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] An Opportunity for CW Ops
Thank you Ron!!! My note is in the mail. VY 73, Kevin. KD5ONS On Mon, 12 Sep 2005 16:19:35 -0700, Ron D'Eau Claire [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I hope this isn't too far afield, but I'll take the chance in order for the CW ops here looking for a new challenge to hear about it. ... (ancillary detail elided) Join by sending a simple e-mail to the NREN General Manage at: [EMAIL PROTECTED] In the subject line, simply state Join NREN to be added to the list --- You can learn more about NREN at their website: http://68.43.101.244:81/nren/ 73, Ron AC7AC -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.344 / Virus Database: 267.10.22/98 - Release Date: 9/12/2005 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] An Opportunity for CW Ops
Hi Group, I have read so many message about emergency net in US. I am interested in knowing whether K2 has been greatly used in emergency communication. Can I have your advice? 73 Johnny Siu VR2XMC builder of s/n 1146, 4225, 4165 ... - Original Message - From: Ron D'Eau Claire [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, September 13, 2005 9:55 AM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] An Opportunity for CW Ops Eric, KE6US wrote: Does NREN have any statistics about the number of messages they have been able to handle concerning Hurricane Katrina? - You might ask NREN. My sense is that they're trying to stimulate interest in using CW. Clearly, it is not a major traffic mode today. It requires dedication and training to be ready to handle traffic. At one time I ran CW nets for the US Army and I'm a commercial radiotelegraph licensee, but I can tell you I'm scrambling when I try follow proper procedure on a directed net today. My hat's off to any casual CW ops who stumble into a traffic net and stick it out. The training program NREN is trying to set up sounds great. After all these years, I'll in as a student myself if I can schedule the hours free (I work odd hours). It's been 30 years since I participated in a CW traffic net. Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] 33.25ft vertical with KXAT1 - Why did it work?
Martin: Antennas work by witchcraft and magic. NEC is about as good a modeling program as you will find, but all antenna calculations are only a gross indication of expected performance. Actually, the problem is that the near field has extreme sensitivity to boundary conditions; these are impossible to model realistically, but they do affect performance measures such as feedpoint impedance. All antenna analyses are overly simplistic compared to the real antenna that they represent. Thus, comparing NEC studies to observed results often gives the appearance of witchcraft and magic. Three things might account for your result. First, the idealized description of the antenna in NEC tends to depart from reality when you are trying to look at impedance for a feedpoint at the voltage loop. (Technical detail: Near the current loop, where dipoles are usually fed, the voltage along the antenna varies slowly with displacement. Thus, NEC's assumption that the voltage is uniform along a segment is approximately correct, and estimates of impedance are pretty close. Near the voltage loop, where you're feeding your antenna, the voltage along the antenna varies quickly with displacement. Thus, NEC's assumption that the voltage is uniform along the segment is far from correct, and estimates of impedance can be way off. ) In my experience, the NEC estimate of impedance for voltage loop feedpoints is often overstated by a factor of 2 to 3. Second, your counterpoise is very near the ground, and the description of ground in EZNEC is (unavoidably) very crude. Third, you did not say how long your feedline is. A lossy feedline will have a non-trivially lower SWR at transmitter end than at the antenna end. If you're getting 2000 km/watt in a K=8 storm, you've got a good antenna/feedline system. Congratulations and 73, Steve AA4AK At 05:27 PM 9/12/2005 +0100, Martin Gillen wrote: Hi. I was trying to build a field portable quick to install antenna and I really liked what I read about an end fed halfwave having a very low angle of radiation and only requiring a very short counterpoise however I remembered that the KXAT1 manual stated not to use lengths near a halfwave as they would be outside the matching range. So... I decided that I would cut an antenna to 33ft (20m halfwave), and then I would cut it back a foot at a time until the KXAT1 found a match. I started at 33.25ft vertical but I did leave a pair of 18.5ft counterpoise wires running at about 2 feet above the ground connected to the ground terminal. I tuned up and ... 1.2:1 match on 20m! I then proceeded to work KF6GC with 2W (almost 4000km) in the middle of a K Index = 8 solar storm! So I know the antenna worked well. I modelled it in EZNEC and the impedance at the base of that antenna should have been 970 + j 1700 ohms, so I am surprised that the KXAT1 was able to match it. Any comments? Was it because I left the counterpoises connected that it worked so well? If I remove the counterpoises in the NEC model the impedance increases and becomes inductive to 1456 - j 1819 ohms. Comments? PS. I am only learning in this stuff so forgive any overly simplistic analysis!! Thanks, Martin. VA3SIE. ___ To help you stay safe and secure online, we've developed the all new Yahoo! Security Centre. http://uk.security.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 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KAT100 with HFPacker amplifier
Until recently, I have been using my HFPacker 35-50W amplifier with my K2, KX1, and other QRP rigs, all going out to an LDG Z100 tuner. In the shack the Z100 was having trouble matching my doublet on some bands, but the K2's had KAT2 never had a problem, so I decided to try a KAT100 to get better response and also avoid having to retune and switch the KAT2 in and out when going QRP or QRO. There is one gotcha in using the KAT100 with a non-Elecraft amplifier: when in place, the KAT100 provides the power measurement to the K2, and so the power control operates over the whole system. In other words, the K2's power pot setting is being checked against the output power of the amplifier, not the output power of the K2. This works FB with the KPA100 (as you might expect) but with a non-Elecraft amplifier, it doesn't, because without a KPA100 plugged in, the K2's power knob still stops at 15W. I explored this issue with Gary AB7MY who very patiently worked through the scenarios with me, and I wound up taking his suggestion to unsolder the VRFDET line at the KAT100 end of the IO cable. That caused the K2 to use its internal RF metering (in my case the KAT2) to measure the K2's output, and I can set it to 2.5W like I did before. Now I have can leave the KAT100 in place and not have to retune when switching the amplifier in and out, nor worry about whether I've got a match. The Z100 will still have a place in my shack and my pack for higher power for my other rigs, but for the K2, the KAT100 works FB and matches my doublet on the bands that the Z100 had trouble on. Thanks to Gary! 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
