Re: [Elecraft] problem identifying capacitors
Looking back on it, to me the biggest advantage of doing a complete inventory before starting construction was the problem of identifying capacitors. I remember how thankful I was that the resistors were packed in order and wanted the same convenience with the capacitors. I laid out several sheets of paper on a table, separated the capacitors into little piles on the paper, then marked down the value and quantity of each pile. Using the parts list as ground truth, if there was a discrepancy at that point, I knew either I did something wrong in sorting (always the case for me) or I was sent the wrong part or quantity (never the case for me). I'll admit this took some time, especially with my soldering station begging for attention, but once I started soldering, it was more like running an assembly line than solving a 1000 piece jigsaw puzzle. At least it worked for me. 73's, John AA0VE ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] fixed audio output on mic socket
Hi All, I'm just playing about with my K2 and have performed the mod to get a fixed audio out on pin 8 on the mic socket as per LA3ZA's instructions, using a 10k resistor between R3 and the mic socket. This works fine, but the audio out isn't quite enough to drive my PC soundcard to the level I would like. I have a small board here (as per Don's W3FPR design) for the small audio amp, but would prefer if possible to get the audio out of the mic socket without having to install this board. My question is.would I be-able to get more audio out of pin 8 if I change the value of the 10k resistor in LA3ZA's mod ?? Cheers All David, VK2NU ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] fixed audio output on mic socket
David, I would say the answer is 'maybe'. And the reason for the uncertainly is that it depends on what you are driving.The impedance of whatever you connect to the far end of the resistor will determine how much current wil be drawn and the voltage developed across it. You can install the fixed audio board between the front panel and control board if you lay the resistor and capacitors down flat on the board. The fixed audio board will provide up to about 3 volts to the soundcard, and that is much more than enough to overdrive it. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- I'm just playing about with my K2 and have performed the mod to get a fixed audio out on pin 8 on the mic socket as per LA3ZA's instructions, using a 10k resistor between R3 and the mic socket. This works fine, but the audio out isn't quite enough to drive my PC soundcard to the level I would like. I have a small board here (as per Don's W3FPR design) for the small audio amp, but would prefer if possible to get the audio out of the mic socket without having to install this board. My question is.would I be-able to get more audio out of pin 8 if I change the value of the 10k resistor in LA3ZA's mod ?? Cheers All David, VK2NU ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 267.15.11/264 - Release Date: 2/17/2006 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Heil Handi Mic Configuration Question
I am using the same mike with the kenwood cable on my K-2. Since it is basically the same Heil mike that was made for the K2 but is no longer available- I used the settings (jumpers) as described for the Elecraft MH-2 in the manual for the KSB2. To include the 5.6 K resistor from pin 1 to pin 6. Works well. Do not use the Kenwood jumper settings. Ed Findley N5LDY K2 #1073 FP #1233 SKCC #868 I am finishing up K2 #5113 and have run into a snag configuring the microphone on the K2SB2. I am using a Heil Handi Mic HM-IC. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] problem identifying capacitors
Hi John, You obviously don't have any CATS. Mine would think that was their own personal Disney World. I did not pre-sort my caps, but did inventory them and then put them back into a feline-proof container. K2 5150 went together without a problem. 73 de Bob K3YT ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 40/20 Never Assembled -- FS--!!
Hi folks, My friend Dennis, W4USR asked me to post his K1 kit. K1 40/20mtr s/n 95 Purchased from Elecraft some time ago but never assembled. Please contact him directly. [EMAIL PROTECTED] PeteAG7C K2 s/n 4847 Pete Zawasky PZEF Co. www.pzef.net [EMAIL PROTECTED] 252-249-3393 voice/fax 252-670-6940 cell ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Antenna query
Hi Ralph, Get 100 ft of 450ohm ladder line. Cut off 34 ft for the feedline. On the 66 ft piece, solder the end wires together. Attach insulators. Cut one side of the 66 ft piece in the center and solder the feedline in there. On the 66 ft piece, opposite the feedline connection, cut out 4 inches of the wire on that side. What you have now is a folded dipole. Make something like the Acro-Bat antenna hanger from Ten-Tec to support the center. Connect the 450 ohm ladderline to the Elecraft BL1 4:1 150W balun. Connect a short, 3 ft coax jumper from BL1 balun to the rig. Easily tunes 80-10. Also very effective is a single wire dipole, 33 ft on a side, fed with 300ohm tv lead via Elecraft BL1 4:1 150w balun. Good luck, 73 de Joe, aa4nn Gents, I have a KX1 which I want to take with me on a trip to Phoenix, AZ in early March. I wonder if there is anyone out there that has tried the portable wire antenna as suggested in the KX1 material but used a feedline of some sort with it. I'd like to get the antenna a bit away from the operating position and wonder if coaxial cable, ladder line, or TV feedline might work Needless to say I'd still need/use the ATU in the KX1. Anyone has any thoughts? Thanks. Ralph, VE7OM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] fixed audio output on mic socket
My question is.would I be-able to get more audio out of pin 8 if I change the value of the 10k resistor in LA3ZA's mod ?? As W3FPR said, maybe, but in any case not by very much, and probably not by enough to really make a difference. You could fit the audio amplifier board on the outside of the rig and bring out 5 or 8 Volts through the mic connector if you don't want to use an external power supply. 73 Sverre LA3ZA http://www.qslnet.de/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] KPA100 Power Output Problem
K2 #4842 has been fb for over a year, and I've been working between baby diaper changes to complete my KPA100. Everything has proceeded smoothly through the bias current adjust, but having problems with the transmit tests. All proceeds okay to about 20 watts. With K2 power control set to 50W output, I hit TUNE and power output reads 20-25 watts on both K2 and external meter. While TUNING, I increase the power control pot clockwise, and power quickly jumps up to the higher (50W) output level. Toggle TUNE off then back on again, and power again drops to 20-25 watts until I tweak/increase the power control pot and power out then jumps to a level 50W. Toggle again, output is back to 20-25 watts out until I tweak/increase the power control pot, and power then again jumps up to an even higher level. Toggle TUNE off again and back on, and power out is back to 20-25 watts until I move the power control pot, etc. etc.. With the power control pot full clockwise the unit is putting out a full ~110W. I re-did R26 alignment and all seems okay. Checked the common reflector section and didn't see anything similar to this, so I'm hoping to get some investigation suggestions from any willing higher powers. Thank you in advance. John / K0YQ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 Power Output Problem
RTFM. The TUNE button puts out 20W. The Key (or PTT) puts out the requested power. Moving requested power with key down just confuses the issue. Dan / WG4S / K2 #2456 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] How to use the KX1/PM
How to operate Pedestrian Mobile with the KX1... The KX1 is a great portable rig but it is also a great pedestrian mobile rig. You can go to new heights, evade local power line noises and find hot spots near flag poles and in baseball diamonds. Here is how to do it... Step by Step, (peripatetically speaking). Step # 1. Get your KX1 on the air from your base and learn how to use all the controls. You are going to have to increase the LED display brightness as soon as you get out in the sun. (Hit MENU, rotate Dial to 'Led', Push MENU for 1 second, Push RIT to raise LED brightness to 6). It is a good idea to cary a small instruction cheat sheet with you. If you see P=0 on your display you won't be having many QSO's. 2. Get a Banana jack to BNC converter for the KX1 antenna connector. 3. Get a 2 foot paint stirring stick (free from Home D.) 4. Attach an 8 foot whip (or longer) to the stick with duct tape. 5. Attach a 3 foot piece of insulated wire from the base of the whip to the KX1 hot banana jack (do not use ANY coax for this run). 6. Attach a 13 foot piece of insulated wire to the black terminal of the banana jack, (this is your counterpoise or drag wire). 7. Put the paint stir stick in your back pocket (low 'Z' part of your body). Attach the whip to the upper part of your body by using a short strap around your neck and arm to hold the upper part of the whip. (You could use one of your old shoulder holsters). i am in cold country so i almost always just use my North Face down vest. The whip goes through the arm hole in the vest and rests in my rear pocket. 8. Turn the KX1 on, install ear buds, walk 15 feet into a clear space (letting the drag wire layout behind you), Set the KX1 for 14060+/- (or your favorite tune up frequency), Push the TUNE buttons. You should get 3W and 1.5 SWR. Start walking...Call CQ xxx/pm i have CQ CQ de w0rw/pm in memory so i don't have to do anything but hit 'PLY 1'. 9. You can lessen your antenna directivity loss by walking away from the station you are communicating with. The single drag wire makes the whip directional. You can get a 3 dB boost from your local flag pole or street light by using it as a reflector. 10. Operation on 30 and 40 meters will be greatly aided by adding a top hat to the whip. i use 4 of those little underground utilities flag markers (also available at Home D.) You can see my top hat in the 'photos' section of the HFPack2 Yahoogroup in the folder 'w0rw'. Watch out for those top hat eating trees. 11. i hold the KX1 in my left hand with my left thumb near the paddle and send with my right hand. i added an additional rubber foot under the L in Elecraft for a finger grip. 12. i carry an external battery pack in my pocket for long hikes. 13. i have a small log that attaches to my cuff, like an NFL Quarterback. 14. Make sure the 2 bottom case screws are tight and keep the paddle thumb screw tight. If they get loose add lock washers. Hope to see you on the trail You can see a picture of my KX1/pm on the Adventure Radio Society web site at http://www.arsqrp.com/ars/pages/back_issues/2005_text/1205_text/W0RW.html or read about my KX1 pedestrian mobile contact with Latvia at http://www.eham.net/articles/9262 Paul [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 Power Output Problem
John, Your KPA100 is working as it should! TUNE will transmit at 20 watts - it was designed that way. If you want to use TUNE at the setting of the Power knob, press TUNE and DISPLAY together, or press TUNE and rotate the POWER control to the setting you want (you are already doing that). You should see full power output by pressing the key. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- K2 #4842 has been fb for over a year, and I've been working between baby diaper changes to complete my KPA100. Everything has proceeded smoothly through the bias current adjust, but having problems with the transmit tests. All proceeds okay to about 20 watts. With K2 power control set to 50W output, I hit TUNE and power output reads 20-25 watts on both K2 and external meter. While TUNING, I increase the power control pot clockwise, and power quickly jumps up to the higher (50W) output level. Toggle TUNE off then back on again, and power again drops to 20-25 watts until I tweak/increase the power control pot and power out then jumps to a level 50W. Toggle again, output is back to 20-25 watts out until I tweak/increase the power control pot, and power then again jumps up to an even higher level. Toggle TUNE off again and back on, and power out is back to 20-25 watts until I move the power control pot, etc. etc.. With the power control pot full clockwise the unit is putting out a full ~110W. I re-did R26 alignment and all seems okay. Checked the common reflector section and didn't see anything similar to this, so I'm hoping to get some investigation suggestions from any willing higher powers. Thank you in advance. John / K0YQ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] How to use the KX1/PM
You forgot to mention to watch out for following pedestrians. They tend to step on the drag wire and this gets interesting when it comes up short. Tends to yank the KX1 out of your hand, or in my case, bust the BNC to binding post adapter off. Also taught me to buy a Pomona BNC to BP adapter. They are much more rugged than the cheap Chinese ones hi. Jim - W0EB -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, February 20, 2006 12:53 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] How to use the KX1/PM How to operate Pedestrian Mobile with the KX1... The KX1 is a great portable rig but it is also a great pedestrian mobile rig. You can go to new heights, evade local power line noises and find hot spots near flag poles and in baseball diamonds. Here is how to do it... Step by Step, (peripatetically speaking). Step # 1. Get your KX1 on the air from your base and learn how to use all the controls. You are going to have to increase the LED display brightness as soon as you get out in the sun. (Hit MENU, rotate Dial to 'Led', Push MENU for 1 second, Push RIT to raise LED brightness to 6). It is a good idea to cary a small instruction cheat sheet with you. If you see P=0 on your display you won't be having many QSO's. 2. Get a Banana jack to BNC converter for the KX1 antenna connector. 3. Get a 2 foot paint stirring stick (free from Home D.) 4. Attach an 8 foot whip (or longer) to the stick with duct tape. 5. Attach a 3 foot piece of insulated wire from the base of the whip to the KX1 hot banana jack (do not use ANY coax for this run). 6. Attach a 13 foot piece of insulated wire to the black terminal of the banana jack, (this is your counterpoise or drag wire). 7. Put the paint stir stick in your back pocket (low 'Z' part of your body). Attach the whip to the upper part of your body by using a short strap around your neck and arm to hold the upper part of the whip. (You could use one of your old shoulder holsters). i am in cold country so i almost always just use my North Face down vest. The whip goes through the arm hole in the vest and rests in my rear pocket. 8. Turn the KX1 on, install ear buds, walk 15 feet into a clear space (letting the drag wire layout behind you), Set the KX1 for 14060+/- (or your favorite tune up frequency), Push the TUNE buttons. You should get 3W and 1.5 SWR. Start walking...Call CQ xxx/pm i have CQ CQ de w0rw/pm in memory so i don't have to do anything but hit 'PLY 1'. 9. You can lessen your antenna directivity loss by walking away from the station you are communicating with. The single drag wire makes the whip directional. You can get a 3 dB boost from your local flag pole or street light by using it as a reflector. 10. Operation on 30 and 40 meters will be greatly aided by adding a top hat to the whip. i use 4 of those little underground utilities flag markers (also available at Home D.) You can see my top hat in the 'photos' section of the HFPack2 Yahoogroup in the folder 'w0rw'. Watch out for those top hat eating trees. 11. i hold the KX1 in my left hand with my left thumb near the paddle and send with my right hand. i added an additional rubber foot under the L in Elecraft for a finger grip. 12. i carry an external battery pack in my pocket for long hikes. 13. i have a small log that attaches to my cuff, like an NFL Quarterback. 14. Make sure the 2 bottom case screws are tight and keep the paddle thumb screw tight. If they get loose add lock washers. Hope to see you on the trail You can see a picture of my KX1/pm on the Adventure Radio Society web site at http://www.arsqrp.com/ars/pages/back_issues/2005_text/1205_tex t/W0RW.html or read about my KX1 pedestrian mobile contact with Latvia at http://www.eham.net/articles/9262 Paul [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 Power Output Problem
Be aware too that the automatic power control circuit is not enabled in TUNE mode. That is so the K2 won't try to adjust the output power automatically while an Antenna Tuner is being adjusted, either automatically or manually. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm Sent: Monday, February 20, 2006 11:01 AM To: John Grimm; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] KPA100 Power Output Problem John, Your KPA100 is working as it should! TUNE will transmit at 20 watts - it was designed that way. If you want to use TUNE at the setting of the Power knob, press TUNE and DISPLAY together, or press TUNE and rotate the POWER control to the setting you want (you are already doing that). You should see full power output by pressing the key. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- K2 #4842 has been fb for over a year, and I've been working between baby diaper changes to complete my KPA100. Everything has proceeded smoothly through the bias current adjust, but having problems with the transmit tests. All proceeds okay to about 20 watts. With K2 power control set to 50W output, I hit TUNE and power output reads 20-25 watts on both K2 and external meter. While TUNING, I increase the power control pot clockwise, and power quickly jumps up to the higher (50W) output level. Toggle TUNE off then back on again, and power again drops to 20-25 watts until I tweak/increase the power control pot and power out then jumps to a level 50W. Toggle again, output is back to 20-25 watts out until I tweak/increase the power control pot, and power then again jumps up to an even higher level. Toggle TUNE off again and back on, and power out is back to 20-25 watts until I move the power control pot, etc. etc.. With the power control pot full clockwise the unit is putting out a full ~110W. I re-did R26 alignment and all seems okay. Checked the common reflector section and didn't see anything similar to this, so I'm hoping to get some investigation suggestions from any willing higher powers. Thank you in advance. John / K0YQ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Mic Configuration Question Part II
Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I have confirmed that the mic is wired as per the MH2, including the resistor between pins 16. I have done all of the KSB2 alignments as far I can. I still get a 10 watt carrier when I push the PTT in LSB and USB. In CW when I push the PTT, I am getting 2 watts as per the setting. Interestingly, when I am getting the carrier of 10 watts (as measured on a Waters dummy load/watt meter), the K2 display does not show that I am transmitting. With the mic connected but using Tune, I am getting proper output and K2 display reading. Same with the mic not connected. Something is very not right here. Any thoughts? Jonathan Gottlieb WA3WDK CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The information contained in this e-mail is confidential, may be legally privileged, and is intended only for the use of the party named above. If the reader of this is not the intended recipient, you are advised that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this e-mail is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify us by telephone at 612.335.1500 and destroy this e-mail. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] KSB2 Observations and Questions
I just built and installed the KSB2 for my KS SN5319. I used the capacitors for 2.6 MHZ bandwidth and the transmit audio sounds excellent and full bodied as tested on my Mark V. I did notice on the receive audio that there is some roll off below 450 HTZ regardless of where the filter/BFO is set. The roll off is gradual until it gets to the filter edge so I am not too concerned about this for communications purposes, but it does take away from the ability to get that full bodied sound on receive that I get on my Mark V. I suspect that this roll-off must be in the audio circuit and I wonder if anybody else has ideas on this. The other thing is that the compressor does not seem to work. There is no detectable difference between 1:1, 2:1, 3:1 or 4:1 settings. The transmitted signal sounds really good otherwise. I am using a standard Yaesu MH-31 dynamic mic that is known to work good on other radios. Thanks for your help and ideas! Dean KG7MZ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] folded dipole antenna
Joe, Sounds like you have a winner for an antenna. However the antenna you describe is NOT a folded dipole. It would be a folded dipole if you did not cut out the section of open wire line opposite your feedline connection. Without the section cut out your antenna would be resonant on 40 meters and would be a great performer on 40 meters, but I have no idea how it would work on other bands. Your antenna is a LINEAR LOADED DIPOLE which will be resonant around 5 or 6 MHZ. It should load well on 40 and 80 for sure since it will be resonant around 5 to 6 MHZ. The losses on linear loaded antennas can be very small, so on 80 meters I suspect it will perform nearly as well as a full size dipole, perhaps within a db or so. If you could reach the center of the dipole and jumper the cut out section, possibly, but not for sure, you might have slightly better performance on 40 meters operating in the folded dipole mode. You could set up a field strength meter with a horizontal antenna several hundred feet away and do comparison readings...the Z would be very different so you would need to re tune. Some limited space folks take your good idea one step further and make a 3 wire (or more) linear loaded antenna element. Your dipole might only be around 50 feet in length if made with 3 wires. However, there is no such thing as a free lunch. Shorter antennas have less gain. My personal rule of thumb is that a well designed antenna can be shortened up to APPROXIMATELY 50% with only minor loss of gain, but further shortening usually results in rapidly decreasing performance. Shorter antennas do suffer from greatly decreased bandwidth, however if you you use a tuner that should not be a significant factor. I know many ELECRAFTERS will take exception to my 50% rule of thumb, however non technical folks might find it a useful tool. At least be VERY suspicious of very short antennas that claim great results. Likewise antennas that are AT LEAST half size MIGHT come close in performance to a full size antenna. The 25 ft wire most of use on our KX1's with fantastic results is a short antenna on 40 meters, but still is very acceptable compromize since it is about 75% the size of a full lenght quarter wave antenna and also is an easy match for the tuner. I believe my 50% rule is OK for most simple antennas. A yagi would need to be much larger than 50% size for acceptable performance. I find it is very interesting to model antennas with an antenna modeling program. Many hams use either the EZNEC or Nittany Scientific NEC-Win Plus+ programs. Either of these NEC 2 core programs do a very acceptable job of modeling most, but not all, of the antennas hams typically use. ARRL offers an Antenna Modeling on line course, or you can buy the ARRL course textbook and work through it yourself. You do not need to be an engineer or scientist to use these courses, however you should have a good grasp of algebra and perhaps trig and AT LEAST 100 hours of time to complete the course. RickKL7CW Palmer, Alaska KX1 # 798 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Arizona K2 builders
Hi, I am getting back on the air after 30 years QRT. I'm trying to find someone to assist/teach me to build a K2. I would be glad to pay you your normal going rate for your time, knowledge and experience. Thanks, Johnne __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.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] Isolating the KPA100 External Keying Line
When keying my Alpha 99 via a shielded cable from the KPA100 J7 jack, there is a small amount of stray RF getting into the SSB signal. This RF is not present when the amp is used with either my 756 PRO2 or 706MK2G, and it is not present when using the K2 at 100 watts barefooted regardless of band or mode. The PA keying lines for the Icom rigs use external reed relays which isolate the keying lines from the amp. The Icom rigs produce a transmit voltage to activate the reed relays. The stray RF might be eliminated from the K2 if an external reed relay could be used in the keying line. I do not see a transmit voltage available to accomplish this. Any thoughts on how to isolate the keying line would be appreciated. Thanks. Roy Morris W4WFB No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 267.15.12/265 - Release Date: 2/20/2006 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Mic Configuration Question Part II
Jonathan, As I indicated yesterday, I tend to believe that the wiring on your mic cable may not be what you think it is. Look at the end of the mic plug for the pin numbers - then check continuity between pins 2 and 7 (or 2 and 8) with the PTT open, and then with it closed. You should see an open circuit with the PTT not operated and zero ohms with the PTT depressed. If you do not see that indication, for certain, the mic cable is not wired for Elecraft (or Kenwood). I can't help as readily on the AF connections because there is no open/closed circuit to measure, so the way I would do it is to open the mic body physically somewhere that will give you access to the connections to the mic element - then measure the connection to the mic plug pin - if it ends up on pin 1 that is correct for the Elecraft or kenwood configuration. Sorry, but I don't know of an easier way to verify the mic cable wiring. One thing that you may want to try is to put the K2 in SSB mode with no mic connected and close the dot paddle - that is the same thing as pressing the PTT switch - if you get 10 watts out, you have some problem in the K2 and not in the mic, but if you find no output (since you have no audio), the K2 is good and you should continue looking for the problem in the mic and its connections. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Thanks to everyone for the suggestions. I have confirmed that the mic is wired as per the MH2, including the resistor between pins 16. I have done all of the KSB2 alignments as far I can. I still get a 10 watt carrier when I push the PTT in LSB and USB. In CW when I push the PTT, I am getting 2 watts as per the setting. Interestingly, when I am getting the carrier of 10 watts (as measured on a Waters dummy load/watt meter), the K2 display does not show that I am transmitting. With the mic connected but using Tune, I am getting proper output and K2 display reading. Same with the mic not connected. Something is very not right here. Any thoughts? Jonathan Gottlieb WA3WDK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] missing trimmer
all the capacitors are soldered now ;-) but there is a new problem. I am missing one of the 30pF trimmer capacitors. There are 2 red marked 50 pF but only 3 of the 30pF. I checked all boxes and bags for a lost one, but did not find any :-( How can I get a replacement? 73! de Werner OE9FWV -- Heard the one about the dyslexic devil worshiper? He sold his soul to Santa. Email powered by Pegasus Mail free at http://www.pmail.com Homepage: http://www.qsl.net/oe9fwv/ Fone +43 5522 75013 Fax +43 820 555 85 2621 Mobile +43 664 6340014 Elecraft K2 #5203 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] New in the list and KX1 question
Hello, my name is Uli and for about 30 years active in QRP. Most time in CW, but in the last years also in digital modes. My equipmennt is a modified TS50 (5W out), a PSK20 and a Sparrow (www.qrpproject.de) with 5W on 20m. My antenna is a magnetic loop for 30m - 10m from MFJ. Now my question to KX1: When is delivery date of the new firmware and the 80/30m module ? And does anyone know about the price ? I cannot find anything on the homepage. 72/73 Uli DF5SF --- http://www.avast.com Outbound No Virus found. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Isolating the KPA100 External Keying Line
Roy Morris wrote: When keying my Alpha 99 via a shielded cable from the KPA100 J7 jack, there is a small amount of stray RF getting into the SSB signal. This RF is not present when the amp is used with either my 756 PRO2 or 706MK2G, and it is not present when using the K2 at 100 watts barefooted regardless of band or mode. How do you know it's RF? Maybe it's the magnetic field from the big transformer in the 99? K6SE claimed that he could hear hum modulation on my signal when I operated my (unmodified) K2 3-1/2 feet away from an Alpha 86. You might try temporarily moving the amp farther away from the K2 or getting the VCO magnetic shield mod from Elecraft. -- 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] Buzzy K2 speaker
My K2 had a very irritating buzz (sympathetic vibration) at about 400 hz. I noticed if I pressed on the top cover, it quit. No amount of adjusting the four speaker mounting screws worked. That ruled out the speaker itself, I reckoned. So, I took the top off, turned it upside down and put pieces of Q Pad around the speaker, covering most of the vacant area. Hot dog! Buzz went away. Q Pads are +/- 3/32 inch thick fibrous pads with one sticky side, are used in cars to quieten vibrating panels and can be found at professional auto paint stores. Used 'em on my old Ford diesel and quietened it down. CAVEAT: Since the pads are kinda heavy, and are hanging from the top panel, I can't vouch for how long they will stay stuck. They did stay stuck to the bottom of my old diesel's oil pan for years and may still be there. I traded the truck. However, they work so well if they drop down, I will figure some way to hold em up. My ohmmeter says they are nonconductive. The pads come in packs of several roughly 10 sq pads. Maybe a friendly hot rod shop would sell just one, which is more than enough area. Another idea is to affix 1/8 in thick aluminum pieces with contact cement. 73 from N4YM, George ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Isolating the KPA100 External Keying Line
Roy, If you want to try a relay isolated keying line, connect one side of the relay coil to the K2 amp keying jack and the other side of the coil to a power source that matches the relay voltage - of course, the power source common must connet to the KPA100 chassis if that was not obvious. I fail to understand how an external keying line would couple RF Back into the K2, especially with the amp chassis and the K2 chassis tied together (the shield of the coax connector ties them together), but it is worth a quick experiment to find out if it cures your condition. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- When keying my Alpha 99 via a shielded cable from the KPA100 J7 jack, there is a small amount of stray RF getting into the SSB signal. This RF is not present when the amp is used with either my 756 PRO2 or 706MK2G, and it is not present when using the K2 at 100 watts barefooted regardless of band or mode. The PA keying lines for the Icom rigs use external reed relays which isolate the keying lines from the amp. The Icom rigs produce a transmit voltage to activate the reed relays. The stray RF might be eliminated from the K2 if an external reed relay could be used in the keying line. I do not see a transmit voltage available to accomplish this. Any thoughts on how to isolate the keying line would be appreciated. Thanks. Roy Morris W4WFB ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Isolating the KPA100 External Keying Line
Ummm... Vic... Might be easier (esp. on the back) to move the K2 instead! Heheh 73, Tom N0SS At 04:26 PM 2/20/2006, Vic K2VCO wrote: Roy Morris wrote: When keying my Alpha 99 via a shielded cable from the KPA100 J7 jack, there is a small amount of stray RF getting into the SSB signal. This RF is not present when the amp is used with either my 756 PRO2 or 706MK2G, and it is not present when using the K2 at 100 watts barefooted regardless of band or mode. How do you know it's RF? Maybe it's the magnetic field from the big transformer in the 99? K6SE claimed that he could hear hum modulation on my signal when I operated my (unmodified) K2 3-1/2 feet away from an Alpha 86. You might try temporarily moving the amp farther away from the K2 or getting the VCO magnetic shield mod from Elecraft. -- 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
RE: [Elecraft] folded dipole antenna
I'd like to tailgate Rick's comment. I use a 60 ft dipole made of 450 ohm window line with the conductors shorted together at each side of the feed point and at the outer ends. The idea is to create a fat dipole, compared to a single wire. I feed it with 450 ohm window line and a matching network in the shack for the bands I use it with. On 20m, it acts as nearly two half waves in phase, very good on 20m. It tunes well on 40m as you would expect. On 80m, the 2:1 swr bandwidth is only 100 kHz, but adequate for my contesting activities. I modelled the antenna with EZNEC, and just the plain dipole with tuned feeders has more gain (less loss ?) than the same dipole with loading coils to give a resonant feed on one band. Plus, with the tuned feeders, it is a three band antenna. Good luck and 73 Bob N6WG The Little Station with Attitude -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Frederick Dwight Sent: Monday, February 20, 2006 11:55 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] folded dipole antenna Joe, Sounds like you have a winner for an antenna. However the antenna you describe is NOT a folded dipole. It would be a folded dipole if you did not cut out the section of open wire line opposite your feedline connection. Without the section cut out your antenna would be resonant on 40 meters and would be a great performer on 40 meters, but I have no idea how it would work on other bands. Your antenna is a LINEAR LOADED DIPOLE which will be resonant around 5 or 6 MHZ. It should load well on 40 and 80 for sure since it will be resonant around 5 to 6 MHZ. The losses on linear loaded antennas can be very small, so on 80 meters I suspect it will perform nearly as well as a full size dipole, perhaps within a db or so. If you could reach the center of the dipole and jumper the cut out section, possibly, but not for sure, you might have slightly better performance on 40 meters operating in the folded dipole mode. You could set up a field strength meter with a horizontal antenna several hundred feet away and do comparison readings...the Z would be very different so you would need to re tune. Some limited space folks take your good idea one step further and make a 3 wire (or more) linear loaded antenna element. Your dipole might only be around 50 feet in length if made with 3 wires. However, there is no such thing as a free lunch. Shorter antennas have less gain. My personal rule of thumb is that a well designed antenna can be shortened up to APPROXIMATELY 50% with only minor loss of gain, but further shortening usually results in rapidly decreasing performance. Shorter antennas do suffer from greatly decreased bandwidth, however if you you use a tuner that should not be a significant factor. I know many ELECRAFTERS will take exception to my 50% rule of thumb, however non technical folks might find it a useful tool. At least be VERY suspicious of very short antennas that claim great results. Likewise antennas that are AT LEAST half size MIGHT come close in performance to a full size antenna. The 25 ft wire most of use on our KX1's with fantastic results is a short antenna on 40 meters, but still is very acceptable compromize since it is about 75% the size of a full lenght quarter wave antenna and also is an easy match for the tuner. I believe my 50% rule is OK for most simple antennas. A yagi would need to be much larger than 50% size for acceptable performance. I find it is very interesting to model antennas with an antenna modeling program. Many hams use either the EZNEC or Nittany Scientific NEC-Win Plus+ programs. Either of these NEC 2 core programs do a very acceptable job of modeling most, but not all, of the antennas hams typically use. ARRL offers an Antenna Modeling on line course, or you can buy the ARRL course textbook and work through it yourself. You do not need to be an engineer or scientist to use these courses, however you should have a good grasp of algebra and perhaps trig and AT LEAST 100 hours of time to complete the course. RickKL7CW Palmer, Alaska KX1 # 798 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Portable operation of KX1
For operation in a public park, I carry a Radio Shack 9 volt mono amplified speaker (about $13) and a short audio cable. Curious people ask to hear what I'm listening to, and sharing the earphones is unpleasant. Also I use a 10 pack of NiMH AA's for extra power. The 10x1 holder from Mouser fits right under the KX1. Leigh/WA5ZNU On Mon, 20 Feb 2006 12:11 am, Frederick Dwight wrote: Hello Ralph I also often operate portable with my KX1, often from Phoenix. ... the nearest park with my radio and 25 ft piece of wire and 17 ft radial. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Getting K2 DSP To Work
Hi all. I am operating my K2 and trying to get the DSP to work well. I think I have the denoiser settings working a little bit but I haven't been able to get the automatic notch, nt, set. The other day I had a signal coming in on LSB and there was a hetrodyne on it. I turned on the notch and thought it would find and suppress the hetrodyne tone but it didn't seem to know it was there. Could someone who understands this DSP better than I do give me some beta and decay numbers for nr and nt that I could use as a starting point? Thanks very much. Harvey KN6VPNo virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.375 / Virus Database: 267.15.11/264 - Release Date: 2/17/2006 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Errata
Mea Culpa I lost one of you in the shuffle between copy notes and the final list. Please add one more QNI to the 20 meter list between WA5ZNU and W0CZ. W0YG - Chas - CO - K2 - 4853 I heard him very, very well. However I did not transcribe him to the list when I made it during a lull. Please accept my apologies for yet another error in my paper shuffling. :( Kevin. KD5ONS (Need I say it? Net Control Operator 5th Class) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Getting K2 DSP To Work
From: Harvey Howell [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Getting K2 DSP To Work Date: Mon, 20 Feb 2006 19:14:31 -0800 Hi all. I am operating my K2 and trying to get the DSP to work well. I think I have the denoiser settings working a little bit but I haven't been able to get the automatic notch, nt, set. The other day I had a signal coming in on LSB and there was a hetrodyne on it. I turned on the notch and thought it would find and suppress the hetrodyne tone but it didn't seem to know it was there. Could someone who understands this DSP better than I do give me some beta and decay numbers for nr and nt that I could use as a starting point? Thanks very much. Harvey KN6VP FWIW, Here are my settings: SSB denoiser level 1 CW denoiser level 2 nr 80 30 nt 50 00 Sn G 3.0 Sf G 3.0 Cn G 3.0 Cf G 3.0 73's es gl de Ken KG0WX - K2 #4913, XG2 _ Dont just search. Find. Check out the new MSN Search! http://search.msn.click-url.com/go/onm00200636ave/direct/01/ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Buzzy K2 speaker
I think that if the battery is fitted that gives a degree of rigidity to the top panel, and damps down any vibrations. On my K2 with no battery I used a piece of thick felt glued to the inside of the top cover. Works a treat. 73 Stewart G3RXQ On Mon, 20 Feb 2006 22:33:00 GMT, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: My K2 had a very irritating buzz (sympathetic vibration) at about 400 hz. I noticed if I pressed on the top cover, it quit. No amount of adjusting the four speaker mounting screws worked. That ruled out the speaker itself, I reckoned. So, I took the top off, turned it upside down and put pieces of Q Pad around the speaker, covering most of the vacant area. Hot dog! Buzz went away. Q Pads are +/- 3/32 inch thick fibrous pads with one sticky side, are used in cars to quieten vibrating panels and can be found at professional auto paint stores. Used 'em on my old Ford diesel and quietened it down. CAVEAT: Since the pads are kinda heavy, and are hanging from the top panel, I can't vouch for how long they will stay stuck. They did stay stuck to the bottom of my old diesel's oil pan for years and may still be there. I traded the truck. However, they work so well if they drop down, I will figure some way to hold em up. My ohmmeter says they are nonconductive. The pads come in packs of several roughly 10 sq pads. Maybe a friendly hot rod shop would sell just one, which is more than enough area. Another idea is to affix 1/8 in thick aluminum pieces with contact cement. 73 from N4YM, George ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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
