Re: [Elecraft] K2 - data mode r bar
On Apr 19, 2006, at 12:53 PM, Leigh L Klotz, Jr. wrote: Doesn't the K1 swap the meaning of R and R- on the upper and lower bands, or am I confabulating again? Not exactly. R and R- are always consistent, but the K2 LO sense is inverted on 15-10m. This means that the opposite sideband is used to reverse the inversion. So, the filter shape you see using R on 40m will be R- on 15m and vice versa, but the actual sideband you receive will always be LSB and USB, respectively. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Second RX
Hi Guys Been there, done that... My boat anchor external receiver project will do that... Even with a receiver that's not a boat anchor. As I tap into the K2's receiver after the low pass TX filter (on J13), listening on other bands than the K2 is tuned to, is a bit variable and non existent in some cases. The cost is very low, it's an easy weekend project and doesn't involve any modifications to the K2 other than fitting a socket at J13. Options for opto-isolator or relay switching. http://www.astromag.co.uk/k2/K2externalRX.pdf 73 Dave, G4AON Ability to hear DX and pileup simultaneously. That is very good for chasing window where stations are getting through and you don't miss any chance to call. With holding REV and tuning split TX freq you often miss the point when DX gives TU and starts to listen for next one. I have been thinking about second K2 to do this. Any experience? How to mute receiving K2 when transmitting other? That would also permit Single Op Two Radio SO2R operation in contests. 73 Jukka OH4MFA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] K2# 1068 stuck in transmit mode - SOLVED! KIO2 still a problem
John, Thanks for the suggestions. I can now report back to the list what I have found. Gary Surrency and Don Wilhelm have been helping me on the side and here is what the problem is. LIGHTNIHG. Yep, I took a hit. I started pulling the various module boards one at a time until I found that pulling the SSB board made the K2 drop out of transmit. Then, reasoning that the most likely component on the SSB board to suffer lightning damage would be the PIC processor. So, I pulled the PIC and replaced it with a previous revision chip that I had left over after the last time I upgraded it. Viola! The K2 then worked fine except for the KIO2 is mute. It will taken control commands from me, but does not send polling data back out. Could be because I have a mismatch of processors now. Any notions for this specific KIO2 problem from anyone in the group would be quite welcome. Many thanks to Gary and Don and everyone who gave me feedback, it was all quite valuable. NOTE TO THE GOUP! NEVER throw away old revision processor chips when you make upgrades to your K2. Tuck them away safely in something antistatic and save them for a rainy day. You may have to depend on them one day! Best 73s, Bill Allen - WA5PB -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of John Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2006 10:27 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K2# 1068 stuck in transmit mode Bill, Do you think it could be the key input jack itself? I've had trouble with the headphone jack on one of my K2's. I've had to replace it 3 times, not fun. I think the key jack is about the same thing and maybe prone to the same type problem. Just a thought. John, k7up ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.4.4/319 - Release Date: 4/19/2006 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.4.4/320 - Release Date: 4/20/2006 ___ 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
[Elecraft] XV432, Q1...
Hi List, I soldered faster than I read. So Q1 is now installed in a common fashion without teflon spacer. Leads are clipped. What am I going to do now? If the teflon is just for spacing I would remove the Q, prolong the leads and install it without the teflon but spaced (I think the teflon won't fit then). Will this work or does the teflon some other magic? If the teflon does some other magic I think I have to order a new Q1... Have a nice weekend Gerhard ___ Telefonate ohne weitere Kosten vom PC zum PC: http://messenger.yahoo.de ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 second RX etc.
Hi You can see my version at http://uk.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ I am currently re engineering this set up to improve frequency swopping etc. Stewart G3RXQ has a surface mount version of the diode switch which is FAR superior to my discrete version. But works OK and as others have said very useful for spilt DXing. 73 Bob G3PJT -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.361 / Virus Database: 268.4.4/319 - Release Date: 4/19/2006 ___ 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] K2 second RX etc.
Bob and all, Just one observation since someone mentioned cross-band operation. With this scheme, the Low Pass filters of 'K2T' are attached to the antenna, the 2nd receiver would ideally be tuned to a band lower in frequency than the transmitting K2 - tuning the 2nd receiver to a higher band will likely result in weak signals due to the Low Pass Filter. Same band operation should be OK. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Hi You can see my version at http://uk.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ I am currently re engineering this set up to improve frequency swopping etc. Stewart G3RXQ has a surface mount version of the diode switch which is FAR superior to my discrete version. But works OK and as others have said very useful for spilt DXing. 73 Bob G3PJT ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 second RX etc.
Yes that's right Don but in my experience that's not been a hindrance. I will say that using a second RX with an inferior performance to the main K2 encouraged me to build the second K2 !! 73 Bob G3PJT Don Wilhelm wrote: Bob and all, Just one observation since someone mentioned cross-band operation. With this scheme, the Low Pass filters of 'K2T' are attached to the antenna, the 2nd receiver would ideally be tuned to a band lower in frequency than the transmitting K2 - tuning the 2nd receiver to a higher band will likely result in weak signals due to the Low Pass Filter. Same band operation should be OK. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Hi You can see my version at http://uk.geocities.com/[EMAIL PROTECTED]/ I am currently re engineering this set up to improve frequency swopping etc. Stewart G3RXQ has a surface mount version of the diode switch which is FAR superior to my discrete version. But works OK and as others have said very useful for spilt DXing. 73 Bob G3PJT -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.361 / Virus Database: 268.4.4/319 - Release Date: 4/19/2006 ___ 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] XFIL freq shift
I have been thoroughly enjoying listening to 40M after Alignment PartII. I do notice that there is a frequency shift of about 700 Hz or so when switching from XFIL 2.20 to XFIL 2.0. Shifting to the next two XFIL, the audio is same as 2.20. So the only XFIL shift in audio is on XFIL 2,0. There is no shift when in CW mode among XFIL settings. Tom N0SS had a few notes on the reflector... that the shift of a few tens of Hz is normal. I can live with this, but should I pursue this NOW or wait until later phase in building? This is a great receiver! John AB8WH ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] K2# 1068 stuck in transmit mode - SOLVED! KIO2 still aproblem
John: If you have an old K2 main MCU try it and see if it fixes your KIO2 problem before you order parts. My K2 was subject to lightning (not as direct hit but in the neighbors yard) and the only symptom was that the KIO2 would not work. After determining the input port on the PC was shot (tried other serial device) thought it was fixed. Then spent many hours trouble shooting and replacing the KIO2. Once it was fixed I determined the pin the KIO2 interfaces with on the KIO2 was internally open - thus needed a new MCU. Three things broke, two in K2 and one in the PC. Strange that everything in the PC worked except the serial port. And everything in the AK2 worked except the KIO2. Rich ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KDSP2 For Sale
For sale: KDSP2,$200, insured and shipped to your ham shack, stateside, otherwise actual shipping cost. Please contact me off list at: bsce74 at centurytel dot net. Also have a Timewave DSP-9, with original box and manual, same routine for $75. Thanks for the read.73, Roger, WA7BOC K2 #755 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] XV432, Q1...
I soldered faster than I read. So Q1 is now installed in a common fashion without teflon spacer. Leads are clipped. What am I going to do now? If the teflon is just for spacing I would remove the Q, prolong the leads and install it without the teflon but spaced (I think the teflon won't fit then). Will this work or does the teflon some other magic? If the teflon does some other magic I think I have to order a new Q1... Have a nice weekend Gerhard - Sorry to hear that Gerhard. I haven't tried it with the transistor installed against the board but, as I understand it, the leads are required for feedback for reliable operation. The Teflon spacer is a convenient way to set the length correctly. It should work if you splice on longer leads as long as they don't short out against each other. The other builders that I've heard of doing that replaced the transistor. You are NOT the first to install Q1 without reading the step. Did you get the Errata sheet that asked you to add this note ahead of that step? NOTE: Read the following step completely and refer to Figure 23 before installing Q1. Q1 is installed differently from other transistors in this kit. That should have started going out with the kits early this month (April) in response to a couple of others who did the same thing. Is there anything else we could do differently to warn builders to read before building? 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] End of phase 1 3080 install - another deaf KX1
I finished the mods to the board and went through the receiver alignment on 20 and 40 to discover that although I was getting some signal, it was way way down from before. After reviewing the email thread on the other deaf KX1, I checked the resistance to ground from both sides of L6 and found it was shorted. All the joints in the area looked good, and no bridges could be seen, so I started to look at the top of the board and noticed that T2 sits right on top of one on the ends of L6. I lifted T2 off the board slightly so there was no contact, and checked the resistance again - it was good. About 1000 ohms with R1 in the minimum position, and 1.5 - 2.5 ohms at the max, as Ron decribed in the prior email. Connecting the KX1 to a noise source in this condition gave a nice loud noise signal. How should I go about fixing this? I wouldn't think the enameled wire or the core would present an opportunity for a short. The pad of L6 is not near any tinned wire coming from T2. Should I put some insulation there? A bit of tape maybe? Thanks Mike N2HTT KX1 099, currently in surgery ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 Just Built and have Power fluctuation problem
I just finished the basic K2 and am going through the alignment. The receive alignment went well. I then built the transmitter part and am trying to do the 40 meter transmitter alignment. It says to set power to 2.0 watts. I move the power control and the LCD shows 2.0 watts but when I hit the TUNE button - I get varying results - anywhere from .3 to sometimes 5.7 watts - It does seem to change when I tune L1 and L2 but the basic power output seems very unstable. If I raise the Power control - generally the power output does go up but once again - it does not track accurately. Unfortunately - I do not have an external Wattmeter so I am trusting what I am seeing on the K2 display. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance. John J. Bahun - WB8UFA Apple Engineer - Software Apple Computer Inc. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: K2 and MacOS
On Apr 19, 2006, at 12:22 AM, wayne burdick wrote: Yup. Me too: G5. I only use the PC when I have to write firmware or run hardware modeling software. Get one of those newfangled Intel-based Macs and you can use Boot Camp to run that dark side software on occasion Might save some desk space Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Re: K2 and MacOS
On Apr 22, 2006, at 11:33 AM, Bill Coleman wrote: On Apr 19, 2006, at 12:22 AM, wayne burdick wrote: Yup. Me too: G5. I only use the PC when I have to write firmware or run hardware modeling software. Get one of those newfangled Intel-based Macs and you can use Boot Camp to run that dark side software on occasion There's also Virtual PC for the PPC Macs. It will even provide you with a good lesson on patience and evoke memories of using a 16 MHz 386 :^) Bob, N7XY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] 8T 8R
On Apr 20, 2006, at 8:27 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: There is no 8T hold menu parameter - the 8R signal goes low 15 to 20 ms prior to the onset of RF. One question on this -- how does this work for SSB? Is there a 15-20ms delay circuit that allows the VOX to key before the RF makes its way out, or does the K2 simply clip 15ms or so of audio before it is transmitting? I can see how this works for CW, since the K2 can delay the keying waveform by 15ms. How about SSB? Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Filter alignment once again
On Apr 17, 2006, at 11:31 PM, Tom Hammond wrote: If the shapes of the LSB and USB filters are NOT opposite of each other, the implication is that BOTH are on the SAME SIDEBAND, rather than being on OPPOSITE sidebands. This occurred to me, but since the BFO frequencies he listed seemed right, this didn't seem possible. That's why I thought there was some sort of other high-frequency attenuation going one. Ron hit it on the head - the caps across the headphone jack cause this rolloff. This can be confirmed by comparing either the DAC counts or the FREQUENCIES of the BFO. If both sets of values (DAC _or_ FREQ) are on the SAME side of the filter center frequency, then they're both on the same sideband, though possibly not on the same exact frequency. Yup. Made that mistake once myself. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] End of phase 1 3080 install - another deaf KX1
Mike N2HTT wrote: T2 sits right on top of one on the ends of L6. I lifted T2 off the board slightly so there was no contact, and checked the resistance again - it was good. About 1000 ohms with R1 in the minimum position, and 1.5 - 2.5 ohms at the max, as Ron decribed in the prior email. Connecting the KX1 to a noise source in this condition gave a nice loud noise signal. How should I go about fixing this? I wouldn't think the enameled wire or the core would present an opportunity for a short. The pad of L6 is not near any tinned wire coming from T2. Should I put some insulation there? A bit of tape maybe? That's why L6 had to be moved: T2 sits on the spot where it was originally on the top of the board. Clearly, some enamel on your T2 winding got worn off or punctured. It does come off rather easily! Yes, I'd put a bit of tape under T2 at that spot. That should take care of it FB. Thanks for the heads-up. I sure alerts me and perhaps others should that situation occur again. 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] Is CW a Language? OT
On Apr 18, 2006, at 10:33 PM, Sandy W5TVW wrote: Why get sloppy and why some guys trying to run their keyers at 40 WPM? I never send that fast, because I can't copy that fast. But, I have been known to run CW as high as 32 wpm. I do know guys that can go a LOT faster. Why send your callsign just once on the initial call? Twice should be a matter of minimums, how does the sender know his signal is BOOMING in or in the clear? If you get through, he's going to send your callsign back. If he gets it wrong, then you can send it again until he gets it right. By and large, though, he'll get it right the first time. You just have to ask him to repeat, which RUINS the speed advantage, or wastes the time he's trying to save! With contesting judging done by computers these days, it is much better to get things right than to do them quickly. E-S-P-E-C-I-A-L-L-Y during a QRP contest! Won't people EVER learn? Not everyone runs QRP in contests. And not every QRP signal is down in the noise. Just how much time does sending a DE or a K take? Not much, but NOT sending them takes less time Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
On Apr 18, 2006, at 10:51 PM, Sandy W5TVW wrote: If you are a DXer, how many times have you succeeded with only a 'single' call in a big pileup? You may have to send your call a bunch of times,and/or be running a bunch of power. I NEVER do this. I send my call once and then listen. I may only listen for a second or so, but I do listen. Then I'll send my call again and listen. In a hugh pileup, I might send my call 2-3 times, but for most normal pileups its only once. The real LIDS are the guys who send their calls 3-4 times in a row, or continue to call and call and call and call, even when the DX has long since come back to someone else. Really poor operating practice. However, contests, by and large, do not resemble DX pileup operation. Contest pileups share some characteristics with DX pileups, but they aren't the same. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] KX-1 - Simple 4-band antenna
About 3 years ago I built KX-1 #608 with KB-30 and KXAT1. I've had tons of fun with operating it in my travels at relatives' homes, hotels, resorts and campgrounds. Usually I use the simple 24 ft wire recommended in the KXAT-1 manual, supported on whatever I can get, with three ground radials laid out wherever I can. But sometimes I like to try using a bit more wire. My friend K3MT, who designs antennas for a living, has a simple three-step recommendation for us hams: 1)get as much wire as you can; 2)as high in the air as you can; and 3) get as much RF current into it as you can. I let KXAT-1 take care of number 3, and I figure 1 and 2 are up to me. So I made a 50-footer. Radio Shack sells a spool of speaker wire - 16 ga, clear plastic insulation, 50 ft ($9.99 in their catalog). Now, your results may vary, but I measured my antenna today it it turned out to actually be 51 ft 9 inches. I tied a knot about 2 ft from one end, just to keep the wires together for convenience. The rest of the wire I un-zipped, so I have two wires each just shy of 50 ft long. The RS wire has a white stripe running down one conductor to help keep polarity straight but rather than relying on that, I tied a loop in the free end of one wire and crimped a spade lug with red insulation on the other - I call this the radiator wire. I found a nice BNC-to-binding post (two poles) at a hamfest, and that (along with some nylon twine to hold things aloft) completes my portable antenna. This week I finished building the KXB-3080, and I wondered whether good ole KXAT-1 would match the above antenna on all four bands. The answer is a resounding yes! Yesterday and today I ran some tests out in the back yard. I tried three different configurations for the radiator wire: 1) high end into a tree, about 20 ft up, with the end in contact with the leaves a little, sloping down to the operating position. 2) same but high end up about 40 ft, stopping just short of the leaves. 3) radiator iwre running straight up for about 8 ft, then sloping upward to the 40 ft high point. (for 1 2 I was sitting low to the ground on a beach chair for the tests, for 3 I had the radio on a low table.) As for the counterpoise wire, I tried each of these configurations with the wire laid straight out toward the tree (i.e., running in the same direction as the radiator wire) and also with said wire running in the opposite direction. I did not try many non-straight-line deployments of the counterpoise, just one with configuration #3, with the counterpoise laid out in a zig-zag about 15 ft per leg. I did almost all the tests at low power, using the internal battery. I did one series using a 12V gel cell, and saw essentially no difference. I was thinking about providing the results in tabular form, but I won't, because there really weren't significant differences among the configurations. Suffice it to say I tested each of the above configurations on 3560, 7040, 10106, and 14060 and every time the SWR as indicated by the KXAT-1 was either 1.0 or 1.1. I don't know whether results would vary if you got a spool that was only 50 ft instead of 51 3/4 ft, but I doubt it. 73 Ray K2HYD ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Re: K2 and MacOS
On Wednesday 19 April 2006 00:22, wayne burdick wrote: I only use the PC when I have to write firmware or run hardware modeling software. I use a free 68HC908 assembler and a programme I wrote in C for FreeBSD and gnu/linux to programme the chips because I hate to do software development on M$ computers. Ian, G4ICV, AB2GR, K2 #4962 -- ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] 8T 8R
Bill, My opinion is showing, but VOX will clip leading syllables no matter what - and that goes for any transceiver. It may or may not be important - not much intelligibility will be lost in most instances, but the use of VOX leads to operating practices on SSB that contain phrases like: Ahhh - I am - I prefer using PTT. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- One question on this -- how does this work for SSB? Is there a 15-20ms delay circuit that allows the VOX to key before the RF makes its way out, or does the K2 simply clip 15ms or so of audio before it is transmitting? I can see how this works for CW, since the K2 can delay the keying waveform by 15ms. How about SSB? ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Second RX
Something else I thought about was boots for the KX1. 20W or so would make it handy as a slightly more potent, holiday, restricted bands, mini rig. It would still be a pretty compact combo. I bought Virgil K5OOR's HFpacker amp - 35W out. Haven't built it up yet, but I bought it exactly with this in mind - something small but adequately powerful to take with my KX-1. Unfortunately, 35W is enough that the tuner becomes an issue: that's more than the T1 is rated, and most everything else jumps to 100W capacity and becomes much larger. Maybe the Z11? 73 de chris K6DBG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Strange receive problem
I have been pulling my hair out for about a month with this problem, and perhaps someone has seen it before and can point me on the right path. I have an issue on 30m receive only. When I transmit on 30m I get full power, and it receives normal, but after a while it loses most of its sensitivity. Transmit again and it will hear the other side of the earth. I have noticed that once it goes partially deaf I can get a High Curr indication on the first dash I send, but after that it puts out full power with no complaints and of course after every transmission it is that beautiful K2 receive. Here is the kicker - 20m is great. The only difference in the LPF is K3 switches out some capacitors. I have resoldered all the connections, and replaced K3 (bought a Hakko 808 just to do it). I think we can eliminate the BPF as nothing changes in it for either 30 or 20. And since I replaced K3, I am beginning to give up hope that it is something in the LPF. Guys, I'm running out of ideas. These are latching relays so it isn't like they can partially break contact. Help! Thanks, Joe N9JR ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Oops: Re Strange Receive Problem
It would help if I said what radio it is. A K2. Joe N9JR ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Strange receive problem
Joseph Reed wrote: I have an issue on 30m receive only. When I transmit on 30m I get full power, and it receives normal, but after a while it loses most of its sensitivity. Transmit again and it will hear the other side of the earth. I have noticed that once it goes partially deaf I can get a High Curr indication on the first dash I send, but after that it puts out full power with no complaints and of course after every transmission it is that beautiful K2 receive. Check the 30m feed line, connectors, etc. Also test it into a dummy load. Although you might have some difficulty determining receive sensitivity, you'll notice if you get the Hi Curr indication. Maybe the problem isn't actually in the K2! Poor contact in coax connectors often looks like this. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
Just how much time does sending a DE or a K take? Not much, but NOT sending them takes less time Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 Bill and others: I am very much a traditionalist on CW operating procedure. However, in contesting I find that a standard formatted call (such as AA4LR DE AA4AK AR, or even worse, AA4LR DE AA4AK/QRP AR is ineffective in attracting replies. Typically, the rate conscious big gun contesters hearing several calls at once instinctively answer the call that finishes first. To test this notion, I've tried various combinations of standard and abbreviated call formats in contests. When I send a single unadorned AA4AK and nothing else, the rate at which I receive replies in contest goes up dramatically. 73, Steve AA4AK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Strange receive problem
Thanks Vic, But its not the antenna or coax. I had already tested it, besides being a multiband vertical it shouldn't happen on only one band. According to the 259B my SWR is 1.2:1, and brand new coax from the antenna to the switch. Thanks for taking time to give me your advice, Regards, Joe N9JR Vic K2VCO [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Joseph Reed wrote: I have an issue on 30m receive only. When I transmit on 30m I get full power, and it receives normal, but after a while it loses most of its sensitivity. Transmit again and it will hear the other side of the earth. I have noticed that once it goes partially deaf I can get a High Curr indication on the first dash I send, but after that it puts out full power with no complaints and of course after every transmission it is that beautiful K2 receive. Check the 30m feed line, connectors, etc. Also test it into a dummy load. Although you might have some difficulty determining receive sensitivity, you'll notice if you get the Hi Curr indication. Maybe the problem isn't actually in the K2! Poor contact in coax connectors often looks like this. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Errata: Strange receive problem
Must be the Saturday doledrums - I said LPF when I mean BPF and vice versa. Sorry for the confusion. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Strange receive problem
Joe, Try checking the RF voltage out of the VCO (at TP1) - compare 30 meters to 40 and 20. If the 30 meter output is low, that could be the major cause of your problem. If this is the situation, look first at the voltage at R30 for clues. Normally the 30 meter VCO alignment falls quite within range, but if the capacitors in the VFO selection area are not quite the right value, it could make any one band go out of range. Other than the BPF and the VFO range, there is not much that is band specific in the receiver - all it takes is things tuned to the correct frequencies. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- I have been pulling my hair out for about a month with this problem, and perhaps someone has seen it before and can point me on the right path. I have an issue on 30m receive only. When I transmit on 30m I get full power, and it receives normal, but after a while it loses most of its sensitivity. Transmit again and it will hear the other side of the earth. I have noticed that once it goes partially deaf I can get a High Curr indication on the first dash I send, but after that it puts out full power with no complaints and of course after every transmission it is that beautiful K2 receive. Here is the kicker - 20m is great. The only difference in the LPF is K3 switches out some capacitors. I have resoldered all the connections, and replaced K3 (bought a Hakko 808 just to do it). I think we can eliminate the BPF as nothing changes in it for either 30 or 20. And since I replaced K3, I am beginning to give up hope that it is something in the LPF. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
Why even send the call of the station you are calling, especially if it is a contest? He knows his(her) call. And in contesting why send QRP, unless the contest requires it? It just slows things up. The person on the receiving end is going to pick out the loudest and shortest call first. Also there seems to be more than one definition of QRP. It would seem what one considers to be QRP is most important to the person who is running QRP. So therefore you don't need to send it. When you are on the side calling CQ you can't tell by signal strength if the station calling you is running full power, has big antennas, running mobile or QRP. The ionosphere is a big equalizer depending on the band, time of day, where the signals are coming from, etc. There is nothing wrong with being a traditionalist. It just may mean you don't get through the pileup as soon. And greater chance your call will be copied incorrectly. One thing that I can't figure out is when someone gives my call a few times when calling me and sends their call one time. I'm not sure what that is about. I do not consider myself a good CW op. I wish I were. But CW is my favorite mode. So when I operate off shore and several are calling at once I am just trying to get a few letters out of the mess if the signals aren't strong. Think how much more confusion is added when you are sending AA4LR DE AA4AK/QRP AR instead of AA4AK. Steve, it seems you have discovered the best way to get the quickest response. 73, N2TK, Tony -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Stephen W. Kercel Sent: Saturday, April 22, 2006 7:05 PM To: Bill Coleman; Sandy W5TVW Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT Just how much time does sending a DE or a K take? Not much, but NOT sending them takes less time Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Quote: Not within a thousand years will man ever fly! -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 Bill and others: I am very much a traditionalist on CW operating procedure. However, in contesting I find that a standard formatted call (such as AA4LR DE AA4AK AR, or even worse, AA4LR DE AA4AK/QRP AR is ineffective in attracting replies. Typically, the rate conscious big gun contesters hearing several calls at once instinctively answer the call that finishes first. To test this notion, I've tried various combinations of standard and abbreviated call formats in contests. When I send a single unadorned AA4AK and nothing else, the rate at which I receive replies in contest goes up dramatically. 73, Steve AA4AK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Strange receive problem
Thanks Don, I'll move the probe to TP1 and see if it changes when receiver sensitivity falls off. I thought that if VCO voltage was low PLL lock would be lost. When this happens, the PLL stays locked, as verified by listening to stronger stations. Also the VCO/PLL chain is before any RF amplification of a transmit signal. Hence my perplexing question. A single transmitted dash brings it back. (As I was typing it went quiet, and a single dash made things right.) To pose another hypothesis, when it goes insensitive (I can still copy very strong signals) it is almost as if the 20m components were being switched back in. There is no relay chatter, and I set sidetone level to zero, and AF to zero after it happens, and when I transmit no relay noise. Could the I/O controller be the problem? Sending a small voltage to the relay, but not enough to latch it back causing a high resistance connection at the wipers to partially enable the 20m components in the BPF. And transmitting a signal forces it closed? After I added the KX60V I went through and did the VCO voltage measurements and 30 was fine. You are correct that there are very few portions of the radio that are band specific, namely the VCO circuit which switches the diodes, the LPF and BPF, and the I/O controller which affects the first three. I'm feeling pretty stupid as I can't find the problem. I knew once I posted you would be kind enough to give me your experienced opinion. I am just suprised that as the Dean of Support you have not seen this before. Again thanks for taking time to consider my plight. Regards, Joe N9JR Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Joe, Try checking the RF voltage out of the VCO (at TP1) - compare 30 meters to 40 and 20. If the 30 meter output is low, that could be the major cause of your problem. If this is the situation, look first at the voltage at R30 for clues. Normally the 30 meter VCO alignment falls quite within range, but if the capacitors in the VFO selection area are not quite the right value, it could make any one band go out of range. Other than the BPF and the VFO range, there is not much that is band specific in the receiver - all it takes is things tuned to the correct frequencies. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- I have been pulling my hair out for about a month with this problem, and perhaps someone has seen it before and can point me on the right path. I have an issue on 30m receive only. When I transmit on 30m I get full power, and it receives normal, but after a while it loses most of its sensitivity. Transmit again and it will hear the other side of the earth. I have noticed that once it goes partially deaf I can get a High Curr indication on the first dash I send, but after that it puts out full power with no complaints and of course after every transmission it is that beautiful K2 receive. Here is the kicker - 20m is great. The only difference in the LPF is K3 switches out some capacitors. I have resoldered all the connections, and replaced K3 (bought a Hakko 808 just to do it). I think we can eliminate the BPF as nothing changes in it for either 30 or 20. And since I replaced K3, I am beginning to give up hope that it is something in the LPF. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] VCO Alignment - HOW?
I've gotten to Alignment Test, Part II RF Board build on my K2 # 5422. I seem to be having problems with VCO Alignment problems: a. 4 Mhz Oscillator Calibration = gave a reading of 12099.35 - OK it appears. b. PLL Reference Oscillator Range = 12099.32 high, to 12085.65 low - Range = 13.67khz - seems OK c. VCO Test: Frequency counter probe to VCO Test Point TP1. I got a frequency counter reading of 8913.18, seemingly stable - and OK. I'm trying to do VCO Alignment, and adjust Inductor L30 - to adjust and measure the VCO control voltage for proper range. I'M NOT SURE WHAT THE RELATIONSHIP IS BETWEEN CHANGING BANDS using the BAND+ and BAND- buttons, or changing the displayed frequency using the VFO KNOB? Which am I supposed to use? At one point, I could not get into the 80meter band with the BAND- button, without lowering the displayed frequency down to near 40 meters or lower. VCO Alignment - requires going from Band 80 to 40 to 30 to 20 to 17 to 15 to 12m to 10m. DOES THIS MEAN TO DO IT WITH THE BAND+ switch or with the VFO Knob? I tried the VCO Voltage Readings - using band/frequency changes with the VFO Knob. But then when I tried to get the low freq and high freq voltage measurements - I seemed to be getting a steady stream of 8 volts DC? HELP - can someone give me a hint on how to attack these VCO ALIGNMENT FREQUENCY CHANGES and measurements? Thanks, Fred Osborne N3CSY FL 4/22 __ 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
RE: [Elecraft] Strange receive problem
Joe, Not the counter probe - use an RF Probe or a 'scope - the significant factor is the RF voltage, the counter probe will only provide the frequency and I expect that will be correct. What you may be encountering is low injection to the mixer - the level should be +7dBm for the TUF-1 mixer - if that level is reduced, the mixer IF output will also be less than it should be - and decreased receiver sensitivity will be the obvious result. This is separate from a VCO lock condition, but the VCO lock condition becomes more unstable at lower (R30) voltages. The other possibility that I can think of is a leaky coupling capacitor - particularly those associated with the D6/D7 switch - in combination with the RF Chokes, there could be some strange condition that only occurs on 30 meters - A short burst of transmit would change the DC conditions on the capacitor and restore things to 'normal' until it charged up again - as far as I know, the only real way to check for that is to substitute capacitors in hopes that it will be found - not the best way to de-bug, but sometimes that is the only way to go. Remember that Murphy rules in instances like this - if it can't happen, it WILL!! 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Thanks Don, I'll move the probe to TP1 and see if it changes when receiver sensitivity falls off. I thought that if VCO voltage was low PLL lock would be lost. When this happens, the PLL stays locked, as verified by listening to stronger stations. Also the VCO/PLL chain is before any RF amplification of a transmit signal. Hence my perplexing question. A single transmitted dash brings it back. (As I was typing it went quiet, and a single dash made things right.) To pose another hypothesis, when it goes insensitive (I can still copy very strong signals) it is almost as if the 20m components were being switched back in. There is no relay chatter, and I set sidetone level to zero, and AF to zero after it happens, and when I transmit no relay noise. Could the I/O controller be the problem? Sending a small voltage to the relay, but not enough to latch it back causing a high resistance connection at the wipers to partially enable the 20m components in the BPF. And transmitting a signal forces it closed? After I added the KX60V I went through and did the VCO voltage measurements and 30 was fine. You are correct that there are very few portions of the radio that are band specific, namely the VCO circuit which switches the diodes, the LPF and BPF, and the I/O controller which affects the first three. I'm feeling pretty stupid as I can't find the problem. I knew once I posted you would be kind enough to give me your experienced opinion. I am just suprised that as the Dean of Support you have not seen this before. Again thanks for taking time to consider my plight. Regards, Joe N9JR Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Joe, Try checking the RF voltage out of the VCO (at TP1) - compare 30 meters to 40 and 20. If the 30 meter output is low, that could be the major cause of your problem. If this is the situation, look first at the voltage at R30 for clues. Normally the 30 meter VCO alignment falls quite within range, but if the capacitors in the VFO selection area are not quite the right value, it could make any one band go out of range. Other than the BPF and the VFO range, there is not much that is band specific in the receiver - all it takes is things tuned to the correct frequencies. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- I have been pulling my hair out for about a month with this problem, and perhaps someone has seen it before and can point me on the right path. I have an issue on 30m receive only. When I transmit on 30m I get full power, and it receives normal, but after a while it loses most of its sensitivity. Transmit again and it will hear the other side of the earth. I have noticed that once it goes partially deaf I can get a High Curr indication on the first dash I send, but after that it puts out full power with no complaints and of course after every transmission it is that beautiful K2 receive. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Strange receive problem
I have the same problem on one of my 40M dipoles, hears good for a while and then the signals go way down. One tap of the key and receive is restored. I know the problem is at the remote coax switch, most likely some corrosion at the coax connector. I've had the problem in the past with another coax connector and agree that Vic's suggestion has merit. When I always ran QRO in the past I never had the problem, don't know if the KW kept it clean or what?. Since I've been total QRP for the past 5 years I've seen this problem 3 times. I clean all the connectors and the problem clears. Worth a shot?? RF does some strange things. John k7up At 04:33 PM 22/04/06, you wrote: Joseph Reed wrote: I have an issue on 30m receive only. When I transmit on 30m I get full power, and it receives normal, but after a while it loses most of its sensitivity. Transmit again and it will hear the other side of the earth. I have noticed that once it goes partially deaf I can get a High Curr indication on the first dash I send, but after that it puts out full power with no complaints and of course after every transmission it is that beautiful K2 receive. Check the 30m feed line, connectors, etc. Also test it into a dummy load. Although you might have some difficulty determining receive sensitivity, you'll notice if you get the Hi Curr indication. Maybe the problem isn't actually in the K2! Poor contact in coax connectors often looks like this. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] VCO Alignment - HOW?
Fred, If you attempted to change bands by moving the VFO knob, you may have the bands quite skewed. I would first try doing a 'Direct Frequency Entry' on each band (see K2 manual page 92) to get things straightened out again. Then afterward, use the BAND+ and BAND- buttons to change bands. Yes, your PLL range is just fine - concentrate on the VCO alignment (voltage at R30) - get that correct before moving on to anything else. Adjust the voltage at R30 to somewhere between 6 volts and 6.5 volts while tuned to 4000 kHz (after setting the band to 80 meters), then switch to 40 meters and check the R30 voltage at 7000 kHz - if you have the standard stuff for the K2, you should see between 1.8 and 2.2 volts at 7000 Hz. If these 2 points are within the normal range, all others should fall within range. CAUTION: if you have installed the 'rework eliminators', the procedure is quite different, and the results may be quite confusing - I have attempted to convince the 'rework eliminator' guys to avoid installing D19 and D20 and changing the value of C71 for this very reason, but they have not 'seen the light'. Unless the K60XV is actually installed, the low R30 voltage extreme at 5300 kHz cannot be observed, and correct alignment of the VCO R30 voltages is like taking a 'stab in the dark'. (Sorry for the RANT Gary, but the fact is that this condition is true and valid - D19 and D20 and C71 change the VFO range significantly - all other wiring for the K60XV can be added, but the D19, D20 and C71 should be delayed until the K60XV is actually installed). 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- I've gotten to Alignment Test, Part II RF Board build on my K2 # 5422. I seem to be having problems with VCO Alignment problems: a. 4 Mhz Oscillator Calibration = gave a reading of 12099.35 - OK it appears. b. PLL Reference Oscillator Range = 12099.32 high, to 12085.65 low - Range = 13.67khz - seems OK c. VCO Test: Frequency counter probe to VCO Test Point TP1. I got a frequency counter reading of 8913.18, seemingly stable - and OK. I'm trying to do VCO Alignment, and adjust Inductor L30 - to adjust and measure the VCO control voltage for proper range. I'M NOT SURE WHAT THE RELATIONSHIP IS BETWEEN CHANGING BANDS using the BAND+ and BAND- buttons, or changing the displayed frequency using the VFO KNOB? Which am I supposed to use? At one point, I could not get into the 80meter band with the BAND- button, without lowering the displayed frequency down to near 40 meters or lower. VCO Alignment - requires going from Band 80 to 40 to 30 to 20 to 17 to 15 to 12m to 10m. DOES THIS MEAN TO DO IT WITH THE BAND+ switch or with the VFO Knob? I tried the VCO Voltage Readings - using band/frequency changes with the VFO Knob. But then when I tried to get the low freq and high freq voltage measurements - I seemed to be getting a steady stream of 8 volts DC? HELP - can someone give me a hint on how to attack these VCO ALIGNMENT FREQUENCY CHANGES and measurements? Thanks, Fred Osborne N3CSY FL 4/22 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Strange receive problem
Dude, You are indeed the King. Let me press forward with your suggestions. I'll let you know what I find. Joe N9JR Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Joe, Not the counter probe - use an RF Probe or a 'scope - the significant factor is the RF voltage, the counter probe will only provide the frequency and I expect that will be correct. What you may be encountering is low injection to the mixer - the level should be +7dBm for the TUF-1 mixer - if that level is reduced, the mixer IF output will also be less than it should be - and decreased receiver sensitivity will be the obvious result. This is separate from a VCO lock condition, but the VCO lock condition becomes more unstable at lower (R30) voltages. The other possibility that I can think of is a leaky coupling capacitor - particularly those associated with the D6/D7 switch - in combination with the RF Chokes, there could be some strange condition that only occurs on 30 meters - A short burst of transmit would change the DC conditions on the capacitor and restore things to 'normal' until it charged up again - as far as I know, the only real way to check for that is to substitute capacitors in hopes that it will be found - not the best way to de-bug, but sometimes that is the only way to go. Remember that Murphy rules in instances like this - if it can't happen, it WILL!! 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Thanks Don, I'll move the probe to TP1 and see if it changes when receiver sensitivity falls off. I thought that if VCO voltage was low PLL lock would be lost. When this happens, the PLL stays locked, as verified by listening to stronger stations. Also the VCO/PLL chain is before any RF amplification of a transmit signal. Hence my perplexing question. A single transmitted dash brings it back. (As I was typing it went quiet, and a single dash made things right.) To pose another hypothesis, when it goes insensitive (I can still copy very strong signals) it is almost as if the 20m components were being switched back in. There is no relay chatter, and I set sidetone level to zero, and AF to zero after it happens, and when I transmit no relay noise. Could the I/O controller be the problem? Sending a small voltage to the relay, but not enough to latch it back causing a high resistance connection at the wipers to partially enable the 20m components in the BPF. And transmitting a signal forces it closed? After I added the KX60V I went through and did the VCO voltage measurements and 30 was fine. You are correct that there are very few portions of the radio that are band specific, namely the VCO circuit which switches the diodes, the LPF and BPF, and the I/O controller which affects the first three. I'm feeling pretty stupid as I can't find the problem. I knew once I posted you would be kind enough to give me your experienced opinion. I am just suprised that as the Dean of Support you have not seen this before. Again thanks for taking time to consider my plight. Regards, Joe N9JR Don Wilhelm wrote: Joe, Try checking the RF voltage out of the VCO (at TP1) - compare 30 meters to 40 and 20. If the 30 meter output is low, that could be the major cause of your problem. If this is the situation, look first at the voltage at R30 for clues. Normally the 30 meter VCO alignment falls quite within range, but if the capacitors in the VFO selection area are not quite the right value, it could make any one band go out of range. Other than the BPF and the VFO range, there is not much that is band specific in the receiver - all it takes is things tuned to the correct frequencies. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- I have been pulling my hair out for about a month with this problem, and perhaps someone has seen it before and can point me on the right path. I have an issue on 30m receive only. When I transmit on 30m I get full power, and it receives normal, but after a while it loses most of its sensitivity. Transmit again and it will hear the other side of the earth. I have noticed that once it goes partially deaf I can get a High Curr indication on the first dash I send, but after that it puts out full power with no complaints and of course after every transmission it is that beautiful K2 receive. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 RS-232 Command Set
Hi folks, I want to take a stab at a homebrew remote control application for the K2. Can anyone point me at a source that describes the K2 RS-232 command set/responses/etc? I understand it's related to the Kenwood rs-232 but I still haven't had much luck tracking it down. Any help would be appreciated. 73, Steve __ 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] KXB3080 Installed! Power a little low tho'
I finished the installation of the 3080 option, and everything seems okay, but my power out seems to have dropped on all bands. Not by a lot, but I'm wondering if something is amiss. Here are the numbers, using the same 13.4v external supply before and after: Band Before 3080 After 3080 80m n/a3.1w 40m 3.9w 2.7w 30m 4.2w 3.9w 20m 3.8w 2.8w looks like I've lost about a watt on 20 and 40. Current draw is good on all bands, about 65ma on 80 and 45 ma on the others. Is this worth worrying about? I read about the resistor mod, but that would raise output on all bands, maybe pushing 30 and 80 up above 4 watts, perhaps not a good idea. Is there an adjustment I missed for 20 and 40? Thanks, Mike N2HTT 4 band KX1 s/n 099 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] I finally figured it out (RTTY)
Hi all, I have pondering how to set myself and my K2 up for RTTY for quite a while. I have had some previous failures even trying to read some RTTY signals. I finally figured MixW out enough to starting reading some RTTY signals on the screen tonight, and decided it was time to set up the K2's RTTY filters. It really was a lot easier than I thought it would be. In fact it was much easier setting them up when viewing the waterfall in MixW than using Spectragram. The KDSP2 filters were especially easy to align. I was so proud of myself that I just set up a new RTTY web page on my web site. It's at: http://users.ev1.net/~spituch/Steve's%20Page/Radio/RTTY/RTTY.html Now all I have to do is transmit some RTTY correctly, and complete a QSO. ;o) 73, Steve, W2MY/5 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.385 / Virus Database: 268.4.5/321 - Release Date: 4/21/2006 ___ 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] K2 RS-232 Command Set
Steve, It is easier than trying to compare it with the Kenwood command set - just go to www.elecraft.com and click on 'Manuals and Downloads' - near the bottom you will find the K2/KIO2 Programmer's Reference - download that and it will tell you more than you wanted to know about the K2 KIO2 commands. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- I want to take a stab at a homebrew remote control application for the K2. Can anyone point me at a source that describes the K2 RS-232 command set/responses/etc? I understand it's related to the Kenwood rs-232 but I still haven't had much luck tracking it down. Any help would be appreciated. 73, Steve ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Is CW a Language? OT
N2TK, Tony wrote: Why even send the call of the station you are calling, especially if it is a contest? He knows his(her) call. Months ago, I started the thread in the subject line, it got beat to death, and I'm surprised it got resurrected. I'm not surprised, however at how it has morphed. On the current and hopefully transient subject: A station who wants to win in a contest wants to make sure that A) he has your call right; B) that you have his right; C) you got his exchange right; and D) that you submit your log. He undoubtedly believes he can copy your exchange perfectly. He can't do anything about D, and if you QSL his exchange, he has to assume you got it right, or at least think you did. The ideal and most efficient contest exchange is then: When you call him, he replies yourcall exchange K If he wants to be polite, he replies yourcall TU exchange K. At this point, you reply hiscall R exchange K If you want to be polite, you reply hiscall R TU exchange K Note that your reply is the only time he gets to hear you send your rendition of his call. We all know he knows his call ... well if he's a charter member of SOC, maybe not, but he probably thinks he does anyway. What he really wants to know is that you got his call right, so you tell him by sending it. If you'd also like to win, it's important that he correct you if you got it wrong, and this is his and your one and only chance. Some contests assess higher penalties for busted calls vs busted exchanges. Note also that some contests (e.g. Sprints) REQUIRE that you send his call, whether or not you think he knows it, or, I guess, that you do too. Best Regards, Fred K6DGW Auburn CA CM98lw SOC # something in the 600's ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KXB3080 Installed! Power a little low tho'
Mike, While a watt or so is not worth worrying about, you may want to check your KXB3080 installation carefully, especially the new Low Pass Filter toroids. My experience with 5 KXB3080 kits so far is that the power output will be close to 4 watts on all bands with a 14 volt power supply - note that this is with the resistor change and 18 turn L3 installed. I have found that some wattmeters will read a bit low on 80 meters, but replacing the 1N5711 diodes in the KXAT1 will bring the 80 meter power out indication close to the actual power output. You will need an RF Probe or 'scope connected across a good 50 ohm dummy load (or a known accurate external wattmeter) to determine whether your KXAT1 power calibration is correct. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- I finished the installation of the 3080 option, and everything seems okay, but my power out seems to have dropped on all bands. Not by a lot, but I'm wondering if something is amiss. Here are the numbers, using the same 13.4v external supply before and after: Band Before 3080 After 3080 80m n/a3.1w 40m 3.9w 2.7w 30m 4.2w 3.9w 20m 3.8w 2.8w looks like I've lost about a watt on 20 and 40. Current draw is good on all bands, about 65ma on 80 and 45 ma on the others. Is this worth worrying about? I read about the resistor mod, but that would raise output on all bands, maybe pushing 30 and 80 up above 4 watts, perhaps not a good idea. Is there an adjustment I missed for 20 and 40? Thanks, Mike N2HTT 4 band KX1 s/n 099 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KDSP2 for sale
The KDSP2 has been sold, Thanks! The Timewave DS-9 is still available. 73, Roger WA7BOC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 Announcement
Good Evening, My eyelids are growing very heavy, I am getting sleepy, I am just about to hypnotize myself via email :) But, before I fall into bed I'd like you all to know about the two nets tomorrow. Maybe the sun will provide us with good propagation. I have no idea how it's been lately because I've been working long hours six days a week. The project is coming along though so there will be a respite shortly. Then I think I will sleep for a week! Today was sunny and almost warm. Last night the skies were so clear I wished for time to drag out my telescope. One of these nights I will get a clear sky and some time to get back to looking for Messier and NGC objects. Or split a few double stars, sketch Jupiter or the moon, or add a few filters to look for doubly ionized hydrogen clouds or nebulae. Next Saturday I am taking off from work to go out in the field, erect a few antennas, and get on the air during QRP to the Field. I think I will be using my own call sign but that is to be determined. We will have fun and see how many contacts we make on the four rigs we'll take along. My K2 will switch tops so I can run low power and use the original ATU. We will have each of the three Elecraft rigs (KX1, K1, and K2) so we can compare their capabilites. I am not sure of our antenna choices yet but we'll get up a few of them to see how they compare too. Please join us: Sunday 2300z (Sunday 4pm PDT) 14050 kHz Monday 0200z (Sunday 7pm PDT) 7045 kHz Until tomorrow, Kevin. KD5ONS P. S. The daffodils are blooming like crazy! KJR ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
