[Elecraft] #5390 Completed - Novice's Reflections on Building a K2
For any novices like myself: Completed K2 #5390 today. Basic 10 - 80 m cw model. No options (yet). Everything tested basically ok. Log records; Early February 2006: bought in preference to a Tentec Argo V (high current draw on the Argo, not suitable for light /P, clinched it for the K2) Feb - April 2006: slow, rather nervous and self questioning lead up to the actual build. Read the manual and did basic inventory of parts. Built the Ngen for soldering practice. Bought a decent temp controlled soldering station and desoldering gun (China made). Bought Kester 44 solder from Mouser. Lots of research on internet and ARRL handbook re soldering, and components last iron I used was a 100 watt for PL259 plugs and amp building. Practice soldering and desoldering for small solid state parts. . Sorted components into large number of plastic boxes with compartments for like types. This made the job seem less daunting from a psychological viewpoint. April 30, 2006 - started on the Control Board build then Front Board. Took 5 days solid work, over a couple of weeks, time permitting. All tested ok. (Soldering the ICs not as hard as it sounded. However, required a high magnification illuminated desk lamp, plus a new pair of reading spectacles. Only had to use the desoldering gun a couple of times, but it was worth the money). Experienced quite a lot of backacke, prefer to solder 'up close and personal' with the magnifier, easier to detect/avoid solder errors. However much care you think you take, errors will occur. Good organization and method helps and for a novice like me, was essential. Finished the RF Board 40 meter rx about a week ago. Surprised that it worked first time. (I could not hear the 'birdie' on 7000 khz until the BFO had been set as per the manual. Don't automatically assume there is an error immediately. Check and double check. If tired, put the kit away until next time). July 9, 2006: Completed. Tested basically ok. Very responsive on receive. I even listened to the BBC on 21660 relay from Singapore with a 5 ft wire antenna on the floor. Saved me turning on the IC-781. Total number of days worked on: 20 days (including the 5 days to finish the Control/Front boards). Some days were short (an hour), many like yesterday were long and arduous. Time taken to build? Not sure, would guess minimum 60 hours, probably closer to 80 hours. Issues? Power output on 28 mhz was a little low on the internal K2 meter yesterday, about 8-9 watts. The internal meter was reading up to 15 watts out on all other bands. Expert K2 buildern locally suggested rewiding T2 - too tired to do that now. 'Prodded' T2 a few times (tried to tidy it up/elevate it a bit more off the board). Hooked up the Bird 43 today with a 50 watt slug. Noted that power readinggs on all bands today were a little lower, according to the K2 internal meter. However, on the Bird 43, there is 9 watts out indicated on 28 mhz and up to12 - 13 watts out on other bands, depending on the band. Probably not too much wrong, but may rewind T2 and maybe T3 for experiment in due course. Also managed to scuff off the paint very slightly about 1.5mm x 1.5mm on the front panel cover at the curve on the top, despite thinking I was lsietening to the advive in the manual to watch out for that. Will get some touch up paint from Elecraft. Was it worth it? Time will tell. I don't think anyone would want to build the K2 as a commercial venture, only for the pleasure of doing so. I will try some /P, which is what I kot the K2 for, in the next couple of weeks. Quite an experience building the K2, still have some backache. Overall, a positive experience. I suspect the K2 project may also serve a slightly different purpose from that which it was acquired for. Instead of just using it as a utilitarian /P radio, it will serve as a self-educational radio. I always wondered what transistors and ICs actually did, now I have a slightly better idea. Cheers and 73 from Hong Kong, Wyn, VR2AX (ex VS6UK), GW3YGH ___ 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] plexiglass
On Sat, 8 Jul 2006 11:42:50 -0500 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: >Ah... what we need is transparent aluminum. But, of course we don't >have such a thing. at least. not officially In the interests of academic integrity, I gotta come clean :^)) In his book "The Wizard War" Prof. R. V. Jones, soon to become Britain's director of scientific intelligence during WW2, relates how he spoofed an overly inquisitive Admiraty Research Lab staffer who had had suggested the value of a substance that was both a good conductor of electricity and also tranparent to light. "But we haven't got transparent metal, have we Doctor?" the staffer asked. "No," Jones replied, then paused conspiritorially , "Well, no, not officially." Jones was such an accomplished master of the art of spoof that he soon convinced the staffer that the admiralty was trying to build an invisible battleship, but had only been able to produce enough of the metal to build an invisible topedo boat, which was still troubled by the fact that the wake was visible, as was the crew. If you've never read it... get "The Wizard War" by R. V. Jones., ISBN 0-698-10896-5 published in Britain as "Most Secret War" There is a passage where he credits the contributions of Britain's ham radio enthusiasts in providing a cadre of sorely needed radio and electronics savvy personnel out the onset of the war. And points out how Germany's supression of hams had deprived them of a similar resource. Hence Germany had to bring a device nearly to the point of fool-proof perfection before releasing it for use, whereas the British could put systems barely past the prototype stage into operations, knowing they had enough "tinkerers" who could make it work. Jones also relates that as a boy he had built a SW receiver that could pick up Australia, and had received from Radio Australia a QSL card signed by the English Test Team (cricket, for us yanks) 73 Jim N5IB ___ 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 All, I just returned from spending a few pleasant hours at a friend of mine's house. He is a bit older than me. I enjoy hearing his tales of the countryside. His wisdom is much greater than mine since he has lived on this mountain for a few more years than I've been on this planet. He is approaching 92 years but is still just a youngun of 91! What a hoot. We talked about places and people and things. I used to be a bit jealous of him since Ms. P and LeRoy had such a great time together. Now we can cry together and share our mutual loss. He is a great guy and an asset to our mountain community. I would love for him to gain his Technician license so the folks on the local repeaters could learn a great wealth of history and just plain common sense. The weather is now Oregon summer. Read: dry season here. Each time I drive either my Ford Ranger or the F250 across the roads I can be tracked by the great swath of dust following along behind me. Travelling to LeRoy's house was quite the adventure since no one had taken this route in almost a year. The washouts were one thing but the alder and scotch broom had almost closed the path. The long box F250 with the club cab made for some interesting, if hairy times, getting to his house. I had a tape from the Teaching Company in the tape deck so I learned more of Martin Luther's inquisition by the Diet while I was trekking across Green's and then Long's Mountain. I did have a chance to check into the MARS net a few times this week but it was touch and go. Luckily my quiet, mountain location gave me a bit of an advantage over those city folks down in the valley. There was a bit of QRN on the high end of 80 meters during the 0200z net across region 10. There were a few good examples of relaying messages from op to op. Very good training for all of us. Now if I could only get that K2 owning op to get on CW! Robert, why don't you at least make an attempt? I'll gladly work you at whatever speed is comfortable for you. That goes for anyone out there in Elecraftland. I, and my faithful Co-NCS folks, will work you on CW down to near 0 wpm. Please enjoy the fine rigs designed by Mr. Burdick, and use the mode thought up by Mr. Morse and perfected by Mr. Vail to join us on ECN. Trade signal reports, weather reports, or even recipes and we'll be happy. Simply meeting on the air is great fun. If you're shy just listen along and laugh at other's jokes or at my mistakes. I'll try not to take it too personally :( Please join us: Sunday 2300z (Sunday 4pm PDT) 14050 kHz Monday 0200z (Sunday 7pm PDT) 7045 kHz Visit our web site: http://ecn.visionseer.com/ for net details. Until tomorrow, Kevin. KD5ONS Elecraft: Running light, no over byte. 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
RE: [Elecraft] FD Battery rules (was QRP Power Level?)
Our effort was a 100W effort. The transmitter used was the normal transmitter for one of the four stations. Therefore, using 100W from solar is legal. I never implied anything else. Are you saying our solar bonus is invalid? The original comment was a clarification of the statment about the Alternative Power bonus which is not limited to 5W. I additionally commented that I would like to see Battery allow all battery efforts at any power level using the exiting power level bonus structure. This change in the focus of the message is why I changed the subject. -- Clark B. Wierda N8CBW > [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: >> >>> While the Battery subclass is limited to 5W, the Alternative Power >>> Bonus >>> is not. We were running 100W on Battery for one of our stations using >>> Solar Panels as the power source. > > Hope you don't think that the alternative power bonus can be made with a > higher power level and you can still use a 5x power multiplier. The rules ___ 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] plexiglass
Ah, this explains the cost of aluminum these days !!! HI 73, Jamie WB4YDL -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of DAVID Sent: Saturday, July 08, 2006 12:23 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] plexiglass Wait Scotty showed the guy in san fran sisco the formula for transparent aluminum when they came back in the klingon war bird to get the two hump back whales so we got to have it by now either that or that guy is sitting on a gold mine.:) ___ 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] Optimising the PA stages
> -Original Message- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ron > D'Eau Claire > Sent: Sunday, July 09, 2006 1:52 AM > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Optimising the PA stages > > There is an optimizing mod to one toroid for the K2 IF you > are going to work at 5 watts or less, maximum. It'll reduce > the xmit current a bit to help those using he QRP K2 with > internal batteries. The flip side is that the rig is less > efficient at higher levels. > > It's on the Elecraft web site (www.elecraft.com) under > Builder's Resources. Ron Thanks, I already found that one. It actually mentions it in the schematic in the manual but applies only to T4 turns ratio I think. At the moment its working quite well, its in my nature to be curious though ;-) I am going to have plenty fun with it either way. All best John > > Ron AC7AC > > -Original Message- > Hi All > > Ser Nr 5544 is now alive and kicking. > > When doing the Align/Test P III with the referenced power > level setting of 10.0W I find the current level hovering > around the upper limit of the recommended range at 2.0 amps > although I did not see any Hi Current warnings. > > All the RX/TX alignment also seems OK. Is there any published > tables on typical performance variance across the bands > regarding signal level in for say S9 or MDS? or typical power > levels out? > > This leads me to believe that some optimising can possibly be > done, or I have some stages slightly off the intended specs. > > I was sure I seen some posts previously on alternate winding > of the transformers in the TX chain from T1 onwards but I am > getting way to may hits from the 11k messages I have archived > from this list to be able to filter them down easily. > > Any information appreciated. > > John > > > ___ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > ___ 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] Optimising the PA stages
There is an optimizing mod to one toroid for the K2 IF you are going to work at 5 watts or less, maximum. It'll reduce the xmit current a bit to help those using he QRP K2 with internal batteries. The flip side is that the rig is less efficient at higher levels. It's on the Elecraft web site (www.elecraft.com) under Builder's Resources. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Hi All Ser Nr 5544 is now alive and kicking. When doing the Align/Test P III with the referenced power level setting of 10.0W I find the current level hovering around the upper limit of the recommended range at 2.0 amps although I did not see any Hi Current warnings. All the RX/TX alignment also seems OK. Is there any published tables on typical performance variance across the bands regarding signal level in for say S9 or MDS? or typical power levels out? This leads me to believe that some optimising can possibly be done, or I have some stages slightly off the intended specs. I was sure I seen some posts previously on alternate winding of the transformers in the TX chain from T1 onwards but I am getting way to may hits from the 11k messages I have archived from this list to be able to filter them down easily. Any information appreciated. John ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Optimising the PA stages
Hi All Ser Nr 5544 is now alive and kicking. When doing the Align/Test P III with the referenced power level setting of 10.0W I find the current level hovering around the upper limit of the recommended range at 2.0 amps although I did not see any Hi Current warnings. All the RX/TX alignment also seems OK. Is there any published tables on typical performance variance across the bands regarding signal level in for say S9 or MDS? or typical power levels out? This leads me to believe that some optimising can possibly be done, or I have some stages slightly off the intended specs. I was sure I seen some posts previously on alternate winding of the transformers in the TX chain from T1 onwards but I am getting way to may hits from the 11k messages I have archived from this list to be able to filter them down easily. Any information appreciated. John ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Field Day Rules
In a message dated 7/8/06 2:37:35 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > I have been wrestling with the desire for a new FD operating class that > required 100% renewable energy be used. I think that this would need a > restriction something like no more that 0.5 Amp Hours per transmissted watt > of pre-stored energy. > > This would be to encourage those interested in developing a means to work a > long-term emergency where even gasoline is not available. > > Anybode else think this class would be interesting? > It would be very interesting, but the pre-stored business wouldn't be needed. All it would take is for the rules to require that the primary power system be adequate to run the station long-term. IOW, if the primary source were solar, with battery backup, the panel output would have to be enough so that the state of battery charge at the end of the FD period would be the same or greater than at the beginning. This could be shown by a simple analysis of the system components. For example, suppose a K2 at 5 watts draws 280 mills on receive and 1 A on transmit, and we assume transmit duty cycle of 25% (key down time). In one hour's time, the rig will use .210 AH while receiving and .250 AH while transmitting - total load .460 AH. Round up to 0.5 AH. If the contest lasts 24 hours, you need 12 AH of battery. To put back that much energy would require a panel of 2 A capacity, if we assume 8 hours of full daylight and 66% charger/battery efficiency. These are just WAEG numbers, of course. Point is, there would be practical educational value in figuring it all out. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] plexiglass
On Sat, 8 Jul 2006 [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: On Sat, 08 Jul 2006 05:30:16 -0500 "John R. Lonigro" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: John: It would be nice, but acrylic doesn't make a very good RF shield! Ah... what we need is transparent aluminum. But, of course we don't have such a thing. at least. not officially I always thought that was the material used to make the helmets that folks wear to protect themselves against the "rays". The real trick would be to produce one way transparent aluminum, and use it in goggles that would sheild one from "mal ochio", yet allowing the user to see well enough to conduct business. I will speak to some of the older and wiser men at the Bocce court and attempt to find a source. clandestinely yours, Scotty, aka N5IB Yours in the spirit of frictionless transactions, I, and my family, remain at your service. Thom K3HRN ___ 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] Field day rules data
Here is the rule in question: 7. Scoring: Scores are based on the total number of QSO points times the power multiplier corresponding to the highest power level under which any contact was made during the Field Day period plus the bonus points. 7.1. QSO Points 7.1.1. Phone contacts count one point each. 7.1.2. CW contacts count two points each. 7.1.3. Digital contacts count two points each. 7.2. Power multipliers: The power multiplier that applies is determined by the highest power output of any of the transmitters used during the Field Day operation. 7.2.1. If all contacts are made using a power of 5 Watts or less and if a power source other than commercial mains or motor-driven generator is used (batteries, solar cells, water-driven generator), the power multiplier is 5. 7.2.2. If all contacts are made using a power of 5 Watts or less, but the power source is from a commercial main or from a motor-driven generator, the power multiplier is 2. 7.2.3. If any or all contacts are made using an output power up to 150 Watts or less, the power multiplier is 2. 7.2.4. If any or all contacts are made using an output power greater than 150 Watts, the power multiplier is one. 7.2.5. The power multiplier for an entry is determined by the maximum output power used by any transmitter used to complete any contact during the event. (Example: a group has one QRP station running 3 Watts and a second station running 100 Watts, the power multiplier of 2 applies to all contacts made by the entire operation). - As you see it clearly says your score is bound up with the highest power transmission that happened in your group. And it is rule 7. which we would like to see changed. Write your thoughts to this email address: [EMAIL PROTECTED] and the sooner the better. There are some new catagories which are especial for QRP operation. The Class A Battery is just right. 73 Karl ___ 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] Field Day Rules
All, I have sent this under a new but similar subject. I have been wrestling with the desire for a new FD operating class that required 100% renewable energy be used. I think that this would need a restriction something like no more that 0.5 Amp Hours per transmissted watt of pre-stored energy. This would be to encourage those interested in developing a means to work a long-term emergency where even gasoline is not available. Anybode else think this class would be interesting? Fran, KA4FRH K2 s/n 314 ___ 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] Tuning Indicator LED mounted in Spot switch cap on K2
I have ordered the kit for the tuning indicator (SMD version) from Ed, WA3WSJ, and would like to mount the LED in the spot switch cap instead of using the 10th LED on the S-meter. Has anyone got a stash of the tiny green LED's used, HLMP-6500, who would be willing to sell me one or two to keep me from having to make an order to Mouser or Digi-Key for just this item? If you also have a spare switch cap and want to sell it as well, that would be great too. Please contact me off the list. Thanks, Ken, NU4I ___ 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] plexiglass
Wait Scotty showed the guy in san fran sisco the formula for transparent aluminum when they came back in the klingon war bird to get the two hump back whales so we got to have it by now either that or that guy is sitting on a gold mine.:) -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, July 08, 2006 12:43 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] plexiglass On Sat, 08 Jul 2006 05:30:16 -0500 "John R. Lonigro" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: >John: >It would be nice, but acrylic doesn't make a very good RF shield! Ah... what we need is transparent aluminum. But, of course we don't have such a thing. at least. not officially clandestinely yours, Scotty, aka N5IB ___ 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] FD Battery rules (was QRP Power Level?)
In a message dated 7/8/06 10:30:09 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > perhaps the new FD person will fix the morass he created. That depends in part on how he is approached. A negative approach will usually produce a negative response. And a group request will probably have more impact than one person. > > For example, I pointed out to him that everyone who operates class A and AB > gets to claim the emergency power bonus, because a requirement of class A is > that all contacts are made independent of commercial mains. His answer was > that that's true unless you use commercial mains anyway, which puts you in > class A-commercial...say what!?!. That was done for a bunch of reasons. Some groups have a lot of trouble with emergency power - the generator doesn't show up, won't start, etc. Should they not do FD at all, or be lumped in with home stations? Or should they fudge the report and say they were 100% emergency power when they weren't? By listing them as "1A Commercial", they participate, but not against emergency power groups. Best of all worlds. Before about 1992, the emergency power > > bonus was a true bonus, applied only when everything at the site > (coffeepots, lights, etc.) was run off generator or batteries. They changed > that rule to accommodate groups who wanted to use incidental light because > of where they set up (e.g., a park with lights, or a building where they > could use existing lights). I pointed out that a simple allowance for the > > use of incidental light in the FAQ would have fixed this. But Dan stubbornly > refused to fix this - or that nonsensical "Class A Commercial" subgroup. > There was a time when emergency power wasn't a bonus - it was a *multiplier*! It's not just about incidental light, though. It's about getting FD sites in a world where the classic open field is becoming increasingly hard to find. And where the amateur population includes more and more folks who aren't used to or aren't able to "rough it". For example, suppose a local middle school cafeteria is available for an FD site. No existing radio facilities, good parking and access, and a big open field for antennas. The site also boasts clean bathrooms, a ready-to-go kitchen, long, solid tables, lighting, and air conditioning! Should such a site be off limits to A and B groups? > In recent years, ARRL has tried to remove the "contest" aspect from FD. > Even > in my local club, some members griped that FD was meant to be "fun" and not > a contest. That trivializes a serious effort to do well AND have fun. Different definitions of "fun". The great strength and weakness of FD is that it's so many different things: emergency exercise, contest, social event, training school, camping excursion, get-newcomers-on-the-air opportunity, rig/antenna comparison shootout, publicity stunt, and much more. If > > they turn FD into a "fun event" and eliminate scoring, this FD regular in 4A > will quit. > > The way to prevent that is for each of us to make our views known in an *inclusive* way. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] plexiglass
On Sat, 08 Jul 2006 05:30:16 -0500 "John R. Lonigro" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes: >John: >It would be nice, but acrylic doesn't make a very good RF shield! Ah... what we need is transparent aluminum. But, of course we don't have such a thing. at least. not officially clandestinely yours, Scotty, aka N5IB ___ 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] Field Day Rule Change
After some thought the problem is simply that a 5 Watt SSB station even on a very good antenna will, as a rule, make fewer contacts than a QRP CW station in the same Group. The reason is QRM. A good CW radio like the K2 or the AT Sprint 3 have narrow bandpass which is perfect for CW. It helps you work around QRM and get a contact completed. The SSB band is wall to wall stations and the strength of your signal matters a lot. A QRP SSB station will catch a very strong station that has cleared away the others and sneeks in and gets a contact. It is all Search and Ponce. On CW QRP I have called CQ FD and held a frequency for 30 minutes on 20 Meters. In my opinion, QRP SSB does not work well because of QRM. So I want to be able to plan a FD with QRP CW and 150 Watt SSB in the same Group. 73 Karl ___ 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] plexiglass
If cost is no object, you might try optically clear EMI shielding, like Chomerics' WIN-SHIELD: http://www.chomerics.com/products/winshield-elite.htm There are others making similar plastics with EMI shields built-in. Even those CRT radiation sheets might work. Google "clear plastic EMI shielding" Brings back memories of "The Visible Engine", doesn't it? Brian, W0DZ -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of John R. Lonigro Sent: Saturday, July 08, 2006 4:30 AM To: elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] plexiglass John: It would be nice, but acrylic doesn't make a very good RF shield! 73's, John AA0VE n4dsp wrote: > Anyone have the top and sides of the K2 made from Plexiglass and a > source? Would be nice to > see the components in the rig as it sits on the > operating desk. > 73 > john-n4dsp > ___ 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] FD Battery rules (was QRP Power Level?)
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In a message dated 7/8/06 8:29:46 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Field Day rules should change to allow a CW station to operate QRP and get the added score for being QRP, with another station working SSB at 1500 watts who get the usual 1 point, per contact. It's not about mode-vs.-mode. It's about being able to mix various power levels in the same group. Not sure who to write and ask for the change. ARRL Contest Committee. Also put it in the Soapbox comments on the ARRL website. But it has to be presented the right way. CW-vs.-SSB isn't the right way, because non-phone modes already get double the points. I would say this: One of the main purposes and core values of Field Day is diversity. The rules and scoring methods support that, by rewarding many different Amateur Radio activities with multipliers and bonus points. But in the area of power level, strict conformity is imposed on multitransmitter Field Day groups. By making the most powerful transmitter the power level of the whole group, the incentive to diversify operations by power level is eliminated. This is contrary to the spirit of the event! Before 1971, multitransmitter FD groups could claim different power multipliers for different rigs. According to the QST announcement of the time, this rule was changed to simplify the reporting and log keeping. Considering how much the rules have changed over the years, and how much of the logging and reporting has been computerized, the rules should be changed again to allow different power multipliers for different band/modes. If enough of us write to the ARRL Contest Committee with words like that, we might be successful. 73 de Jim, N2EY Your right Jim. I will write and be clear that I mean in the same FD group. The Radio Club I belong to is like 99.9% of all the others. Most Hams like SSB. A small vocal group likes CW. So it splits our club. The CW lovers go to their own FD and run QRP. The rest go to the Club FD and work SSB. If we have diversity in power then the two groups can work together. 73 Karl K5DI ___ 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] FD Battery rules (was QRP Power Level?)
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > >> While the Battery subclass is limited to 5W, the Alternative Power Bonus >> is not. We were running 100W on Battery for one of our stations using >> Solar Panels as the power source. Hope you don't think that the alternative power bonus can be made with a higher power level and you can still use a 5x power multiplier. The rules are very clear: the highest power used for ANY contact is what you use to determine your power multiplier. If you do 1000 contacts at 5W and do ten alternative power contacts at 100W, your power multiplier is 2. There is no special exemption for alternative power; in fact it even qualifies as a transmitter for purposes of establishing class. Good luck proposing changes to the rules. I have not had much luck getting Dan Henderson to fix the inconsistencies in the FD rules. He has been totally unwilling to change them. I think he just took a new job though, so perhaps the new FD person will fix the morass he created. For example, I pointed out to him that everyone who operates class A and AB gets to claim the emergency power bonus, because a requirement of class A is that all contacts are made independent of commercial mains. His answer was that that's true unless you use commercial mains anyway, which puts you in class A-commercial...say what!?!. Before about 1992, the emergency power bonus was a true bonus, applied only when everything at the site (coffeepots, lights, etc.) was run off generator or batteries. They changed that rule to accommodate groups who wanted to use incidental light because of where they set up (e.g., a park with lights, or a building where they could use existing lights). I pointed out that a simple allowance for the use of incidental light in the FAQ would have fixed this. But Dan stubbornly refused to fix this - or that nonsensical "Class A Commercial" subgroup. In recent years, ARRL has tried to remove the "contest" aspect from FD. Even in my local club, some members griped that FD was meant to be "fun" and not a contest. That trivializes a serious effort to do well AND have fun. If they turn FD into a "fun event" and eliminate scoring, this FD regular in 4A will quit. 73, Brian, W0DZ -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Karl Larsen Sent: Saturday, July 08, 2006 6:29 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] FD Battery rules (was QRP Power Level?) I am with you Jim. Field Day rules should change to allow a CW station to operate QRP and get the added score for being QRP, with another station working SSB at 1500 watts who get the usual 1 point, per contact. Not sure who to write and ask for the change. But this last FD QRP SSB was just not practical. 73 Karl [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > In a message dated 7/7/06 3:16:19 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] > writes: > >> While the Battery subclass is limited to 5W, the Alternative Power Bonus >> is not. We were running 100W on Battery for one of our stations using >> Solar Panels as the power source. >> >> I also agree that the Battery subclass should allow more power. There >> would still be the QRP power multiplier to account for the power level. >> My club might be willing to go to all battery, but would not be willing to >> give up 13db. >> >> > > I think there are a couple different issues here. > > First off, the power levels aren't equally spaced. 5 W to 150 W is almost 15 > dB, but 150 W to 1500 W is only 10 dB. > > Second, a multitransmitter setup has to use the power of the highest-power > station in the setup. IOW, if it's not all QRP, it's not QRP at all. It didn't > used to be that way - until 1971, a multitransmitter setup could have multiple > power categories and multipliers. I think we should go back to the way it was > before 1971. > > 73 de Jim, N2EY > ___ > ___ 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] FD Battery rules (was QRP Power Level?)
In a message dated 7/8/06 8:29:46 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > Field Day rules should change to allow a CW > station to operate QRP and get the added score for being QRP, with > another station working SSB at 1500 watts who get the usual 1 point, > per contact. It's not about mode-vs.-mode. It's about being able to mix various power levels in the same group. > > Not sure who to write and ask for the change. ARRL Contest Committee. Also put it in the Soapbox comments on the ARRL website. But it has to be presented the right way. CW-vs.-SSB isn't the right way, because non-phone modes already get double the points. I would say this: One of the main purposes and core values of Field Day is diversity. The rules and scoring methods support that, by rewarding many different Amateur Radio activities with multipliers and bonus points. But in the area of power level, strict conformity is imposed on multitransmitter Field Day groups. By making the most powerful transmitter the power level of the whole group, the incentive to diversify operations by power level is eliminated. This is contrary to the spirit of the event! Before 1971, multitransmitter FD groups could claim different power multipliers for different rigs. According to the QST announcement of the time, this rule was changed to simplify the reporting and log keeping. Considering how much the rules have changed over the years, and how much of the logging and reporting has been computerized, the rules should be changed again to allow different power multipliers for different band/modes. If enough of us write to the ARRL Contest Committee with words like that, we might be successful. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] FD Battery rules (was QRP Power Level?)
I am with you Jim. Field Day rules should change to allow a CW station to operate QRP and get the added score for being QRP, with another station working SSB at 1500 watts who get the usual 1 point, per contact. Not sure who to write and ask for the change. But this last FD QRP SSB was just not practical. 73 Karl [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In a message dated 7/7/06 3:16:19 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: While the Battery subclass is limited to 5W, the Alternative Power Bonus is not. We were running 100W on Battery for one of our stations using Solar Panels as the power source. I also agree that the Battery subclass should allow more power. There would still be the QRP power multiplier to account for the power level. My club might be willing to go to all battery, but would not be willing to give up 13db. I think there are a couple different issues here. First off, the power levels aren't equally spaced. 5 W to 150 W is almost 15 dB, but 150 W to 1500 W is only 10 dB. Second, a multitransmitter setup has to use the power of the highest-power station in the setup. IOW, if it's not all QRP, it's not QRP at all. It didn't used to be that way - until 1971, a multitransmitter setup could have multiple power categories and multipliers. I think we should go back to the way it was before 1971. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ ___ 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] plexiglass
John: It would be nice, but acrylic doesn't make a very good RF shield! 73's, John AA0VE n4dsp wrote: Anyone have the top and sides of the K2 made from Plexiglass and a source? Would be nice to see the components in the rig as it sits on the operating desk. 73 john-n4dsp ___ 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] plexiglass
Anyone have the top and sides of the K2 made from Plexiglass and a source? Would be nice to see the components in the rig as it sits on the operating desk. 73 john-n4dsp ___ 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
