[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Announcement
Good Evening, It is barely today but I have a few minutes to get this off before tomorrow :) Once again my nephew showed up to assist me in my chores. However, I have learned; I now let him do the heavy lifting while I act in my supervisory capacity ;) He took home a truckload full of wood and I now have fewer alder in the backyard. They were starting to attack my antennas. Alder grows so fast it is tough to keep in check. But it does make good firewood if left to grow for a few years. I have listened on twenty meters for a few days and then on forty meters each evening this week before bed. I've not heard the jammer but I have heard a number of stations on the air. I think we will have a good time tomorrow. I'll be running from home this week but may take my rig out to a park again. It was fun to show it to folks and to hear the good signal reports from different parts of the country. I am hoping my nephew will help me erect a few antennas. I'd like to have two matched doublets at right angles to one another only a toss of a switch apart. I'd also like to get up a large (two wavelength on 160 meters) loop as high as we can get it. Lastly I'd like to mount the vertical dipole given to me earlier this summer. Then during the nets I can change direction and take off angles at will allowing contacts in various locations. But there is nothing like a temporary antenna in a transient location with lots of folks watching to gain interest for the CW mode and to hear how well the Elecraft rigs perform. If you have a chance why don't you get on your radio tomorrow and see if you can hear us. Better yet call me when I send CQ ECN DE KD5ONS QNI ? K so I can put you in the weekly report. It only takes a few minutes to find us, work us, and then listen to a few other folks check in. If you cannot hear us on the two frequencies listed below please move either up or down a little. I never can tell who may happen to be on the air when net time rolls around. Please join us: Sunday 2300z (Sunday 4pm PDT) 14050 kHz Monday 0200z (Sunday 7pm PDT) 7045 kHz Until tomorrow, Kevin. KD5ONS ___ 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] Aspiring ham!
Hey all! I just purchased a kit and options on the recommendation of a good friend, and I am just now getting into radio. My plans are: 1. Build my new radio and options 2. Finish studying Morse and stuff to get my license 3. Start operating! Problem is, I am currently stationed in Afghanistan, which makes this a little complicated. My question is: since I have lots of time to study here, can I take more then one test element and skip a license class or two? Meaning, can I go straight to General, or do I need to get Technician first? My other question is: since I purchased a loaded radio with all the options in a 20W configuration, is there a recommended sequence of assembly? Anything anyone can tell me would be greatly appreciated! When I take over the world, you shall be granted a fiefdom in your name. Good deal, yes? :-) -- Justin C++12 Croonenberghs No more Geek Code... ___ 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] Aspiring ham!
In a message dated 9/17/06 4:40:39 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: since I have lots of time to study here, can I take more then one test element and skip a license class or two? Meaning, can I go straight to General, or do I need to get Technician first? You can take all of the test elements. There's no requirement to start with any particular license class - if you can pass the tests for General or Extra, you can start with those licenses. 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] Aspiring ham!
Justin, Build the basic K2 first - follow the instructions in the manual in order, front to back, no skipping around unless you have built at least 10 K2s and know what you are doing. If you do not understand any instruction, ask - this reflector is great resource. Use good soldering practices, and use a small diameter solder so you can control the amount applied - too much is NOT better, just enough to fill the thru-plated holes is plenty. Be certain your soldering temperature is high enough (650 to 700 degrees F) to allow solder to flow in about 2 seconds. Make certain all connections are soldered - unsoldered connections is a common cause of failure. Strip and tin the toroid leads well. Work carefully and do not work when you are tired - doing so causes incorrect components to jump into wrong holes! You may install the headers and the RF Board parts for your options during the build process, the manual tells you when to do that. Do not install the parts for the K60XV option until you have completed and tested the basic K2. You will need a good dummmy load to test the transmit functions of the K2 - the Elecraft DL1 is a good choice. The options may be built and installed in any order, but here is my recommended order: K160RX, KSB2, KNB2, K60RX, and either the KAF2 or KDSP2. Those options that fit into the QRP cover can be added at any time - if you have the KAT2 and want to operate as soon as possible (no transmitting until you have your license) with a non-resonant antenna, build it right after the basic K2. The KIO2 and KNB2 can be installed after the KAT2. Good luck with your build, and keep working on that code. You can take your exams all at once provided you are able to pass the tests for all elements, you can go straight to Extra Class. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Hey all! I just purchased a kit and options on the recommendation of a good friend, and I am just now getting into radio. My plans are: 1. Build my new radio and options 2. Finish studying Morse and stuff to get my license 3. Start operating! Problem is, I am currently stationed in Afghanistan, which makes this a little complicated. My question is: since I have lots of time to study here, can I take more then one test element and skip a license class or two? Meaning, can I go straight to General, or do I need to get Technician first? My other question is: since I purchased a loaded radio with all the options in a 20W configuration, is there a recommended sequence of assembly? Anything anyone can tell me would be greatly appreciated! When I take over the world, you shall be granted a fiefdom in your name. Good deal, yes? :-) -- Justin C++12 Croonenberghs ___ 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] Aspiring ham!
Justin, First, thank you for your service! Second, I would personally build some and study some. Alternating to keep both from getting tedious. Third, you MUST take all the tests to get to Extra. However, if you have studied enough to pass the Extra, you should be able to pass the other two tests also. On the written tests you must take them in the order Technician, General, Extra; but you make take them all at one VE session if you like. After you have passed the General or Extra written tests, you will have 365 days to pass the CW 5wpm test. Say you do just as I have described, you will have a Technician license and privileges until you pass the CW within 365 days. If you do not pass the CW within 365 days you will LOSE the credit for the General and Extra written and have to retake them. Of course, if the FCC removes the CW requirement within that 365 days (don't bank on it) then you would you would be an Extra. 73 and May God Bless, Bill Allen WA5PB -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Justin Croonenberghs Sent: Sunday, September 17, 2006 3:40 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Aspiring ham! Hey all! I just purchased a kit and options on the recommendation of a good friend, and I am just now getting into radio. My plans are: 1. Build my new radio and options 2. Finish studying Morse and stuff to get my license 3. Start operating! Problem is, I am currently stationed in Afghanistan, which makes this a little complicated. My question is: since I have lots of time to study here, can I take more then one test element and skip a license class or two? Meaning, can I go straight to General, or do I need to get Technician first? My other question is: since I purchased a loaded radio with all the options in a 20W configuration, is there a recommended sequence of assembly? Anything anyone can tell me would be greatly appreciated! When I take over the world, you shall be granted a fiefdom in your name. Good deal, yes? :-) -- Justin C++12 Croonenberghs No more Geek Code... ___ 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: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.12.4/449 - Release Date: 9/15/2006 ___ 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 Crystal Filter Alignment Questions
Don, Thanks very much for the response. I actually did get up to speed on Spectrogram, and I'm very happy with the results. Now, the CW signal remains stationary in pitch, and jumps out at me as I invoke successively tighter filters. Spectrogram is also fun! The problem that previously prevented me from using Spectrogram was that I didn't know that getting the K2's audio into the PC was as simple as running a cable from the K2's headphone jack to the PC's microphone jack. Instead, I envisioned having to have an interface circuit of some kind and wire up a USB connector. As a side benefit, now that I have receiver audio going into my computer, my next project is to figure out how to decode PSK-31 signals. Cool stuff! 73, Jeff WB5GWB - Original Message - From: Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Bill Coleman [EMAIL PROTECTED]; Jeff [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, September 17, 2006 12:06 AM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K2 Crystal Filter Alignment Questions Jeff, Let me add my 2 cents worth: First, if you have been attempting to align your filters by trial and error, you may have the wrong sideband set. Secondly, a shift of 20 Hz or so is to be expected because of the DAC resolution - if your shift is any more than 20 Hz, it can be corrected by proper filter adjustment. Third, I don't understand why you are shying away from Spectrogram - it is by far the easiest method of correctly setting the filter passbands. Forth, If you have been arbitrarily moving the BDO settings 'by ear', it is quite possible that you have the BFOs set to the wrong sideband. A good starting point is the settings in the manual (either the K2 manual or the KSB2 manual. Shift the sideband as required from these settings, but do not go too far - going far from those values will result in the BFO being set to the incorrect sideband. I strongly suggest that you download Spectrogram and use that to set your filters - see the note from Tom Hammond. Tom's websote contains the last freeware version of Spectrogram and instructions for setting it up and using it to align the K2 filters - try it, I assure you that you will not be disappointed in the results. 73, Don W3FPR ___ 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] KX1 CW envelope
Hi gang. I am trying to simulate what happens, if a CW transceiver is used to generate BPSK31 signal. I modified my PocketDigi software to generate BPSK31 signal with arbitrary envelope, not only the raised cosine. The impact on spectral purity and other side receive quality may be measured. I am trying to figure out what CW shaping is used by different QRP transceivers for my simulation. I tried to simulate the CW envelope of KX1 by LTspice. Dot is sent 31.25 times per second, which is PSK31 speed. http://www.kufr.cz/~ok1iak/temp/KX1_CW_envelope.jpg Is my simulation correct, or is the KX1 CW shaping circuit more complex and I missed something? Thanks, Vojtech OK1IAK ___ 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] OT: Drake R8
Anyone with an R8, please contact me offline. I have a question regarding operation.. tnx. Gil NN4CW ___ 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 Crystal Filter Alignment Questions
Just a note: For those who do not have a serial port available and wish to use a USB to Serial to converter (for PTT purposes, etc.), the Belkin F5U409 model works terrifically well. It supports the entire RS232 protocol (not all converters do) and has LINK, TX, RX indicator LEDS. 73, Bill Allen WA5PB -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Don Wilhelm Sent: Sunday, September 17, 2006 2:08 PM To: Jeff; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K2 Crystal Filter Alignment Questions Jeff, If what you want to do right now is just receive PSK31 signals, use the same cable connection that you used for Spectrogram and run one of the PSK31 programs on your PC (DigiPan and Ham Radio Deluxe are 2 popular freeware programs - yes there are others). You may have better luck with the K2 external speaker jack and the soundcard line-in jacks than the headphone jack and the mic input, but try them both and see what works. Transmitting gets a bit more complex, but you only need to connect the soundcard line out to the K2 mic AF input - because the soundcard output is much greater than the mic input, you will need a resistive divider. Also at this point, you should consider isolating the lines between the computer and the K2 - I use transformers salvaged from defunct modems successfully. While you can change from receive to transmit by manually keying the transceiver after clicking the mouse, as a further step add automatic control of the PTT line. Add an optoisolator to connect the RTS and signal ground from a computer serial port and drive the K2 PTT line from the output of the optoisolator. You could use a simple transistor instead of the optoisolator, but the transistor does not allow ground isolation, and you could encounter RF feedback being picked up on the computer chassis and grounding system, etc., but for simplicity, it is worth a try. If you are stuck with no serial ports on your computer, a USB to Serial adapter could be used ahead of the PTT keying circuit. That is all there is to any PSK31 interface - some of the boxes available include microphone switching, and audio output switching, but those are add-on conveniences, the simple interface that I described (2 lines from the computer preferrably with transformers and an optoisolator for the PTT activation) is all that is needed for a full interface function, and can be built for less than $10 if you scrounge the transformers and don't have to pay much for an enclosure and jacks. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- The problem that previously prevented me from using Spectrogram was that I didn't know that getting the K2's audio into the PC was as simple as running a cable from the K2's headphone jack to the PC's microphone jack. Instead, I envisioned having to have an interface circuit of some kind and wire up a USB connector. As a side benefit, now that I have receiver audio going into my computer, my next project is to figure out how to decode PSK-31 signals. Cool stuff! 73, Jeff WB5GWB ___ 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: 7.1.405 / Virus Database: 268.12.4/449 - Release Date: 9/15/2006 ___ 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 Crystal Filter Alignment Questions (now PSK31 interface)
Bill, Good info, but if the purpose is only for PSK31 PTT keying, most any adapter should do the job because it needs only RTS and signal ground, and I can't imagine any USB to serial adapter that would not include those essential signals. I got one that works for $3.99 at TigerDirect. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- Just a note: For those who do not have a serial port available and wish to use a USB to Serial to converter (for PTT purposes, etc.), the Belkin F5U409 model works terrifically well. It supports the entire RS232 protocol (not all converters do) and has LINK, TX, RX indicator LEDS. 73, Bill Allen WA5PB ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] KPA100
Hi all, I was experiencing the 40m parasitic and so I made the positioning mod on RFC10 as shown on N0SS' web site. It was really easy. I didn't touch anything else (I know, that's what they all say, but honest, I didn't ... at least I don't think I did :-) ). Now, the KPA100 indicates Hi SWR and apparently throttles back the power to virtually nothing. Same thing happens if I reduce the requested power below 10W. It's been sitting idle for quite awhile awaiting some time to look at it, which came today. I checked D16 and D17 with the DMM. On the 2000 KOhm range, they read 105 and 99 respectively in the forward direction and infinity in the reverse. They read infinity in both directions on any other resistance range. 1. Can I even check them this way? My DMM is a cheap little pocket CEN-TECH P30756 that I won at a hamfest. It has a 9V battery in it. 2. Any ideas for what else I should check before I ship it to someone for real repair? KEVIN: ECN will be on the TS-850 this afternoon, K2 is on the operating table. 73, Fred K6DGW Auburn CA CM98lw ___ 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] E-mail problems with the Mailman system
Well the notorious mailman.qth.net system has struck again. I am not receiving any e-mails from any of the lists that are associated with the mailman.qth.net system. I currently am having problems with 3 lists. So with that I am going to say 73 to the list. Never was too fond of the qth.net system. 72 and Thanks, Ron Polityka WB3AAL www.wb3aal.com www.n3epa.org/ K1 - SN 01011 K2 - SN 01392 ___ 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] E-mail problems with the Mailman system
On Sunday 17 September 2006 06:12 pm, Ron Polityka wrote: Well the notorious mailman.qth.net system has struck again. I am not receiving any e-mails from any of the lists that are associated with the mailman.qth.net system. I currently am having problems with 3 lists. So with that I am going to say 73 to the list. Never was too fond of the qth.net system. Since the list is working fine for me, I have to assume the problem is NOT with the list. Sorry to see you leave. I think you are an asset. Please reconsider. Ron Giuntini KB6GK. ___ 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] OT: Drake R8
On Sun, 17 Sep 2006, Gil Stacy wrote: Anyone with an R8, please contact me offline. I have a question regarding operation.. You might try the drakelist web forum at www.zerobeat.net/drakelist/phpBB2/ If no help there, you could join the drake mailing list, see www.zerobeat.net/drakelist/ for information. 73,Thom-k3hrn www.zerobeat.net Home of QRP Web Ring, Drakelist home page,Drake Web Ring, QRP IRC channel, Drake IRC Channel, Elecraft Owners Database www.tlchost.net/hosting/ *** Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Report for September 17th 18th, 2006
Good Evening, Two good nets this evening. QSB from me to the East on twenty meters. QSB on most of you on forty meters. There was a little thunderstorm activity on forty as well. I did not ask which rig Jay was running but he was very good copy. I am not sure of the New York call sign. He had a very weak signal but I did copy Jeff, 821, and New York reliably. K6BBQ was a Flying Pig who somehow wangled my FP number out of me :) Seems like the northern tier of states had very similar temperatures though Todd mentioned 80 degree temperatures. Oshkosh is bordering on Southern Wisconsin though ;) My brother near Brodhead must be having a heat wave. Much needed rain fell in Oklahoma according to Dan. Much more needs to fall throughout the Central Plains. The lists: On 14050.50 kHz at 2300z: K2HYD - Ray - NC - KX1 - 608 K4JPN - Steve - GA - K2 - 1422 W0CZ - Ken - ND - K2 - 1031 QNI #130!! AB9V - Mike - IN - K2 - 3993 N0AR - Scott - MN - K2 - 4866 VE3XL - Ric - ON - Ten Tec Omni N0BK - Bruce - MN - K2 - 3646 On 7044.92 kHz at 0200z: W0CZ - Ken - ND - K2 - 1031 AB9V - Mike - IN - K2 - 3993 N9NE - Todd - WI - K2 - 1429 AA0NI - Dan - OK - K2 - 3421 KT5E - Jay - CO - K? - ?QNI #25! N0AR - Scott - MN - K2 - 4866 W6ZH - Pete - CA - KX1 - 85 K5BGB - Rod - TX - K2 - 1126 WB5GW? - Jeff - NY - K1? - 821 N0BK - Bruce - MN - K2 - 3646 KL7CW/6 - Rick - CA - KX1 - 798 K6BBQ - Rem - CA - ? I need to get my chores done so I can get to bed. I got a phone call during the net which I returned after I was done. Much news but I was not able to get either this report out or anything else done. If there are any errors please send the corrections to me. I do need a couple of fills on things I either did not ask or was not able to copy due to weak propagation. Have a good week and stay well. 73, Kevin. KD5ONS (Net Control Operator 5th Class) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] ECN Errata
WB5GWB - Jeff - NY - K2 - 812 Thanks for the fill Jeff. Hope to work you again soon. Kevin. KD5ONS Now QRT :) ___ 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
