Re: [Elecraft] Heil Handi Mic
Hi Eric -- Since I have a Heil ProSet with the HC5 element, and I get outstanding reports with it on Kenwood and Yaesu rigs -- my question is, if I connect it to a K2, will the 8 dB difference in output level cause any problems, or is there enough residual mic gain in the K2 to make up for it? Bill W5WVO Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: Hi Bob, The Heil iC elements work perfectly with the K2. They use the same element that we used in the MH2. (As a side note: The Heil HC4 and HC5 elements put out about 8 dB less than the industry standard used by almost all other ham radio manufacturers, hence the low gain reports in some instances.) If you want to use the standard Elecraft 8 pin mic connector set up, which allows you to jumper straight across on our mic configuration header, you will want to request the Kenwood style cable from them. I'll give Heil a call and request that they re-title the ic microphones as compatible with Elecraft too :-) 73, Eric WA6HHQ --- Solosko, Robert B (Bob) wrote: I found that Heil now has several electret mikes (HM-iC, iCM, etc.) which they say gives higher output, but they also say these work only for ICOM radios... Does anyone have experience with these mikes? And why are they "only for ICOM radios"? Bob W1SRB ___ 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] ESD Risk vs Relative Humidity
I recall as a kid reading stories (in the science books) of static electricity with cats' tails, and of combs picking up bits of paper. Could never duplicate those occurrences, and hadn't the faintest (demonstrated) idea of what people were talking about. Just accepted what I read as fact somewhere in the world. This was growing up in Belize (then British Honduras), south of what is now Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula. Temperatures generally in the thirties (Celsius), and relative humidity at least 80%. Built Heathkits, operated many radios, went to college in Jamaica, travelled all over the place (always going to warm places, or to cold places at warm times of the year), never an ESD event (still could not get the comb to pick up paper). Then, in the late 1990s (all of 50+ years of age), I spent three years in Rockville, MD. Autumn and winter the first year. Fully carpeted house. Every doorknob was a problem. The little screw holding the plate over the 120v wall power socket was a problem. The car door handle was a problem. Tingles, and lots of little sparks. And then it hit me: Back home in the tropics the humidity is generally so high that electrical charges leak off into the relatively damp air before they have time to accumulate to any appreciable extent. Now living in Barbados: air-conditioned bedroom with a rug on the floor. Cool the room way down, and relative humidity declines. Walk on the rug, touch an internal doorknob: you could see the spark jump! The hamshack is air-cooled. A big electric fan. Relatively high humidity. No ESD issues. Cheers, and Season's Greetings. Alan 8P9BM -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Joe Wilkowski Sent: Wednesday, December 20, 2006 17:32 To: Mike Short Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ESD Risk vs Relative Humidity My 2c worth. I have posted on this reflector before my experiences with ESD and my K2 as I was building it. First, understand that I live in the mountains of Colorado at about 8200' ASL. It is extremely dry here all year round and especially in the winter months when the RH rarely gets above 60 % To make matters worse, we are remote enough so that our home is 100% electric which is expensive so we supplement the heat with two wood burning stoves up and down. There isn't much more we can do to put humidity in our air than to keep fancy water pots filled on top of each stove. I have read many comments here before on the ability of the K2 to withstand ESD discharges but I can attest to having to do a complete reset of the K2 and reload all parameters on two occasions this season. Both of these instances occurred during the later stages of construction and alignment. These ESD related issues occurred while I was wearing a ESD wrist strap tied to the ground/neutral buss of the house supply. ESD is real and the K2 is definitely NOT immune. Since completion, and while the radio was fully buttoned up with all panels, the K2 has suffered ESD shutdowns of audio and other functions but was quickly remedied by cycling the power. It seems at times that I cannot move around in my chair without zapping the little rig. So my recommendation is to utilize ESD protection at all times when constructing or working on the interior of the rig. Again, your mileage may vary but these are my experiences. /joe k8fc ___ 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] ESD Risk vs Relative Humidity
My 2c worth. I have posted on this reflector before my experiences with ESD and my K2 as I was building it. First, understand that I live in the mountains of Colorado at about 8200' ASL. It is extremely dry here all year round and especially in the winter months when the RH rarely gets above 60 % To make matters worse, we are remote enough so that our home is 100% electric which is expensive so we supplement the heat with two wood burning stoves up and down. There isn't much more we can do to put humidity in our air than to keep fancy water pots filled on top of each stove. I have read many comments here before on the ability of the K2 to withstand ESD discharges but I can attest to having to do a complete reset of the K2 and reload all parameters on two occasions this season. Both of these instances occurred during the later stages of construction and alignment. These ESD related issues occurred while I was wearing a ESD wrist strap tied to the ground/neutral buss of the house supply. ESD is real and the K2 is definitely NOT immune. Since completion, and while the radio was fully buttoned up with all panels, the K2 has suffered ESD shutdowns of audio and other functions but was quickly remedied by cycling the power. It seems at times that I cannot move around in my chair without zapping the little rig. So my recommendation is to utilize ESD protection at all times when constructing or working on the interior of the rig. Again, your mileage may vary but these are my experiences. /joe k8fc - Original Message - From: "Mike Short" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Wednesday, December 20, 2006 5:24 AM Subject: RE: [Elecraft] ESD Risk vs Relative Humidity ESD damage does not always show up immediately. ESD can "stunt" the life of components. Instead of lasting 5 or 10 years, you may only get a few years out of them. I have had a lot of training in the military on ESD, and they spend big bucks on equipment And training. The avionics building I worked in in Germany had ESD tile on the floors, as well as grounded benches, mats And straps, etc. Mike AI4NS -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Wyn Hughes Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2006 7:20 AM To: Mike Harris; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ESD Risk vs Relative Humidity Mike and Don, Thanks for your input. I suspect that ESD damage occurs more often than one realises. Don's report confirms. I read reports that quite a few of the NATO IC-781s went down in the last gulf conflict for no apparent reason, other than microprocessor failure suspected due to the extreme low humidity. I have experienced some strange and otherwise wholly inexplicable PC failures due to early working without a wrist strap in the past. For safety sake I will stick with the new mat amd its combined wrist strap. Then at least I will eliminate one possibility from my shopping list of problem causes. Best 73 Wyn, VR2AX - Original Message - From: "Mike Harris" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Wyn Hughes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2006 5:42 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ESD Risk vs Relative Humidity G'day, Today in Hong Kong we have relative humidity (RH) of 55% (temp a 'freezing' 16 C), compared to our norm of 90 - 100% RH and temp 30 C+ I assume the 16C was outside not inside. RH in the house is of the order 40-60% temp 20-22C most of the time. No cats, no ESD countermeasures besides touching an earthed object before picking up sensitive devices. Not killed one yet. Regards, Mike VP8NO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Heil Handi Mic
Bob, and the List: I bought, and still use, a Heil MH2 electret mic when it was offered for sale through Elecraft; then it was called the Heil MH2. That was several years ago as I recall. The MH2 works FB with plenty of output and good-quality audio according the reports I get on the air. I'm mostly a CW user, but the little handheld MH2 seems fine for my needs, and the K2 seems happy with its output level. My relevant K2 MENU entries are : SSbA 1, and SSbC 1-1. The MH2 is physically connected to my Rigblaster interface, which then connects to the K2 8-pin Mic connector. The only reason I can see that Heil would say the HM-4 and HM-5 are only for Icom rigs might be that their mic connector pins might be wired differently than the K2 expects to see. Certainly you ought to be able to play with your RS electret replacement element without hazard to your K2. Keep us posted, es GL. 73 K0PQ Steve Banks -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Solosko, Robert B (Bob) Sent: Wednesday, December 20, 2006 7:19 AM To: Ron D'Eau Claire; Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Heil Handi Mic Hello All, There seems to be differing opinions about whether the Heil HM-4 and HM-5 provide enough output to properly drive the K2. Looking through the HRO catalog, I found that Heil now has several electret mikes (HM-iC, iCM, etc.) which they say gives higher output, but they also say these work only for ICOM radios... Does anyone have experience with these mikes? Do they solve the low drive problem for the K2?... And why are they "only for ICOM radios"? And one final question: are they likely to work better than the mike that I'm using that I put together using a $3 Radio Shack electret replacement element (plenty of drive, but mediocre audio reports)? Thanks. Bob W1SRB -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Monday, December 04, 2006 6:54 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Heil Handi Mic Mike AI4NS wrote: I am using the Heil HM-5, and the audio is just fine according to reports. I didn't have to do anything special. I set SSb A menu to 2, and SSbB menu to 3-1, And it works well for my voice. Just another option. - Excellent point Mike! The SSb A menu will switch in about 10 dB of attenuation if it's set to 1! That's useful when an external mic preamp to over-driving the K2 but will keep many mics from properly driving the rig when connected without a preamp. Even so, I've noticed that several mics won't drive the K2 properly on 10 meters (where the TX gain is lowest) especially if I use any compression. That seems to be the experience of a great many operators. I use an electret element that has an output of about -64 dB. It works FB once I changed R14 to 5.6K. I considered an external preamp, but it seemed to me more efficient to reduce the unnecessary loss at the mic input rather than add external active components to make up for it. Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ 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] 10M birdie and other assundries
Hi Ben, My assumption is that the birdie is due to mixing of the VCO with X-tal frequencies. At certain a (VCO) frequency it will be such that this mixing product will produce exactly the IF frequency--> a birdie is born. Of course will this "certain" VCO frequency correspond with a RF frequency (the frequency which is on the display of the K2). Now we need to do some maths:-) So the calculation is as follows: (1) X*Fxtal + Y*Fvco = Fif (never mind the + sign , minus is also taken care for by the negative Y values). Fxtal = KPA100 xtal freq Fvco = K2 VCO freq Fif = K2's IF (4.9136 MHz) X and Y are integers from e.g -4 to + 4, i.e. -4,-3,-2, etc to +4 (number of mixing products you would like to consider) Also we do know that Fvco = Frx - Fif (minus will be a plus depending if you are below or above 17 mtrs) (2) Fvco = K2 VCO freq Frx = K2 "displayed" freq Fif = K2's IF With (1) and (2) we can solve this equation: (3) Frx = Fif + (Fif-X*Fxtal)/Y and (below 17 mtrs) (4) Frx = -Fif + (Fif-X*Fxtal)/Y (above 17 mtrs) This is basically what my spreadsheet is showing, it will loop through the matrix of X and Y values, and calculates Frf depending on the chosen Fxtal and (fixed) Fif. That is will show this matrix for every band and perform a conditional format (red) for in band products. The other colors have been an attempt to show that mixing products with a lower order of X and Y will be stronger than those with larger numbers, although I did find any proof of that (somethimes higher order mixing are even stronger than lower..) And you are correct ! 15.873 would be perfect... Would really appreciate if someone could take the time and verify above paradigm. Gl, Carel, pc5m -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ben Hofmann K1NT Sent: Wednesday, December 20, 2006 8:17 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 10M birdie and other assundries If PC5M's calculations are correct, and these birdies are caused by mixing products of the 4.9136 MHz IF crystals in the K2 and the 18.432 MHz bias supply crystal in the KPA100, and assuming his spreadsheet calculations are correct, it seems that a crystal at 15.8735 MHz (+ or - about 9.5 kHz) would not produce mixing products in any US ham band (including 5.3305 through 5.4065 MHz for 60m). Since this is not a standard crystal frequency, I wonder what the cost would be of a batch of custom crystals at this frequency? It seems that even within general tolerances for calibration and temperature stability for both values of crystals this should be feasible. Like I said, I don't know what the cost of a run of custom crystals would be, but it may be something for the folks at Elecraft to look into for future outgoing KPA100's, and then those of us who wish, could purchase one as a spare part to retrofit our existing amps. Another alternative would be a separate individual purchasing a batch of custom crystals for sale to Elecraft users. Just a thought. What do you all think? -Ben K1NT ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] 10M birdie, crystal osc. frequency, and alternatives for (-) DC generation
When we designed the crystal oscillators in question (KIO2, KPA100), we did extensive testing using dozens of crystal frequencies to find the optimal ones. The frequencies presently in use are as good as anything else that might be tried, I believe, unless you have a specific issue that can be dealt with by moving an oscillator a short distance. If someone wants to experiment with this, they should keep in mind that spurious signal search can start on paper, but then must be done on the K2 itself, in both RX and TX modes, across all bands. In TX mode this is cumbersome: you have to move the VFO a kHz or so, press TUNE+DISPLAY, check the spectrum analyzer, cancel TUNE, then repeat. (You can't just spin the VFO knob during TX, unless I write some new firmware :) You have to also be prepared to accept a compromise solution (as we did), because the mixing process involves harmonics up through high VHF, making it nearly impossible to eliminate every last ham-band birdie of any amplitude. To achieve that would require extensive internal shielding, which would have made the K2 too expensive to be profitable (for us) and affordable (for you). Regarding custom crystals: Expect to pay about $10-20 for very small quantities, depending on how quickly you want them. Cal Crystal is a good choice. If a very promising alternative frequency is found, crystals can be bought in large quantities for under $1. I should mention that there's another, perhaps cleaner way to generate negative DC supply voltages: use a high-amplitude AF sine wave oscillator rather than an RF oscillator. This takes a lot more parts, assuming you want a very pure sinewave that doesn't droop or become distorted when loaded. I'd suggest a twin-T RC oscillator or a carefully trimmed op-amp Wein bridge oscillator, followed by a high-input-impedance buffer and a power amp running from 12 V. You then have to add a detector similar to the ones used in the KIO2 and KPA100, but of course the capacitors will be much larger due to the lower drive frequency. This would certainly not fit on the existing KIO3 PCB; it would have to be redesign using all SMD parts. Note that RS232 ICs with on-chip charge-pumps use square waves, not sine waves. They will create loud, broadband noise across the lower HF bands unless completely shielded or implemented using very small SMD components, ideally on a 4-layer board, with extensive I/O and power supply decoupling. 73, Wayne N6KR --- http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Looking for K1 paddlette
Paddlette seems to be gone? Anyone have a Paddlette for the K1 that screws to the stand that they are not using? Let me know if you want to sell it. Thanks in advance. Ron ___ 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] A K1/Pelican portable station
There have been a couple of inquiries lately about using Pelican cases to pack Elecraft transceivers for travel. So I put up a couple of pages on my Elecraft K1/Pelican portable station on the web this morning. http://world.std.com/~rice/ham/projects/K1-GO-KIT/ I'm using a new HTML template, so please let me know if you have problems getting the page to work. 73 Ken Rice Coopersburg, PA ___ 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] 10M birdie and other assundries
If PC5M's calculations are correct, and these birdies are caused by mixing products of the 4.9136 MHz IF crystals in the K2 and the 18.432 MHz bias supply crystal in the KPA100, and assuming his spreadsheet calculations are correct, it seems that a crystal at 15.8735 MHz (+ or - about 9.5 kHz) would not produce mixing products in any US ham band (including 5.3305 through 5.4065 MHz for 60m). Since this is not a standard crystal frequency, I wonder what the cost would be of a batch of custom crystals at this frequency? It seems that even within general tolerances for calibration and temperature stability for both values of crystals this should be feasible. Like I said, I don't know what the cost of a run of custom crystals would be, but it may be something for the folks at Elecraft to look into for future outgoing KPA100's, and then those of us who wish, could purchase one as a spare part to retrofit our existing amps. Another alternative would be a separate individual purchasing a batch of custom crystals for sale to Elecraft users. Just a thought. What do you all think? -Ben K1NT ___ 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] RTTY FL Settings
Bernie, Yes, the RTTY filter settings are handy. I would recommend you set the RTTY filter widths to FL1 = OP1, FL2 = 1.00, FL3 = 0.70 and FL4 = 0.40 Set the FL1 BFOs for RTTY and RTTYr to you LSB and USB FL1 settings. The other filters should be centered on the same audio frequency, usually 1000 Hz (I use 800 Hz as an alternative if the BFO range will not allow the narrow filter to be centered that high (just remember what frequency you used). There should be no need for further 'tweaking'. In operation, you would usually use FL1 and see the full width of the passband in the waterfall display. Move the K2 VFO so your desired signal appears at 1000 Hz in the waterfall display, and then click on that signal's track. If QRM comes on the band and overloads the K2 AGC with a strong signal in the passband, you can tap the XFIL button to narrow the passband and reduce the strength of the offending signal. Hint, also 'lock' your transmit frequency in the software so you don't end up 'walking the band' if your filters cause a few Hz shift in the sudio when changed. Yes, you have an independent SSBCr setting with the RTTY filters - set it for 1-1 for data modes to keep your IMD low. You also have an independent SSBA setting. If you control the level into your mic with your soundcard digital interface or from the computer, you should be able to set SSBAr to 1 and leave it there. 73, Don W3FPR > -Original Message- > > Having become aware, from previous Posts, of the > separate FL filter settings for RTTY (there being > separate filters for RTTY), I have a few questions. > > I want to set up the RTTY FL filter settings for use > with PSK31/63. As a good starting point, I assume the > RTTY settings should be set to match the SSB settings. > Same for the BF settings? No problems experienced > using SSB for PSK. > > Currently, my FL settings are: > > SSBRTTY > FL1 OP12.20 > FL2 OP12.00 > FL3 1.80 1.80 > FL4 0.75 1.60 > > I haven't looked into the BF settings as yet. > > Also, when switching to RTTY, does that imply I'm > using the SSBCr setting? > > I may of course have to tweak the settings as I go > along. > > Any comments/suggestions appreciated. > > 72 de N8PVZ > ---bernie > -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.15.25/593 - Release Date: 12/19/2006 1:17 PM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Heil Handi Mic
Hi Bob, The Heil iC elements work perfectly with the K2. They use the same element that we used in the MH2. (As a side note: The Heil HC4 and HC5 elements put out about 8 dB less than the industry standard used by almost all other ham radio manufacturers, hence the low gain reports in some instances.) If you want to use the standard Elecraft 8 pin mic connector set up, which allows you to jumper straight across on our mic configuration header, you will want to request the Kenwood style cable from them. I'll give Heil a call and request that they re-title the ic microphones as compatible with Elecraft too :-) 73, Eric WA6HHQ --- Solosko, Robert B (Bob) wrote: I found that Heil now has several electret mikes (HM-iC, iCM, etc.) which they say gives higher output, but they also say these work only for ICOM radios... Does anyone have experience with these mikes? And why are they "only for ICOM radios"? Bob W1SRB ___ 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] WTB: Built 2T Gen and Built XG2
Bob . . . One took me 40 minutes, and the other 90 minutes. Kent K9ZTV [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I would like to purchase a 2T Gen and a XG2 already built, I have no time for construction at this time. ___ 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] RTTY FL Settings
Having become aware, from previous Posts, of the separate FL filter settings for RTTY (there being separate filters for RTTY), I have a few questions. I want to set up the RTTY FL filter settings for use with PSK31/63. As a good starting point, I assume the RTTY settings should be set to match the SSB settings. Same for the BF settings? No problems experienced using SSB for PSK. Currently, my FL settings are: SSBRTTY FL1 OP12.20 FL2 OP12.00 FL3 1.80 1.80 FL4 0.75 1.60 I haven't looked into the BF settings as yet. Also, when switching to RTTY, does that imply I'm using the SSBCr setting? I may of course have to tweak the settings as I go along. Any comments/suggestions appreciated. 72 de N8PVZ ---bernie __ 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] WTB: Built 2T Gen and Built XG2
I would like to purchase a 2T Gen and a XG2 already built, I have no time for construction at this time. Please send response and price to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Thank you Bob W4rkn ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Heil Handi Mic
Bob, Unlike other radios (Icom, Kenwood, Yaesu, etc) that have their own method of wiring the mic jack and make it inconenient to impossible for the user to change it, the K2 has a microphone configuration header so you can rearrange the mic jack wiring to suit any 8 pin microphone configuration. The information for the wiring required is in the KSB2 manual. Yes, an Icom mic can be used on the K2 - connect the microphone configuration header for the Icom wiring and in the case of the the electret type mic elements, add a resistor from the AF mic pin to +5 volts. Most mics suggest a 10k resistor, but usually the other end of the resistor is connected to an 8 volt supply - the K2 supplies only 5 volts and a 5.6k resistor is more appropriate. In the case of Icom wiring, the resistor connects between pins 1 and 2 and the mic header has a jumper from the 5V pin to pin 2. 73, Don W3FPR > -Original Message- > > There seems to be differing opinions about whether the Heil HM-4 > and HM-5 provide enough output to properly drive the K2. Looking through > the HRO catalog, I found that Heil now has several electret mikes > (HM-iC, iCM, etc.) which they say gives higher output, but they also say > these work only for ICOM radios... Does anyone have experience with > these mikes? Do they solve the low drive problem for the K2?... And why > are they "only for ICOM radios"? And one final question: are they likely > to work better than the mike that I'm using that I put together using a > $3 Radio Shack electret replacement element (plenty of drive, but > mediocre audio reports)? > > Thanks. > > Bob W1SRB > -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.15.25/593 - Release Date: 12/19/2006 1:17 PM ___ 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] Don Brown the Solar Controller Man?
Hi I am still here :-) I must have missed your e-mails sorry Don Brown - Original Message - From: "KEN" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "elecraft" Sent: Wednesday, December 20, 2006 8:40 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Don Brown the Solar Controller Man? Hello Solar fans, Had been regularly communicating with Don Brown KD5NDB for a while on a sloar project. Haven't received any response from my latest two e-mails on Dec 9th or the 13th. Hope all is OK. Dose anyone know if there's a problem? Thanks...Ken W2GIW ___ 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] Don Brown the Solar Controller Man?
Hi Ken: Had been regularly communicating with Don Brown KD5NDB for a while on a solar project. Haven't received any response from my latest two e-mails on Dec 9th or the 13th. Hope all is OK. Dose anyone know if there's a problem? Don IS OK!!! I spoke with him a week or so ago, following your previous post. He had some health concerns a while back, but says he's doing well now. He said he THOUGHT he'd answered all of his pending e-mails, but I think he mentioned that he might have been LOSING some e-mails as well. Give him another try. 73, Tom N0SS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] What size Solar for 7 Ahr Battery w/K2
Thomas Beltran wrote: Or should I go for as much solar amps as I can afford that will fit within the physical contraints of backpacking and kayaking? Yes! But I've used a few and found the 10watt Uniflex panel to be a good size vs output. It puts out abt half of rated (500ma) during normal timed use, but has been enough for the radios that most backpackers will carry. Prob the biggest rigs you would want to carry would be a K2, 703, 718 sized or Smaller like the DSW units... the larger only need aprox 700-1000ma per hour during normal 1:4 of TX vs RX(high use) . Good battery selection and a small charger will handle the larger rigs. As to the smaller like the DSW 's or AT's or KX1's the power draw is low enough to never run out of power with the a small charger and battery pack. Tom aa2vk ___ 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] What size Solar for 7 Ahr Battery w/K2
That is, is the 15.5W array (1 amp) a much better match to the 7 Ahr battery then the 20.8W (1.4 amp) array? Or should I go for as much solar amps as I can afford that will fit within the physical contraints of backpacking and kayaking? Paul - I've been using solar power while camping for some time. The solar panel ratings are for perfect conditions (which is only a few hours a day at best). I use the Connecticut Solar backpacking panels - two 32 Watt panels and a Morning Star 15 amp controller - very nice equipment, but the panels are pretty heavy. With ideal conditions, I get about 5 amps output. However, typically, the figure is about 2.4 amps. You might want to factor that into your calculations. I'm also curious about the experiences of other people - perhaps I am doing something wrong. Tom W6EIJ ___ 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] Don Brown the Solar Controller Man?
Hello Solar fans, Had been regularly communicating with Don Brown KD5NDB for a while on a sloar project. Haven't received any response from my latest two e-mails on Dec 9th or the 13th. Hope all is OK. Dose anyone know if there's a problem? Thanks...Ken W2GIW ___ 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] Another test
I apologize for using the bandwidth, but it is the only way I know to see what is working for me . 73, Ken ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] Heil Handi Mic
Hello All, There seems to be differing opinions about whether the Heil HM-4 and HM-5 provide enough output to properly drive the K2. Looking through the HRO catalog, I found that Heil now has several electret mikes (HM-iC, iCM, etc.) which they say gives higher output, but they also say these work only for ICOM radios... Does anyone have experience with these mikes? Do they solve the low drive problem for the K2?... And why are they "only for ICOM radios"? And one final question: are they likely to work better than the mike that I'm using that I put together using a $3 Radio Shack electret replacement element (plenty of drive, but mediocre audio reports)? Thanks. Bob W1SRB -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Monday, December 04, 2006 6:54 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Heil Handi Mic Mike AI4NS wrote: I am using the Heil HM-5, and the audio is just fine according to reports. I didn't have to do anything special. I set SSb A menu to 2, and SSbB menu to 3-1, And it works well for my voice. Just another option. - Excellent point Mike! The SSb A menu will switch in about 10 dB of attenuation if it's set to 1! That's useful when an external mic preamp to over-driving the K2 but will keep many mics from properly driving the rig when connected without a preamp. Even so, I've noticed that several mics won't drive the K2 properly on 10 meters (where the TX gain is lowest) especially if I use any compression. That seems to be the experience of a great many operators. I use an electret element that has an output of about -64 dB. It works FB once I changed R14 to 5.6K. I considered an external preamp, but it seemed to me more efficient to reduce the unnecessary loss at the mic input rather than add external active components to make up for it. Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] 10M birdie and other assundries
Sorry to be a wet blanket, but from my current standpoint, I'd be grateful to find just the one spurious signal from the KPA. I have literally dozens of spurii on all bands that are S2 or greater. Some read S9+40 and would read higher if the S-meter could indicate that. They all emanate from that dratted HV bias supply and moving between high and low power on the K2's power control doesn't affect the birdie count. I haven't found any that move, either. Turning off Q8, the bias supply osc. transistor, turns off all the spurii. All components have been checked most carefully for value and all have been re-soldered. The KPA was constructed to the latest revision and with R4 at 100k, the bias voltage was just over 140v. Increasing R4 to 220k has dropped the bias voltage to 128v, but hasn't reduced the spurii. They are not entering the K2 via the speaker lead, aux. power or RF connections but are present at rock-crushing levels with just the ribbon cable connected. It's been a great disappointment to find this problem, as everything else has worked beautifully (after minor debugging). I note the various comments regarding the difficulties experienced by others in their attempts to "tame" the situation, so with my limited expertise, I don't hold out a lot of hope. Just in case it's the MAX1406, I'll try lifting one end of D7 to disconnect its input, but after that I'll probably resort to replacing each and every component in that area one by one, in case there's a "rogue". 73 and Season's Greetings to everyone. Dave L G3TJP, who's feeling very sorry for himself just now ;-( Quote: Julius, N2WN Just out of curiousity, after spending some time on 10M during ARRL 10, I noticed a birdie around 28.019/20. Is there a way to eliminate this or move it below 28.000? ___ 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: RE: [Elecraft] ESD Risk vs Relative Humidity
In some manufacturing you cannot get through the security doors into the assembly area unless your boots and body strap pass the ESD test at the entry point. David G3UNA > > From: "Mike Short" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Date: 2006/12/20 Wed PM 12:24:56 GMT > To: > Subject: RE: [Elecraft] ESD Risk vs Relative Humidity > > ESD damage does not always show up immediately. ESD can "stunt" the life of > components. > Instead of lasting 5 or 10 years, you may only get a few years out of them. > I have had a lot of training in the military on ESD, and they spend big > bucks on equipment > And training. The avionics building I worked in in Germany had ESD tile on > the floors, as well as grounded benches, mats > And straps, etc. > > Mike > AI4NS > > -Original Message- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Wyn Hughes > Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2006 7:20 AM > To: Mike Harris; elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ESD Risk vs Relative Humidity > > Mike and Don, > > Thanks for your input. I suspect that ESD damage occurs more often than one > realises. Don's report confirms. I read reports that quite a few of the > NATO IC-781s went down in the last gulf conflict for no apparent reason, > other than microprocessor failure suspected due to the extreme low humidity. > I have experienced some strange and otherwise wholly inexplicable PC > failures due to early working without a wrist strap in the past. For safety > sake I will stick with the new mat amd its combined wrist strap. Then at > least I will eliminate one possibility from my shopping list of problem > causes. > > Best 73 > Wyn, VR2AX > > > > > - Original Message - > From: "Mike Harris" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: "Wyn Hughes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; > Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2006 5:42 AM > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ESD Risk vs Relative Humidity > > > > G'day, > > > > > > Today in Hong Kong we have relative humidity (RH) of 55% (temp a > > 'freezing' 16 C), compared to our norm of 90 - 100% RH and temp 30 C+ > > > > > > I assume the 16C was outside not inside. > > > > > These past two days my daughter and xyl have mentioned several 'static > > shocks' when they play with our cats, all 6 of them. > > > > I remember my school kid days of cats tail static generators, but there's > > a serious question behind this. Under what conditions of RH do most > > builders of Elecraft rigs operate? > > > > > > RH in the house is of the order 40-60% temp 20-22C most of the time. No > > cats, no ESD countermeasures besides touching an earthed object before > > picking up sensitive devices. Not killed one yet. > > > > Regards, > > > > Mike VP8NO > > > > > > ___ > 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 > - Email sent from www.ntlworld.com Virus-checked using McAfee(R) Software Visit www.ntlworld.com/security for more information ___ 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 Birdie
Thanks Carel! That's a nice spreadsheet. I'll have to see what works best for my purposes and see what crystals I have in the junk box. Appreciate the effort! Cheers, Julius n2wn ___ 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] ESD Risk vs Relative Humidity
ESD damage does not always show up immediately. ESD can "stunt" the life of components. Instead of lasting 5 or 10 years, you may only get a few years out of them. I have had a lot of training in the military on ESD, and they spend big bucks on equipment And training. The avionics building I worked in in Germany had ESD tile on the floors, as well as grounded benches, mats And straps, etc. Mike AI4NS -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Wyn Hughes Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2006 7:20 AM To: Mike Harris; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ESD Risk vs Relative Humidity Mike and Don, Thanks for your input. I suspect that ESD damage occurs more often than one realises. Don's report confirms. I read reports that quite a few of the NATO IC-781s went down in the last gulf conflict for no apparent reason, other than microprocessor failure suspected due to the extreme low humidity. I have experienced some strange and otherwise wholly inexplicable PC failures due to early working without a wrist strap in the past. For safety sake I will stick with the new mat amd its combined wrist strap. Then at least I will eliminate one possibility from my shopping list of problem causes. Best 73 Wyn, VR2AX - Original Message - From: "Mike Harris" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Wyn Hughes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>; Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2006 5:42 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ESD Risk vs Relative Humidity > G'day, > > > Today in Hong Kong we have relative humidity (RH) of 55% (temp a > 'freezing' 16 C), compared to our norm of 90 - 100% RH and temp 30 C+ > > > I assume the 16C was outside not inside. > > These past two days my daughter and xyl have mentioned several 'static > shocks' when they play with our cats, all 6 of them. > > I remember my school kid days of cats tail static generators, but there's > a serious question behind this. Under what conditions of RH do most > builders of Elecraft rigs operate? > > > RH in the house is of the order 40-60% temp 20-22C most of the time. No > cats, no ESD countermeasures besides touching an earthed object before > picking up sensitive devices. Not killed one yet. > > Regards, > > Mike VP8NO > > ___ 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] OT: K-index=2, But Bands Deader Than Doornail?
Bill W5WVO [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I've read in a number of places over the years that mid-latitude sporadic-E propagation does seem to be inhibited by large-scale geomagnetic disturbance, just as HF propagation is -- albeit perhaps by a different mechanism. If the mechanism is indeed different (and it seems to me it would almost have to be), I'm not aware of any theory on how it might work. I have a few home-grown hypotheses on the matter, but nothing I'm willing to admit to in public. :-) Anyone know of any science on the relationship between mid-latitude sporadic-E propagation and geomagnetic disturbance? --- Bill, Although not published science (as far as I am aware) sufficient evidence has been collected during the past 40 - 50 years to suggest that geomagnetic disturbances do have an effect on the usual type of mid-latitude E layer hop type propagation. At VHF a geomagnetic disturbance appears to have the greatest effect on paths which follow lines of equal geomagnetic latitude, apparently creating ducts which provide the means for contacts over very long distances i.e around 2000 miles plus, without any closer signals being heard. Auroral Es is probably one example of such propagation, which also works at 70 MHz as some of us found out in 1970 while attempting a 4m/6m contact across the pond when I was a VE2. The effect on paths which cross lines of geomagnetic latitude e.g. VE2 to South America are more difficult to assess using ham signals because of the level of activity, but occasionally S.American comms just below 50 MHz would appear for a short period during or after a disturbance without any sign of the 6m US ham signals usually heard during an Es opening. Something similar happens here on 40m with Far Eastern stations (short path) suddenly appearing after the Europeans suddenly disappear, but this is a rare situation. 73, Geoff GM4ESD ___ 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] PA failure
Chris, Please explain about why those transistors with the same number did not work. Is the spec the same? Is the pin layout different? I'm confused to read this. Thanks Arie JE1RYS - Original Message From: Hans-Christoph Scheiblberger <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Wednesday, December 20, 2006 5:30:27 PM Subject: [Elecraft] PA failure Dear Elecrafters, After weeks of repair work we finally found out what was wrong with the 10 Watt pa of my K2.Thanks to all who helped us, epecially Don Williams and Gary from Elecraft. The former owner of my K2 also helped us a lot.He said,that we needed the original Elecraft PA transistors and it might not work with transistors bought in the EU. We found out that he was right-the rig did not work with transistors from Germany, produced by the same company and also with the same number on it.Even the size was different. This was something very new to me. I always thought that transistors with the same number were equal. It seems that you really need original parts. 73,Chris-OE5CSP -- Der GMX SmartSurfer hilft bis zu 70% Ihrer Onlinekosten zu sparen! Ideal für Modem und ISDN: http://www.gmx.net/de/go/smartsurfer ___ 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 __ 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] PA failure
Dear Elecrafters, After weeks of repair work we finally found out what was wrong with the 10 Watt pa of my K2.Thanks to all who helped us, epecially Don Williams and Gary from Elecraft. The former owner of my K2 also helped us a lot.He said,that we needed the original Elecraft PA transistors and it might not work with transistors bought in the EU. We found out that he was right-the rig did not work with transistors from Germany, produced by the same company and also with the same number on it.Even the size was different. This was something very new to me. I always thought that transistors with the same number were equal. It seems that you really need original parts. 73,Chris-OE5CSP -- Der GMX SmartSurfer hilft bis zu 70% Ihrer Onlinekosten zu sparen! Ideal für Modem und ISDN: http://www.gmx.net/de/go/smartsurfer ___ 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] What size Solar for 7 Ahr Battery w/K2
I've been looking at foldable solar cell supplies. They come in approximately 10, 15, and 20 watt sizes. The cost difference between the 10.4 (.75 amps) and 15.6 (1 amp) watt units is $20 and the difference between the 15 and 20 (1.4 amps) watt units is $45 respectively) I can see that getting the most Amps one can afford would be good if you were going to run your gear (K2) directly off solar - with (Don's) controller of course. But if you are running off a battery so you go solar cells to controller to battery to rig then it seems if you get a solar unit that delivers more amps then you'd want to push into the battery for charging, that you are spending money for a "High End" that you would never use. So if a charging amps of .5 amps is recommended, and given the variability of solar output, 1 amp would be reliable - then would 1.4 even be recommended? That is, it is one thing to justify the extra cost vs the extra performance. But if the extra performance doesn't matter, or many isn't even desired, then that is an overriding reason not to buy more then needed. Does that make any sense? That is, is the 15.5W array (1 amp) a better match to the 7 Ahr battery then the 20.8W (1.4 amp) array? Or should I go for as much solar amps as I can afford that will fit within the physical contraints of backpacking and kayaking? 73, Paul ___ 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
