RE: [Elecraft] Re: Transmitter alignment
Jeff, You may be chasing a 'ghost' - in other words, that 'short' to ground may be present at DC but not at RF. Remember that the relays latch, and the armature will be connected to pin 7 for the band that has last been selected. Going further on that vein the relays shown on the left of the LPF will also have continuity from pin 3 to 4 for the last selected band. What all that means is that the DC resistance will be close to zero from R67 through the LPF coils and relay contacts and then through the output winding of T4 (which has the #4 lead grounded). So at DC, the resistance will be close to zero through that path - at RF, the reactance comes into play and will not be zero ohms impedance. For DC resistance measurements, R67 and R68 are effectively in parallel. So, bottom line, look for your problem elsewhere. I suggest that you build the RF probe if you have not done so already and go through the steps outlined in the Transmitter Signal Tracing section of Appendix A in the manual. That should identify the stage at fault. Once we know which stage is at fault we should be able to easily localize the failure to the component level. The most likely cause of failure is a soldering problem, so check the soldering carefully (several times). Unsoldered connections can be elusive, but they are the major cause of failure. 73, Don W3FPR > -Original Message- > > A little more info... > > Charles, N3EJS, was nice enough to point out to me that my > strange resistor > values of R67 and R68 sounded like they were in parallel, and had > a hunch that > pin 7 of the relays was probably shorting to ground. > > Checking this, and Charles was right on the money (thanks, Charles!). > > Now, the question of why the relays pin 7 was directly connecting > to ground? > > I reset the relays by pulling the control board, powered up, and then put > things back to normal. On "normal" power up (with the control > board back in > place) things looked good, no short on pin 7 to ground. > > However, as soon as I engage "TUNE" again, the short to ground returns. > > So, it seems as if I have a problem in the relay logic. Essentially > the antenna jack is shorting, so I have a dead short across the > output, it > seems. > > Any thoughts on how to get the relay logic figured out? > > Thanks again, > > Jeff > > On Thu, Feb 01, 2007 at 09:20:27PM -0500, Jeff Kinzli wrote: > > Alright, a little bit of an update on my problem... > > > > Gary at Elecraft gave me a list of voltages to check upon TX. > > > > Unfortunately, my scope is old and I couldn't get it to play > fair, so the only thing I could really measure were DC voltages > with my VOM. I'll probably go ahead and start putting the RF > probe together sine my scope seems tired. > > > -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.17.19/663 - Release Date: 2/1/2007 2:28 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
[Elecraft] Re: Transmitter alignment
A little more info... Charles, N3EJS, was nice enough to point out to me that my strange resistor values of R67 and R68 sounded like they were in parallel, and had a hunch that pin 7 of the relays was probably shorting to ground. Checking this, and Charles was right on the money (thanks, Charles!). Now, the question of why the relays pin 7 was directly connecting to ground? I reset the relays by pulling the control board, powered up, and then put things back to normal. On "normal" power up (with the control board back in place) things looked good, no short on pin 7 to ground. However, as soon as I engage "TUNE" again, the short to ground returns. So, it seems as if I have a problem in the relay logic. Essentially the antenna jack is shorting, so I have a dead short across the output, it seems. Any thoughts on how to get the relay logic figured out? Thanks again, Jeff On Thu, Feb 01, 2007 at 09:20:27PM -0500, Jeff Kinzli wrote: > Alright, a little bit of an update on my problem... > > Gary at Elecraft gave me a list of voltages to check upon TX. > > Unfortunately, my scope is old and I couldn't get it to play fair, so the > only thing I could really measure were DC voltages with my VOM. I'll probably > go ahead and start putting the RF probe together sine my scope seems tired. > > Anyhow, > > I checked R50, it's right on, good, not open. > I checked D7, it has 7.95VDC on it's anode and 7.32VDC on it's cathode. > I checked Q6, and it has 1.0VDC on it's base > I checked Q6, and it has 12.2V on it's collector (at TX) > > R67 and R68 continue to bother me, they both read 195 ohms, even when > measuring > directly across them. I don't see why that would be given the schematic, > but they are the correct color code for the given resistors, and when I > measure > I have nothing connected to the antenna jack. > > I have a sneaking suspicion it's a problem with a toroid lead, but I have > checked and rechecked them all, measuring continuity across windings at the > solder pads. > > Do any of you guys offer troubleshooting service, in person? :) > > Thanks for any ideas, > > Jeff > > On Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 11:58:28PM -0500, Jeff Kinzli wrote: > > Oh, and I have checked, and C167 is indeed installed. :) > > > > On Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 11:45:54PM -0500, Jeff Kinzli wrote: > > > So, I'm finally getting to the transmitter alignment section on K2 #5945. > > > > > > With a dummy load, I set power on 40M to 2W, and go into tune mode. I can > > > never get more than about 0.4W on the K2 display, and my wattmeter barely > > > moves, which would jive with that also. Moving L1/L2 through their full > > > range has no effect, the power fluctuates between 0.2 and 0.4W > > > regardless. It's the same on all bands. > > > > > > Current draw is about 0.75A in tune mode. > > > > > > I had previously aligned the receiver, and the reciever was listening > > > nicely on 40M. > > > > > > Going through the troubleshooting section, I can't find any problems with > > > the suggested troubleshooting points. > > > > > > One thing that struck me as wierd, is that the two 1% resistors that > > > Troubleshooting refers to (1.5k and 226 ohm), I think R66/67 (?) both > > > read 195 ohms, but they are the correct color code and I confirmed that I > > > checked them before installing. It appears strange to me because the > > > other resistors read correctly while installed, but these do not. So, > > > perhaps this is my problem? > > > > > > Any ideas? > > > > > > Thanks, > > > Jeff ___ 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] Unstable power control on 40M SSB
Folks - I just completed the KPA-100 amp for K2 #5540 and everything is great except for one problem. My memory tells me that I have seen something on this before on the reflector but I cannot remember the solution. Anyway, I am seeing unstable power control on 40M SSB. 40M CW seems fine (although the power control "hunts" a little more than it does on the other bands). The power output on my peak reading Bird will exceed 150W on voice peaks - on the other bands, the peak is at or below the power control setting. Input current hits about 20 amps (normally it is pulling about 15 amps, except it pulls about 18 amps on 17 meters CW or SSB - but power control is stable there). I tried SSB into the dummy load on 30M since it is the same LPF, but power control is FB there. By backing the power control down below 60 watts, the peaks can be reduced, but it is still hitting 40% or more over the setting - again, ONLY on 40M SSB. There are no high current or any other errors showing up. My KPA-100 came with the resistor mod, and it is installed. I have already performed the R98 mod on the base K2 which did help stabilize the power "wiggles" on 40M CW, but did nothing to tame SSB. All of this is into a verified good dummy load. I have seen the same high peak power that the Bird is showing on my LP-100 meter also. Has anyone seen this before? Thanks, Bill K4DXU ___ 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] AT PBMME QRP Backpack trip --COLD!
Hello all, I bought a new sleeping bag, bag liner and air mattress for this one! John, NU3E, and myself, WA3WSJ, will hike in 5.5 miles on the AT to Eagles Nest Shelter, PA late Saturday morning. We will then setup camp at the shelter. Look for us on the air Saturday late morning until Sunday morning. We plan to spend the night there! Weather forecast is for snow Friday and brutal temps in the single digits late Saturday evening into Sunday morning. Look for WA3WSJ on 20m 30m and 40m around the qrp frequencies. I will use my "pimped-out" KX1 with a Bead-Wire Antenna. We plan to have a campfire Saturday evening to help us stay warm. If you work us, please wait after sending your call as we will have to take off our gloves to return your call! We will truly be "out-in-the-woods" on this one! 72, Ed,WA3WSJ aka Kangaroo Ed PB # 2 72, Ed,WA3WSJ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: Transmitter alignment
Alright, a little bit of an update on my problem... Gary at Elecraft gave me a list of voltages to check upon TX. Unfortunately, my scope is old and I couldn't get it to play fair, so the only thing I could really measure were DC voltages with my VOM. I'll probably go ahead and start putting the RF probe together sine my scope seems tired. Anyhow, I checked R50, it's right on, good, not open. I checked D7, it has 7.95VDC on it's anode and 7.32VDC on it's cathode. I checked Q6, and it has 1.0VDC on it's base I checked Q6, and it has 12.2V on it's collector (at TX) R67 and R68 continue to bother me, they both read 195 ohms, even when measuring directly across them. I don't see why that would be given the schematic, but they are the correct color code for the given resistors, and when I measure I have nothing connected to the antenna jack. I have a sneaking suspicion it's a problem with a toroid lead, but I have checked and rechecked them all, measuring continuity across windings at the solder pads. Do any of you guys offer troubleshooting service, in person? :) Thanks for any ideas, Jeff On Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 11:58:28PM -0500, Jeff Kinzli wrote: > Oh, and I have checked, and C167 is indeed installed. :) > > On Wed, Jan 31, 2007 at 11:45:54PM -0500, Jeff Kinzli wrote: > > So, I'm finally getting to the transmitter alignment section on K2 #5945. > > > > With a dummy load, I set power on 40M to 2W, and go into tune mode. I can > > never get more than about 0.4W on the K2 display, and my wattmeter barely > > moves, which would jive with that also. Moving L1/L2 through their full > > range has no effect, the power fluctuates between 0.2 and 0.4W regardless. > > It's the same on all bands. > > > > Current draw is about 0.75A in tune mode. > > > > I had previously aligned the receiver, and the reciever was listening > > nicely on 40M. > > > > Going through the troubleshooting section, I can't find any problems with > > the suggested troubleshooting points. > > > > One thing that struck me as wierd, is that the two 1% resistors that > > Troubleshooting refers to (1.5k and 226 ohm), I think R66/67 (?) both read > > 195 ohms, but they are the correct color code and I confirmed that I > > checked them before installing. It appears strange to me because the other > > resistors read correctly while installed, but these do not. So, perhaps > > this is my problem? > > > > Any ideas? > > > > Thanks, > > Jeff ___ 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] magnifying Lamp
Staples and Office Depot both carry one for less than $50. David Wilburn [EMAIL PROTECTED] K4DGW Dennis Vavra wrote: I have learned that the "helping hands" I got from Radio Shack do not provide nearly enough Magnification nor any illumination of the PCBs and components for kit building. In building the K2, I have made numerous soldering errors due to the fact that my vision is not as good as it used to be. Any information out there on where a good MAG LAMP could be had. What brand name, company, etc.. Or web site address. Preferably one under 100.00 dollars. Thanks. Dennis Vavra, AD5LY ___ 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] magnifying Lamp
On Thursday 01 February 2007 20:08, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: > As Larry said, there are many sources on the 'net. If you don't know what > they look like, here's a couple of URL's that have pictures > > http://www.conservationresources.com/Main/section_19/section19_02.htm > > http://tinyurl.com/d5gwe The ultimate would be the optics my dentist uses. They're about two inches long and look like mini telescopes that she wears. I asked her how much they cost, and she replied, "About a thousand dollars". I've got an appointment next Wednesday: I'll ask for more details. Until I was forty four, I didn't need glasses. Now I use off-the-shelf reading glasses: 2.5 diopters magnifies everything to better than before I needed glasses. Ian, G4ICV, AB2GR, K2 #4962, LP-100 #278 -- ___ 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] magnifying Lamp
I agree with the optivisor. I use it daily. And it fits over eyeglasses so you can use it with them. The binocular vision and freedom from having to put a big glass in between you and the work is wonderful. I would be cautious of "off brands". Sometimes they're good. Often not. One issue is the quality of the magnifying lenses. Many of the off-brands are pretty bad - much like many "magnifying lamps" that look a bit like staring through the bottom of a glass bottle! Also, the headband system makes a huge difference in the comfort. The knob-type tensioner with the padded headband is worth the extra cost. I've used mine both professionally and in at my home workbench for over 20 years. Give them the same care you would in selecting daily-wear eyeglasses and you won't go wrong. As Larry said, there are many sources on the 'net. If you don't know what they look like, here's a couple of URL's that have pictures http://www.conservationresources.com/Main/section_19/section19_02.htm http://tinyurl.com/d5gwe Ron AC7AC -Original Message- If you have binocular vision (both eyes work together and almost equal corrected vision) I think you'll find an Optivisor to be superior to the Mag Lamps. It is a headband with lenses that can be lowered over your current eyeglasses. If you get about an 8" working distance,you can solder and see the smallest of solder "bridges". Its also fairly comfortable. Just google optivisor, they have some off brand copies for about $20. 73 Larry WA2DGD > > > I have learned that the "helping hands" I got from Radio Shack do not > provide nearly > enough Magnification nor any illumination of the PCBs and components for > kit > building. In building the K2, I have made numerous soldering errors due > to the fact > that my vision is not as good as it used to be. Any information out > there on where > a good MAG LAMP could be had. What brand name, company, etc.. Or web > site address. > Preferably one under 100.00 dollars. Thanks. Dennis Vavra, AD5LY > ___ ___ 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] magnifying Lamp
If you have binocular vision (both eyes work together and almost equal corrected vision) I think you'll find an Optivisor to be superior to the Mag Lamps. It is a headband with lenses that can be lowered over your current eyeglasses. If you get about an 8" working distance,you can solder and see the smallest of solder "bridges". Its also fairly comfortable. Just google optivisor, they have some off brand copies for about $20. 73 Larry WA2DGD I have learned that the "helping hands" I got from Radio Shack do not provide nearly enough Magnification nor any illumination of the PCBs and components for kit building. In building the K2, I have made numerous soldering errors due to the fact that my vision is not as good as it used to be. Any information out there on where a good MAG LAMP could be had. What brand name, company, etc.. Or web site address. Preferably one under 100.00 dollars. Thanks. Dennis Vavra, AD5LY ___ 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] magnifying Lamp
Staples has a clampon fluorescent magnifier for about $25. My wife keeps stealing mine... 73 jim ab3cv ___ 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] magnifying Lamp
Cabela's has one that is used for fly tieing. It clamps to any desk or work bench. Two-arm rotating suspesion adjustment extends a full 45 inches. It has 22 watt circle fluorescent tube and separate 5 inch diameter, 3 power magnifyinhg lens makes viewing any object easy. Its their Catalog Number TW-31-9874 and sells for $59.99. Theri web site is www.cabelas.com or telephone 1-800-237-. If you call them ask for a specilest that can supply you with details. This info from their catalog TW-101-B 73 Lowell, W5FH - Original Message - From: "Dennis Vavra" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Sent: Thursday, February 01, 2007 5:24 PM Subject: [Elecraft] magnifying Lamp I have learned that the "helping hands" I got from Radio Shack do not provide nearly enough Magnification nor any illumination of the PCBs and components for kit building. In building the K2, I have made numerous soldering errors due to the fact that my vision is not as good as it used to be. Any information out there on where a good MAG LAMP could be had. What brand name, company, etc.. Or web site address. Preferably one under 100.00 dollars. Thanks. Dennis Vavra, AD5LY ___ 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: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.17.19/663 - Release Date: 2/1/2007 2:28 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
[Elecraft] magnifying Lamp
I have learned that the "helping hands" I got from Radio Shack do not provide nearly enough Magnification nor any illumination of the PCBs and components for kit building. In building the K2, I have made numerous soldering errors due to the fact that my vision is not as good as it used to be. Any information out there on where a good MAG LAMP could be had. What brand name, company, etc.. Or web site address. Preferably one under 100.00 dollars. Thanks. Dennis Vavra, AD5LY ___ 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] N2CQ QRP Contest Calendar: Feb 2007
~ N2CQ QRP CONTEST CALENDAR February 2007 ~ 80 METER FOXHUNT (QRP CW) EST: EACH Tuesday 9 PM to 10:29 PM UTC: EACH Wenesday 0200z to 0329z Info: http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/ ~ 40 METER FOXHUNT (QRP CW) EST: EACH Thursday 9 PM to 10:29 PM UTC: EACH Friday 0200z to 0329z Info: http://www.qrpfoxhunt.org/ ~ Vermont QSO Party (CW/Ph) Feb 3, z to Feb 4, 2400z Rules: http://www.qsl.net/w1bd/qso_party.htm ~ 10-10 Int. Winter Phone QSO Party ... QRP Category Feb 3, 0001z to Feb 4, 2359z Rules: http://www.ten-ten.org/rules.html ~ Minnesota QSO Party (All) ... QRP Category Feb 3, 1400z to 2359z Rules: http://www.w0aa.org/ ~ FYBO Winter QRP Field Day (CW/SSB) ... QRP Contest! Feb 3, 1400z to 2400z Rules: http://www.azscqrpions.org/ScQRPion_OPERATING_EVENTS.htm Field Stations Planned: http://www.kkn.net/archives/html/QRP-L/2007-01/msg00399.html http://www.greeb.net:80/fybo2007 ~ AGCW Straight Key QSO Party (CW 80M) ... QRP Category Feb 3, 1600z to 1900z Rules: http://www.agcw.org/agcw-con/2006/Englisch/htp_e.htm ~ Delaware QSO Party (All) ... QRP Category Feb 3, 1700z to Feb 4, 0500z Feb 4, 1300z to Feb 5, 0100z Rules: http://www.fsarc.org ~ North American Sprint (SSB) ... QRP Category Feb 4, z to 0400z Rules: http://www.ncjweb.com/sprintrules.php ~ QRP ARCI Fireside Sprint (SSB) ...QRP Contest! Feb 4, 2000z to 2359z Rules: http://www.qrparci.org/ ~ Adventure Radio Spartan Sprint (CW) ... QRP Contest! EST: Feb 5, 9 PM to 11 PM (First Monday each month) UTC: Feb 6, 0200z to 0400z Rules: http://www.arsqrp.com/ ~ CQ WW RTTY WPX Contest ... Low Power Category Feb 10, z to Feb 11, 2400z Rules: http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com/awards.html ~ Northern New York Section QSO Party (All) Feb 10, z to Feb 11, 2359z Rules: http://www.arrl.org/contests/months/feb.html ~ New Hampshire QSO Party (Ph/CW/Dig) ... QRP Category Feb 10, 0001z to Feb 12, 0001z Rules: http://www.w1fz.org/W1FZ/nhqso_party.html ~ Dutch PACC Contest (SSB/CW) ... QRP Category Feb 10, 1200z to Feb 11, 1200z Rules: http://www.veron.nl/pacc/rules.html ~ Louisiana QSO Party (Ph/CW) Feb 10, 1500z to Feb 11, 0300z Rules: http://www.qsl.net/kd5wdy/LAQSO_/laqso_.html ~ FISTS Winter Sprint (CW of course) ...QRP Category Feb 10, 1700z to 2100z Rules: http://www.fists.org/sprints.html ~ British Columbia QSO Challenge (CW/Ph/Dig) ... QRP Category Feb 10, 1600z to Feb 11, 0359z Rules: http://www.deltaamateurradio.com/ ~ North American Sprint (CW) ... QRP Category Feb 11, z to 0400z Rules: http://www.ncjweb.com/sprintrules.php ~ NAQCC Straight Key/Bug Sprint (CW) *** QRP Contest *** EST: Feb 13, 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM UTC: Feb 14, 0130Z to 0330Z Rules: http://www.arm-tek.net/~yoel/contests.html ~ ARRL International DX Contest (CW) ... QRP Category Feb 17, z to Feb 18, 2400z Rules: http://www.arrl.org/contests/calendar.html?year=2007 ~ RUN FOR THE BACON (CW) *** QRP CONTEST *** EST: Feb 18, 9 PM to 11 PM UTC: Feb 19, 0200z 0400z Rules: http://fpqrp.com ~ North Carolina Road Kill Round Up (CW) *** QRP Contest *** EST: Feb 21, 9:30PM - 11:00PM UTC: Feb 22, 02:30z - 04:00z Rules: http://ncroadkillroundup.homestead.com/index.html ~ CQ WW 160-Meter DX Contest (SSB) ... QRP Category Feb 24, z to Feb 25, 2359z Rules: http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com/awards.html ~ REF (French) SSB Contest Feb 24, 0600z to Feb 25, 1800z Rules: http://www.sk3bg.se/contest/refc.htm ~
Re: [Elecraft] DSP/KPA100 combination
Hi David, On Thursday 01 February 2007 20:45, you wrote: > Any idea when they will have a solution in place that doesn't involve > metal working? You may be lucky and find that it's just the pins on the DSP module that need shortening. As to the availability of a DSP unit that has the right length of pins, you had better ask Elecraft support that question. 73 from Charles, M0BIN, K2 Nr 5901 ___ 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] DSP/KPA100 combination
Any idea when they will have a solution in place that doesn't involve metal working? All it requires is diagonal cutting pliers, the same as you use on resistor leads, etc. in kit construction. It is not necessary to file, grind, lap, etc the pins. The next time DSPx modules are built, they will have correct length pins. 73, Lyle KK7P ___ 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] DSP/KPA100 combination
Any idea when they will have a solution in place that doesn't involve metal working? David Wilburn [EMAIL PROTECTED] K4DGW charles wrote: On Thursday 01 February 2007 14:21, Lyle Johnson wrote: Hello Charles! I would like to make contact with any builders who are currently putting together the above combination, or any builders who have recently built such a combination. I'm anticipating that your request has to do with fitting the DSPx module into the KDSP2, and then having the pins on the 20-pin conenctor interfere with the heatsink on the KPA100. Yes you are correct Lyle. I found that the corner of the pressed metal shield needed trimming and the pins on the surface mount unit to the DSP unit needed to be shortened. The present run of DSPx module have pins that are slightly too long, and the 20-pin receptacle on the KDSP2 board has stops that prevent the pins from "over engaging". The net result is that the KDSP2 doesn't seat completely on the KDSP2, and the tops of the pins are in contact with the KPA100 heatsink. The solution is to trim the pins on the DSPx module. If you trim off about 0.090" from the 20-pin male connector pins, it will mate and seat as intended. The dimension isn't a precise requirement; if you mark the pins between 0.100" and 0.125" back from the tip and then trim you should be fine.. I actually reduced the length of the pins by 3/32", about .094". I did this by cutting the ends off with a small pair of wire cutters, then filing them all to the same length with a diamond lap, then removing the burrs and filing a slightly splayed end so that they easily pushed in right home. The right grade of diamond lap will only remove a little at a time so that the amount being removed can be controlled and a smooth finish is achieved. This problem caused me a great deal of bother because the PA worked perfectly first time when it was sitting beside the K2 but when it was mated with the K2 it was impossible to see what the problem was. All I knew was that I had completely lost audio. I then realised that this was because the surface mount unit on the DSP was being grounded by the metal shield due to a clash. As well as shortening the pins I also had to do quite a bit of filing to the shield to get it to fit properly. The PA is now easily fitted to and removed from the K2. Anyway, after quite a struggle and lost time I now have a very happy K2/100 which this morning enabled me to work HZ1AN in Jeddah :-) I suggest you *not* use "flush cutting" pliers as these leave the pin ends very blunt. Normal diagonal cutting pliers will do the job just fine. You do *not* need to grind or file or sand them to have pyramid tips. Finally, you might want to use a felt-tip pen to mark the pins to be cut. This helps to trim them to about the same length, although this is not critical. Sorry for the error on the DSPx pin lengths... All's well that ends well !! I just wanted to make other builders aware of this problem and the way in which it can easily be solved - when you know how. Gary Surrency has told me that Elecraft intend issuing a "Builder's Alert" about this issue but I haven't seen it appear yet. Thank you for your reply Lyle. It's an absolutely super radio and with the KAT100-1 sitting underneath it's a very useful tool for a CW op. My thanks to Eric for the design and to Wayne and the rest of the Elecraft team for providing me with hours of satisfaying fun in building the kit and for many, many more hours of operating yet to come. 73 from Charles - M0BIN ___ 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] QRS CODE WARRIORS CW NET
CW OPS, The time and freq. for the 2nd qrs cw net are: Sunday, 7 PM PST (Monday, 0300 UTC)on 7.049 MHZ. NOTE: The 7 PM PST(0300 UTC)will only be used until Kevin shifts the ECN back to 7. The freq. was shifted because of the interference from SKCC ops. Since they have been using that freq. for a while I moved the CWN down to 7.049 MHz. All the info about the CWARC CWN is now available on my website, www.jackandginger.com. Click on my call sign and follow the link. Besides info on traffic nets, cw abbreviations, q-signs, and morse code leaning software, there is a .wav audio sample of a typical CWN preambel at 13 wpm character speed with a 9 wpm overall speed. You may still email me at [EMAIL PROTECTED] and request a package with all the info. Thanks for the great response, 73 Jack AE6GC ___ 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] FSK on a K2?
Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: So the way to do FSK on a K2 is to develop audio tones within the normal voice bandpass of 300 to about 2.1 KHz whose separation is equal to the shift you need in frequency. Apply those to the K2's mic input and it'll produce a shifting RF output or FSK. Today, those tones normally come from a PC or special controller of some sort. You want to make sure the source of the audio tones [e.g. soundcard] is producing two pure sine waves with no harmonics or other noise. A non-sinusoid audio tone will have other audio frequencies in its spectrum, and each of those will produce an additional RF signal offset from your suppressed carrier by its audio frequency. A common source of noise in the audio output of a soundcard comes from the switching power supplies that power laptops. I ran my K2/100 at 50W driving my LK-5002C amp to about 500W in the ARRL RTTY Roundup, and it was a fantastic rig. It takes a little while to get the filters set up with CAL FIL, but once done, the real power of the K2 RX really shows up. I'll be back in the WPX RTTY coming up on 9-11 Feb. And be careful ... RTTY is continuous duty when transmitting. At 50W, the KPA100 heatsink got uncomfortably warm when I was in a good run and transmitting nearly full time. I wouldn't advise running more than half rated power [7W for a K2, 50W for a K2/100] when running RTTY. 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
Re: [Elecraft] DSP/KPA100 combination
On Thursday 01 February 2007 17:25, Jeff Kinzli wrote: > Yes, I did read it, and it was the first I had heard. Thanks for bringing > it up. > > I did notice the pins on the SMD part of the DSP module were too long. > I figured something was wrong but left them as-is. Before I place the > KPA100 inline, I'll shorten the pins and hope everything fits. By the > time I'm done with the KPA100 the builder note will probably be > released :) Since making my first posting I now realise that I should have removed the side panel in order to observe what is happening when the PA is mated with the K2. At the same time it is possible to make sure that the interconnecting cables are properly in position and that the jointing of the wires onto the PCB are not being stressed and liable to cause breakage of the soldered joint or fracturing of the wire. A cable tie restraint where possible will help in this respect. The one to watch out for is the miniature coax where the joint is easily stressed. Charles - M0BIN ___ 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] KFL1-2 Band Choices
I wrote: >Only on the four-band KFL1-4 board is there a strict limitation to the >allowable band combinations to 40m/30m/20m/15m due to the cutoff >frequencies of the elliptical low pass filters on the board. I should have stated the actual allowable band combinations for the KFL1-4 as: 40m, 30m, and any two of 20m, 17m, or 15m. For some reason, Elecraft doesn't claim the substitution of 17m for 20m as allowable, but it is. Mike / KK5F ___ 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] KFL1-2 Band Choices
Don and Mike Thanks for confirming my initial thoughts. -- JT Croteau, W6FO/1 - Manchester, NH ___ 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] KFL1-2 Band Choices
That information source is incorrect. The 2 band boards can be built for any 2 bands. The 4 band boards OTOH, share components between 2 adjacent bands, so only 40/30 meters and 20/(17 or 15) meters may be used on the 4 band board. Yes, either of the band pairs on the 4 band board could be changed to another band, but then it would only be usable as a 3 band board because the LPF sharing will not allow differnet band combinations (i.e. 80 and 40 meters cannot share a single low pass filter). 73, Don W3FPR > -Original Message- > > Could someone help clear something up for me? > > Are there any band choices on the KFL1-2 that are not compatible with > each other? I can't find anything in the documentation that says > otherwise. On my last K1, I had 40 and 80 meters on the same board. > It worked fine and I had no problems. Now someone is telling me that > this combination shouldn't have worked and that only 80 & 15 can be > put on the same board. > > Could someone help clear this up for me? I am contemplating another > K1 but use 40 & 80 meters almost exclusively and want this combination > in the rig. > > Thanks and 72 > > -- > JT Croteau, W6FO/1 - Manchester, NH > -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.17.19/663 - Release Date: 2/1/2007 2:28 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] KFL1-2 Band Choices
>Are there any band choices on the KFL1-2 that are not compatible with >each other? I can't find anything in the documentation that says >otherwise. On my last K1, I had 40 and 80 meters on the same board. >It worked fine and I had no problems. Now someone is telling me that >this combination shouldn't have worked and that only 80 & 15 can be >put on the same board. Whoever said that is *completely* incorrect and doesn't understand these circuits at all. There are six *official* bands available from Elecraft for the two-band KFL1-2 board: 80m, 40m, 30m, 20m, 18m, 15m, though 160m/12m/10m are certainly possible if you brew it yourself. ANY combination of two is OK. Only on the four-band KFL1-4 board is there a strict limitation to the allowable band combinations to 40m/30m/20m/15m due to the cutoff frequencies of the elliptical low pass filters on the board. But one benefit to the four-band board is that these LPFs are much sharper than the simple filtering on the two-band board. 73, Mike / KK5F ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2 BFO Test Problem Solved (again)
Problem solved. I am feeling a little stupid at the moment. I had the same issue with another K2 that I built some time ago but forgot the solution. I fixed the problem by adding a 2pf cap from the junction of X3, X4 and L33 to ground. My brain must be going. 73, Steve K8IDN ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2 BFO Test Range Question
In doing BFO Test (pg62) my BFO Low Freq. is 4912..87. The manual says it should be less than 4912.7. Will this cause a problem? The BFO range from high to low is 4.39kHz 73, Steve K8IDN ___ 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] KFL1-2 Band Choices
Could someone help clear something up for me? Are there any band choices on the KFL1-2 that are not compatible with each other? I can't find anything in the documentation that says otherwise. On my last K1, I had 40 and 80 meters on the same board. It worked fine and I had no problems. Now someone is telling me that this combination shouldn't have worked and that only 80 & 15 can be put on the same board. Could someone help clear this up for me? I am contemplating another K1 but use 40 & 80 meters almost exclusively and want this combination in the rig. Thanks and 72 -- JT Croteau, W6FO/1 - Manchester, NH ___ 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] DSP/KPA100 combination
On Thursday 01 February 2007 14:21, Lyle Johnson wrote: > Hello Charles! > > > I would like to make contact with any builders who are currently putting > > together the above combination, or any builders who have recently built > > such a combination. > > I'm anticipating that your request has to do with fitting the DSPx > module into the KDSP2, and then having the pins on the 20-pin conenctor > interfere with the heatsink on the KPA100. Yes you are correct Lyle. I found that the corner of the pressed metal shield needed trimming and the pins on the surface mount unit to the DSP unit needed to be shortened. > The present run of DSPx module have pins that are slightly too long, and > the 20-pin receptacle on the KDSP2 board has stops that prevent the pins > from "over engaging". The net result is that the KDSP2 doesn't seat > completely on the KDSP2, and the tops of the pins are in contact with > the KPA100 heatsink. > The solution is to trim the pins on the DSPx module. If you trim off > about 0.090" from the 20-pin male connector pins, it will mate and seat > as intended. The dimension isn't a precise requirement; if you mark the > pins between 0.100" and 0.125" back from the tip and then trim you > should be fine.. I actually reduced the length of the pins by 3/32", about .094". I did this by cutting the ends off with a small pair of wire cutters, then filing them all to the same length with a diamond lap, then removing the burrs and filing a slightly splayed end so that they easily pushed in right home. The right grade of diamond lap will only remove a little at a time so that the amount being removed can be controlled and a smooth finish is achieved. This problem caused me a great deal of bother because the PA worked perfectly first time when it was sitting beside the K2 but when it was mated with the K2 it was impossible to see what the problem was. All I knew was that I had completely lost audio. I then realised that this was because the surface mount unit on the DSP was being grounded by the metal shield due to a clash. As well as shortening the pins I also had to do quite a bit of filing to the shield to get it to fit properly. The PA is now easily fitted to and removed from the K2. Anyway, after quite a struggle and lost time I now have a very happy K2/100 which this morning enabled me to work HZ1AN in Jeddah :-) > I suggest you *not* use "flush cutting" pliers as these leave the pin > ends very blunt. Normal diagonal cutting pliers will do the job just > fine. You do *not* need to grind or file or sand them to have pyramid > tips. > Finally, you might want to use a felt-tip pen to mark the pins to be > cut. This helps to trim them to about the same length, although this is > not critical. > Sorry for the error on the DSPx pin lengths... All's well that ends well !! I just wanted to make other builders aware of this problem and the way in which it can easily be solved - when you know how. Gary Surrency has told me that Elecraft intend issuing a "Builder's Alert" about this issue but I haven't seen it appear yet. Thank you for your reply Lyle. It's an absolutely super radio and with the KAT100-1 sitting underneath it's a very useful tool for a CW op. My thanks to Eric for the design and to Wayne and the rest of the Elecraft team for providing me with hours of satisfaying fun in building the kit and for many, many more hours of operating yet to come. 73 from Charles - M0BIN ___ 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] DSP/KPA100 combination
I would like to make contact with any builders who are currently putting together the above combination, or any builders who have recently built such a combination. Thanks in advance, Charles - M0BIN ___ 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
Bill, Thanks for the feedback. I'll add it to my filter setting database. I've been meaning to get to setting the filters, but it's been just one maddeningly, mundane thing after another that keeps me from getting to it. This weekend FOR SURE, no matter what (short of Nuclear War). Just as an FYI, I had my K2 built for me, no way did I feel competent enough to do it myself. The builder did a GREAT job, but didn't do anything w/the RTTY filter settings (RTTY wasn't even turned on), which explains the RTTY settings. Thanks again. 72 de N8PVZ ---bernie TV dinner still cooling? Check out "Tonight's Picks" on Yahoo! TV. http://tv.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
