RE: [Elecraft] Seeking Help Solving KAF2 Problem
Dennis, Are you certain your KAF2 is tuned to your sidetone pitch? If it is not it will severely attenuate your signal. There is no need for the AC voltages at the headers pin 1 to match the voltages at pin 2. The filter and the input to the audio amplifier are differential inputs and the measurement must be between the two pins to indicate how it is working. It is more than just a matter of subtracting the two AC voltages to obtain the drive levels because the phase of the signals must be considered too. If you have an ungrounded AC meter, measure the voltage between the pins. If you are observing with a 'scope, remember that the scope is grounded and you must use two probes - invert one channel and add the two to see the differential voltage. I would suggest that you check the components on the KAF2 board for correct values and good soldering. Especially check R9, R10, and C16 because these operate a phase shifter to restore the balanced output (the filter sections themselves are single ended). The temporarily lost sidetone is not related - the sidetone is injected into the LM380 audio amplifier by a separate path from the receiver audio. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- I haven't received any comments about my audio filter problem yet, so tonight I tried a few more things to no avail, and took some VAC measurements with a fairly accurate voltmeter. The signal came from the 10Mhz. oscillator shown in the manual. With the filter switched out, J1 J2 pin 1 measured .030 and pin 2 measured .018 (shouldn't they be equal?). At the LM380 (had to solder a couple wires to the pins stick them out from between the boards) pin 2 measured .004 and pin 3 measured .008. At the speaker (volume control centered) it measured .292 and the volume was very good. With the filter switched in, J1-1 measured .036 and J2-1 measured .056; J1-2 measured .022 and J2-2 measured .053. At the LM380 the voltage at pins 2 3 then measured .058 VAC on both, and the voltage at the speaker was way down to .008. I also took a couple DC measurements. With the filter out, the four pins had 5.1V. on them, and with it switched in, J1's pins were still at 5.1V. and J2's pins measured 6.03V. Do these additional measurements I took give anybody any ideas? Thanks again, Denny Payton N9JXY .. A couple weeks ago, I got out my K2 and operated the ARRL International DX Contest. During the contest, my audio output was so low I had to constantly use the preamp just to hear on my headphones, so afterwards I opened the rig up and tracked the problem down to the audio filter. Shorting pins 1 2 of J1 J2 gave me full audio with the board removed, and flipping the board-mounted switch to out gave me full audio with the board installed. That told me the problem 'had' to be in the filter board, but after checking the DC voltages from the chart and thoroughly examining each component's location and solder joints, I found nothing. I decided to use a RS speaker-amp to follow the audio signal through the filter to see where it was getting attenuated, but was very surprised to not see it getting attenuated anywhere. The filter appears to work properly from beginning to end. The audio at pins 1 2 of J1 J2 all sound fine to me, whether the filter is switched in or out, but the K2's audio is 'greatly' attenuated when the filter is switched in. Although I'd made sure the filters were aligned with each other when I first started troubleshooting, I thought that was all that was left, so I started checking them again. Then, at one point, I hit the spot button and discovered I suddenly had no sidetone. I spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out what happened, but couldn't get any power from pin 25 of the MCU whether I keyed the rig, hit spot, or turned the rig off on. Then as a curiosity after giving up, I removed the audio filter board. That gave me sidetone again! Next, I reinstalled the board and I still had sidetone, so something must have locked up? Now, I've got the filter removed again though, and have decided that I'm at the end of my ability. Something else I think I should mention is that I measure 5.15 volts on pins 1 2 of J1 on the control board. I hope that's expected. Also, I don't know if I've had this problem since the beginning or if it just popped up. I haven't operated the K2 since installing the KAF2 quite some time ago, and I just don't remember how I left it. ___ 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
RE: [Elecraft] K2-100 SSB distortion
Terry, WARNING - Do not do a hard reset without first writing down all your menu and filter settings - they will be set back to factory defaults with a hard reset. I have trouble believing that a hard reset will correct any problem of that nature - it seems analog in nature and the reset will only correct digital stuff. If the problem is actually in the K2, and nothing shows up on CW, the problem is likely on the KSB2 board. You will probably find that the real source is a bad solder connection. That is the most frequent source of intermittent behavior. It would be wise to check your antenna system as well. If there is an intermittent connection there, it could cause intermittent RF feedback that may only be noticable at the microphone input. Try grounding the mic jack, it may not cure things, but is a good first step, and while you have the front panel off, check the soldering on the area around the mic configuration header. Yes, try to determine if you can reproduce the problem at low power. If you can, then the most likely problem area is the KSB2 board, but if it does not show up at low power, the likely source would be RF Feedback IMHO. On the KSB2, check carefully the ALC section - look at the schematic to see the associated components. Can you borrow a receiver and listen to your signal in the shack while operating into a dummy load. That will keep the airways clean while you are searching for the cause. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- My K2-100 has an intermittent distortion on SSB whereby the signal appears clean `on frequency` but has very bad splatter up and down the band `almost like something arcing` to quote my local op who is monitoring it. LSB and USB the same; CW clean. Have yet to determine if it is constant with KPA 100 in and out. Distortion clears for no obvious reason and does not return despite abusing power etc to try and instigate it. My intial problem is that I have no efficient `in shack` way of monitoring this and I need to resolve this. I have checked and checked again the KSB2 board and all looks ok; have searched through the reflector archives and notice someone may have had similar and carried out a hard reset with some success ... anyone any ideas please ? Thank you Terry -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.5/707 - Release Date: 3/1/2007 2:43 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] K2-100 SSB distortion
Terry - I had this problem. The cause was in the KPA100 T-R switch. Don W3FPR came up with the solution. He increased C31 to 0.2 uf. Don may chime in with better words of wisdom, but it's a place to start. 73 de K1ESE John [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: My K2-100 has an intermittent distortion on SSB whereby the signal appears clean `on frequency` but has very bad splatter up and down the band `almost like something arcing` to quote my local op who is monitoring it. LSB and USB the same; CW clean. Have yet to determine if it is constant with KPA 100 in and out. Distortion clears for no obvious reason and does not return despite abusing power etc to try and instigate it. My intial problem is that I have no efficient `in shack` way of monitoring this and I need to resolve this. I have checked and checked again the KSB2 board and all looks ok; have searched through the reflector archives and notice someone may have had similar and carried out a hard reset with some success ... anyone any ideas please ? Thank you Terry ___ 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] KPA100 SSB power control
I have just installed a recently constructed KPA100 (including the latest upgrades) and appear to have run into the erratic power control problem. Using Tune + Display and an external LP100 meter, if I request 5w I get 5w out. Increasing power to 11w so as to engage the pa I also get 11w out - so all seems fine. Switching to SSB, and speaking steadily into the mic, at a requested 5w I get approximately 5-7w out on each band. However increasing the power to 11w I get the following: 80m Req 11 Get 45 40m Req 11 Get 80 20m Req 11 Get 25 15m Req 11 Get 30 10m Req 11 Get 20 Reading back through the archive I see that others have encountered the same problem but cannot see a definitive answer to the problem. Anyone have any thoughts as to where to start looking. 73 to all Trevor G0KTN ___ 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] Spilling the HF beans .....
It is encouraging to see Elecraft prosper and expand, in manufacturing and engineering. Expansion usually means new products, new features, new kits. I put on my read between the lines glasses, when I read Eric's message about Elecraft's future goals. (Re: [Elecraft] KPA800/KPA1500 Status Update) Without spilling the beans, or showing one's hand - could Elecraft give us a better view of how new products may happen in the future? Does Elecraft have a goal of other transceivers, updated transceiver products? Could (could) there be new near-term HF product kits in the future. Or is the K2, it? Could there be a K3 kit, sometime in the near future? Elecraft has always seemed to keep their product plans very guarded. Even IBM in its heyday - could always be counted on to come out with that next computer processor or mainframe product. We just knew it. And Intel, after the 4004 and 8008 - we soon found they had the 8080 and 8086 already on the runway. For sure Chevy and Nissan - can pretty much be 99% counted on to come out with that new next model, next October. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I'm more of a SSB ham. Just CW QRP doesn't do it for me. I know this topic comes up frequently, on the list - people are interested in what HF products might come on the market next. Frankly, a new K3-like HF would be a welcome kit for me. If I knew it was coming fairly soon, in this retired engineer's future - I'd put my new IC-7000 on the block, easily! I think that much of Elecraft's products and kits. And I continue to have that hands-on building urge in me. Could you give us a view of Elecraft's new HF product(s) goals, and perhaps plans. For whatever the reason - Elecraft was very vocal and open about their work in new HF amps. With Elecrat's known expertise and skills in HF transceiver design and manufacture - I guess I'm praying that there is a natural K1, K2, KX progression. Or am I only dreaming? Fred, N3CSY 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
Re: [Elecraft] Spilling the HF beans .....
They could tell you .. but then they'd have to kill you :) de w1rt/john On 3/3/07, Fred (FL) [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Could you give us a view of Elecraft's new HF product(s) goals, and perhaps plans. For whatever the reason - Elecraft was very vocal and open about their work in new HF amps. With Elecrat's known expertise and skills in HF transceiver design and manufacture - I guess I'm praying that there is a natural K1, K2, KX progression. Or am I only dreaming? ___ 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] KPA100 SSB power control
Trevor, That behavior may be indicitive of a BIG oscillation in the KPA100, and the KPA100 throttles the power back to protect itself. In other words, it may not be a power control problem after all - check carefully to determine the real cause. OTOH, it COULD be a power control problem, but check the following first. One thing to look at first is the presence of a high SWR condition reported - if that occurs, it is confirmation that the KPA100 is oscillating out of band (it will not be seen when working into a dummy load). If you do find a Hi Refl situation, first check the orientation of Q6 and Q7 in the KPA100. Then check to be certain you have the latest upgrade to your KPA100, If there is no R12 resistor mounted and L15 is not installed, then you have the latest upgrade. Change C31 to a .22 uF capacitor (you can obtain one from mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]). CAUTION: If you have a KPA100 without these latest upgrades, DO NOT change C31 to this new capacitor - the older design requires a 200 volt or greater capacitor and the new capacitor from Elecraft is only rated at 100 volts. The change of C31 is only to go with the new upgrade, it is not for unupgraded KPA100s. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- I have just installed a recently constructed KPA100 (including the latest upgrades) and appear to have run into the erratic power control problem. Using Tune + Display and an external LP100 meter, if I request 5w I get 5w out. Increasing power to 11w so as to engage the pa I also get 11w out - so all seems fine. Switching to SSB, and speaking steadily into the mic, at a requested 5w I get approximately 5-7w out on each band. However increasing the power to 11w I get the following: 80m Req 11 Get 45 40m Req 11 Get 80 20m Req 11 Get 25 15m Req 11 Get 30 10m Req 11 Get 20 Reading back through the archive I see that others have encountered the same problem but cannot see a definitive answer to the problem. Anyone have any thoughts as to where to start looking. 73 to all Trevor G0KTN -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.5/707 - Release Date: 3/1/2007 2:43 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] Spilling the HF beans .....
I hope Elecraft doesn't get too carried away with new products ... to their detriment ... like Detroit. Detroit's attitude guarnteed the German and Japanese auto manufacturer's success. (I've owned 17 VW's) One doesn't have to look very far to see companies that have gone too far too fast only to trip over their success. Perhaps it's difficult to throttle success and not grow too big and lose control. Simply put, Elecraft is CLASS. I hope they resist calls to expand and offer products for everyone. They're unique in the ham radio equipment arena. I've lusted for a K2 for several years ... even sold my FT-1000D to fund mine. 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ 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] KPA100 SSB power control
I think you are seeing the attack spike of the ALC, Trevor. The LP-100 responds to very short peaks, apparently faster than the ALC in the rig can respond. If you go to www.telepostinc.com/K2_ALC.html you can see examples of this. There is a picture I took of CW keying and one Jack, K8ZOA took of the response to a tone burst in SSB. There are two things you can do. One is to back off the requested power just a tad, and the other is to look at the value of C36 in your meter. If it's not 330pF, then you might want to replace it. That's the filter cap in the detector circuit. Earlier meters used 100pF as I recall. I increased the value to slow down the response a little. You might also want to update the firmware if you haven't recently. You can email off-list if you need more info. 73, Larry N8LP Trevor Smithers wrote: I have just installed a recently constructed KPA100 (including the latest upgrades) and appear to have run into the erratic power control problem. Using Tune + Display and an external LP100 meter, if I request 5w I get 5w out. Increasing power to 11w so as to engage the pa I also get 11w out - so all seems fine. Switching to SSB, and speaking steadily into the mic, at a requested 5w I get approximately 5-7w out on each band. However increasing the power to 11w I get the following: 80m Req 11 Get 45 40m Req 11 Get 80 20m Req 11 Get 25 15m Req 11 Get 30 10m Req 11 Get 20 Reading back through the archive I see that others have encountered the same problem but cannot see a definitive answer to the problem. Anyone have any thoughts as to where to start looking. 73 to all Trevor G0KTN ___ 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] Spilling the HF beans .....
Fred (FL) wrote: Without spilling the beans, or showing one's hand - could Elecraft give us a better view of how new products may happen in the future? Does Elecraft have a goal of other transceivers, updated transceiver products? Could (could) there be new near-term HF product kits in the future. Or is the K2, it? Could there be a K3 kit, sometime in the near future? What, and then have to patiently endure the unending masses of emails about it being all empty boxes, vaporware, and how it really should have been done this way or that? If I were them, I would never announce anything ever again, until it was ready to go up for sale! Thank goodness they are much better mannered than I am. ;-) -- GB 73's KA5OAI Sam Morgan ___ 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] KPA100 SSB power control
I think you are seeing the attack spike of the ALC, Trevor. The LP-100 responds to very short peaks, apparently faster than the ALC in the rig can respond. If you go to www.telepostinc.com/K2_ALC.html you can see examples of this. There is a picture I took of CW keying and one Jack, K8ZOA took of the response to a tone burst in SSB. There are two things you can do. One is to back off the requested power just a tad, and the other is to look at the value of C36 in your meter. If it's not 330pF, then you might want to replace it. That's the filter cap in the detector circuit. Earlier meters used 100pF as I recall. I increased the value to slow down the response a little. You might also want to update the firmware if you haven't recently. You can email off-list if you need more info. 73, Larry N8LP Trevor Smithers wrote: I have just installed a recently constructed KPA100 (including the latest upgrades) and appear to have run into the erratic power control problem. Using Tune + Display and an external LP100 meter, if I request 5w I get 5w out. Increasing power to 11w so as to engage the pa I also get 11w out - so all seems fine. Switching to SSB, and speaking steadily into the mic, at a requested 5w I get approximately 5-7w out on each band. However increasing the power to 11w I get the following: 80m Req 11 Get 45 40m Req 11 Get 80 20m Req 11 Get 25 15m Req 11 Get 30 10m Req 11 Get 20 Reading back through the archive I see that others have encountered the same problem but cannot see a definitive answer to the problem. Anyone have any thoughts as to where to start looking. 73 to all Trevor G0KTN ___ 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] More about Elecraft growth
Ahmen Sam! From reading the reflector I get a sense there are some who want/expect Elecraft to become something they aren't. I use they in the true meaning of the word. Elecraft is people. If they get big they will become it. Few of us know someone at TenTec or MFJ (Yuk!) by their first name ... or can call for personal help. And they don't have a Don to call on ... (:-)) I hope management doesn't tumble to the calls ... 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP [EMAIL PROTECTED] or [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ 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] More about Elecraft growth
On Mar 3, 2007, at 7:42 AM, Ken Kopp wrote: And they don't have a Don to call on ... (:-)) THAT says it all! --W1XT Surpise, AZ ___ 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] Seeking Help Solving KAF2 Problem
Are you certain your KAF2 is tuned to your sidetone pitch? If it is not it will severely attenuate your signal. The trimmers are peaked to the sidetone, but the audio is also just as attenuated in the off selection. I would suggest that you check the components on the KAF2 board for correct values and good soldering. Especially check R9, R10, and C16 because these operate a phase shifter to restore the balanced output (the filter sections themselves are single ended). R9, R10, C16 all tested good, but I ended up removing C16 to test it accurately. Then I was afraid the stress may have damaged it so replaced it with another 470pf NPO. VAC measurements between the pins with the filter in were .077 at J1, .005 at J2, and .000 at the LM380. With the filter switched out it measured .061 at J1/J2, and .008 at the LM380. I guess that says the problem is in the filter? Thanks for the advice, Don! DennyN9JXY. ___ 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] More about Elecraft growth
While I do have a presence here on the reflector, Gary mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] handles more email in a day than I do. Phone support is also available and Scott or Brian usually handle that, so I am not the only one providing support for Elecraft builders. I will be gone one day just by the consequence of years (I do hope that is not anytime soon), but be assured that others are and will be available for assistance too. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- On Mar 3, 2007, at 7:42 AM, Ken Kopp wrote: And they don't have a Don to call on ... (:-)) THAT says it all! --W1XT Surpise, AZ -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.5/707 - Release Date: 3/1/2007 2:43 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] More about Elecraft growth
I move that Don be exempted from aging and any ill health effects for as long as he shall be needed on the Elecraft reflector. Any seconders? :-) On March 3, 2007 07:37 am, Don Wilhelm wrote: I will be gone one day just by the consequence of years (I do hope that is not anytime soon) 73, Don W3FPR -- Darrell Bellerive Amateur Radio Stations VA7TO and VE7CLA Grand Forks, British Columbia, Canada ___ 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] Spilling the HF beans .....
On 3/3/07, Sam Morgan [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Fred (FL) wrote: Without spilling the beans, or showing one's hand - could Elecraft give us a better view of how new products may happen in the future? Does Elecraft have a goal of other transceivers, updated transceiver products? Could (could) there be new near-term HF product kits in the future. Or is the K2, it? Could there be a K3 kit, sometime in the near future? If my memory is still working I recall Osbone made a very nice CP/M computer in the dark ages. When the owner announced that the next model would be IBM PC compatible, all orders for the CP/M system ended and the company went broke. I would rather had a good company like Elecraft than know surprises they have for us. 72 John K1 and KX1 -- John D Young WA8KNE ETC USN retired ___ 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] on the future of Customer Support
As one of the founders of Elecraft, I consider us very lucky to have such a dedicated customer support staff. We get raves about Gary, Scott, and Don, all of whom go to exceptional lengths to help with assembly, alignment, or other issues. Then there's Tom Hammond, who has been a super customer of ours since the beginning of recorded history (1999), and has specialized in helping get filters aligned, writing application notes, etc. And let's not forget Ron d' Eau Claire, whose vast experience has helped many understand the subtleties of amateur radio gear in general, not just our products. What a great bunch! Still, the baton will be passed to others in the future, and our present staff like to take time off now and then. So I like the thought that somewhere out there, among our customers, lurk those who might one day be Don's, Tom's, or Ron's understudies. Certain rights and privileges would follow ;) 73, Wayne, N6KR P.S. Now matter how Elecraft evolves, you'll always be able to send the founders (myself and Eric) an e-mail and expect a quick response. --- 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] Re: Vertical antennas
6. Don't expect very good performance on 80M. The antenna is short and you are unlikely to be able to put in a good enough ground system to make it very efficient. Still, it is better than no antenna. Then again, you might have better performance than you expect. I don't have room on my roof for 80m radials, so I don't have any on my 6BTV. I put it up when I only had a KX1, so I didn't care. I got my K2 on the air shortly after the antenna, and started finding that 80m was sometimes useful when no other bands were. Performance isn't *great* by any means, but I worked VK9 with 5W last month! The Hustler antennas are compromise antennas. But they are better than no antenna ... a *lot* better. Very good value for money. 73 de chris K6DBG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Spilling the HF beans .....
NO BEANS ... Sounds like everyone is a happy camper. Forget the new products. I'm about the same vintage as Don. I recall my Dad, W2PZW, never got past his treasured Halicrafters receiver, end fed Zep, and plate modulator .. that's all the technology he wanted. His best ham buddy had a 40 foot wooden home made tower - and they used to talk up a storm on AM. Sounding like if I want to build something, it might better be another boat. I could start that tomorrow. LOL, Fred N3CSY It's here! Your new message! Get new email alerts with the free Yahoo! Toolbar. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/toolbar/features/mail/ ___ 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] Vertical antennas
Fellow Elecrafters: The discussion of verticals has inspired me to do a bit of EZNEC modeling. I plotted the azimuthal pattern at an 8 degree takeoff angle for several different 80 meter configurations. In all 3 cases, I've assumed average ground. The first case is the classical full size vertical, with a quarter wave monopole element and 128 quarter wave radials. I've assumed aluminum conductors on the theory that if I were really going to lay nearly 2 miles of wire on the ground, I'd use aluminum electric fence wire and not copper. Also, the monopole element would almost certainly be made from aluminum tubing; my EZNEC program does not support mixed conductor types. Hardly anyone would actually build such a costly configuration, but the performance does give a standard for comparison. Anyway, the pattern is an omni pattern with a signal strength at 8 degrees takeoff angle of -2.72 dBi. The second case is the Force 12 vertical dipole, with no radials. (I do not have the actual engineering data for the Force 12, but it is easy to approximate from the promotional materials.The Force 12 people do not recommend using radials, and for good reason. Cebik did a study that showed that radials under a vertical dipole do virtually no good whatsoever. The ground losses that affect its performance are hundreds if not thousands of feet from the antenna. That is why the spectacular results reported in the Force 12 promotional material are from operations right on the seashore.) I've assumed aluminum conductors. There is a very small note in the very fine print of the Force 12 promotional material that their patterns were run with the bottom of the antenna elevated 28 feet above the ground. I used that assumption in my simulation. (The trick with vertical dipoles is getting the current loop as high as possible above ground.) The signal at 8 degrees takeoff angle is an omni pattern at -3.09 dBi. In other words, the Force 12 with its low end 28 feet above ground is an undetectable quarter dB worse than the ideal full size quarter wave configuration. The Force 12 appears to be just as good as the promotional material claims. How important is the mounting height? It matters. For the same configuration except with the bottom 1 foot above the ground, the signal strength at 8 degrees takeoff angle is -5.8 dBi. This is a quite noticeable 3db degradation from the full featured quarter wave configuration. The other configuration is an inverted L. This is a bit of a clunky design, but it is feasible tom build on my lot. It is a W3DZZ dipole, with one element vertical and one horizontal, and the feedline coming off normal to the plane of the L. The height of the feedpoint is 50 feet. The elements of a W3DZZ are longer than 50 feet, thus I've kinked out the part of the bottom element at a 45 degree angle (in the plane perpendicular to the horizontal element) so that the end barely clears the ground. (Yes, I know, if you have kids or dogs, put a fence around it.) I assume copper conductors, average ground, and take trap losses into account. Anyway, on 80 m at 8 degrees you get a near omni pattern that is -0.85 dBi in the strongest direction and -1.79 dBi in the weakest direction. Anyway, this is a cheap antenna (provided you happen to have 50 foot high trees at just the right spots) that outperforms both the full size vertical and the Force 12. Into the bargain, you get a near omni pattern on 40 meters that at 8 degrees takeoff angle is -1.2 dBi at its strongest direction and -3.15 dBi at its weakest direction. But wait, there's more; you get low SWR at both 80 and 40 with no need for a sophisticated matching scheme. The trick as always is that what really matters is getting the current loop as high above ground as possible, and configuring the elements such that the currents in them do not cancel each other out. As for slightly elevated ground planes with resonant radials, they work surprisingly well, but not as well as the three configurations above. However, that is another story for another day. 73, Steve Kercel AA4AK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] First Elecraft Kit
Hi Ed- I just started building K2 #6030 on Thursday. I'm about 15 hours into the build and I completed the first power-on testing last night. Everything, to this point, is working perfectly! What a cool radio. I'm rarely impressed with any new gear I purchase. But I must say that this is, without a doubt, the best engineered piece of gear I've come across. It oozes quality. I haven't been this impressed with a product since Apple released OS X. ;) Take your time and savor every moment. You're in for a real treat! -David W4SMT On 3/2/07, eKotz [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Greetings all. I have placed my first Elecraft kit order... a K2 plus lots of trimmings. The old heathkit-er in me rejoices and I look forward to joining you. Ed AD7GR ___ 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] Vetical Antennas
Dave - I sure don't have anything specific off the top of my head. You might try replacing the resonator coil and the whip above that for 80 M with a 40 M trap and extending a wire long enough to make the antenna resonant on 80 M from the top of the trap horizontally to a tree or something. You could even droop it a bit/ This would improve the efficiency on 80 M a lot over the stock arrangement. If you had enough horizontal space, you might put a 160M trap at the end of that wire and add enough wire to make that resonant at 160M. Both of these, while not great efficiency wise, would at least get you on the band. - Dr. Megacycle KK6MC/ -- James Duffey KK6MC/5 Cedar Crest NM 87008 DM65 ___ 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] Spilling the HF beans ..... NEW STUFF
what fun would it be to go to DAYTON and the QRP FDIM four days in May conference and NOT see the latest new stuff from Elecraft. opportunities such as Dayton ALWAYS have held the initial introduction of BIG NEW PRODUCTS. companies strive to get er done to show at Dayton, whether it be ICOM, or Elecraft... one of the reasons we make the trek... right bill ny9h ___ 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] Yikes! K1 voltage problems
Building my K1 and taking my time to do a good job. Voltage checks on RF board part 1 are problematic: P1 pin 15 - .002 P1 pin 16 - 13.51 U3 pin 5 - .002 U3 pin 6 - .002 Any suggestions? Thanks, Mike N4JX ___ 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] Vertical antennas
I've not tried modeling 128 radials, or at that low of an elevation angle but your results sound good, Stephen. Remember there are two sources of ground losses in verticals, near field and far field losses. Near field currents are those produced at the base of the antenna. Even fence wire is a vastly superior conductor to the wettest soil. The more radials dividing up that current, the less is left to warm the earthworms. That results in more antenna current and more radiation. Most of us Hams focus on minimizing these losses because we can't do anything about far-field losses, but they are very significant. The other way we reduce lossy ground currents is to elevate the antenna and radials. The ground currents are induced currents, so doubling the distance between the radials and the earth reduces the induced currents by 75% assuming the same number of radials. Far field losses occur out a distance of wavelengths from a vertical antenna where currents induced in the lossy earth by the electromagnetic wave decreases the signal at low elevations. That's why a vertical shows sharply reduced levels below about 15 degrees above the horizon, under the best of conditions. A four radial configuration shows the major lobe at about 20 degrees above the horizon. That's a limitation we all have to live with. What varies most as the height is changed with a four-radial configuration is the overall gain as the induced grounds currents and losses decrease with height. With the more common 4 radial configuration, a near-the-ground ground plane antenna with the radials 10 feet up (to clear heads walking under them) will show just about 0 dBi at a 22 degree elevation above the horizon. That's why a horizontal dipole is usually preferred to a vertical if there's sufficient space to erect it. The change in orientation turns the ground into a reflector rather than absorbing so much RF current. It's a lossy reflector to be sure, but it's still effective. Even at a modest 30 foot height, a 40 meter dipole will show a gain of about 1.3 dBi at a 20 degree angle above the horizon, roughly the same as the vertical, with the bonus of a huge high-angle lobe produced by the ground reflection that the vertical lacks, giving superior short-skip performance. And, of course, those lucky Hams who can put their horizontal dipole up about 1/2 wavelength where it works best get a huge advantage. At 20 degrees it shows nearly 6 dB gain: equivalent to multiplying the transmitter power by four times! But most of us live with Marconi's problem, especially on the lower bands. Even if Marconi had understood the Hertz (dipole) antenna, for his transmitters operating near 100 kHz he'd have needed to string up 4,680 feet of horizontal wire at a height of over 4,900 feet to achieve optimum results. So he stayed with his tiny (in terms of wavelengths) top-loaded verticals with the best ground system he could devise and still got out well enough to prove that wireless worked and worked quite well. In the same way, those Hams who live without space for a decent horizontal radiator use verticals, some of them quite small, and continue to prove that we can still get out and work the world when conditions are right. By the way, I really admire Force 12's various comments about verticals. The readily agree they are a compromise between size and performance, and they note that their spectacular DX performance has nearly always been achieved on a beach at some rare DX site. Being on the edge of salt water reduces the far-field losses a great deal, and the signal the antenna is radiating is a rare DX call that attracts anyone who can hear it! It's no wonder that shipboard systems using the old 600 meter (about 400 - 500 kHz) marine band often logged large distances in spite of their tiny antennas. A shipboard antenna might be 200 feet long, but at 450 kHz that's hardly bigger than a mobile whip on 40 meters! The advantage they had was the world's best ground system for both near and far fields surrounding the ship in the middle of a salt water ocean. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Stephen W. Kercel Sent: Saturday, March 03, 2007 11:28 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Vertical antennas Fellow Elecrafters: The discussion of verticals has inspired me to do a bit of EZNEC modeling. I plotted the azimuthal pattern at an 8 degree takeoff angle for several different 80 meter configurations. In all 3 cases, I've assumed average ground. The first case is the classical full size vertical, with a quarter wave monopole element and 128 quarter wave radials. I've assumed aluminum conductors on the theory that if I were really going to lay nearly 2 miles of wire on the ground, I'd use aluminum electric fence wire and not copper. Also, the monopole element would almost certainly be made from aluminum tubing; my EZNEC program does not support mixed
RE: [Elecraft] Yikes! K1 voltage problems
Mike, What is the possibility that you forgot to install RFC8 (with the 80 meter 2 band board) or forgot to install the jumper if you did not order an 80 meter board? That would do it. If that is not the problem, do you have voltage on the IN pin of U5 - should be almost your power supply voltage. 73, Don W3FPR -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of Mike Geddes Sent: Saturday, March 03, 2007 3:11 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] Yikes! K1 voltage problems Building my K1 and taking my time to do a good job. Voltage checks on RF board part 1 are problematic: P1 pin 15 - .002 P1 pin 16 - 13.51 U3 pin 5 - .002 U3 pin 6 - .002 Any suggestions? Thanks, Mike N4JX ___ 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: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.6/709 - Release Date: 3/3/2007 8:12 AM -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.446 / Virus Database: 268.18.6/709 - Release Date: 3/3/2007 8:12 AM ___ 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] on the future of Customer Support
Dear Wayne, My first K2 began in S/N1146 and I have eventually constructed 10 of them. The success of Elecraft is classical business school case worthwhile studying. I did learn a lot from Elecraft in doing business: 1. excellent customer support with the right team of staff; 2. excellent product design, using best market readily available components in the critical part of circuit to maintain performance, also using very cheap but reliable components in the least important part to maintain profitability (e.g. T/R switching of KPA100) 3. only concentrate on one or two products in the beginning of the business to create the brand name 4. maintain constant dialogue with customer even at the senior level There are in fact more successful factors which I did not list in the above. Thanks very much for your good products and I, of course, am looking forward to your KPA800 /1500 and K3 Cheers, Johnny Siu VR2XMC From: wayne burdick [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] on the future of Customer Support Date: Sat, 3 Mar 2007 08:28:37 -0800 As one of the founders of Elecraft, I consider us very lucky to have such a dedicated customer support staff. We get raves about Gary, Scott, and Don, all of whom go to exceptional lengths to help with assembly, alignment, or other issues. Then there's Tom Hammond, who has been a super customer of ours since the beginning of recorded history (1999), and has specialized in helping get filters aligned, writing application notes, etc. And let's not forget Ron d' Eau Claire, whose vast experience has helped many understand the subtleties of amateur radio gear in general, not just our products. What a great bunch! Still, the baton will be passed to others in the future, and our present staff like to take time off now and then. So I like the thought that somewhere out there, among our customers, lurk those who might one day be Don's, Tom's, or Ron's understudies. Certain rights and privileges would follow ;) 73, Wayne, N6KR P.S. Now matter how Elecraft evolves, you'll always be able to send the founders (myself and Eric) an e-mail and expect a quick response. _ MSN Tool Bar 幫你刪除惱人的廣告 ! http://toolbar.msn.com.hk ___ 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] Vertical antennas
Ron: See some interposed comments. 73, Steve, AA4AK At 04:05 PM 3/3/2007, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: I've not tried modeling 128 radials, or at that low of an elevation angle but your results sound good, Stephen. Remember there are two sources of ground losses in verticals, near field and far field losses. ** NEC takes both into account. In fact, NEC lets you observe both the near field and far field radiation separately. This turns out to by highly useful if you're trying to troubleshoot your neighbor's TVI problems. *** Near field currents are those produced at the base of the antenna. Even fence wire is a vastly superior conductor to the wettest soil. The more radials dividing up that current, the less is left to warm the earthworms. That results in more antenna current and more radiation. Most of us Hams focus on minimizing these losses because we can't do anything about far-field losses, but they are very significant. The other way we reduce lossy ground currents is to elevate the antenna and radials. It is important to appreciate that these are two fundamentally different phenomena. With a radial system on the ground, you're trying to use the induced ground image as the second half of the antenna. Resonance of the radials is not critical. The principle is essentially that the more wire you have on the ground, the lower the effective ground losses. In the case of an elevated ground plane, the resonant radials serve to isolate you from the ground and its losses. The missing half of the vertical element is the effect of the resonant radials rather than the lossy ground. To get effective isolation from the ground, you need either higher elevation or more radials. That is why roof mounted CB antennas with four resonant radials are so effective; as a fraction of wavelength, they are high off the ground. On 80 meters, putting the ground plane at 15 feet elevation and using as few as 6 resonant radials yields surprisingly good results. As I'm sure you know, you can tell when the vertical antenna is performing better; the SWR goes up. A lossy vertical will have a low SWR because the high ground losses are in series with the radiation resistance and the sum comes out perversely close to 50 Ohms. A low loss vertical is around 30 Ohms. The ground currents are induced currents, so doubling the distance between the radials and the earth reduces the induced currents by 75% assuming the same number of radials. Far field losses occur out a distance of wavelengths from a vertical antenna where currents induced in the lossy earth by the electromagnetic wave decreases the signal at low elevations. That's why a vertical shows sharply reduced levels below about 15 degrees above the horizon, under the best of conditions. A four radial configuration shows the major lobe at about 20 degrees above the horizon. That's a limitation we all have to live with. *** Although the major lobe peaks out at 20-25 degrees, there is still finite energy radiated at 6-10 degrees. On really long haul communications, it is that weak but finite low angle energy that propagates long distances. The higher energy starts out stronger, but makes more hops over a long path, and each ground reflection, especially on dry land, is extremely lossy. The lossy ground bounces matter. From Maine, I find that Hawaii on QRP (half the path is land and half is water) is a chip shot. Alaska, which is a thousand miles closer but entirely over land is virtually (but nor completely) impossible to work on QRP. *** What varies most as the height is changed with a four-radial configuration is the overall gain as the induced grounds currents and losses decrease with height. With the more common 4 radial configuration, a near-the-ground ground plane antenna with the radials 10 feet up (to clear heads walking under them) will show just about 0 dBi at a 22 degree elevation above the horizon. That's why a horizontal dipole is usually preferred to a vertical if there's sufficient space to erect it. *** That's the gotcha. If you have a horizontal dipole at the same height as the top of a vertical dipole, in the broadside direction the horizontal wins hands down, provided you have two supports high enough to support the dipole. The current loop of the horizontal is twice as high as the current loop of the vertical. Of course, the vertical dipole has its current loop much higher than a ground mounted vertical or the typical elevated ground plane, and so will be the better performer. Of course, if you're going to implement a full size vertical dipole at frequencies below 14 MHz you need a really tall tree. *** The change in orientation turns the ground into a reflector rather than absorbing so much RF current. It's a lossy reflector to be sure, but it's still effective. Even at a modest 30 foot height, a 40 meter
[Elecraft] Topbanders' Dinner at Visalia
I am pleased to announce that the Topbanders' DX Dinner will take place on Friday, 27 April 2007 at 6:30 PM in the banquet room at the Sizzler Steak House, 2121 W. Caldwell Ave. in Visalia, California during the International DX Convention there. Dinner attendees will order from the Sizzler menu and pay their tabs individually. There is no fee to attend. To ensure adequate seating if you plan to attend, please contact me at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Information on Convention activities may be seen at http://www.dxconvention.org. 73, de Earl, K6SE ___ 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] Really OT Ham Radio
O.T. meaning Off Topic or Old Time! This so Off Topic I have to wonder if Wayne or Eric were born yet! It's Old Time: Ham radio in the 1950's/60's (or thereabouts). This is an excellent video for those with an interest in what Ham radio was like back then for homebrewing and operating with special emphasis on public service. You'll want a broadband connection: it runs over 20 minutes. After a rather sloppy interview at the opening there is a beautifully-produced public relations piece on Amateur Radio in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area of the USA. http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2943570522939177086hl=en I had one of the mobiles in the photos, except mine was mounted in my Studebaker Champion and I was in southern California, chatting with buddies on 10 meter A.M. as I drove to and from classes at San Bernardino Valley College and work at Lockheed Aircraft. Most Hams I knew were involved in RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service) that's so well demonstrated in the film. The technology has changed. We don't need to fill up the car with gear to run mobile and today's Hamshack can actually fit on a small desk. The people have changed. Hams today are no longer using an arcane technology completely beyond the imagination of our neighbors. A wireless anything was magic stuff of science fiction stories back then, not something everyone carries around in their pocket today. What I hope never changes is the attitude of the Amateur community. Toward that end, I see a lot of that old attitude right here on the Elecraft reflector and among the Elecraft owners. Let the good times roll on... 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] K60XV - ALC closed loop?
Hello all. On the first page of the K60XV manual says: ... The K60XV's low-level output is nominally 0 dBm (1 milliwatt), adjustable using the K2's POWER control. More importantly, the K60XV provides full closed-loop ALC that works in both SSB and CW modes. ... Does this mean that the ALC will regulate the K2's power output more accurately? At the moment on my K2 will run 100w on SSB regardless of my PO Setting. I have to be in ALC to be able to reduce the power. This only occurs only on the 40mx band - all other bands the power control on SSB is fine. Cheers, Dave ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Announcement
Good Evening, Once again Oregon is living up to its soggy history of weather. Last weekend it was raining, then we had three days of snow with a slight respite in the middle, and then yesterday it started to rain again. The 15 inches of snow we had yesterday morning is now a six inch layer of slush. In a few days the temperature will be in the 50s. However, I think it will not slack off precipitating upon us any time soon. Sounds like good weather to launch an antenna :) Now to get all the bits and pieces soldered together into one semi-resonant chunk. I had fun this week with software and circuits since I was stuck inside. No soldering but I did breadboard a few of my ideas. Seems like they work fairly well. Now to move them to a PC board. I've received a lot of input on who to use for prototyping and who to use for production. I am quite a long way from any production work so I will stay in the incremental learning stage for now. I tried a number of times to make contact into Oklahoma only to be stymied by the steady solar stream impinging upon the ionosphere. Voice nets on SSB are impossible while CW is just plain difficult. We made a go of it a few times but it was best to repeat a few times to allow for the fast, fluttering QSB. Hopefully the stream is now aimed off planet somewhere so the F and D layers can settle down. Tomorrow all these wishes will be tested by reality. But, if we don't try we'll never know the answer. I need to get some QSL cards printed. My back log of unanswered cards is building. Ms. P used to print them for me. Now I'll need to dig out her computer files and buy cartridges for the printer. Seems like I am running out of office supplies which she was so good at keeping in stock. Paper, cartridges, updating OS files, firmware, virus software updates, I had better make a list and a schedule so I don't forget when to buy supplies when I drive into town. I am starting to see the back of the freezer too ;) Tomorrow: 1) Call by geographic area (East, Mid, All) 2) Hail signs (first letter or two of the suffix of your call) 3) NCS help (as well as QSP/QNP relay help) Please join us: Sunday 2300z (Sunday 3 PM PST) 14050 kHz Monday 0200z (Sunday 6 PM PST) 7045 kHz Kevin. KD5ONS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Vetical Antennas
Doc I didn't mean to mislead you: I don't own a 5BTV myself, but there seems to be a lot of them around. If it is common practice to put them on a pole, then the pole ought to be useful on the lower bands using the 5BTV and its radials as at least partial loading for 80 and 160. A simple idea might be to have a separate feeder for the lower bands to the bottom of the pole with a loading/matching coil, though it would need a lot of wire in/on the ground to make it half decent. At least the higher bands would be relatively efficient. But I can't help thinking that feeding the pole from the top would be workable and perhaps more efficient: I've seen this done with a beam and tower arrangement in which the beam is isolated from the tower and an auto tuner fitted between. David G3UNA - Original Message - From: James Duffey [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: David Cutter [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: James Duffey [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, March 03, 2007 7:58 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Vetical Antennas Dave - I sure don't have anything specific off the top of my head. You might try replacing the resonator coil and the whip above that for 80 M with a 40 M trap and extending a wire long enough to make the antenna resonant on 80 M from the top of the trap horizontally to a tree or something. You could even droop it a bit/ This would improve the efficiency on 80 M a lot over the stock arrangement. If you had enough horizontal space, you might put a 160M trap at the end of that wire and add enough wire to make that resonant at 160M. Both of these, while not great efficiency wise, would at least get you on the band. - Dr. Megacycle KK6MC/ -- James Duffey KK6MC/5 Cedar Crest NM 87008 DM65 ___ 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
