Re: [Elecraft] K3 Internal Digital Modes
In a recent message, Lee Buller [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote ... The best CW DSP decoder I've ever used was the one between my ears...sloppy code and all. Well said, Lee. So many people these days seem obsessed on trying to decode CW with electronics rather that taking the bother of training their brain. Now if the K3 could read CW sent from a variety of straight key operators, recognise the operator and display their callsign on the display and then enter it into the log together with the genuine RST or SINPO report, then I could be persuaded! 73 -- David G4DMP Leeds, England, UK -- ___ 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] K3 Internal Digital Modes
I don't agree with your implication that people using CW decoders are lazy. Some people's brains just aren't good at certain tasks. There is just no way I can read (or send) code the speed most people do during contests, for example. It is like trying to decode machine gun fire. Computer decoding has enabled me to make contacts with many places I might not otherwise have done, giving out points during contests. I just hope my K3 is here in time for the CQ WW CW contest. -- Julian, G4ILO K2 s/n: 392 K3 s/n: ??? G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com Ham-Directory: www.ham-directory.com On 9/18/07, David Pratt [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The best CW DSP decoder I've ever used was the one between my ears...sloppy code and all. Well said, Lee. So many people these days seem obsessed on trying to decode CW with electronics rather that taking the bother of training their brain. ___ 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] K3 noise remover (silly post follows)
Bob: Good to know that you like the radio. As for the Dragon, doesn't DSP stand for Dragon Slayer Plus? I know...hide my head in shame. Cudn't resist. de Doug KR2Q ___ 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] K3: CW decoder
I, for one, am looking foward to seeing lots of folks who do not normally do CW start to show up during the CW contests. 99% of the code sent during the contest is nearly perfect. so I am hoping that the decoding will be pretty good...good enough to encourage those normally too timid to try CW to get on and make some Q's. While some ops MAY be too embarrassed to use a code reader (external box), with the K3, it is a hidden tool...no embarrassment factor if a friend stops by. And really, since CW is not longer a requirement, there is nothing different than LOOKING at the decoding of RTTY or PSK or whatever...just another digital mode for those who don't know the code. I've seen code readers at work and they a distraction for me. I copy the stuff faster in my head than the software can decode and display it. Analogy: One time, my family was watching the Yankees game on TV. We didn't like the TV announcers as much as the usual Yankees announcers via radio, so turned on the AM radio to listen and watch TV with the AF turned off. We couldn't do it. The TV had a much longer delay (FCC mandated?) than the radio. We HEARD what was happening well before we SAW it. Same with decoders (for me). But for those who would feel more relaxed with a decoder...GO FOR IT. And please be sure to work me in the contest! Who knows...if Elecraft can do it in reverse (copy SSB and have it come out as code...or use the paddle and have the rig xmit SSB), we might even see the likes of Ron Wright on sideband! de Doug KR2Q ___ 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 no power out
My K2/KPA100 was operating fine three weeks ago. I have been using other rigs in the interim. The radio has not been moved and no cables have been disconnected. I believe my rig antenna switch has not been turned to provide the K2 with outside RF. No big lightning storms here in the last three weeks. Tonight I have no power output. The rig is not in the test mode. If I turn off the PA via the menu there is still no power out. There is no indication of power out on the LED power indicator. There is no power measured with an external wattmeter. As I turn the power level up and down while keying the rig there is the error message HiCur. I hear a weak transmit signal when listening on an external receiver. The current meter on my Astron supply indicates about two amps are being drawn at any power setting. Swapping power supplies changes nothing. This is an interesting problem because my K2 has been operating fine for years, and now at turn on it is misbehaving. The receiver works fine. Thanks. Andy W9NJY K2 ser nr 2651 ___ 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] Audio K3 not as good as K2
I read in the previous postings that the CW sounded better on the K2 than the K3. That is a bit of a worry to me. Icom has the same problem, and quite often this seems to be a DSP rig problem. I haven't seen any post claiming CW sounded better on the K2 than the K3 else I would have challenged it. The only people who could make such a claim are the few Elecraft employees and field testers who are actually using K3s on a daily basis. None of us would say this. Just the opposite, we'd all vouch that the K3 sounds even better than the already great K2. Moreover, several of us have said that despite the K3 being a largely software-defined radio with much of its performance derived from superlative DSP design, it sounds more like the best analog radio, e.g., classic Collins and Drake radios, than a digital radio. The most striking first impression of the K3 when you first put the headphones over your ears, is it's exceptionally fine sound. How is the SSB souding from the K3 in particular with weak signals deep , deep in the noise? Fantastic. I can't imagine anyone being less than impressed, let alone critical about it. 73, Ed - W0YK ___ 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: looking for K2 top cover - found!
After several generous offers, I found a K2 cover for my project. Thanks all for the offers. If this works out, I may be looking again in the future. My plan is to add a small embedded computer to the K2, for some PC-less control - mainly for contesting. 73, Tom KG3V On 9/16/07, Tom Z [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I am working on a project that I would like to mount on a spare K2 top cover. If you have one you would like to get rid of, please let me know the condition, and the asking price. I would prefer one with a KI02, but that is not required. Feel free to contact me off-list. 73, Tom KG3V ___ 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] K3 on the bench at ARRL
I'd say the K3 is already in the hands of some great contesters. From the postings I've read, contesters have already taken notice. Word of mouth and results from the first batch of users will be icing on the cake. ARRL does purchase the radio they review. A solid technical review would not rely on contesters experiences, although they might be noted in the review. A mis posted response to an email is not endemic of an issue any more than a banner really means Mission Accomplished. I wish I had all the free time some folks have... have a heck of a lot of antenna work that needs to be done before the contests ;o) 73, Julius n2wn ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Audio K3 not as good as K2
I have read 99.99% of the posts concerning the K3 on this reflector since May. I have never seen a single post from any of the beta testers, or the elecraft crew, the only people who could legitimately make such a claim, that the K3's CW note doesn't sound as good as the K2's. Until legitimate, corroborated proof is supplied, such as the offending post and the person who sent it, this is probably nothing more than one of the other brand devotee's sewing FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt for those not in the IT field). -- R. Kevin Stover AC0H [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
[Elecraft] K3 NB and HDTV
Here in Oak Ridge, I have noise from what I understand is HDTV signals around 3503. Evidently this is becoming more of an issue in some locales. Do any of the beta testers have this problem? If so, can it be minimized or eliminated? Thanks, Julius n2wn ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 no power out
Andy, You have HI CUR messages along with no power output - that usually indicates that the base K2 is attempting to transmit at it full power output. That leads me to believe that the RF path through the KPA100 (even the low power - straight through - path) is broken. I suggest that you remove the KPA100 and try the base K2 alone. If the base K2 works OK, then first look for obvious problems like a break in the input coax or poor connection of the input coax to the K2 AUX RF header before assuming that something really 'bad' has happened. Unfortunately, you will have to do some troubleshooting - the list of possible 'things that can be wrong' is a lengthy one, so you will have to break the puzzle into smaller pieces before we can comment further. Check things into a dummy load and don't forget to check your external cables - yes they can fail too, and they can fail when 'just sitting there doing nothing'. 73, Don W3FPR Andrew Catanzaro wrote: My K2/KPA100 was operating fine three weeks ago. I have been using other rigs in the interim. The radio has not been moved and no cables have been disconnected. I believe my rig antenna switch has not been turned to provide the K2 with outside RF. No big lightning storms here in the last three weeks. Tonight I have no power output. The rig is not in the test mode. If I turn off the PA via the menu there is still no power out. There is no indication of power out on the LED power indicator. There is no power measured with an external wattmeter. As I turn the power level up and down while keying the rig there is the error message HiCur. I hear a weak transmit signal when listening on an external receiver. The current meter on my Astron supply indicates about two amps are being drawn at any power setting. Swapping power supplies changes nothing. This is an interesting problem because my K2 has been operating fine for years, and now at turn on it is misbehaving. The receiver works fine. Thanks. Andy W9NJY K2 ser nr 2651 ___ 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] K3 NB and HDTV
On Tue, Sep 18, 2007 at 05:26:22AM -0700, J F wrote: Here in Oak Ridge, I have noise from what I understand is HDTV signals around 3503. Evidently this is becoming more of an issue in some locales. Do any of the beta testers have this problem? If so, can it be minimized or eliminated? Can you provide a recording of this noise? Not sure what I am looking for, but I don't think I have it here. A few more notes about the noise blanker. My hardware noise blanker was installed about two weeks ago - and frankly - it took me awhile to find a noise that the DSP noise blanker didn't address on its own to really see if the hardware noise blanker was up to snuff. Somehow - one evening, my own electric fence started making some noise. Rather than a normal click (which the DSP NB can deal with just using signals within the passband of the roofing filter), it is more like a short duration buzz. While the DSP NB did bring it down in strength - the hardware NB totally took it out. Currently, the firmware is setup that when you press the NB button, both of the blankers are engaged. When you hold and press the NB button - you can adjust each blanker (the VFO A know adjusts the DSP one and the VFO B knob adjusts the hardware one). The changes happen as you turn the knobs - so you can hear the differences in real time. Each NB has 21 settings + the off position. 73 Tree N6TR K3 SN #0013 ___ 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] Audio K3 not as good as K2
Hi Ron: I read in the previous postings that the CW sounded better on the K2 than the K3. That is a bit of a worry to me. Icom has the same problem, and quite often this seems to be a DSP rig problem. How is the SSB souding from the K3 in particular with weak signals deep, deep in the noise? In general, I've received just the very OPPOSITE reports. Most say that the K3 has some of the very BEST sounding keying that they've heard! And this from a number of folks whose opinions I value quite highly. Elecraft (Wayne) had bent over backwards to ensure that there are NO clicks or artifacts on the K3's keying! I think he's accomplished this very admirably. I'm not much of a SSB operator, and I've only used my FT K3 on SSB a few time. However I've always received glowing(!) comments on the audio quality... even from some of the Hi-Fi SSB crowd who called me on the phone, to get me on the air so they could hear what the K3 was going to sound like. I obliged them, but told them up front that I was only using an electret mic, hadn't touched the 8-band audio equalizer (and did not intend to, at least for those tests), and that I had nothing more than the 2.8kHz SSB filter available. Those reports I received were very(!) encouraging... in fat one of the fellas commented that he couldn't WAIT until he could get a K3 on HIS work bench with a really good mic. The audio compression of the K3 really adds a lot of punch to the signal without introducing a large amount of distortion or artifacts, and the bandwidth does not increase significantly, as it does in some other rigs. 73, Tom N0SS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Random thoughts from a K3 Field Tester
Wow...after the last week's series of comments from some who have become far too aggravated as they wait for their K3 and questioning the integrity of Elecraft, this is a breath of fresh air. Thanks, Bob, for taking the time to share your thoughts and experience. For those that don't of W9KNI, Bob is one of the top DXers in the world and has published what for me is the finest book on getting started in DXing, The Complete DXer and a died-in-the-wool K2 advocate. I'm enjoying all of the excitement about the K3 even though I haven't (and can't) order one. It's not very often that all of can share in the field testing/revision/product launch of what may the most impactful product annoucement for in many years: exceptional performance at a price that many can afford (if they sell a few of their 'other' rigs!). So, while I don't read all of the K3 posts, I do read a lot of them just to stay tuned to the buzz. I am a NEW K2 user: just put #6110 on the air a few weeks ago and am still building some of the options. So, I sort through the digest version of the daily message, pick out the ones I want to read, and move on. No muss, no fuss (man...that's dating myself). So, from my perspective, keep the K3 buzz coming and let me enjoy, from a distance, the excitement of the K3 while I learn and use the K2. Maybe someday my K2 will have a big brother/sister... 73 de Clark ke4rq ___ 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] PSK using a K2
Hi All Could I have some views on using the K2 for PSK31 ? Is it a good rig for this mode ? Thanks in advance. 73 de Pete. G4GSA. ___ 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] K3 Audio, SSB and CW.
One of the first things that will happen upon the release of the K3, is someone will connect a D104 to it. ;-) This can be the worst thing for a radio, or a very good thing depending on how it is connected. If one of the beta's has connected a preamplified D104 to the K3 I'd like to know what is the specific wiring and that would be a good thing for the K3 operational FAQ. As for CW receive audio, I agree that DSP radios often sound strange as compared to analog radios for a few reasons. The IC756Pro has a lower frequency rumble than you would hear with respect to band noise on an analog radio. The 500hz DSP filter has a very hard skirt noise as compared to a 500hz crystal filter it's fatiguing. K3's context filtering mode should be very good for this. Then there are AGC differences, the 756pro is never quiet when the AF gain is turned up. It's a radio that's better (on CW) to be played at lower AF levels through walkman style headphones. The DSP only Argo V I has none of these characteristics, and although it's prone to strong adjacent signal AGC pumping, is a much kinder implementation of DSP in my experience. The adjustable AGC on the K3 will be the biggest problem solver in my estimation, I can't wait to hear it. Lastly DSP radios sometimes will add artifacts to what you would hear on an analog setup, unusual sounds of short duration in the receive audio (see Rob Sherwood's Dayton presentation on his website) and Wayne has gone the long mile to ensure that this in no way will be a shortcoming in the K3. Good things coming - good things coming - mo mojo. ! - Hi Ron: I read in the previous postings that the CW sounded better on the K2 than the K3. That is a bit of a worry to me. Icom has the same problem, and quite often this seems to be a DSP rig problem. How is the SSB souding from the K3 in particular with weak signals deep, deep in the noise? In general, I've received just the very OPPOSITE reports. Most say that the K3 has some of the very BEST sounding keying that they've heard! And this from a number of folks whose opinions I value quite highly. The audio compression of the K3 really adds a lot of punch to the signal without introducing a large amount of distortion or artifacts, and the bandwidth does not increase significantly, as it does in some other rigs. 73, Tom N0SS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] what a useful forum here (still) - PA Hot message - TPA
Hi. Sort of checking out the ability to send to the List pending K3 traffic when the rigs get out. Did want to say - the pending issueance of the K3 has seen me assiduously working on my CW to make the K3 a deserved rig when I can catch one on the future runs. I've been pretty much off the air since 2002 when the events of getting new retrievers trained and playing old time music interrupted my time and train of interest. But I've been paying attention and the K3 announcement made me think - OK, the dogs are trained and the music is settling out to not require quite so much study for now, so let's get on the air, get that cw up a few notches so the K3 and eventual sun activity can be taken advantage of! Anyhow, to that end I've been getting the rigs back up - my TenTec OMNI V was revived (was not playing nice until I found a loose ground lug was also the only NEG wire for power supply so no wonder current was limited...). And to get to the Elecraft point - I have been getting some good fun out of the K2/100 but last nite when I turned it on the fan came on at power up. What need is the fan if it has not even warmed up? Then I got the Hot PA message... OK... I've not even transmitted yet how can the PA be Hot? Anyhow, about 3 minutes later on the Elecraft page area on the KPA100 I found the string that talked about the TPA setting somehow getting reset to 256C. So.. went into Menu, reset for 20C temperature and all was well. So... thanks to those who ask about things, those who respond so well and those who put them in an area for us to all consult. May that force continue to be with us all as the K3 emerges as our new fun. Brien Pepperdine VE3VAW Toronto ___ 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] PSK using a K2
Pete, The K2 is quite usable for PSK31. I recommend that you turn the RTTY set of filters on in the menu if for no other reason than it allows you to set the speech compression to 1:1 while having a different compression setting for SSB. I also recommend that you set the FL1 filter position the same as you use for SSB, but set FL2 thru FL4 to something more narrow and centered on 1000 Hz. I normally set the narrow filters at 1.00, 0.70 and 0.40. The narrow filters will allow you to receive without strong signals near a weaker one that you want to work from taking over the receiver - the way to use it is to tune your desired signal (with the VFO) to the vicinity of 1000 Hz, set the filter width desired then click on the signal in the waterfall display. Also in the PSK31 computer application you should lock the transmit frequency because there may be a slight (up to 20 Hz) shift in the signal when changing from filter to filter. Locking the transmit frequency will keep the QSO from 'walking up or down the band'. Use whatever interface that you want, or build your own - they are not complex, and adjust the audio levels for good transmit IMD and a good display on the waterfall. Keep the power within bounds for continuous duty cycle operation - limit power to about 5 watts with the base K2 or 35 watts with the KPA100. That is all there is to it. 73, Don W3FPR Pete Milsom wrote: Hi All Could I have some views on using the K2 for PSK31 ? Is it a good rig for this mode ? Thanks in advance. 73 de Pete. G4GSA. ___ 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] PSK using a K2
Hi Pete. The K2/10 has been my main radio since 1999 and PSK has been one of my favourite modes. It does a perfectly good job. There is one minor niggle, but if you only intend to operate using the wide filter, Digipan mode, as many do, then it won't matter. If you like to use the narrow filters to block out strong adjacent stations then you may find that there is a difference of a few Hz between receive and transmit, because of the limited resolution of the VFO and BFO. The reason has been explained in detail before, if you search the archives. I have an article on getting started on PSK31 with the K2 here: http://www.g4ilo.com/k2psk31.html. I habitually run 5W PSK with no IMD problems. The K2 is a good radio for digital modes but the K3 will be even better. Apart from the built-in encoder / decoder, what I'm looking forward to is higher VFO resolution and greater stability with a TCXO. -- Julian, G4ILO K2 s/n: 392 K3 s/n: ??? G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com Ham-Directory: www.ham-directory.com On 9/18/07, Pete Milsom [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Hi All Could I have some views on using the K2 for PSK31 ? Is it a good rig for this mode ? Thanks in advance. 73 de Pete. G4GSA. ___ 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] K3 2.7 k Filter vs. 2.8 k
Do any field testers care of offer comments on the 2.7 k filter vs. the 2.8 k? Regards, Dick - KA5KKT/4 ___ 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] PSK31 on K2
Hi All Many thanks for all the replies . Think I have all the info needed now. That was quick !! 73 de Pete. G4GSA. ___ 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] K3 Audio, SSB and CW.
Don Rasmussen wrote: One of the first things that will happen upon the release of the K3, is someone will connect a D104 to it. ;-) FWIW: While visiting some antique stores with friends in Lincoln City OR last week, I came upon a very pristine D104 for $85. It had the grab-switch PTT with the slider for locking. About the only issue was that the name plate on the top was a bit corroded or maybe very dirty. I don't know if it was the amplified version or not. I also don't know if $85 is a good price, however it did appear that the guy seemed to have a rather high opinion of the value of his other stuff. I decided not to make an offer because I couldn't figure out where I'd put it on the operating desk and I use headfones and a boom mic anyway, but I was tempted :-) QUESTIONS: I'm about to order my K3, and I'm thinking of adding the Heil headfones/mic to the order. War took out most of my hearing 40 years ago, and I need to run the AF gain close to afterburner roar since my hearing aids don't work under the fones. I run my TS850 at about 2 o'clock [maybe 1/8 of the top, pretty much at the distortion point] My K2 is a little short on RX audio and I've got a little Radio Shack amp that I use to fix that. Will the K3/Heil combination give me enough RX audio? I haven't heard much chatter about the audio equalizer in the K3. Has anyone experimented with it? Does it work for both RX and TX audio? Is it a standard feature of the base K3? 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2007 CQP Oct 6-7 - www.cqp.org ___ 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] K3 Audio, SSB and CW.
Fred, The K3 has a menu option to toggle additional AF gain. Options are LO/HI. Based on our testing the HI should be more than enough audio. I'm a bit hard of hearing as well and also have bad tenitis all the time thanks to jets taking off and landing right above me all the time while on active duty. :) I keep the K3 in the LO setting most of the time. If I get in a situation where I need more, I just set it to HI. There are two EQs in the MAIN menu. One for RX and one for TX, both are 8-band EQs and are standard K3 features. - 73, Greg - AB7R Whidbey Island WA NA-065 On Tue Sep 18 13:43 , Fred Jensen sent: Don Rasmussen wrote: One of the first things that will happen upon the release of the K3, is someone will connect a D104 to it. ;-) FWIW: While visiting some antique stores with friends in Lincoln City OR last week, I came upon a very pristine D104 for $85. It had the grab-switch PTT with the slider for locking. About the only issue was that the name plate on the top was a bit corroded or maybe very dirty. I don't know if it was the amplified version or not. I also don't know if $85 is a good price, however it did appear that the guy seemed to have a rather high opinion of the value of his other stuff. I decided not to make an offer because I couldn't figure out where I'd put it on the operating desk and I use headfones and a boom mic anyway, but I was tempted :-) QUESTIONS: I'm about to order my K3, and I'm thinking of adding the Heil headfones/mic to the order. War took out most of my hearing 40 years ago, and I need to run the AF gain close to afterburner roar since my hearing aids don't work under the fones. I run my TS850 at about 2 o'clock [maybe 1/8 of the top, pretty much at the distortion point] My K2 is a little short on RX audio and I've got a little Radio Shack amp that I use to fix that. Will the K3/Heil combination give me enough RX audio? I haven't heard much chatter about the audio equalizer in the K3. Has anyone experimented with it? Does it work for both RX and TX audio? Is it a standard feature of the base K3? 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2007 CQP Oct 6-7 - www.cqp.org ___ 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] K3 2.7 k Filter vs. 2.8 k
On Tue, Sep 18, 2007 at 01:38:06PM -0400, Edward Dickinson, III wrote: Do any field testers care of offer comments on the 2.7 k filter vs. the 2.8 k? I believe all of the FT units have the 2.8 kHz filter in it. So, no way to compare them. It works fine. However, since this is your roofing filter - it probably doesn't matter a whole bunch which one you have. The DSP does the rest. 73 Tree N6TR ___ 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] K3 2.7 k Filter vs. 2.8 k
Do any field testers care of offer comments on the 2.7 k filter vs. the 2.8 k? Dick I'm not a beta tester but am familiar with roofing filters because Orion had essentially the same front-end as the K3 (main difference being its 1st IF was at 9.0 MHz instead of 8.2 MHz). N4LCD recently asked a similar question and I did not respond thinking someone else would. They didn't so here goes for both of you. The following are words by George W2VJN of Inrad on page 6 of his excellent article on roofing filters: http://www.qth.com/inrad/roofing-filters.pdf *** 5. If 6 poles work so well, why not 8 poles? The most important part of the filter characteristic is from the pass-band on down to about 30 dB on either side of center. Eight poles would provide much better stop-band isolation, but its not required in a roofing filter and would make no noticeable improvement in IMD performance. *** Indeed his statement is borne out in the IMD numbers Eric posted previously: http://mailman.qth.net/pipermail/elecraft/2007-September/073442.html Filter20kHz 10kHz 5kHz 2kHz 2.7 kHz, 5 pole 100+ 98 92n/a 2.8 kHz, 8 pole 100+ 100 93n/a The major role of a roofing filter is to prevent adjacent (i.e. unwanted) ~S9+30 signals from entering the IF chain. This means the shape factor of the filter is relatively unimportant beyond about 30 dB down on the filter skirts, so there is little advantage of an 8-pole over a 5-pole filter as far as the receiver is concerned. If your filter eliminates unwanted S9+30 signals from propagating to the DSP stage, then the DSP can provide the actual final bandwidth selectivity (without unwanted IMD products). As you can see in the above measurements, there is essentially no difference in IMD performance (2 dB being well within measurement uncertainty). So, for receiver performance only, I would say there is NO difference in the filters other than the extra cost of the 8-pole. One potential difference has to do with the K3 transmitter. Since it transmits SSB through these same filters, the 8-pole might be preferable since it would more effectively attenuate unwanted products, but I'm sure the 5-pole will meet published specs since it is the standard K3 filter. In other words, if you got an 8-pole, it would make little noticeable difference in the receiver, but it would make your transmitted signal a little cleaner. I hope this helps you. I'm ordering the 5-pole because I don't see the advantages of the 8-pole are worth the cost. 73, Bill ___ 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] K3 2.7 k Filter vs. 2.8 k
Do any field testers care of offer comments on the 2.7 k filter vs. the 2.8 k? No 2.7 kHz 5-pole filters have been used in field test yet. 73, Ed - W0YK ___ 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] K3 Audio, SSB and CW.
Fred Jensen wrote: FWIW: While visiting some antique stores with friends in Lincoln City OR last week, I came upon a very pristine D104 for $85. It had the grab-switch PTT with the slider for locking. About the only issue was that the name plate on the top was a bit corroded or maybe very dirty. I don't know if it was the amplified version or not. If it was a really old D-104 with the ceramic element, you may have made a wise decision. The elements were physically fragile and I would not buy one without testing it. Will the K3/Heil combination give me enough RX audio? I'm using one and I have the audio gain range set to low. The Heil headset seems relatively insensitive, but I have not found a problem. My hearing is not so great (I'm old) but not damaged. The K3 high range is significantly greater than the K2 so it should be enough. I haven't heard much chatter about the audio equalizer in the K3. Has anyone experimented with it? Does it work for both RX and TX audio? Is it a standard feature of the base K3? Yes there is a separate equalizer for rx and tx. I used the tx equalizer to sharpen up SSB audio a bit, and reports were good, but I don't use SSB much. I have the rx equalizer set just to give me a little mid-range gain for CW. Each equalizer has 8 frequency bands, and is pretty flexible. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ 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] K3 2.7 k Filter vs. 2.8 k
Dick: I don't think any of us have had a chance to try the 2.7kHz filter. It was not (yet) available when we received our FT K3s, so we only had the option of taking the 2.8kHz filter. 73, Tom Hammond N0SS At 12:38 09/18/2007, you wrote: Do any field testers care of offer comments on the 2.7 k filter vs. the 2.8 k? Regards, Dick - KA5KKT/4 ___ 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] Audio K3 not as good as K2
I can confirm Tom's comments regarding K3 CW keying. We had a QSO in mid-August on 20m, exchanging 599 each way. The keying at around 30wpm was excellent, punchy but without clix. Tom was able to vary the wave form quickly. I recall that a setting slighly off the softest range was best. Chris G3SJJ Tom Hammond wrote: Hi Ron: I read in the previous postings that the CW sounded better on the K2 than the K3. That is a bit of a worry to me. In general, I've received just the very OPPOSITE reports. Most say that the K3 has some of the very BEST sounding keying that they've heard! And this from a number of folks whose opinions I value quite highly. Elecraft (Wayne) had bent over backwards to ensure that there are NO clicks or artifacts on the K3's keying! I think he's accomplished this very admirably. 73, Tom N0SS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 2.7 k Filter vs. 2.8 k
I have a question. The standard IMD test is a two tone test. In a contest type situation with multiple strong signals in close proximity, wouldn't greater ultimate rejection by the crystal roofing filter be a significant advantage? Mike W5FTD Do any field testers care of offer comments on the 2.7 k filter vs. the 2.8 k? Dick I'm not a beta tester but am familiar with roofing filters because Orion had essentially the same front-end as the K3 (main difference being its 1st IF was at 9.0 MHz instead of 8.2 MHz). N4LCD recently asked a similar question and I did not respond thinking someone else would. They didn't so here goes for both of you. The following are words by George W2VJN of Inrad on page 6 of his excellent article on roofing filters: http://www.qth.com/inrad/roofing-filters.pdf *** 5. If 6 poles work so well, why not 8 poles? The most important part of the filter characteristic is from the pass-band on down to about –30 dB on either side of center. Eight poles would provide much better stop-band isolation, but it’s not required in a roofing filter and would make no noticeable improvement in IMD performance. *** Indeed his statement is borne out in the IMD numbers Eric posted previously: http://mailman.qth.net/pipermail/elecraft/2007-September/073442.html Filter20kHz 10kHz 5kHz 2kHz 2.7 kHz, 5 pole 100+ 98 92n/a 2.8 kHz, 8 pole 100+ 100 93n/a The major role of a roofing filter is to prevent adjacent (i.e. ___ 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] Audio K3 not as good as K2
Mistery solved. This was the posting I red : I quess I wasn't triggered for the fact that this was a K2/proII comparison. Fair enough. Good to hear that the K3 has none of these problems what so ever! 73 Ron VK4KDD I worked the 3B7C station last night on 40 meters with a dipole. I compare the signals between the PROII and the K2/100. Same! But, I think the K2 was easier on the ears...cleaner audio or something. Reminds me the the ICOM 765 which is the sweetest sounding radio I've ever used in my opinion. Butthe signals were still the samebut sweeter on the K2 thant the PRO-2 Lee - K0WA On Tue, 18 Sep 2007 04:19:48 -0700, Ed Muns wrote: I read in the previous postings that the CW sounded better on the K2 than the K3. That is a bit of a worry to me. Icom has the same problem, and quite often this seems to be a DSP rig problem. I haven't seen any post claiming CW sounded better on the K2 than the K3 else I would have challenged it. The only people who could make such a claim are the few Elecraft employees and field testers who are actually using K3s on a daily basis. None of us would say this. Just the opposite, we'd all vouch that the K3 sounds even better than the already great K2. Moreover, several of us have said that despite the K3 being a largely software-defined radio with much of its performance derived from superlative DSP design, it sounds more like the best analog radio, e.g., classic Collins and Drake radios, than a digital radio. The most striking first impression of the K3 when you first put the headphones over your ears, is it's exceptionally fine sound. How is the SSB souding from the K3 in particular with weak signals deep , deep in the noise? Fantastic. I can't imagine anyone being less than impressed, let alone critical about it. 73, Ed - W0YK ___ 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] AGC question
I am building a K2 and when I try to adjust the AGC voltage the most I can get is just under 3.8 volts, about 3.7 is what I can get. Is this okay or do I have a problem somehwere? Thanks Larry ___ 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] K3 2.7 k Filter vs. 2.8 k
Mike, Not necessarily. As long as the signals within the passband of the roofing filter are not strong enough to overload the DSP, that is sufficient. In other words, the ultimate rejection of the roofing filter is not critical. If the roofing filter is able to knock down the unwanted signal to a level the DSP can handle, then the DSP will not overload and the DSP itself will provide great ultimate rejection. These are roofing filters and not final filters. If they were final filters, then the ultimate rejection would become important. There is an article on roofing filters in Oct QST that may help to explain. 73, Don W3FPR Corboy-Poteet wrote: I have a question. The standard IMD test is a two tone test. In a contest type situation with multiple strong signals in close proximity, wouldn't greater ultimate rejection by the crystal roofing filter be a significant advantage? ___ 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] AGC question
Larry, This is a frequently asked question - and it occurs when the 8 volt supply rail is on the low side of its tolerance range. If you cannot get it up to 3.8, then leave it set at the highest setting. 73, Don W3FPR Larry Naumann wrote: I am building a K2 and when I try to adjust the AGC voltage the most I can get is just under 3.8 volts, about 3.7 is what I can get. Is this okay or do I have a problem somehwere? Thanks Larry ___ 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] D104
The D104 is no longer produced, but the market is flooded with them. I'd say at $85 the guy liked his enough to want just about what he paid for it new. ;-) I bought a couple on close out, new at $100. They taught mine CW at the factory, it knows one letter, dah-di-dah. ;-) ___ 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] AGC question
Larry Naumann wrote: I am building a K2 and when I try to adjust the AGC voltage the most I can get is just under 3.8 volts, about 3.7 is what I can get. Is this okay or do I have a problem somehwere? No problem. The value quoted in the manual isn't actually achievable for some combinations of component tolerances. Originally the preset was fixed, and they've quoted the nominal voltage when it is set to maximum. -- David Woolley Emails are not formal business letters, whatever businesses may want. RFC1855 says there should be an address here, but, in a world of spam, that is no longer good advice, as archive address hiding may not work. ___ 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] K3 2.7 k Filter vs. 2.8 k
In a message dated 9/18/2007 4:36:17 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: If the roofing filter is able to knock down the unwanted signal to a level the DSP can handle, then the DSP will not overload and the DSP itself will provide great ultimate rejection. Well, sorta kinda. If the unwanted signal gets in and pumps the AGC, then the DSP might knock down the signal but won't be able to do anything about the AGC pumping. Then, you won't hear the signal if it is weak. That is the whole issue of the DSP being in or out of the AGC loop and it generated a mountain of controversy with the Orion when TT moved the DSP to within the loop. I believe I read the K3 did not follow that mistake but a little clarification from the gurus who know a whole lot more about this issue would be helpful. Craig Buck k4ia Fredericksburg, Virginia USA ** See what's new at http://www.aol.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] Special Events station K60
Special events station K60/CIA is currently operating from the CIA as a special events station. Well, I don't know if it is RIGHT now but it is up and running and will be there for several weeks, I think. Tomorrow marks the 60 anniversary of the creation of the CIA. This amateur station is the first amateur station to be operated actually from the CIA grounds. If I remember correctly, it is operating CW only, 80/40/20/10 and in the bottom 35 Mhz (?) in the band. There is (I think) a special commemorative QSL card to be issued. (I'm sorry I can't be more specific or concrete. I'm typing this from memory.) Michael N4NMR ___ 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] K3 2.7 k Filter vs. 2.8 k
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
Well, sorta kinda. If the unwanted signal gets in and pumps the AGC, then
the DSP might knock down the signal but won't be able to do anything about the
AGC pumping. Then, you won't hear the signal if it is weak. That is the
whole issue of the DSP being in or out of the AGC loop and it generated a
mountain of controversy with the Orion when TT moved the DSP to within the loop.
The K3 has two AGC loops. One is part of the DSP, so as long as the DSP
does not overload, a signal outside the DSP passband but within the
crystal filter passband will not cause the AGC to pump.
But, if the signal is greater than, I think, S9+30 (30 dB above 50 uv),
then it might overload the DSP. So in that case, the analog AGC which is
outside of the DSP kicks in to prevent that, and you would notice a gain
reduction on the desired signal.
This is where you could use a narrower roofing filter. I ordered 2.8,
1.0, and 0.4 KHz filters. I noticed this effect with huge signals by
listening with the bandwidth set to 450 Hz, which uses the 1 KHz crystal
filter. Moving it to 400 Hz causes the narrower filter to be activated,
which eliminates the pumping.
--
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
K3 no. 7 ('James')
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 2.7 k Filter vs. 2.8 k
The following cut is from the K3 FAQ - Elecraft on Roofing Filters. In order to achieve a K3 blocking dynamic range (desense) in the 140 dB+ range, you -must- use a narrow crystal filter (400 Hz for closer interfering signal spacing) in front of the DSP. We use hardware AGC after the narrow crystal filter and ahead of the DSP to protect the DSP when signals inside the crystal filter exceed a 100 dB dynamic range. If you only use the 2.7 kHz stock filter for CW or data operation you will be significantly desensed once signals within that filter's bandwidth exceed about S9+25. This is before phase noise from the transmitting station becomes a factor. Not uncommon on 40M at night, during a contest or at a multi-op station -- Or every day in major cities. Changing to a 400-500 Hz filter reduces blocking from signals 1-5 kHz away. I've personally confirmed this on the air with my K3 and the other commercial rigs we have here. when I've operated with the K3, or another DSP rig, on CW without using a narrow 400-500 Hz filter ahead of the DSP filtering, I frequently experienced desense (BDR) from nearby signals. Putting in the narrower crystal filter immediately cleaned it up. Using narrow crystal filters ahead of the DSP also reduces AGC pumping from static crashes on 80/160M etc. This was from Eric's portion of the article. - 73, Greg - AB7R Whidbey Island WA NA-065 On Tue Sep 18 17:42 , [EMAIL PROTECTED] sent: In a message dated 9/18/2007 4:36:17 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: If the roofing filter is able to knock down the unwanted signal to a level the DSP can handle, then the DSP will not overload and the DSP itself will provide great ultimate rejection. Well, sorta kinda. If the unwanted signal gets in and pumps the AGC, then the DSP might knock down the signal but won't be able to do anything about the AGC pumping. Then, you won't hear the signal if it is weak. That is the whole issue of the DSP being in or out of the AGC loop and it generated a mountain of controversy with the Orion when TT moved the DSP to within the loop. I believe I read the K3 did not follow that mistake but a little clarification from the gurus who know a whole lot more about this issue would be helpful. Craig Buck k4ia Fredericksburg, Virginia USA ** See what's new at http://www.aol.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 2.7 k Filter vs. 2.8 k
Craig, The AGC pumping will not happen if the undesired signal is within the spectrum of filter ultimate rejection. Any filter worthy to be called a filter (even a poor one) will have an ultimate rejection of 60 dB or greater - the K3 filters plots show ultimate attenuation in the 78 dB or greater range. As Vic pointed out in a related post, the hardware AGC only kicks in if the DSP will be overloaded, so as long as the undesired signal is outside the filter passband (by definition, that is the area of ultimate rejection for the filter) the unwanted signal will be severely attenuated and should not activate the hardware AGC. Yes, the K3 is different than the Orion. If OTOH, you are concerned about a signal somewhere on the filter slope (say 20 dB down), then you may encounter an AGC pumping problem, but that has to do with the steepness of the filter slope and is much different than the ultimate rejection that you indicated you were concerned about. 73, Don W3FPR [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: In a message dated 9/18/2007 4:36:17 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: If the roofing filter is able to knock down the unwanted signal to a level the DSP can handle, then the DSP will not overload and the DSP itself will provide great ultimate rejection. Well, sorta kinda. If the unwanted signal gets in and pumps the AGC, then the DSP might knock down the signal but won't be able to do anything about the AGC pumping. Then, you won't hear the signal if it is weak. That is the whole issue of the DSP being in or out of the AGC loop and it generated a mountain of controversy with the Orion when TT moved the DSP to within the loop. I believe I read the K3 did not follow that mistake but a little clarification from the gurus who know a whole lot more about this issue would be helpful. Craig Buck k4ia Fredericksburg, Virginia USA ** See what's new at http://www.aol.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 2.7 k Filter vs. 2.8 k
Now we are comparing apples to apples. The original
question was using the 2.7k 5 pole filter or going to
2.8 8 pole filter. In either case a VERY robust AGC is
waiting on the receiving end of the filter, followed
by a very robust DSP.
How much did the Elecraft guys pay for those fancy
no-wear buttons on the radio's front panel? For the
(2) hearty VFO encoders, or to remap and repaint the
front panel for that matter. If there was any real
advantage in going to 8 poles at 2.8 I think it would
have been included as stock with the base K3.
I think of some of the blatent cost cutting you find
on other transceivers that would never happen with the
guys. Also, when I see those QST ads of the other more
expensive offshore brands and they are showing this
tuned device or that (internal) tuned mechanism and I
figure what it cost to put it in there and the
relativly small advantage they get in the specs. I
wonder who is getting fooled. ;-)
[Elecraft] K3 2.7 k Filter vs. 2.8 k
Vic K2VCO vic at rak
Tue Sep 18 17:06:02 EDT 2007
K4IA at aol.com wrote:
Well, sorta kinda. If the unwanted signal gets in
and pumps the AGC, then
the DSP might knock down the signal but won't be
able to do anything about the
AGC pumping. Then, you won't hear the signal if it
is weak. That is the
whole issue of the DSP being in or out of the AGC
loop and it generated a
mountain of controversy with the Orion when TT moved
the DSP to within the loop.
The K3 has two AGC loops. One is part of the DSP, so
as long as the DSP
does not overload, a signal outside the DSP passband
but within the
crystal filter passband will not cause the AGC to
pump.
But, if the signal is greater than, I think, S9+30 (30
dB above 50 uv),
then it might overload the DSP. So in that case, the
analog AGC which is
outside of the DSP kicks in to prevent that, and you
would notice a gain
reduction on the desired signal.
This is where you could use a narrower roofing filter.
I ordered 2.8,
1.0, and 0.4 KHz filters. I noticed this effect with
huge signals by
listening with the bandwidth set to 450 Hz, which uses
the 1 KHz crystal
filter. Moving it to 400 Hz causes the narrower filter
to be activated,
which eliminates the pumping.
--
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
K3 no. 7 ('James')
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco
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Re: [Elecraft] Special Events station K60
Well, since this is a CIA operation, isn't it appropriate that the information not be too specific or concrete. :) 73! Dan KB6NU -- CW Geek and MI Affiliated Club Coordinator Read my ham radio blog at www.kb6nu.com LET'S GET MORE KIDS INTO HAM RADIO! On Sep 18, 2007, at 5:01 PM, Michael Bower wrote: Special events station K60/CIA is currently operating from the CIA as a special events station. Well, I don't know if it is RIGHT now but it is up and running and will be there for several weeks, I think. Tomorrow marks the 60 anniversary of the creation of the CIA. This amateur station is the first amateur station to be operated actually from the CIA grounds. If I remember correctly, it is operating CW only, 80/40/20/10 and in the bottom 35 Mhz (?) in the band. There is (I think) a special commemorative QSL card to be issued. (I'm sorry I can't be more specific or concrete. I'm typing this from memory.) Michael N4NMR ___ 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] K3 2.7 k Filter vs. 2.8 k
This topic has drifted from 2.7k versus 2.8k to 2.7k versus 400 Hz. *Of course* a 4-500 Hz filter is needed for CW and will have vastly better IMD/BDR than a 2.7k/2.8k. But I repeat that there will be very little if any difference between a 400 (actually 435 Hz) 8-pole and 500 ( 565 Hz) 5-pole. In my opinion, you are really wasting money to buy 8-pole filters for improved RX performance, unless the 130 Hz BW difference is important. In practice, this implies the difference in a signal spaced 435/2 = 218 Hz versus 565/2 = 283 Hz...65 Hz is not much difference, and I actually prefer the wider BW to catch more off-frequency callers. From Eric's posted data: Filter20kHz 10kHz 5kHz 2kHz 400 Hz, 8 pole100+ 100+ 100+ 95 500 Hz, 5 pole100+ 100+ 100+ 94 Again in my opinion the 250/200 Hz filters are redundant and unnecessary if you have a 400/500. They do not improve 2 kHz IMD significantly as seen below (1 dB difference is meaningless as that is well within measurement error): Filter20kHz 10kHz 5kHz 2kHz 200 Hz, 5 pole100+ 100+ 100+ 95 250 Hz, 8 pole100+ 100+ 100+ 95 You could argue that the 250/200 would be better for IMD fom extremely close-spaced signals (e.g. 200 Hz spacing from your TX frequency), but at that spacing other factors such as the transmitted signal's phase noise, key clicks, etc. will override any theoretical IMD advantage (i.e. the IMD becomes noise limited in ARRL terminology). Remember also that Passband Tuning can be used to shift a 400/500 Hz filter if you actually do need to eliminate a signal spaced at 200-250 Hz from your TX frequency...not that it would actually do any good to eliminate phase noise or key clicks. 73, Bill W4ZV ___ 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] From the shipping status page...
We are still short several key components and are waiting for replies from our vendors. We will update the shipping status by end of day Tuesday, 9/18 PDT. (Before 0700Z 9/19). Sounds like more delays... Time to go to bed here - G'night ___ 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] The Hills Are Alive with the Sound of K3
From my article in the recently published Sept/Oct issue of NCJ, emphasis added just now: The K3 also sounds like a real radio. This is not to be taken for granted in the DSP era. Some contemporary radios exhibit a distinctive, remanufactured sound that I dislike, replete with annoying digital processing artifacts. The K3 sounds like an analog radio but has the excellent pass-band agility, mode flexibility and features that DSP provides. It is a very quiet radio with low internal hiss and noise but enough gain to avoid wimping out on the high bands. There is more to say than that, of course, but that is sort of the bottom line. I have always held out the Drake R4C and the Kenwood TS-930 as two of the best sounding radios ever. I seem to recall liking the Collins 75S3B, too, but it was so long ago that I can't trust my memory. In the recent CW Sprint, I found for the first time that I preferred the audio of Rig A to that of my still-running TS-930 in the Rig B position. Rig A was my field test K3. 73, /Rick N6XI ___ 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] K3 Internal Digital Modes
Yes, thanks Tom, perhaps I should have made it clearer that I to think that the brain is best. I'm still working on my Morse and will continue to do so. But was just interested, since what I've seen so far shows just how much better the brain is. But Lyle's comments made me wonder if Wayne had 'cracked it'. Perhaps he has, hopefully will know in a couple of weeks time :-) On 17/9/07 23:43, Tom Hammond [EMAIL PROTECTED] sent: Hi David: UNfortunately, you're not going to find many devices (other than the human brain) which will decode poorly sent CW... and the K3 is no different... the CW must be pretty well sent before it can decode it, but it seems to do decently well on less than 'perfect' fists. The brain is still your VERY BEST decoder! Just takes some practice... well, OK... a LOT of practice... G -- Everything secret degenerates, even the administration of justice; nothing is safe that does not show how it can bear discussion and publicity. -Lord Acton, historian (1834-1902) ___ 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] the Sound of K3
Be prepared for a big run of used Pro 3s coming on the market as the K3s come in. Charles Harpole [EMAIL PROTECTED] _ Get the device you want, with the Hotmail® you love. http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/mobilehotmail/default.mspx?WT.mc_ID=MobileHMTagline ___ 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] The Hills Are Alive with the Sound of K3
N6XI: In the recent CW Sprint, I found for the first time that I preferred the audio of Rig A to that of my still-running TS-930 in the Rig B position. Rig A was my field test K3. My curent other rig is a TS-930S...and it is NOT for sale. :-) My Orion is now sold. 73, Bill W4ZV ___ 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] K3 2.7 k Filter vs. 2.8 k
I took the reasoning a step further since the data for the 1 kHz 8 pole filter is: Filter20kHz 10kHz 5kHz 2kHz --- 1 kHz, 8 pole 100+ 100+ 10094 --- So I ordered the 1 kHz filter since I'm just a ragchew type cw operator. It's nice to be able to run as wide as 800 Hz or so when tuning around, something I couldn't do with the narrower filters - but with numbers like this I don't think I have much to worry about! Bob NW8L On 9/18/07, Bill Tippett [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: This topic has drifted from 2.7k versus 2.8k to 2.7k versus 400 Hz. *Of course* a 4-500 Hz filter is needed for CW and will have vastly better IMD/BDR than a 2.7k/2.8k. But I repeat that there will be very little if any difference between a 400 (actually 435 Hz) 8-pole and 500 ( 565 Hz) 5-pole. In my opinion, you are really wasting money to buy 8-pole filters for improved RX performance, unless the 130 Hz BW difference is important. In practice, this implies the difference in a signal spaced 435/2 = 218 Hz versus 565/2 = 283 Hz...65 Hz is not much difference, and I actually prefer the wider BW to catch more off-frequency callers. From Eric's posted data: Filter20kHz 10kHz 5kHz 2kHz 400 Hz, 8 pole100+ 100+ 100+ 95 500 Hz, 5 pole100+ 100+ 100+ 94 Again in my opinion the 250/200 Hz filters are redundant and unnecessary if you have a 400/500. They do not improve 2 kHz IMD significantly as seen below (1 dB difference is meaningless as that is well within measurement error): Filter20kHz 10kHz 5kHz 2kHz 200 Hz, 5 pole100+ 100+ 100+ 95 250 Hz, 8 pole100+ 100+ 100+ 95 You could argue that the 250/200 would be better for IMD fom extremely close-spaced signals (e.g. 200 Hz spacing from your TX frequency), but at that spacing other factors such as the transmitted signal's phase noise, key clicks, etc. will override any theoretical IMD advantage (i.e. the IMD becomes noise limited in ARRL terminology). Remember also that Passband Tuning can be used to shift a 400/500 Hz filter if you actually do need to eliminate a signal spaced at 200-250 Hz from your TX frequency...not that it would actually do any good to eliminate phase noise or key clicks. 73, Bill W4ZV ___ 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] Semestersvar
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[Elecraft] NAQCC Sprint clarification
Sorry for the confusion - the Sprint is Wednesday evening - Thursday morning UTC time. NOT Tuesday evening as I had erroneously posted. Glad to see you're all paying attention! -- 73 de Larry W2LJ QRP - When you care to send the very least! http://www.w2lj.qrpradio.com http://w2lj.blogspot.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] K3 2.7 k Filter vs. 2.8 k
For my general operating needs, I think either the 2.7 kHz or 2.8 kHz filter combined with the 500 Hz represent a reasonable approach. I talked with Eric at W9DXCC this past weekend, and I got the impression that 2.8 kHz / 500 Hz would be a very good overall combo for all my needs, but I am waiting to hear some feedback from the first run. Even though I ordered the first weekend, I specified the second run, partly because I wanted to see same data and hear some feedback on the filters before deciding. The variable CW filter might also be a good choice once it's available, depending on IMD performance. Eric indicated that Wayne likes the variable filter approach, and it would be a flexible one... but I want to see performance numbers. 73, Larry N8LP Bill Tippett wrote: This topic has drifted from 2.7k versus 2.8k to 2.7k versus 400 Hz. *Of course* a 4-500 Hz filter is needed for CW and will have vastly better IMD/BDR than a 2.7k/2.8k. But I repeat that there will be very little if any difference between a 400 (actually 435 Hz) 8-pole and 500 ( 565 Hz) 5-pole. In my opinion, you are really wasting money to buy 8-pole filters for improved RX performance, unless the 130 Hz BW difference is important. In practice, this implies the difference in a signal spaced 435/2 = 218 Hz versus 565/2 = 283 Hz...65 Hz is not much difference, and I actually prefer the wider BW to catch more off-frequency callers. From Eric's posted data: Filter20kHz 10kHz 5kHz 2kHz 400 Hz, 8 pole100+ 100+ 100+ 95 500 Hz, 5 pole100+ 100+ 100+ 94 Again in my opinion the 250/200 Hz filters are redundant and unnecessary if you have a 400/500. They do not improve 2 kHz IMD significantly as seen below (1 dB difference is meaningless as that is well within measurement error): Filter20kHz 10kHz 5kHz 2kHz 200 Hz, 5 pole100+ 100+ 100+ 95 250 Hz, 8 pole100+ 100+ 100+ 95 You could argue that the 250/200 would be better for IMD fom extremely close-spaced signals (e.g. 200 Hz spacing from your TX frequency), but at that spacing other factors such as the transmitted signal's phase noise, key clicks, etc. will override any theoretical IMD advantage (i.e. the IMD becomes noise limited in ARRL terminology). Remember also that Passband Tuning can be used to shift a 400/500 Hz filter if you actually do need to eliminate a signal spaced at 200-250 Hz from your TX frequency...not that it would actually do any good to eliminate phase noise or key clicks. 73, Bill W4ZV ___ 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] K3 2.7 k Filter vs. 2.8 k
On 9/18/07, Larry Phipps [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The variable CW filter might also be a good choice once it's available, depending on IMD performance. Eric indicated that Wayne likes the variable filter approach, and it would be a flexible one... but I want to see performance numbers. The variable filter sounds great but I would insist on seeing numbers first. Introducing additional components like varactors may have some unexpected effects on IMD results. As they say in Missouri...Show Me 73, Bill W4ZV. ___ 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] Wonder how often this is happening ....
This from a long time 0-land friend who's had a borrowed K2 that I've been baiting with all the glowing K3 reports from the reflector; ...and, I might as well own up to it. I got impatient waiting for the K3 and now have a new TenTec Orion II in transit somewhere... I don't know if he had a order in place and cancelled, and his purchase of the Orion won't impact Elecraft they'll sell all they can produce for a long time ... but I'd obviously rather see him with a K3. 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
[Elecraft] Wonder how often this is happening ....
Look at the post immediately preceeding yours, it's from a -verry- savy Orion user that sold it and now waits for K3. I see some others on this page as well, same deal. To answer your Q, I'd say as often as anyone opts for immediate Orion over a K3, there's at least one selling his Orion and waiting for a K3. Your buddy should have bought used. ;-) [Elecraft] Wonder how often this is happening Ken Kopp k0pp at acninc.net Tue Sep 18 21:29:00 EDT 2007 Previous message: [Elecraft] NAQCC Sprint clarification Messages sorted by: [ date ] [ thread ] [ subject ] [ author ] This from a long time 0-land friend who's had a borrowed K2 that I've been baiting with all the glowing K3 reports from the reflector; ...and, I might as well own up to it. I got impatient waiting for the K3 and now have a new TenTec Orion II in transit somewhere... I don't know if he had a order in place and cancelled, and his purchase of the Orion won't impact Elecraft they'll sell all they can produce for a long time ... but I'd obviously rather see him with a K3. 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP k0pp at arrl.net or k0pp at acninc.net ___ 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 / HexKey discovery
I've had my Elecraft-labeled HexKey (S/N 290) for some months and was beginning to think one of us had a problem. I have the HexKey, a regular Bencher and a Brown Brothers paddle/straight key combo side-by-side on my desk and can switch between them at will. I've been a CW operator for 54 years and I think I do reasonably well at the craft. However, I found I was consistently making more errors when using the HexKey than with either of the other two. At first I thought it was because it was new and I wasn't used to it. Or, ... at age 70 ... I was losing my touch. But yet, the other two keys and I produced good CW. The sloppy keying had to somehow be be related to the HexKey. I made a number of attempts to adjust the HexKey's spacing and tension, but no amount of twiddling seemed to improve my sending. I was disappointed with the HexKey and was ready to sell it on eBay and buy the Begali I've been lusting after. I was looking at the HexKey while I was in a QSO with list-member K2VCO ... and making an embarrassing number of errors ... a couple of nights ago and noticed that it was wiggling slightly from side to side. How much wiggle? Hardly enough to notice. This movement took place even under the most gentle touch! It appeared that the three OEM rubber feet were VERY soft and they were acting like little shock-mounts that allowed the base to rotate back and forth ever so slightly. I doubt if Bencher gives any thought to the softness of the feet they install, but changing the three soft feet to firmer ones has totally eleminated the wiggle, the paddle now is a joy to use and I can again send good CW. (:-)) I'd like to know if anyone else finds the same situation with their HexKeys. I still want the Begali but I'll keep the HexKey, too. (:-)) 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
[Elecraft] K3 Shipping Status Update - Sept. 18, 2007
We are heading down the final K3 production stretch, and we can finally see the finish line. We received all of the first production run K3 painted and silk-screened enclosure sheet metal late Friday. This was one of our major concerns since the vendor was late, and if a part is bad it can take several weeks to fabricate replacements. Fortunately all of the sheet metal looked excellent following our incoming inspection. :-) We have received initial shipments of the higher accuracy TCXOs, so those of you who ordered this upgrade will receive them with your K3. As mentioned before, our other major parts problem has been the wound toroids. We received another major shipment from the vendor this week which filled in a number of missing toroid values, but there are still several values outstanding. While they are promising to get these to us in the next week, we are not relying on that. We have started an 'all hands on-deck' toroid winding operation in Aptos as an insurance policy to cover our initial K3 shipments. We ordered and received the raw toroids and wire last week and we are in the process of winding each missing value. Both our production team and anyone else in our Aptos HQ who has time available is winding toroids. (Even Lisa is becoming a toroid winding expert. Ask her how her fingers feel..) Our goal is to get enough sets of the missing toroids wound and tinned so that our pc board stuffing sub-contractor can get initial quantities the four board types that need these values wave soldered late this week and early next. This should cover us in case the remaining toroids arrive a week or two late from the vendor. The only new parts surprise we had was when we discovered that the relays we had received for the KBPF3 option had the wrong coil voltage. Fortunately this was caught before the boards were soldered. They were exchanged for the correct value and the new ones should be here in several days. Wayne and Lyle are focused on final testing of the K3's firmware and DSP code with our Field Testers. They are doing a great job of beating up the K3 and making sure it is as solid as possible. Wayne is also working with out team on the release version of the K3 operating manual. We hope to have it posted in the next 7-10 days. We are testing the assembled PC boards as they arrive and everything is beginning to feel like it is converging. Key sub assemblies for the built version of the K3 are getting built and tested, awaiting the final boards mentioned above. For a while it seemed like new parts supplier problems were cropping up faster than we were solving them. That trend has now sharply reversed. So whats the bottom line? Wayne and I discussed the schedule and our open issues today. While we both felt that we may start shipping in two weeks, we agreed we should add a week to that and conservatively set the official K3 first ship date for Monday Oct 8th. That gives us some additional safety margin for any last minute issues. (Plus we can work the weekend getting the first units ready to ship! :-) We understand the frustration is creates each time the schedule slips and we want to avoid another last minute delay. Every one of us appreciates the patience you have shown while waiting for the K3. We're doing our best to make the wait worth while, and to get a quality product out the door to you as soon as possible. We're optimistic that we are on track and we will keep posting weekly status updates between now and Oct 8th to keep everyone aware of how everything is going. 73, Eric, WA6HHQ and Wayne, N6KR -- _..._ ___ 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: K3 Shipping Status Update - Sept. 18, 2007
Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ Elecraft wrote: We have started an 'all hands on-deck' toroid winding operation in Aptos as an insurance policy Eric, You need to spend less time sending epic e-mails and more time winding toroids ;) Wayne --- 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: K3 Shipping Status Update - Sept. 18, 2007
After a get a little more sleep... ;-) Eric _..._ wayne burdick wrote: Eric, You need to spend less time sending epic e-mails and more time winding toroids ;) ___ 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
