Re: [Elecraft] K3: PC boards - lead free?
David Pratt-2 wrote: Do the K3 PC boards use lead free solder? I have just read the rather disturbing article in last Thursday's Guardian newspaper that highlights a potential problem with whiskers developing on the solder as well as the solder being more brittle and likely to fail if the boards are flexed. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/apr/03/research.engineering If you search the archives, David, you'll find that this has been discussed before. http://www.nabble.com/forum/Search.jtp?forum=28632local=yquery=whiskers will give you links to the previous threads. - Julian, G4ILO K3 s/n: 222 K2 s/n: 392 G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3%3A-PC-boards---lead-free--tp16521773p16522543.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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: 7.2 pound tuning knob
Brett Howard wrote: There is no way that that knob could be 7.2 pounds. My wife (who I mentioned this to and has too much time on her hands). Calculated that if the thing was 2.5 in diameter and 1 thick solid tungsten billet it would only weigh about 3.5 pounds. How big is this knob and what is it made of? Sounds like somebody is exaggerating, as is usually the case when people start boasting that my knob is bigger than yours. :) - Julian, G4ILO K3 s/n: 222 K2 s/n: 392 G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3%3A-7.2-pound-tuning-knob-tp16512669p16522597.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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 Transmit IMD
Wes Stewart wrote: --- Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: The K3 firmware used for the original QST review did not turn off the K3's RF speech compressor clipper even when the compressor was set to zero for their TX IMD two tone test. This resulted in a significant increase in measured TX IMD when using an external 2 tone source. We corrected this in a firmware update last month. All new K3's and anyone who has updated to the latest firmware have this fix. 73, Eric WA6HHQ [snip] Well, that sort of explains it, but raises another question: Does the firmware change actually correct the IMD issue or does it simply return when the operator turns the processor on? Regards, Wes N7WS Nobody seems to have answered this, so I'll try. IMD is a measure of the linearity of the transmiitter. It is measured by feeding two pure sine waves into the input and looking at what unwanted mixing products come out the end. The firmware has no effect on IMD. What it did (apparently) do is invalidate the test results by introducing distortion on the input signal so the TX did not have pure tones to start with. It's impossible to talk about IMD when compression is used. Compression, by its very nature, distorts the signal, creating IMD. If you want to transmit the cleanest signal, leave the compressor off and make sure the ALC doesn't show either. Most of us, though, would rather transmit a punchier signal in the interest of being heard at the other end, so we deliberately distort our signals by using ALC and compression. Which (it seems to me) makes the whole issue of IMD figures just another example of the pointless numbers game that people obsess over. What the heck does it matter whether one TX is a few dB better or worse than another when it is the component holding the microphone that really determines how clean the transmitted signal is? - Julian, G4ILO K3 s/n: 222 K2 s/n: 392 G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-Transmit-IMD-tp16501433p16522742.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] ktcx03-1 and phase noise
Yes I asked this question and [EMAIL PROTECTED] himself told me that this is not going to result in an improvement of phase noise. On Sun, 2008-04-06 at 11:01 +0100, David Woolley (E.L) wrote: Ken wrote: Am I right in thinking that the 1 ppm TCXO will have less phase jitter - hense lower phase noise? You cannot make deductions about phase noise from the presence of temperature compensation. I believe this question came up before and that the TXCO has no phase noise advantage. [ Very long line re-wrapped ] ___ 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 SSB for CW ops
A dynamic loudpeaker would work if you can't get hold of a real mic for a quick try. I believe that the K3 has enough audio gain. 73, Geoff GM4ESD Jim Miller AB3CV wrote: I've got a K3 kit on order with delivery expected sometime this summer, optimistically June. I'm exclusively a CW op at this point with some interest in digital modes. SSB holds little interest for me at this time, but may at some time in the future. It has recently occurred to me that although I'm not interested in SSB now I should probably check out my (someday) new K3 in all modes including SSB when it gets here and I put it together. I'm guessing that means hooking up a mike and giving it enough of a go to know whether everything is ok. Any thoughts on the least expensive way to do this? ___ 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] KUSB to Serial
Neill Taylor wrote: It does seem to use the Prolific chip, judging by messages I saw as the driver was installing. One thing to note here is that Prolific are obviously a B2B (business to business) supplier. When they say that they can't supply drivers to consumers, they don't mean that the driver doesn't exist but just that their business model is not set up to provide things directly to consumers. (Some such vendors will make drivers available for download, which is generally OK as long the OEM cannot cutomise the relevant parts of the hardware. Also, interestingly a lot of Windows drivers aren't really drivers, but rather parameter files that tell the real driver that a particular USB ID requires, for example, a USB serial driver.) -- David Woolley The Elecraft list is a forum for the discussion of topics related to Elecraft products and more general topics related ham radio List Guidelines http://www.elecraft.com/elecraft_list_guidelines.htm ___ 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] ktcx03-1 and phase noise
Ken wrote: Am I right in thinking that the 1 ppm TCXO will have less phase jitter - hense lower phase noise? You cannot make deductions about phase noise from the presence of temperature compensation. I believe this question came up before and that the TXCO has no phase noise advantage. [ Very long line re-wrapped ] -- David Woolley The Elecraft list is a forum for the discussion of topics related to Elecraft products and more general topics related ham radio List Guidelines http://www.elecraft.com/elecraft_list_guidelines.htm ___ 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] Fwd: OT: tin whiskers videos
I posted this back in Oct, 2007, but since the topic has come up again, well, here it is again. Of note is that in NASA video #10, it indicates that tin whiskers were found that were up to 1.8cm long (7/10th inch)...a long way from a few mils recently cited. de Doug KR2Q -- Forwarded message -- From: DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sat, Oct 20, 2007 at 8:58 AM Subject: OT: tin whiskers videos To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Although the NASA site was already cited by W8UR, I thought just in case anyone didn't navigate around the NASA page, that I would post the NASA video link. http://nepp.nasa.gov/whisker/video/index.html Video #10 is amazing (and narrated). There is even one video (#3) showing tin whiskers on a 1960 Grundig radio. Amazing. 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3: PC boards - lead free?
Well lets put it this way if you are in Europe and you buy an electronic product its made with lead free solder unless its been on the shelf for a good long while. The EU recently mandated that all electronic devices be free of the substances they consider hazardous and lead just so happens to be one of them. Yes there are problems with tin whiskering and yes the solder is more brittle and not very good when subject to flexing but this change happened quite a while ago and many companies have been getting up to speed on how to do this properly. The worst devices when using this lead free solder are the BGA's lets just be happy that there aren't any of those in the K3. Where I work we have to underfill our BGA devices. Essentially we solder them down then we seep superglue in underneath the part to help hold it onto the board. In our drop tests we were breaking balls and ending up with intermittent contact. As most gentlemen know having your balls broken is not a good experience! ;) Anyway tin whiskers are a problem but I have a feeling that most of the K3 is somewhat larger components which helps. But in most studies this has not really been figured to be that much of a real issue in industry. Perhaps in really tiny stuff (half mil and below) but I have a feeling that most of the K3 is going to be larger than that. Maybe some of the DSP's get down into that pitch size And as far as flexing... Don't bend the boards when you build the unit and don't drop it and you shouldn't have to worry about that too much. The chassis is designed around protecting the boards and isn't going to be placing undue stress on them. Granted leaded solder is better but its a thing of the past. Many companies are quite proficient at using it and I'm certain that the house that Elecraft has stuffing their parts has painstakingly gone over their solder profiles to maximize reliability. I know we have and that everyone in the industry was going through it with us. Granted there was a steep learning curve but now-a-days most companies have this pretty well nailed down. No worries man! On Sun, 2008-04-06 at 08:36 +0100, David Pratt wrote: Do the K3 PC boards use lead free solder? I have just read the rather disturbing article in last Thursday's Guardian newspaper that highlights a potential problem with whiskers developing on the solder as well as the solder being more brittle and likely to fail if the boards are flexed. http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2008/apr/03/research.engineering There are evidently conferences currently being held to discuss the problem to which Sun Microsystems and IBM are involved. This is worrying reading and makes me wonder how long it will be before my K3 will fail. 73 ___ 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] Fwd: OT: tin whiskers videos
Thats also in much different conditions than what you'll find in most electronics. But OK since NASA said so all electronic products from now until eternity are destined to short themselves out and fail nasty horrible deaths. Oh no what shall we ever do! On Sun, 2008-04-06 at 07:06 -0400, DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: I posted this back in Oct, 2007, but since the topic has come up again, well, here it is again. Of note is that in NASA video #10, it indicates that tin whiskers were found that were up to 1.8cm long (7/10th inch)...a long way from a few mils recently cited. de Doug KR2Q -- Forwarded message -- From: DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sat, Oct 20, 2007 at 8:58 AM Subject: OT: tin whiskers videos To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Although the NASA site was already cited by W8UR, I thought just in case anyone didn't navigate around the NASA page, that I would post the NASA video link. http://nepp.nasa.gov/whisker/video/index.html Video #10 is amazing (and narrated). There is even one video (#3) showing tin whiskers on a 1960 Grundig radio. Amazing. 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 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 KAT2 Lo P
Clark Macaulay wrote: I think the KAT2 is acting wierd. When to to TUNE with a dummy load, * the display flashes in sequence ATU, then 10:1, then Lo P. If the KAT2 * is in CAL P or CAL S to bypass the little critter, the same three * messages occur. The classic cause of this is trying to tune in the CW test mode. Even when you have an SSB mode selected, CW test mode still inhibits power when the tune button is pressed. In the ATU mode, when I rotate amongst the various, I do NOT hear * relays clicking in N1, N2, or CAL P. Is this normal? Relays do click in * all the C and L settings as well as for AUTO. The relay clicking is based on the transitions, so it depends on in which direction you went through the settings. Going clockwise, I don't get any changes between CAL S and CAL P, which is reasonable as they are both straight through configurations. I do get transitions going into net1 and net2. No click between net1 and net2 suggests a problem with K17 or its relay coil drive. It looks like the KAT2 is not even trying to tune to the dummy load * unless the reset position for all relays is 50 ohm. I've tried this at * 5w and for all the bands. The reset position is the last remembered one for the band and antenna, so, if you last used the dummy load on the band and antenna, you would not expect any activity, as the reflected power will already be low enough. [ Single, very long line, paragraphs, re-wrapped. ] -- David Woolley The Elecraft list is a forum for the discussion of topics related to Elecraft products and more general topics related ham radio List Guidelines http://www.elecraft.com/elecraft_list_guidelines.htm ___ 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: onboard speaker connector
Roelof Bakker wrote: I am looking for a source of onboard connectors like the one used for the speaker and probe in the K2. This are two-pole devices. Three and four pole units are used on PC motherboards for connecting the CPU cooling fan. http://www.rapidonline.com/searchresults.aspx?style=0kw=22-0838 http://www.maplin.co.uk/module.aspx?ModuleNo=1487doy=6m4 I imagine that Farnell and RS also do them, but they are less friendly to consumer purchases, as would most small electronics (not computing) hobbyist distributors. I cannot absolutely guarantee that these are exact matches for the Elecraft parts, but I think they are pretty much commodity parts. You may also find that Elecraft will supply them by letter post. -- David Woolley The Elecraft list is a forum for the discussion of topics related to Elecraft products and more general topics related ham radio List Guidelines http://www.elecraft.com/elecraft_list_guidelines.htm ___ 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 Transmit IMD
If we distort our SSB audio by compression etc, then let's hope that the sideband filter will limit the bandwidth. (I don't know where the compression or whatever is done in a K3). But if the PA distorts the signal even more, there is no filter to limit this within a few kHz. So I think the IMD measurement might be important. Let the guru's speak. 73 Arie ___ 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: 7.2 pound tuning knob
___ 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 Transmit IMD
Arie Kleingeld PA3A wrote: If we distort our SSB audio by compression etc, then let's hope that the sideband filter will limit the bandwidth. (I don't know where the compression or whatever is done in a K3). But if the PA distorts the signal even more, there is no filter to limit this within a few kHz. So I think the IMD measurement might be important. Let the guru's speak. OK, that's true about any compression that happens before the filter. But ALC compression certainly happens after. I think that any laboratory IMD measurement will be carried out without any ALC at all. In any event, ALC should not have an effect on a laboratory IMD test since the two tones are not varying in amplitude, unlike a real SSB or PSK signal. So the laboratory IMD test bears little relationship to the real world. I think that the characteristics of a transmitter's ALC may have more effect on the signal than any laboratory IMD figure. To give an example: in the Rev 2 K2 firmware, a modification was made to the ALC characteristic in data modes that allowed ALC to be used to control TX power without introducing unacceptable IMD products. This suggests to me that complex characteristics of the ALC will have more effect on signal width in real-world SSB operation than small differences in PA linearity that are reflected in the IMD measurements that only relate to the transmission of two constant amplitude tones. Too slow ALC and the PA could clip, causing severe splatter. Too fast and it will operate like compression creating many IMD products. But I am not an expert and am interested in what they have to say to this hypothesis as well. - Julian, G4ILO K3 s/n: 222 K2 s/n: 392 G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-Transmit-IMD-tp16501433p16523434.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] Replacing R101 with SMD LED in K3
The SMD LED chip that replaces R101 should be oriented with the two green dots facing towards the front of the K3. Roy Morris W4WFB ___ 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] APP roll pins
I must admit that I have had less than stellar results with the roll pins myself... having a number fall out over time. Fortunately none fell into 'sensitive' electronic areas... they just fall out... I didn't have have all that good luck with Super Glues either... not sure why, but the several times I tried them did not end well, with the connectors STILL coming apart. I think I like the idea of filling the 'roll pin hole' with hot glue. That seems like a much more viable method. I currently use a short length of #12 solid copper wire, stuck thru the hole and then bent (on both ends) around at least two sides of each of the APP connector shells. This method allows for a slight amount of movement between the shells, but it does keep them together and in a manner which allows for complete disassembly if necessary at a later time. It's not terribly 'pretty', but it does work. 73, Tom Hammond N0SS At 21:29 04/05/2008, Mike B wrote: I've purchased an APP pack or two that instead of having real roll pins (as in a flat piece of metal rolled over on itself, having a bit of spring tension in the process), just a piece of tiny metal tubing. While these slipped in place, they also tended to slip out of place. I'm guessing that this is what many dissatisfied APP users have purchased, instead of getting a pack with real roll pins. Dave G. wrote: The APP kit I bought (some time ago) from PowerWerx contained the cheap crimper, anc 20 sets of 30A APP's including the roll pins... In over three years I have NOT had a roll pin come out!! 73, Mike KW1ND ___ 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] Replacing R101 with SMD LED in K3
FINALLY! Then REQUIRED answer! That would make the 'two green dotted end' the CATHODE... right? Thanks Roy. At 07:20 04/06/2008, Roy Morris wrote: The SMD LED chip that replaces R101 should be oriented with the two green dots facing towards the front of the K3. Roy Morris W4WFB ___ 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 No bandscope
Another advantage to being able to make this decision is that you no longer have a doorstop when the manufacturer cannot or will not provide a replacement for a defective display. Ask the guys who bought the first generation IC-756s. Not to mention the additional complexity in the rig and the associated costs. Vy 73, Bob DJ0MBC/WU5T K3 ordered on 22 January. ___ 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] APP roll pins
Tom and all, That is quite contrary to my experience. The APP housings that I have purchased (from both PowerWerks and West Mountain Radio) have dovetail matings that need quite a bit of force to slide completely together, and I lock them with a drop of SuperGlue. I never had one come apart, and that includes the 3 of them that are in constant use on the workbench. The ones in the hamshack are more permanent - they are seldom changed. I have roll pins and use them only sometimes. If I use the roll pins, I lock the pins in place with a drop of Superglue. BTW - I just saw evidence that using the 'good' West Mountain crimper is not the entire answer. The crimps this gentleman had made with that tool had distorted the connector barrel and tongue severely such that good contact was not made. When we discussed the problem, I found that he was using the tool improperly. So even the proper tool can produce a bad job if you do not know what a good crimped connection looks like. Unfortunately, West Mountain Radio does not provide any instructions with the tool. 73, Don W3FPR Tom Hammond wrote: I must admit that I have had less than stellar results with the roll pins myself... having a number fall out over time. Fortunately none fell into 'sensitive' electronic areas... they just fall out... I didn't have have all that good luck with Super Glues either... not sure why, but the several times I tried them did not end well, with the connectors STILL coming apart. I think I like the idea of filling the 'roll pin hole' with hot glue. That seems like a much more viable method. I currently use a short length of #12 solid copper wire, stuck thru the hole and then bent (on both ends) around at least two sides of each of the APP connector shells. This method allows for a slight amount of movement between the shells, but it does keep them together and in a manner which allows for complete disassembly if necessary at a later time. It's not terribly 'pretty', but it does work. 73, Tom Hammond 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] APP roll pins
Just a comment on the APP connectors and roll pins. There are many ways to solve the problem, some good and some not so good. Everyone that's used them long enough will probably have tackled the disappearing roll pin dilemma at one time or another. Glueing them tends not to work because most glues don't like shear force after being applied, and that's what happens when you slide the two halves of the connector back together after putting the glue on them. Super glue is really succeptible to this because it sets so fast. Other types of glue have been used with varying degrees of success, mostly poor. My solution was to clamp the connector halves in a vise, run a 4-40 tap through the hole and then use a 4-40 x 1/4 setscrew screwed into the hole to keep them from coming apart. You can also use a miniscule drop of blue Loc-Tite on the threads of the setscrew to sort of lock it in place -- haven't had one come apart since I started doing this. If you decide to try it, make sure you snug the connector in the vise, but not so tight that you deform it. Carefully run the tap in and out of the hole. Put the 4-40 x 1/4 setscrew into the hole before you remove the connector from the vise. Check to make sure the APP will still mate with another one and hasn't spread from the pressure if the setscrew. If it has, remove the screw, reclamp it and run the tap back forth several times to cut the threads deeper. I've found this method works best with a new, sharp tap. Not all APP's are created equal, and some of the plastic material seems to be harder than others. Probably depends on what plastic mix was used when they were formed at the factory. Jim Sheldon, W0EB ___ 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 No bandscope
Another advantage to being able to make this decision is that you no longer have a doorstop when the manufacturer cannot or will not provide a replacement for a defective display. Not to worry Elecraft will have the K3 display in stock for the next 50 years. ___ 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] APP roll pins
This is crazy. Who would ever want to use a connector with all the problems and care and feeding of the APP's? Something has gotten lost here. Imagine if you had to go endure all of this for the AC plugs on all your household appliances? Either the connector is no darn good or the problems reported here are greatly exaggerated. The function is of a connector is to plug it in and forget about. It should be completely trouble free and a non-issue--ever. de K3KO Dave G. wrote: The APP kit I bought (some time ago) from PowerWerx contained the cheap crimper, anc 20 sets of 30A APP's including the roll pins... In over three years I have NOT had a roll pin come out!! -- Dave G. KK7SS '65 MK III Sprite in Richland, WA Two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity. But I'm not so sure about the universe. ... Albert Einstein. ___ 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 -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/APP-roll-pins-tp16520010p16524603.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3UTIL oddness
I wanted to look at the help file and instructions of v1.1.4.1. (no K3 attached) Clicking on the ICON doesn't open a screen. It does start a process according to task manager. Click on the ICON again and the utility screen does open. This results in two instances of K3UTIL.EXE running. Closing the screen kills one. The other never goes away. If you try to close WIN-XP, XP tells you the K3UTIL needs time to close You have to kill it at that level. Should this be happening? de K3KO -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3UTIL-oddness-tp16524796p16524796.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] APP roll pins
At 08:12 AM 06/04/08, you wrote: This is crazy. Either the connector is no darn good or the problems reported here are greatly exaggerated. Well said! It's fun to follow the threads and see just how far they go though. I think G4ILO put an end to the 7.5 lb knob thread with his comment too. :-) JOhn k7up ___ 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] K3UTIL oddness
The first instance is probably trying to establish the baud rate of the K3. Give it a few seconds if you don't have a K3 connected. Dick, K6KR -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of K3KO Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2008 7:27 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K3UTIL oddness I wanted to look at the help file and instructions of v1.1.4.1. (no K3 attached) Clicking on the ICON doesn't open a screen. It does start a process according to task manager. Click on the ICON again and the utility screen does open. This results in two instances of K3UTIL.EXE running. Closing the screen kills one. The other never goes away. If you try to close WIN-XP, XP tells you the K3UTIL needs time to close You have to kill it at that level. Should this be happening? de K3KO -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3UTIL-oddness-tp16524796p16524796.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] APP roll pins
Actually, the 'basic' APP connectors have few 'problems'... they slip together nicely and if properly assembled, require little additional 'help'. The discussion had to do with the perceived need to 'help' them by inserting pins to keep them from coming apart, which is rare anyway. I virtually NEVER 'pin' my APP connectors, and have had very few problems at all. However, WHEN I DO pin them, I was reporting my experiences. I've been using APP connectors since before they were APP connectors. There was a previous manufacturer... and I've been using them for at least 15 years now with extremely good results. Tom N0SS At 09:12 04/06/2008, K3KO wrote: This is crazy. Who would ever want to use a connector with all the problems and care and feeding of the APP's? Something has gotten lost here. Imagine if you had to go endure all of this for the AC plugs on all your household appliances? Either the connector is no darn good or the problems reported here are greatly exaggerated. The function is of a connector is to plug it in and forget about. It should be completely trouble free and a non-issue--ever. de K3KO Dave G. wrote: The APP kit I bought (some time ago) from PowerWerx contained the cheap crimper, anc 20 sets of 30A APP's including the roll pins... In over three years I have NOT had a roll pin come out!! -- Dave G. KK7SS '65 MK III Sprite in Richland, WA Two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity. But I'm not so sure about the universe. ... Albert Einstein. ___ 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 -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/APP-roll-pins-tp16520010p16524603.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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 Transmit IMD
Julian G4ILO wrote: In any event, ALC should not have an effect on a laboratory IMD test since the two tones are not varying in amplitude, unlike a real SSB or PSK signal. So the laboratory IMD test bears little relationship to the real world. Perhaps. In the case of two constant level test tones driving the transmitter, the level of intermod products seen at the output can change when the ALC activated. The usual cause of this problem is that the linearity of the low level stage or stages whose gain is controlled by the ALC gets worse when the ALC starts to throttle them back. How much of an effect occurs depends on the PA's natural IMD behaviour, the exciter's IMD and the IMD behaviour of the controlled stage(s) vs applied ALC. This suggests to me that complex characteristics of the ALC will have more effect on signal width in real-world SSB operation than small differences in PA linearity that are reflected in the IMD measurements that only relate to the transmission of two constant amplitude tones. Too slow ALC and the PA could clip, causing severe splatter. Too fast and it will operate like compression creating many IMD products. The design of ALC systems is not a casual matter especially when dealing with human speech, and the points which you raise have to be addressed by the designer if the ALC might be used improperly. It would appear that ALC systems are too often used as speech processors rather than the protective system as intended. As a design tool and as a means for specifying transmitter odd order IMD performance, the two tone test at least removes the variables of human speech. When I was involved in writing Canadian Type Approval specs for commercial SSB / ISB equipment, transmitter IMD performance was measured with the test tones applied to the transmitter's input interface from external generators, which was and still is the accepted practice in the comms field. Common practice at work was to design a PA and driver stage whose odd order IMD products relative to PEP were comfortably better than spec at various power output levels, with both 50 ohm and mismatched loads. ALC was then added later on in the design process as a protective system for the PA. There is an inherent problem with the type of ALC systems, when misused, which sample the PA's output to control the gain of low level stages, which is that splatter and other crud resulting from overdriving have been transmitted before the ALC can reduce drive. Those ALC systems which sample further back in the exciter chain and control the gain of a following stage can remove these problems. The mirror image is a receiver's AGC system. 73, Geoff GM4ESD ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] APP roll pins
Sermos. ___ 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 update
hi ive just done ailgment and test part 3 on my new k3 sno 6436 and im happy to say all is working ok im seeing good rf output ( 15 watts cw ) on all bands ( 10m max 12 watts ) im even getting 15w at 1.6mhz better than my other k2's ive built so im well happy so its on to build the other units , ssb , nb , auto atu , chris g0wfh k2 6436 soon k3 in aug -- I am using the free version of SPAMfighter for private users. It has removed 208 spam emails to date. Paying users do not have this message in their emails. Get the free SPAMfighter here: http://www.spamfighter.com/len ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] OT - Tin whiskers
These conductive growths from metal plating were a -severe- problem for early versions of GE 2-way radio's MASTR II (sic) series of radios. The plated cavities that held the tuned circuits for the RF front ends grew almost invisible whiskers off the walls of the housing that were astoundingly strong. 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP [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] K2: onboard speaker connector
Hello David, Many thanks indeed. Just what I was looking for. 73, Roelof Bakker, pa0rdt K2 # 6177 -- Mijn Postvak In wordt beschermd door SPAMfighter. 961 spam-mails zijn er tot op heden geblokkeerd. Download de gratis SPAMfighter via deze link: http://www.spamfighter.com/lnl ___ 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] K3UTIL oddness
That may be as you say. However, if you wait, nothing ever happens. The hour glass disappears and it stays in the process list. One never gets a screen or anything else-- at least in ten minutes. Presumably somebody having trouble getting his K3 connected to the PC would see this same oddness. de K3KO Dick Dievendorff wrote: The first instance is probably trying to establish the baud rate of the K3. Give it a few seconds if you don't have a K3 connected. Dick, K6KR -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of K3KO Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2008 7:27 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K3UTIL oddness I wanted to look at the help file and instructions of v1.1.4.1. (no K3 attached) Clicking on the ICON doesn't open a screen. It does start a process according to task manager. Click on the ICON again and the utility screen does open. This results in two instances of K3UTIL.EXE running. Closing the screen kills one. The other never goes away. If you try to close WIN-XP, XP tells you the K3UTIL needs time to close You have to kill it at that level. Should this be happening? de K3KO -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3UTIL-oddness-tp16524796p16524796.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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 -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3UTIL-oddness-tp16524796p16525960.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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 SSB for CW ops
Hi Jim, You asked: Any thoughts on the least expensive way to do this? PC style electret condenser microphones can be had, new, for under 5-dollars. Select the rear mic and turn on bias voltage for it in the menu ... plug it in and go. It doesn't get much less expensive than that! There've been many posts with lots of info on different microphones... Good luck! 73, Joe - W1AIU K3/100 #269 No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.5/1359 - Release Date: 4/4/2008 8:23 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] K3 - Expedition version
John, One important factor is how far away from the water's edge your antenna is located relative to your frequency's wavelength. There was an extensive series of articles in NCJ a few years ago providing details. 73, Henry - K4TMC ** Planning your summer road trip? Check out AOL Travel Guides. (http://travel.aol.com/travel-guide/united-states?ncid=aoltrv000316) ___ 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 Transmit IMD
Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy wrote: Julian G4ILO wrote: The design of ALC systems is not a casual matter especially when dealing with human speech, and the points which you raise have to be addressed by the designer if the ALC might be used improperly. It would appear that ALC systems are too often used as speech processors rather than the protective system as intended. Very true. However much they obsess over published performance figures, most hams when they get on the air are more interested in how far they can talk up that RF out meter so they get heard by the DX, than whether they are operating within the limits for minimum IMD products. :) Years ago I had an outboard Datong RF Clipper and it was possible to set the output level of that (which was the mic input of the rig) so that the ALC barely moved. The K3 is the first radio I have had that has true RF speech compression but it doesn't seem to be possible to set it up so that the RF compressor does all the work. The method recommended by Wayne for setting the K3 up is to turn the compressor to zero, increase the mic gain until you get a few bars of ALC on peaks, and then turn up the compressor. So you are applying ALC to an already compressed signal. - Julian, G4ILO K3 s/n: 222 K2 s/n: 392 G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3-Transmit-IMD-tp16501433p16526291.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] K3UTIL oddness
I'm sitting at my laptop... not connected to the K3... and the K3 Utility Program starts perfectly normally. No problems. Perhaps you should try re-installing it??? 73, Ken K3IU K3KO wrote: That may be as you say. However, if you wait, nothing ever happens. The hour glass disappears and it stays in the process list. One never gets a screen or anything else-- at least in ten minutes. Presumably somebody having trouble getting his K3 connected to the PC would see this same oddness. de K3KO Dick Dievendorff wrote: The first instance is probably trying to establish the baud rate of the K3. Give it a few seconds if you don't have a K3 connected. Dick, K6KR -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of K3KO Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2008 7:27 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K3UTIL oddness I wanted to look at the help file and instructions of v1.1.4.1. (no K3 attached) Clicking on the ICON doesn't open a screen. It does start a process according to task manager. Click on the ICON again and the utility screen does open. This results in two instances of K3UTIL.EXE running. Closing the screen kills one. The other never goes away. If you try to close WIN-XP, XP tells you the K3UTIL needs time to close You have to kill it at that level. Should this be happening? de K3KO -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/K3UTIL-oddness-tp16524796p16524796.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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 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 - Expedition version
of articles in NCJ a few years ago providing details. Anyone have the title/author of the NCJ article(s)? Paul, W9AC ___ 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] Tin whiskers...
If you watch the NASA videos, you will notice that the whiskers move, flex and break very easily under slight air movements, subsequently the chosen removal method was very simple . I would suspect that a regular cleaning regime, using a can of compressed air in one hand and a small vacuum cleaner (a la keyboard cleaner type) in the other, should keep the infestation down. Due to my local environment, a lot of airborne fine silica dust and cat dander, cleaning my electronic appliances using the above method is a regular occurrence. -- Dave G. KK7SS '65 MK III Sprite in Richland, WA Two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity. But I'm not so sure about the universe. ... Albert Einstein. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] OT - Jawbone, Noise Cancellation, Bluetooth Ham Radio
Curious if anyone has seen anything concerning Bluetooth and interfacing with radios? With the convergence of laws requiring hands free operation while mobile, and tools like Jawbone URL http://www.jawbone.com/ it would seem like the next step. Jawbone has a sensor that detects words coming only the individual (detects the sounds coming through the skin and compares to other noises), and only then goes into 'talk' mode. Mine works great on a cell phone. I can see a need for developing a Bluetooth interface for radios. But didn't know if something already existed. -- Dave Wilburn K4DGW K2/100 - S/N 5982 A dead enemy is a peaceful enemy.blessed be the peacemakers. ___ 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] Installing the K3 AGC Mod (SMD)
Hello David: The diode in question has about a 1.6 V forward drop. I've use that technique for a number of years with both Fluke and other DMMs and it's always worked for me on red, yellow, green and white LEDs. As I mentioned, it only works in 'diode check' mode. Ohms scales on modern DMMs typically don't have enough voltage to turn the diodes on, in my experience. Your point is a good one though. It might not work for all DMMs out there. But, if it does, it's a positive indicator. It's been invaluable for me once diode leads are cut since for many diodes only the lead length indicates the polarity! Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: If you have a DMM with a diode check feature, just probe the LED terminals. When you have the positive lead on the anode the DMM will indicate a forward biased diode junction and the LED will light up! LEDs have higher forward voltages (much higher for blue ones) than ordinary diodes, so some meters may light the diode, but show full scale and some may not even light the diode. My meter will light up to at least green, but shows an off scale drop for even red. -- David Woolley ___ 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 - Expedition version
The articles were titled Verticals By The Sea, by Al Christman, K3LC in the July/Aug 2005, Sept/Oct 2005, and Nov/Dec 2005 issues. 73, Henry - K4TMC ** Planning your summer road trip? Check out AOL Travel Guides. (http://travel.aol.com/travel-guide/united-states?ncid=aoltrv000316) ___ 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] Cyanoacrylic glue
Hi I see that some people on the reflector are using cyanoacrylic glue to hold the pin in the power connectors of their rigs. DO NOT USE this stuff unless you are in a well venilated place! It will do a number on your lungs in a hurry that will be with you the rest of your life. I used this glue building remote controlled model airplanes for a couple of years and now have emphysema as a result. Just thought you might want to know. Scott N5SM ___ 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] APP roll pins
FWIW, I've been using APPs for years with no problems at all. I solder the wires and have not had a single breakage. As I mentioned earlier, millions of connectors do that with no problem. The trick is to avoid forcing the stiff portion of the wire to bend constantly or to force one small area - such as the exposed wire between the insulation and the terminal to do all the bending. I've never had a connector come apart, pin or no pin. The shells mate very securely. (All of mine use the Anderson red/black zip wire that won't let the shells move anyway!) When inserted properly, the terminals will not come out of the shells under any conditions of use. 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] OT - Soldering antenna wire
As has been pointed out, soldering connections that may be subject to flexing is likely to result in failure, so here's a suggestion regarding connections of antenna wire to feed lines and insulators There is an electrical connector sometimes referred to as a split bolt or Kearney (SP?) nut. These work well for this task and, in reference to insulators, will allow easy length adjustment.I also use them to connect the open-wire feeders of my Zepp to the dipole elements, and to terminate ropes and guy wires ... again, length adjustments are easily made. They even come large enough to clamp copper strap and wires to ground rods. I can e-mail photos of these applications if you want. Note: I cannot e-mail to Comcast subscribers. (;-(. 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP [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] OT - Jawbone, Noise Cancellation, Bluetooth Ham Radio
I looked for a Bluetooth Headset and found a BlueAnt X5 that includes an Audio Streamer device that streams Bluetooth to a PC's audio connection. I don't have one of these, but it appeared at first glance that it might be able to connect to the microphone and speaker lines of a PC sound card, so it could do something similar with an amateur radio. This may not be the exact device you're looking for (it needs to be recharged via a USB cable) but it might lead you in that direction. I'd look for a device that communicates with Bluetooth devices and has cables to connect to a PC's sound card. Maybe it's just a little bit of work to create a cable that connects to the radio's microphone / headset / some 5V supply that would enable a device like this to be used with any given rig and some Bluetooth headset designed for use with cell phones. The BlueAnt X5 headset carries warnings that it is not appropriate for mobile use by a driver (presumably because it covers both ears), but the Audio Streamer device may be something like the device you're looking for. Dick, K6KR -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of David Wilburn Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2008 9:53 AM To: Elecraft Discussion List Subject: [Elecraft] OT - Jawbone, Noise Cancellation, Bluetooth Ham Radio Curious if anyone has seen anything concerning Bluetooth and interfacing with radios? With the convergence of laws requiring hands free operation while mobile, and tools like Jawbone URL http://www.jawbone.com/ it would seem like the next step. Jawbone has a sensor that detects words coming only the individual (detects the sounds coming through the skin and compares to other noises), and only then goes into 'talk' mode. Mine works great on a cell phone. I can see a need for developing a Bluetooth interface for radios. But didn't know if something already existed. -- Dave Wilburn K4DGW K2/100 - S/N 5982 A dead enemy is a peaceful enemy.blessed be the peacemakers. ___ 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] APP roll pins
Hi All, I think the problems have been exagerated. I have been using PP connectors on all of my 12-volt toys for the past six years, with roll pins, both soldered and crimped, without problems of any kind. YMMV. 73, John, W2GW - Original Message - From: John [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2008 10:32 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] APP roll pins At 08:12 AM 06/04/08, you wrote: This is crazy. Either the connector is no darn good or the problems reported here are greatly exaggerated. Well said! It's fun to follow the threads and see just how far they go though. I think G4ILO put an end to the 7.5 lb knob thread with his comment too. :-) JOhn k7up ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] OT - Jawbone, Noise Cancellation, Bluetooth Ham Radio
Some of the folks who responded to my blog post, http://kb6nu.com/ OLD32/, entered links to various BlueTooth products for ham radio applications. 73! Dan KB6NU -- CW Geek and MI Affiliated Club Coordinator Read my ham radio blog at http://www.kb6nu.com LET'S GET MORE KIDS INTO HAM RADIO! On Apr 6, 2008, at Apr 6, 12:53 PM, David Wilburn wrote: Curious if anyone has seen anything concerning Bluetooth and interfacing with radios? With the convergence of laws requiring hands free operation while mobile, and tools like Jawbone URL http://www.jawbone.com/ it would seem like the next step. Jawbone has a sensor that detects words coming only the individual (detects the sounds coming through the skin and compares to other noises), and only then goes into 'talk' mode. Mine works great on a cell phone. I can see a need for developing a Bluetooth interface for radios. But didn't know if something already existed. -- Dave Wilburn K4DGW K2/100 - S/N 5982 ___ 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] USB to Serial Converter
Hi I have found that the Cables Unlimited #USB-2920 works well with my K3. I wanted a cable specifically USB 2.0 and Vista compatible. I have a XP laptop and my desktop is Vista I also have a OQO palmtop that runs Vista. This adapter looks somewhat like a flash memory drive with a USB connector on one end and the 9 pin RS-232 connector on the other. I comes with a male to female USB extension cable and a disk with drivers for Windows 98, 2000, XP, Vista and Mac. Several other adapters I looked at did not indicate they would work with Vista. I had no problems connecting my OQO through my WiFi network to my K3 with this adapter running Vista. I ordered the adapter from Buy.com for about $14 plus shipping. Thanks Don Brown KD5NDB K3 S/N 0575 ___ 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] APP roll pins
K3KO's response is the best I have read in this thread so far and I agree 100%. I have been using and putting up with these APP's for at least 6-7 years and have learned that I always crimp them using a cheap crimper and I always solder them too. It took a while for me to learn (I am a slow learner) that you must crimp it near the edge where the wire goes into the connector. Stay as far away as you can from the contact end so that you don't deform it to the point where you can't insert it into the housing. I don't use heat shrink tubing but I may in the future. I know many of you don't agree but this is what works best for me. To me the APP's are a pain to assemble and they are not reliable because they come apart too easy even though they snap together properly. I had to get these remarks in before Eric pulls the plug which should be any day now. John[K7SVV] P.S. I use the roll pin. - Original Message - From: K3KO [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2008 7:12 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] APP roll pins This is crazy. Who would ever want to use a connector with all the problems and care and feeding of the APP's? Something has gotten lost here. Imagine if you had to go endure all of this for the AC plugs on all your household appliances? Either the connector is no darn good or the problems reported here are greatly exaggerated. The function is of a connector is to plug it in and forget about. It should be completely trouble free and a non-issue--ever. de K3KO Dave G. wrote: The APP kit I bought (some time ago) from PowerWerx contained the cheap crimper, anc 20 sets of 30A APP's including the roll pins... In over three years I have NOT had a roll pin come out!! -- Dave G. KK7SS '65 MK III Sprite in Richland, WA Two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity. But I'm not so sure about the universe. ... Albert Einstein. ___ 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 -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/APP-roll-pins-tp16520010p16524603.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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 -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.8/1362 - Release Date: 4/6/2008 11:12 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] OT - Tin whiskers
Back in the late 60's IBM was almost brought to its knees by a problem with silver migration (whiskers) in its flat cable connectors. This happened primarily in their System 360 Models 50 and 65 mainframes. It cost the company many millions of dollars because every Model 50 and 65 plus some others had to have every flat cable replaced. Each machine had a LOT of cables, I can't even guess how many. It took teams of 5 people working around the clock 2 days to recable a Model 50. Them were the good old days. The Model 50 made me a lot of money over the years. 73 John[K7SVV] - Original Message - From: Ken Kopp [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2008 8:28 AM Subject: [Elecraft] OT - Tin whiskers These conductive growths from metal plating were a -severe- problem for early versions of GE 2-way radio's MASTR II (sic) series of radios. The plated cavities that held the tuned circuits for the RF front ends grew almost invisible whiskers off the walls of the housing that were astoundingly strong. 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP [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 -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.8/1362 - Release Date: 4/6/2008 11:12 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] K3: 7.2 pound tuning knob
Uranium and it glows in the dark. Doug W6JD -- Original message -- From: Brett Howard [EMAIL PROTECTED] There is no way that that knob could be 7.2 pounds. My wife (who I mentioned this to and has too much time on her hands). Calculated that if the thing was 2.5 in diameter and 1 thick solid tungsten billet it would only weigh about 3.5 pounds. How big is this knob and what is it made of? ~Brett ___ 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] APP roll pins
Hi I have been using these for several years and they are on all of my 12 volt stuff. I mounted a 5 circuit RigRunner on my work bench that I can plug into to power radios I am working on. I have used the roll pins but do not use them any more. If you are careful to make the wires exactly the same length the connectors will not tend to come apart. I have found the glue for PVC pipe works well to glue the connectors. I like it better than super glue. Use a tiny bit on one side before you slide the dovetails together. If you think you need a roll pin glue a toothpick into the hole for the pin and clip off the excess with flush cutters. If it ever does come out at least it will not short out anything. Thanks Don Brown KD5NDB K3 S/N 0575 -- From: John [K7SVV] [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2008 1:03 PM To: K3KO [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] APP roll pins K3KO's response is the best I have read in this thread so far and I agree 100%. I have been using and putting up with these APP's for at least 6-7 years and have learned that I always crimp them using a cheap crimper and I always solder them too. It took a while for me to learn (I am a slow learner) that you must crimp it near the edge where the wire goes into the connector. Stay as far away as you can from the contact end so that you don't deform it to the point where you can't insert it into the housing. I don't use heat shrink tubing but I may in the future. I know many of you don't agree but this is what works best for me. To me the APP's are a pain to assemble and they are not reliable because they come apart too easy even though they snap together properly. I had to get these remarks in before Eric pulls the plug which should be any day now. John[K7SVV] P.S. I use the roll pin. ___ 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] APP roll pins [END of Thread]
Let's end this thread for now. 73, Eric WA6HHQ Elecraft List Moderator _..._ ___ 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 and rf inter reaction
Mode: cw, paddle sending string of dots or dashes any speed power o/p: any, ie nil to max, dummy or antenna filter: any, but more pronounced 1kHz listening to side tone on phones or speaker audio control: max rf control: start low and raise until the artefact appears or rf: max audio: low and raise until the artefact appears at low speed the artefact sounds like a scraping noise riding on the string. High speed it's like an extra edge. Anyone confirm this, offer an explanation? David G3UNA K3 #547 ___ 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 Transmit IMD (Mic adj for alc)
There is apparently some confusion about how the K3 ALC works. Just to help muddy the waters a bit, I'll toss in what little I know about it. We recommend setting the Mic (or LINE IN) Gain so you get 5 bars of ALC, with possibly the 6th bar occasionally flickering, with CMP set to 0. No, this is not to ensure you have Tx distortion! Just the opposite, in fact. In this case, the ALC meter display is acting as a VU Meter and is being used to help you set the Tx audio path gain correctly. It is not showing you how much you are over-driving the PA. This is why you can set it up in Tx test mode, when you are not transmitting any RF at all. If you have a little too much drive, the DSP will scale things back at the output of the mic amp. Thus at the 5th ALC bar, the DSP is at the threshold of gain compression. At the 6th bar, it is cutting back gain by 6 dB or so. Assuming SSB, after the Tx signal is created from the audio, it optionally goes through an IF clipper. This is engaged by setting CMP to a value other than 0. After the optional clipper, the signal goes through a 15 kHz IF filter followed by a gain section in the DSP, and is then output as a 15 kHz signal to the rest of the Tx strip. From this point, the MCU watches things and if it sees power levels going awry, severe mismatch, etc., it cuts back the drive to the Tx strip in the DSP. Thus, the Tx strip is running at nominal gain regardless of the power level. OK, if you go below 12 watts you are using the LPA and not the HPA, so the Tx strip gain is less, but you get the idea. What we are *not* doing is varying the bias on an IF amplifier somewhere that might change its operating point and possibly introduce additional distortion. The point in the DSP path where the change in drive is commanded is linear to the limits of 32-bit floating point math and the resolution of the Digital to Analog converter. Enjoy! 73, Lyle KK7P [ Note: For PSK and other operation, you want to set things to the level where the 5th bar just comes on -- or just doesn't. If you have only 4 bars in digital modes, that's OK. With less than 4, you are under- driving things and the ALC will kick in to bring up the power level to the amount you requested. If you try and trick the system and run with *zero* ALC bars in PSK31, the ALC has to work hard to give you your requested power - or maybe it will think there is insufficient signal to work with - and your Tx S/N may suffer. So, *please* set it to 4 bars in soundcard digital modes. ] ___ 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 and rf inter reaction
I can't duplicate what you are describing here unless you are describing the normal noise I hear between dits and dahs when using full QSK. I hear no change at all in the sidetone at all. With FULL QSK, I do hear the the background noise between dits and dahs which one might call an artifact, but I think that is a normal thing with full QSK with a noisy band. Transmitting into the dummy load, the background noise is, of course, much lower and so is the sound heard between dits and dahs. Hope this helps! 73, Ken K3IU ~~~ David Cutter wrote: Mode: cw, paddle sending string of dots or dashes any speed power o/p: any, ie nil to max, dummy or antenna filter: any, but more pronounced 1kHz listening to side tone on phones or speaker audio control: max rf control: start low and raise until the artefact appears or rf: max audio: low and raise until the artefact appears at low speed the artefact sounds like a scraping noise riding on the string. High speed it's like an extra edge. Anyone confirm this, offer an explanation? David G3UNA K3 #547 ___ 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] Re: K2 KAT2 Lo P
David, thanks for your help. In addition to a potential problem with K17 (which I haven't yet checked out), I pulled the KAT2 and connected the dummy load into the original antenna jack. Could not get more than .2 watts no matter what I tried. Great. So, this afternoon I studied the section in the manual on tracing transmitter signals, got my tools and cables set up, turned on the K2, and ---viola!-- I now have power. I guess the little fella was just testing me to see if I was serious. Do they have a mind of their own? I suppose an active component somewhere is flakey but I can't begin to look for it until the rig stays 'broken'. I'll check out the K17 tomorrow. Thanks again, 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] 2008 Visalia Contest Dinner - reminder
If you have already signed up - please check this link and make sure I have received your reservation for the correct number of dinners and menu selections: http://mldxcc.com/dinner2008.pdf If you have not yet signed up, then don't forget! You have until April 22nd to sign up, but now would be a much better time! If you have friends that you know would like to attend but they may not be receiving this email, please call them and let them know they must pay in advance! Original announcement follows... Please come and join us at the 9th Annual Contest Dinner on Friday April 25, 2008 at the International DX Convention in Visalia, CA (hosted by the Mother Lode DX and Contest Club.) Wayne Burdick, N6KR, co-founder of Elecraft and principal designer of the Elecraft K3, will be speaking on Contest Ergonomics and the Elecraft K3. Please note that we will be handling payment differently this year - you will need to sign up *and pay in advance*! (Via either PayPal or by check.) For all of the details and to sign up, please visit: http://mldxcc.com/contestdinner2008.html I'll see all of you there! 73 - Jeff Stai, WK6I (MLDXCC and NCCC) ps: Please feel free to forward this email to your local contest club and friends. -- Jeff Stai ~ [EMAIL PROTECTED] Twisted Oak Winery ~ http://www.twistedoak.com/ Winery Blog ~ http://www.elbloggotorcido.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] Noise blanker
The noise blanker in the K3 is truly astounding. I find that to be really effective on power line noise, I have to use the DSP portion of it. The IF blanker alone will not do it. Unfortunately the DSP blanker distorts really strong signals (say S9+10 and above). So if I listen to a group with some very strong and some weak signals, I have to turn the blanker on and off all the time. Could this not be achieved automatically? With a really strong signal in the passband, there is no need for noise reduction of any kind, so why not turn it off? I don't yet have the HAGC modification. Is it possible that the onset of distortion coincides with the onset of HW AGC action? If I could get another 20dB of distortion free noise blanker, the problem would be greatly diminished. Knut - AB2TC -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Noise-blanker-tp16529918p16529918.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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 audio and rf inter reaction
The effect is also present with monitor at zero. In this condition, a rushing sound is heard. At a guess I would say it is digitally induced noise. Mode: cw, paddle sending string of dots or dashes any speed power o/p: any, ie nil to max, dummy or antenna filter: any, but more pronounced 1kHz listening to side tone on phones or speaker audio control: max rf control: start low and raise until the artefact appears or rf: max audio: low and raise until the artefact appears at low speed the artefact sounds like a scraping noise riding on the string. High speed it's like an extra edge. Anyone confirm this, offer an explanation? David G3UNA K3 #547 ___ 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: PC boards - lead free?
Brett Howard wrote: Well lets put it this way if you are in Europe and you buy an electronic product its made with lead free solder unless its been on the shelf for a good long while. Or its intended for use in a server computer or as a network infrastructure device. -- David Woolley The Elecraft list is a forum for the discussion of topics related to Elecraft products and more general topics related ham radio List Guidelines http://www.elecraft.com/elecraft_list_guidelines.htm ___ 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] For Sale: Elecraft K2/100
For Sale: Elecraft K2/100 with KAF2 installed. Included are unbuilt KNB2 and K6XX CW Tune with LED indicator button. Serial number 6384, original owner and recently built. 100% electrical, mechanical, and physical condition. Asking $835 shipped USA. 73, Ken, KA0W ___ 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 Mic Gain vs ALC
I know I'm going to figure this out only *after* I break down and ask for help ... but I gotta ask anyway I suppose. I have the K3/100 and an MH2 microphone and I am measuring output power with a calibrated scope across a dummy load. I have been setting up audio gain and compression as instructed (With comp off set mic gain for 5 bars, then increase comp to fill in the waveform...). I have always before observed that, with compression set to zero the peaks of output come up to the power that I have set (or nearly so) but with relatively little in between the peaks. With compression added the waveform filled in at, more or less, the commanded output power. This is what I have always expected but today it is not happening that way. Today, for the first time in quite a while, I notice that what I had been accoustomed to seeing no longer occurs. With compression off I can adjust the mic gain for 5 to 6 bars ALC as usual but the peak rf envelope never gets close to the commanded output of 100 watts. If I press TUNE the full 100 watt carrier appears but I cannot get peaks to rise much past 50 watts with input from the mic. With compression the waveform fills in with RF but the level is stuck at about 50 watts and ALC is still reading 5 bars or more. It does not matter whether I have the audio chain set to High or Low gain .. most of my testing has been with the usual FP.L bias setting but I have tried High and also tried other microphones. I notice that, after not speaking for a few seconds, if I make a sudden sharp noise the output does spike up to 100 watts but is quickly clamped down by ALC so that furthur loud sounds into the mic produce only about 50 watts. To make a long story shorter ... When SSB output is set for 100 watts I only get about half that even though the ALC is showing 5 or 6 bars. The same is true with a setting of 50 watts or 12 watts where peak output is about half of the setting and I am seeing 5 or 6 bars ALC. The audio sounds fine in the monitor and signal reports are good. All of this occurs on all bands and I see the full 5 or 6 bars ALC even in Test mode with no RF output. I'm running the latest 1.78/1.58 firmware which I downloaded last week. ___ 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 Transmit IMD (Mic adj for alc)
Hmmm. Your advice to: ...*please* set it to 4 bars in soundcard digital modes... contradicts the direction given here (in step 7): http://www.elecraft.com/K3/k3_operating_tips.htm#psk%20audio viz. You should not see any ALC bars on the K3 display (when set to CMP/ALC) This always confused me since it didn't agree with the manual, but your explanation helps a lot, and I'll do it that way now. Bob NW8L On Sun, Apr 6, 2008 at 1:06 PM, Lyle Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: There is apparently some confusion about how the K3 ALC works. Just to help muddy the waters a bit, I'll toss in what little I know about it. We recommend setting the Mic (or LINE IN) Gain so you get 5 bars of ALC, with possibly the 6th bar occasionally flickering, with CMP set to 0. No, this is not to ensure you have Tx distortion! Just the opposite, in fact. In this case, the ALC meter display is acting as a VU Meter and is being used to help you set the Tx audio path gain correctly. It is not showing you how much you are over-driving the PA. This is why you can set it up in Tx test mode, when you are not transmitting any RF at all. If you have a little too much drive, the DSP will scale things back at the output of the mic amp. Thus at the 5th ALC bar, the DSP is at the threshold of gain compression. At the 6th bar, it is cutting back gain by 6 dB or so. Assuming SSB, after the Tx signal is created from the audio, it optionally goes through an IF clipper. This is engaged by setting CMP to a value other than 0. After the optional clipper, the signal goes through a 15 kHz IF filter followed by a gain section in the DSP, and is then output as a 15 kHz signal to the rest of the Tx strip. From this point, the MCU watches things and if it sees power levels going awry, severe mismatch, etc., it cuts back the drive to the Tx strip in the DSP. Thus, the Tx strip is running at nominal gain regardless of the power level. OK, if you go below 12 watts you are using the LPA and not the HPA, so the Tx strip gain is less, but you get the idea. What we are *not* doing is varying the bias on an IF amplifier somewhere that might change its operating point and possibly introduce additional distortion. The point in the DSP path where the change in drive is commanded is linear to the limits of 32-bit floating point math and the resolution of the Digital to Analog converter. Enjoy! 73, Lyle KK7P [ Note: For PSK and other operation, you want to set things to the level where the 5th bar just comes on -- or just doesn't. If you have only 4 bars in digital modes, that's OK. With less than 4, you are under- driving things and the ALC will kick in to bring up the power level to the amount you requested. If you try and trick the system and run with *zero* ALC bars in PSK31, the ALC has to work hard to give you your requested power - or maybe it will think there is insufficient signal to work with - and your Tx S/N may suffer. So, *please* set it to 4 bars in soundcard digital modes. ] ___ 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] combining so2r and main rx o/p
1/ With regard to combining signals from different antennas .. phased verticals feed by the same tx are used to provide directional control of tx signal .. could one phase combine signals from the 2nd receiver and signals from the first ... connected to different antennas .. (are the local oscillators fed from the same clock ?) to produce a similar phased directional control on receive 2/The reference input port on the k3 has a blank in it and I cannot see any infomation on installation of the external reference connection .. where does one find informatin on this ? Tnx -- Stephen Pearce zl1any Whangarei ___ 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 Mic Gain vs ALC
Don, This issue is fixed (or closer to being fixed ;-) in the DSP and MCU firmware that is currently in fled test. 73, Lyle KK7P ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] combining so2r and main rx o/p
1/ ...(are the local oscillators fed from the same clock ?) Yes, they are fed from the same clock. 2/The reference input port on the k3 has a blank in it and I cannot see any information on installation of the external reference connection ... This is for a planned future option. 73, Lyle KK7P ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Transmit IMD (Mic adj for alc)
In a message dated 4/6/2008 3:07:22 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Note: For PSK and other operation, you want to set things to the level where the 5th bar just comes on -- or just doesn't. If you have only 4 bars in digital modes, that's OK. With less than 4, you are under- driving things and the ALC will kick in to bring up the power level to the amount you requested. If you try and trick the system and run with *zero* ALC bars in PSK31, the ALC has to work hard to give you your requested power - or maybe it will think there is insufficient signal to work with - and your Tx S/N may suffer. So, *please* set it to 4 bars in soundcard digital modes. ] Did you mean for these instructions to apply to using the DATA A mode? If so, I find this almost impossible to do - I have to crank the Line In level all the way up and set the MicroKeyer to almost maximum to get 4 bars on the ALC. When I do, my output meter reads 50 watts even though the max power setting on the K3 is 20W. That just doesn't seem right. The suggested 4 Bar system does seem to work using SSB for the PSK. k4ia Buck K3 #101 Fredericksburg, VA **Planning your summer road trip? Check out AOL Travel Guides. (http://travel.aol.com/travel-guide/united-states?ncid=aoltrv000316) ___ 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 Transmit IMD (Mic adj for alc)
The suggested 4 Bar system does seem to work using SSB for the PSK. Sorry for adding yet more confusion to the mix. I am running firmware that is in field test and should be released next week. The statement I made I believe to be true for the firmware I am running. I haven't gone back to the released level to see if it is true for that version. I apologize for perhaps speaking too soon on the PSK issue. 73, Lyle KK7P ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] For Sale: Elecraft K2/100 **Sold
The K2/100 is sold. Thank you, Ken, KA0W For Sale: Elecraft K2/100 with KAF2 installed. ___ 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] Line out
Is there any harm done using a mono to stereo adapter in the line out jack in order to get the signal (no subreceiver installed) in both channels? This will presumably short-circuit the right channel output on the jack. I am not using any any of the pseudo-stereo modes. Knut - AB2TC -- View this message in context: http://www.nabble.com/Line-out-tp16532181p16532181.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.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] Line out
Is there any harm done using a mono to stereo adapter in the line out jack in order to get the signal (no subreceiver installed) in both channels? This will presumably short-circuit the right channel output on the jack. I am not using any any of the pseudo-stereo modes. I doubt anything will be harmed, but putting a short circuit on an output for extended periods is not encouraged! Firmware currently in field test has a mode to drive both channels for recoridng and other uses. 73, Lyle KK7P ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] RE: 6 Meter Antennas - OT
Halos are slightly less than a half wave around in circumference. They rely on the residual capacitance to be canceled by a gamma match, T match, or utilized with an inductive stub in a beta match. The feedpoint impedance and resonant point reflects the capacitance between the ends opposite the feedpoint. Slight changes to this capacitance, usually due to rain, snow, or vibration can move the feedpoint impedance out of resonance. The radiation pattern of a halo is not circular; the radiation to the sides are down about 2 dB or so from the radiation from the ends. The PAR triangles are slightly larger than a half wave and have greater separation between the ends. The feedpoint impedance is inductive, cancelled by series capacitors. The end capacitance has much less effect on the feedpoint impedance. PAR also include a current mode (choke) balun in the matching unit. Most halo makers do not. The pattern of the PAR is nearly circular, with only a half dB or so variation between the ends and the sides. The inverted vee is an underrated antenna for 6 meters. I think it is superior to either the halo or the PAR triangle and not much more trouble to erect. The radiation off the ends is a few dB down from broadside, but the radiation broadside is 2 dB or so up on the halo. It is lots cheaper as well. While the halos have their place in mobile or portable operation, the inverted vee is not much more trouble than either to erect in a permanent situation, and will provide superior performance to either. - Duffey -- KK6MC James Duffey Cedar Crest NM ___ 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] APP roll pins
APPs are bad design, bad technology, just bad why? 1 the crimp or solder or buy a special tool or what facts as noted often here. 2. need glue often what!!! 3. no strain relief. 4. no repeat use, can not be used again. 5. do not step on this plastic or u will need another set. 6. do not get caught outside the easy ordering/purchase of these dogs or u will be sticking a bare wire into the socket when ur apps are broken. Surprise, most of the world never hrd of these things ... and for good reason. When, oh when, will users of this junk wake up to its obvious limits and abandon the false start they represent? Charles Harpole [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sun, 6 Apr 2008 09:15:03 -0400 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] APP roll pins CC: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Tom and all, That is quite contrary to my experience. The APP housings that I have purchased (from both PowerWerks and West Mountain Radio) have dovetail matings that need quite a bit of force to slide completely together, and I lock them with a drop of SuperGlue. I never had one come apart, and that includes the 3 of them that are in constant use on the workbench. The ones in the hamshack are more permanent - they are seldom changed. I have roll pins and use them only sometimes. If I use the roll pins, I lock the pins in place with a drop of Superglue. BTW - I just saw evidence that using the 'good' West Mountain crimper is not the entire answer. The crimps this gentleman had made with that tool had distorted the connector barrel and tongue severely such that good contact was not made. When we discussed the problem, I found that he was using the tool improperly. So even the proper tool can produce a bad job if you do not know what a good crimped connection looks like. Unfortunately, West Mountain Radio does not provide any instructions with the tool. 73, Don W3FPR Tom Hammond wrote: I must admit that I have had less than stellar results with the roll pins myself... having a number fall out over time. Fortunately none fell into 'sensitive' electronic areas... they just fall out... I didn't have have all that good luck with Super Glues either... not sure why, but the several times I tried them did not end well, with the connectors STILL coming apart. I think I like the idea of filling the 'roll pin hole' with hot glue. That seems like a much more viable method. I currently use a short length of #12 solid copper wire, stuck thru the hole and then bent (on both ends) around at least two sides of each of the APP connector shells. This method allows for a slight amount of movement between the shells, but it does keep them together and in a manner which allows for complete disassembly if necessary at a later time. It's not terribly 'pretty', but it does work. 73, Tom Hammond 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 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] Alternatives to PowerPoles?
In a message dated 4/6/08 11:00:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: APPs are bad design, bad technology, just bad why? What would you use instead? Particularly given the desire for a genderless connector that can carry considerable current (20+ Amps)? Not trying to argue, just wondering about alternatives. Ten Tec and some others use Molex but they're not genderless, they're one-use, etc. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Planning your summer road trip? Check out AOL Travel Guides. (http://travel.aol.com/travel-guide/united-states?ncid=aoltrv000316) ___ 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 RTTY Com port issue
Hello All: I'm really enjoying my new K3 #616. I've been getting everything hooked up and exploring all the possible solutions to typical problems. Here's one that I haven't seen answered here - To run RTTY with MMTTY requires use of the one Com port on the radio unless you choose to use VOX control. This works quite well until something like an APRS burst kicks in and sends the transceiver into transmit ! If you run a logging program - mine is LoGic 8 - it uses the Com port to control the radio or just put in the frequency information when you make a contact. Running BOTH programs takes 2 com ports. Now, if I use a program like MixW, this CAN use one Com port is you stay with AFSK. I have not yet run a cable for FSK to a separate Com port. Is there any slick way to avoid the Com port conflict ? I DO plan on upgrading my interface situation with a microHAM device, so this is probably an academic question. I would just like to hear what others have figured out ! :) 73, Jamie WB4YDL ___ 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 RTTY Com port issue
Hi Jamie, You can use the RS232 for rig control, and PTT/CW if you set it up correctly. But you cannot use it for FSK. To key FSk you must build a simple interface from a COM port to the ACCY connector. Se the AA5AU RTTY website for the interface. Its a simple transistor and resistor...thats it. For AFSK, All you need is the RS232 port for rig control and PTT. 73 Greg AB7R -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of James C. Hall, MD Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2008 8:29 PM To: 'Elecraft Mail Reflector' Subject: [Elecraft] K3 RTTY Com port issue Hello All: I'm really enjoying my new K3 #616. I've been getting everything hooked up and exploring all the possible solutions to typical problems. Here's one that I haven't seen answered here - To run RTTY with MMTTY requires use of the one Com port on the radio unless you choose to use VOX control. This works quite well until something like an APRS burst kicks in and sends the transceiver into transmit ! If you run a logging program - mine is LoGic 8 - it uses the Com port to control the radio or just put in the frequency information when you make a contact. Running BOTH programs takes 2 com ports. Now, if I use a program like MixW, this CAN use one Com port is you stay with AFSK. I have not yet run a cable for FSK to a separate Com port. Is there any slick way to avoid the Com port conflict ? I DO plan on upgrading my interface situation with a microHAM device, so this is probably an academic question. I would just like to hear what others have figured out ! :) 73, Jamie WB4YDL ___ 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. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.8/1362 - Release Date: 4/6/2008 11:12 AM No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.8/1362 - Release Date: 4/6/2008 11:12 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
[Elecraft] K3 to Tokyo Hy-Power HL-1.5KFX??
Has anyone constructed a cable to interface the K3 to the Tokyo Hy-Power HL-1.5KFX amplifier? I tried making one today, connecting K3 ACC connector pins 13, 3, 9, 14, and 12 to pins 1 thru 5, respectively, of the amplifier's Yaesu band data connector but the amp is not tracking band changes on the K3. Thanks Dave Quick KØEKL ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Report for April 6th 7th, 2008
Good Evening, The fan is still blowing on my K2/100 and Chamberlain has just signed the Munich agreement. Momentous things are afoot. But I will attempt to stay in 2008 instead of 1938 for the moment! Conditions were very, very good on 40 meters just now. Tom and I worked many stations and I could hear almost all of each exchange. The worst for me were WA7BOC and N7CQR both of them had auroral warble to them. That would mean I am working neither of them via groundwave. Thus MUF must be higher than 7 MHz and the ionosphere is getting whacked by the sun. I had some very good weather reports except for Ken's from Fargo, North Dakota. He mentioned wet, heavy snow much like I had last week. I did get a few folks talking about 65 degree temperatures. Someday that may occur here! I hope. I got a note from Ron, WB3AAL, between the nets while I was cooking my dinner. He said he was working QRP ARCI when he saw the time. He cranked his power way up to 5 watts, worked ECN, and then went back to contesting again. Thanks Ron! On to the lists = On 14049.5 kHz at 2300z: K9DMV - Joe - IL - K2 - 5628 N0SS - Tom - MO - K3 - 008 ** QNI #265 ** WB3AAL - Ron - PA - K2 - 1392 AB9V - Mike - IN - K3 - 398 * QNI #160 * NO8V - John - MI K9ZTV - Kent - MO - K3 - 21 W6ZH - Pete - CA - K2 - 5138 N7KRT - Jeff - TX - K2 - 5471 QNI #50!!! WA7BOC - Roger - WA - K3 - 75 QNI #80!!! K6DGW - Fred - CA - K2 - 4398 N9SF - Bob - IN - K3 - 332 K4DGW - Dave - VA - K2 - 5982 NN8K - Sonny - WV - K1 - 380 On 7045 kHz at 0200z: K6PJV - Dale - CA - K2 - 5345 N0SS - Tom - MO - K3 - 008 NO8V - John - MI W0JFR - John - CO - K2 - 4507 W0CZ - Ken - ND - K3 - 457 ** QNI #220 ** W6ZH - Pete - CA - K1 - 553 W6JDB - Jay - OR - K2 - 279 WC7S - Dale - WY - K2 - 4360 KR9F - Neil - WI - ? K2HYD - Ray - NC - KX1 - 608 N0AR - Scott - MN - K2 - 4866 KT5E - Jay - CO - K3 - 274 N7CQR - Dan - OR - K2 - 1010 K7MW - Rick - WA - K2 - 1653 WA7BOC - Roger - WA - K3 - 75 K7KBS - Geoff - MT - K2 - 3211 ?? QNI #5! KL7V - Sam - AL - K2 - 6143 N9SF - Bob - IN - K3 - 332 Ah, the Germans are now preparing for Operation Barbarossa but the weather is not conducive to tank warfare. By the way I am listening to the Teaching Company's tapes of Western History from 1780 - 1990. That is why things are moving so rapidly. But I will get back to 2008 now. We had good nets today. Hopefully the time change helped. I know Sam and I were very happy with an early dinner. It is better than getting a headache while waiting to eat. The band conditions were very good today. Good grief they are already at the gates of Kiev! I hope the bands will remain this good for the future. I enjoyed the way I could hear everyone. Ray in North Carolina was easy copy. But for some reason I was not able to hear K4JPN. Steve wrote me a note saying he could neither hear us on 20 or 40 meters. Very odd because I did work Alabama on 40 with easy copy. Never can tell about propagation. Now to get my chores done before the coming week. If there are any errors or fills necessary in the above lists please send them to me. I'll get the database fixed when I can. Thanks for the enjoyable nets, 73, Kevin. KD5ONS (Net Control Station 5th Class) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Audio problem in WPX SSB
Wayne, A peculiar audio situation arose using my K3 in Aruba in WPX SSB. It works the same way at home, and isn't a problem I've ever had with any of many other radios that I've used in the same contest configuration. Here is what happens: For phone contesting, I my software CQPWIN, which plays wav files for DVK usage (as do other programs). I run the output in such a way that when the dvk is playing, the mic is shut off, but the audio from the computer goes into the mic connector of the radio. As soon as it stops playing, it disconnects the computer and reconnects the microphone. I run it from the computer into a W2IHY iBox for isolation, and the output to the radio. The Mic is a Heil pro-set. With the K3, the messages play fine, but after one finishes, if I use the mic, the radio starts out at lower power and takes 2-4 seconds to build back up to high power. This is the same whether using the front or rear input and whether using high or low gain. Also, the W2IHY box has to be turned up to a level that normally would overdrive other radios. I tried not using the W2IHY box (ie, running the audio straight from either my laptop or my desktop to the radio) with the same result. It also doesn't matter if the radio is using PTT or VOX, or whether it just remains in transmit. These seems like a some kind of odd impedance issue, but, as I said, it's one that has never shown up with Icom-Yaesu or Kenwood radios. Any ideas? I'm using 1.78/1.58 firmware, and the radio was just back to you for Rene to do hardware mods (serial number 76). In all other respects, I loved it in the contest. 73, Andy, AE6Y ___ 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] 2.7 vs 2.8 filter choice K3
I think the reason for including a filter (2.7 or 2.8) is that it is REQUIRED for transmit. IF one was not included we would be forced to buy one and people would be bitching about that. I believe the better solution would be to offer a choice of the 2.7 or 2.8 and give the credit closer to the $100 they charge for the other 5 pole filters. i.e.. substituting the 2.8 for the 2.7 would be $25 or so, not $95. If the 2.7 costs them $30 and they sell it for $100, good for them. BUT if the 2.8 costs them $25 more as reflected in their retail price of $125 vs. $100, then allow the substitution for $25 (or even 40 or maybe 50 but NOT $95). WHY? It just isn't right. IMHO, Jim - Original Message - From: Rick Dettinger [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, April 05, 2008 4:58 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 2.7 vs 2.8 filter choice K3 On Apr 4, 2008, at 12:20 PM, Craig D. Smith wrote: In my opinion the difficulty in making the choice is because of the pricing structure adapted by Elecraft for this option. If the filters were sold ala carte, and you needed to buy the 2.7 or 2.8 in addition to the K3 (or sub receiver), I'm guessing that most people, including me, would elect to pay $120 for the 2.8 rather than $100 for the 2.7. === I think that Elecraft wanted to sell a working radio for the base price. That is the way that I ordered my K3 and it has worked very well. I am a CW only operator and I would never have considered ordering any rig without a 500 hz filter, in years gone by. For my use, since I am not a contest operator and run from pileups, I found the 2.7 khz filter just fine with the bandwidth set at CW widths. I have since ordered the 6 khz, 1 khz and 500 hz filters, just because. Also, the general coverage filter board because I didn't have a good general coverage receiver. I have read discussions on other reflectors involving the concept that under heavy QRN conditions, filters characterized as having steep skirts, with the resulting sharp shoulders, cause mixing products with the desired signal, and that the result is unpleasant to listen to when QRM is not a problem. For the operating I do, especially on the lower frequencies, QRN is usually the problem. I seldom have to deal with QRM over S9 and have decided to go with the 5 pole filters where they are available. But I am also fine with the 8 pole, 1 khz filter to experiment with. This seems to be my go to filter on CW these days but I will be comparing both. With a strong interfering signal close by, I can use the 1 khz filter, with its steeper skirts, along with shift, to eliminate the QRM. The shift seems to change the center of the passband in 50 hz steps. I usually have to fine tune with VFO A after getting close with the shift control. Not a problem, as I am always working split, since I prefer that to RIT. 73 Rick Dettinger K7MW ___ 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] Line out
From page 20 in the K3 Owners Manual - ... LINE OUT STEREO, transformer-isolated; 600 ohm (nominal) These outputs should be connected to your computer's soundcard inputs. The left channel is main receiver audio; the right channel is sub receiver audio (if applicable). The outputs are post- AGC but pre-AF-gain; use CONFIG:LIN OUT to set the level. ... I don't see anything about mono there. Looks like they mean it only for stereo connections. 73, Jim - Original Message - From: ab2tc [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, April 06, 2008 8:24 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Line out Is there any harm done using a mono to stereo adapter in the line out jack in order to get the signal (no subreceiver installed) in both channels? This will presumably short-circuit the right channel output on the jack. I am not using any any of the pseudo-stereo modes. Knut - AB2TC ___ 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
