RE: [Elecraft] K3 Buffer Mod
Jim, The reason I ask about using regular resistors instead of SM resistors is that I don't have the correct value SM resistors. If there is a degradation in performance with film axial lead resistors I will get the SM resistors. It is not a question of qualification of mounting SM components. 73, N2TK, Tony -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jim Cox Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 8:55 PM To: Don Rasmussen; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Buffer Mod It sounds like Tony should leave the K3 as is. Dont screw it up unless your qualified to make the mods. Jim K4JAF - Original Message - From: Don Rasmussen [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 7:06 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Buffer Mod Tony, I have the LP-Pan with recommended Creative Labs E-MU 0202 and find this to be optimal, I mean no reason to make a mod of any type to K3. If someone told you that this must be done, I'd want to see why with my own eyes before doing this job. IMO (in my opinion) you don't work with SMD on K3, they fly around like little fleas even if you use a pair of 15w irons to remove them. They are just that small. But you can get them off without any major damage, find them, and carefully replace them - *when necessary*. YMMV... de wb8yqj Previous message: [Elecraft] K3 Buffer Mod Next message: [Elecraft] K2/100 LOCKUP THOUGHTS? Should I expect any negative impacts if I used regular resistors in place of SM resistors for this mod? N2TK, Tony ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 Buffer Mod
Tony, Since this is not a high frequency area, there should be little performance difference (if any) between SMD parts and axial leaded parts. The more relevant consideration is physical fit. If you have 1/8 watt resistors it would be easier than 1/4 watt, but you should be able to get the 1/4 watt parts in there. 73, Don W3FPR N2TK wrote: Jim, The reason I ask about using regular resistors instead of SM resistors is that I don't have the correct value SM resistors. If there is a degradation in performance with film axial lead resistors I will get the SM resistors. It is not a question of qualification of mounting SM components. 73, N2TK, Tony -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jim Cox Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 8:55 PM To: Don Rasmussen; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Buffer Mod It sounds like Tony should leave the K3 as is. Dont screw it up unless your qualified to make the mods. Jim K4JAF - Original Message - From: Don Rasmussen [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 7:06 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Buffer Mod Tony, I have the LP-Pan with recommended Creative Labs E-MU 0202 and find this to be optimal, I mean no reason to make a mod of any type to K3. If someone told you that this must be done, I'd want to see why with my own eyes before doing this job. IMO (in my opinion) you don't work with SMD on K3, they fly around like little fleas even if you use a pair of 15w irons to remove them. They are just that small. But you can get them off without any major damage, find them, and carefully replace them - *when necessary*. YMMV... de wb8yqj Previous message: [Elecraft] K3 Buffer Mod Next message: [Elecraft] K2/100 LOCKUP THOUGHTS? Should I expect any negative impacts if I used regular resistors in place of SM resistors for this mod? N2TK, Tony ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.6.6/1626 - Release Date: 8/21/2008 6:54 PM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Buffer Mod
Don Rasmussen wrote: I have the LP-Pan with recommended Creative Labs E-MU 0202 and find this to be optimal, I mean no reason to make a mod of any type to K3. If someone told you that this must be done, I'd want to see why with my own eyes before doing this job. 17.7 dB transfer loss from RF IN to IF OUT is why... http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/elecraft_k3_and_panadapters.htm#What_then_is_the_transfer_gain_of_the_K3_ -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Buffer-Mod-tp741709p759255.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] Fwd: SDR Transforms Amateur Radio
Link highly recommended. Don't miss the link to the interview with ARRL president Sumner containing this gem: Sumner also indicated that there may be a lull in operation these days, since the spectrum used by hams is now under the influence of the dreaded 11-year sunspot cycle. Sunspots produce radiation that blankets major portions of the high-frequeny spectrum with noise, making communications more difficult. It will diminish shortly, though, creating a much more welcoming ham band. http://electronicdesign.com/Articles/ArticleID/19439/19439.html No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.6.6/1626 - Release Date: 8/21/2008 6:54 PM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com - AB2TC - Knut -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Fwd%3A-SDR-Transforms-Amateur-Radio-tp742082p759281.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 Buffer Mod
Tnx Don, I do have the correct values in 1/8w. I wouldn't think there would be a difference, but I like to ask first, just in case. Finally should get some time over the next week to get beyond page 25 of the assembly manual for my second K3. 73, N2TK, Tony -Original Message- From: Don Wilhelm [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, August 22, 2008 8:10 AM To: N2TK Cc: 'Jim Cox'; 'Don Rasmussen'; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Buffer Mod Tony, Since this is not a high frequency area, there should be little performance difference (if any) between SMD parts and axial leaded parts. The more relevant consideration is physical fit. If you have 1/8 watt resistors it would be easier than 1/4 watt, but you should be able to get the 1/4 watt parts in there. 73, Don W3FPR N2TK wrote: Jim, The reason I ask about using regular resistors instead of SM resistors is that I don't have the correct value SM resistors. If there is a degradation in performance with film axial lead resistors I will get the SM resistors. It is not a question of qualification of mounting SM components. 73, N2TK, Tony -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jim Cox Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 8:55 PM To: Don Rasmussen; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Buffer Mod It sounds like Tony should leave the K3 as is. Dont screw it up unless your qualified to make the mods. Jim K4JAF - Original Message - From: Don Rasmussen [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 7:06 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Buffer Mod Tony, I have the LP-Pan with recommended Creative Labs E-MU 0202 and find this to be optimal, I mean no reason to make a mod of any type to K3. If someone told you that this must be done, I'd want to see why with my own eyes before doing this job. IMO (in my opinion) you don't work with SMD on K3, they fly around like little fleas even if you use a pair of 15w irons to remove them. They are just that small. But you can get them off without any major damage, find them, and carefully replace them - *when necessary*. YMMV... de wb8yqj Previous message: [Elecraft] K3 Buffer Mod Next message: [Elecraft] K2/100 LOCKUP THOUGHTS? Should I expect any negative impacts if I used regular resistors in place of SM resistors for this mod? N2TK, Tony ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.6.6/1626 - Release Date: 8/21/2008 6:54 PM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] FlDigi for Windows
Has anyone succeeded in getting FLDigi for Windows (http://www.w1hkj.com/Fldigi.html) to work with a K3 (or K2)? It is quite a nice digital modes program, and I am trying to get it to co-operate with my logging program KComm, as it would be nice to be able to use the two together, but first I have to get it to work at all. The sound card part seems to work OK, but I cannot get it to put the radio into transmit. Using the TTY option to do the PTT does not seem to work at all. The RigCat option involves downloading a k3.xml file from the site, editing it to put your own com port and speed details in, and saving it to the folder where Fldigi keeps its other data. This does not work reliably. Most times it doesn't even pick up the frequency. When it does, it doesn't put the rig into transmit (it did once, and one only, and I have never been able to repeat it), and then it usually locks up. Often it freezes when clicking the Initialize option as well. Fldigi apparently works best with Hamlib, but that appears to be a Linux only thing, at least I can't find a Windows version of it. So if anyone has got this program to work I'd like to know how they managed it. - Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222. http://www.g4ilo.com/ G4ILO's Shack http://www.ham-directory.com/ Ham Directoryhttp://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html KComm for Elecraft K2 and K3 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/FlDigi-for-Windows-tp759419p759419.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] GIC-2009 Mushers
Hello fellow GORCers and all, You may have noticed that GORC is sponsoring the GORC Iditarod 2009 Challenge or GIC-2009. This should be an exciting event with many challenges. Did I say challenges? Yes with Global warming and ice melt, the GIC should prove very interesting. Did you read about the ice in the Artic not freezing and opening water routes! How about the huge crack in an iceberg in Greenland. These might prove to be challenges to the mushers. To date we have seven mushers with W8HL having his lead dog weighing in at 75 pounds! That's a BIG DOG! Remember resgistration for the GIC-2009 closes on October 1st, 2008. http://www.wa3wsj.org/GORC_Iditraod2009.html 72/73, Ed, WA3WSJ GIC Musher #1 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 CAT noise
While operating in the PSK-31 data mode, my K3 produces a noisy waterfall any time CAT control is enabled. This shows up as horizontal lines on the waterfall about 1 mm apart. As soon as I disable CAT, the lines dissappear. I can copy right through the noise, so it's not an operating issue, but it's distracting. Has anyone else come across this? What was the resolution? Bill, W7QQ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 CAT noise
bill4570 wrote: While operating in the PSK-31 data mode, my K3 produces a noisy waterfall any time CAT control is enabled. This shows up as horizontal lines on the waterfall about 1 mm apart. As soon as I disable CAT, the lines dissappear. I can copy right through the noise, so it's not an operating issue, but it's distracting. Has anyone else come across this? What was the resolution? I remember this coming up once before. I believe it was a problem with grounding the shields of the cables between the rig and the computer. - Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222. http://www.g4ilo.com/ G4ILO's Shack http://www.ham-directory.com/ Ham Directoryhttp://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html KComm for Elecraft K2 and K3 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-CAT-noise-tp759536p759623.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 Buffer Mod
Don Rasmussen wrote: I have the LP-Pan with recommended Creative Labs E-MU 0202 and find this to be optimal, I mean no reason to make a mod of any type to K3. If someone told you that this must be done, I'd want to see why with my own eyes before doing this job. At 08:16 AM 8/22/2008, Bill W4ZV wrote: 17.7 dB transfer loss from RF IN to IF OUT is why... But isn't that just an engineering design decision made by the Elecraft team? Since that decision was (hopefully) made with regard to the entire radio system, isn't that decision likely to be a good one? As one data point, my K3 is not modified, yet the IF panadaptor works extremely well, and PowerSDR gives peak heights approximating the true signal strengths seen at the input of the K3. When I feed in a 1 uV signal from my KG-2 signal generator, I see a definite distinct peak on the panadaptor, and when I feed in a 50 uV (S9) signal, I see a large S9 signal on the panadaptor. I am a loss to understand why you guys are quarreling with the Elecraft design in this instance. I am beginning to suspect that it is simply because it does not agree with the usual designs provided by some military contractors who are probably using an _arbitrary_ standard anyway. I would think twice before possibly damaging my radio or lowering its resale value with non-factory authorized modifications. YMMV. Jerry W4UK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Help Please - Possible Static Damage to K3 low power PA
Can anyone advise please? I have just been on 17M ssb running 10 watts with the K3 No high power PA installed. I heard a ticking noise coming from the ATU. Switched off and disconnected the 450 feeder to the quad and got quite a large spark to the case of the ATU. The heavens then opened, although there was no sign of any thunder or lightning. The K3 will now only put out a maximum of 5 to six watts on all bands. Before I order some new PA FETs has anyone got any other suggestions? 73 John G3YPZ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 Buffer Mod
The sensitivity may be adequate as a panadapter (but really only with the preamp on), but if you have ever tried to listen to a moderately weak signal with the audio output from PowerSDR-IF, it will be abundantly clear that more sensitivity is needed. PowerSDR has a very good synchronous AM detector, for example, so the combination offers listening opportunities the K3 does not yet have. I have also listened to DRM using the Dream decoder and finding that only the strongest of signals will decode properly. Knut - AB2TC Jerry Flanders wrote: Don Rasmussen wrote: I have the LP-Pan with recommended Creative Labs E-MU 0202 and find this to be optimal, I mean no reason to make a mod of any type to K3. If someone told you that this must be done, I'd want to see why with my own eyes before doing this job. At 08:16 AM 8/22/2008, Bill W4ZV wrote: 17.7 dB transfer loss from RF IN to IF OUT is why... But isn't that just an engineering design decision made by the Elecraft team? Since that decision was (hopefully) made with regard to the entire radio system, isn't that decision likely to be a good one? As one data point, my K3 is not modified, yet the IF panadaptor works extremely well, and PowerSDR gives peak heights approximating the true signal strengths seen at the input of the K3. When I feed in a 1 uV signal from my KG-2 signal generator, I see a definite distinct peak on the panadaptor, and when I feed in a 50 uV (S9) signal, I see a large S9 signal on the panadaptor. I am a loss to understand why you guys are quarreling with the Elecraft design in this instance. I am beginning to suspect that it is simply because it does not agree with the usual designs provided by some military contractors who are probably using an _arbitrary_ standard anyway. snip - AB2TC - Knut -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Buffer-Mod-tp741709p759729.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] Let me build a K2 for you.
I have built more than 220 K2's to date. Let me build one for you. You will receive a new, built K2 with the options you want. My prices are reasonable and you will be ready for fun this fall and winter. 73 Alan W1HYV _ Get thousands of games on your PC, your mobile phone, and the web with Windows®. http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/108588800/direct/01/___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] FW: schematic needed for ZM-2
Here's the deal, I need a schematic and parts list for the ZM-2 ATU, thought I would ask the awesome folk habiting the lists, PDF, or scanned, or however, thank you very much. --... ...-- Dale - WC7S in Wy _ See what people are saying about Windows Live. Check out featured posts. http://www.windowslive.com/connect?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_connect2_082008___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Even more OT: Electric fences
Ken, I'd also bet that the incident spoiled that horse on apples for life! Terry, W0FM -Original Message- From: Bill W5WVO [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 11:36 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Even more OT: Electric fences Ken Kopp wrote: I've heard that most critters ... once bit ... never approach the fence again. Maybe that would work in your case, or maybe intermittent operation would fool 'em. A few years ago I was living down in Albuquerque in the North Valley area. This is horse country, and my property adjoined a small rancho where riding horses were stabled. One of the horses struck up a friendship with my border collie Meg, and would come over to the fence to hang out with her. One day I decided to go out and give him an apple, to see if I could make friends with him, too. I knew there was an electric fence wire there, but when I touched it gingerly, nothing happened. I assumed it was dead and had been abandoned, like so many other old electric fences I had seen as a kid growing up in the countryside of upstate New York. Anyway, I had to reach my arm well through the fence to reach the horse. He liked the apple and whickered softly, coming a little closer. I got a left-handed grip on the wire fencing to steady myself and reached out to pet him on his nose with the other. ZAAAPPP!!! Both the horse and I jumped backwards reflexively. I yelped, he whinnied. What had happened? The fence wasn't dead; in fact, it was thoroughly functional. I felt nothing when touching it because I was wearing rubber-soled sneakers; the horse, however, was wearing iron horseshoes. The current went from the wire through my left arm, my chest, and my right arm to the horse's nose, down through the horse to his horseshoes and into the damp ground. He never came around again to hang out with Meg. I felt awful about it, but there was not much I could do. :-( He had learned his lesson, to my sorrow, and I had learned mine: Don't ever assume an electric fence is dead! This fence, BTW, produced no noise on 6 meters that I could detect. Bill W5WVO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Even more OT: Electric fences
Sorry, meant for Bill. -Original Message- From: Bill W5WVO [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 11:36 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Even more OT: Electric fences Ken Kopp wrote: I've heard that most critters ... once bit ... never approach the fence again. Maybe that would work in your case, or maybe intermittent operation would fool 'em. A few years ago I was living down in Albuquerque in the North Valley area. This is horse country, and my property adjoined a small rancho where riding horses were stabled. One of the horses struck up a friendship with my border collie Meg, and would come over to the fence to hang out with her. One day I decided to go out and give him an apple, to see if I could make friends with him, too. I knew there was an electric fence wire there, but when I touched it gingerly, nothing happened. I assumed it was dead and had been abandoned, like so many other old electric fences I had seen as a kid growing up in the countryside of upstate New York. Anyway, I had to reach my arm well through the fence to reach the horse. He liked the apple and whickered softly, coming a little closer. I got a left-handed grip on the wire fencing to steady myself and reached out to pet him on his nose with the other. ZAAAPPP!!! Both the horse and I jumped backwards reflexively. I yelped, he whinnied. What had happened? The fence wasn't dead; in fact, it was thoroughly functional. I felt nothing when touching it because I was wearing rubber-soled sneakers; the horse, however, was wearing iron horseshoes. The current went from the wire through my left arm, my chest, and my right arm to the horse's nose, down through the horse to his horseshoes and into the damp ground. He never came around again to hang out with Meg. I felt awful about it, but there was not much I could do. :-( He had learned his lesson, to my sorrow, and I had learned mine: Don't ever assume an electric fence is dead! This fence, BTW, produced no noise on 6 meters that I could detect. Bill W5WVO ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KRX3 Arrived for K3 #459
The Subject about says it all. It arrived yesterday. Original order for both 6/12/07. K3 itself arrived 2/26/08. Steve Holton N1NB KX1 # 447 505 K2/100 # 2646 2843 K3 #459 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 Buffer Mod
Bill, just to clarify: - I assume you can handle the SMT without any trouble or worries. - I also assume that you have a good reason to want the extra 17.7db, so go mod, be happy. But for anyone else that may not be comfortable with SMT changes, I am suggesting that before they partake in that, they understand what the mod does and how it would help them in their application. My suggestion is, that for someone that's using the standard LP-PAN + Power-SDR + E-MU 0202 setup, there is no benefit to doing the mod, as the Y coordinates in PowerSDR are adjustable (as discussed on the Yahoo LP-PAN list). Works good - lasts a long time. ;-) That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Respectfully, Don -- And sorry Tony I think you were more interested in the discrete vs. SMT packages but I wanted to clarify on this point think you got your answer. !!! [Elecraft] K3 Buffer Mod Bill W4ZV btippett at alum.mit.edu Fri Aug 22 08:16:40 EDT 2008 Previous message: [Elecraft] K3 Buffer Mod Next message: [Elecraft] K3 Buffer Mod Messages sorted by: [ date ] [ thread ] [ subject ] [ author ] Don Rasmussen wrote: I have the LP-Pan with recommended Creative Labs E-MU 0202 and find this to be optimal, I mean no reason to make a mod of any type to K3. If someone told you that this must be done, I'd want to see why with my own eyes before doing this job. 17.7 dB transfer loss from RF IN to IF OUT is why... http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/elecraft_k3_and_panadapters.htm#What_then_is_the_transfer_gain_of_the_K3_ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 Buffer Mod
Jerry Flanders wrote: At 08:16 AM 8/22/2008, Bill W4ZV wrote: 17.7 dB transfer loss from RF IN to IF OUT is why... But isn't that just an engineering design decision made by the Elecraft team? Since that decision was (hopefully) made with regard to the entire radio system, isn't that decision likely to be a good one? As one data point, my K3 is not modified, yet the IF panadaptor works extremely well, and PowerSDR gives peak heights approximating the true signal strengths seen at the input of the K3. When I feed in a 1 uV signal from my KG-2 signal generator, I see a definite distinct peak on the panadaptor, and when I feed in a 50 uV (S9) signal, I see a large S9 signal on the panadaptor. I am a loss to understand why you guys are quarreling with the Elecraft design in this instance. I am beginning to suspect that it is simply because it does not agree with the usual designs provided by some military contractors who are probably using an _arbitrary_ standard anyway. I would think twice before possibly damaging my radio or lowering its resale value with non-factory authorized modifications. 1uV (-107 dBm) is ~30 dB above the K3's noise floor. One of the primary reasons I wanted LP-PAN was to use either PowerSDR or CW Skimmer's waterfall to help detect very weak (i.e. noise floor) signals. Why would I want to limit myself to signals 30 dB above the noise floor? Answer: I wouldn't! Elecraft is well aware of N8LP's mod, Wayne saw no problems with it at first glance and is now considering whether to make it a production mod. Both N8LP and K8ZOA seem to feel it is not damaging the radio, etc. Begging your pardon Jerry but Elecraft does not always get everything right the first time (e.g. the HAGC mod) but fortunately they are willing to listen to data and rational arguments for potential improvements. Thankfully Elecraft is much more open-minded to improvements than most manufacturers! 73, Bill -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Buffer-Mod-tp741709p759820.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] KX1
I am new to the list, also. My interest primarily at this time is the K3, so I set up a filter to see the K3 posts. I suppose one could do such a thing to ignore them as well. I don't know if there are plans to have a K3 mailing list? Given the volume of traffic, perhaps not a bad idea, but I am fine with whatever. Good luck with the KX1! It looks like a neat rig. On Aug 21, 2008, at 5:59 PM, B. G. wrote: Haven't been on this Elecraft reflector in a long time and need a bit of help/advice. A few questions: 1. Are there any archived threads about the KX1, and if so, how do I get there? 2. I have the 80-30 option as well as the internal ATU. 3. I made all my own toroids for my K1, but at my age now, 68, I got my toroids from Mychael this time. 4. Is communication possible via E mail with other KX1 owners? ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 Buffer Mod
Don Rasmussen wrote: Bill, just to clarify: My suggestion is, that for someone that's using the standard LP-PAN + Power-SDR + E-MU 0202 setup, there is no benefit to doing the mod, as the Y coordinates in PowerSDR are adjustable (as discussed on the Yahoo LP-PAN list). The Y coordinates of PowerSDR have nothing to do with this. Before PowerSDR ever detects a signal, there is effectively a 17.7 dB attenuator ahead of it and PowerSDR will never see any signals that are less than 17.7 dB above the noise floor. For the first week I had CW Skimmer, I thought it was terrible at decoding weak signals. Then I discovered the actual reason it wasn't had nothing to do with the Skimmer software but with the K3's transfer loss. Thinks of it this way...if you're trying to listen to an extremely weak signal, would you like a 17.7 dB attenuator between it and your ears? I don't think so. 73, Bill -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Buffer-Mod-tp759790p759844.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 Buffer Mod
Elecraft is well aware of N8LP's mod, Wayne saw no problems with it at first glance and is now considering whether to make it a production mod. Both N8LP and K8ZOA seem to feel it is not damaging the radio, etc. Remember to make the measurements Jack points out on his web page if you do the mod. This is to be sure the buffer transistor does not exceed its thermal ratings. 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 Buffer Mod
Don Rasmussen wrote: I have the LP-Pan with recommended Creative Labs E-MU 0202 and find this to be optimal, I mean no reason to make a mod of any type to K3. If someone told you that this must be done, I'd want to see why with my own eyes before doing this job. At 08:16 AM 8/22/2008, Bill W4ZV wrote: 17.7 dB transfer loss from RF IN to IF OUT is why... At 07:38 AM 8/22/2008, Jerry Flanders wrote: But isn't that just an engineering design decision made by the Elecraft team? Of course. A primary design criteria was limiting the IF output level to minimize spurious emissions. Since that decision was (hopefully) made with regard to the entire radio system, isn't that decision likely to be a good one? It was a good decision based on the information available at the time. Now that LP-Pan is created and a bit more IF output signal is needed, it has been determined that the small increment in IF output will not impact the original goal of minimizing the IF output. It's a potential production mod that Elecraft might even make. Your confidence in Elecraft is reinforced by this example. The K3 is extremely well-designed as a system component where there are countless other system components it might be connected with. Some system components such as LP-Pan didn't even exist when the K3 was released and there are far too many system components for Elecraft or anyone to fully validate. The fact that the K3 works so well with all these variables is evidence of exceptional design. 73, Ed - W0YK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Buffer Mod
Lyle Johnson wrote: Elecraft is well aware of N8LP's mod, Wayne saw no problems with it at first glance and is now considering whether to make it a production mod. Both N8LP and K8ZOA seem to feel it is not damaging the radio, etc. Remember to make the measurements Jack points out on his web page if you do the mod. This is to be sure the buffer transistor does not exceed its thermal ratings. Yes, here are the details: http://cliftonlaboratories.com/elecraft_k3_and_panadapters.htm#Alternative_to_increasing_K3_IF_sample_port_output ** If you make this modification, I suggest measuring the voltage across the new R9. Q10's drain current is set by a combination of the voltage drop across R9 and the individual characteristics of the J310 part in your K3. FETs have a notoriously wide part-to-part spread in parameters and it's possible that the J310 device in your K3 has parameters sufficiently far from the mean that Q10's power dissipation limits will be reached or exceeded. The surface mount J310 has a maximum power dissipation rating of 350 mw, and for reliability a safe operating value is 200 mw or so. Q10's current can be easily determined by measuring the voltage drop across R9. If changed to 49.9 ohms, Q10's drain current Id is 1000*Vs/50 (in milliamperes) where Vs is the voltage measured from ground to Q10's source pin. To calculate the power dissipated in Q10, measure its drain voltage. The power is then (Vd-Vs)*Id in milliwatts, where Id is in milliamperes. An example. After replacing R9 with a 49.9 ohm resistor, the following voltage readings are found: Vs = 2 volts, Vd = 12 volts. The idle current through Q10 is thus 2 / 49.9 = 40 mA. The power dissipated in Q10 is (12-2) * 40 = 400 milliwatts. This exceeds the J310's maximum permissible power dissipation and would not be a good design practice. ** In my unit the voltage across R9 was 460 mV, which resulted in 0.46/51 = 9 mA and power of 90 mW, well below the maximum rating of 350 mW and below Jack's recommendation of 200 mW. 73, Bill -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Buffer-Mod-tp741709p759959.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 CAT noise
bill4570 wrote: While operating in the PSK-31 data mode, my K3 produces a noisy waterfall any time CAT control is enabled. This shows up as horizontal lines on the waterfall about 1 mm apart. As soon as I disable CAT, the lines dissappear. Bill, I had similar problems and traced this to the shielding of the cable. I found that the shield needed to be connected to the shell of the d-type connector at both ends of the cable (soldered directly to the shell) to get rid of the interference. Hope this helps. 73 Paul M1PAF -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-CAT-noise-tp759536p759977.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 CAT noise
On Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:20:21 -0700 (PDT), Paul Fletcher wrote: I had similar problems and traced this to the shielding of the cable. I found that the shield needed to be connected to the shell of the d-type connector at both ends of the cable (soldered directly to the shell) to get rid of the interference. Not surprising. The ONLY good connection for a cable shield is the shielding enclosure of the devices being connected. Without that connection there is no shielding. A connection of the cable shield to wirng inside the box often excites what is commonly known as the pin 1 problem, which is a form of common impedance coupling. In the case of the noise SOURCE, noise is coupled onto the cable shield and radiated by the cable shield. In the case of a VICTIM, the noise is received on the cable shield and coupled into the victim equipment. Another point. If the noise is being leaked from the differential signal on that CAT wiring, it can be DRASTICALLY reduced by using good twisted pair cable (for example, CAT5/6/7). The Pin 1 problem is discussed in detail in http://audiosystemsgroup.com/RFI-Ham.pdf 73, Jim Brown K9YC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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: SDR Transforms Amateur Radio
Very interesting article. Thanks. From it I quote ..SDR techniques have even joined the mainstream, with services like ham radio adopting them as prices permit... For some, mainstream is a warning label, whether it's in a hobby like Ham radio or anything else in life. That dreaded 11-year sunspot cycle minimum that ARRL President Sumner notes discourages so many is a good example. Yeah, a big sunspot cycle has its own excitement, especially for mainstream Hams, but the corollary is not necessarily true: lack of sunspots does not mean lack of excitement for everyone. For many, a sunspot minimum is an interesting, even exciting time to experiment with the lower frequencies (and how to get a signal out of tiny, urban back yards with electrically miniscule antennas), to stalk those quiet higher-frequency bands for the sporadic and exciting openings, to develop VHF/UHF/SHF equipment and skills and almost countless other things. In technical development, it was those bucking the mainstream who brought us Continuous Waves over Spark, AM and FM phone in addition to Morse, Single Sideband in addition to AM and FM, Slow Scan TV, who discovered the Short Waves and, yes, even Software-Defined Radio, just to name a few innovations the mainstream operators of the day thought were uninteresting nonsense. So, if SDR is mainstream, I wonder what's next for those innovators on the leading edge? Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Fwd: SDR Transforms Amateur Radio Link highly recommended. Don't miss the link to the interview with ARRL president Sumner containing this gem: Sumner also indicated that there may be a lull in operation these days, since the spectrum used by hams is now under the influence of the dreaded 11-year sunspot cycle. Sunspots produce radiation that blankets major portions of the high-frequeny spectrum with noise, making communications more difficult. It will diminish shortly, though, creating a much more welcoming ham band. http://electronicdesign.com/Articles/ArticleID/19439/19439.html ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 Buffer Mod
I am scratching my head wondering whether any of this applies to the LP-PAN, or whether it is only relevant to other panadaptors such as the Softrock and the Z90. K8ZOA's web page (the same one everyone is quoting) says: I looked at two potential panadapters; a Softrock and my Z90. (Telepostinc's LP-PAN has a built-in amplifier to overcome the transfer gain problem.) and in the recommendations near the bottom of the page, refering to the mod, These steps are not necessary with an LP-PAN panadapter as it has a built-in isolation amplifier. That same web page also suggests that an alternative to the mod would be to use an external buffer amplifier. So, I have two questions: 1. Is the mod necessary with the LP-PAN, or is it only needed with other panadapters? That is, is the noise figure of the LP-PAN's internal amplifier sufficient, or is the mod to the K3 required to lift weak signals above the noise floor of the LP-PAN? 2. Would the external buffer amplifier solution be a viable alternative to the mod? 73, Rich VE3KI ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] K3-100 #1433: K3 ATU MALFUNCTION
To Any Who Might Be Interested, I received the K3ATU board and replaced the suspect K3ATU to no avail. The problem remained. I called Elecraft and talked to Renee. He instantly suspected problems with the TRANSMITTER GAIN CALIBRATION. With Renee on the phone we did test with a dummy load (I had it set up to go before I called!) and verified that the same symptoms on the same bands happened with the dummy load in bypass mode!!! When using the ATU Renee heard the clicking and the lenght of time it took to tune and recognized the symptom. We then did the 5 and 50 watt meter calibration. Next was the Transmitter Gain calibration on the suspect bands. This fixed the problem. Renee left it to me to do the calibrations on all the bands. I did and the rig is working like it did after the initial assembly. These procedures fixed the problem but I should mention that along the way Renee had me check various values to compare them with the factory values and those of his experience. The values we found for the TXMT GAIN were not those he expected. As it turned out, his suspicions were correct. I had done the calibrations initially and again when working on my low power on 40 M LSB problem. The fix to that problem was to upgrade to 2.23 from 2.33. I believe that the ATU malfunction began after that upgrade. Given the possibility of operator error and my uncertainty about the timeline I can not state that the upgrade caused the ATU malfunction. All is well that ends well. Elecraft did an outstanding job in helping me resolve this problem in a very timely manner. If you are like me and get very frustrated with these kinds of problems please take my advice and relax and let Elecraft help you. You have a great radio and you'll be amply rewarded for you patience. Jack, AE6GC, KX1 #1403, K3-100 Kit #1433 ___ From: Jack Regan Sent: Monday, August 18, 2008 2:42 PM To: 'Gary Surrency' Subject: RE: AE6GC Re: K3-100 #1433: K3 ATU MALFUNCTION Gary, Before I called support this morning I did use a dummy load to verify the condition of the rig. I talked to Scott this morning with the dummy load still connected. The problem is clearly with the ATU. The dummy load and the K3 in bypass mode show the same swr. The K3 in ATU AUTO mode shows higher swr figures for the two resonant antennnas. The funny thing is that the ATU tunes the 40 M dipole to 30 M with a 1.0 to 1 swr. This is inspite of a big mismatch. On the contray, on 20 M the ATU takes a 1.1 swr and see 2. or highe. It even gives a high swr warning. Anyway, Scott is sending a new ATU. I hope this works. BTW, I sent a more detailed update to the reflector. Thanks, Jack __ From: Gary Surrency To: Jack Regan Subject: AE6GC Re: K3-100 #1433: K3 ATU MALFUNCTION Hi Jack, Did you try a dummy load in place of the antenna to be sure it still finds a 1:1 SWR? Also check L10, C10 for visible signs of damage on the KAT3. C10 is the big cap opposite of L10, on the back of the board, next to the right side panel. 73, Gary AB7MY == Jack Regan wrote: Support Staff, On Saturday the 16th I noticed that the ATU gave a higher SWR than bypass when transmitting to a resonant antenna. The difference was small so I thought I would just note it and observe. Today, Sunday the 17th I found that on 14.050 in bypass mode at 14.050 I get a 1.1 to 1 reading but in ATU mode I get higher that 2 to 1 and a HI SWR message. On 7.050 I get 1.0 to 1 in bypass and 1.4 to 1 in ATU mode. This is a change from when the rig was first built. Originally if I had 1.2 in bypass I would get 1.0 in ATU mode. Help! I thought I was up and running after a week of problems and now a new one! Any suggestions would be appreciated. Jack ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 Buffer Mod
Larry's LP-PAN uses my Z1 amplifier design in its front end, with a couple of modifications to provide variable gain. The AD8007 amplifier chip in both my Z1 and the LP-PAN is a decent amplifier with a respectable noise figure. If the K3's IF sample circuit had been built with closer to 0 dB transfer gain, then the composite noise figure would be closer to the K3's noise figure. To answer the two questions directly (I don't have an LP-PAN, so Larry might wish to modify my answers): 1. Is the mod necessary with the LP-PAN, or is it only needed with other panadapters? That is, is the noise figure of the LP-PAN's internal amplifier sufficient, or is the mod to the K3 required to lift weak signals above the noise floor of the LP-PAN? I believe you will see a small improvement in composite K3-LP-PAN noise figure if the changes are made to the K3's IF sample circuitry. However, I doubt that under most band conditions you will observe a difference as there is sufficient external noise to mask the improvement. 2. Would the external buffer amplifier solution be a viable alternative to the mod? Yes, I believe it is if you are using something other than the LP-PAN as the panadapter. Panadapters are not normally designed to be as sensitive as a receiver. There are many reasons for that that I won't bother to go over now. The consequence is that designers of receivers that provide a pan scope RF sample have the levels set so that there is at least a net 0 gain, and positive gains of 10 dB or more are not uncommon. I'm speaking mostly of commercial and military grade equipment, but my Kenwood TS-940 has reasonable transfer gain as well. Jack K8ZOA www.cliftonlaboratories.com Richard Ferch wrote: I am scratching my head wondering whether any of this applies to the LP-PAN, or whether it is only relevant to other panadaptors such as the Softrock and the Z90. K8ZOA's web page (the same one everyone is quoting) says: I looked at two potential panadapters; a Softrock and my Z90. (Telepostinc's LP-PAN has a built-in amplifier to overcome the transfer gain problem.) and in the recommendations near the bottom of the page, refering to the mod, These steps are not necessary with an LP-PAN panadapter as it has a built-in isolation amplifier. That same web page also suggests that an alternative to the mod would be to use an external buffer amplifier. So, I have two questions: 1. Is the mod necessary with the LP-PAN, or is it only needed with other panadapters? That is, is the noise figure of the LP-PAN's internal amplifier sufficient, or is the mod to the K3 required to lift weak signals above the noise floor of the LP-PAN? 2. Would the external buffer amplifier solution be a viable alternative to the mod? 73, Rich VE3KI ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 Buffer Mod
Thanks for the interesting info Chen. Your post did not make it to the list for some reason so I'm leaving it attached below for any (including Elecraft) that may be interested. 73, Bill W4ZV On Fri, Aug 22, 2008 at 12:31 PM, Kok Chen [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: All sound cards that are connected to a QSD-based SDR have an absolute noise floor. If a signal that is being converted is weaker than this A/D noise floor, it will not move the least significant bit of the A/D converter; i.e., the software demodulator receives no signal. Indeed, the signal needs to be a couple of bits stronger than the noise floor, or you are going to get unwanted spectral byproducts that degrades the demodulation capabilities of the SDR. Thus, you want the noise floor of the K3's I.F. output to be at least as strong as the noise floor of the SDR. If the K3's noise floor is stronger, you can always use a pad in between. It is only when the two noise floors are matched that you will get the maximum dynamic range out of an SDR based system. The only time you can use an A/D converter down to, and below, the least significant bit of the A/D is if the input noise to the A/D converter is Gaussian (i.e., there are no other strong signals anywhere in the passband). You will then be able to use noise linearization to obtain a perfectly undistorted spectrum. This is known as the Van Vleck theorem, which also appears in Probability books as the Arcsine law of joint Gaussian processes. However, you will need some software to apply a correction, plus you always lose 2.1 dB in recovered SNR. The noise linearization technique had been put to good use by Van Vleck in WWII radar and Sandy Weinreb's autocorrelation receiver in radio astronomy, but I am not sure it will work well in H.F. radios, and certainly not when listening to a pileup. 73, Chen, W7AY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: Re: [Elecraft] OT: Electric fences
I don't have any but several of my neighbors do. I told them my problem and asked if they would mind if I just ran their fence line and fixed whatever I found every now and then. All welcomed me. The problem is almost always an arc to the T-post, a tree trunk, a tall weed that has grown up under the wire, and the like. Greg - AB7R wrote: I gotta chime in here. I have an electric fence. It is put up correctly, and it does pop on the radio. It is nice though that the K3 noise blanker either eliminates it or at least reduces it to a manageable level...usually depends on the Yep. One of the fences is over a mile long, and even though it is installed well and I've been its entire length and it is clear of arcs and bad splices, I can still hear it weakly. Ordinarily, the current drawn from the charger on a pulse is miniscule ... it's just a voltage pulse. I suspect that the long fence exhibits enough capacitance that it actually does draw current from the charger on each pulse, and Pwr = Voltage X Current. The K3 NB gets rid of all of it. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2008 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 08 - www.cqp.org ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Buffer Mod
I have addressed this on my reflector, but for the benefit of those on the Elecraft reflector... 95% of LP-PAN users will be happy with the NF and sensitivity without any modifications to the K3. On most bands, the resulting NF caused by the loss in the K3 buffer will be masked by atmospheric noise. On the higher bands, keeping the K3 preamp on will help a lot. This is usually OK at most locations because the K3 preamp is quite strong. The reason I came up with the mod is because a couple users were trying to use CW Skimmer for weak signal detection with LP-PAN feeding it. The mod improves the NF of the IF output by up to 10dB (K3 preamp off, somewhat less with the K3 preamp ON). Even though the NF of LP-PAN itself is quite good, it can't do anything to improve the system NF since it's downstream of the loss. My advice is to try it without modifying the K3 first. You will most likely be quite happy with the result. Be sure to read all the instructions before attempting the mod. It is comparable in complexity to the HAGC mod that Elecraft offers... but still requires reworking SMT parts. 73, Larry N8LP Jack Smith wrote: Larry's LP-PAN uses my Z1 amplifier design in its front end, with a couple of modifications to provide variable gain. The AD8007 amplifier chip in both my Z1 and the LP-PAN is a decent amplifier with a respectable noise figure. If the K3's IF sample circuit had been built with closer to 0 dB transfer gain, then the composite noise figure would be closer to the K3's noise figure. To answer the two questions directly (I don't have an LP-PAN, so Larry might wish to modify my answers): 1. Is the mod necessary with the LP-PAN, or is it only needed with other panadapters? That is, is the noise figure of the LP-PAN's internal amplifier sufficient, or is the mod to the K3 required to lift weak signals above the noise floor of the LP-PAN? I believe you will see a small improvement in composite K3-LP-PAN noise figure if the changes are made to the K3's IF sample circuitry. However, I doubt that under most band conditions you will observe a difference as there is sufficient external noise to mask the improvement. 2. Would the external buffer amplifier solution be a viable alternative to the mod? Yes, I believe it is if you are using something other than the LP-PAN as the panadapter. Panadapters are not normally designed to be as sensitive as a receiver. There are many reasons for that that I won't bother to go over now. The consequence is that designers of receivers that provide a pan scope RF sample have the levels set so that there is at least a net 0 gain, and positive gains of 10 dB or more are not uncommon. I'm speaking mostly of commercial and military grade equipment, but my Kenwood TS-940 has reasonable transfer gain as well. Jack K8ZOA www.cliftonlaboratories.com Richard Ferch wrote: I am scratching my head wondering whether any of this applies to the LP-PAN, or whether it is only relevant to other panadaptors such as the Softrock and the Z90. K8ZOA's web page (the same one everyone is quoting) says: I looked at two potential panadapters; a Softrock and my Z90. (Telepostinc's LP-PAN has a built-in amplifier to overcome the transfer gain problem.) and in the recommendations near the bottom of the page, refering to the mod, These steps are not necessary with an LP-PAN panadapter as it has a built-in isolation amplifier. That same web page also suggests that an alternative to the mod would be to use an external buffer amplifier. So, I have two questions: 1. Is the mod necessary with the LP-PAN, or is it only needed with other panadapters? That is, is the noise figure of the LP-PAN's internal amplifier sufficient, or is the mod to the K3 required to lift weak signals above the noise floor of the LP-PAN? 2. Would the external buffer amplifier solution be a viable alternative to the mod? 73, Rich VE3KI ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 Filter Offsets
I just received my KRX3 along with the 2.7K and 500Hz roofing filters. I'm wondering for diversity reception how big a deal is it that they be matched? My 500Hz filters have -.80 and -.77 offsets, while the 2.7Ks have -.84 and -.90. I don't really care about SSB, but am a little concerned about what difference it might make on 160 and 80 CW weak signal reception. I guess there's one way to find out... I'm wondering if I should fudge the setup a little for the filters and split the difference on the offsets. Has anyone tried anything like this? I thought about paying the $30/set to get them matched, but thought that Elecraft should do this when they shipped the KRX3. If someone ordered 5 pole filters for the KRX3, how hard would it be to ask what the offset was in any original filters that were being mirrored in the 2nd RX? They could send a matched filter with the order. I may have missed it, but I don't recall much being said back in May of 2007 about matched filters in the two receivers. If it were a requirement to properly implement one of the features of the radio, then the matching should be included as part of the purchase. If matching optimizes performance, then perhaps those of us with different offsets should try swapping filters to get it exact or as close as possible. Maybe it's not necessary but it does have me wondering? 73, Dave N8AG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 Filter Offsets
...I'm wondering for diversity reception how big a deal is it that they be matched? My 500Hz filters have -.80 and -.77 offsets, while the 2.7Ks have -.84 and -.90 For Diversity, you want the offsets to be the same. I suggest you split the difference and try using a -0.78 or -0.79 offset for the two 500 Hz filters and a -0.87 offset for the 2.7 kHz filters. This is fudging 30 Hz or less. 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 Buffer Mod
Bill W4ZV wrote: Thinks of it this way...if you're trying to listen to an extremely weak signal, would you like a 17.7 dB attenuator between it and your ears? I don't think so. But this is not a 17.7db attenuator in the front end. The signal will have been amplified by the time it gets to this point. So the noise will be attenuated as well as the signal. Perhaps it won't be as sensitive, but the loss won't be as much as 17dB. I find it hard to accept your implication that Elecraft designed an IF output that is effectively useless. - Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222. http://www.g4ilo.com/ G4ILO's Shack http://www.ham-directory.com/ Ham Directoryhttp://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html KComm for Elecraft K2 and K3 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Buffer-Mod-tp759790p768378.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 Buffer Mod
Jerry, I do agree with you. There is a requirement for an isolation amplifier anyhow, so I do not understand why the -17.7 dB cannot be made up in the isolation amplifier if the device to be driven needs input at the same level as the antenna signal. Should Elecraft ever come out with a device (Panadapter?) that is designed to connect to the IF out at the level it currently is designed for, any K3 that has been modified will require that the modification be removed. 73, Don W3FPR Jerry Flanders wrote: Don Rasmussen wrote: I have the LP-Pan with recommended Creative Labs E-MU 0202 and find this to be optimal, I mean no reason to make a mod of any type to K3. If someone told you that this must be done, I'd want to see why with my own eyes before doing this job. At 08:16 AM 8/22/2008, Bill W4ZV wrote: 17.7 dB transfer loss from RF IN to IF OUT is why... But isn't that just an engineering design decision made by the Elecraft team? Since that decision was (hopefully) made with regard to the entire radio system, isn't that decision likely to be a good one? As one data point, my K3 is not modified, yet the IF panadaptor works extremely well, and PowerSDR gives peak heights approximating the true signal strengths seen at the input of the K3. When I feed in a 1 uV signal from my KG-2 signal generator, I see a definite distinct peak on the panadaptor, and when I feed in a 50 uV (S9) signal, I see a large S9 signal on the panadaptor. I am a loss to understand why you guys are quarreling with the Elecraft design in this instance. I am beginning to suspect that it is simply because it does not agree with the usual designs provided by some military contractors who are probably using an _arbitrary_ standard anyway. I would think twice before possibly damaging my radio or lowering its resale value with non-factory authorized modifications. YMMV. Jerry W4UK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 Buffer Mod
Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:50:46 -0400 From: Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] Should Elecraft ever come out with a device (Panadapter?) that is designed to connect to the IF out at the level it currently is designed for, any K3 that has been modified will require that the modification be removed. No, they're clever about things like that- unless there's a good reason not to, any device they would design would be able to cope with either signal level. Unless they decide the mod (or a version of it) has a distinct advantage, in which it will be blessed and incorporated into future production. 73, doug ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 Buffer Mod
Bill W4ZV wrote: Think of it this way...if you're trying to listen to an extremely weak signal, would you like a 17.7 dB attenuator between it and your ears? I don't think so. Julian, G4ILO wrote: But this is not a 17.7db attenuator in the front end. The signal will have been amplified by the time it gets to this point. So the noise will be attenuated as well as the signal. Perhaps it won't be as sensitive, but the loss won't be as much as 17dB. I find it hard to accept your implication that Elecraft designed an IF output that is effectively useless. Who said it's effectively useless? Please read the following from N8LP: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Buffer-Mod-tt741709.html#a760307 In particular, his last sentence below: The reason I came up with the mod is because a couple users were trying to use CW Skimmer for weak signal detection with LP-PAN feeding it. The mod improves the NF of the IF output by up to 10dB (K3 preamp off, somewhat less with the K3 preamp ON). Even though the NF of LP-PAN itself is quite good, it can't do anything to improve the system NF since it's downstream of the loss. If you're using the K3's IF OUT LP-PAN as a simple panadaptor, it's probably OK as is. If you're trying to use a waterfall in PowerSDR, Winrad or CW Skimmer to detect noise floor signals, it's not. Even a $15 Softrock will do a better job of the latter unless the mod is installed. I'm quite happy with N8LP's mod, but let's not bury our heads in the sand and say it's unnecessary. That reminds me of what I'd expect from Yaesu or Icom... 73, Bill -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Buffer-Mod-tp759790p777143.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 Noise Blanker, Filter and DSP Measurements
I've added a third page of K3 performance measurements to my web site this evening. http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/elecraft_k3_noise_blanker_and_crystal_dsp_filtering.htm Four topics are covered: 1. IF noise blanker 2. Linearity of DBV function 3. Frequency domain filter measurements 4. Time domain filter measurements 73 de Jack K8ZOA www.cliftonlaboratories.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] ARRL SW AZHAMCOM
ARRL SW AZHAMCOM is Sept, 12, 13 and 14th in Mesa AZ. I will be there with demo equipment, some product for sale and of course ready to take orders for the K3 and all other products. I could really use some technical booth help, especially Friday afternoon and Sunday morning, but Saturday would be great too. Anyone with working knowledge of the K3 who could help answer questions and run through the menus for prospective buyers would be greatly appreciated. The K3's, K2s, K1's and KX1s will be there- just need help showing them off :). If you are interested and available to help out, please email me directly at [EMAIL PROTECTED] As always, thank you all for your terrific help and support. Lisa ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 RTTY Question
Hello, Where in the menu system is the RTTY optional mode turned on? I have been looking through the K2 and the SSB board manual with no luck. Thank you, DW Holtman WB7SSN ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 RTTY Question
DW, It is an item in the Secondary menu. Tap DISPLAY to toggle between primary and Secondary. Remember to set RTTY FL1 almost the same as SSB FL1 because the transmit path always uses the OP1 filter, so the BFO frequencies should be set for that filter. 73, Don W3FPR DW Holtman wrote: Hello, Where in the menu system is the RTTY optional mode turned on? I have been looking through the K2 and the SSB board manual with no luck. Thank you, DW Holtman WB7SSN ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.6.6/1627 - Release Date: 8/22/2008 6:48 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: Jack's latest measurements
This is (more) really neat stuff...THANKS! One thing I'd like to see, is the 500 Hz 5-pole CW/Data Filter graph done at 600hz using the 500hz roofing filter. Your measurement jumps from 500hz to 1.5kc. What happens when the DSP is in control but the 500hz is not, at something just above the BW of the 500? Just curious. Thanks, 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] swapping in KAT2 in place of KPA2
I built a K2 years ago (S/N 157) and subsequently sold it.(various reasons) Recently, I purchased a complete K2/100 with most of the options and mods. It will be used for portable operations where QRP is not appropriate. (I also have the KAT100 for it). Then more recently I purchased a top deck and KAT2 with the idea of converting it back to a QRP rig with internal ATU as required for portable operating. I just looked at the KAT2 manual and am not certain if what I would like to do is really feasible without a lot of fuss. That is, just what is involved in swapping out the top lid and KPA2 for the old top lid with a KAT2? I built neither the K2/100 nor the KAT2. -- 73 Allan K7GT ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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: Jack's latest measurements
Doug: I'll run that combination over the weekend and add it to the page. If someone who enjoys Windows programming would like to work with me, we could easily develop a simple utility program so that anyone could generate these plots for their own K3 filters. It requires a low phase noise signal such as a 10 MHz reference from a frequency counter, but nothing else beyond a K3. The program I've written is pretty crude in Liberty Basic and requires post-processing in Excel and then Origin to generate the plots. It could all be combined into a Windows program but writing Windows code is about as low on my list of enjoyable activities as it goes. Jack DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: This is (more) really neat stuff...THANKS! One thing I'd like to see, is the 500 Hz 5-pole CW/Data Filter graph done at 600hz using the 500hz roofing filter. Your measurement jumps from 500hz to 1.5kc. What happens when the DSP is in control but the 500hz is not, at something just above the BW of the 500? Just curious. Thanks, 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] K3 Noise Blanker, Filter and DSP Measurements
Jack, Thanks for posting all this data. Very interesting. (At least to a data-junkie engineer. ;=) Al N1AL On Fri, 2008-08-22 at 16:14, Jack Smith wrote: I've added a third page of K3 performance measurements to my web site this evening. http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/elecraft_k3_noise_blanker_and_crystal_dsp_filtering.htm Four topics are covered: 1. IF noise blanker 2. Linearity of DBV function 3. Frequency domain filter measurements 4. Time domain filter measurements 73 de Jack K8ZOA www.cliftonlaboratories.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] swapping in KAT2 in place of KPA2
Alan, Not much at all to do the swap. Remove 6 screws holding the KPA100 - 2 on the rear panel, one at the top center of each side panel, and 2 at the front of the KPA100 assembly. Now you can lift the KPA100 away from the K2 - tilt it so it is upside down to the right of the K2. Unplug 3 cables along the right side of the K2 RF Board (AUX RF, AUX DC, and speaker) also unplug the ribbon cable going to the Control Board. The KPA100 is now free. To install the QRP cover with the KAT100, hold it upside down to the right of the K2 - plug in the coaxial cable to the AUX RF header, plug the speaker into RF Board J5 (not control board J5), and plug the 4 conductor cable going to the KAT2 into the 10 pin header on the Control Board - be certain the green wire is at the top. Rotate the QRP top cover in place over the K2 and use 6 screws to hold it (same locations as the ones removed for the KPA100). That is all there is to the task - it can be accomplished in one to two minutes after you have done it once. 73, Don W3FPR Allan Taylor wrote: I built a K2 years ago (S/N 157) and subsequently sold it.(various reasons) Recently, I purchased a complete K2/100 with most of the options and mods. It will be used for portable operations where QRP is not appropriate. (I also have the KAT100 for it). Then more recently I purchased a top deck and KAT2 with the idea of converting it back to a QRP rig with internal ATU as required for portable operating. I just looked at the KAT2 manual and am not certain if what I would like to do is really feasible without a lot of fuss. That is, just what is involved in swapping out the top lid and KPA2 for the old top lid with a KAT2? I built neither the K2/100 nor the KAT2. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 Buffer Mod
I added a section to the instructions for the mod this morning that echo Jack's suggestion to check the dissipation of Q10. Because of the great variability of specs with the J310, it is a good idea to check it. Jack's example is not representative of any actual measurements, but rather just an example of how to calculate the dissipation. In my case, I found a calculated dissipation of about 125mW... a quite safe value. My original SPICE simulation predicted 180mW. The device is rated at 350mW, and my goal was to keep dissipation to half that value. Larry N8LP Message: 24 Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2008 09:13:40 -0700 (PDT) From: Bill W4ZV [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Buffer Mod To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Lyle Johnson wrote: Elecraft is well aware of N8LP's mod, Wayne saw no problems with it at first glance and is now considering whether to make it a production mod. Both N8LP and K8ZOA seem to feel it is not damaging the radio, etc. Remember to make the measurements Jack points out on his web page if you do the mod. This is to be sure the buffer transistor does not exceed its thermal ratings. Yes, here are the details: http://cliftonlaboratories.com/elecraft_k3_and_panadapters.htm#Alternative_to_increasing_K3_IF_sample_port_output ** If you make this modification, I suggest measuring the voltage across the new R9. Q10's drain current is set by a combination of the voltage drop across R9 and the individual characteristics of the J310 part in your K3. FETs have a notoriously wide part-to-part spread in parameters and it's possible that the J310 device in your K3 has parameters sufficiently far from the mean that Q10's power dissipation limits will be reached or exceeded. The surface mount J310 has a maximum power dissipation rating of 350 mw, and for reliability a safe operating value is 200 mw or so. Q10's current can be easily determined by measuring the voltage drop across R9. If changed to 49.9 ohms, Q10's drain current Id is 1000*Vs/50 (in milliamperes) where Vs is the voltage measured from ground to Q10's source pin. To calculate the power dissipated in Q10, measure its drain voltage. The power is then (Vd-Vs)*Id in milliwatts, where Id is in milliamperes. An example. After replacing R9 with a 49.9 ohm resistor, the following voltage readings are found: Vs = 2 volts, Vd = 12 volts. The idle current through Q10 is thus 2 / 49.9 = 40 mA. The power dissipated in Q10 is (12-2) * 40 = 400 milliwatts. This exceeds the J310's maximum permissible power dissipation and would not be a good design practice. ** In my unit the voltage across R9 was 460 mV, which resulted in 0.46/51 = 9 mA and power of 90 mW, well below the maximum rating of 350 mW and below Jack's recommendation of 200 mW. 73, Bill ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 noise reduction vs. Clear Speech speaker
Somebody recently was asking if anyone has compared K3 NR with external NR systems. I just did, again. With my old analog rig, I used a Clear Speech speaker (it has built-in digital NR). It is VERY effective at reducing any sound that is steady for more than about 1/2 second, like stable QRN, and even pretty good with less stable QRN. It introduces very little distortion to the signal. Really an excellent product. It has since evolved into another company's product, but I'm not sure which one. When I got the K3, I tried the Clear Speech and found it redundant with the NR in the K3, so I retired it and went stereo. Then, NR seemed to improve considerably somewhere around FW 1.88. I thought I'd never use the Clear Speech again with the K3. Changes again ocurred in the NR with subsequent FW versions. I'm not so happy with it. Even on low settings, it seems overly agressive. There is no setting, even 1-1, that does not unpleasantly distort the audio and make the volume unstable. So I dusted off the Clear Speech guess what? It now works better for reducing steady QRN than the K3. By better, I mean I it pleases me enough to want to use it. I have nearly given up on using the NR after upgrades of the past 2 months or so. I think it got better, then worse. All it needs to do on low settings is cancel out any sound that's steady. That was done nicely with a $120 product in the 90's. What's up, Elecraft? Windy KM5Q Santa Fe, NM K3 #764 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 Buffer Mod
The gain can easily be made up, and is, but NF can not be made up in later stages once it is set in an earlier one. Anything connected to the IF port can only increase NF, no matter how quiet it is or how much gain it has. The easiest way to improve composite NF would be to add a strong, low noise preamp with adequate gain AHEAD of the K3, but that would compromise IMD. There would be no reason to un-modify a K3 to work with any kind of panadapter connected to the IF port. 73, Larry N8LP Message: 37 Date: Fri, 22 Aug 2008 16:50:46 -0400 From: Don Wilhelm [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Buffer Mod To: Jerry Flanders [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Jerry, I do agree with you. There is a requirement for an isolation amplifier anyhow, so I do not understand why the -17.7 dB cannot be made up in the isolation amplifier if the device to be driven needs input at the same level as the antenna signal. Should Elecraft ever come out with a device (Panadapter?) that is designed to connect to the IF out at the level it currently is designed for, any K3 that has been modified will require that the modification be removed. 73, Don W3FPR ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Not a new K2 owner after all!
Hello,well just a week ago I purchased a K2-s/n 5801from eBay.Got the bad news today,it was badly damaged in shipment thur FedEx.Iam back to looking,or may just bite the bullet,and build one,we shall see?Anyone looking to part with a basic CW or SSB/CW K2?Contact me off line-73 de Ed N7EDK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] CQ 160 WW
The certificate from CQ WW 160 2006, just arrived. Thank you all who helped make that contest happen and helped with the 1st place Single Op CW - Wyoming for me. All those folks that heard and worked me. What was fun for me was just running stations. With nothing more than a wire antenna, well... and a vertical. But is wasn't the heavy hitter that I used to have. That is still being repaired, hope to have it back for this fall. But really, thanks to everyone. Oh, and what is the Elecraft tie? It was with a K2 at 5 watts. So, all the folks at Elecraft helped too. Qrp is a blast!! Thank you all, --... ...-- Dale - WC7S in Wy _ Get thousands of games on your PC, your mobile phone, and the web with Windows®. http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/108588800/direct/01/___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] CQ 160 WW
Congratulations, Dale. QRP on 160m rocks. 73, Bob N6WG The Little Station with Attitude - Original Message - From: Dale Putnam [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Friday, August 22, 2008 7:49 PM Subject: [Elecraft] CQ 160 WW The certificate from CQ WW 160 2006, just arrived. Thank you all who helped make that contest happen and helped with the 1st place Single Op CW - Wyoming for me. All those folks that heard and worked me. What was fun for me was just running stations. With nothing more than a wire antenna, well... and a vertical. But is wasn't the heavy hitter that I used to have. That is still being repaired, hope to have it back for this fall. But really, thanks to everyone. Oh, and what is the Elecraft tie? It was with a K2 at 5 watts. So, all the folks at Elecraft helped too. Qrp is a blast!! Thank you all, --... ...-- Dale - WC7S in Wy _ Get thousands of games on your PC, your mobile phone, and the web with Windows®. http://clk.atdmt.com/MRT/go/108588800/direct/01/___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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
