Re: [Elecraft] Firmware request KRC2
That might work! Presumably the other features of the KRC2 would not work without also having the auxbus connected - not a big loss for me. It is something I will try as it is only going to need a 9-way serial cable with pins 4 6 disconnected via W16 and W20 just in case. Considering all the other signals on the 15 way connector that I may need some day, I think perhaps the long term solution will be to construct a break out board from the 15 way to include a 9 way din for transverters and KRC2 a connection for the band data, an ALC level converter op-amp and phono sockets for the other signals (PTT. 2 Digital outputs, PTT, FSK and remote power on). Point-point or a fairly simple PCB. If I make a PCB I might as well decode the band data while I am at it. Mike -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Firmware-request-KRC2-tp794078p795188.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] Data modes
I have been playing with my new K3 (and enjoying it). It looks like it will take over from my Orion II as my main tx. A question.. Changing the data mode to AFSK A the bandwidth sets itself up for RTTY, as it is supposed to, BUT when I go back to Data A the bandwith is still set up as for RTTY ie very narrow. I have found the only way to set the bandwidth again to say 2.7khz is to readjust the width using width and lo Is this normal, or am I expecting too much for the K3 to go back to a normal bandwidth when changing data modes from AFSK A to data A Best wishes to all Ross ZL1WN ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Hearing the effect of narrower roofing filter
But if you leave the setting at its nominal, can you hear the difference as that bandwidth is selected? I'm not sure I understand the advantage you are gaining by bringing the crystal filter in later; I'll do if there's something to be gained, it sounds an interesting approach. David G3UNA David, Say that you have a 500 Hz (nominal) roofing filter with an (actual) 6-dB bandwidth of 550 Hz. When you choose the widest DSP bandwidth at which this roofing filter kicks in, here is what I think about the choices you have: 1. You have it kick in at 550 Hz DSP because it matches the DSP bandwidth. This may create the steepest slopes, but I would avoid it for digital modes since I would expect the group delays to vary near the flanks of the xtal filter, but not near the flanks of the (FIR) DSP filter. 2. You have it kick in at 500 Hz DSP because it is a 500 Hz filter. This logic makes no sense, since the xtal filter is actually 550 Hz. 3. You have it kick in at 500 Hz or less DSP because you want the DSP to cut away the group-delay-varying portion of the xtal filter passband. This would make sense. How much of the xtal filter response would of course depend on the group delay characteristics of the particular xtal filter. Of course if you don't use digital modes, you may want to go with approach #1. 4. You have it kick in at 600 Hz or above. Someone on the list suggested that this approach made the receiver sound more pleasant. The effect would essentially be to disable the DSP for receive purposes, except for the DSP's big improvement in ultimate rejection, and any bandwidth-unrelated DSP function that may be enabled. I have yet to hear for myself, but operating this way makes little sense to me unless there is something wrong with the DSP release. As to my original question, it seems that most respondents like to vary the DSP bandwidth as a means of switching the narrow xtal filter in and out, and to do this without lots of strong closeby signals. If the xtal filter kicks in according to #1 above, the composite bandwith of the two 550-Hz filters will be much less than 550 Hz. This will of course create an exaggerated effect of reducing the noise you hear, and here is an obvious risk of giving the narrow xtal filter way too much credit. If instead the kick-in point is set according to #3, you would reduce the effect of cascading on the overall bandwidth, and results would be more meaningful. However, as has been pointed out, it would be necessary to carefully adjust the gain for the xtal filter. Also, you would have to somehow work around the variations in effective DSP bandwidth step size, which have been stated to differ from the expected 50 Hz steps (at every 200 Hz?). Anyway, what I really wanted to know was NOT how the filters sound with just background hiss or average signals on the band. The justification for the narrow roofing filter would exist only if very strong interfering signal levels get through the standard roofing filter. I am thinking CW, and in case there is only one such signal, the AGC pumping would be easy to recognize. My understanding is that with current production K3's this would happen for an interfering signal level of somewhere around 25 to 30 dB over S9. In my mind, the interesting question is the case where there are multiple interfering signals within the roofing filter passband, including qrn etc. Even though these would not add up coherently, the peak voltage would grow with the number of signals, such that the ADC overload level would be reached without any individual signal reaching the 25 or 30 dB over S9. This suggests that the hardware AGC ideally should have an extremely fast attack time, and I assume that it does. When the hardware AGC responds under these conditions, I am guessing that the effect might be an increase in the general background noise heard. This is really what I was after. -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Hearing-the-effect-of-narrower-roofing-filter-tp470635p795233.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] Data modes
Ross-33 wrote: A question.. Changing the data mode to AFSK A the bandwidth sets itself up for RTTY, as it is supposed to, BUT when I go back to Data A the bandwith is still set up as for RTTY ie very narrow. I have found the only way to set the bandwidth again to say 2.7khz is to readjust the width using width and lo Is this normal, or am I expecting too much for the K3 to go back to a normal bandwidth when changing data modes from AFSK A to data A I think you are. AFSK A, DATA A, FSK D and PSK D are all the same mode really (they are reported as the same mode to logging software as well.) So it remembers just one filter selection. - 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/Data-modes-tp795222p795255.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] Fun with the K3...
Just had an SCC RTTY station that was about 20 over 9 come all the way down to 7.029.225 or so and was calling CQ while I was calling CQ on 7.029.000 with CW. I had the filter wide enough that I could hear him that far away incase someone called me off frequency. Another person joined me and he complained about a RTTY station near by. I turned down the width and the K3 dropped from my 1K filter to the 250Hz filter and poof I was in my own world the +20 to 25 over RTTY station was no where to be found. Finally after we got into QSO the RTTY station decided to head somewhere else. Not exactly the most active of contests but I'm usually calling CQ around 7.029 and didn't see any reason to move cause someone strong came with in 250 Hz or so of me. The Q is over now and I wish I'd turned off the 250Hz filter and left the DSP bandwidth down at 100Hz or so where I was to see if the 250Hz filter was really helping me there or not but I like to tell myself that it did.. :) Makes me feel like the extra fundage was worth it It will be for FD though in 2013 or so when the spots are back. Till then I'm having fun continuing testing on the 2.34 Beta. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Katiegram for SN 1570
Hej all, here is the plot info for SN 1570 Orderdate 28 APR 2008 Katiegram 26 AUG 2008 Arrival in DK 29 AUG 2008 @ 10:30 Local time First power 29 AUG 2008 @ 21:30 Local time Absolutely no problems with the build apart from getting the screws with 2 splitwashers to catch - that required a bit of force. k3util installed perfectly on Ubuntu (required curl to download) and communicates with the K3 using the K3USB interface (/dev/ttyUSB0). MCU version 2.24, FPF version 0.02, DSP version 1.88. I'm currently hunting the problem why I cannot get any modulation using the MH2 microphone, but something will show. When that work I will install the KPA3 module. Vy 73 de OZ6WU Henrik ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] UK Elecraft net report for Sunday 31st August
The net was busy again this week. I finally swapped my doublet to a dipole and so was able to run QRO with my Acom 1000 linear. Conditions were quite good with the continental QRM not being an issue and thankfully the QRN from lightning to the south died down from earlier in the morning. Several stations also used linears which may have helped to keep the frequency fairly clear. Stations were: M1PAF, Paul G3JAG, John G0VGS, Ian G3RWF, Nick G7BQM, Ted G0MJW, Mike M0GJH, Andrew G0IDA, Berni M3WCK, Colin GM0ELP, Doug G3MLO, Peter GW0SYN, John Next week will be SSB Field Day, so there may be a lot of QRM to contend with! 73 Dave, G4AON K3/100 #80, Acom 1000, dipole ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Firmware request KRC2
Mike, For use with the K3 serial port, put in the jumpers for a thru connection on pins 4 and 6 so any computer application you may want to use can have access to these K3 serial port pins for PTT and keying. 73, Don W3FPR AD6XY wrote: That might work! Presumably the other features of the KRC2 would not work without also having the auxbus connected - not a big loss for me. It is something I will try as it is only going to need a 9-way serial cable with pins 4 6 disconnected via W16 and W20 just in case. Considering all the other signals on the 15 way connector that I may need some day, I think perhaps the long term solution will be to construct a break out board from the 15 way to include a 9 way din for transverters and KRC2 a connection for the band data, an ALC level converter op-amp and phono sockets for the other signals (PTT. 2 Digital outputs, PTT, FSK and remote power on). Point-point or a fairly simple PCB. If I make a PCB I might as well decode the band data while I am at it. Mike No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.6.14/1643 - Release Date: 8/30/2008 5:18 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] Antenna sharing question
Hi all, I have 6m on the K3, 2m on my XV144 and 4m to come. I use only 1 antenna with these, a Create log periodic. Is there a simple way to connect all three to the aerial without using a switch? 73 Ian -- Ian J Maude, G0VGS SysOp GB7MBC DX Cluster Member RSGB, GQRP K2 #4044 |K3 #455 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Antenna sharing question
Ian, May I suggest coax relays. If you are using the K3 transverter band data outputs to activate the proper transverter, you can derive lines to activate the proper relay at the same time as the transverter. 73, Don W3FPR Ian Maude wrote: Hi all, I have 6m on the K3, 2m on my XV144 and 4m to come. I use only 1 antenna with these, a Create log periodic. Is there a simple way to connect all three to the aerial without using a switch? ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Unable to save configuration, beta 2.34
I am running K3 beta 2.34 / 1.89 and I am unable to save a K3 configuration. I receive the following save configuration error: Configuration was not saved. The configuration file is incomplete, and man not be used for restore. Is this a bug or is there something I need to do to make it work? Mike Scott - AE6WA Tarzana, CA (DM04 / near LA) K3-100 #508/ KX1 #1311 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Unable to save configuration, beta 2.34
I just saved a Configuration file. Worked fine here with the 2.34 firmware suite. 73, Ken K3IU Mike Scott wrote: I am running K3 beta 2.34 / 1.89 and I am unable to save a K3 configuration. I receive the following save configuration error: Configuration was not saved. The configuration file is incomplete, and man not be used for restore. Is this a bug or is there something I need to do to make it work? Mike Scott - AE6WA Tarzana, CA (DM04 / near LA) K3-100 #508/ KX1 #1311 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Re: Unable to save configuration, beta 2.34
Mike I am using the same K3 firmware and just saved the configuration file without any error messages. My K3 utility is 1.1.6.3 running under XP Pro SP3. 73 Dave, G4AON K3/100 #80 I am running K3 beta 2.34 / 1.89 and I am unable to save a K3 configuration. I receive the following save configuration error: Configuration was not saved. The configuration file is incomplete, and man not be used for restore. Is this a bug or is there something I need to do to make it work? Mike Scott - AE6WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Unable to save configuration, beta 2.34
This generally indicates a marginal communications path. If you're using a USB to Serial Adapter, try changing the K3's RS-232 rate to 38,400 and try again. It's counterintuitive, but sometimes the higher data rates work better. The K3 Utility issues a series of commands and is carefully analyzing the response's format. If the response comes back in other than the expected format, after some number of retries the save is abandoned with this error indication. Dick, K6KR -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mike Scott Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2008 6:31 AM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] [K3] Unable to save configuration, beta 2.34 I am running K3 beta 2.34 / 1.89 and I am unable to save a K3 configuration. I receive the following save configuration error: Configuration was not saved. The configuration file is incomplete, and man not be used for restore. Is this a bug or is there something I need to do to make it work? Mike Scott - AE6WA Tarzana, CA (DM04 / near LA) K3-100 #508/ KX1 #1311 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Firmware request KRC2
The other method with AUXBUS almost works. The new firmware has a compatibility mode added to the KRC2 config menu of the K3. This should make the KRC2 show up as 10m or 60m on 6m. It actually shows up as 160m with my system. So, as long as we don't mind 160m mapping to 6m that is a solution. But I also discovered some other issues that had me confused. If you loop through your transverters the 8R line (K3 Acc Pin 10 Key - Out LP) can not provide voltage drive for the 8R line of the KRC2. That was a surprise, the manual says it should be good for 10mA and only has a series 220 ohm resistor, but from the schematic it looks like it is an open collector line (Q7 on the main IO board). I suppose I am supposed to pull it up. OK, I know I should look at the schematics but the manual should have been clearer on this if that is the case. The same goes for Pin 7 on the K3 which can not be used to provide the drive for the KRC2. This is a logic I/O line and you need to use an external PSU. I removed D2 from the KRC2 to avoid overloading the K3 should the KRC2 PSU not be connected. The loop through is needed if you want to drive a KRC2 and a transverter. Mike -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Firmware-request-KRC2-tp794078p795504.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 firmware v2.34 beta fiter selection issues
Looks like this has been tracked down. Somehow (no idea how) I had different filter enables for LSB and USB which was causing problems. TNX Wayne for pointing me in the right direction. Reverted back to v 2.34 now. Regards Paul M1PAF -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-firmware-v2.34-beta-fiter-selection-issues-tp794585p795512.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] SB-221 for K3 need some help.
I found out this week that K3 is good with Heathkit SB-220 amps, all you need to do is connect a shielded RCA cable between the units - how easy is that? !!! Are you sure? Most of those amplifiers had high voltage PTT circuits. If I recall correctly the TR relay is a 120V 3PDT unit. You may need a buffer or soft-key circuit in your amplifier to make it safe with the K3. If anyone knows where I can get a bandswitch wafer for the input coil selection I may be able to use this amp I bought. ;-) At one time Harbach Electronics www.harbachelectronics.com had replacement wafers for the Heath amps. Check with Jeff. He's also a good source of a soft-key circuit for the older amps. -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Don Rasmussen Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2008 1:19 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] SB-221 for K3 need some help. Hi Guys, I found out this week that K3 is good with Heathkit SB-220 amps, all you need to do is connect a shielded RCA cable between the units - how easy is that? !!! I also found out that UPS had shattered the bandswitch on the sb221 I recently received and Heathkit is no longer around to get parts from. hi. If anyone knows where I can get a bandswitch wafer for the input coil selection I may be able to use this amp I bought. ;-) Thanks, Don ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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: K3 MK2R+ audio hum issue (TOO LONG)
Jim, I am going through the same struggle with my K3s, MK2R and Heil ProSet. I didn't have as much hum as I did a hollow echo effect (RF feedback?), so I hope this addresses your issues. I have spent an incredible amount of time trying to figure out the problems and there are many. I don't know why microHAM doesn't have suggested base configurations that would apply to all implementations, but they don't. They also have never heard of the a picture is worth a thousand words phrase because their manual uses LOTS of words and many of them add to the confusion by not indicating whether they are referring to the sound card, MK2R or rig inputs and outputs. Many of the manual's sentences can be misinterpreted. The manual was not written with ease of use in mind and you are referred to outside experts to get a complete history of ground loops rather than tucking a few good practices into the manual. Anyway, after trying suggestions from several sources, the ones that made the most difference for me and ALMOST (I'm so close) have me running are these: 1) Use a separate ISOLATED power supply for each rig as well as the MK2R. I had been using a common power supply when I first started this adventure. I had to unsolder the AC line cord ground connection from inside my Astron 35 amp supply and my MFJ 25A switching supply to let the 12VDC float. I am currently using my test bench isolated power supply to power the MK2R during this setup phase and will have to acquire another isolated supply when I move things off the test bench. 2) Insert ground loop breakers in the receive audio lines (The DIN plug line on the back of the MK2R that goes to each K3 headphone jack). I used some that I purchased from Radio Shack, but I'm sure a competent person could build their own given enough time. 3) Only use the FRONT panel headphone jack! It makes a big difference whether you use the rear headphone jack or the front panel jack for the MK2R. I had bad feedback when I plugged into the rear headphone jack and it was greatly reduced when I used the front panel jack. 4) Get a bunch of ferrite torroids and wrap everything! Mic line, power supply lines, headphone lines. I'm getting very close to being able to take this setup to my contest station and putting it on the air with big antennas and amplifiers. My home test station is a terrible RF hole (second floor room, no proper ground, antennas in attic over head, etc.) so if I can get it running here, I believe I'll be in good shape when I take this setup to my contest station where conditions are much better. Bottom line, I am not deeply steeped in the engineering arts and don't have enough time to endlessly dig into the pin 1 problem. I am an admitted appliance operator who just likes to enjoy operating with minor excursions into a deeper understanding of theory when it moves up my priority scale. I don't completely understand why the above suggestions worked for me, but they did. Hopefully, my bullet points above can get you going with these 4 steps while others can pontificate about why it worked. I'm just glad Elecraft didn't make me study a DSP engineering manual before I turned on my K3s. ;-) Bob K5WA K3 #234 and #752 K2 #4687 Message: 8 Date: Sat, 30 Aug 2008 17:26:43 -0500 From: Jim Harvey [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Elecraft] K3 MK2R+ audio hum issue To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii I just received my K3 yesterday and have it interfaced to my Microham MK2R+. CW operation is perfect but I have some audio hum and distortion in the monitor on SSB. I'm using a Heil Proset connected to the MK2R+. Joe, W4TV, has given me some good suggestions but the problem is still there. Is there anyone else using this combination that can help? Jim N0AV ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Microphone connections for K3 #1540
Hello K3 gurus! I received my factory built K3 this past week, and yesterday received my K2 Heil Pro-set and some Anderson Powerpole connectors... Last night I wired up a serial line splitter so I could connect my K3's serial port to the same serial cable that goes to my sequencer (that will switch any of my XMTRS into XMIT)and CIV level converter (for my IC746). So it looks like I am getting close to being able to make some noise with it ;-) Currently, I run my Heil #5 boom mic (along with the LINE OUTPUT from my computer) through a W2IHY Audio Equalizer and Noise Gate (and then through interrupt relays) before they go to the Mic input of the IC746. With the K2 Pro-set from Elecraft, I received a resistor and a bunch of jumper connectors with an instruction sheet on modifications I need to make to the K3 so it will be able to work with the K2 Pro-set. My question is this: If I use the current microphone/audio in arrangement, do I still have to modify the K3 for the K2? If I install all the jumpers and resistor into the K3, will I be prevented from using the W2IHY Audio Equalizer and Noise Gate in front of the K3? Will I harm anything by just trying different setups the way the K3 came from the factory? MNI TNX for any guidance or suggestions you may be able to provide. VY 73, Lance -- Lance Collister, W7GJ (ex: WN3GPL, WA3GPL, WA1JXN, WA1JXN/C6A, ZF2OC/ZF8) P.O. Box 73 Frenchtown, MT 59834 USA QTH: DN27UB TEL: (406) 626-5728 URL: http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj 2m DXCC #11/6m DXCC #815 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 installed, and a question
I installed the KRX3 subreceiver in my K3 last night/this morning. Things went pretty well, with just a couple of trivial typos in the instructions. I have the KRX3 configured on, and have just 1 filter, 2.8Khz in position FL2 at this time. All other slots configured off. I have the latest firmware installed, and am learning the various controls. It appears to work as advertised, with one exception. I have a distinctly lower volume level coming from the KRX3. When using headphones, and the KRX3 listening on the main antenna, I have to set the sub volume about 30-40% higher than the main volume knob to balance the levels. Both RXs using the same filter (2.8KHz). Filter gain is set to zero on both. Is there any simple config item I may have missed? I'd like to find the source of the issue, rather than try to hide it by dialing in more gain into the sub RX for this filter. I'm off to assist another ham with an antenna, and will check for any suggestions later this afternoon. Tnx, Bruce N1RX K3 #559 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Hearing the effect of narrower roofing filter
. Maybe I should have ordered the 200 Hz 5-pole instead, but I got it into my head that maybe the 8-pole filters were better in some way. I didn't repeat this mistake when I ordered filters for the subreceiver. Dick, K6KR I know I will incur some religious wrath from some however here is the OTHER side of that argument. It's not that I am denying the issues that are raised to question getting the two 8 pole CW filters (400 and 300 in actuality). I am solving a SINGLE happenstance which occurs over, over, over and over again in contests, so much so that until the K3 it was in my mind the LIMITING issue in improving 40m CW DX scores. I am at a contest station in eastern NC just off Pamlico Sound. On 40m to Europe we are using a 5 element wire quad suspended across a 220 foot NE/SW catenary between two towers. Broadcast signals above 7.1 routinely peg meters and light all the lights. So do some US stations in the NE, and so do some number of VERY LOUD European stations (VLS). WHAT they are doing to be so loud is not part of my exposition. They just are very loud. At some point in the contest, one has worked all the VLS, loud, medium and well-antenna'd QRP signals. What remains is a bewildering and seemingly bottomless pool of stations that can hear us (QRO on 5 elements) and are trying to work us on antennas with the gain of a basement floor joist wet noodle antenna. There are hundreds and hundreds of these. We have some number of recordings made in Europe of these, and they are quite weak over there. It is guaranteed, only a matter of time, and sometimes immediate, that a VLS will settle in the next slot above or below. They may be as close as 350 Hz. The problem now is working the QRP wet noodle station who is into the noise without hardware AGC pumping or other effects from a VLS INSIDE the roofing filter that was set to hear stations who will call sometimes +/- 200-250 Hz. I need the roofing filter is to get down 30 db as quickly as possible, without giving up too much of the +/- 250 Hz. The 400 Hz is a good width even for VLS +/- 500 Hz. If a VLS squeezes me on one side, I only want to give up +/- real estate in the roofing filter on that side. The procedure is to drop to 300 hz roofing and DSP and move the RX center 50 hz away from TX frequency and the VLS. I give up listening so far on the side of the VLS, but keep the real estate on the other side. It is a matter of the width out to the edge and the largest db drop per 10 hz in the skirts thereafter. The roofing filter keeps the VLS from getting into the hardware AGC or pushing the DSP to the extreme. I have used both of these filters for years in my FT1000MP and am completely familiar with their shape and use in a contest. I have heard it said that the 200 5 pole filter will do better for picking out signals in a very crowded situation, perhaps so in an extremely tight situation. But thus far I have been able to go narrow with the 300 8 pole and it is the DSP handling the work there. At some point I would like to be able to tune the center of the DSP CW selectivity up/down at 25 Hz rate using RIT *WITHOUT* moving the position of the roofing filter relative to the band. The point of the roofing filter is to reject the VLS in the next slot above and below me. Tune the whole thing up or down to listen to a weak station off-frequency for whatever reason and you let one of the VLS in under the roof. Just the view from the other side of the river... :) 73, Guy. -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Hearing-the-effect-of-narrower-roofing-filter-tp470635p795536.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 s/n 1567
K3, s/n 1567, is up and running. From order to receipt, exactly 4 months. Ten hour build, short shipped two screws which could have been a completion breaker had I not had some in the shack (2-56, 1/4 inch). What a hoot this little wonder is! 73, Dan -- N3ND ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Unable to save configuration, beta 2.34
I just tried it and it works for me. Dave, K8AA - Original Message - From: Mike Scott [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2008 9:31 AM Subject: [Elecraft] [K3] Unable to save configuration, beta 2.34 I am running K3 beta 2.34 / 1.89 and I am unable to save a K3 configuration. I receive the following save configuration error: Configuration was not saved. The configuration file is incomplete, and man not be used for restore. Is this a bug or is there something I need to do to make it work? Mike Scott - AE6WA Tarzana, CA (DM04 / near LA) K3-100 #508/ KX1 #1311 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.6.14/1643 - Release Date: 8/30/2008 5:18 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] K3 - Temperature Specifications
I have had my K3 on receive most of the day, whilst doing other things in the shack. By chance I touched the top of the case and it felt quite hot, given that the shack temperature is 26 deg. According to the LCD readout both the FP and PA temps were at 34 deg. It got me wondering, what are the temperature specifications for the K3 ? I have looked through various paperwork on the Elecraft site, but can find no information on the subject. 73 Stewart G3RXQ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 FTP Beta Files
A few days ago, I was able to download and install MCU 2.32, the firmware beta version. Yesterday, MCU 2.34 became available correcting some code of 2.32. With this new version, when I either click on the FTP site in the download instructions or insert the URL into my browser, my browser just hangs. The instructions state, NOTE: On some computers, it may take some time for a directory of the beta files to appear. However,hanging for over thirty minutes before I got out of the browser seems too long and the directory of files comes right up on another computer I have. Does anybody on the list know why my browser (Internet Explorer) seems to go off into never-never land when I try to get this file? MCU 2.32 downloaded just file. Also, I even erased my Temp Internet Files, Recycle Bon, etc. Larry, WA9MAG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] SB-221 for K3 need some help.
My old SB-220 works just fine with my K3 on CW. Yes, the SB-220's key line is 120 VDC. The kind that will make you let go real quick if you accidentally grab it. The K3 doesn't mind it. The K3's Key Out is rated for +200V at 5 Amps. The stock SB-220 won't do QSK, of course. Set the K3 to semi-breakin with a hold delay long enough to keep the amp keyed between characters, and you're good to go. FB 73, john WA1ABI I found out this week that K3 is good with Heathkit SB-220 amps, all you need to do is connect a shielded RCA cable between the units - how easy is that? !!! Are you sure? Most of those amplifiers had high voltage PTT circuits. If I recall correctly the TR relay is a 120V 3PDT unit. You may need a buffer or soft-key circuit in your amplifier to make it safe with the K3. 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] KRX3 installed, and a question
I have the latest firmware installed, and am learning the various controls. It appears to work as advertised, with one exception. I have a distinctly lower volume level coming from the KRX3. When using headphones, and the KRX3 listening on the main antenna, I have to set the sub volume about 30-40% higher than the main volume knob to balance the levels. Both RXs using the same filter (2.8KHz). Filter gain is set to zero on both. Is there any simple config item I may have missed? For the moment, ensure that MENU:AF GAIN is HI rather than LO. We' just found this and Wayne and I were just on the phone a few moments ago discussing it. Yeah, I know, Sunday morning on a holiday weekend... 73, Lyle KK7P Hi! My name is Lyle and I'm a workaholic... ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 filters
I would like the 250 hz 8 pole filter for cw. Should I also get the 400 hz filter for ssb. The 400 Hz filter is far too narrow to be useful in SSB - you dont want a bandwidth less than 1500 to 1800 Hz for voice use although bandwidths as low as 800 - 1000 Hz may be useful for some digital modes. I would not recommend both the 400 Hz and 250 Hz in the same radio. The reference plots for the 250 Hz and 40 Hz filters on the Elecraft web site: http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3_8_pole_plots.htm show the 250 Hz filter to have a bandwidth of 370 Hz and the 400 Hz filter to have a bandwidth of 435 Hz. There is not enough difference between the 250 and 400 Hz filters for you to notice in actual operation. 73, ... Joe, W4TV -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Scott McDowell Sent: Saturday, August 30, 2008 11:32 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] K3 filters I have a k3/100 ordered and am trying to decide on filters. I would like the 250 hz 8 pole filter for cw. Should I also get the 400 hz filter for ssb. 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] Hearing the effect of narrower roofing filter
Guy, Wouldn't a deep, tunable narrow notch filter also be a solution. The present notch filter is as wide as a barn door and useless for CW. I'm not a DSP programmer, but wonder how hard it could be to implement one. After there is a narrow notch in the present RTTY dual passband filter. If one can do a double hump filter with notch in the middle, why not just a narrow notch filter? 73 de Brian/K3KO Dick Dievendorff wrote: . Maybe I should have ordered the 200 Hz 5-pole instead, but I got it into my head that maybe the 8-pole filters were better in some way. I didn't repeat this mistake when I ordered filters for the subreceiver. Dick, K6KR I know I will incur some religious wrath from some however here is the OTHER side of that argument. It's not that I am denying the issues that are raised to question getting the two 8 pole CW filters (400 and 300 in actuality). I am solving a SINGLE happenstance which occurs over, over, over and over again in contests, so much so that until the K3 it was in my mind the LIMITING issue in improving 40m CW DX scores. I am at a contest station in eastern NC just off Pamlico Sound. On 40m to Europe we are using a 5 element wire quad suspended across a 220 foot NE/SW catenary between two towers. Broadcast signals above 7.1 routinely peg meters and light all the lights. So do some US stations in the NE, and so do some number of VERY LOUD European stations (VLS). WHAT they are doing to be so loud is not part of my exposition. They just are very loud. At some point in the contest, one has worked all the VLS, loud, medium and well-antenna'd QRP signals. What remains is a bewildering and seemingly bottomless pool of stations that can hear us (QRO on 5 elements) and are trying to work us on antennas with the gain of a basement floor joist wet noodle antenna. There are hundreds and hundreds of these. We have some number of recordings made in Europe of these, and they are quite weak over there. It is guaranteed, only a matter of time, and sometimes immediate, that a VLS will settle in the next slot above or below. They may be as close as 350 Hz. The problem now is working the QRP wet noodle station who is into the noise without hardware AGC pumping or other effects from a VLS INSIDE the roofing filter that was set to hear stations who will call sometimes +/- 200-250 Hz. I need the roofing filter is to get down 30 db as quickly as possible, without giving up too much of the +/- 250 Hz. The 400 Hz is a good width even for VLS +/- 500 Hz. If a VLS squeezes me on one side, I only want to give up +/- real estate in the roofing filter on that side. The procedure is to drop to 300 hz roofing and DSP and move the RX center 50 hz away from TX frequency and the VLS. I give up listening so far on the side of the VLS, but keep the real estate on the other side. It is a matter of the width out to the edge and the largest db drop per 10 hz in the skirts thereafter. The roofing filter keeps the VLS from getting into the hardware AGC or pushing the DSP to the extreme. I have used both of these filters for years in my FT1000MP and am completely familiar with their shape and use in a contest. I have heard it said that the 200 5 pole filter will do better for picking out signals in a very crowded situation, perhaps so in an extremely tight situation. But thus far I have been able to go narrow with the 300 8 pole and it is the DSP handling the work there. At some point I would like to be able to tune the center of the DSP CW selectivity up/down at 25 Hz rate using RIT *WITHOUT* moving the position of the roofing filter relative to the band. The point of the roofing filter is to reject the VLS in the next slot above and below me. Tune the whole thing up or down to listen to a weak station off-frequency for whatever reason and you let one of the VLS in under the roof. Just the view from the other side of the river... :) 73, Guy. -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Hearing-the-effect-of-narrower-roofing-filter-tp470635p795593.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] (2) K2 rigs available will SELL either one.
Hi, I have (2) K2 rigs and would like to sell one of them to finance some additions. I have not been watching current values so I simply printed the parts lists from Elecraft. I know these are new inflated prices and only include for some idea of new parts cost for these radios. Please offer according to todays resale value. I can reconfigure either rig to you specification based on the parts in the radios. All parts at current REV level. ETS2 Standard Tilt Stand for the EC2 $14.00 FDIMP Finger Dimple for K1/K2 $6.00 K160RX K2 160M / 2nd RX Antenna Option $39.00 K2 K2 HF Transceiver $659.00 Serial 4011 KAF2 K2 Audio filter and Real Time Clock $79.00 KAT2 K2 20W Internal Auto Tuner $169.00 KBT2 K2 Internal 2.9AH Battery Kit $69.00 KDSP2 Advanced K2 DSP Filter $229.00 KIO2 K2 AUX I/O RS-232 Interface $99.00 KNB2 K2 Noise Blanker $39.00 KSB2 K2 SSB Option $99.00 MH2 Hand Mic. for K2/K3. $59.95 Subtotal: $1560.95 ETS2 Standard Tilt Stand for the EC2 $14.00 FDIMP Finger Dimple for K1/K2 $6.00 K160RX K2 160M / 2nd RX Antenna Option $39.00 K2 K2 HF Transceiver $659.00 Serial 4931 KAF2 K2 Audio filter and Real Time Clock $79.00 KAT2 K2 20W Internal Auto Tuner $169.00 KIO2 K2 AUX I/O RS-232 Interface $99.00 KSB2 K2 SSB Option $99.00 (Unopened NEW kit Aug 2008) Kenwood MH43S Hand Mic. for K2/K3. $59.95 Subtotal: $1223.95 Bob W7WO Lacey, Wa [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 Key Out
The K3's Key Out is rated for +200V at 5 Amps. Inside the K3, is Key Out a relay or solid state? 73, Hank, W6SX Mammoth Lakes, California Elevation 8083 feet in John Muir's Range of Light ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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: Elecraft Digest, Vol 52, Issue 50
I am also having the same issue with the tune not working intermittantly and having to to a power cycle to get it back into action I have also noted that with the phono on the back panel activated to key a PA, the pa gets keyed for 2 seconds when i power up the k3; not good. Anyone else seeing this? I have gone back to 2.26 (as supplied in the kit) Dave WW2R -- Message: 21 Date: Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:54:08 -0700 (PDT) From: Robert Paull [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Elecraft] HRD with 2.34 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Hi All: I seemed to be having problems with NR not responding constantly when selecting it. Sometimes it would turn on sometimes not, the same with tune, tx not able to disable them once set. If I powered the rig down they would work for a bit then go back to the same mode. This all worked prior to the 2.3x series of Beta. I tried for a sanity check to send the commands manually and got similar results, intermittent changes, that took HDR out of the loop. So I am going to go back to 2.23 and relax over the Labor day weekend and let the folks at Aptos figure out what is going on. 73's Bob Paull KK6UE k3 681 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 Key Out
W6SX Hank Garretson wrote: The K3's Key Out is rated for +200V at 5 Amps. Inside the K3, is Key Out a relay or solid state? It's an IRFI630 MOSFET. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] a/b vfo's
Many thanks to all who came quickly to my aide in unlinking the A and B VFO's. I have now learned a new function on my K3. The elecraft community is a phenomenal resource that I have accessed for assistance a few times since operating the radio. I have come to count on the right answer every time and it usually comes within 15 minutes! 73 de todd WB2ZAB ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Hearing the effect of narrower roofing filter
Guy, K2AV said, The point of the roofing filter is to reject the VLS in the next slot above and below me. Hmmm. This is not at all how I see the primary function of a roofing filter. What you describe sounds to me like the function of the final BW filtering. When I use a rig on 40m cw (since I'm also a contester on the east coast) that has a wide roofing filter (eg, 48 or 24kc), I hear IMD across the band (beeps, squeals, corrupted cw). Some of these phantom signals are louder than the weak guys I want to work and hence cover them up. With the K3, utilizing a narrow roofing filter addresses the IMD problem. Even the 2.7kc filter is a pretty darn narrow roofing filter and I have yet hear IMD on 40m using it. Since I almost always use the 500hz roofer when I'm on 40m cw, I again have not had an IMD issue. That is not to say that when someone moves in close to the QRG of a weak guy, that I don't hear the effect of them being close...but narrowing the DSP filter a bit (which is functioning at both IF and AF in the K3) gets rid of them most of the time. If they are really close, adjusting the DSP down to 50hz does the trick 99.9% of the time. If the two signals are on top of each other, well, nothing works. As for pumping the AGC, you can always turn the AGC off and ride the RF gain. But it has been my experience that (a) either the loud guy who is close will move away (b) trying to fight such a situation (and trying to win) can cost you more points than it is worth. And if the other guy is THAT CLOSE and you are both running, then there is always some doubt as to which one of you the weak DX is actually answering (again, bad for the score). Just my observations...YMMV. 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] Re: K3 MK2R+ audio hum issue (TOO LONG)
On Sun, 31 Aug 2008 09:32:51 -0500, Bob Evans wrote: The manual was not written with ease of use in mind and you are referred to outside experts to get a complete history of ground loops rather than tucking a few good practices into the manual. I don't know anything specific about the MK2R, but many (most?) ham and computer audio products are built with very WRONG grounding practices. Indeed, most ham transceivers, including the K3, do some or all of this stuff wrong! There's a lot of VERY wrong thinking about hum, buzz, and ground loops, and that has led many folks to some really dumb practices that often CAUSE problems rather than solving them (and that are often a lot more expensive than solving the real problem). To understand what's REALLY going on with so-called ground loops (and some VERY low cost solutions), have a look at http://audiosystemsgroup.com/RFI-Ham.pdf and http://audiosystemsgroup.com/HamInterfacing.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] Microphone connections for K3 #1540
On Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:32:58 +, LANCE COLLISTER wrote: will I be prevented from using the W2IHY Audio Equalizer and Noise Gate in front of the K3? Why would you want to? Sell it on EBay! The K3 includes an EXCELLENT audio equalizer that does everything you need and is quite easy to adjust. 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] Hearing the effect of narrower roofing filter
Guy, I need the roofing filter is to get down 30 db as quickly as possible, without giving up too much of the +/- 250 Hz. A careful comparison of the 500 Hz 5-pole filter, 400 Hz 8-pole filter, 250 Hz 8 pole filter and 200 Hz 5 pole filter shows some interesting things ... 1) my 500 Hz filter is really 470 Hz at - 6dB ... this is consistent (460 - 490 Hz) with measurements reported by others. I intend to check the two other 500 Hz filters received with my second K3/KRX3 when I have some time. 2) the -30 dB bandwidth of my 500 Hz filter (780 Hz) is not significantly different than the -30 dB bandwidth of the 400 Hz filter reported on the Elecraft web site (680 Hz) when cascaded with a DSP filter at 400 or 500 Hz. I set my K3 so the 500 Hz filter engages at 450 Hz. It is on-line when normalizing the CW filters but is off-line when selecting a composite bandwidth wider than the filter. 3) the 200 Hz five pole filter (209 Hz measured) is narrower than the 250 Hz filter down to at least -40 dB without any any benefit from cascading with DSP. For CW specifically, it's hard to justify the 400/250 Hz pair with their relatively small difference in bandwidth and their significantly greater cost compared to the 500/200 Hz pair. To be an effective alternative to the 400 Hz (450 Hz from Inrad curves, 435 Hz from Elecraft curves) filter, the 250 Hz 8-pole really needs to be held to the nominal 250 Hz bandwidth so that the difference will be useful. Even in a worst case (e.g. 40 meters in Europe) scenario, reducing the pre-DSP bandwidth from 450 to 370 Hz is not likely to be significant. I have used both of these filters for years in my FT1000MP and am completely familiar with their shape and use in a contest. The 250 Hz filters in an FT1000MP is an entirely different situation. In the FT-1000D/FT-1000MP, there are two filters - each approximately 350 Hz wide - in cascade yielding a composite 250 Hz (at -6dB) bandwidth. 73, ... Joe, W4TV -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Guy, K2AV Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2008 10:46 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Hearing the effect of narrower roofing filter . Maybe I should have ordered the 200 Hz 5-pole instead, but I got it into my head that maybe the 8-pole filters were better in some way. I didn't repeat this mistake when I ordered filters for the subreceiver. Dick, K6KR I know I will incur some religious wrath from some however here is the OTHER side of that argument. It's not that I am denying the issues that are raised to question getting the two 8 pole CW filters (400 and 300 in actuality). I am solving a SINGLE happenstance which occurs over, over, over and over again in contests, so much so that until the K3 it was in my mind the LIMITING issue in improving 40m CW DX scores. I am at a contest station in eastern NC just off Pamlico Sound. On 40m to Europe we are using a 5 element wire quad suspended across a 220 foot NE/SW catenary between two towers. Broadcast signals above 7.1 routinely peg meters and light all the lights. So do some US stations in the NE, and so do some number of VERY LOUD European stations (VLS). WHAT they are doing to be so loud is not part of my exposition. They just are very loud. At some point in the contest, one has worked all the VLS, loud, medium and well-antenna'd QRP signals. What remains is a bewildering and seemingly bottomless pool of stations that can hear us (QRO on 5 elements) and are trying to work us on antennas with the gain of a basement floor joist wet noodle antenna. There are hundreds and hundreds of these. We have some number of recordings made in Europe of these, and they are quite weak over there. It is guaranteed, only a matter of time, and sometimes immediate, that a VLS will settle in the next slot above or below. They may be as close as 350 Hz. The problem now is working the QRP wet noodle station who is into the noise without hardware AGC pumping or other effects from a VLS INSIDE the roofing filter that was set to hear stations who will call sometimes +/- 200-250 Hz. I need the roofing filter is to get down 30 db as quickly as possible, without giving up too much of the +/- 250 Hz. The 400 Hz is a good width even for VLS +/- 500 Hz. If a VLS squeezes me on one side, I only want to give up +/- real estate in the roofing filter on that side. The procedure is to drop to 300 hz roofing and DSP and move the RX center 50 hz away from TX frequency and the VLS. I give up listening so far on the side of the VLS, but keep the real estate on the other side. It is a matter of the width out to the edge and the largest db drop per 10 hz in the skirts thereafter. The roofing filter keeps the VLS from getting into the
Re: [Elecraft] Microphone connections for K3 #1540
Hi Lance, The resistor and jumper blocks included with the headset are only for the K2. The K3 requires no mods to use the Proset-K2 (or the MH2.) Just turn on the miic bias in the K3 menu and you are good to go. 73, Eric WA6HHQ _..._ -Original Message- From: LANCE COLLISTER [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sunday, Aug 31, 2008 7:32 am Subject: [Elecraft] Microphone connections for K3 #1540 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Hello K3 gurus! I received my factory built K3 this past week, and yesterday received my K2 Heil Pro-set and some Anderson Powerpole connectors... Last night I wired up a serial line splitter so I could connect my K3's serial port to the same serial cable that goes to my sequencer (that will switch any of my XMTRS into XMIT)and CIV level converter (for my IC746). So it looks like I am getting close to being able to make some noise with it ;-) Currently, I run my Heil #5 boom mic (along with the LINE OUTPUT from my computer) through a W2IHY Audio Equalizer and Noise Gate (and then through interrupt relays) before they go to the Mic input of the IC746. With the K2 Pro-set from Elecraft, I received a resistor and a bunch of jumper connectors with an instruction sheet on modifications I need to make to the K3 so it will be able to work with the K2 Pro-set. My question is this: If I use the current microphone/audio in arrangement, do I still have to modify the K3 for the K2? If I install all the jumpers and resistor into the K3, will I be prevented from using the W2IHY Audio Equalizer and Noise Gate in front of the K3? Will I harm anything by just trying different setups the way the K3 came from the factory? MNI TNX for any guidance or suggestions you may be able to provide. VY 73, Lance -- Lance Collister, W7GJ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 Key Out
Solid state. 73, Eric WA6HHQ _..._ -Original Message- From: W6SX Hank Garretson [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Sunday, Aug 31, 2008 8:52 am Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Key Out To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net The K3's Key Out is rated for +200V at 5 Amps. Inside the K3, is Key Out a relay or solid state? 73, Hank, W6SX Mammoth Lakes, California Elevation 8083 feet in John Muir's Range of Light ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Hearing the effect of narrower roofing filter
DOUGLAS ZWIEBEL wrote: As for pumping the AGC, you can always turn the AGC off and ride the RF gain. But it has been my experience that (a) either the loud guy who is close will move away (b) trying to fight such a situation (and trying to win) can cost you more points than it is worth. And if the other guy is THAT CLOSE and you are both running, then there is always some doubt as to which one of you the weak DX is actually answering (again, bad for the score). Doug's last sentence is a very astute observation from someone who is clearly an experienced contester. It's probably the major reason I try to avoid extremely close spacings. Sure we can use 200 Hz bandwidths to eliminate QRM but we have no control over the guys who call off-frequency. I'm hoping the K3 with its CWT function becomes more popular and helps reduce the range of off-frequency callers. 73, Bill -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Hearing-the-effect-of-narrower-roofing-filter-tp795654p795713.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 FTP Beta Files
Hi Larry, Had the same thing. Just right click on page and do a refresh and all should work. Don...w2xb Larry P. Greenberg wrote: A few days ago, I was able to download and install MCU 2.32, the firmware beta version. Yesterday, MCU 2.34 became available correcting some code of 2.32. With this new version, when I either click on the FTP site in the download instructions or insert the URL into my browser, my browser just hangs. The instructions state, NOTE: On some computers, it may take some time for a directory of the beta files to appear. However,hanging for over thirty minutes before I got out of the browser seems too long and the directory of files comes right up on another computer I have. Does anybody on the list know why my browser (Internet Explorer) seems to go off into never-never land when I try to get this file? MCU 2.32 downloaded just file. Also, I even erased my Temp Internet Files, Recycle Bon, etc. Larry, WA9MAG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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://n2.nabble.com/K3-FTP-Beta-Files-tp795561p795716.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] Possible solution for Spot frustrations
Just an idea of something that is working well for me, YMMV. I have heard folks frustrated with the Spot volumes and such. What I have started doing is keeping my setting a bit lower, so that I can switch between headphone and speaker without issue. Then when I hit spot, I just back down the RF gain. 9 times out of 10, I hit a magic spot where I can hear the station, and the spot is louder. I turn gain back up, can barely hear spot, and hit the spot button to get rid of it. -- David Wilburn K4DGW www.k4dgw.com www.k4rc.net Williamsburg Area Amateur Radio Club (K4RC) My Current LOTW/DXCC/WAS status www.k4dgw.com/WAS.DXCC.info.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] Katiegram for SN 1570
Have you enabled Mic Bias in the Config Menu ?. Henrik Tuxen wrote: Hej all, here is the plot info for SN 1570 Orderdate 28 APR 2008 Katiegram 26 AUG 2008 Arrival in DK 29 AUG 2008 @ 10:30 Local time First power 29 AUG 2008 @ 21:30 Local time Absolutely no problems with the build apart from getting the screws with 2 splitwashers to catch - that required a bit of force. k3util installed perfectly on Ubuntu (required curl to download) and communicates with the K3 using the K3USB interface (/dev/ttyUSB0). MCU version 2.24, FPF version 0.02, DSP version 1.88. I'm currently hunting the problem why I cannot get any modulation using the MH2 microphone, but something will show. When that work I will install the KPA3 module. Have you turned on the Mic Bias in the Config Menu ? Vy 73 de OZ6WU Henrik ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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://n2.nabble.com/Katiegram-for-SN-1570-tp795287p795736.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] Microphone connections for K3 #1540
Jim Brown wrote: On Sun, 31 Aug 2008 14:32:58 +, LANCE COLLISTER wrote: will I be prevented from using the W2IHY Audio Equalizer and Noise Gate in front of the K3? Why would you want to? Sell it on EBay! The K3 includes an EXCELLENT audio equalizer that does everything you need and is quite easy to adjust. 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 TNX for the clarification from everyone about the K2 Pro-Set and the K3! I hope to try it out this evening after my 6m moonbounce activities today. In answer to Jim's question, the reason for the W2IHY Audio Equalizer and Noise Gate is because I still can't get rid of my IC746, since the K3 does not work on 2m :-( Furthermore, just because I have a K3 doesn't mean I only operate QRPmy homebrew amplifiers here sound like a jet plane taking off, and the Noise Gate prevents that annoying loud background noise from being sent out over the air when I am on SSB. Hm.come to think of it, that might be something for Elecraft to think about adding into a future firmware updateI'll bet they could easily incorporate it into the audio circuit controls just like they do for VOX ;-) GL and VY 73, Lance -- Lance Collister, W7GJ (ex: WN3GPL, WA3GPL, WA1JXN, WA1JXN/C6A, ZF2OC/ZF8) P.O. Box 73 Frenchtown, MT 59834 USA QTH: DN27UB TEL: (406) 626-5728 URL: http://www.bigskyspaces.com/w7gj 2m DXCC #11/6m DXCC #815 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] SB-221 for K3 need some help.
Hi Joe Don: I found out this week that K3 is good with Heathkit SB-220 amps, all you need to do is connect a shielded RCA cable between the units - how easy is that? !!! Are you sure? Most of those amplifiers had high voltage PTT circuits. If I recall correctly the TR relay is a 120V 3PDT unit. You may need a buffer or soft-key circuit in your amplifier to make it safe with the K3. The T-R output MOSFET in the K3 is rated at 200VDC at around 5A, so it should not be much of a concern for switching. Additionally, the MOSFET is diode-protected against reverse spikes from the relay it's keying. HOWEVER... this having been said, were it me, I'd add an (internal) Lo-voltage keying interface, like that offered by Harbach, to change the T-R keying voltage presented by the SB-221 from 120VDC to around 2VDC and maybe a couple mA of current. Pretty economical and easy to install, and worth the effort to install. Any T-R keying interface regardless of what you use (OEM or 3rd party) will not, as Joe has pointed out, change the keying speed of the open- frame T-R relay. That is a separate problem which CAN be addressed with replacing the OEM relay with a high-speed power reed relay (drive input) and a vacuum relay (RF output). But you CAN significantly improve the transition speed of the relays IF you NEED the feature. 73, Tom N0SS 73, Tom N0SS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] SB-221 for K3 need some help.
Tom - I have the soft key, but thought I didn't need it after seeing the K3 specs. Why would you depart from that measurement? ;-) The T-R output MOSFET in the K3 is rated at 200VDC at around 5A, so it should not be much of a concern for switching. Additionally, the MOSFET is diode-protected against reverse spikes from the relay it's keying. HOWEVER... this having been said, were it me, I'd add an (internal) Lo-voltage keying interface, like that offered by Harbach, to change the T-R keying voltage presented by the SB-221 from 120VDC to around 2VDC and maybe a couple mA of current. Pretty economical and easy to install, and worth the effort to install. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] WTB: K2 QRP
Looking for a good working K2 QRP with tuner other options considered. Email [EMAIL PROTECTED] Tnx Paul ka5y -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/WTB%3A-K2-QRP-tp795777p795777.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 SHIFT/WIDTH QUESTION
Just finished SN/1542.. One probably operating question I have is about the SHFIT/WIDTH in CW. In the II mode the controls work as advertised but in the I mode the roofing filter switches back to FL1 anytime I move SHIFT/WIDTH. It reverts to FC *.050 for SHIFT and will not change with the Shift Knob and the Width will not go lower than 600. I have tried setting them up following the instruction on page 34 with no sucess. Any replies direct. 73 Mike ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Hearing the effect of narrower roofing filter
I have used both of these filters for years in my FT1000MP and am completely familiar with their shape and use in a contest. The 250 Hz filters in an FT1000MP is an entirely different situation. In the FT-1000D/FT-1000MP, there are two filters - each approximately 350 Hz wide - in cascade yielding a composite 250 Hz (at -6dB) bandwidth. In my MP, having INRAD pairs at 400 and 250, one often used tactic was leaving the 455 IF at 400 (500 on the panel) and switching in the 250 in the 2nd If, to deal with a VLS squeezing in from above or below. Though it was certainly useful, the other cr*p being generated by the IF in the MP prevented making best use of the filters. I don't expect anything else roofing wise from them in the K3. The mere 100 Hz difference in the two is enough to deal with a squeezing-in VLS I already had compared the K3 website curves with my measured MP curves on the two filters with the 455 IF set wide, so I knew exactly what I was getting. In the WAE, this setup performed spendidly as expected. I had dsp width set to get the wider CW filter at 500 Hz dsp, narrower CW filter at 300 dsp. That's why *I* bought the two, with my eyes wide open, I make no claims to have the fully portable mantra for everyone to follow, just a view from another perspective. 73, and even if your mileage may vary may it still take you where you want to be. Guy, K2AV -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Hearing-the-effect-of-narrower-roofing-filter-tp470635p795803.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] Is it OK to USE Heil/Elecraft MD-2 Mic w/ K3?
paul hendershott wrote: Anyone having a problem using the Heil MD-2 Desk Mic w/ the K3? I use an Elecraft / Heil MD-2 with my K3 with no problems. I didn't set anything mic-related in the config menus (left on factory mic defaults). I did adjust mic gain and compression on the front panel. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Katiegram for SN 1570
Did it and now it works. Thanks for the suggestion and also thanks to the ones that gave the suggestion directly. This is one of the things that make the K2 and the K3 such great products, the willingness to share information. We are almost talking open source hardware when we are talking Elecraft. And now on to the installation of the KPA3. OZ6WU Henrik -Original Message- From: BigAlT [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Katiegram for SN 1570 Date: Sun, 31 Aug 2008 10:17:53 -0700 (PDT) Have you enabled Mic Bias in the Config Menu ?. Henrik Tuxen wrote: Hej all, here is the plot info for SN 1570 Orderdate 28 APR 2008 Katiegram 26 AUG 2008 Arrival in DK 29 AUG 2008 @ 10:30 Local time First power 29 AUG 2008 @ 21:30 Local time Absolutely no problems with the build apart from getting the screws with 2 splitwashers to catch - that required a bit of force. k3util installed perfectly on Ubuntu (required curl to download) and communicates with the K3 using the K3USB interface (/dev/ttyUSB0). MCU version 2.24, FPF version 0.02, DSP version 1.88. I'm currently hunting the problem why I cannot get any modulation using the MH2 microphone, but something will show. When that work I will install the KPA3 module. Have you turned on the Mic Bias in the Config Menu ? Vy 73 de OZ6WU Henrik ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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: Re: [Elecraft] Hearing the effect of narrower roofing filter
When the hardware AGC responds under these conditions, I am guessing that the effect might be an increase in the general background noise heard. This is really what I was after. After looking at the clock last night and finishing off my post too quickly, I got poster's remorse about the last sentence. Of course, if the hardware agc works perfectly, I would expect the general effect to be a decrease in noise. Behind my sentence were two muddled thoughts: 1. If the agc hang or decay is very short, the random peaks in composite signal might cause very rapid sequences of normal/desensed noise, and this staccato effect might be perceived as an addition in noise although not increasing noise amplitude, and 2. This being a new radio design, it would not be inconceivable if some aspect of the agc design were flawed, resulting in actual increases in noise amplitude when the hardware agc kicks in repeatedly at a high rate. I received one response, off-list, that was aimed at this part of my post. The gentleman provided a great deal of insight into what might go wrong with the agc action and the second mixer. Those details went far beyond my thoughts. Unfortunately he did not actually have a K3, so there was no test data. I guess I had better be patient and wait until my K3 arrives! It should be easy to study the hardware agc action by using an external preamp to bring up the average signal level on a crowded band. I might hang one scope channel on the 8 MHz signal after the filter, and another channel on the hardware agc voltage, while listening to the radio. Of course, since noone on the list is obsessing about this aspect of K3 behavior, it will probably turn out to be unimportant to the overall performance of the radio. -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Hearing-the-effect-of-narrower-roofing-filter-tp470635p795880.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] Re: Microphone connections for K3 #1540
KEEP THE W2IHY Audio Equalizer and Noise Gate! DO NOT SELL IT ON EBAY!!! I'm sure Elecraft will have a Noise Gate built into a K3's firmware some day, but a noise gate is a valuable tool to knock down in-shack background noise (like amps, fans, other ops, etc.). The Audio Equalizer built into the W2IHY unit is less important now that the K3 has one, but it still gives you added flexibility in adjusting levels beyond what the K3's built in equalizer gives you. I use my W2IHY Noise Gate and Equalizer with my K3 and it certainly makes a cleaner signal than one without a noise gate. If your shack is perfectly quite, you never turn on the COMP or you never breathe while in a QSO, you don't need a noise gate and eBay is a good place for it. My two cents from Texas, Bob K5WA will I be prevented from using the W2IHY Audio Equalizer and Noise Gate in front of the K3? Why would you want to? Sell it on EBay! The K3 includes an EXCELLENT audio equalizer that does everything you need and is quite easy to adjust. 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] Microphone connections for K3 #1540
Lance, Those jumpers and the resistor that you received with your Elecraft ProSet K2 are to be used with the *K2*, not with the K3! No modificaions are needed for your K3 - just the proper menu settings. For the K3, take your pick of plugging the mic and headphone plugs into the rear panel connectors or use the 8 pin adapter and plug into the K3 front panel. Whichever you use (front panel or rear panel) enter the K3 menu and set the MIC SEL to either FP or RP, set the level to Low, and set the bias ON. Adjust the mic gain to somewhere between 35 and 40 and give it a try - you may have to adjust the mic gain a bit, but it should work just fine. I don't know how the equalizers and other equipment interface - that is something for you to take up with the manufacturer of each piece of equipment - if they support the K3 and the Elecraft ProSet K2. Notice that referring to that mic and headset as a *Heil* will lead to confusion. The ProSet K2 has an electret element and needs a bias supply, the Heil ProSet (not the K2) uses a dynamic element and should not have bias applied (it sounds 'funny' if bias is turned on). The similarity of the names coupled with the fact that the Elecraft ProSet K2 also has the Heil name on it usually leads to much confusion when questions are asked about a ProSet without clarifying which one it is. 73, Don W3FPR LANCE COLLISTER wrote: Hello K3 gurus! I received my factory built K3 this past week, and yesterday received my K2 Heil Pro-set and some Anderson Powerpole connectors... Last night I wired up a serial line splitter so I could connect my K3's serial port to the same serial cable that goes to my sequencer (that will switch any of my XMTRS into XMIT)and CIV level converter (for my IC746). So it looks like I am getting close to being able to make some noise with it ;-) Currently, I run my Heil #5 boom mic (along with the LINE OUTPUT from my computer) through a W2IHY Audio Equalizer and Noise Gate (and then through interrupt relays) before they go to the Mic input of the IC746. With the K2 Pro-set from Elecraft, I received a resistor and a bunch of jumper connectors with an instruction sheet on modifications I need to make to the K3 so it will be able to work with the K2 Pro-set. My question is this: If I use the current microphone/audio in arrangement, do I still have to modify the K3 for the K2? If I install all the jumpers and resistor into the K3, will I be prevented from using the W2IHY Audio Equalizer and Noise Gate in front of the K3? Will I harm anything by just trying different setups the way the K3 came from the factory? MNI TNX for any guidance or suggestions you may be able to provide. VY 73, Lance No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.6.14/1643 - Release Date: 8/30/2008 5:18 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] Antenna sharing question
I have 6m on the K3, 2m on my XV144 and 4m to come. I use only 1 antenna with these, a Create log periodic. Is there a simple way to connect all three to the aerial without using a switch? Ian, The standard (no-switch) approach to connect a single broadband antenna to three separate transceiver ports that operate on different bands is to use a triplexer. A triplexer is something like three separate band-pass filters that take energy in separate bands and routes the energy to three separate physical ports. You can find triplexer products if you Google the term. Your issue is quite unique however with the 4m band. There may be a European triplexer source but since this band isn't available here the US manufacturers are unlikely to have a suitable product. You might be able to build your own triplexer but you may really be better off with relays automatically driven from a combination of K3 band decode and the 4M rig PTT circuit. I am assuming the K3 drives 6M and the XV144 on 2M and the 4M rig is separate transceiver. You might find a commercial diplexer that handles the 2M and 6M bands leaving you with a hardware switch or relay for 4M operation. Triplexers need to be built with substantial port-to-port isolation, this might prove difficult in a homebrewed unit, don't know for sure as I have never built one. If you live in an area with risk of lightning strikes then you have something else to add to the homebrew worries. eHam reviews a long list of antenna switches at: http://www.eham.net/reviews/products/2 Good luck. Mike Scott AE6WA Tarzana, CA K3/100 SN508 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] SB-221 for K3 need some help.
Hi all, I am from the old school of thinking that sometime I am going to need to key an AC relay in an amplifier and prefer to make a VERY simple interface and generate a set of dry contacts. That way regardless of the keying gender, you are safe. It keeps ground current loops out of the picture too. Mel K6KBE --- On Sun, 8/31/08, Tom Hammond [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Tom Hammond [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [Elecraft] SB-221 for K3 need some help. To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], 'Don Rasmussen' [EMAIL PROTECTED], elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Sunday, August 31, 2008, 10:10 AM Hi Joe Don: I found out this week that K3 is good with Heathkit SB-220 amps, all you need to do is connect a shielded RCA cable between the units - how easy is that? !!! Are you sure? Most of those amplifiers had high voltage PTT circuits. If I recall correctly the TR relay is a 120V 3PDT unit. You may need a buffer or soft-key circuit in your amplifier to make it safe with the K3. The T-R output MOSFET in the K3 is rated at 200VDC at around 5A, so it should not be much of a concern for switching. Additionally, the MOSFET is diode-protected against reverse spikes from the relay it's keying. HOWEVER... this having been said, were it me, I'd add an (internal) Lo-voltage keying interface, like that offered by Harbach, to change the T-R keying voltage presented by the SB-221 from 120VDC to around 2VDC and maybe a couple mA of current. Pretty economical and easy to install, and worth the effort to install. Any T-R keying interface regardless of what you use (OEM or 3rd party) will not, as Joe has pointed out, change the keying speed of the open- frame T-R relay. That is a separate problem which CAN be addressed with replacing the OEM relay with a high-speed power reed relay (drive input) and a vacuum relay (RF output). But you CAN significantly improve the transition speed of the relays IF you NEED the feature. 73, Tom N0SS 73, Tom N0SS ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Re: SB-221 for K3 need some help.
As far as the bandswitch is concerned, a good source for them are the guys who do the 6-meter conversions for SB-220s and SB221s, since they remove the whole bandswitch assembly. Check with Lou at King Conversions ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). He may be able to help you out. Lou does a great job with his 6-meter conversions, BTW. I'm using one with my K3, but part of his conversion is installing a solid-state buffer for the T-R line, which in the unmodified SB-220 switches 120VDC. Do NOT connect an unmodified SB-220's T-R switch line directly to the K3's T-R switch output jack. Your K3 will NOT be happy. Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: Dave G4AON [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, August 30, 2008 11:50 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Re: SB-221 for K3 need some help. Don, there isn't a diode across the relay coil in an SB220 - so there may be a nasty back emf voltage on key release. Also, the K3 maximum keying delay is 20 mS, will the relay in a SB220 switch in that time? I don't want to dampen your enthusiasm, but old linears were designed for relay contact switching and generally were slow on change over... They can be modified, but in standard format may not work too well. 73 Dave, G4AON K3/100 #80, Acom 1000 I found out this week that K3 is good with Heathkit SB-220 amps, all you need to do is connect a shielded RCA cable between the units - how easy is that? !!! ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] CORRECTION Re: SB-221 for K3 need some help.
Oops, correction. Looks like the K3 will handle the SB-220's T-R relay coil voltage after all. Sorry about that, my bad. You still need to worry about the closure timing, though. I have my K3 set to the max (20 ms) and there doesn't SEEM to be a probelm -- but I've never actually measured how longs it takes the original Heath frame relay to close. You really should do that. Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: Bill W5WVO [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Dave G4AON [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2008 3:10 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Re: SB-221 for K3 need some help. As far as the bandswitch is concerned, a good source for them are the guys who do the 6-meter conversions for SB-220s and SB221s, since they remove the whole bandswitch assembly. Check with Lou at King Conversions ([EMAIL PROTECTED]). He may be able to help you out. Lou does a great job with his 6-meter conversions, BTW. I'm using one with my K3, but part of his conversion is installing a solid-state buffer for the T-R line, which in the unmodified SB-220 switches 120VDC. Do NOT connect an unmodified SB-220's T-R switch line directly to the K3's T-R switch output jack. Your K3 will NOT be happy. Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: Dave G4AON [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Saturday, August 30, 2008 11:50 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Re: SB-221 for K3 need some help. Don, there isn't a diode across the relay coil in an SB220 - so there may be a nasty back emf voltage on key release. Also, the K3 maximum keying delay is 20 mS, will the relay in a SB220 switch in that time? I don't want to dampen your enthusiasm, but old linears were designed for relay contact switching and generally were slow on change over... They can be modified, but in standard format may not work too well. 73 Dave, G4AON K3/100 #80, Acom 1000 I found out this week that K3 is good with Heathkit SB-220 amps, all you need to do is connect a shielded RCA cable between the units - how easy is that? !!! ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Antenna sharing question
Mike Scott wrote: I have 6m on the K3, 2m on my XV144 and 4m to come. I use only 1 antenna with these, a Create log periodic. Is there a simple way to connect all three to the aerial without using a switch? Ian, The standard (no-switch) approach to connect a single broadband antenna to three separate transceiver ports that operate on different bands is to use a triplexer. A triplexer is something like three separate band-pass filters that take energy in separate bands and routes the energy to three separate physical ports. Thanks Mike, I had wondered about the triplexer route but as you say, 4m is a problem. I would need to do a lot of research to build my own I think and even then it may not be satisfactory. I will go with a switch for now but possibly RF relays are the way to go. Many thanks to you and everyone for the reponses. 73 Ian -- Ian J Maude, G0VGS SysOp GB7MBC DX Cluster Member RSGB, GQRP K2 #4044 |K3 #455 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Kent Single Lever Paddles
Last week I asked K3 Support if single lever paddle support was on the to to do list. Gary Surrency responded that it was not but would be considered. within days the answer came back that it would not be supported due to the small number of users affected. At first I was a little annoyed but now I am all right with that decision because I have found that I can in fact use my Kent paddle with a slap and dash technique with the K3 internal keyer just the way it is. 1. I changed my weighting to 1.25 and selected MODE A. 2. I used the TEXT DECODE function to get feedback. 3. I made sure I was consistently as fast as possible with my keying of elements within a character when switching from dot(s) to dash(es). This technique cured my problem of things like CQ being seen NNMET Using the TEXT DECODE function also helped with getting rid of unwanted Farnsworth spacing between characters. The better I get at hearing CW the more annoying it becomes. It also makes sending a more natural rhythm. BTW, before I worked this method out I hooked up my microHam CW Keyer and used it and it worked FB with no effort on my part but I resented having an extra box and extra cables on my desk! In an attempt to clean up my station I went back to using the K3 keyer and worked things out! Not only did I get rid of the external keyer and cables but now the Kent single lever paddle is plugged into the paddle jack and so TEXT DECODE as well as TERMINAL mode in the K3 Utility both work on send and receive. Jack AE6GC, K3 1433, KX1 1403 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Kent Single Lever Paddles
Why do you need special interface for a single lever paddle? It works the same as an Iambic paddle except that you can't close both contacts at once. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ --- On Sun, 8/31/08, Jack Regan [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Jack Regan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Elecraft] Kent Single Lever Paddles To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Sunday, August 31, 2008, 3:10 PM Last week I asked K3 Support if single lever paddle support was on the to to do list. Gary Surrency responded that it was not but would be considered. within days the answer came back that it would not be supported due to the small number of users affected. At first I was a little annoyed but now I am all right with that decision because I have found that I can in fact use my Kent paddle with a slap and dash technique with the K3 internal keyer just the way it is. 1. I changed my weighting to 1.25 and selected MODE A. 2. I used the TEXT DECODE function to get feedback. 3. I made sure I was consistently as fast as possible with my keying of elements within a character when switching from dot(s) to dash(es). This technique cured my problem of things like CQ being seen NNMET Using the TEXT DECODE function also helped with getting rid of unwanted Farnsworth spacing between characters. The better I get at hearing CW the more annoying it becomes. It also makes sending a more natural rhythm. BTW, before I worked this method out I hooked up my microHam CW Keyer and used it and it worked FB with no effort on my part but I resented having an extra box and extra cables on my desk! In an attempt to clean up my station I went back to using the K3 keyer and worked things out! Not only did I get rid of the external keyer and cables but now the Kent single lever paddle is plugged into the paddle jack and so TEXT DECODE as well as TERMINAL mode in the K3 Utility both work on send and receive. Jack AE6GC, K3 1433, KX1 1403 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Kent Single Lever Paddles
It's not the single vs. dual lever issue that bothers these guys. It's the iambic mode, a or b. Mode B has been the standard since the early 70's. TenTec came out with their KR-40 which is mode b and ever since then mode A has been a step child. All JA rigs use mode B now. Basically, mode B has enough brains to know if you held in a lever long enough to produce the last element without actually starting to send it. People who learned on mode B, trying to send the letter C on a mode A machine will end up sending the letter K. The last dit is dropped because it wants you to hold in the dit button until that dit has started to form. Mode A people who try to send C end up sending KA _._._ because they hold the dit lever in too long. Both modes are iambic since holding in both levers results in alternate dits and dahs. It's just a matter of when to let go! A single lever paddle works equally well with either mode. In fact when you consider the entire alphabet, less finger movement is required with the single lever paddle. This came as a shock to me. Check the letter C. On a single lever we swing left, right, left, right. That's 4 movements. With duals, we (push left and hold), (push right and hold), (release left), (release right) for letter C. So we have the same number of movements with either paddle. Now let's do A. With single lever we swing left, swing right, release. 3 moves. With duals, we push left and hold, push right, release left, release right. 4 moves! It all happens so fast that you don't realize you are doing it. The Kent single lever paddle is a precision device. I prefer a wider finger piece over the thin paddle Kent uses however. The K3 works well with either single or duals. It doesn't know the difference. Steve Ellington [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: WILLIS COOKE [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Jack Regan [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2008 6:16 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Kent Single Lever Paddles Why do you need special interface for a single lever paddle? It works the same as an Iambic paddle except that you can't close both contacts at once. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ --- On Sun, 8/31/08, Jack Regan [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Jack Regan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Elecraft] Kent Single Lever Paddles To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Sunday, August 31, 2008, 3:10 PM Last week I asked K3 Support if single lever paddle support was on the to to do list. Gary Surrency responded that it was not but would be considered. within days the answer came back that it would not be supported due to the small number of users affected. At first I was a little annoyed but now I am all right with that decision because I have found that I can in fact use my Kent paddle with a slap and dash technique with the K3 internal keyer just the way it is. 1. I changed my weighting to 1.25 and selected MODE A. 2. I used the TEXT DECODE function to get feedback. 3. I made sure I was consistently as fast as possible with my keying of elements within a character when switching from dot(s) to dash(es). This technique cured my problem of things like CQ being seen NNMET Using the TEXT DECODE function also helped with getting rid of unwanted Farnsworth spacing between characters. The better I get at hearing CW the more annoying it becomes. It also makes sending a more natural rhythm. BTW, before I worked this method out I hooked up my microHam CW Keyer and used it and it worked FB with no effort on my part but I resented having an extra box and extra cables on my desk! In an attempt to clean up my station I went back to using the K3 keyer and worked things out! Not only did I get rid of the external keyer and cables but now the Kent single lever paddle is plugged into the paddle jack and so TEXT DECODE as well as TERMINAL mode in the K3 Utility both work on send and receive. Jack AE6GC, K3 1433, KX1 1403 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.6.14/1644 - Release Date: 8/31/2008 4:59 PM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to:
Re: [Elecraft] Kent Single Lever Paddles
n4lq wrote: A single lever paddle works equally well with either mode. In fact when you consider the entire alphabet, less finger movement is required with the single lever paddle. This came as a shock to me. Which is why nearly all competitors in the High Speed Telegraphy (HST) competition use single levers for the sending tests. -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Kent-Single-Lever-Paddles-tp796074p796171.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] Kent Single Lever Paddles
Wow, if I had to do all that extra junk I'd get rid of my dual paddle Kent, Brown Bros., and K8RA keys and go back to that cruddy Heath single paddle integrated unit I used to have. Steve, I think you make the common assumption that having a dual paddle *requires* the operator to use the squeeze method. It really doesn't. It just *allows* you to go from dit to dah and vice versa more efficiently. 73--Nick, WA5BDU n4lq wrote: With duals, we push left and hold, push right, release left, release right. 4 moves! I Steve Ellington [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] XV432 Frequency and Power Stability
Hi Stu, I am anxious to know the answer too. Please keep the group informed about how you solve your problem. This could be the reason why I have been hesitating to order my XV432 for years. 73 Johnny Siu VR2XMC --- 2008年8月31日 星期日，Stu2 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 寫道﹕ 寄件人: Stu2 [EMAIL PROTECTED] 主題: [Elecraft] XV432 Frequency and Power Stability 收件人: elecraft@mailman.qth.net 日期: 2008 8 31 星期日 上午 3:54 Hi All, I finished assembling a XV432 transverter and seem to have a little problem with both power and frequency stability. After going through the alignment steps, the power starts dropping from 20W down to about 10 after sending CW into a dummy load for 20 seconds or so. During this time, the frequency drifts about 100 Hz. (Enough to detect a pitch change in another receiver.) I installed Q1 using the Teflon spacer. I have the crystal oven installed and the transverter was powered on for about 30 minutes or so before I aligned it. (JP9 is on 4-5.) The part values appear to be correct. The problem appears if I use a 5W source or a 1 milliwatt source. (Changing JP3,4,5,6 accordingly.) My radio is a SDR-5000A. The power module doesn't get warm. I do NOT have the extra 5 turn coil and the 10pf capacitor installed on the power module. (Rev C1 errata.) Has anybody else had this problem and if so, how did you fix it. Thanks! Stu W7IY 為了不斷提升Yahoo! Mail，雅虎香港誠邀你參與意見調查。請前往http://surveylink.yahoo.com/wix/p5429076.aspx 發表你的意見! 為了不斷提升Yahoo! Mail，雅虎香港誠邀你參與意見調查。請前往http://surveylink.yahoo.com/wix/p5429076.aspx 發表你的意見! ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Kent Single Lever Paddles
Steve, You want Ultimatic mode. It makes a dual lever paddle operate almost like a single lever. To quote from the K1EL K12 keyer manual, In Ultimatic mode when both paddles are pressed the keyer will send a continuous stream of whichever paddle was last pressed. That makes the hand motions identical to using a single lever paddle. The small K1EL keyers that support Ultimatic keying are a must for me because it is not built-in to any transceiver internal keyer as far as I know. 73, Don W3FPR n4lq wrote: It's not the single vs. dual lever issue that bothers these guys. It's the iambic mode, a or b. Mode B has been the standard since the early 70's. TenTec came out with their KR-40 which is mode b and ever since then mode A has been a step child. All JA rigs use mode B now. Basically, mode B has enough brains to know if you held in a lever long enough to produce the last element without actually starting to send it. People who learned on mode B, trying to send the letter C on a mode A machine will end up sending the letter K. The last dit is dropped because it wants you to hold in the dit button until that dit has started to form. Mode A people who try to send C end up sending KA _._._ because they hold the dit lever in too long. Both modes are iambic since holding in both levers results in alternate dits and dahs. It's just a matter of when to let go! A single lever paddle works equally well with either mode. In fact when you consider the entire alphabet, less finger movement is required with the single lever paddle. This came as a shock to me. Check the letter C. On a single lever we swing left, right, left, right. That's 4 movements. With duals, we (push left and hold), (push right and hold), (release left), (release right) for letter C. So we have the same number of movements with either paddle. Now let's do A. With single lever we swing left, swing right, release. 3 moves. With duals, we push left and hold, push right, release left, release right. 4 moves! It all happens so fast that you don't realize you are doing it. The Kent single lever paddle is a precision device. I prefer a wider finger piece over the thin paddle Kent uses however. The K3 works well with either single or duals. It doesn't know the difference. Steve Ellington [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: WILLIS COOKE [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Jack Regan [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2008 6:16 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Kent Single Lever Paddles Why do you need special interface for a single lever paddle? It works the same as an Iambic paddle except that you can't close both contacts at once. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ --- On Sun, 8/31/08, Jack Regan [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Jack Regan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Elecraft] Kent Single Lever Paddles To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Sunday, August 31, 2008, 3:10 PM Last week I asked K3 Support if single lever paddle support was on the to to do list. Gary Surrency responded that it was not but would be considered. within days the answer came back that it would not be supported due to the small number of users affected. At first I was a little annoyed but now I am all right with that decision because I have found that I can in fact use my Kent paddle with a slap and dash technique with the K3 internal keyer just the way it is. 1. I changed my weighting to 1.25 and selected MODE A. 2. I used the TEXT DECODE function to get feedback. 3. I made sure I was consistently as fast as possible with my keying of elements within a character when switching from dot(s) to dash(es). This technique cured my problem of things like CQ being seen NNMET Using the TEXT DECODE function also helped with getting rid of unwanted Farnsworth spacing between characters. The better I get at hearing CW the more annoying it becomes. It also makes sending a more natural rhythm. BTW, before I worked this method out I hooked up my microHam CW Keyer and used it and it worked FB with no effort on my part but I resented having an extra box and extra cables on my desk! In an attempt to clean up my station I went back to using the K3 keyer and worked things out! Not only did I get rid of the external keyer and cables but now the Kent single lever paddle is plugged into the paddle jack and so TEXT DECODE as well as TERMINAL mode in the K3 Utility both work on send and receive. Jack AE6GC, K3 1433, KX1 1403 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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
Re: [Elecraft] Kent Single Lever Paddles
Nick, I don't know about any of the others who have trouble with dual lever paddles except myself, but I developed a habit a long time ago that I just can't shake - with dual levers I end up squeezing when I should not, so I get dot insertions in a string of dashes. The habit comes from using a bug - Both the thumb and finger are in contact with the paddles until the character is ended - it works fine with a single lever or an Ultimatic mode keyer, but just will not send correct code from dual paddles with any Iambic keyer - mode A or mode B, but mode B is worse. Despite endless periods of practice I have not been able to change. My taste for CW has diminished a lot because of the non-availability of Ultimatic mode on internal keyers. 73, Don W3FPR Nick-WA5BDU wrote: Wow, if I had to do all that extra junk I'd get rid of my dual paddle Kent, Brown Bros., and K8RA keys and go back to that cruddy Heath single paddle integrated unit I used to have. Steve, I think you make the common assumption that having a dual paddle *requires* the operator to use the squeeze method. It really doesn't. It just *allows* you to go from dit to dah and vice versa more efficiently. 73--Nick, WA5BDU n4lq wrote: With duals, we push left and hold, push right, release left, release right. 4 moves! I Steve Ellington [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 - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.6.14/1643 - Release Date: 8/30/2008 5:18 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] K3 S-meter Mode
When I tried setting K3 CONFIG:SMTR MD to ABS, I found that the S-meter reading then stayed constant regardless of the setting of the preamp/attenuator, in agreement with the Owner's Manual addendum. However, the reading for a 50-microvolt input signal (with the preamp on and attenuator off) falls from S-9 to S-6 as CONFIG:SMTR MD is changed from NOR to ABS. Shouldn't a 50-microvolt input signal produce an S-9 reading regardless of the setting of CONFIG:SMTR MD? Alternatively, the Owner's Manual S-Meter calibration procedure would need to mention the setting of CONFIG:SMTR MD. 73, Paul W8TM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Kent Single Lever Paddles
I have always loved the A/B and Iambic vs XXX dicussions :-) Here are some great articles by Chuck K7QO/K5FO (and others) that you might enjoy. http://www.n9vv.com/K7QO-A-B-Iambic-Keying.pdf http://www.arrl.org/news/features/2008/05/20/10107/ http://www.morsecode.nl/iambic.PDF http://www.morsex.com/pubs/iambicmyth.pdf http://www.ka0iqt.net/keys.htm http://www.kl7kc.com/FistsCodeCourse/manual.pdf http://home.att.net/~jacksonharbor/ultimat.txt Thank you Chuck for all the enjoyment you have given us over so many years of dits and dahs :-) gratefully, de Ken N9VV Don Wilhelm wrote: Nick, I don't know about any of the others who have trouble with dual lever paddles except myself, but I developed a habit a long time ago that I just can't shake - with dual levers I end up squeezing when I should not, so I get dot insertions in a string of dashes. The habit comes from using a bug - Both the thumb and finger are in contact with the paddles until the character is ended - it works fine with a single lever or an Ultimatic mode keyer, but just will not send correct code from dual paddles with any Iambic keyer - mode A or mode B, but mode B is worse. Despite endless periods of practice I have not been able to change. My taste for CW has diminished a lot because of the non-availability of Ultimatic mode on internal keyers. 73, Don W3FPR Nick-WA5BDU wrote: Wow, if I had to do all that extra junk I'd get rid of my dual paddle Kent, Brown Bros., and K8RA keys and go back to that cruddy Heath single paddle integrated unit I used to have. Steve, I think you make the common assumption that having a dual paddle *requires* the operator to use the squeeze method. It really doesn't. It just *allows* you to go from dit to dah and vice versa more efficiently. 73--Nick, WA5BDU n4lq wrote: With duals, we push left and hold, push right, release left, release right. 4 moves! I Steve Ellington [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 - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.6.14/1643 - Release Date: 8/30/2008 5:18 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 mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 S-meter Mode
Paul Kirley wrote: When I tried setting K3 CONFIG:SMTR MD to ABS, I found that the S-meter reading then stayed constant regardless of the setting of the preamp/attenuator, in agreement with the Owner's Manual addendum. However, the reading for a 50-microvolt input signal (with the preamp on and attenuator off) falls from S-9 to S-6 as CONFIG:SMTR MD is changed from NOR to ABS. Shouldn't a 50-microvolt input signal produce an S-9 reading regardless of the setting of CONFIG:SMTR MD? No, that is what the ABS mode is available. You are seeing the correct response. In NOR the S Meter is affected by PRE and ATTN. The default calibration assumes: NOR, PRE ON and ATTN OFF. The drop you are seeing when you go to ABS is because the PRE gain is no longer allowed to affect the S Meter reading. 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] K3 temperature rise
Hi Stewart, Something wrong there - we have two K3s that run 48+ hours in serious CW contesting - minimal temperature rise for both rigs. 73, Ken ZL1AIH (ZM1A in contests) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Kent Single Lever Paddles
You just answered my question of long ago, Don, when I asked why it was so hard for some to use a single lever key. In half a century of bug operation, I *never* touch both paddles of the bug as the same time! There is a space between the side of my forefinger that contacts the paddles to make a dash and thumb which makes dots and I roll my hand from side to side to operate the paddles. My fingers never move. My whole hand does, rolling to bring either my thumb or forefinger in contact with the bug paddles. I adjust the space between dits and dahs by changing the distance between my thumb and the side of my forefinger. The farther apart, the greater the time spacing between dits and dahs to match the dit speed I have set with the pendulum weight. When I learned Iambic keying I had to *break* that habit so I could squeeze. And I found Iambic keying very natural, smooth and efficient. When I went back to a bug I had to relearn the roll the hand technique. Personally, I doubt if I ever could send text at 15 or 20 WPM for half an hour by moving my fingers, which I had to do a *lot* when sending traffic. I wonder how many CW operators who worked commercial circuits (I was Army) use their fingers instead of rolling their fists. I can understand Hams learning to do that. After all, we don't usually send nonstop for more than a few minutes. Indeed, if I was in a long-winded rag chew I'd notice myself getting stiff using an Iambic key, even though the paddle pressure was very light and the contact spacing very small. But I can still sit down and send a whole page from the phone book, names, addresses and phone numbers of perhaps 150 people on the bug rolling my fist as if it were nothing. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Nick, I don't know about any of the others who have trouble with dual lever paddles except myself, but I developed a habit a long time ago that I just can't shake - with dual levers I end up squeezing when I should not, so I get dot insertions in a string of dashes. The habit comes from using a bug - Both the thumb and finger are in contact with the paddles until the character is ended - it works fine with a single lever or an Ultimatic mode keyer, but just will not send correct code from dual paddles with any Iambic keyer - mode A or mode B, but mode B is worse. Despite endless periods of practice I have not been able to change. My taste for CW has diminished a lot because of the non-availability of Ultimatic mode on internal keyers. 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 S-meter Mode
Lyle, I can see the logic in what you say. But if you are using a particular receiver configuration as your baseline of 50 uv = S9, I would think that baseline should be the same in ABS mode -- IOW, 50 uv = S9 with preamp on or off, atten on or off. Now, if you wanted to set the baseline in NOR mode with preamp OFF (which I really think makes more sense, certainly at the suggested 7 MHz), then having the S-meter read S9 in ABS mode regardless of pre/atten settings makes maybe even more sense. But should that all change at, say, 50 MHz?? You can't hear a thing on 50 MHz with the preamp off. What about 28 MHz? The truth is, all this stuff is so very relative to so many different variables, it's kinda like arguing about how many angels can dance on the head of a pin. So I'm not really expressing a strong feeling about a preference here, because at the end of the day, it doesn't matter much. :-) And the user can set this stuff up in the Config menu the way he or she wants to, in any case. Bill W5WVO - Original Message - From: Lyle Johnson [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Paul Kirley [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2008 7:31 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 S-meter Mode Paul Kirley wrote: When I tried setting K3 CONFIG:SMTR MD to ABS, I found that the S-meter reading then stayed constant regardless of the setting of the preamp/attenuator, in agreement with the Owner's Manual addendum. However, the reading for a 50-microvolt input signal (with the preamp on and attenuator off) falls from S-9 to S-6 as CONFIG:SMTR MD is changed from NOR to ABS. Shouldn't a 50-microvolt input signal produce an S-9 reading regardless of the setting of CONFIG:SMTR MD? No, that is what the ABS mode is available. You are seeing the correct response. In NOR the S Meter is affected by PRE and ATTN. The default calibration assumes: NOR, PRE ON and ATTN OFF. The drop you are seeing when you go to ABS is because the PRE gain is no longer allowed to affect the S Meter reading. 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 mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Issues after loading 2.34--Gremlins--Need Help!
Hi Everyone, I have a 2.34/1.89 firmware loading issue to report. My K3 #371 has been functioning perfectly until this evening. It has the sub-receiver installed which has been working fine as well. Tonight I decided to load 2.34 Beta and did so successfully but after a second attempt. My first attempt resulted in no DSP being loaded in DSP1 but it did load into DSP 2. I got the following error message 'E000202' on the Main display and 'ERR DSE' on the VFO B display. After my successful second attempt load I then got 'ERR PL 1' on the VFO B display when changing bands. It disappeared after a second or two but reappeaed on each band change. Lots of background noise but no signals. I attempted to recalibrate PL1. After the recal. it now displays ERR VCO E 5 and then Er VC4 E00255. I reverted back to 2.23 and now get 'ERR PL 2'. So I again re calibrated the VCO's main and sub and all appears to be ok after several recalibration attempts. But I am back to running 2.23. I'd like to try 2.34 What's happening here? I am at a loss to figure it out. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. I also e-mail K3 support but thought I would post here as it is a holiday weekend. Dave- N1LQ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Issues after loading 2.34--Gremlins--Need Help!
David and Dianne on Comcast wrote: Hi Everyone, I have a 2.34/1.89 firmware loading issue to report. details snipped What's happening here? I don't know, but until Don or Lyle or someone who might actually know appears, you might try this: 1) Set the K3 baudrate to 38400. 2) Select Send All Firmware to K3 in the K3 Utility and resend 2.34 (if you don't have this checkbox, go to View and DE-select Advanced Mode). In case the firmware didn't load completely, this will give you the best chance of getting everything in sync. -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Issues after loading 2.34--Gremlins--Need Help!
Dave, That sounds like a computer or USB to serial adapter problem rather than a K2 problem. If you can, try again using a computer with a real serial port and let us know the results. In many, many firmware downloads associated with Firmware Field test, I have never experienced a failure - but I am using a real serial port. 73, Don W3FPR David and Dianne on Comcast wrote: Hi Everyone, I have a 2.34/1.89 firmware loading issue to report. My K3 #371 has been functioning perfectly until this evening. It has the sub-receiver installed which has been working fine as well. Tonight I decided to load 2.34 Beta and did so successfully but after a second attempt. My first attempt resulted in no DSP being loaded in DSP1 but it did load into DSP 2. I got the following error message 'E000202' on the Main display and 'ERR DSE' on the VFO B display. After my successful second attempt load I then got 'ERR PL 1' on the VFO B display when changing bands. It disappeared after a second or two but reappeaed on each band change. Lots of background noise but no signals. I attempted to recalibrate PL1. After the recal. it now displays ERR VCO E 5 and then Er VC4 E00255. I reverted back to 2.23 and now get 'ERR PL 2'. So I again re calibrated the VCO's main and sub and all appears to be ok after several recalibration attempts. But I am back to running 2.23. I'd like to try 2.34 What's happening here? I am at a loss to figure it out. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. I also e-mail K3 support but thought I would post here as it is a holiday weekend. Dave- N1LQ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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: 8.0.169 / Virus Database: 270.6.14/1643 - Release Date: 8/30/2008 5:18 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] Issues after loading 2.34--Gremlins--Need Help!---RESOLVED!
Hi Everyone, The third time was apparently the charm as after my third load of 2.34/1.89 all is apparently in order once again. The cause was unknown but I suspect a communication/port problem problem with the K3 and my Toshiba laptop. The VCO PL1 and PL2 error also seem to be fixed (but fingers crossed on this one though). Many thanks to Lyle, Don, Vic and Ron for the great help and suggestions via e-mail. Amazing support on a Sunday night in the middle of the holiday weekend. I'll be looking for a deep far east DX opening again tomorrow morning 1400Z as was this morning when I worked BX, BT, VR and HS on 20m barefoot SSB with my wire antenna. This is the most difficult DX path here in W1 land. K3 is a real DX-hound. (Forgive my bragging) 73 de N1LQ-Dave ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3 - Temperature Specifications
Stewart, I don't know the specifications. My shack is 23C and the K3 has been on receive all day. The FP is 31-32C and PA is 30C. My fans start when I'm barely into a QSO and when the PA reaches 37C. I calibrated the PA just yesterday. 73, GAry W7TEA I have had my K3 on receive most of the day, whilst doing other things in the shack. By chance I touched the top of the case and it felt quite hot, given that the shack temperature is 26 deg. According to the LCD readout both the FP and PA temps were at 34 deg. -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3---Temperature-Specifications-tp795559p796476.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] Elecraft CW Net Report for August 31st September 1st, 2008
Good Evening, The forty meter net was not all that loud tonight. I did take a break after it though to go outside. The black cat gave me a look so I went back inside and got a knife and a box. He now has his very own cat house. Looks more like a cat trap but I think he will adjust :) It is getting too cold at night for him to be very happy. He stays on the deck where he is safe from the coyotes but he is not comfortable. Now I will see where I find him tomorrow morning. If all goes well I will build him a real cat house before winter. One with sliding glass doors and a sun room. I don't think he would like a jacuzzi. During the twenty meter net there was some sort of contest going on but I never found which one. I looked at the contest calendar: www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/weeklycont.php but it was not listed. Luckily the QRM was not too bad. Scott, N0AR, is working hard. 240 pounds of honey so far and not done yet. How many supers Scott? QSB was present on both nets as was the QRN but not so bad as to cause much difficulty. During the second net there were some sharp snaps which cut in the AGC for a moment. Someone was getting hit by lightning not too far away. I never had any like the forecast predicted but I did get quite a bit of rain today along with the cold. The fire I set last night is still going and I have prepared for another day of keeping it going. Sam is very, very happy guarding the wood supply as it dries by the fire. On to the lists = On 14050 kHz at 2300z: K9DMV - Joe - IL - K2 - 5628 KL7CW - Rick - AK - KX1 - 798 NO8V - John - MI - K3 - 820 W0CZ - Ken - ND - K3 - 457 ** QNI #240 ** K4JPN - Steve - GA - K2 - 1422 QNI #90 N0BK - Bruce - MN - K2 - 3646 * QNI #120 * N0AR - Scott - MN - K2 - 4866 W3TMZ - Jack - FL - K3 - 1169 On 7044.5 kHz at 0200z: K9DMV - Joe - IL - K2 - 5628 N5SM - Scott - TX - K2 - 6417 W3TMZ - Jack - FL - K3 - 1169 K6DGW - Fred - CA - K3 - 642 N0SS - Tom - MO - K3 - 008 ** QNI #275 ** K1THP - Dave - CT - K3 - 686 NO8V - John - MI - K3 - 820 K9ZTV - Kent - MO - K3 - 21 K4JPN - Steve - GA - K2 - 1422 N9NE - Todd - WI - K2 - 1429 W6JDB - Jay - OR - K3 - 1388 VE3XL - Ric - ON - K1 - 968 WA7BOC - Roger - WA - K3 - 75 K2HYD - Ray - NC - KX1 - 608 W0CZ - Ken - ND - K3 - 457 N7AF - Dave - AZ - K2 - 4795 W4SEC - Pete - FL - K2 - 5813 WI6O - John - CA - K1 - 922 WB5BKL - Nick - TX - K3 - 231 QNI #15!! K6PJV - Dale - CA - K3 - 1183 N0AR - Scott - MN - K2 - 4866 If there are any errors in the above lists please do not hesitate to send me an email with the corrections. Hopefully your weather is pleasant. I received temperatures from all over and it appears KL7CW and I are about the same. Down in toasty California things are cooling off. Maybe some of this northern weather is slopping over the Siskiyous :) Even Arizona is a frozen wonderland of sub triple digits! North Dakota seemed nice as did the report I heard from Tom in Missouri. Now: where are Gustav and Hanna going to make landfall? Looks like both the Gulf Coast and the Atlantic Coast need to prepare for some heavy weather. Good luck folks! Until next week stay well, 73, Kevin. KD5ONS (Net Control Operator 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
Re: [Elecraft] Kent Single Lever Paddles
When I use a paddle, I use a Bencher Hex, but I do not use the Iambic and only close one contact at a time. It should be the same as a single lever paddle when used this way. I will confess that I have never plugged a paddle into my K3, but this method works fine with my TS-850 or my WinKeyer USB. So far, all my CW contacts with my K3 have been with my Vibroplex Original Bug. Guess I need to try the keyer some time, but I am having too much fun with the Bug. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ --- On Sun, 8/31/08, n4lq [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: n4lq [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Kent Single Lever Paddles To: [EMAIL PROTECTED], Jack Regan [EMAIL PROTECTED], elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Sunday, August 31, 2008, 3:38 PM It's not the single vs. dual lever issue that bothers these guys. It's the iambic mode, a or b. Mode B has been the standard since the early 70's. TenTec came out with their KR-40 which is mode b and ever since then mode A has been a step child. All JA rigs use mode B now. Basically, mode B has enough brains to know if you held in a lever long enough to produce the last element without actually starting to send it. People who learned on mode B, trying to send the letter C on a mode A machine will end up sending the letter K. The last dit is dropped because it wants you to hold in the dit button until that dit has started to form. Mode A people who try to send C end up sending KA _._._ because they hold the dit lever in too long. Both modes are iambic since holding in both levers results in alternate dits and dahs. It's just a matter of when to let go! A single lever paddle works equally well with either mode. In fact when you consider the entire alphabet, less finger movement is required with the single lever paddle. This came as a shock to me. Check the letter C. On a single lever we swing left, right, left, right. That's 4 movements. With duals, we (push left and hold), (push right and hold), (release left), (release right) for letter C. So we have the same number of movements with either paddle. Now let's do A. With single lever we swing left, swing right, release. 3 moves. With duals, we push left and hold, push right, release left, release right. 4 moves! It all happens so fast that you don't realize you are doing it. The Kent single lever paddle is a precision device. I prefer a wider finger piece over the thin paddle Kent uses however. The K3 works well with either single or duals. It doesn't know the difference. Steve Ellington [EMAIL PROTECTED] - Original Message - From: WILLIS COOKE [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Jack Regan [EMAIL PROTECTED]; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, August 31, 2008 6:16 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Kent Single Lever Paddles Why do you need special interface for a single lever paddle? It works the same as an Iambic paddle except that you can't close both contacts at once. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ --- On Sun, 8/31/08, Jack Regan [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: From: Jack Regan [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Elecraft] Kent Single Lever Paddles To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Sunday, August 31, 2008, 3:10 PM Last week I asked K3 Support if single lever paddle support was on the to to do list. Gary Surrency responded that it was not but would be considered. within days the answer came back that it would not be supported due to the small number of users affected. At first I was a little annoyed but now I am all right with that decision because I have found that I can in fact use my Kent paddle with a slap and dash technique with the K3 internal keyer just the way it is. 1. I changed my weighting to 1.25 and selected MODE A. 2. I used the TEXT DECODE function to get feedback. 3. I made sure I was consistently as fast as possible with my keying of elements within a character when switching from dot(s) to dash(es). This technique cured my problem of things like CQ being seen NNMET Using the TEXT DECODE function also helped with getting rid of unwanted Farnsworth spacing between characters. The better I get at hearing CW the more annoying it becomes. It also makes sending a more natural rhythm. BTW, before I worked this method out I hooked up my microHam CW Keyer and used it and it worked FB with no effort on my part but I resented having an extra box and extra cables on my desk! In an attempt to clean up my station I went back to using the K3 keyer and worked things out! Not only did I get rid of the external keyer and cables but now the Kent single lever paddle is plugged into the paddle jack and so TEXT DECODE as well as TERMINAL mode in the K3 Utility both work on send and receive. Jack AE6GC, K3 1433, KX1 1403
[Elecraft] CORRECTION Re: SB-221 for K3 need some help.
Thanks Bill, I don't *think* I received any special treatment from the factory, I just sent and email to the guy that created the transceiver. Amazing. I got a response in less than an hour, a quote from an actual user of my configuration. To those reading this, Elecraft will spoil you for life, never think about buying anything other - hi. Yes, I turned off QSK and have a decent long delay in semi-break in. I had a QSO with NH6SV tonight and he reports a clean signal st 599. I thought I had Tom cornered on no reason to install that soft key but I like his answer. In addition, I had the amp apart several times today and it provided me with a renewed respect for that little innocent looking line. ;-) Beforte that comment he made, I would not have bothered shutting off both units before connecting / disconnecting. Until or unless I install soft key, will maintain that procedure. .. [Elecraft] CORRECTION Re: SB-221 for K3 need some help. Bill W5WVO w5wvo at cybermesa.net Sun Aug 31 17:17:45 EDT 2008 Oops, correction. Looks like the K3 will handle the SB-220's T-R relay coil voltage after all. Sorry about that, my bad. You still need to worry about the closure timing, though. I have my K3 set to the max (20 ms) and there doesn't SEEM to be a probelm -- but I've never actually measured how longs it takes the original Heath frame relay to close. You really should do that. 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] CORRECTION Re: SB-221 for K3 need some help.
Oh - by the way - my Sb-221 bandswitch is in a shambles but I hard wired the amp for 20 meters until a new switch arrives. I learned a valuable lesson, bandswitches are delicate, close tolerance devices - don't ever try to repair one that is cracked - hi - but the contacts can be replaced if the wafer is good. Time was, I would never consider working on an amp - too intimidating. But after a couple K2's, soldering up those big anough to fit in your hands parts seemed to be a piece of cake!!! --- Don Rasmussen [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Thanks Bill, I don't *think* I received any special treatment from the factory, I just sent and email to the guy that created the transceiver. Amazing. I got a response in less than an hour, a quote from an actual user of my configuration. To those reading this, Elecraft will spoil you for life, never think about buying anything other - hi. Yes, I turned off QSK and have a decent long delay in semi-break in. I had a QSO with NH6SV tonight and he reports a clean signal st 599. I thought I had Tom cornered on no reason to install that soft key but I like his answer. In addition, I had the amp apart several times today and it provided me with a renewed respect for that little innocent looking line. ;-) Beforte that comment he made, I would not have bothered shutting off both units before connecting / disconnecting. Until or unless I install soft key, will maintain that procedure. .. [Elecraft] CORRECTION Re: SB-221 for K3 need some help. Bill W5WVO w5wvo at cybermesa.net Sun Aug 31 17:17:45 EDT 2008 Oops, correction. Looks like the K3 will handle the SB-220's T-R relay coil voltage after all. Sorry about that, my bad. You still need to worry about the closure timing, though. I have my K3 set to the max (20 ms) and there doesn't SEEM to be a probelm -- but I've never actually measured how longs it takes the original Heath frame relay to close. You really should do that. 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] Gremlins in the K3 firmware Downloads
Installing the latest beta just gave me similar results of the Gremlins. Mostly failure to load and PLL error codes. I have had no problems in the past and so I reverted to an earlier version. Then I realized I was doing a lot of stuff in the background while the firmware was loading. Yep when I closed everything else down the newest version jumped right up and worked. I run the Elecraft USB/serial cable on a Macbook. It works equally as well under Mac OS X as it does under WinXP..but only when I shut down everything else first. Didn't notice this before because I think the excitement of playing with the cable and firmware revision was absorbing enough I didn't have anything else running. The process has been so stable and simple it has become routine and somewhat boring so I have taken to playing solitaire or surfing while it is running. Obviously my machine stumbles with the load and the comport transfer suffers. YMMV Jim NS5U/1 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Gremlins-in-the-K3-firmware-Downloads-tp796558p796558.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 - Temperature Specifications
Thanks Gary (and others), I think that since fitting the 2nd RX the unit gets quite a bit warmer. The supply volts are 13.7 and the current on receive is 1.07A, so that's about 14W, not excessive. If the unit is on receive and the fans are not running, the only place for the heat to escape from the front half of the K3 is via the speaker hole, and by conduction through the case. The slots at the back half of the top cover seem to let little heat out because of the height of the PA shield. Haven't got an 'official' reply yet. 73 Stewart G3RXQ On Sun, 31 Aug 2008 21:03:37 -0700 (PDT), W7TEA wrote: Stewart, I don't know the specifications. My shack is 23C and the K3 has been on receive all day. The FP is 31-32C and PA is 30C. My fans start when I'm barely into a QSO and when the PA reaches 37C. I calibrated the PA just yesterday. 73, GAry W7TEA I have had my K3 on receive most of the day, whilst doing other things in the shack. By chance I touched the top of the case and it felt quite hot, given that the shack temperature is 26 deg. According to the LCD readout both the FP and PA temps were at 34 deg. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
