RE: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Beta firmware rev. 2.57
Joe Subich, W4TV-3 wrote: Traditional ALC operates by overdriving the final amplifier. It senses grid current Which is an indication of overdrive and uses that to turn down the drive. Previous generations of solid state radios turned to sensing output power for the level reference. However, those after the fact ALC circuits have two serious issues ... first overdrive must have already occurred to generate an ALC signal and overshoot is certain but there is also no protection against overdrive and distortion in the low level intermediate stages. The K3 generates its ALC in the early stages (the DSP) using a feed forward technique that delays the RF to allow the control signal proper effect. By controlling the level early in the transmission chain, the K3 ALC prevents overshoot, protects against distortion due to RF compression or clipping after the masking filter or channel filter and eliminates distortion due to ALC hunting (the effects of ALC constantly overcorrecting then under correcting). Instead of using a short ALC time-constant (which causes the hunting distortion in conventional designs), the K3's power level control can almost have a fixed gain with only a slow time constant for fine adjustment. However, since the power control really sets the average power (e.g. CW), there must be some compensation for differences in the peak to average power ratios of various voices, the level of compression/clipping in use and different modulation types (particularly some data modes with very high peak to average ratios) so that operations with minimal clipping or modes with high peak to average power ratios do not overdrive the driver and PA on peaks even though the average power is well below the level that has been set. Thank you for the excellent explanation, Joe. If that's the case, how does someone who does not have a peak reading wattmeter set up the gain so that the PEP output is equal to the amount of power set on the power control? I can feed a sine wave in and adjust the gain so that the RMS output is correct. But if I understand you correctly, the actual peak output will be dependent on the peak to mean ratio of the signal being fed in, so the only way to set the peak power on any mode that modulates the amplitude of the carrier is to calibrate TXG VCE using a scope or a meter that can tell you accurately what the peak power is? In fact, if the power control is really setting the average power, then if I turn off the compressor because I'm talking to someone who is already getting me S9, won't the effect of the slow time constant ALC then be to increase the gain to bring the average power level (and consequently the peak power level) up, because the peak to mean ratio with compressor off will be greater than when it is on? - 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/Re%3A-K3-Beta-firmware-rev.-2.57-tp1374954p1378556.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] SUB / Split feature request
When using the sub receiver and in split mode I would like the cw sidetone to appear in the right headphone only, as a nice reminder of which VFO I am transmitting on. 73, Ken K5KA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] W2ENY headsets for kenwood radios ( K3)
Has anyone tried Bob W2ENY's Kenwood headsets on a K3, do they plug straight in being Kenwood plugs or do they need modification? They seem to be excellent units and I'm looking for a possible headset/ mic combination to use here at home with K3 #133 and with our radio club ( VK6ANC) two K3's when we get them in a few months time. Thanks guys 73 Keith -- Keith VK6XH / VK6DXR Chairman WIA VK6 Advisory Committee. Northern Corridor Radio Group Inc VK6ANC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 26th October
The change back to GMT from British Summer Time only helped a little with the QRM levels this weekend. 3 stations were quite weak and a problem to copy for several of us. Topics were: G4ILO's KComm software (and internal encoding/decoding data modes with it and the K3), latest K3 firmware and issues of no longer including AM compression, K3 ALC control (lack of power control), power metering, Perseus and other SDR receivers as pan adapters for the K3 and 5 MHz spurious emissions from early serial number K3s. Stations were: G0NEY, Mike G0MJW, Mike G3YHM, Rod M0GJH, Andrew GW0ETF, Stewart G4ILO, Julian EI6IZ, Brendan G4LWA, Alan M1PAF, Paul G0AYD, Dave 73 until next week. Dave, G4AON K3/100, 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] W2ENY headsets for kenwood radios ( K3)
Kieth, The answer is 'it all depends'. You will have to do some checking of the information about that particular mic. Look at the microphone pinout information. If either pins 5 or 6 are used, then that particular Kenwood microphone is *not* compatible with the K3. If pins 5 and 6 have No Connection, then that Kenwood mic can be used by the K3. In general, a Kenwood dynamic mic that does not have an internal preamplifier usually meets the compatibility criteria, but Kenwood Electret mics and those with an internal preamp will not work. 73, Don W3FPR Keith Bainbridge wrote: Has anyone tried Bob W2ENY's Kenwood headsets on a K3, do they plug straight in being Kenwood plugs or do they need modification? They seem to be excellent units and I'm looking for a possible headset/ mic combination to use here at home with K3 #133 and with our radio club ( VK6ANC) two K3's when we get them in a few months time. Thanks guys 73 Keith No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.8.3/1746 - Release Date: 10/25/2008 5:55 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 HRD which version
What version of Ham Radio Deluxe works with the K3 now? Thanks es 73 Larry Putman WB3ANQ Pasadena, Maryland FM19rc www.wb3anq.com K3/10 661 TenTec Rx340 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] ATU vs. External Tuner
I have a k3 with internal antenna tuner connected to a 40 meter dipole in the attic. Will the internal ATU work for me visiting other bands or would I be better off installing a tuner between the rig and the antenna? Is an auto tuner more preferred than automatic? Thanks to all for your time. -- Frank KD8FIP ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KPA 100 Low power on 160M
Andrew, If the KPA100 low pass filter were a problem it would misbehave at both the low and high power ranges because it is always in the circuit with the KPA100 connected. A Hi Cur message means the *base K2* is drawing current in excess of the CAL CUR setting, and the power will be reduced to control the current. If the HI CUR message only shows up when driving the KPA100, then I would look for a problem in the input of the KPA100, or mis-calibration of the wattmeter in the KPA100. If you bumped the setting for R26 while working on the KPA100, that in itself may be sufficient to explain the HI CUR indication. Did you measure the actual power output with an external wattmeter or are you depending on the K2 display? If the internal wattmeter is not properly calibrated, the actual power output can be much greater than indicated by the K2. 73, Don W3FPR Andrew Lenton wrote: Hi Don, Thanks for that, Putting aside the K2's low power on 160, which no doubt has a component error value somewhere, the KPA 100 has been working at 111 Watts for two years until I disturbed the PA last week to make way for the DSP board. So something has happened to the KPA100. I only get a high current warning when the KPA100 is in use. 80 to 10 Metres is fine 11 watts no warnings! I think something has happened to the high power low pass filter, any thoughts? 73 Andrew G8UUG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Sound card interface
I hope to order a K3 next month and need to sell some equipment first. Can I sell the Tigertronics SignaLink USB if I intend to connect the K3 directly to the computer sound card? Or is an intermediate interface desirable? Benson,K4GST ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Sound card interface
Benson-2 wrote: I hope to order a K3 next month and need to sell some equipment first. Can I sell the Tigertronics SignaLink USB if I intend to connect the K3 directly to the computer sound card? Or is an intermediate interface desirable? I can't think of any reason why not. My K3 is directly connected to the computer serial port and sound card and I have not experienced any problems as a result of that. - 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/Sound-card-interface-tp1379243p1379307.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] ATU vs. External Tuner
I have a k3 with internal antenna tuner connected to a 40 meter dipole in the attic. Will the internal ATU work for me visiting other bands or would I be better off installing a tuner between the rig and the antenna? Is an auto tuner more preferred than automatic? An auto-tuner IS automatic! The K3 internal auto-tuner tunes a wide range and it works great. But if you are using a coax feed with the 40-meter dipole the SWR will be so high on bands other than 40 and 15 meters that you'll probably suffer pretty bad coax cable feedline losses. You might try a fan-dipole arrangement in the attic. As an example, parallel the 40-meter wires with 20-meter wires fed at the same point. Phil - AD5X ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Sound card interface
Like Julian, I connect my K3 directly to my on motherboard sound card and it works great. I also connect to a proper RS232 serial port on my PC for rig control. If you use Ham Radio Deluxe and it's DM780 data mode program DM780 will display the real RF frequency, corresponding to the tones, of the K3 when operating on RTTY, etc. The K3 has built in transformer isolation for the rear panel line in/out sockets. HRD will also link your K3 to other transceivers/receivers to track each other! 73 Dave, G4AON K3/100 #80 -- I hope to order a K3 next month and need to sell some equipment first. Can I sell the Tigertronics SignaLink USB if I intend to connect the K3 directly to the computer sound card? Or is an intermediate interface desirable? Benson,K4GST ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] ATU vs. External Tuner
Frank MacDonell wrote: I have a k3 with internal antenna tuner connected to a 40 meter dipole in the attic. Will the internal ATU work for me visiting other bands or would I be better off installing a tuner between the rig and the antenna? Is an auto tuner more preferred than automatic? Thanks to all for your time. That depends on what antennas you will be using on other bands and what the SWR will be. Although the KAT3 will match a wider range of loads than the internal ATUs in most non-Elecraft radios, the SWR still exists between the output of the tuner and the antenna, and and can result in considerable signal loss if coaxial cable is used (see http://www.g4ilo.com/antenna.html). I used a KAT2 to tune a non-resonant loop in my attic for several years, but my shack is in the room directly below the attic and the length of the coax was only about 8 feet. If you are a much longer distance from your antenna feed point then you would be better off either using open wire feed and an external balanced tuner, or else using a battery powered remote automatic ATU in the attic at the feed point so you use a coax feeder without undue loss. If you will be trying to use your 40m dipole on other bands then the mismatch will be quite considerable on most of them and you should consider one or other of the options stated above. If on the other hand you add resonant lengths for other bands to the same feed point, creating a fan dipole, then you should be able to get a good match on those bands and you will be able to use the KAT3 without worrying about feeder loss. - 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/ATU-vs.-External-Tuner-tp1379087p1379371.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] Sound card interface
On Oct 26, 2008, at 10/268:54 AM, Benson wrote: I hope to order a K3 next month and need to sell some equipment first. Can I sell the Tigertronics SignaLink USB if I intend to connect the K3 directly to the computer sound card? Or is an intermediate interface desirable? If you are using AFSK, a separate sound card can prevent computer chimes, beeps and music from being transmitted on the air. 73 Chen, W7AY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] KPA 100 Low power on 160M
Hi Don, Ah very good point this rules out the low pass filter on the KPA 100, as low power is OK. I only have this problem on 160, as 80 to 10 are fine Th High current only show up on 160 M, the display on the K2 reads the same on the external watt meter Bird through line. SO! symptoms below are: 1 Power on display matches Watt meter from 160 to 10 ( all be it 160 is 60 Watts Max) 2 Power from 80 to 10 max 111 Watts on display and meter, no high current warning 3, Power after 60 watts on 160 I get high current warning 4, I did not disturbed R 26 it was covered by metal plate when I removed the KPA100 to make way for the DSP, and the setting of R26 would also affect other bands The Bird meter was calibrated this year with all its elements, also I have more than one Watt meter, all say the same low power on 160 and high current Something must have been disturbed somewhere!! I guess? 73's Andrew On Sun, 2008-10-26 at 10:43 -0400, Don Wilhelm wrote: Andrew, If the KPA100 low pass filter were a problem it would misbehave at both the low and high power ranges because it is always in the circuit with the KPA100 connected. A Hi Cur message means the *base K2* is drawing current in excess of the CAL CUR setting, and the power will be reduced to control the current. If the HI CUR message only shows up when driving the KPA100, then I would look for a problem in the input of the KPA100, or mis-calibration of the wattmeter in the KPA100. If you bumped the setting for R26 while working on the KPA100, that in itself may be sufficient to explain the HI CUR indication. Did you measure the actual power output with an external wattmeter or are you depending on the K2 display? If the internal wattmeter is not properly calibrated, the actual power output can be much greater than indicated by the K2. 73, Don W3FPR Andrew Lenton wrote: Hi Don, Thanks for that, Putting aside the K2's low power on 160, which no doubt has a component error value somewhere, the KPA 100 has been working at 111 Watts for two years until I disturbed the PA last week to make way for the DSP board. So something has happened to the KPA100. I only get a high current warning when the KPA100 is in use. 80 to 10 Metres is fine 11 watts no warnings! I think something has happened to the high power low pass filter, any thoughts? 73 Andrew G8UUG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] KPA 100 Low power on 160M
Andrew, FB on all of that. Before doing anything else, remove the KPA100 and run the base K2 into a dummy load. With the power at maximum, note the current draw during a TUNE (press DISPLAY to see the voltage and current). Do that on 160 as well as on 80 and 40 (to compare the current per band). If you receive a HI CUR message, increase the CAL CUR setting (up to 4 amps) to see if it goes away. If the 160 meter power output and current draw is similar to the other bands, then you can say the base K2 is OK and look for a problem in the KPA100. (the current draw at max power will normally be lower on 40 meters). The problem can actually be in the base K2 160 meter LPF - the above test will reveal it if present. 73, Don W3FPR. Andrew Lenton (Linux account) wrote: Hi Don, Ah very good point this rules out the low pass filter on the KPA 100, as low power is OK. I only have this problem on 160, as 80 to 10 are fine Th High current only show up on 160 M, the display on the K2 reads the same on the external watt meter Bird through line. SO! symptoms below are: 1 Power on display matches Watt meter from 160 to 10 ( all be it 160 is 60 Watts Max) 2 Power from 80 to 10 max 111 Watts on display and meter, no high current warning 3, Power after 60 watts on 160 I get high current warning 4, I did not disturbed R 26 it was covered by metal plate when I removed the KPA100 to make way for the DSP, and the setting of R26 would also affect other bands The Bird meter was calibrated this year with all its elements, also I have more than one Watt meter, all say the same low power on 160 and high current Something must have been disturbed somewhere!! I guess? 73's Andrew On Sun, 2008-10-26 at 10:43 -0400, Don Wilhelm wrote: Andrew, If the KPA100 low pass filter were a problem it would misbehave at both the low and high power ranges because it is always in the circuit with the KPA100 connected. A Hi Cur message means the *base K2* is drawing current in excess of the CAL CUR setting, and the power will be reduced to control the current. If the HI CUR message only shows up when driving the KPA100, then I would look for a problem in the input of the KPA100, or mis-calibration of the wattmeter in the KPA100. If you bumped the setting for R26 while working on the KPA100, that in itself may be sufficient to explain the HI CUR indication. Did you measure the actual power output with an external wattmeter or are you depending on the K2 display? If the internal wattmeter is not properly calibrated, the actual power output can be much greater than indicated by the K2. 73, Don W3FPR Andrew Lenton wrote: Hi Don, Thanks for that, Putting aside the K2's low power on 160, which no doubt has a component error value somewhere, the KPA 100 has been working at 111 Watts for two years until I disturbed the PA last week to make way for the DSP board. So something has happened to the KPA100. I only get a high current warning when the KPA100 is in use. 80 to 10 Metres is fine 11 watts no warnings! I think something has happened to the high power low pass filter, any thoughts? 73 Andrew G8UUG ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.8.3/1747 - Release Date: 10/26/2008 9:27 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Fwd: [Elecraft] ATU vs. External Tuner - Please
All of the suggestions so far are good; however, it sure would be great if Elecraft would offer a true remote tuner that can be mounted at the antenna feedpoint. This might even alleviate the need for some of us to consider a KPA800, etc. As an alternate, maybe a kit to make the existing KAT3 remoteable would be good. 73, Henry - K4TMC K3/100 #98 -Original Message- From: Julian, G4ILO [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sun, 26 Oct 2008 12:31 pm Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ATU vs. External Tuner Frank MacDonell wrote: I have a k3 with internal antenna tuner connected to a 40 meter dipole in the attic. Will the internal ATU work for me visiting other bands or would I be better off installing a tuner between the rig and the antenna? Is an auto tuner more preferred than automatic? Thanks to all for your time. That depends on what antennas you will be using on other bands and what the SWR will be. Although the KAT3 will match a wider range of loads than the internal ATUs in most non-Elecraft radios, the SWR still exists between the output of the tuner and the antenna, and and can result in considerable signal loss if coaxial cable is used (see http://www.g4ilo.com/antenna.html). I used a KAT2 to tune a non-resonant loop in my attic for several years, but my shack is in the room directly below the attic and the length of the coax was only about 8 feet. If you are a much longer distance from your antenna feed point then you would be better off either using open wire feed and an external balanced tuner, or else using a battery powered remote automatic ATU in the attic at the feed point so you use a coax feeder without undue loss. If you will be trying to use your 40m dipole on other bands then the mismatch will be quite considerable on most of them and you should consider one or other of the options stated above. If on the other hand you add resonant lengths for other bands to the same feed point, creating a fan dipole, then you should be able to get a good match on those bands and you will be able to use the KAT3 without worrying about feeder loss. - 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/ATU-vs.-External-Tuner-tp1379087p1379371.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: Fwd: [Elecraft] ATU vs. External Tuner - Please
At 12:47 PM 10/26/2008, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: All of the suggestions so far are good; however, it sure would be great if Elecraft would offer a true remote tuner that can be mounted at the antenna feedpoint. This might even alleviate the need for some of us to consider a KPA800, etc. or does it illuminate a need for two remote tuners100 watt and later a 2 killerwatt for the kpa1500.. both viable worldwide marketsfor all brands of stuff ... and small enough not to be factory builtKITS YEA !!! bill ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] ATU vs. External Tuner
Frank, Since the dipole is in the attic, you are probably not getting perfect swr without a tuner. The antenna is a compromise unless you have a very large attic with little metal near by. If you have trimmed it for resonance at 40 meters I assume it is quite a bit shorter than a standard dipole due the proximity of the roof and wood work. If the dipole is actually resonant at 40 meters then it will work poorly on 20 meters even if you can match it at the radio with some combination of feedline and tuner. Please note that a perfect dipole up high in the clear will not be 1 to 1 swr at resonance but will be 70 to 90 ohms. Do not fall into the trap of trying to obtain a perfect match on every band. I would try a non resonant length (g5rv style) fed with coax. It will be more effective on multiple bands and the SWR will not be too high to tune as it is on the second harmonic with a resonant dipole. The antenna center impedance of the g5rv lengths (102' or 88' if in the clear) avoids extreme high impedances on several of the HF bands. The coax losses should be be acceptable on most bands. I would certainly try that with the K3 tuner If you have carefully trimmed the 40 meter for resonance in place in the attic, try adding about 25% length and if necessary folding the ends to fit. There is nothing wrong with trying fan dipoles if you have the space and can trim appropriately. I am sure others will correct my ball park numbers. I also would not get carried away about the perfect feedline length for feeding a g5rv. The best feed line is the shortest one that goes from the antenna to the tuner. That said, if the coax line is very long, then a remote tuner is nice. The K3 tuner is excellent. I would use it . If you fall into a good automatic remote tuner use that. But consider the fact that resonant antennas to not necessarily radiate better than properly tuned non resonant lengths. John KH7T Frank MacDonell wrote: I have a k3 with internal antenna tuner connected to a 40 meter dipole in the attic. Will the internal ATU work for me visiting other bands or would I be better off installing a tuner between the rig and the antenna? Is an auto tuner more preferred than automatic? Thanks to all for your time. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] ATU vs. External Tuner
I have a situation that is similar! I have a 40 meter dipole in the attic of a single story ranch type home. Diope elevation about 12 feet, with ends bent at 90 degrees to make it fit in attic. It is fed with 75 ohm twin lead. I am using it as a dipole on 40/30/20 meters OK with a K1 and a T1 external tuner. Results pretty good considering on those bands. I have also used it on 80 and 160 meters by shorting the feeder and connecting to the hot (center conductor on BNC jack) and a counterpoise to the ground connection on the T1. Results were usable on 80 meters and 160 even though it is a stretch on 160! Could fairly constantly work a station 200-250 miles distant with weak signals on that band. I haven't a lot of radio time available these days as my XYL had a stroke last year and duties around the house keep me busy and away from getting on the air. I do have an HF Packer amplifier I built a few years ago, and it gives me around 25-35 watts on all bands with around 2 watts drive from the K1. Eventually I plan on getting an Inverted L antenna up on that side of the house in the trees and working it against a counterpoise and ground rod. 73, Sandy W5TVW - Original Message - From: John Buck [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: Frank MacDonell [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, October 26, 2008 4:19 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] ATU vs. External Tuner Frank, Since the dipole is in the attic, you are probably not getting perfect swr without a tuner. The antenna is a compromise unless you have a very large attic with little metal near by. If you have trimmed it for resonance at 40 meters I assume it is quite a bit shorter than a standard dipole due the proximity of the roof and wood work. If the dipole is actually resonant at 40 meters then it will work poorly on 20 meters even if you can match it at the radio with some combination of feedline and tuner. Please note that a perfect dipole up high in the clear will not be 1 to 1 swr at resonance but will be 70 to 90 ohms. Do not fall into the trap of trying to obtain a perfect match on every band. I would try a non resonant length (g5rv style) fed with coax. It will be more effective on multiple bands and the SWR will not be too high to tune as it is on the second harmonic with a resonant dipole. The antenna center impedance of the g5rv lengths (102' or 88' if in the clear) avoids extreme high impedances on several of the HF bands. The coax losses should be be acceptable on most bands. I would certainly try that with the K3 tuner If you have carefully trimmed the 40 meter for resonance in place in the attic, try adding about 25% length and if necessary folding the ends to fit. There is nothing wrong with trying fan dipoles if you have the space and can trim appropriately. I am sure others will correct my ball park numbers. I also would not get carried away about the perfect feedline length for feeding a g5rv. The best feed line is the shortest one that goes from the antenna to the tuner. That said, if the coax line is very long, then a remote tuner is nice. The K3 tuner is excellent. I would use it . If you fall into a good automatic remote tuner use that. But consider the fact that resonant antennas to not necessarily radiate better than properly tuned non resonant lengths. John KH7T Frank MacDonell wrote: I have a k3 with internal antenna tuner connected to a 40 meter dipole in the attic. Will the internal ATU work for me visiting other bands or would I be better off installing a tuner between the rig and the antenna? Is an auto tuner more preferred than automatic? Thanks to all for your time. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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: 8.0.175 / Virus Database: 270.8.3/1747 - Release Date: 10/26/2008 9:27 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] ATU vs. External Tuner
The balanced antenna, center fed, with balanced line, is the lower loss system of many. The fun part... is that while looking for inexpensive feedline, I've found that the poor, fast replaced speaker lead wire... you know the stuff, clear, copper, and only two conductors, work out very nicely for an antenna. In fact... a broad banded, dipole can be fashioned out of that wire, with the two elements having the ends twisted together, and still using just one run of the wire for feed, works right nice. The balanced line feeds through walls and up past the insulation nicely too. And the T-1 tunes it real nice. --... ...--Dale - WC7S in Wy _ Stay organized with simple drag and drop from Windows Live Hotmail. http://windowslive.com/Explore/hotmail?ocid=TXT_TAGLM_WL_hotmail_102008___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] Sound card interface
Kok Chen wrote: If you are using AFSK, a separate sound card can prevent computer chimes, beeps and music from being transmitted on the air. If you are dedicating your computer sound card for radio use, as I do with my shack computer, you can just disable all the sound effects from the control panel. Personally I'd hang on to the SignalLink, but only for the convenience of keeping the computer's sound card for other uses. - 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/Sound-card-interface-tp1379243p1380407.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] Real CW
For those who think commercial CW is dead, check this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwz_1KnNqv0 Granted, CW outside the Ham bands isn't common any longer. This was shot while the SS Lane Victory was in port, prior to setting sail for Catalina Island off the California Coast, I believe. The Lane Victory is not a new vessel. (SS stands for Steam Ship.) And the sidetone on the old gear isn't really THAT bad, but I chuckled thinking about those who are offended by anything but a pure sine wave on their Ham rigs G. Obviously this operator didn't have any trouble with it. The radio console is an old RCA RadioMarine unit, very typical of ships equipped from WWII onward until solid state took over. Also, the operator isn't using phones, something he probably did so you can hear the CW. The speeds and procedure is typical of commercial shipboard operations. Those interested in CW might enjoy noting the speeds involved. Many Hams would consider that slow. At the end you'll hear the coastal station go back to it's CQ Wheel inviting ships to call. That's automated and faster - about 20 wpm. But traffic handling speeds are typically much slower as demonstrated here. Commercial operators know that slower speeds overall meant faster communications since fewer fills (repeats) are needed. And lastly, that is a pre-computer state-of-the-art manual message printing system the operator uses to create hard copy. We called 'em typewriters. Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Real CW
Cool video, This video reminds me of some of the equipment that I used to work on in the late 1970's. I used to work for ITT Mackay Marine. I was not a radio operator. I worked as a bench technician repairing HF receivers and other equipment that were removed from the ship for service. 73, Bob Johansen WB2SRF Get the shot you need with a discreet new spy camera. Click now! http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL2141/fc/Ioyw6i3m1ErIN8t8bondJL4F3LxQ5xJvR5klFdqW1ab4KhbCg9SloO/ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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: ACC connector and cable
Be careful when buying a VGA extender cable and expecting it to work for the ACC connector on the K3. Every extender cable I have checked here lacks one of the required wires (pin 9 is not connected in the cable) . Has anyone found a VGA extender cable that has ALL pins connected? If so, I'd sure like to know the source. Dave, W5UN ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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: ACC connector and cable
Dave Blaschke wrote: Be careful when buying a VGA extender cable and expecting it to work for the ACC connector on the K3. Every extender cable I have checked here lacks one of the required wires (pin 9 is not connected in the cable) . Has anyone found a VGA extender cable that has ALL pins connected? If so, I'd sure like to know the source. I think it's unlikely. I just checked the pinout for a 15-pin VGA connector and pin 9 is shown as Key (no pin). So I'm surprised there is even a pin there, never mind a connection to it. - Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222. http://www.g4ilo.com/ G4ILO's Shack http://www.ham-directory.com/ Ham Directoryhttp://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html KComm for Elecraft K2 and K3 -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/Re%3A-K3%3A-ACC-connector-and-cable-tp1380558p1380574.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: ACC connector and cable
You want HD-15 cables that have all 15 wires? And you want them cheap right? Try: http://www.winfordeng.com/products/ext15hd.php $ 4.25 for the cable. And if I may, take a look at Winford's way cool breakout connector for the HD-15: http://www.winfordeng.com/products/brk15hd.php You would want to order the male version, with a male-female extension cord. For a very low price, you get all 15 pins on a captive wire board. I have one of these at my 6 meter SSB (K3) remote base site. If I loose power, the K3 shuts down and stays down. By using this breakout, and a parallel port relay port off the computer at the site, I can tickle the K3 remote on pin, and save myself a drive to the site. I don't think you can find anything more cost effective that a BRK15HDM-R-FT and a EXT15HD-6, for $ 20.25 plus shipping . Online ordering. Tom Bosscher K8TB ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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] CONFIG 2 Tone
My 2 TONE output is 53 watts on my PowerMaster meter with K3 power set to 100 watts on LSB and 43 watts on USB. I am using v.2.57 firmware and I thought both sidebands were supposed to be usable. My filter is 2.7 Hhz with a -.84 offset. With 2 TONE turned ON the MIC control becomes TN1 which can be adjusted to plus or minus parameters that displays in the VFO B area. I believe this increases the amplitude of tone #1. Tone #1 is presently set at 0. What control increases the amplitude of tone #2? Why are my sidebands showing such a difference in power? Could it be the skirt shape of the filter is different on each side which causes this? I presume the two tone amplitudes can be adjusted using a scope. Roy Morris W4WFB___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 KRX3 notch
I searched the archives and didn't see this one. Is the notch filter on the to-do list for the second receiver? I assume it'll follow when the separate NR and NB are implemented. Thanks. Forrest WA3FAE -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-KRX3-notch-tp1380786p1380786.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] ATU vs. External Tuner
Please remember that before vacuum tubes, etc, hams were communicating with all kinds of gear. Return to ur roots, string up something and try it! Modern rigs are SWR protected so don't worry so much... experiment, and stop looking to experts for their GREAT advice. Have fun! Charles Harpole [EMAIL PROTECTED] From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [Elecraft] ATU vs. External Tuner Date: Sun, 26 Oct 2008 16:49:31 -0600 CC: elecraft@mailman.qth.net The balanced antenna, center fed, with balanced line, is the lower loss system of many. The fun part... is that while looking for inexpensive feedline, I've found that the poor, fast replaced speaker lead wire... you know the stuff, clear, copper, and only two conductors, work out very nicely for an antenna. In fact... a broad banded, dipole can be fashioned out of that wire, with the two elements having the ends twisted together, and still using just one run of the wire for feed, works right nice. The balanced line feeds through walls and up past the insulation nicely too. And the T-1 tunes it real nice. --... ...-- Dale - WC7S in Wy Stay organized with simple drag and drop from Windows Live Hotmail. Try it ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 Ser. No. 1937 on the air
OK Guys, One more up and running, just the basic K3/10 using a T1 tuner, more goodies to follow once I figure out how to use the basic stuff. 73, Doug W7RDP ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, 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 October 26th 27th, 2008
Good Evening, When Dale said the band (40) would go long shortly he was correct. In only about ten minutes the band flew eastward and then out over the ocean. I bet I could have waited a few minutes and worked EU :) But there were a fair number of check ins none the less. Folks east of me were mentioning QSB. I was hearing the QRN rise as the band moved too. I had three reports of snow: AK, ND, and MN. Ken had active snowfall with very high winds. I, on the other hand, had a dry day with sun and a light breeze. I got to walk the property and found three of the corner posts. Two of them were much easier than normal because of the clear cuts; one of them quite recent. The other cut was before the windstorm but this was the first I had had time to walk the acreage. Mostly I walk a little and see how much cutting I will have to do to clear all the damage and get overwhelmed. Notice I said three corner posts. I haven't been to the furthest one in many years. I think I was last there in 2002. While the weather is so pleasant I just may walk the entire perimeter. I have only done that once in the twelve years I have lived here. There never seems to be time enough to do it. Propagation was fair today on both bands. I only had one Northeastern station, a few from the Southeast, none from the South or Southwest, and only a few from the Western states east of me. Hawaii boomed in today with Curt on his new K3. California was well represented also. In only a couple days (the 29th) a new solar stream will hit the earth. Hopefully that will liven up the ionosphere for next week's sessions. On to the lists = On 14050.5 kHz at 2255z: N0SS - Tom - MO - K3 - 008 W6ZH - Pete - CA - KX1 - 384 K6PJV - Dale - CA - K3 - 1183 K6DGW - Fred - CA - K3 - 642 AH6RE - Curt - HI - K3 - 469 QNI #35!!! K9ZTV - Kent - MO - K3 - 21 KL7CW - Rick - AK - KX1 - 798 W0CZ - Ken - ND - K3 - 457 AK2B - Tom - NY - K3 - 109 N0AR - Scott - MN - K2 - 4866 WC7S - Dale - WY - K2 - 4360 QNI #20!!! W1TF - Ty - GA - K3 - 696 W0SZ - Steve - CO - K3 - 176 W4SEC - Pete - FL - K2 - 5813 AB9V - Mike - IN - K3 - 398 W0JFR - John - CO - K3 - 994 On 7044.5 kHz at 0200z: W6ZH - Pete - CA - KX1 - 384 KL7CW - Rick - AK - KX1 - 798 * QNI #145 * WC7S - Dale - WY - K2 - 4360 W3TMZ - Pete - FL - K3 - 1169 W1TF - Ty - GA - K3 - 696QNI #50!!! K6DGW - Fred - CA - K3 - 642 * QNI #105 * K6PJV - Dale - CA - K3 - 1183 K9ZTV - Kent - MO - K3 - 21 W4SEC - Pete - FL - K2 - 5813 K4JPN - Steve - GA - K2 - 1422 * QNI #100 * N0AR - Scott - MN - K2 - 4866 If there are any corrections necessary to the above lists please email me. Thank you for all the pleasant contacts over the years. It truly is fun to hear each of you. I especially like to hear how the weather varies across the regions. Guess that dates to when I was very young and would trace the states on the weather map for practice. Got good at freehand sketching the perimeter of the US. I think I may be some sort of map freak. But that goes with amateur radio and all the different parts of the world we can contact. There may be a connection here ;) 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] Real CW
Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: The speeds and procedure is typical of commercial shipboard operations. Those interested in CW might enjoy noting the speeds involved. Many Hams would consider that slow. At the end you'll hear the coastal station go back to it's CQ Wheel inviting ships to call. That's automated and faster - about 20 wpm. But traffic handling speeds are typically much slower as demonstrated here. Commercial operators know that slower speeds overall meant faster communications since fewer fills (repeats) are needed. Note how the operator uses QSK to get his fills efficiently. Maybe the coastal station even ran full duplex, which is possible when the transmitter is located miles from the receiving site. Now that is the ultimate in QSK -- even the K3 can't do it! -- 73, Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K3: ACC connector and cable
I don't think you can find anything more cost effective that a BRK15HDM-R-FT and a EXT15HD-6, for $ 20.25 plus shipping . Online ordering. FWIW this is what I am presently using, too. YMMV 73, Lyle KK7P ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] CONFIG 2 Tone
...With 2 TONE turned ON the MIC control becomes TN1 which can be adjusted to plus or minus parameters that displays in the VFO B area. I believe this increases the amplitude of tone #1. Tone #1 is presently set at 0. What control increases the amplitude of tone #2? Why are my sidebands showing such a difference in power? The reason for allowing the adjustment of one tone relative to the other is to allow you to achieve perfect balance between the two tones for IMD testing. The reason for the possible slight difference in tone amplitude, or twist, is due to ripple in the roofing filter and/or the Tx mixer crystal filter. You can observe this on an oscilloscope, and even more easily on a spectrum analyzer. The assumption is that you are observing the output this way, since that is the most practical way to measure IMD. 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
