Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings forgotten

[David Woolley (E.L)]

Erik N Basilier wrote:
> 
> I am very familiar with the internals of computers, more than enough to 
> know that these behaviors can be expected unless one pointedly designs 
> to eliminate them, and that *can* be done. There is no fundamental 

One factor to consider here is that the flash memory has a limited write 
cycle life time, typically in the range of 100,000 to 1,000,000 cycles. 
  That means that you don't want to write every change back immediately.


> reasons that any machine that contains a computer needs to behave like a 
> PC. I do not mean to criticize the design of the K3, particularly since 
> we know that there are more important goals for the designers. My 
> objective was just to find out whether the behavior of my K3 was 
> consistent with the K3 design. In general, I find the K3 to be much more 
> free from those "computerish" characteristics than a PC is, and that is 
> one reason I am using a K3 and not a radio that depends on a PC to 
> function.

-- 
David Woolley
"The Elecraft list is a forum for the discussion of topics related to 
Elecraft products and more general topics related ham radio"
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[Elecraft] [K2]...Hot glue toroids to PCB???

[Mike-WE0H]

Building my K2. Does anyone see any issues with using hot glue to glue 
the toroids down to the boards? I've never had issues gluing toroids 
down in my 600 meter projects. Inductance values have never changed from 
no glue to glued down. But with the K2, it just doesn't seem right to 
leave the toroids loose without gluing them to the boards. So what do 
you guys think, glue or no glue?

Many thanks,
Mike
WE0H
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Re: [Elecraft] K1 ANTENNA

[dyarnes]

Chuck and All,

The Par End Feds work fine with a K-1, but you need to get one end up in the 
air as much as possible.  You might be better off with one of the portable 
vertical systems at the beach.

Dave W7AQK


- Original Message - 
From: "Chuck Pridgen" 
To: 
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 9:49 PM
Subject: [Elecraft] K1 ANTENNA


> HOW MANY OF YOU ARE USING PAR ELECTRONICS END FEDS WITH YOU K1 OR OTHER 
> ELECRAFTS.
>
> I WOULD LIKE INPUT ON HOW THEY HAVE WORKED FOR YOU, AND HOW YOU HAVE 
> MOUNTED THEM.
>
> I AM INTERESTED IN USING THEM AT THE BEACH THIS SUMMER.
>
> THANKS, CHUCK N4UED
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Re: [Elecraft] Power off settings: ANT1 / ANT2

[wayne burdick]

Hi Nick,

There are no latching relays on the KAT3. It resets to ANT1 when 
powered down.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

On Mar 1, 2009, at 5:34 PM, Nick-WA5BDU wrote:

> Speaking of the powering down housekeeping routines, here's one I
> wondered about a while back.  Maybe it's a proposal ...
>
> I generally just use the ANT1 connector and do my antenna switching and
> disconnecting ahead of that, externally.  ANT 2 is currently connected
> to my dummy load.  Assuming the antenna relays remain latched in their
> last selected position when off, it might be a good enhancement to have
> the rig switch to a defined position when OFF, as an option.  In many
> cases, that could provide modest protection against lightning induced
> transients entering the rig.

---

http://www.elecraft.com

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[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Report for March 1st, 2009

[Kevin Rock]

Good Evening,
   After I found an open spot between contesters I started making my 
announcement.  I was answered immediately by two early callers.  They were easy 
to copy.  Then a couple more called me.  By then it was net time so I ran 
through the pre-net litany and was greeted by two more callers and a wall of 
noise.  That noise did not cease for the entire time.  When I passed net 
control to Tom I thought I was never going to be able to copy his list when he 
was done.  I copied indirectly four of his callers and part of a fifth.  But 
when there were gaps I assumed he was working others.  I was right.  When he 
passed control back to me he was nearly inaudible but I copied he was going 
QRO.  Once the tubes came up to temperature he was much easier to copy so I got 
his list directly.  The two I had missed were not surprising: one was in 
Washington, well inside my skip range, and the other was in Cuba, well beyond 
my hearing.  

On to the list =>

   On 14049.5 kHz at 2300z:
K9DMV - Joe - IL - K2 - 5628  QNI #45!!!
K1THP - Dave - CT - K3 - 686 
N0SS - Tom - MO - K3 - 008*** QNI #300 ***
W0CZ - Ken - ND - K3 - 457
W6ZH - Pete - CA - K1 - 553
AB9V - Mike - IN - K3 - 398
K7SJ - Roger - WA - K3 - 75
K6DGW - Fred - CA - K3 - 642
CO6YW - Rigoberto - Cuba
K6PJV - Dale - CA - K3 - 1183
AE6IC - Fred - CA - ? - 2241
K6BBQ/PM - Rem - CA - K3 - 581
AK2B - Tom - NY - K3 - 109

   Today has been rainy but only now is it falling hard.  Viewing the satellite 
photo I see the northern half of California is cloud covered too.  Hopefully 
that means rain for you parched folks.  I read where Arnold is preparing you 
for voluntary water rationing.  Your snow pack is not good and reservoir levels 
are down.  Looks like the price of almonds will go higher this year; maybe 
other produce as well.  Oregon is not much better but our farmers are OK for 
now.  Perhaps this weather will offer you enough snow in the Sierras to fill 
the reservoirs a little later. 
   Space Weather predicts another solar stream will hit on the 3rd of March.  I 
thought something was going on today from the sounds of things but there was no 
mention of it there.  Next week the clocks will spring ahead by one hour so I 
will reinstate the 40 meter net and hope for the best.  One can never tell how 
conditions may be in the future but I do have my rabbit's foot ready for use ;) 
 I did get a few pleas for spring to begin.  I feel the same way but in Oregon 
you never really know it's spring until it is over.  It is such a long drawn 
out affair but I will detail the flower progression as they bloom.  Driving up 
and down in elevation gives me predictions of what is to come here, higher on 
the mountain.  I need to mark the flowering dogwood on the property so I can 
take cuttings and propagate them.  They have such simple, elegant flowers I 
want some more.  
   Until next week stay warm and dry,
  73,
 Kevin.  KD5ONS  (Net Control Operator 5th Class)

-
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[Elecraft] K1 ANTENNA

[Chuck Pridgen]

HOW MANY OF YOU ARE USING PAR ELECTRONICS END FEDS WITH YOU K1 OR OTHER 
ELECRAFTS.

I WOULD LIKE INPUT ON HOW THEY HAVE WORKED FOR YOU, AND HOW YOU HAVE MOUNTED 
THEM.

I AM INTERESTED IN USING THEM AT THE BEACH THIS SUMMER.

THANKS, CHUCK N4UED
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[Elecraft] CocoModem, PSK31, and K3 (Randy Cook)

[Randy Cook]

I have had my K3 (#2050) for a couple of months, and want to try  
PSK31.  I am having some issues getting it to work, and would  
appreciate some assistance off-line from a fellow Mac user.

I am running with a recent iMac, OS 10.5, and using the latest version  
of CocoModem.  I have used Cocomodem successfully on PSK with my  
previous rig a while ago.

Thanks in advance.

Randy Cook
crc...@alumni.calpoly.edu
K6CRC


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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft SSB Net results (3/1/09)

[Phil and Christina]

Sam and others,

Sorry to those who tried but were unable to check in.  We may need a more
systematic relay approach to help us through the strange differential
propagation conditions we are experiencing.  Some hear others well and some
don't.  I will be looking at a second antenna here (maybe just for receive,
maybe both).  Keep trying.  If anyone who hears most stations wants to stick
around for the entire net to help relay in others, that would be great.
Thanks,

73,

Phil, NS7P

-Original Message-
From: Sam Morgan [mailto:ka5...@gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 2:48 PM
To: Phil and Christina
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft SSB Net results (3/1/09)


Phil and Christina wrote:
> We had a good turn-out for the SSB net today (1800Z) on 14.316 MHz, and
most
> of the signals were good to net control.  However, some stations reporting
> hearing few others.  The skip may be too long for many eastern or
midwestern
> stations to hear each other well.  Peter, ZL1PWD, checked in from New
> Zealand for the second week in a row.  Peter was weak but there (into the
> back of my Quad).  We had good discussions about the merits of the second
> receiver in the K3 and audio quality.  We ran about 26 minutes today.
>
> Here is a list of the 29 participants:
>
> Station   NameQTH Rig S/N
>
> AB1KC Bruce   RI  K3  2674
> KM5Q  Windy   NM  K3  764
> W1AIU Joe CT  K3  269
> KA0PLWLarry   MN  K3  1953
> N1LQ  DaveMA  K3  371
> K1BBM JohnMA  K3  2579
> K8MBY PhilOH  K3  609
> W1TF  Ty  GA  K3  696
> W6UO  NormCA  K3  755
> W3NF  Lloyd   MD  K3  1910
> K8DJC Nelson  OH  K3  560
> KB9AVSSteve   IN  K3  2443
> KB9AVOPaulIN  K3
> ZL1PWDPeter   NZ  K3  139
> AD5SX PaulNM  Jupitor
> W0NTA DickCO  K3  1208
> K2LTS PeteNY  K3  1028
> KE4WY Jim KY  K3  2165
> KB4ZVMDan SC  K2  1757
> WB6HPFAl  CA  K3  974
> NZ0T  BillKS  K3  1503
> N1EU  Barry   NY  K3  300
> AE5JD BartTX  K3  2106
> AE6IC FredCA  K3  2241
> NV5E  Rob TX  K3  1417
> W6VY  Bob CA  K3  2765
> WA7U  ToddMT  K3  726
> KA7ARKAdamWA  K3  2265
> NS7P  PhilOR  K3  1826
>
report from W. Texas
only station I heard clearly (S8) was one of the 4's
not sure which one it was,
but he changed the # of which rig he was operating from,
there was a big heterodyne on freq from a signal about 2 kc away
so any copy was poor since my K2 has no notch filter.

I tried asking for a relay a couple of times, but no response.

--
GB & 73
KA5OAI
Sam Morgan

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Re: [Elecraft] External keyers with K3 - recommended?

[Vic K2VCO]

LB3SA wrote:

> Does anyone recommend an external keyer even with the K3?? I would rather
> not hook on external boxes unless it will give me something extra.
> 
> If I do, I understand that Logikey and Microkeyer are great products.

The internal keyer in the K3 is no slouch, but I find that the Logikey is more 
comfortable 
  for me -- that is, I seem to make fewer errors than with the internal keyer. 
Something 
subtle about the timing. I set a small amount of compensation (K=2 or K=3 for 
Logikey 
users), to make up for the slight shortening of elements in the K3 when using 
an external 
keyer.

This is entirely a matter of personal preference -- there's nothing wrong with 
the 
internal keyer.
-- 
73,
Vic, K2VCO
Fresno CA
http://www.qsl.net/k2vco
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Re: [Elecraft] Power off settings: ANT1 / ANT2

[Lyle Johnson]

> ...Assuming the antenna relays remain latched in their 
> last selected position when off...

The relays in the KAT3 are not latching.

73,

Lyle KK7P
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Re: [Elecraft] Weird EMI issue... part deux

[James Sarte]

Hi Tony,

Thanks for taking the time to do that test for me.

I do hear the noise with an antenna connected, but the antenna is not tuned
for 5MHz so the noise floor is pretty low.  I do not hear this noise through
the sub receiver if I use the AUX BNC connector, but I will hear it through
the sub receiver if it's using the same antenna as the main receiver.

Otherwise, everything else you've described is what I'm experiencing.  This
noise is around an S5 to maybe S7 on the meter when I move the VFO knob.

As you also discovered, turning the preamp on raises the noise floor masking
most of the EMI.  It's not very noticeable when the preamp is on.

Would it be OK to forward this email to Elecraft tech support?  I've been
maintaining a running dialogue with them regarding this issue, and your
findings may help them to develop a solution.

Thanks again and 73,
James KC2UEE



-Original Message-
From: N2TK [mailto:tony@verizon.net] 
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 8:32 PM
To: 'amstel78'
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Weird EMI issue... part deux

I was using SSB settings and had an antenna hooked up. I did not hear any
noise

I put a dummy load on the antenna jack and used AM mode. I can hear noise as
I turn the dial. I can just barely hear the noise when I turn on the preamp.
And with any antenna hooked up I do not hear any noise at all as I turn the
dial. 

Jim, do you hear this noise with an antenna hooked up? I do not, so as far
as I am concerned it does not exist. However if you hear this noise when you
have an antenna hooked up you need to talk some more to Elecraft support.

73,
N2TK/NP2, Tony 

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 Volume and Sensitivity

[Don Wilhelm]

Tom,

I would say that you have some problem with that K2 - unless you have a 
very poor antenna.

I would suggest that you first try the "Cheap and Dirty Signal Tracing" 
methods that you can download from the Builder's Resource page at the 
Elecraft website.

If that does not produce an answer that identifies the failing stage of 
the receiver, then you should go to the "Receiver Signal Tracing" 
section in the back of the K2 manual - build the oscillator and use the 
RF Probe (the parts for an RF Probe were included with your K2 kit).

Once you have identified the stage that is failing, if you cannot 
determine the failing component, give us the information about the 
failing stage and we can help you isolate the problem source.

73,
Don W3FPR

trb...@aol.com wrote:
> ((I have K2 06660 with KAT-100, KDSP2, KNB2-R, KPA100-R, KSB2-R,  KUSB 
> installed.))
> ((Currently in process of replacing KSB2's U3 for SSB problem. Can  not 
> transmit SSB. (Posted on this site last week and got 3 direct responses  
> within 
> several hours! New part fm. Elecraft in 2 days!)))
>  
> Kit is assem, aligned as directed in var.  instrs.
>  
> I notice max. audio volume not very high  - thru spkr. or headph., barely 
> enuf w AF Gain up all the  way. KDSP [AFIL] and XFIL set to FL1 and SF1 in 
> def. 
> config. NB off.  Tried turn off AGC but no signif. chg. in perf.
>  
> W/ auto-tuner, using Elecraft 1:1 balun (in wprf. box) and  temp. 50 ft 
> dipole at abt. 8 ft /gnd outside. Better (dipole and later  vert) when stops 
> raining.. and I get busy.
>  
> A notice sensitivity not great. Get reception all  bands and, w noise source, 
> can find it on all bands. Hear some  stations (CW and Phone) on 80M and 40M 
> bands with occas. sigs. other  bands - but then conds. poor & so is antenna.
>  
> Curious why, even tho. hear some sigs, must always use preamp  [PRE} and S 
> Meter never shows anything, maybe a S1 but never  higher. Compared 
> sensitivity w 
> portable Sony ICF-SW7600 and heard more  signals (and noise too, and 
> birdies!) on the Sony. 
>  
> What do other K2 owners suggest re making sure that alignment and  
> sensitivity are per-specs?
>  
> 73 DE AF6TB, Tom
>   
>
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Re: [Elecraft] k2 noise blanker

[Don Wilhelm]

Brett,

To induce a noise that your KNB2 *should* blank, turn on the preamp and 
tap on Q21 with a metal screwdriver - the clicks should disappear with 
the NB on, which will tell you that your KNB2 is working.

If the noise blankiing is not effective with the particular noise you 
are dealing with, you can try widening the gate pulse by placing an 
additional capacitor in parallel with C11.  I would suggest .001 for 
starters, but increase that to whatever your noise source demands.  BUT, 
consider that an increased gate time will cut wider "holes" on your 
received signal, so there is a compromise between a gate time that 
defeats the noise and good receive audio - if the audio distortion is 
too great, then back off on the added capacitance value.

73,
Don W3FPR

Brett Gazdzinski wrote:
> I have the noise blanker in my K2, and I have yet to find a noise it does 
> anything with.
> It seems to have no impact at all on the receiver, no matter what settings.
>
> I did remove the bypass jumper, but it does not act like it
>
> Is it supposed to be noticeable at all with it on?
>
> Brett
>   
>
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[Elecraft] Power off settings: ANT1 / ANT2

[Nick-WA5BDU]

Speaking of the powering down housekeeping routines, here's one I 
wondered about a while back.  Maybe it's a proposal ...

I generally just use the ANT1 connector and do my antenna switching and 
disconnecting ahead of that, externally.  ANT 2 is currently connected 
to my dummy load.  Assuming the antenna relays remain latched in their 
last selected position when off, it might be a good enhancement to have 
the rig switch to a defined position when OFF, as an option.  In many 
cases, that could provide modest protection against lightning induced 
transients entering the rig. 

Not as good as disconnecting, but better than being solidly connected, 
in my opinion.

73--Nick, WA5BDU

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Re: [Elecraft] Weird EMI issue... part deux

[N2TK]

I was using SSB settings and had an antenna hooked up. I did not hear any
noise

I put a dummy load on the antenna jack and used AM mode. I can hear noise as
I turn the dial. I can just barely hear the noise when I turn on the preamp.
And with any antenna hooked up I do not hear any noise at all as I turn the
dial. 

Jim, do you hear this noise with an antenna hooked up? I do not, so as far
as I am concerned it does not exist. However if you hear this noise when you
have an antenna hooked up you need to talk some more to Elecraft support.

73,
N2TK/NP2, Tony 

-Original Message-
From: amstel78 [mailto:amste...@gmail.com] 
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 8:49 PM
To: 'N2TK'
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Weird EMI issue... part deux

Hi Tony,

Interesting... what settings did you have the K3 set too when you did the
test?  Would it be possible for you to try without any antenna connected,
and have the K3 set to AM?  For me, it seems to be loudest on AM mode and
also when the preamp is turned off.  In the absence of any signal entering
the receiver is when this noise is loudest.

I've also tried reloading the software several times, from 2.78 to 2.82 and
now 2.96 and haven't noticed any difference.

If it is encoder pulses or something the synthesizer is doing around 5 MHz,
then why can't other people recreate my problem... or why does it differ
from rig to rig??

73,
James KC2UEE

-Original Message-
From: N2TK [mailto:tony@verizon.net] 
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 1:43 PM
To: 'James Sarte'
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Weird EMI issue... part deux

 
Just checked. No added noise when tuning around 5MHZ.

73,
N2TK/NP2, Tony
#311

-Original Message-
From: N2TK [mailto:tony@verizon.net] 
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 1:36 PM
To: 'James Sarte'
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Weird EMI issue... part deux

Hi James,
Just checked. I am using 2.82. Guess I got behind on the upgrades.
The only thing I do around 5MHZ is 60M and these channels are in memory. So
I would not be tuning around 5MHZ to check for this problem. Will try tuning
around 5 later today and will let you know if I have this problem.

I assume you tried reloading the firmware.

73,
N2TK/NP2, Tony




From: James Sarte [mailto:kc2...@gmail.com] 
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 1:22 PM
To: 'N2TK'
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Weird EMI issue... part deux


Hi Tony,

What software are you presently running?  I fortunately never had this VFO
encoder noise at 6m, but it is very noticeable around 5 MHz.

I'm using 2.96 beta.

73,
James KC2UEE

-Original Message-
From: N2TK [mailto:tony@verizon.net] 
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 9:13 AM
To: 'James Sarte'; 'Gregg'
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Weird EMI issue... part deux

I had the encoder noise problem on 6M. It happened when I had upgraded the
software (don't remember the version). I reloaded the software and the
problem went away. It has been fine since.
N2TK, Tony 




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Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings forgotten

[Erik N Basilier]

Ron, in those two instances where I had to take some extra steps to make
the K3 work normally again, I did correspond with Gary at Elecraft, but no
conclusion about cause was arrived at. It was only our conversation today
that made me think of the remote possibility of a connection between those
incidents and my power shutdown habits. And because you suggested it,
I now think that I should write Elecraft again about it. Thanks.

Erik K7TV

- Original Message - 
From: "Ron D'Eau Claire" 
To: "'Erik N Basilier'" ; 
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 11:57 AM
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings forgotten


> Interesting Eric.
>
> That's one you might post to k3supp...@elecraft.com. I've not seen it here
> and I suspect Wayne would be surprised to see it. (He monitors that list
> carefully.)
>
> Even though I frequently hit the POWER button switching off the main 
> supply,
> when working on the K3 on the bench testing assembly procedures, etc., I
> often just "pull the plug" with the K3 live with no ill effects.
>
> Indeed, the one problem with shutting down the K3 that I've seen was that 
> if
> the power supply wasn't turned off, a few K3s wouldn't turn on again 
> later!
> That was traced to small current leakage through the KPA3 that managed to
> keep the CPU partially "alive" so it never did a complete shutdown. But
> that's just the opposite. Turning off the main supply "fixed" the problem
> (it's also fixed by the addition of a 1N4148 diode as described in
> http://www.elecraft.com/K3/mods/KPA3_12V_Sense_Modification_Rev_A.pdf)
>
> Ron AC7AC
>
>
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Erik N Basilier [mailto:ebasil...@cox.net]
> Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 10:44 AM
> To: Ron D'Eau Claire; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings forgotten
>
> Ron, I have been shutting down the external power rather than using the 
> K3's
> power switch hundreds of times, a habit I established with earlier radios.
> I am comforted to know that you have also shut down your K3 in a similar
> way with no ill effects. But one thing now comes to mind that I didn't 
> think
> about previously. Twice in several months of having the K3 I had a problem
> where the radio seemed disconnected from the antenna and showed a high
> swr on transmit. I jiggled the connector pins at the automatic tuner board
> etc. to no effect. At the first instance, the radio just started working
> normally
> after I used its power switch to power down and back on again. The second
> time (months later) I had to reload the firmware to get back to normal.
> Of course, there is nothing to say that either incident had anything to do
> with
> how the radio was shut down, just something that came to mind. If there
> were a chance of corrupting the firmware by unexpected power loss, then
> it would have implications for portable operation where alligator clips
> happily jump off of battery terminal posts etc.
>
> 73,
> Erik K7TV
>
> - Original Message - 
> From: "Ron D'Eau Claire" 
> To: 
> Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 11:04 AM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings forgotten
>
>
>> And the K3 is pretty resistant to the sort of craziness some CPU's
>> experience with unexpected shutdowns.
>>
>> I'm not aware of anyone who has had a "crash" of the system due to the
>> power
>> being pulled unexpectedly. I've done it hundreds of times working with my
>> k3
>> without any ill effects other than, as you noted, some front panel 
>> control
>> settings may not be stored.
>>
>> FWIW that's true of the K2 as well.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Ron AC7AC
>>
>
>
> 


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Re: [Elecraft] Weird EMI issue... part deux

[James Sarte]

Hi Tony,

Interesting... what settings did you have the K3 set too when you did the
test?  Would it be possible for you to try without any antenna connected,
and have the K3 set to AM?  For me, it seems to be loudest on AM mode and
also when the preamp is turned off.  In the absence of any signal entering
the receiver is when this noise is loudest.

I've also tried reloading the software several times, from 2.78 to 2.82 and
now 2.96 and haven't noticed any difference.

If it is encoder pulses or something the synthesizer is doing around 5 MHz,
then why can't other people recreate my problem... or why does it differ
from rig to rig??

73,
James KC2UEE

-Original Message-
From: N2TK [mailto:tony@verizon.net] 
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 1:43 PM
To: 'James Sarte'
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Weird EMI issue... part deux

 
Just checked. No added noise when tuning around 5MHZ.

73,
N2TK/NP2, Tony
#311

-Original Message-
From: N2TK [mailto:tony@verizon.net] 
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 1:36 PM
To: 'James Sarte'
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Weird EMI issue... part deux

Hi James,
Just checked. I am using 2.82. Guess I got behind on the upgrades.
The only thing I do around 5MHZ is 60M and these channels are in memory. So
I would not be tuning around 5MHZ to check for this problem. Will try tuning
around 5 later today and will let you know if I have this problem.

I assume you tried reloading the firmware.

73,
N2TK/NP2, Tony




From: James Sarte [mailto:kc2...@gmail.com] 
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 1:22 PM
To: 'N2TK'
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Weird EMI issue... part deux





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Re: [Elecraft] K2 noise blanker

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

IMX with the K2 Noise Blanker there's little or no degradation of normal
signals. However, it can produce intermod noise when strong signals are
present. After all, it does "punch holes" in the signal where the noise
pulses would normally be. That action makes the noise blanker a mixer as
well which will produce artifacts. Some of them are recognizable as such.
Some will merely sound like excess QRN. (That's why the NB has a switch. One
doesn't want it on unless it needs to be on :-) Even so, I've not
experienced significant intermod issues with the KNB2 but I don't live close
to any high powered stations either. 

There are several technical articles on the Elecraft site that might give
you some ideas. One of the early Elecraft customers, Sverre Holm, LA3ZA, put
together a wonderful page of K2 mods with links to the various documents.
Check here for info about the KNB2:

http://www.qslnet.de/member/la3za/K2/modAny.html#KNB2

I've seen some references to various ways to "test" your noise blanker over
time. I didn't explore them because I had a test of my own: I own a lamp
with a cheap dimmer. The KNB2 kills the racket completely when it must be
on. Fortunately, I also own the lamp and can turn it off! 

Also might post a query to "supp...@elecraft.com" 

73,

Ron AC7AC

-Original Message-

I have tried it on various types of noises, some which sounded like auto 
ignition noise, I think someone had something running without resistor wires

or plugs, strong and weak signals, no change.
I did have a bad street light out front of my house, the reason I got the 
NB, but they fixed it before I got the noise blanker.

The main reason I asked was there seems to be no degradation of signals with

the NB on at any setting.
On most rigs, you can hear a difference, and where its adjustable, it makes 
things sound really bad when you turn it up. The pro 3 is like that.

On the K2, I have been unable to detect it doing anything at all, any mode, 
any noise, although the noise level I usually have is not bad.

Thanks for the replies,
Brett
N2DTS 

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[Elecraft] Possible problem with 40m relay on K2 LPF stage

[Jim Giercyk]

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Re: [Elecraft] K2 noise blanker

[K2ZR]

Perhaps there's a comment from Elecraft on the K2's Noise Blanker
Dick, K2ZR/4

Brett Gazdzinski wrote:

>Joe,
>I will try this, thanks!
>
>Brett
>N2DTS
>
>- Original Message - 
>From: "Joe Planisky" 
>To: "Brett Gazdzinski" 
>Cc: 
>Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 6:03 PM
>Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 noise blanker
>
>
>  
>
>>Hi Brett,
>>
>>Last summer, I had similar questions about the KNB2 in my K2.  In my  
>>case, a neighbor had put up a new electric fence and I was getting QRM  
>>in the form of a pulse every second.  The unmodified KNB2 seemed to  
>>have little to no effect on the noise.  In fact, I questioned whether  
>>it was working at all.  A 'scrape test' (connecting a wire to the  
>>antenna connector and scraping it on some metal surface in the shack  
>>to generate static) indicated that it was indeed working.
>>
>>The modification described here
>>
>>http://www.dl7maj.de/KNB2-Mod.pdf
>>
>>seemed to improve the situation.  After making the mod described, the  
>>KNB2 would partially take out the electric fence noise using the LEVEL  
>>LOW threshold.  Not perfect, but better than it was.
>>
>>You can read the original thread by searching the list archives for  
>>the topic "[K2] KNB2 vs. electric fence" that started on August 3, 2008.
>>
>>73
>>--
>>Joe KB8AP
>>
>>
>>On Mar 1, 2009, at 2:18 PM, Brett Gazdzinski wrote:
>>
>>
>>
>>>I have tried it on various types of noises, some which sounded like  
>>>auto
>>>ignition noise, I think someone had something running without  
>>>resistor wires
>>>or plugs, strong and weak signals, no change.
>>>I did have a bad street light out front of my house, the reason I  
>>>got the
>>>NB, but they fixed it before I got the noise blanker.
>>>
>>>The main reason I asked was there seems to be no degradation of  
>>>signals with
>>>the NB on at any setting.
>>>On most rigs, you can hear a difference, and where its adjustable,  
>>>it makes
>>>things sound really bad when you turn it up. The pro 3 is like that.
>>>
>>>On the K2, I have been unable to detect it doing anything at all,  
>>>any mode,
>>>any noise, although the noise level I usually have is not bad.
>>>
>>>Thanks for the replies,
>>>Brett
>>>N2DTS
>>>
>>>  
>>>
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>
>  
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Single band QRP rig

[Mike Short]

 Thanks for all the input. I ordered a TenTec 1340
To fool around with for now. If it seems to work out,
I will get a K1 and expand the bands available. I have a Z-100 tuner,
An 8A switching power supply from a computer, and an HF-Packer amp
If I get it finished for more power. Now to figure out an antenna.

Mike
AI4NS

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[Elecraft] External keyers with K3

[ni0c]

A very nice feature of the K3 is that you can
setup your station to use both the internal
keyer and your favorite external keyer.  

I have one set of paddles plugged into the
internal keyer, which I use for barefoot QSK
operations, and another set of paddles
connected to a microHam CW keyer,
which has a nice adjustable PTT output
 for keying my (non-QSK) amplifier.

BTW, N3ZN's latest ZN-9B paddles fit very
nicely under the K2 (but not the K3) with 
the tilt bail set up.  

73,
Chuck  NI0C

K2/10 s/n 5853
K3/100 s/n 1061
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 noise blanker

[Brett Gazdzinski]

Joe,
I will try this, thanks!

Brett
N2DTS

- Original Message - 
From: "Joe Planisky" 
To: "Brett Gazdzinski" 
Cc: 
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 6:03 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K2 noise blanker


> Hi Brett,
> 
> Last summer, I had similar questions about the KNB2 in my K2.  In my  
> case, a neighbor had put up a new electric fence and I was getting QRM  
> in the form of a pulse every second.  The unmodified KNB2 seemed to  
> have little to no effect on the noise.  In fact, I questioned whether  
> it was working at all.  A 'scrape test' (connecting a wire to the  
> antenna connector and scraping it on some metal surface in the shack  
> to generate static) indicated that it was indeed working.
> 
> The modification described here
> 
> http://www.dl7maj.de/KNB2-Mod.pdf
> 
> seemed to improve the situation.  After making the mod described, the  
> KNB2 would partially take out the electric fence noise using the LEVEL  
> LOW threshold.  Not perfect, but better than it was.
> 
> You can read the original thread by searching the list archives for  
> the topic "[K2] KNB2 vs. electric fence" that started on August 3, 2008.
> 
> 73
> --
> Joe KB8AP
> 
> 
> On Mar 1, 2009, at 2:18 PM, Brett Gazdzinski wrote:
> 
>> I have tried it on various types of noises, some which sounded like  
>> auto
>> ignition noise, I think someone had something running without  
>> resistor wires
>> or plugs, strong and weak signals, no change.
>> I did have a bad street light out front of my house, the reason I  
>> got the
>> NB, but they fixed it before I got the noise blanker.
>>
>> The main reason I asked was there seems to be no degradation of  
>> signals with
>> the NB on at any setting.
>> On most rigs, you can hear a difference, and where its adjustable,  
>> it makes
>> things sound really bad when you turn it up. The pro 3 is like that.
>>
>> On the K2, I have been unable to detect it doing anything at all,  
>> any mode,
>> any noise, although the noise level I usually have is not bad.
>>
>> Thanks for the replies,
>> Brett
>> N2DTS
>>
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 noise blanker

[Joe Planisky]

Hi Brett,

Last summer, I had similar questions about the KNB2 in my K2.  In my  
case, a neighbor had put up a new electric fence and I was getting QRM  
in the form of a pulse every second.  The unmodified KNB2 seemed to  
have little to no effect on the noise.  In fact, I questioned whether  
it was working at all.  A 'scrape test' (connecting a wire to the  
antenna connector and scraping it on some metal surface in the shack  
to generate static) indicated that it was indeed working.

The modification described here

http://www.dl7maj.de/KNB2-Mod.pdf

seemed to improve the situation.  After making the mod described, the  
KNB2 would partially take out the electric fence noise using the LEVEL  
LOW threshold.  Not perfect, but better than it was.

You can read the original thread by searching the list archives for  
the topic "[K2] KNB2 vs. electric fence" that started on August 3, 2008.

73
--
Joe KB8AP


On Mar 1, 2009, at 2:18 PM, Brett Gazdzinski wrote:

> I have tried it on various types of noises, some which sounded like  
> auto
> ignition noise, I think someone had something running without  
> resistor wires
> or plugs, strong and weak signals, no change.
> I did have a bad street light out front of my house, the reason I  
> got the
> NB, but they fixed it before I got the noise blanker.
>
> The main reason I asked was there seems to be no degradation of  
> signals with
> the NB on at any setting.
> On most rigs, you can hear a difference, and where its adjustable,  
> it makes
> things sound really bad when you turn it up. The pro 3 is like that.
>
> On the K2, I have been unable to detect it doing anything at all,  
> any mode,
> any noise, although the noise level I usually have is not bad.
>
> Thanks for the replies,
> Brett
> N2DTS
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft SSB Net results (3/1/09)

[Sam Morgan]

Phil and Christina wrote:
> We had a good turn-out for the SSB net today (1800Z) on 14.316 MHz, and most
> of the signals were good to net control.  However, some stations reporting
> hearing few others.  The skip may be too long for many eastern or midwestern
> stations to hear each other well.  Peter, ZL1PWD, checked in from New
> Zealand for the second week in a row.  Peter was weak but there (into the
> back of my Quad).  We had good discussions about the merits of the second
> receiver in the K3 and audio quality.  We ran about 26 minutes today.
> 
> Here is a list of the 29 participants:
> 
> Station   NameQTH Rig S/N
> 
> AB1KC Bruce   RI  K3  2674
> KM5Q  Windy   NM  K3  764
> W1AIU Joe CT  K3  269
> KA0PLWLarry   MN  K3  1953
> N1LQ  DaveMA  K3  371
> K1BBM JohnMA  K3  2579
> K8MBY PhilOH  K3  609
> W1TF  Ty  GA  K3  696
> W6UO  NormCA  K3  755
> W3NF  Lloyd   MD  K3  1910
> K8DJC Nelson  OH  K3  560
> KB9AVSSteve   IN  K3  2443
> KB9AVOPaulIN  K3
> ZL1PWDPeter   NZ  K3  139
> AD5SX PaulNM  Jupitor
> W0NTA DickCO  K3  1208
> K2LTS PeteNY  K3  1028
> KE4WY Jim KY  K3  2165
> KB4ZVMDan SC  K2  1757
> WB6HPFAl  CA  K3  974
> NZ0T  BillKS  K3  1503
> N1EU  Barry   NY  K3  300
> AE5JD BartTX  K3  2106
> AE6IC FredCA  K3  2241
> NV5E  Rob TX  K3  1417
> W6VY  Bob CA  K3  2765
> WA7U  ToddMT  K3  726
> KA7ARKAdamWA  K3  2265
> NS7P  PhilOR  K3  1826
> 
report from W. Texas
only station I heard clearly (S8) was one of the 4's
not sure which one it was,
but he changed the # of which rig he was operating from,
there was a big heterodyne on freq from a signal about 2 kc away
so any copy was poor since my K2 has no notch filter.

I tried asking for a relay a couple of times, but no response.

-- 
GB & 73
KA5OAI
Sam Morgan
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[Elecraft] K2 noise blanker

[Brett Gazdzinski]

I have tried it on various types of noises, some which sounded like auto 
ignition noise, I think someone had something running without resistor wires 
or plugs, strong and weak signals, no change.
I did have a bad street light out front of my house, the reason I got the 
NB, but they fixed it before I got the noise blanker.

The main reason I asked was there seems to be no degradation of signals with 
the NB on at any setting.
On most rigs, you can hear a difference, and where its adjustable, it makes 
things sound really bad when you turn it up. The pro 3 is like that.

On the K2, I have been unable to detect it doing anything at all, any mode, 
any noise, although the noise level I usually have is not bad.

Thanks for the replies,
Brett
N2DTS 

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[Elecraft] Elecraft SSB Net results (3/1/09)

[Phil and Christina]

We had a good turn-out for the SSB net today (1800Z) on 14.316 MHz, and most
of the signals were good to net control.  However, some stations reporting
hearing few others.  The skip may be too long for many eastern or midwestern
stations to hear each other well.  Peter, ZL1PWD, checked in from New
Zealand for the second week in a row.  Peter was weak but there (into the
back of my Quad).  We had good discussions about the merits of the second
receiver in the K3 and audio quality.  We ran about 26 minutes today.

Here is a list of the 29 participants:

Station NameQTH Rig S/N

AB1KC   Bruce   RI  K3  2674
KM5QWindy   NM  K3  764
W1AIU   Joe CT  K3  269
KA0PLW  Larry   MN  K3  1953
N1LQDaveMA  K3  371
K1BBM   JohnMA  K3  2579
K8MBY   PhilOH  K3  609
W1TFTy  GA  K3  696
W6UONormCA  K3  755
W3NFLloyd   MD  K3  1910
K8DJC   Nelson  OH  K3  560
KB9AVS  Steve   IN  K3  2443
KB9AVO  PaulIN  K3
ZL1PWD  Peter   NZ  K3  139
AD5SX   PaulNM  Jupitor
W0NTA   DickCO  K3  1208
K2LTS   PeteNY  K3  1028
KE4WY   Jim KY  K3  2165
KB4ZVM  Dan SC  K2  1757
WB6HPF  Al  CA  K3  974
NZ0TBillKS  K3  1503
N1EUBarry   NY  K3  300
AE5JD   BartTX  K3  2106
AE6IC   FredCA  K3  2241
NV5ERob TX  K3  1417
W6VYBob CA  K3  2765
WA7UToddMT  K3  726
KA7ARK  AdamWA  K3  2265
NS7PPhilOR  K3  1826

Thanks to everybody who checked in.  Have a good week.

73,

Phil, NS7P


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Re: [Elecraft] Main VFO knob wobble

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Hi Knut:

I've never heard of an encoder bearing problem like that on the k3 but you
might post a query to k3supp...@elecraft.com. I know you are familiar with
that resource since I monitor it myself. Some of the support people there
have seen virtually every issue anyone has brought up about anything! 

Ron AC7AC



-Original Message-

Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
> 
> It's easy to see if it's the set screws. That rubber "tire" around the
> knob
> just slips off. You may have to work your fingernails under the edge
> closest
> to the front panel while pressing on the knob with your thumb(s) but it
> just
> slides off of the knob.
> 
> Then you'll see the holes for the hex wrench to tighten the set screws. 
> 
> Ron AC7AC
> 
> 
> 

That boot doesn't come off very easily which is the reason for my inquiry. I
don't want to possibly aggravate a bearing problem unless I know that the
likely reason for the wobble is lose set screws.



-
AB2TC - Knut
-- 



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Re: [Elecraft] External keyers with K3 - recommended?

[Jay Bromley]

I would have to agree on what others have said, but add the following.

For contesting it's  hard to beat the WinKey type keyers since you're 
interfacing with a contest program.  Things like speed control and 
paddle/WinKey echo.

For rag-chewing it is hard to beat the Cmos III when at the home shack.  No 
matter what mode you are hung up on, whether it is mode A, Mode B, auto 
space on/off, etc, the Cmos III has something for nearly everyone.  I think 
it has ten versions of keyer emulations.

I still think you can homebrew a better Cmos III than the factory built 
version.  I have used only one factory version, but since then still prefer 
to build homebrew Cmos III's over going with factory built units.  MorseX 
still offers both Cmos III kits and factory versions at: 
http://www.mtechnologies.com/idiom/index.htm  By building the kit you can 
use better push buttons, batteries instead of 12 volt power, make the 
cabinet smaller or larger, etc.  However the factory unit may be better for 
some folks, it's just not for me.

Both keyers work great on any of the Elecraft rigs, but I have no problem 
using the stock internal keyer when out in the field.  I don't like to carry 
extra boxes and the stock Elecraft keyer is not bad at all!

73 de jay/w5jay..

>
> I have never in my 34 years as a ham used an external keyer and always 
> used
> either hand pump (old days) or built in keyer in my radios. But I keep
> hearing folks using external keyers despite built in capabilities.
>
> I am a CW enthusiast and over 95% of my Q's are CW. I do like using 
> memories
> but find the 4 quick memos in the K3 to be sufficient. I'm not interested 
> in
> using a keyboard nor display to watch the text.
>
> Does anyone recommend an external keyer even with the K3?? I would rather
> not hook on external boxes unless it will give me something extra.
>
> If I do, I understand that Logikey and Microkeyer are great products.
> -- 
> View this message in context: 
> http://n2.nabble.com/External-keyers-with-K3---recommended--tp2403830p2403830.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings forgotten

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

My apologies, Ty. That was a personal reply to Eric I accidentally included
on the list. I didn't intend to post it because only a very few K3's had the
"power off" issue I mentioned and it's been addressed.

In your case pulling the "big switch" leaves you fully operational with that
battery system, Hi!  I'm considering something like that myself for the
operating desk. 

Ron AC7AC

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ralph Tyrrell
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 12:28 PM
To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings forgotten

Ron:
I have never had this problem. I often operate with the power supply off.
I do have 75 AH of batteries connected to the K3. I sometimes operate for 3
to 5 days (intermittently) before turning on the power supply. Just my
backup plan.
 
73, Ty, W1TF, K3 #696


--- On Sun, 3/1/09, Ron D'Eau Claire  wrote:

> From: Ron D'Eau Claire 
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings forgotten
> To: "'Erik N Basilier'" , elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Date: Sunday, March 1, 2009, 1:57 PM
> Interesting Eric. 
> 
> That's one you might post to k3supp...@elecraft.com.
> I've not seen it here
> and I suspect Wayne would be surprised to see it. (He
> monitors that list
> carefully.) 
> 
> Even though I frequently hit the POWER button switching off
> the main supply,
> when working on the K3 on the bench testing assembly
> procedures, etc., I
> often just "pull the plug" with the K3 live with
> no ill effects. 
> 
> Indeed, the one problem with shutting down the K3 that
> I've seen was that if
> the power supply wasn't turned off, a few K3s
> wouldn't turn on again later!
> That was traced to small current leakage through the KPA3
> that managed to
> keep the CPU partially "alive" so it never did a
> complete shutdown. But
> that's just the opposite. Turning off the main supply
> "fixed" the problem
> (it's also fixed by the addition of a 1N4148 diode as
> described in 
> http://www.elecraft.com/K3/mods/KPA3_12V_Sense_Modification_Rev_A.pdf)
> 
> Ron AC7AC
> 
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Erik N Basilier [mailto:ebasil...@cox.net] 
> Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 10:44 AM
> To: Ron D'Eau Claire; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings
> forgotten
> 
> Ron, I have been shutting down the external power rather
> than using the K3's
> power switch hundreds of times, a habit I established with
> earlier radios.
> I am comforted to know that you have also shut down your K3
> in a similar
> way with no ill effects. But one thing now comes to mind
> that I didn't think
> about previously. Twice in several months of having the K3
> I had a problem
> where the radio seemed disconnected from the antenna and
> showed a high
> swr on transmit. I jiggled the connector pins at the
> automatic tuner board
> etc. to no effect. At the first instance, the radio just
> started working 
> normally
> after I used its power switch to power down and back on
> again. The second
> time (months later) I had to reload the firmware to get
> back to normal.
> Of course, there is nothing to say that either incident had
> anything to do 
> with
> how the radio was shut down, just something that came to
> mind. If there
> were a chance of corrupting the firmware by unexpected
> power loss, then
> it would have implications for portable operation where
> alligator clips
> happily jump off of battery terminal posts etc.
> 
> 73,
> Erik K7TV
> 
> - Original Message - 
> From: "Ron D'Eau Claire" 
> To: 
> Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 11:04 AM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings
> forgotten
> 
> 
> > And the K3 is pretty resistant to the sort of
> craziness some CPU's
> > experience with unexpected shutdowns.
> >
> > I'm not aware of anyone who has had a
> "crash" of the system due to the 
> > power
> > being pulled unexpectedly. I've done it hundreds
> of times working with my 
> > k3
> > without any ill effects other than, as you noted, some
> front panel control
> > settings may not be stored.
> >
> > FWIW that's true of the K2 as well.
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > Ron AC7AC



  
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Re: [Elecraft] Sl OT: Heil headset problem

[Nelson Moyer]

I friend of mine sent a 'box of parts' back to Heil and they
replaced/rebuilt his headset for something like $25 plus shipping. I don't
know how long ago that was, but the bottom line is that Heil provides
service on broken headsets.

Nelson, KU0A

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Tom Hammond
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 3:07 PM
To: John Wiener; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Sl OT: Heil headset problem

John:

I'm pretty certain you can buy just about ANY PIECE of replacement parts
directly from Heil:

http://www.heilsound.com/amateur/products/parts/

About 2/3 of the way down the page... $8...!

73,

Tom   N0SS

At 13:09 03/01/2009, you wrote:
>After two years, I find I have an intermittent in the headphones cord
>to my Heil headset (purchased from Elecraft).  Is there an easy
>fix...as in replacement of the cord?
>
>Thanks!
>
>
>John
>AB8O
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No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com 
Version: 8.0.237 / Virus Database: 270.11.5/1978 - Release Date: 03/01/09
07:04:00

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Re: [Elecraft] Sl OT: Heil headset problem

[Tom Hammond]

John:

I'm pretty certain you can buy just about ANY PIECE of replacement parts
directly from Heil:

http://www.heilsound.com/amateur/products/parts/

About 2/3 of the way down the page... $8...!

73,

Tom   N0SS

At 13:09 03/01/2009, you wrote:
>After two years, I find I have an intermittent in the headphones cord
>to my Heil headset (purchased from Elecraft).  Is there an easy
>fix...as in replacement of the cord?
>
>Thanks!
>
>
>John
>AB8O
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>
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Re: [Elecraft] Main VFO knob wobble

[ab2tc]

Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
> 
> It's easy to see if it's the set screws. That rubber "tire" around the
> knob
> just slips off. You may have to work your fingernails under the edge
> closest
> to the front panel while pressing on the knob with your thumb(s) but it
> just
> slides off of the knob.
> 
> Then you'll see the holes for the hex wrench to tighten the set screws. 
> 
> Ron AC7AC
> 
> 
> 

That boot doesn't come off very easily which is the reason for my inquiry. I
don't want to possibly aggravate a bearing problem unless I know that the
likely reason for the wobble is lose set screws.



-
AB2TC - Knut
-- 
View this message in context: 
http://n2.nabble.com/Main-VFO-knob-wobble-tp2402035p2405946.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.

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Re: [Elecraft] External keyers with K3

[Dick Dievendorff]

Idiom Press's keyers are superb for use with a paddle. Bob's a good friend,
and I've purchased a couple of the Idiom Press keyers.

If you wish to use keying from a contest logger such as N1MM, WriteLog,
Win-Test and several others, you'll find the K1EL WinKey important because
of its ability to be controlled by a computer program.  The WinKey chip is
incorporated into several microHAM products.

The Elecraft K3 has a fine built-in keyer that can be controlled by a
computer, but it hasn't yet been adopted by many of the contest loggers. You
can use programs such as G4ILO's KComm (http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html) or
the Terminal Page of the K3 Utility to exercise the K3's internal keyer.

Dick, K6KR


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of ron
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 10:02 AM
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] External keyers with K3

LB3SA wrote:
>  
>
> Does anyone recommend an external keyer even with the K3?? I would rather
> not hook on external boxes unless it will give me something extra.
>
> If I do, I understand that Logikey and Microkeyer are great products.
>   

(Google) Idiom press. They make the best ones, perfect for CW ops.

Ron
wb1hga

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings forgotten

[Ralph Tyrrell]

Ron:
I have never had this problem. I often operate with the power supply off.
I do have 75 AH of batteries connected to the K3. I sometimes operate for 3 to 
5 days (intermittently) before turning on the power supply. Just my backup plan.
 
73, Ty, W1TF, K3 #696


--- On Sun, 3/1/09, Ron D'Eau Claire  wrote:

> From: Ron D'Eau Claire 
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings forgotten
> To: "'Erik N Basilier'" , elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Date: Sunday, March 1, 2009, 1:57 PM
> Interesting Eric. 
> 
> That's one you might post to k3supp...@elecraft.com.
> I've not seen it here
> and I suspect Wayne would be surprised to see it. (He
> monitors that list
> carefully.) 
> 
> Even though I frequently hit the POWER button switching off
> the main supply,
> when working on the K3 on the bench testing assembly
> procedures, etc., I
> often just "pull the plug" with the K3 live with
> no ill effects. 
> 
> Indeed, the one problem with shutting down the K3 that
> I've seen was that if
> the power supply wasn't turned off, a few K3s
> wouldn't turn on again later!
> That was traced to small current leakage through the KPA3
> that managed to
> keep the CPU partially "alive" so it never did a
> complete shutdown. But
> that's just the opposite. Turning off the main supply
> "fixed" the problem
> (it's also fixed by the addition of a 1N4148 diode as
> described in 
> http://www.elecraft.com/K3/mods/KPA3_12V_Sense_Modification_Rev_A.pdf)
> 
> Ron AC7AC
> 
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Erik N Basilier [mailto:ebasil...@cox.net] 
> Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 10:44 AM
> To: Ron D'Eau Claire; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings
> forgotten
> 
> Ron, I have been shutting down the external power rather
> than using the K3's
> power switch hundreds of times, a habit I established with
> earlier radios.
> I am comforted to know that you have also shut down your K3
> in a similar
> way with no ill effects. But one thing now comes to mind
> that I didn't think
> about previously. Twice in several months of having the K3
> I had a problem
> where the radio seemed disconnected from the antenna and
> showed a high
> swr on transmit. I jiggled the connector pins at the
> automatic tuner board
> etc. to no effect. At the first instance, the radio just
> started working 
> normally
> after I used its power switch to power down and back on
> again. The second
> time (months later) I had to reload the firmware to get
> back to normal.
> Of course, there is nothing to say that either incident had
> anything to do 
> with
> how the radio was shut down, just something that came to
> mind. If there
> were a chance of corrupting the firmware by unexpected
> power loss, then
> it would have implications for portable operation where
> alligator clips
> happily jump off of battery terminal posts etc.
> 
> 73,
> Erik K7TV
> 
> - Original Message - 
> From: "Ron D'Eau Claire" 
> To: 
> Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 11:04 AM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings
> forgotten
> 
> 
> > And the K3 is pretty resistant to the sort of
> craziness some CPU's
> > experience with unexpected shutdowns.
> >
> > I'm not aware of anyone who has had a
> "crash" of the system due to the 
> > power
> > being pulled unexpectedly. I've done it hundreds
> of times working with my 
> > k3
> > without any ill effects other than, as you noted, some
> front panel control
> > settings may not be stored.
> >
> > FWIW that's true of the K2 as well.
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > Ron AC7AC



  
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[Elecraft] External keyers

[Ralph Parker]

I always prefer an external keyer, for reasons also expressed by others
(except maybe when operating mobile).
I can set it up for the exact 'feel' that I like.

IMHO, the CMOS Logikey family sold by Idiom Press is head and shoulders
above the rest of the pack. I have two of them, plus a kit in reserve.
If you buy one and don't like it, I'll give you your money back.

Now then, about a suitable paddle.
(I like my Begali, but my Elecraft is a close second.)

VE7XF,
90% CW since 1954.

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[Elecraft] K2 IF Amp

[Peter]

Hi 
I´m just doing receiver signal tracing using the Elecraft RF probe. Coming to 
measure signal at U12 there are 300mV at pin 4 but only 1 or 2 mV at pin 8 no 
change if I increase the generator input or RF gain to max. The same with U11 
at pin 1, when I increase RF Gain I get n o more than 30mV at pin 5 of U11. 
Across the crystal filter I get only about 100 mV at W3 with 1,4 V at W2. Is 
that a matter of the filter circuit or the IF amp MC1350. Thanks for any help...

73
Peter, DF8BB (K2 6437)
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[Elecraft] Sl OT: Heil headset problem

[John Wiener]

After two years, I find I have an intermittent in the headphones cord  
to my Heil headset (purchased from Elecraft).  Is there an easy  
fix...as in replacement of the cord?

Thanks!


John
AB8O
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Re: [Elecraft] External keyers with K3

[W0MU Mike Fatchett]

K1EL Winkey is very good too.  They have a stand alone kit.  Easy to build
and a number of manufacturers are putting them into their products like
Microham. 


"A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue you may
never get over." Ben Franklin
-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of ron
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 11:02 AM
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] External keyers with K3

LB3SA wrote:
>  
>
> Does anyone recommend an external keyer even with the K3?? I would 
> rather not hook on external boxes unless it will give me something extra.
>
> If I do, I understand that Logikey and Microkeyer are great products.
>   

(Google) Idiom press. They make the best ones, perfect for CW ops.

Ron
wb1hga

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings forgotten

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Interesting Eric. 

That's one you might post to k3supp...@elecraft.com. I've not seen it here
and I suspect Wayne would be surprised to see it. (He monitors that list
carefully.) 

Even though I frequently hit the POWER button switching off the main supply,
when working on the K3 on the bench testing assembly procedures, etc., I
often just "pull the plug" with the K3 live with no ill effects. 

Indeed, the one problem with shutting down the K3 that I've seen was that if
the power supply wasn't turned off, a few K3s wouldn't turn on again later!
That was traced to small current leakage through the KPA3 that managed to
keep the CPU partially "alive" so it never did a complete shutdown. But
that's just the opposite. Turning off the main supply "fixed" the problem
(it's also fixed by the addition of a 1N4148 diode as described in 
http://www.elecraft.com/K3/mods/KPA3_12V_Sense_Modification_Rev_A.pdf)

Ron AC7AC



-Original Message-
From: Erik N Basilier [mailto:ebasil...@cox.net] 
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 10:44 AM
To: Ron D'Eau Claire; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings forgotten

Ron, I have been shutting down the external power rather than using the K3's
power switch hundreds of times, a habit I established with earlier radios.
I am comforted to know that you have also shut down your K3 in a similar
way with no ill effects. But one thing now comes to mind that I didn't think
about previously. Twice in several months of having the K3 I had a problem
where the radio seemed disconnected from the antenna and showed a high
swr on transmit. I jiggled the connector pins at the automatic tuner board
etc. to no effect. At the first instance, the radio just started working 
normally
after I used its power switch to power down and back on again. The second
time (months later) I had to reload the firmware to get back to normal.
Of course, there is nothing to say that either incident had anything to do 
with
how the radio was shut down, just something that came to mind. If there
were a chance of corrupting the firmware by unexpected power loss, then
it would have implications for portable operation where alligator clips
happily jump off of battery terminal posts etc.

73,
Erik K7TV

- Original Message - 
From: "Ron D'Eau Claire" 
To: 
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 11:04 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings forgotten


> And the K3 is pretty resistant to the sort of craziness some CPU's
> experience with unexpected shutdowns.
>
> I'm not aware of anyone who has had a "crash" of the system due to the 
> power
> being pulled unexpectedly. I've done it hundreds of times working with my 
> k3
> without any ill effects other than, as you noted, some front panel control
> settings may not be stored.
>
> FWIW that's true of the K2 as well.
>
> 73,
>
> Ron AC7AC
>


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings forgotten

[Erik N Basilier]

Ron, I have been shutting down the external power rather than using the K3's
power switch hundreds of times, a habit I established with earlier radios.
I am comforted to know that you have also shut down your K3 in a similar
way with no ill effects. But one thing now comes to mind that I didn't think
about previously. Twice in several months of having the K3 I had a problem
where the radio seemed disconnected from the antenna and showed a high
swr on transmit. I jiggled the connector pins at the automatic tuner board
etc. to no effect. At the first instance, the radio just started working 
normally
after I used its power switch to power down and back on again. The second
time (months later) I had to reload the firmware to get back to normal.
Of course, there is nothing to say that either incident had anything to do 
with
how the radio was shut down, just something that came to mind. If there
were a chance of corrupting the firmware by unexpected power loss, then
it would have implications for portable operation where alligator clips
happily jump off of battery terminal posts etc.

73,
Erik K7TV

- Original Message - 
From: "Ron D'Eau Claire" 
To: 
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 11:04 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings forgotten


> And the K3 is pretty resistant to the sort of craziness some CPU's
> experience with unexpected shutdowns.
>
> I'm not aware of anyone who has had a "crash" of the system due to the 
> power
> being pulled unexpectedly. I've done it hundreds of times working with my 
> k3
> without any ill effects other than, as you noted, some front panel control
> settings may not be stored.
>
> FWIW that's true of the K2 as well.
>
> 73,
>
> Ron AC7AC
>


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Re: [Elecraft] k2 noise blanker

[Sam Morgan]

ron wrote:
> Brett Gazdzinski wrote:
>> I have the noise blanker in my K2, and I have yet to find a noise it does 
>> anything with.
>> It seems to have no impact at all on the receiver, no matter what settings.
>>   
>  
> The noise blanker is effective on man-made noise or automobiles, NOT RF 
> (white noise).
> 
What ever type of powerline noise I have at my home qth,
My Kenwood TS-450's noise blanker eliminates it totally.
The noise blanker in my K2 is totally ineffective on it.

There have been other noises that the K2's NB has been able to quieten, but 
that 
is of no help with my powerline noise problem.

P.S. Yes the power company has tried to find and fix it, so far no luck.
They will be back at it in a few months, when I call them again. The Noise id 
temperature sensitive, when the sun heats something up it kicks in, when the 
night cools down it stops. Moving is not an option.
P.P.S. Yes I have tried locating it, off the ends, with a rotateable dipole, no 
joy.
P.P.S.S. Yes I have used an MFJ-1026 phasing unit, again no joy.

-- 
GB & 73
KA5OAI
Sam Morgan
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Re: [Elecraft] External keyers with K3

[Wes Stewart]

That's backwards from my experience.  My TS870 has a built in Logikey that 
works beautifully.

Even though I've been sending the numeral 7 for over 50 years, with the K3 it 
comes out M S when I try to program the CW memories.


--- On Sun, 3/1/09, Jack Colson  wrote:

> From: Jack Colson 
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] External keyers with K3
> To: "ron" 
> Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Date: Sunday, March 1, 2009, 11:09 AM
> Actually, I prefer the internal keyer in the K3.  For
> whatever reason(s) 
> I tend to make less errors with it as compared to my Idiom
> press which I 
> have used for a long time.  Same paddle.  I do use a WinKey
> via USB for 
> CW when using N1MM.
> FWIW
> 73 and good luck,
> Jack, W3TMZ
> - Original Message - 
> From: "ron" 
> Cc: 
> Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 1:01 PM
> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] External keyers with K3
> 
> 
> > LB3SA wrote:
> >>
> >>
> >> Does anyone recommend an external keyer even with
> the K3?? I would 
> >> rather
> >> not hook on external boxes unless it will give me
> something extra.
> >>
> >> If I do, I understand that Logikey and Microkeyer
> are great products.
> >>
> >
> > (Google) Idiom press. They make the best ones, perfect
> for CW ops.
> >
> > Ron
> > wb1hga
> >
> >
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> > 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] External keyers with K3

[Jack Colson]

Actually, I prefer the internal keyer in the K3.  For whatever reason(s) 
I tend to make less errors with it as compared to my Idiom press which I 
have used for a long time.  Same paddle.  I do use a WinKey via USB for 
CW when using N1MM.
FWIW
73 and good luck,
Jack, W3TMZ
- Original Message - 
From: "ron" 
Cc: 
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 1:01 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] External keyers with K3


> LB3SA wrote:
>>
>>
>> Does anyone recommend an external keyer even with the K3?? I would 
>> rather
>> not hook on external boxes unless it will give me something extra.
>>
>> If I do, I understand that Logikey and Microkeyer are great products.
>>
>
> (Google) Idiom press. They make the best ones, perfect for CW ops.
>
> Ron
> wb1hga
>
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> 

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Re: [Elecraft] k2 noise blanker

[ron]

Brett Gazdzinski wrote:
> I have the noise blanker in my K2, and I have yet to find a noise it does 
> anything with.
> It seems to have no impact at all on the receiver, no matter what settings.
>   
 
The noise blanker is effective on man-made noise or automobiles, NOT RF 
(white noise).

Ron
wb1hga
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings forgotten

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

And the K3 is pretty resistant to the sort of craziness some CPU's
experience with unexpected shutdowns.

I'm not aware of anyone who has had a "crash" of the system due to the power
being pulled unexpectedly. I've done it hundreds of times working with my k3
without any ill effects other than, as you noted, some front panel control
settings may not be stored. 

FWIW that's true of the K2 as well. 

73,

Ron AC7AC



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Erik N Basilier
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 9:12 AM
To: Guy Olinger, K2AV; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings forgotten

Guy,

I am very familiar with the internals of computers, more than enough to know

that these behaviors can be expected unless one pointedly designs to 
eliminate them, and that *can* be done. There is no fundamental reasons that

any machine that contains a computer needs to behave like a PC. I do not 
mean to criticize the design of the K3, particularly since we know that 
there are more important goals for the designers. My objective was just to 
find out whether the behavior of my K3 was consistent with the K3 design. In

general, I find the K3 to be much more free from those "computerish" 
characteristics than a PC is, and that is one reason I am using a K3 and not

a radio that depends on a PC to function.

73,
Erik K7TV


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Re: [Elecraft] External keyers with K3

[ron]

LB3SA wrote:
>  
>
> Does anyone recommend an external keyer even with the K3?? I would rather
> not hook on external boxes unless it will give me something extra.
>
> If I do, I understand that Logikey and Microkeyer are great products.
>   

(Google) Idiom press. They make the best ones, perfect for CW ops.

Ron
wb1hga

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[Elecraft] K2/100 RX Filter Question

[Tom Baxter]

Hello to all. I just  bought a used K2/100 last week and am new to the group.  
The seller forgot to send the cable that hooks the rig to the tuner, but it is 
on its way.  I’ve been sticking with very resonant antennas as I feel my way 
through the introduction to the K2. However, I think I may have botched 
something up already and can’t figure out how to unbotch it. When I first began 
doing A/B tests with my TS 480, a tap on the XFIL/AFIL took me and continues to 
take me through the four FL filters. I then began to hold the button for one 
second and engage the AFIL filters. They too went through the appropriate 
progression with the expected differences in receive audio. However, now when I 
hold the button for one second, the screen shows the AFIL filters going through 
the same progression, but I detect no difference in the receive audio.  Have I 
accidentally done something wrong or does it sound as if there is a malfunction 
in the rig? Tnx for
 your help es 73, Tom K3MOV

Tom Baxter
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Re: [Elecraft] Weird EMI issue... part deux

[James Sarte]

Hi Tony,

What software are you presently running?  I fortunately never had this VFO
encoder noise at 6m, but it is very noticeable around 5 MHz.

I'm using 2.96 beta.

73,
James KC2UEE

-Original Message-
From: N2TK [mailto:tony@verizon.net] 
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 9:13 AM
To: 'James Sarte'; 'Gregg'
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Weird EMI issue... part deux

I had the encoder noise problem on 6M. It happened when I had upgraded the
software (don't remember the version). I reloaded the software and the
problem went away. It has been fine since.
N2TK, Tony 


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Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings forgotten

[Erik N Basilier]

Guy,

I am very familiar with the internals of computers, more than enough to know 
that these behaviors can be expected unless one pointedly designs to 
eliminate them, and that *can* be done. There is no fundamental reasons that 
any machine that contains a computer needs to behave like a PC. I do not 
mean to criticize the design of the K3, particularly since we know that 
there are more important goals for the designers. My objective was just to 
find out whether the behavior of my K3 was consistent with the K3 design. In 
general, I find the K3 to be much more free from those "computerish" 
characteristics than a PC is, and that is one reason I am using a K3 and not 
a radio that depends on a PC to function.

73,
Erik K7TV

- Original Message - 
From: "Guy Olinger, K2AV" 
To: "Erik N Basilier" ; 
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 7:35 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings forgotten


> What you experienced is not a bug.  Do you turn off your PC by unplugging 
> it?
>
> The K3 has a CPU in it, and in order to clean up and go to a power down 
> state, it needs to be RUNNING to stage itself down. Ever try unloading the 
> groceries the car while it's rolling away from you?  Put yourself in the 
> mind of the CPU, who has detected that the power is going down, and now 
> trying to clean up while the circuits go dead, trying to remember the last 
> state, and the disappearing DC has rendered the memory erratic containing 
> the bits in question.
>
> The worst kind of computer interruption around here is a power hit, which 
> can go down in ways that leave circuits in indeterminate states.  We have 
> UPS on our two main PC's, just so the PC's can do an orderly shutdown. But 
> there are all the boxes (washer, dryer, TVs, Microwaves, clock radios) 
> that have CPUs in them and sometimes come up quite wierd depending on the 
> timing of the hit.
>
> It's a new world.  Hit the K3 power button (it sends a signal to the CPU, 
> doesn't break the DC) and let the K3 clean up before it turns itself off 
> in an orderly fashion.
>
> 73, Guy.


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Re: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters

[drewko]

To enter a 600m frequency on the K3, say 506 KHz, use this sequence:

[FREQ ENT] 0506 [ENTER]

where [ENTER] is the AFX button.

If you are going to listen on 600m it might be helpful to manually
tune the ATU for optimum reception: First select KAT3= LCSET in the
Config menu; then exit the config menu and press ATU TUNE. You can
then adjust CA or CT with the VFO-A knob, and adjust L with the VFO-B
knob. Switch between CA/CT with the ANT button. (When you are done
with 600m don't forget to switch Config: KAT3 back to AUTO, and retune
the ATU on 160m if you use that band.Otherwise the K3 will try to use
your manual settings for 160m.)

73,
Drew
AF2Z


On Sun, 01 Mar 2009 10:07:34 -0600, Mike WE0H wrote:

>I'll copy this to the reflector...I don't have that answer Phil. Just 
>got into the Elecraft rigs at the Orlando Hamcation when I ordered my 
>K2. I am sure someone on the reflector will have an answer. You should 
>hear Pat XSH/6 real well down there on 600m as he is 4 blocks from the 
>Gulf Coast in Mississippi. He normally sits on 506.35kc running CW or 
>505.266kc running QRSS-3.
>Mike
>WE0H
>
>
>Phil LaMarche wrote:
>> I have general coverage in my K3, what and how would I enter this frequency?
>>
>> Phil 
>>
>>
>> Philip LaMarche 
>> LaMarche Enterprises, Inc.
>> www.instantgourmetspices.com
>>
>> www.w9dvm.com 
>> 800-395-7795 pin 02 
>> 727-944-3226 
>> FAX 727-937-8834 
>> NASFT 30210 
>>
>> K3  #1605
>> W9DVM 
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> From:  WE0H
>> I am one of those 600m stations, WD2XSH/16. Currently building my K2 and
>> after that, a new 7mc IF transverter to get the K2 down on 600 meters. I
>> currently run a 3mc IF transverter and my TS-930. CW coverage for my station
>> is pretty much the whole lower 48 states & into Canada. I have been on the
>> air for a year or so now. The band is 505-510kc but most hang out in the
>> 505-508kc area to avoid the NDB's on 510kc.
>> Mike
>> WE0H
>>
>>
>>
>> Jack Smith-6 wrote:
>>   
>>> Geoff:
>>>
>>> There are a dozen or so experimental stations in the 500 KHz  range 
>>> operated by a group of hams. http://www.500kc.com/ has more detail. It 
>>> seems that not too many are actually radiating as of this time however.
>>>
>>> There are also quite a few "lowfer" Part 15 (unlicensed, but 
>>> permitted) beacons in the 186 KHz range.  The Longwave Club of America 
>>> is a  good starting point for these Part 15 operations. 
>>> http://www.lwca.org/
>>>
>>> No 136 KHz amateur operations here in the US, unfortunately.
>>>
>>> Jack K8ZOA
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Re: [Elecraft] k2 noise blanker

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

The K2's noise blanker likes lots of signal, even when you select low 
threshold. Sometimes switching the K2's preamp on makes the difference between 
no "blanking" at all and full noise suppression.

Keep in mind that the blanker suppresses high amplitude, short duration pulses 
only, such as you hear on 10 meters from unshielded automobile ignition systems 
or on the lower bands from cheap lamp dimmers. If the noise doesn't make a loud 
"buzz" sound, it probably won't suppress it. 

But those noise types that it does suppress, it normally suppresses very, very 
well if the signals are strong enough.

Ron AC7AC



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of OE5CSP-Chris
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 12:50 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] k2 noise blanker


Brett,


My K2 noise blanker is not doing a lot but there are a few modifications
around, which can be found in the internet.I haven´t tried them yet...

73, Chris



Brett Gazdzinski wrote:
> 
> I have the noise blanker in my K2, and I have yet to find a noise it does 
> anything with.
> It seems to have no impact at all on the receiver, no matter what
> settings.
> 
> I did remove the bypass jumper, but it does not act like it
> 
> Is it supposed to be noticeable at all with it on?
> 
> Brett
> N2DTS 
> 
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> 

-- 
View this message in context: 
http://n2.nabble.com/k2-noise-blanker-tp2403328p2403783.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.

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Re: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters

[Mike-WE0H]

I'll copy this to the reflector...I don't have that answer Phil. Just 
got into the Elecraft rigs at the Orlando Hamcation when I ordered my 
K2. I am sure someone on the reflector will have an answer. You should 
hear Pat XSH/6 real well down there on 600m as he is 4 blocks from the 
Gulf Coast in Mississippi. He normally sits on 506.35kc running CW or 
505.266kc running QRSS-3.
Mike
WE0H


Phil LaMarche wrote:
> I have general coverage in my K3, what and how would I enter this frequency?
>
> Phil 
>
>
> Philip LaMarche 
> LaMarche Enterprises, Inc.
> www.instantgourmetspices.com
>
> www.w9dvm.com 
> 800-395-7795 pin 02 
> 727-944-3226 
> FAX 727-937-8834 
> NASFT 30210 
>
> K3  #1605
> W9DVM 
>
>
>
>
> From:  WE0H
> I am one of those 600m stations, WD2XSH/16. Currently building my K2 and
> after that, a new 7mc IF transverter to get the K2 down on 600 meters. I
> currently run a 3mc IF transverter and my TS-930. CW coverage for my station
> is pretty much the whole lower 48 states & into Canada. I have been on the
> air for a year or so now. The band is 505-510kc but most hang out in the
> 505-508kc area to avoid the NDB's on 510kc.
> Mike
> WE0H
>
>
>
> Jack Smith-6 wrote:
>   
>> Geoff:
>>
>> There are a dozen or so experimental stations in the 500 KHz  range 
>> operated by a group of hams. http://www.500kc.com/ has more detail. It 
>> seems that not too many are actually radiating as of this time however.
>>
>> There are also quite a few "lowfer" Part 15 (unlicensed, but 
>> permitted) beacons in the 186 KHz range.  The Longwave Club of America 
>> is a  good starting point for these Part 15 operations. 
>> http://www.lwca.org/
>>
>> No 136 KHz amateur operations here in the US, unfortunately.
>>
>> Jack K8ZOA
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Re: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters

[WE0H]

I am one of those 600m stations, WD2XSH/16. Currently building my K2 and
after that, a new 7mc IF transverter to get the K2 down on 600 meters. I
currently run a 3mc IF transverter and my TS-930. CW coverage for my station
is pretty much the whole lower 48 states & into Canada. I have been on the
air for a year or so now. The band is 505-510kc but most hang out in the
505-508kc area to avoid the NDB's on 510kc.
Mike
WE0H



Jack Smith-6 wrote:
> 
> Geoff:
> 
> There are a dozen or so experimental stations in the 500 KHz  range 
> operated by a group of hams. http://www.500kc.com/ has more detail. It 
> seems that not too many are actually radiating as of this time however.
> 
> There are also quite a few "lowfer" Part 15 (unlicensed, but permitted) 
> beacons in the 186 KHz range.  The Longwave Club of America is a  good 
> starting point for these Part 15 operations. http://www.lwca.org/
> 
> No 136 KHz amateur operations here in the US, unfortunately.
> 
> Jack K8ZOA
> 
> 
> Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy wrote:
>> Jack,
>>
>> Although I do not have any details to hand there is some Amateur CW 
>> activity in Europe within a few kHz of 500 kHz, and I believe that 
>> crossband to HF contacts are made also.
>>
>> 73,
>> Geoff
>> GM4ESD
>>
>>
>> Jack Smith wrote:
>>
>>
>>> Those interested in listening to signals below 500 KHz with their K2 
>>> or K3 may find my new review of Jackson Harbor Press's inexpensive 
>>> VLF/LF up converter of interest. It's at 
>>> http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/jackson_harbor_press_vlf_converter.htm 
>>>
>>>
>>> I've been using it with my K2 and an active antenna I'm working on 
>>> and can hear WWVB quite well here in Northern Virginia, along with a 
>>> number of other stations.
>>>
>>> Jack K8ZOA 
>>
> 

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View this message in context: 
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Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings forgotten

[Guy Olinger, K2AV]

What you experienced is not a bug.  Do you turn off your PC by unplugging 
it?

The K3 has a CPU in it, and in order to clean up and go to a power down 
state, it needs to be RUNNING to stage itself down. Ever try unloading the 
groceries the car while it's rolling away from you?  Put yourself in the 
mind of the CPU, who has detected that the power is going down, and now 
trying to clean up while the circuits go dead, trying to remember the last 
state, and the disappearing DC has rendered the memory erratic containing 
the bits in question.

The worst kind of computer interruption around here is a power hit, which 
can go down in ways that leave circuits in indeterminate states.  We have 
UPS on our two main PC's, just so the PC's can do an orderly shutdown. But 
there are all the boxes (washer, dryer, TVs, Microwaves, clock radios) that 
have CPUs in them and sometimes come up quite wierd depending on the timing 
of the hit.

It's a new world.  Hit the K3 power button (it sends a signal to the CPU, 
doesn't break the DC) and let the K3 clean up before it turns itself off in 
an orderly fashion.

73, Guy.

- Original Message - 
From: "Erik N Basilier" 
To: 
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 12:58 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings forgotten


>I just shut down the station by "pulling the big switch" and then turned it
> back on soon after. Of course I had to push the power button on the K3 to
> get it going again. Then I noticed what I never noticed before: The K3,
> while still tuned to the same 40m cw frequency, came up in LSB mode, with
> coarse frequency display. I pushed FINE and MODE DOWN to get back to cw 
> and
> two decimals. Then I shut down the same way again, with the same result.
> Next time I powered down by pushing the K3 power button instead of the Big
> Switch. This time when I powered the K3 on again it remembered all 
> settings.
> Looks to me like the K3 doesn't store all settings unless its power switch
> is pushed to shut down. Is this how it is supposed to work? I am running
> 2.76.
>
> 73,
> Erik K7TV
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 power loss: Last settings forgotten

[Lyle Johnson]

> Next time I powered down by pushing the K3 power button instead of the Big 
> Switch. This time when I powered the K3 on again it remembered all settings. 
> Looks to me like the K3 doesn't store all settings unless its power switch 
> is pushed to shut down. Is this how it is supposed to work?

The K3 is designed to be turned off by pressing its front panel switch. 
  It then performs a series of "shutting down" housekeeping tasks in an 
orderly fashion.

If you arbitrarily remove power, it may or may not have all your latest 
front panel settings stored in non-volatile memory.

73,

Lyle KK7P
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Re: [Elecraft] Weird EMI issue... part deux

[N2TK]

I had the encoder noise problem on 6M. It happened when I had upgraded the
software (don't remember the version). I reloaded the software and the
problem went away. It has been fine since.
N2TK, Tony 

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of James Sarte
Sent: Saturday, February 28, 2009 11:37 PM
To: 'Gregg'
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Weird EMI issue... part deux

Hello Gregg,

If these are indeed pulses generated by the encoders, would replacing them
solve the issue, or is this a design problem?

Could this noise be masked out in firmware, or is it a hardware issue that
can't be solved via software?

I do recall hearing about some people having similar problems with their
rigs on 6 meters.  In my case, 6m is quiet with no EMI noise.  

What's troubling me now is that some people say this is normal, while others
like the good folk over at Elecraft tech support cannot replicate this issue
on their K3's.

73,
James KC2UEE


-Original Message-
From: Gregg [mailto:w6...@bellsouth.net] 
Sent: Saturday, February 28, 2009 5:55 PM
To: 'James Sarte'
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Weird EMI issue... part deux

James:

I suspect that what you are hearing is an artifact of the pulses generated
by the tuning encoder. These pulses are audible on some K3s on 6 meters. The
fact that they are not as loud with the pre-amp on is most likely due to an
increase in the noise floor when the pre-amp is activated that somewhat
masks the pulses.

Gregg
W6IZT

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 KComm PSK D / FSK D Question

[Julian, G4ILO]

Ian Greenshields wrote:
> 
> Yes, I've also noticed this. The K3 RTTY decoder is very good; the K3
> PSK31
> decoder falls short of soundcard decoders. The opposite seems to be true
> on
> the TX side where the K3 encoders seem better (lower IMD) than the
> soundcard
> variants. This was the main reason that prompted my question - I was
> trying
> to get the best of both worlds.
> 
Interesting observation. I did some comparisons using my KK7UQ IMD Meter to
measure the TX IMD and observed no significant difference.



> Ironically, your Windows version of KComm running under wine seems to work
> perfectly, including the PSK31 DLL, whereas I had much trouble with the
> linux version (finger trouble on my part, almost certainly).
> 

One of the many reasons I gave up Linux as being too much hassle. I couldn't
get Fldigi to run at all on it, since I wasn't using the same distribution
the developer used to compile it, which is probably the same reason you had
trouble with KComm. Also there is no way to allow two programs to share a
serial port in Linux, unlike Windows with the VSPE, so I couldn't use KComm
and Fldigi both at the same time, even if I had got it working.

-
Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392  K3 #222.
http://www.g4ilo.com/ G4ILO's Shack   http://www.g4ilo.com/blog.html G4ILO's
Bloghttp://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html KComm for Elecraft K2 and K3 
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Re: [Elecraft] Weird EMI issue... part deux

[Steven . Zabarnick]

I was able to reproduce the noise that James is hearing on my #1672 K3. In
my radio it never reaches S7, but I don't have the KBPF3 option. Here, the
RIT and XIT settings do not affect the noise. It is mostly between 4.9 and
5.1 MHz as stated by W4TV.

I never would have noticed this without James' post, and I am not
concerned, but then, I don't have the general receive capability anyway.

Steve N9SZ

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 KComm PSK D / FSK D Question

[Ian Greenshields]

Ironically, your Windows version of KComm running under wine seems to work
perfectly, including the PSK31 DLL, whereas I had much trouble with the
linux version (finger trouble on my part, almost certainly).

73 Ian G4FSU

2009/3/1 Julian, G4ILO 

>
>
> >
> This might be useful in the Linux version, which does not have a built-in
> PSK via sound card function. But as I gave up using Linux a while back that
> will not be a priority.
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] External keyers with K3 - recommended?

[Brendan Minish]

On Sun, 2009-03-01 at 01:15 -0800, LB3SA wrote:

> Does anyone recommend an external keyer even with the K3?? I would rather
> not hook on external boxes unless it will give me something extra.


Yes, I use a logikey K-5 with my K3 

There are a few advantages, the main one for me is that  using an
external keyer with memories frees up the memory buttons on the radio to
be used as menu shortcut keys 

Other advantages 

Macros, the K-5 supports macros, I find this handy for running pileups .
on 6m for example I use the following macro. 
I send the call, press the M2 button on the keyer 

It sends DE EI6IZ UR RST 
LOC IO53HU IO53HU KN 

this frees up my hands for logging the contact

I also use a logikey CMOS 4 with my 706 mobile setup, here I use
macros to send my location without having to load a full new
memory for each new location.
My name & QTH memory simply calls memory 4 twice for the QTH so
I load my QTH into memory4 by sending it once 

Banking, I can have multiple groups of memories for different
situations, contesting, rag chewing and 6m operating 

Keyer 'feel' the K-5 and CMOS4 both feel exactly the same so I find I
make fewer mistakes than I would if I had to change between the K3 keyer
and the Icom internal keyer

Positioning, it's on the desk right next to the key making speed
adjustments memory access etc very easy 

Speed control, with the Logikey keyers I can define the range of the
speed control pot so that I have smooth speed control over the range of
operating speeds that I use 

73
Brendan EI6IZ 


-- 
Don‘t complain. Nobody will understand. Or care. And certainly don‘t try
to fix the situation yourself. It‘s dangerous. Leave it to a highly
untrained, unqualified, expendable professional.

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Re: [Elecraft] K3 KComm PSK D / FSK D Question

[Ian Greenshields]

Hi Julian,

Thanks for the responses:

>Joe has already provided one reason why there is little point in using the
>computer soundcard for receive and the K3 DSP for transmit. As he said, it
>would be much more difficult to ensure that TX and RX are both on precisely
>the same frequency as if the soundcard was doing both, and they do need to
>be spot on or the other guy will miss the start of your over while his
>software locks on to it.

Agreed, this is important. The way I've tried to ensure the RX & TX
frequency is the same is to select the soundcard option in KComm, & manually
switch the K3 back to PSK D. If set up correctly I can then see the same
text decoded via KComm's soundcard DLL on screen & the K3's own text
decoder. I've successfully made contacts this way, so am assuming the TX/RX
frequencies are the same (if not, it's a K3 problem, not a KComm one!). Of
course I loose the KComm's TX window & macro capability doing this so I have
to TX via the K3 macros or the paddle which is awfully clunky.

>My experience has shown that the computer sound card PSK31 Core DLL does a
>better job of decoding data when signals are weak than the K3 DSP does. In
>other words, if you have a computer sound card available it is pointless to
>use it for just a waterfall and not let it do the decoding as well. If this
>was not the case then what you are suggesting might be worth implementing.

Yes, I've also noticed this. The K3 RTTY decoder is very good; the K3 PSK31
decoder falls short of soundcard decoders. The opposite seems to be true on
the TX side where the K3 encoders seem better (lower IMD) than the soundcard
variants. This was the main reason that prompted my question - I was trying
to get the best of both worlds.

>You should be able to resolve the problem of two programs fighting over the
>serial port by using the free Virtual Serial Port Emulator software.

I'll give this a try. Thanks.

I think what I'm really looking for is to use the K3's digital D modes and
to have the K3's own decoded text available within the KComm window, with
the option of a soundcard plug-in to reinforce it. Not as easy as I had
hoped!

Thanks anyway & 73,
Ian G4FSU
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Re: [Elecraft] External keyers with K3 - recommended?

[Dave G4AON]

The internal keyers in my K1, K2 and K3 are fine by me. The reason why
many users prefer an external keyer is it is consistent between
transceivers, especially if you operate as a guest at other stations. If
you stick with one transceiver, and it has a good internal keyer, then I
see no reason to use an external one.

73 Dave, G4AON


I have never in my 34 years as a ham used an external keyer and always used
either hand pump (old days) or built in keyer in my radios. But I keep
hearing folks using external keyers despite built in capabilities.

I am a CW enthusiast and over 95% of my Q's are CW. I do like using memories
but find the 4 quick memos in the K3 to be sufficient. I'm not interested in
using a keyboard nor display to watch the text.

Does anyone recommend an external keyer even with the K3?? I would rather
not hook on external boxes unless it will give me something extra.

If I do, I understand that Logikey and Microkeyer are great products.

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[Elecraft] UK Elecraft net report for Sunday 1st March

[Dave G4AON]

This week conditions were quite good, although some stations struggled a
little to hear each other. The net ran from 1000 to 1113 hours on 3627 KHz.

Discussions included the newer firmware released to field testers late
last week (2.97 and 2.98), which I found much improved over 2.82 but
still prone to very narrow "spikes" at roughly 50 Watts when set to 25
Watts output on SSB. Fingers crossed a fully sorted version will appear
soon.

Several stations reported that switching the AGC off sometimes gives
better receive on weak SSB signals when there is a high background
noise, the results seemed to vary depending on the nature of the noise
and may have also varied depending on the bandwidth setting.

There was little else of note, I guess the K3 must be settling down!

Stations this week were:

G4DQP, Vince
G0VGS, Ian
GM3SEK, Ian
G4ARI, Tim
GM0ELP, Doug
G0MJW, Mike
G4DMP, David
M3WCK, Colin
M1PAF, Paul

73 until next week
Dave, G4AON
K3/100 #80, f/w 2.38, Acom 1000 linear, dipole antenna.
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 KComm PSK D / FSK D Question

[Julian, G4ILO]

Ian Greenshields wrote:
> 
> I think even after it hopefully becomes possible to separate the K3's
> decoded text and radio responses on the serial port, some form of
> waterfall
> aid to tuning and band monitoring will still be extremely useful within a
> logging / control programme, then requiring an input to the soundcard
> anyway.
> 
This might be useful in the Linux version, which does not have a built-in
PSK via sound card function. But as I gave up using Linux a while back that
will not be a priority.



> At the moment, I use the MMVARI data engine for RTTY & PSK31 RX, and KComm
> for TX. But, they fight for the serial port, they don't fit on the screen,
> you can't easily transfer data from an RX to a TX window etc. etc. It
> seems
> to me that KComm does almost all of this already if the above were
> possible
> (OK, the data engine needs to support RTTY too, but that's a next step;
> the
> K3 display will have to do in the interim as it's much better at tuning &
> decoding RTTY).
> 
> It is possible? Could it be inplemented? Any other thoughts or solutions?
> 

One of the reasons I am not planning to put much more effort into developing
sound card support within KComm is that the next version, 1.6, uses Fldigi
as a data modes engine. You can control Fldigi from KComm and the text
decoded by Fldigi will appear in the KComm RX window for logging. You can
have KComm stay on top of Fldigi and position them so the Fldigi waterfall
appears below the bottom of the KComm window.

Unfortunately there is still work to be done before this next version can be
released, and time is something I don't have much of at the moment, so I
can't say when that will be.

You should be able to resolve the problem of two programs fighting over the
serial port by using the free Virtual Serial Port Emulator software. I'm
pretty sure this is described on the KComm help pages somewhere if you need
links to it, as it is also needed if you want to run CW Skimmer.

-
Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392  K3 #222.
http://www.g4ilo.com/ G4ILO's Shack   http://www.g4ilo.com/blog.html G4ILO's
Bloghttp://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html KComm for Elecraft K2 and K3 
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 KComm PSK D / FSK D Question

[Julian, G4ILO]

Joe has already provided one reason why there is little point in using the
computer soundcard for receive and the K3 DSP for transmit. As he said, it
would be much more difficult to ensure that TX and RX are both on precisely
the same frequency as if the soundcard was doing both, and they do need to
be spot on or the other guy will miss the start of your over while his
software locks on to it.

One of the changes I will be implementing in the next version is a waterfall
to allow CW signals to be "spotted" by clicking on a waterfall. However,
that is useful because a) KComm does not decode CW for itself (I have given
up trying to make that work) and b) it is also useful for people who decode
CW for ear.

My experience has shown that the computer sound card PSK31 Core DLL does a
better job of decoding data when signals are weak than the K3 DSP does. In
other words, if you have a computer sound card available it is pointless to
use it for just a waterfall and not let it do the decoding as well. If this
was not the case then what you are suggesting might be worth implementing.

-
Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392  K3 #222.
http://www.g4ilo.com/ G4ILO's Shack   http://www.g4ilo.com/blog.html G4ILO's
Bloghttp://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html KComm for Elecraft K2 and K3 
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Re: [Elecraft] k2 noise blanker

[Joe Vrabel]

Brett Gazdzinski wrote:
> 
> I have the noise blanker in my K2, and I have yet to find a noise it does 
> anything with.
> It seems to have no impact at all on the receiver, no matter what
> settings.
> 
> I did remove the bypass jumper, but it does not act like it
> 
> Is it supposed to be noticeable at all with it on?
> 
> Brett
> N2DTS 
> 
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[Elecraft] External keyers with K3 - recommended?

[LB3SA]

I have never in my 34 years as a ham used an external keyer and always used
either hand pump (old days) or built in keyer in my radios. But I keep
hearing folks using external keyers despite built in capabilities.

I am a CW enthusiast and over 95% of my Q's are CW. I do like using memories
but find the 4 quick memos in the K3 to be sufficient. I'm not interested in
using a keyboard nor display to watch the text.

Does anyone recommend an external keyer even with the K3?? I would rather
not hook on external boxes unless it will give me something extra.

If I do, I understand that Logikey and Microkeyer are great products.
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Re: [Elecraft] k2 noise blanker

[OE5CSP-Chris]

Brett,


My K2 noise blanker is not doing a lot but there are a few modifications
around, which can be found in the internet.I haven´t tried them yet...

73, Chris



Brett Gazdzinski wrote:
> 
> I have the noise blanker in my K2, and I have yet to find a noise it does 
> anything with.
> It seems to have no impact at all on the receiver, no matter what
> settings.
> 
> I did remove the bypass jumper, but it does not act like it
> 
> Is it supposed to be noticeable at all with it on?
> 
> Brett
> N2DTS 
> 
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