Re: [Elecraft] K3: REF IN
Since some time I am working on a solution just for fun ( http://n2.nabble.com/KREF-EXT-Option-tc2461086.html#a2461086 ). My GPS-derived clock was built from VE2ZAZ design and it works fine ( it is also used for other purpose in lab). PLL is a ADF4001 programmed from a AVR ATtiny2313. So far the system is running stand alone with a VCXO external to the K3 since my KTCXO3 does not have a voltage control connection. It is certainly possible to modify the KTCXO3 to a VCTCXO but I didn´t dare to do that yet. Maybe Elecrafts supplier can provide such a beast? If you are planning to use the K144XV as IF for higher order transverters it would be important to get this reference accuracy. 73 Jan Ian White GM3SEK wrote: David Pratt wrote: Page 17 of the K3 Owner's Manual (Rev D2) shows an SMA connector for Input for external standard frequency reference for which a KREF3-EXT option purports to be available eventually. I understand from what has been said earlier is that this will be for a 10MHz standard so you will need to use the 60kHz MSF signal to lock a 10MHz TCXO or use a GPS, Rubidium or Caesium standard. The schematic of the KSYN3 board shows a header (J4) with connections to the 10MHz input, the 49.380MHz output from the existing oscillator module and a V_ctrl line going back to the oscillator module. This suggests that the KREF3-EXT module will have a phase-locked loop to lock the oscillator to 10MHz. (Also on J4 is a mysterious 100Hz bus which wanders around many other areas of the K3... anyone know what that is?) However, phase locking to an external reference still doesn't mean that the K3 will be precisely on frequency. Due to the internal arithmetic of the K3's synthesis and mixing scheme, the frequency you see on the display is not quite the frequency you actually get. As Wayne pointed out on 17 November, this translates to a VCO step size of about 0.5 Hz on 160 m, 1 Hz on 20 m, and 2 Hz on 6 m. Other bands are between these values. What the KREF3-EXT module should be able to deliver is complete freedom from frequency drift, for almost all practical purposes. There could also be great communication value in being able to lock a pair of K3s to the same global GPS standard, even when they are half a world apart In the meantime, the K3 already has the most important kind of frequency and phase locking - between its own two receivers for true diversity reception. -- 73 from Ian GM3SEK __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-REF-IN-tp4105110p412.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Broken AF knob and bad service to get a replacement.
All this is very interesting. It certainly demonstrates the need for the continual product testing Elecraft undertake. Sending spares to remote regions with poor postal services, e.g. the UK is an expensive and slow business. The problem with the wrench - or hex key is a real one. It also applies to all the nuts and bolts used in the K3. For unknown reasons of patriotism the USA is non-metric so these are all in imperial sizes. Getting these outside of the USA is getting harder and harder. Failing Eric or Wayne running for president and changing this, and with Elecraft now becoming a major international force, would it not be better to use metric for new Elecraft designs? Mike, UK. -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Broken-AF-knob-and-bad-service-to-get-an-replacement-tp4105121p458.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Top Ten Devices band decoder interfacing
Hi all, Problem solved! Thanks to Dave N3RD. Cheers, Paul -- Paul Ormandy ZL4PW ZM4M www.radiodx.com www.zl4pw.orcon.net.nz __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: REF IN
Ian White GM3SEK wrote: What the KREF3-EXT module should be able to deliver is complete freedom from frequency drift, for almost all practical purposes. There could also be great communication value in being able to lock a pair of K3s to the same global GPS standard, even when they are half a world apart And as long as the world is not moving relative to itself the TX and RX could be dead on frequency for low bandwidth modes. Usually things are moving. We could measure the Doppler on the HF signals due to the movement of the ionosphere and do many other things... The KX144 can not be locked to the reference, it uses a different LO. If it were based on the reference oscillator we would not be hearing of crystal supply problems. It ought to be possible to lock the supplied TCXO - or a replacement to GPS using the 1PPS or 10kHz signals from a GPS receiver. That might be more useful to most amateurs than a 10MHz reference input. As an interim solution - I wonder if Wayne could produce a routine to automatically correct the K3 based on a user settable reference frequency? It could be WWV or a GPS locked beacon, a shack based 10MHz source. If that is done after the K3 has warmed up it should stay within a Hz or so for hours. Currently I do this manually for the transverter bands - where it matters for me. I tune to my 70MHz beacon in CW mode and trim the XV offset to zero beat with the CW tone. It requires iteration to do this. Measuring an offset in frequency is the sort of thing the DSP could do much better and quicker than I can. -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-REF-IN-tp4105110p4111200.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: REF IN
AD6XY wrote: Measuring an offset in frequency is the sort of thing the DSP could do much better and quicker than I can. That's a pretty neat idea. That's what the WSPR 2 calibration routine does - measure an audio frequency to 2 decimal places. The K3 DSP clock is probably more accurate than a computer sound card. - Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222. * G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com * KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html * KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-REF-IN-tp4105110p4111277.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] First-timer's K3 experiences in WW CW
Hello, I just received my K3 2 weeks before the WW CW so it was a rough transition taking this rig in use. Steve K6AW helped me a lot, spending lots of time with me on Skype explaining and giving tips about how to use the K3 in contesting optimally. (TNX!!) I took the K3 to Portugal where I had a mini M/S with Con DF4SA and Marq CT1BWW. I was impressed by the RX, it worked ufb, I only had a few issues, which are either config issues (most likely my pilot errors) and some are supposedly design issues, like: - I failed to find a way to get VFO-B freq permanently on display. My K3 keeps showing PA temp, time, PS current and voltage etc and it toggles between these when I toss the dial of the sub-VFO. Having to push that SUBVFO-SET button sucks. I would like to have the VFO-B dial to be used only for VFO-B whenever the SUB-VFO is activated. I checked the manual back and forth on the plane back and could not find such an option. What I found is that I either tune VFO-A or press BSET (have to hold and not even tap only!) and then and only then can change VFO-B freq. I badly missed the capability of the MP to tune A and B independently and engage and disengage dual-rx quickly. - I also failed to find a way to put the CLAR offset permanently on display. It keeps switching back to that PA temp etc. Sometimes I wandered too much off my run freq without noticing it. Having the CLAR offset permanently displayed whenever activated would be a useful reminder. It seems CLAR offset is only displayed when I change it. - The hint to turn AGC off whenever possible and control with RF-gain was really a good one. it really helped me to pick up the weaker USA calls among the pile of EUs. It was a very enjoyable challange. However I missed a sort of AGC in the audio stage, because when I got called by some really strong stations my eardrums were in pain... - I purchased 250/500 Hz CW filters. There is a dramatic change between those. In addition it seemed AGC was pumped badly when I went for a narrower DSP BW than the roofing filter. I think for contesting I should put 250/400 and for casual DXing the loose 500Hz filters are perfect. 250/400/500 would give me a very gradual change. Lowbands in WW are the ultimate test for IF design I guess. - Having optical encoders for speed and power is not optimal in my opinion. First I don't need the capability to set 56 instead of 57 Watts, second, those buttons are very close and roll very easily so I happened to change accidentally the power when I only wanted to change keying speed even though I do not have a big hand. Plus they lack the visual indication (possible with a simple potmeter) which would come handy for a simple visual sanity check for the sleep deprived mind. - If I understand correctly I need to buy the KXV3A module just to have an RX antenna capability. Maybe there is a workaround to connect RX ant to the AUX ANT connector and use the SUB RX for RX and the main RX to TX or vica versa, but I need to figure out exactly how. Or I need to build in a relay and add an extra connector to the place of ANT2 or 3. Something I need to put in later. Any feedback would be gratefully appreciated, 73! zoli HA1AG (CR5X in WWCW) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] First-timer's K3 experiences in WW CW
I recommend you download http://www.elecraft.com/manual/K3_Owner's_Man_Rev_D5_Hi_Res.pdf or the lower res http://www.elecraft.com/manual/K3_Owner's_Man_Rev_D5_web_res.pdf and search DISPLAY in there, but see below for specifics ... 73 de M0XDF, K3 #174 -- Men build too many walls and not enough bridges. -Isaac Newton, philosopher and mathematician (1642-1727) On 4 Dec 2009, at 11:47, Zoli Pitman HA1AG wrote: Hello, I just received my K3 2 weeks before the WW CW so it was a rough transition taking this rig in use. Steve K6AW helped me a lot, spending lots of time with me on Skype explaining and giving tips about how to use the K3 in contesting optimally. (TNX!!) I took the K3 to Portugal where I had a mini M/S with Con DF4SA and Marq CT1BWW. I was impressed by the RX, it worked ufb, I only had a few issues, which are either config issues (most likely my pilot errors) and some are supposedly design issues, like: - I failed to find a way to get VFO-B freq permanently on display. Use the DISPLAY button, in one setting it displays data about the rig (temp etc) in the other it displays VFO B (all the time). Quote from pg 21 of Owners Manual: The VFO B display can show a variety of useful parameters in addition to the normal frequency display. To see these, tap DISP (left of the display), then rotate the VFO B knob. The VFO B display will cycle through time, date, RIT/XIT offset, supply voltage, current drain, etc. (pg. 36).switches, PF1 , PF2 , and M1 – M4 (tap or hold). Function menu entries can only be used via such a switch assignment. (Examples, from the CONFIG menu: VFO B-A and TTY LTR.) To set up a programmable function switch, first use Having to push that SUBVFO-SET button sucks. I would like to have the VFO-B dial to be used only for VFO-B whenever the SUB-VFO is activated. VFO-B is active all the time I believe and you just change it with the VFO-B knob press BSET (have to hold and not even tap only!) BSET changes the VFO that all the controls affect, so by default they change VFO-A, hold BSET and now everything that controlled VFO-A (including the large VFO-A knob) now affects VFO-B (or the sub Rx if fitted) instead. I also failed to find a way to put the CLAR offset permanently on display. It keeps switching back to that PA temp etc. This is because you've got the DISPLAY set to show that, just try tapping it. Just a note: Wayne and Eric (and everyone else involved with design etc) are radio amatures too, so if something doesn't work the way it normally would, chances are you're doing something wrong. The do get things wrong sometimes, they are human as well :-) But generally, they know how a rig should work and how everyone will want it to work 73 de M0XDF __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Anyone using K3 only for VHF ?
Hi guy's, Quick question from today, is someone using K3 for VHF only ?(I'm using 2 SSB meters bands) What are the results ? Better than a jap's one ? I'm ready to buy another K3 only to use in vhf mode. May be this looks stupid for some of you, but if RX quality is here..I will not hesitate. VHF frequency is displayed on main or sub ? Any comments are attended 73, Lionel, Paris, France. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Top Ten Devices band decoder interfacing
Paul, I can't answer your question but N3RD of Top Ten Devices no doubt can. I use the Yaesu TT decoder that I had used with my FT-2000D, now sold, but I bought the Top Ten cable for the K3 rather than making my own. It works fine with my 160, 80, 40, 30M antennas and a SteppIR that covers 20-6M. I have to manually switch to the SteppIR for 6M, but the others switch automatically my DX Engineering switch on top of the tower. Jim N7US -Original Message- Hi all, Have purchased a Top Ten Devices band decoder and am about to build a cable to connect it to the K3. Can someone please tell me if the band switching matrix is as follows? Band A - Band 0 Band B - Band 1 Band C - Band 2 Band D - Band 3 Thanks in advance, Cheers, Paul __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Obtaining spares from Elecraft
G'day, If I post something to the UK it is usually delivered within five working days of departing VP8 (including a day in the air). When I order anything from Elecraft it takes 2-3 weeks to arrive, always has done. All my Elecraft stuff comes air letter post (expensive) because the US parcel services have no clue about the Falklands, at least in California they don't. Other companies like LL Bean or Landsend manage perfectly well. However, I must stress that in 2000 Lisa went out of her way to try and sort it out, even contacting LL Bean. So it looks like it's just the system. Regards, Mike VP8NO K2 #1400 K3 #345 - Original Message - From: Julian, G4ILO julian.g4...@gmail.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, December 04, 2009 6:16 AM Subject: [Elecraft] Obtaining spares from Elecraft AD6XY wrote: All this is very interesting. It certainly demonstrates the need for the continual product testing Elecraft undertake. Sending spares to remote regions with poor postal services, e.g. the UK is an expensive and slow business. International post is slow, period, unless you are prepared to pay FedEx prices. I recently ordered two Finger Dimples, one for my K2 and one for the Griffin PowerMate remote tuning knob for the K3, and they took 4 weeks to arrive. It is definitely worse than 10 years ago when a part for my K2 took just 4 days to get here. I don't know what the answer is short of a European distributor that also carries spares and handles servicing. - Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] OT - Motorola Droid
As a former Motorola employee, I belong to the Motorola Amateur Radio Club. The MARC reflector has had a few postings on ham apps for the Droid. Rather than send them to this list, I can forward them to anyone interested. Jim N7US __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] P3 specs?
K PSE ?:-) I may have missed this but were any preliminary specifications published on the P3? Such as maximum bandwidth and dynamic range. What is the exact injection point in K3's frontend? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] First-timer's K3 experiences in WW CW
Zoli, The solution to your VFO B display request is easy - just tap the DISP button. 73, Don W3FPR Zoli Pitman HA1AG wrote: - I failed to find a way to get VFO-B freq permanently on display. My K3 keeps showing PA temp, time, PS current and voltage etc and it toggles between these when I toss the dial of the sub-VFO. Having to push that SUBVFO-SET button sucks. I would like to have the VFO-B dial to be used only for VFO-B whenever the SUB-VFO is activated. I checked the manual back and forth on the plane back and could not find such an option. What I found is that I either tune VFO-A or press BSET (have to hold and not even tap only!) and then and only then can change VFO-B freq. I badly missed the capability of the MP to tune A and B independently and engage and disengage dual-rx quickly. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] First-timer's K3 experiences in WW CW
You can set the SLOPE to minimum value and THR to maximum value for a more non-AGC AGC. Also, set AF LIM to a setting that will protect your ears when the AGC is turned off; this will clip excessive volume (and therefore it will sound distorted) but does save your ear drums VFOB can be made to permanently display with the DISP control. I also would like to have the receive antenna but have no use for KXV3 otherwise. -- 73, Drew AF2Z On Fri, 04 Dec 2009 03:47:14 -0800 (PST), you wrote: Hello, I just received my K3 2 weeks before the WW CW so it was a rough transition taking this rig in use. Steve K6AW helped me a lot, spending lots of time with me on Skype explaining and giving tips about how to use the K3 in contesting optimally. (TNX!!) I took the K3 to Portugal where I had a mini M/S with Con DF4SA and Marq CT1BWW. I was impressed by the RX, it worked ufb, I only had a few issues, which are either config issues (most likely my pilot errors) and some are supposedly design issues, like: - I failed to find a way to get VFO-B freq permanently on display. My K3 keeps showing PA temp, time, PS current and voltage etc and it toggles between these when I toss the dial of the sub-VFO. Having to push that SUBVFO-SET button sucks. I would like to have the VFO-B dial to be used only for VFO-B whenever the SUB-VFO is activated. I checked the manual back and forth on the plane back and could not find such an option. What I found is that I either tune VFO-A or press BSET (have to hold and not even tap only!) and then and only then can change VFO-B freq. I badly missed the capability of the MP to tune A and B independently and engage and disengage dual-rx quickly. - I also failed to find a way to put the CLAR offset permanently on display. It keeps switching back to that PA temp etc. Sometimes I wandered too much off my run freq without noticing it. Having the CLAR offset permanently displayed whenever activated would be a useful reminder. It seems CLAR offset is only displayed when I change it. - The hint to turn AGC off whenever possible and control with RF-gain was really a good one. it really helped me to pick up the weaker USA calls among the pile of EUs. It was a very enjoyable challange. However I missed a sort of AGC in the audio stage, because when I got called by some really strong stations my eardrums were in pain... - I purchased 250/500 Hz CW filters. There is a dramatic change between those. In addition it seemed AGC was pumped badly when I went for a narrower DSP BW than the roofing filter. I think for contesting I should put 250/400 and for casual DXing the loose 500Hz filters are perfect. 250/400/500 would give me a very gradual change. Lowbands in WW are the ultimate test for IF design I guess. - Having optical encoders for speed and power is not optimal in my opinion. First I don't need the capability to set 56 instead of 57 Watts, second, those buttons are very close and roll very easily so I happened to change accidentally the power when I only wanted to change keying speed even though I do not have a big hand. Plus they lack the visual indication (possible with a simple potmeter) which would come handy for a simple visual sanity check for the sleep deprived mind. - If I understand correctly I need to buy the KXV3A module just to have an RX antenna capability. Maybe there is a workaround to connect RX ant to the AUX ANT connector and use the SUB RX for RX and the main RX to TX or vica versa, but I need to figure out exactly how. Or I need to build in a relay and add an extra connector to the place of ANT2 or 3. Something I need to put in later. Any feedback would be gratefully appreciated, 73! zoli HA1AG (CR5X in WWCW) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Obtaining spares from Elecraft
Mike, I believe the answer to the delays can be found in your country's customs house. Apparently items from LandsEnd or LL Bean pass through quickly. 73, Don W3FPR Mike Harris wrote: G'day, If I post something to the UK it is usually delivered within five working days of departing VP8 (including a day in the air). When I order anything from Elecraft it takes 2-3 weeks to arrive, always has done. All my Elecraft stuff comes air letter post (expensive) because the US parcel services have no clue about the Falklands, at least in California they don't. Other companies like LL Bean or Landsend manage perfectly well. However, I must stress that in 2000 Lisa went out of her way to try and sort it out, even contacting LL Bean. So it looks like it's just the system. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Broken AF knob and bad service to get an replacement.
I have had my K3 for almost two years now and NO problems either. Also VERY good service from all at Elecraft. Craig W0LV Tord wrote: Hi Elecrafters! Must tell you! Broken AF Knobs.And bad service to get a replacement. Still same shit? very very bad quality? its happend again, broken in pieces. Purchased a new factory built K3 03/18/2009.A week after I get it AF button went to pieces. Ordered new and had to wait eight weeks for a new one. Now it is broken again, in three pieces and how long should I wait to get a replacement this time? three months? Also unable to find Allen wrench 0.050 here! This is really bad. really bad! Sorry to say.My experience of Elecraft service is really bad. But its true. 73/ SM3ALR Tord K3/100 #2926. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/K3-Broken-AF-knob-and-bad-service-to-get-an-replacement-tp4105121p4112608.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Broken AF knob and bad service to get a replacement.
Nah, fractions are better than metric-- more rational. -- 73, Drew AF2Z On Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:24:44 -0800 (PST), Mike, UK. wrote: Failing Eric or Wayne running for president and changing this, and with Elecraft now becoming a major international force, would it not be better to use metric for new Elecraft designs? Mike, UK. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Obtaining spares from Elecraft
Hi Don, Stick to the K2, you know something about that. Regards, Mike VP8NO - Original Message - From: Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com To: Mike Harris mike.har...@cwimail.fk Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, December 04, 2009 10:56 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Obtaining spares from Elecraft Mike, I believe the answer to the delays can be found in your country's customs house. Apparently items from LandsEnd or LL Bean pass through quickly. 73, Don W3FPR Mike Harris wrote: G'day, If I post something to the UK it is usually delivered within five working days of departing VP8 (including a day in the air). When I order anything from Elecraft it takes 2-3 weeks to arrive, always has done. All my Elecraft stuff comes air letter post (expensive) because the US parcel services have no clue about the Falklands, at least in California they don't. Other companies like LL Bean or Landsend manage perfectly well. However, I must stress that in 2000 Lisa went out of her way to try and sort it out, even contacting LL Bean. So it looks like it's just the system. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Broken AF knob and bad service to get a replacement.
No way. Decimals are much easier to work with. Our frequencies are measured in decimal and I sure wouldn't like to see my rig display it in fractions. Our money is written in decimals. It's just a matter of not comparing imperial with metric. If you do that you will never get it, in my opinion. It's kind of like learning code. If you constantly visualize each letter or number after you hear it, you will never get past five words a minute. You have to learn it by ear. Same with metrics. You have to forget about imperial and stop trying to convert one system to another. I work in an industry that has gone from imperial to metric and then back to imperial again. Each time it was because, of politicians. Metric is much better. Just my opinion. Gary, N7HTS On Fri, 04 Dec 2009 09:15:04 -0500 drewko drew...@verizon.net wrote: Nah, fractions are better than metric-- more rational. -- 73, Drew AF2Z On Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:24:44 -0800 (PST), Mike, UK. wrote: Failing Eric or Wayne running for president and changing this, and with Elecraft now becoming a major international force, would it not be better to use metric for new Elecraft designs? Mike, UK. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Broken AF knob and bad service to get a replacement.
Why not have displays in wavelengths and fractions of wavelengths as we are all familiar with them. 1/2 wave dipoles. 1/4 wave matching stubs, 5/8 wave verticals etc. Also no band to frequency conversions will be required. Bob K2TK Gary D Krause wrote: No way. Decimals are much easier to work with. Our frequencies are measured in decimal and I sure wouldn't like to see my rig display it in fractions. Gary, N7HTS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Broken AF knob and bad service to geta replacement.
People will change the ID any way they want. If that includes changing knobs to something that wasn't custom designed, seems like there's nothing to be done. There was someone who put on a bluish sidelight some time ago, and another that modified control labels. Even one that stenciled something on the LCD panel lens... Personally I like the knob set on the K3 as-is. Reasons: - Aesthetics. Surface and groove radius are similar to the K3 enclosure. - Just the right size. YMMV here. - Proper weighting, meaning torque to turn, and initial stiction. - Deep enough to operate using finger tips or pads, but no so deep that they change the unit's depth dimension by too much. - Frobbing of the VFO knobs (both, imho) allows enough play to spin them. So the flywheel effect is about right. You can adjust flywheel-ability to suit yourself. - Fine control just takes getting used to. Same on any rig. All in all, a good compromise between cost, look feel, size, and human engineering. Just my $0.02. Don't start a flame war over this. It's not worth it. 73, matt W6NIA K3 #24, K2 #2810 On Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:36:04 -0800, you wrote: I may be biased (I designed the K3's knobs, switches, LCD, and packaging with intent to have everything match, aesthetically), but I strongly recommend *not* changing the knobs to anything else. If you're only doing it because you have one that's defective, please request a replacement from Elecraft. We had a batch manufactured with the wrong material, and I thought we had sent replacements to all affected K3 owners, but perhaps not. If you're doing it because you'd like machined aluminum knobs rather than plastic, send me a private email telling me how much you'd be willing to pay for a complete set of them :) It is certainly possible to have them made from aluminum, but the cost would be dramatically higher. Off the top of my head I'm guessing it would have added $150-200 to the cost of the radio. Mouser aluminum knobs (or any other off-the-shelf knobs) will not match the K3. I'd rather design new ones from scratch. But I personally like the molded plastic knobs, which are easy on the fingers. 73, Wayne N6KR p...@n4lcd.com wrote: To be honest I don't think they suit the look of the K3. They don't even match the other knobs. It might be a solution in ten years time when a knob breaks and Elecraft doesn't make them any more, but that's the situation I'd really like to avoid. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] (Fwd) Re: Droid
[Not OT] Yes, there is a K3 / Elecraft connection here. ;-) Anyone interested in writing a K3 remote control app for the Droid/Android OS? Contact me directly if you are. The Moto Droid makes an excellent platform for portable remote control. I'm -very- interested in doing this for the K3. I'm also in interested in using it for data modes etc. [OT] I'm extremely happy with the Motorola Droid. (I upgraded from using using several versions of the Palm Treo over the past 6 years.) Battery life has not been a problem for my usage profile. I'm a heavy unlimited data plan user for email and web (many of my elecraft posts here come via my PDA phone), but I'm also trained to dock and charge my phone when I am in the car, office and at night. Same as I did for the Treo. But I frequently go all day without charging until I go to bed. I suspect many that quote short battery life during their early days of infatuation and heavy usage of the phone as they download apps, browse the web, call and email all their friends, view YouTube K3 videos and generally have fun with the new toy. ;-) All of the apps I had on my Palm Treo were available for the Droid, and I was able to transfer over my contacts and data in short order. Via Google calendar I'm able to stay 100% in sync between my various PCs and the Droid. Its a huge productivity booster. Bottom line for me: With its large high resolution touch color display, slide out keyboard, 3G + Wifi networks, 5 MP camera / vid cam, and its Google based Android open operating system, the Moto Driod on Verizon is a strong competitor for the iPhone on ATT's weaker network. Numerous phones from several manufacturers now available with the Android OS, which is rapidly creating a strong applications base as programmers jump on board. I've loaded numerous Ham Radio apps already. There are over 10,000 apps on the Droid site so far, with hundreds more appearing each day. Rumor is that over 500,000 Droids have been shipped since its introduction a month ago. 73, Eric WA6HHQ [Let's limit this thread to a 1-2 more posts today and then end it.] __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Broken AF knob and bad service to get a replacement. [END of Thread]
Let's end this thread for now. (We currently supply the hex wrenches with all kit -and- built K3s to avoid this problem overseas.) 73, Eric Rick Dettinger wrote: Its not patriotism, we just have a lot of inertia over here! We are probably another century away from joining the rest of the world. But we do know what side of the road to drive on )-: __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] knobs
I received mine VERY fast but I'm in the US. As a retired postal clerk I can tell you lots of stories about shipping thru customs. I retired before 911 but even in 2000 some countries were fast some slow or stop. Even the smallest padded bag took a month to clear customs in France. One customer sent cremated ashes to Mexico. That was over 3 months til delivery. I could speak dozens of such stories. Hang in there. They'll arrive. k9il K3 #2626 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 mods
Yesterday I overcame my fears :-) and successfully performed the following mods on my K3 (S/N 1672): K3 AF Mod (Line out speaker) IF Output Buffer Gain Mod K3 Extreme Signal RX Protection Mod But, I was not able to perform the K3 AF Output Mod (two 470 ohm resistors on the KIO3 board). I found it impossible to hold the resistor in place will soldering to the connector pins. Does anyone have any suggestions on techniques for installing these resistors? Steve N9SZ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3
K3 SN 1194 has all ways work fine no problems.Most problems is the operater W8CDJ Charles D Jordan __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Broken AF knob and bad service to get a replacement.
At 10:07 AM 04/12/09, you wrote: Its not patriotism, we just have a lot of inertia over here! We are probably another century away from joining the rest of the world. But we do know what side of the road to drive on )-: Also one must consider the large cost to replace almost all of your tools. For example, metric pliers, side cutters, screwdrivers and adjustable wrenches (spanners), just to name a few items. Have you ever tried to price a metric hacksaw blade? Good luck! John k7up __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Anyone using K3 only for VHF ?
On Fri, 4 Dec 2009 13:12:56 +0100, Lionel Lhermitte f6...@orange.fr wrote: In Line: Hi guy's, Quick question from today, is someone using K3 for VHF only ?(I'm using 2 SSB meters bands) What are the results ? Better than a jap's one ? I have the following Japanese rigs; Kenwood TS-711A (2m only), Yaesu FT-736R (2m and 70cm) and a Yaesu 857D (2m and 70cm). I have two K3's; one is dedicated to VHF/UHF. The VHF/UHF K3 uses the XV144 and XV432 Transverters. It out performs all three of the Japanese rigs on RX and TX. I'm ready to buy another K3 only to use in vhf mode. May be this looks stupid for some of you, but if RX quality is here..I will not hesitate. VHF frequency is displayed on main or sub ? VHF and UHF are displayed on both VFO's depending on which XVTR is selected. [snip] Tom, N5GE n...@n5ge.com K3 #806 with SUB RX, K3 #1055, PR6, XV144, XV432, KRC2, W1, 2 W2's and other small kits 1 K144XV on order http://www.n5ge.com http://www.swotrc.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 6M operation
The PRE icon pertains only to the K3's internal preamp. I suggest turning it off in most cases when you're using the PR6. Otherwise you'll have more gain than necessary, possibly degrading dynamic range. (With the PR6 on -- giving you an MDS of about -144 dBm -- turning on the internal preamp would provide only a small fraction of a dB improvement.) To turn the PR6 itself on, you need to turn on the RX ANT path (which you have done), but you also have to power the preamp. You can leave it powered all the time (via a jumper block, if I'm remembering correctly), or (preferably) turn it on/off using the DIGOUT1 signal on the 15-pin accessory jack. The PR6 manual should cover all of this. 73, Wayne N6KR On Dec 4, 2009, at 10:32 AM, Mike wrote: No one knows? Mike wrote: I installed the PR6, hooked up to the control line. I set up the CONFIG menu. When I put the rig on 6M, and tap RX ANT to turn on the PR6, the display shows RX and PRE. Is the other preamp engaged at the same time? The PRE on the LCD can be toggled by tapping the PRE button. 73, Mike NF4L __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 6M operation
Hi Mike, The PRE setting is already stored separately in the RX ANT on and off cases, on a per-band basis. (This is also the case for the K2.) 73, Wayne N6KR On Dec 4, 2009, at 10:56 AM, Mike wrote: Thanks Wayne - Is there a way to disconnect the internal preamp from the RX ANT button, so that tapping the RX ANT button doesn't turn on the internal preamp? Mike Wayne Burdick wrote: The PRE icon pertains only to the K3's internal preamp. I suggest turning it off in most cases when you're using the PR6. Otherwise you'll have more gain than necessary, possibly degrading dynamic range. (With the PR6 on -- giving you an MDS of about -144 dBm -- turning on the internal preamp would provide only a small fraction of a dB improvement.) To turn the PR6 itself on, you need to turn on the RX ANT path (which you have done), but you also have to power the preamp. You can leave it powered all the time (via a jumper block, if I'm remembering correctly), or (preferably) turn it on/off using the DIGOUT1 signal on the 15-pin accessory jack. The PR6 manual should cover all of this. 73, Wayne N6KR On Dec 4, 2009, at 10:32 AM, Mike wrote: No one knows? Mike wrote: I installed the PR6, hooked up to the control line. I set up the CONFIG menu. When I put the rig on 6M, and tap RX ANT to turn on the PR6, the display shows RX and PRE. Is the other preamp engaged at the same time? The PRE on the LCD can be toggled by tapping the PRE button. 73, Mike NF4L __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 6M operation
Just push the PRE button while RX ANT is enabled. That toggles it on/off for the RX ANT path. It is remembered separately for this path. 73, Eric Mike wrote: Thanks Wayne - Is there a way to disconnect the internal preamp from the RX ANT button, so that tapping the RX ANT button doesn't turn on the internal preamp? Mike Wayne Burdick wrote: The PRE icon pertains only to the K3's internal preamp. I suggest turning it off in most cases when you're using the PR6. Otherwise you'll have more gain than necessary, possibly degrading dynamic range. (With the PR6 on -- giving you an MDS of about -144 dBm -- turning on the internal preamp would provide only a small fraction of a dB improvement.) To turn the PR6 itself on, you need to turn on the RX ANT path (which you have done), but you also have to power the preamp. You can leave it powered all the time (via a jumper block, if I'm remembering correctly), or (preferably) turn it on/off using the DIGOUT1 signal on the 15-pin accessory jack. The PR6 manual should cover all of this. 73, Wayne N6KR __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 6M operation
OK! Thanks again Wayne. 74, Mike NF4L Wayne Burdick wrote: Hi Mike, The PRE setting is already stored separately in the RX ANT on and off cases, on a per-band basis. (This is also the case for the K2.) 73, Wayne N6KR On Dec 4, 2009, at 10:56 AM, Mike wrote: Thanks Wayne - Is there a way to disconnect the internal preamp from the RX ANT button, so that tapping the RX ANT button doesn't turn on the internal preamp? Mike Wayne Burdick wrote: The PRE icon pertains only to the K3's internal preamp. I suggest turning it off in most cases when you're using the PR6. Otherwise you'll have more gain than necessary, possibly degrading dynamic range. (With the PR6 on -- giving you an MDS of about -144 dBm -- turning on the internal preamp would provide only a small fraction of a dB improvement.) To turn the PR6 itself on, you need to turn on the RX ANT path (which you have done), but you also have to power the preamp. You can leave it powered all the time (via a jumper block, if I'm remembering correctly), or (preferably) turn it on/off using the DIGOUT1 signal on the 15-pin accessory jack. The PR6 manual should cover all of this. 73, Wayne N6KR On Dec 4, 2009, at 10:32 AM, Mike wrote: No one knows? Mike wrote: I installed the PR6, hooked up to the control line. I set up the CONFIG menu. When I put the rig on 6M, and tap RX ANT to turn on the PR6, the display shows RX and PRE. Is the other preamp engaged at the same time? The PRE on the LCD can be toggled by tapping the PRE button. 73, Mike NF4L __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K2 and then what?
I should be receiving the KPA100 today for my K2. I started thinking about what I'm going to do, kit wise, after installing it? I've got all of the options that I want now and I don't want to build a K1 or any of the smaller kits. The K3 looks appealing but, it's not a kit in the same sense as the K2 is with having to solder components. It sure would be nice if Elecraft had another HF kit that is somewhere between a K2 and K3 or maybe a kit that is more for home station use than portable. Gary, N7HTS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 6M operation
Thanks Mike - My questions have been amply and fully answered, except why turning on the PR6 turned on the internal preamp as well. But since I now know how to prevent that, all is good. 73, Mike(2) NF4L Mike Harris wrote: G'day Mike, Control of the K3 internal pre-amp is independent of the PR6. That is you can have neither, either or both. You should be able to hear the difference. RX ANT will switch the PR6 and PRE will switch the K3 internal pre-amp. If you are switching the PR6 using the CONFIG DIGOUT 1 setting note that you have to enable it for each ANT if you have a KAT3 installed. You might not always use the same antenna port for 6M. This wasn't mentioned in the PR6 paperwork and I had a deaf moment until I figured that one out. You can select CONFIG: DIGOUT 1 and toggle the ANT to check that both are On. I trust that answers your question. Regards, Mike VP8NO - Original Message - From: Mike n...@nf4l.com To: Elecraft Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, December 04, 2009 3:32 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 6M operation No one knows? Mike wrote: I installed the PR6, hooked up to the control line. I set up the CONFIG menu. When I put the rig on 6M, and tap RX ANT to turn on the PR6, the display shows RX and PRE. Is the other preamp engaged at the same time? The PRE on the LCD can be toggled by tapping the PRE button. 73, Mike NF4L __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Broken AF knob and bad service to get a replacement.
I have been dreading the day we go to metric TIME. That will take some getting use to. 73, de Jim KG0KP - Original Message - From: John k...@hughes.net To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, December 04, 2009 12:37 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Broken AF knob and bad service to get a replacement. At 10:07 AM 04/12/09, you wrote: Its not patriotism, we just have a lot of inertia over here! We are probably another century away from joining the rest of the world. But we do know what side of the road to drive on )-: Also one must consider the large cost to replace almost all of your tools. For example, metric pliers, side cutters, screwdrivers and adjustable wrenches (spanners), just to name a few items. Have you ever tried to price a metric hacksaw blade? Good luck! John k7up __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 Power Problem ??
Hi Folks, When doing RTTY at 100 watts a high current warning flashes in the VFO B display area and RF power is automatically cut back to about 60 watts. SWR is about 1.1:1 or there abouts; nothing approaching 1.5:1. I have found there is 0.6 volts drop in the Elecraft supplied power cable (Power Poles are soldered) and about 0.2 volt drop between my power supply and the output of the Rigrunner. It's between the power supply and the K3. Voltage at the radio drops to 13.2 vdc and current is 23-24 amps on transmit. Under that load the voltage at the power supply drops 0.01 volts. I run the power supply (it's variable) at 14.0 volts at the supply. It's a 40 amp power supply. I have a popular off shore rig that has no problem with the existing power setup. In reading the Supply/Voltage Current specifications on page eight (8) of the Owners Manual I find it recommends When using reduced supply voltage (12volts), power output should be reduced (e.g. 70 W at 11 V). Further, For best results, use the supplied 5 foot (1.3 m) power cable. Those two statements appear to be in error when applied to my radio. My K3 appears to be overly sensitive to voltage and current. The only adjustment I can locate that might relate to this is the menu CONFIG:ADC REF entry. However, I seriously doubt it will have any impact on this as this appears to be a serious error and adjust appears to be for fine tuning at best. I certainly would appreciate any ones constructive input on this situation. I could appreciate knowing the gauge of the supplied cableI'm hoping that doubling or tripling the size might help. But, that seems to be a bandaide rather that eliminating the root cause. Thank, have a good day and 73. Jim, W0EM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Power Problem ??
Jim, 23 to 24 amps is excessive current to be drawing at 14v and probably means that you are drawing too much. Have you verified that those watt meters are accurate? As some comparison data, running 100 watts out of my K3 into a 1:1.1 SWR it only draws 17.1 amps. 73, Bob W5OV -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jim Harris Sent: Friday, December 04, 2009 10:41 PM To: w...@w5ov.com; Elecraft Email; Gary Elecraft Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Power Problem ?? Hi, Exactly 100 watts set on K3. Measured about 90 watts out on two external watt meters. One on an MFJ antenna tuner and the other is a high end MFJ power meter. They agree within a couple of watts near 100 watts measured. Have a good day and 73. Jim, W0EM From: w...@w5ov.com To: w...@q.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net; g...@elecraft.com Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 Power Problem ?? Date: Fri, 4 Dec 2009 21:51:35 -0600 Jim, 23 to 24 amps on transmit? The manual says you should have 17 to 22. At 14v it sure sounds like you're running a lot more than 100w out. How are you measuring the output? W5OV -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Jim Harris Sent: Friday, December 04, 2009 7:46 PM To: Elecraft Email; Gary Elecraft Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Power Problem ?? Hi Folks, When doing RTTY at 100 watts a high current warning flashes in the VFO B display area and RF power is automatically cut back to about 60 watts. SWR is about 1.1:1 or there abouts; nothing approaching 1.5:1. I have found there is 0.6 volts drop in the Elecraft supplied power cable (Power Poles are soldered) and about 0.2 volt drop between my power supply and the output of the Rigrunner. It's between the power supply and the K3. Voltage at the radio drops to 13.2 vdc and current is 23-24 amps on transmit. Under that load the voltage at the power supply drops 0.01 volts. I run the power supply (it's variable) at 14.0 volts at the supply. It's a 40 amp power supply. I have a popular off shore rig that has no problem with the existing power setup. In reading the Supply/Voltage Current specifications on page eight (8) of the Owners Manual I find it recommends When using reduced supply voltage (12volts), power output should be reduced (e.g. 70 W at 11 V). Further, For best results, use the supplied 5 foot (1.3 m) power cable. Those two statements appear to be in error when applied to my radio. My K3 appears to be overly sensitive to voltage and current. The only adjustment I can locate that might relate to this is the menu CONFIG:ADC REF entry. However, I seriously doubt it will have any impact on this as this appears to be a serious error and adjust appears to be for fine tuning at best. I certainly would appreciate any ones constructive input on this situation. I could appreciate knowing the gauge of the supplied cableI'm hoping that doubling or tripling the size might help. But, that seems to be a bandaide rather that eliminating the root cause. Thank, have a good day and 73. Jim, W0EM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] AF/RF Knob situation - joined the club
After 2+ years of operation K-3 SN31 has just succumbed to a compound failure of the smaller Main control AF and RF knobs. I thought I was pretty lucky when I first saw list notes about the knobs failing and figured maybe a bad batch, etc. The rig SN 31 was originally placed in service in late October 2007. Last week during CQWW I lost AF control, determined the knob ws slipping and took a closer look. One of the set screws was at the face of a fracture that ran across the entire half of the shaft recess. For a quick fix, I decided to swap knobs with RF control. I no sooner slipped the other knob on the AF shaft and it split lengthwise. Quick trip to the junk box and an old Heathkit all metal knob saved the day. Today I take a look at the list and WOW what do I see, 3 days of knobitis has hit the fan. So, maybe the problem is not going to go away that soon. I figure if Elecraft hasn't been real responsive about the problem, they are at a loss for answers and need a few days to regroup. It does happen now and then. So, I haven't called for or requested any replacement pars right now. What I have done is take a look at some of the vast number of oscilloscopes I have piled up around my classroom. I have Leader, Heath, Phillips, Toshiba, Hitachi, Tek, ad HPs - several dozen. The only one that doesn't have a mini shaft control onit anywhere is a 60 year old DuMont. At least 75% of these scopes are over 25 years old and have had pretty rough handling in school room. Some I even brought to the classroom after 20 years use in my engineering Labs. Not one has ever had to have a knob replaced for breakage. So what's the difference? As far as I can tell the main difference, besides color, is the old well used knobs are made of a platic that is more compliant, and most have a metal collar inserted in them, but not all. The Heatkits from early days - up til about 1970 used metal knobs in most ham rig applications. My 54 year old Hallicrafters use plain plastic knobs - no inserts but larger shaft size. I have always used a very light touch when tightening the set screws, so I have no fear I overdid it. Right now the plan here is to get the operation stabilized with the best thing I can find, then, if I like the feel and appearance, stick with it til Elecraft gets a handle on things and can supply good replacements. Some of the Heath metal knobs are an almost perfect match and could be anodized black for a durable finish. Al, WA6VNN __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
