Re: [Elecraft] K3 APF Adjustable Q
Quote para 2, both points: Reciprocity still applies with respect to gain and off axis effects. If the receive antenna is down by 3dB, it will be down by 3dB EIRP when transmitting; if down by 10dB, the EIRP will be down 10dB. Quote para 3: Local noise does make a real difference and will compromise reciprocity. Top quoted only by list policy. Kok Chen wrote: Although Reciprocity Theory states that if both of you use the same power, the received power at the two antenna terminals will be the same independent of what antennas are at each end, other things determine if he can copy you better than you can copy him. However, another factor, arguably more important, is the antennas' directivity and where the directivity are aimed at. If his antenna is more directive than yours by 3 dB, all else being equal, he has a 3 dB of SNR advantage. If the arrival angle of his signal at your antenna is 10 dB below where your antenna actually peaks, while your signal arrives at his antenna where the response of his antenna peaks, you have yet another 10 dB disadvantage, etc. The same SNR argument applies to how noisy his local RF environment is compared to your environment. -- David Woolley we do not overly restrict the subject matter on the list, and we encourage postings on a wide range of amateur radio related topics List Guidelines http://www.elecraft.com/elecraft_list_guidelines.htm __ 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 APF Adjustable Q
Joe, For some reason you keep thinking that Elecraft's APF is being designed and programmed by Yaesu engineers Why is it that just because Yaesu made a mistake with their rig that it means Elecraft has to destroy THEIR APF just because they choose to add an adjustable Q control? You have to have confidence that the APF can remain exactly the same as Lyle and the gang has written it while still adding the ability to open it up some? Just because Yaesu programmers weren't talented enough not to destroy what they had built doesn't mean that Elecraft will make the same mistake. Furthermore there are Alpha testers like myself that will make sure that once the variable Q has been put in that when set to the Minimum (narrowest) setting that it will still act and feel like it does now. Of course you too could do the same as an Alfa software tester. This isn't Yaesu where no one listens to the users once they choose to make a change or adjustment to the code... Your say WILL matter if things sound different once the feature has been improved for others. I really don't think that you're giving Elecraft, it's programmers, or the Alpha testers such as myself enough credit. I'm in favor of having a variable Q on this APF system. It will help improve copy with a tight algorithm that Lyle has written for this one, while at the same time allowing me to open the Q so that I can copy not as weak signals with gain, and less ringing. I believe that Lyle will not destroy his own code by adding a feature that Enhances the operation of what he's already created for us. If he does, I will be the first to let him know so he can re-program it. The Dual pass band filter is nice, yes, but if you've used your DPB filter in the K3 you know as well as I do that it acts NOTHING like the APF with a wider Q in suppressing noise and improving gain as we're seeing on this current APF. Again, this is NOT a Yaesu rig... Date: Sun, 31 Oct 2010 10:27:33 -0400 From: li...@subich.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 APF Adjustable Q however the fixed Q has a bit of ring and at times I would like to back it off (widen) it just a tad. This is the same mistake Yaesu made in the FT-1000D; de-Qing the original APF made it useless in later radios. This is the very reason not to add adjustable Q or reduce the Q of the APF currently in field test. If you want a less aggressive filter that is centered on the sidetone, use Dual PB ... that's exactly what it is designed to do (and it does a very good job when used as designed). Adjustable center frequency is very important ... particularly when PB CTRL is set for Shift=.05 (to allow LO-CUT-HI to function) as the 50 Hz increments too course to tune APF using the VFO. The user also needs the ability to adjust the peak independently in order to peak up an off frequency caller and not chase them up the band. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 10/31/2010 8:58 AM, Steve Ellington wrote: If I had a choice between variable center frequency and adjustable Q, I would choose adjustable Q. My logic is: The center frequency automatically follows the sidetone frequency so I have no need to adjust it however the fixed Q has a bit of ring and at times I would like to back it off (widen) it just a tad. Otherwise it's a HUGE improvement, sounds great and I wish to thank those who made it possible. 73 N4LQ Steve __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3 APF Adjustable Q
I vote to have both. I find that moving the Fc off center from my IF helps reduce the ringing that I get. I think you should give that a try Steve. Keep your IF center (SHIFT) then after you have used the CWT (or your ear) to tune someone in, drop their town down 20Hz, now activate the APF, then move the APF -20Hz, you'll not only peak their signal, but you'll also have reduced a lot of the ringing noise that you would normally get sitting in the center of the IF passband. This is argument to KEEP the Fc knob. Now, if you choose to keep your APF centered on the Pitch center (IF Center, passband center) than I believe that the variable Q would be very handy as well. So looks like that's argument for BOTH.. Not one or the other. From: n...@carolina.rr.com To: k...@pacbell.net; alor...@sbcglobal.net Date: Sun, 31 Oct 2010 08:58:57 -0400 CC: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 APF Adjustable Q If I had a choice between variable center frequency and adjustable Q, I would choose adjustable Q. My logic is: The center frequency automatically follows the sidetone frequency so I have no need to adjust it however the fixed Q has a bit of ring and at times I would like to back it off (widen) it just a tad. Otherwise it's a HUGE improvement, sounds great and I wish to thank those who made it possible. 73 N4LQ Steve __ 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 APF Adjustable Q
100% agreed. Where it is now is perfect for the narrowest position.. a little adjustment to open it up for different conditions is what the doctor ordered. No one suffers anything so long as they keep it where THEY feel fit to. Maybe this is a mistake in understanding that some people are having.. No one is asking that the current Q setting be made wider when it becomes variable, we're asking that it stays the same, but has the ability to open up a little too... Date: Sun, 31 Oct 2010 12:03:28 -0400 From: olin...@bellsouth.net To: n...@carolina.rr.com CC: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 APF Adjustable Q I'd say for variable Q, the tightest setting should be just what is there now. So no one is losing anything. What I have been trying to point out is that there is a general benefit for a milder shape, that one MAY leave on all the time, and tweak to tight as needed. MP's EDSP, 450 Hz sidetone, NR=D, Contour= 11 oclock as an example of a mild contour that is really helpful. Being able to tune the APF tight setting around allows me to match the tone of the almost ring to the remembered tone of the weak station and have it come up when I hit it. If the choice is sharp or no APF and no APF tune, I have to RIT the station to sidetone. This has a couple of disadvantages. First, if running in a contest, and there are very loud stations up and down (aren't there always?), RIT up and down is going to let the co-channel guys in under the roofing filter and into pre-APF digital space. That can't be useful. Second, continuing to tune the station in becomes hard if the station stops or fades out because there is nothing to calibrate the completion of RIT twiddle other than hearing the tone from the station move to sidetone, and now it's stopped or faded. The presence of APF tune, or variable Q does not disadvantage anyone who doesn't need them, the same way all the really neat digital stuff does not disadvantage the straight CW operators. The current setting and shape of APF is definitely the right max Q setting, and does very well for me. I just want a mild Q setting to imitate the shape I had with the MP all those years. Those who hear it will get it, just like those that hear the sharp APF for the first time and try it, get it. I think a lot of people will leave a mild Q on ALL THE TIME for general operating. It lowers the level of the stuff up and down a little without any ringing, but still allows one to hear up and down for off frequency callers. For me it's an EASIER listen for hours on end. 73, Guy. On Sun, Oct 31, 2010 at 10:47 AM, Steve Ellington n...@carolina.rr.com wrote: If the caller is off frequency I would just use RIT to center him in my passband as usual and let APF do it's thing. Having used outboard APFs for years, the ability to adjust it's selectivity is very important. If the band is quiet and the signal is very weak, I would adjust the APF nearly to the point of oscillation then back it off a tad. If the signal is weak but there is a lot of QRN, I would back off the selectivity a bit further but still take advantage of some extra peaking capability. N4LQ Steve - Original Message - From: Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, October 31, 2010 10:27 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 APF Adjustable Q however the fixed Q has a bit of ring and at times I would like to back it off (widen) it just a tad. This is the same mistake Yaesu made in the FT-1000D; de-Qing the original APF made it useless in later radios. This is the very reason not to add adjustable Q or reduce the Q of the APF currently in field test. If you want a less aggressive filter that is centered on the sidetone, use Dual PB ... that's exactly what it is designed to do (and it does a very good job when used as designed). Adjustable center frequency is very important ... particularly when PB CTRL is set for Shift=.05 (to allow LO-CUT-HI to function) as the 50 Hz increments too course to tune APF using the VFO. The user also needs the ability to adjust the peak independently in order to peak up an off frequency caller and not chase them up the band. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 10/31/2010 8:58 AM, Steve Ellington wrote: If I had a choice between variable center frequency and adjustable Q, I would choose adjustable Q. My logic is: The center frequency automatically follows the sidetone frequency so I have no need to adjust it however the fixed Q has a bit of ring and at times I would like to back it off (widen) it just a tad. Otherwise it's a HUGE improvement, sounds great and I wish to thank those who made it possible. 73 N4LQ Steve __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help:
Re: [Elecraft] KAT3 don't tune
Hi I have the same problem, but with a twist to it. I even got Elecraft to send me a replacement KAT3, but it did not help anything. By chance I tried one of the older configurations (call it config B) and then all of a sudden the ATU worked excellent (able to tune a 80m loop and a 17m dipole on all bands from 80m thru 10m ... Yes even the dipole!... Both antennas use 450 ohm ladder and 4:1 baluns. By the way, now the ATU works better than ever before. It never before was able to tune the 17m dipole on 30m, 40m or 80m - but now it is! BUT now with config B something weird happens when the rig is switched ON. The TX symbol flashes like in test mode, but there is no audio and the TX LED goes on when keyed. I have not found any other way to get out of that mode than to make the EE Init reset. Having done the EE Init I can only make the rig see the KPA3 and the KAT3 by loading a config file. If I try manually to use CONFIG to select ATU Auto I hear relays clicking, when selecting KPA3 I dont hear any fans going in the fan test and leaving the KPA3 in norm and leaving the CONFIG it seems that the rig doesn't see either KAT3 or KPA3. As soon as I load config B all works again and the ATU too ... Until next time I switch ON the rig. Then it needs another EE Init and config load. If I load config A the ATU doesn't work, but now the rig can be switched OFF and ON without problems. I can not see any difference between config A and B and I don't know why the rig configuration should influence the functioning of the ATU. Also my K2 works fb with its ATU. So the problem is not in the hardware or antenna, but something else. Elecraft is looking into it. OZ4UN Poul-Erik -Oprindelig meddelelse- Fra: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] På vegne af Juha - oh6os Sendt: 31. oktober 2010 19:32 Til: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Emne: [Elecraft] KAT3 don't tune Hello, I have worked CQWW SSB this weekend and noted that kat3 don't tune correctly. Many times after tuning SWR is 1.2 or 1.3 even there is no more swr on antenna. I have dipole on 160 meter and swr is under 3 to1 on band, but kat3 try and try long time and leave it 1.8 if at all. My K2 with KAT100 work correctly with these same antennas. What is the problem? juha - oh6os K2 #4781 K3 #2100 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT3-don-t-tune-tp5691912p5691912.html Sent from the [K3] 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 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 APF Adjustable Q
I agree with the comments about the use of the DPB filter who act as a APF with wider Q. May be the suggestion is to give more flexibility to the DBP filter in order to let the K3 user choosing what would be the best in its own suppressing noise environment. 73's Philippe A65BI The Smiths notforc...@hotmail.com 01-11-2010 12:24 Joe, For some reason you keep thinking that Elecraft's APF is being designed and programmed by Yaesu engineers Why is it that just because Yaesu made a mistake with their rig that it means Elecraft has to destroy THEIR APF just because they choose to add an adjustable Q control? You have to have confidence that the APF can remain exactly the same as Lyle and the gang has written it while still adding the ability to open it up some? Just because Yaesu programmers weren't talented enough not to destroy what they had built doesn't mean that Elecraft will make the same mistake. Furthermore there are Alpha testers like myself that will make sure that once the variable Q has been put in that when set to the Minimum (narrowest) setting that it will still act and feel like it does now. Of course you too could do the same as an Alfa software tester. This isn't Yaesu where no one listens to the users once they choose to make a change or adjustment to the code... Your say WILL matter if things sound different once the feature has been improved for others. I really don't think that you're giving Elecraft, it's programmers, or the Alpha testers such as myself enough credit. I'm in favor of having a variable Q on this APF system. It will help improve copy with a tight algorithm that Lyle has written for this one, while at the same time allowing me to open the Q so that I can copy not as weak signals with gain, and less ringing. I believe that Lyle will not destroy his own code by adding a feature that Enhances the operation of what he's already created for us. If he does, I will be the first to let him know so he can re-program it. The Dual pass band filter is nice, yes, but if you've used your DPB filter in the K3 you know as well as I do that it acts NOTHING like the APF with a wider Q in suppressing noise and improving gain as we're seeing on this current APF. Again, this is NOT a Yaesu rig... __ 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] K2 and Rigblaster plus II
The K2 works fine with RIGblasters, SignaLinks, Donner Digital Interfaces, and any number of TNCs. For the RIGblasters, I plug into the Mic input jack and into the headphone output jack. As Don has mentioned, you can add a fixed output modification. On the K2, as opposed to most rigs, you do NOT want to set your power on full and then control output power with the input gain control (which is the technique described in the RIGblaster manuals). Instead, set your output power to the desired output power (e.g., 20 watts on PSK) and control ALC with the input gain control. Aim for 0 or 1 bar of ALC. You control input gain by setting the rig's input gain level to 1 (SSbA) and turning off compression (SSbC) AS WELL AS controlling the output volume from the computer and also using the transmit power control on the RIGblaster Plus II itself. Use both the output volume from the computer and the transmit power control on the RIGblaster, not just one or the other. Remember that you do not want high power on most digitial modes. 20w is usually more than enough for things like PSK31, Olivia, etc. The digital modes are continuous or near-continuous duty cycle -- which is a much higher duty cycle than either SSB or CW. If you have the KPA100, the finals will get very hot during digital operation -- even at 20 watts. That will cause drift in your transmitted signal, which will annoy other operators. It will also make others jealous because of your ability to fry up a couple of eggs while operating. Get yourself a 12v DC muffin fan (1-2 radius) to put on top of the rig and draw in more air (exhaust facing up, away from the rig). Some double-sided tape will hold it in place. As Don has helped me discover, there are many things in the shack that can cause RFI that will distort your signal. For example, I had a powered external USB hub connected to my computer that was generating enough RFI to totally destroy my PSK signal. I also had a small electric eye nightlight in the shack that was causing considerable damage to the signal. I've put ferrite beads and cores and whatever on every wire into and out of the rig and tested my output with a dummy load and oscilloscope -- and I don't put anything new into the shack until I've checked its impact as shown on the scope. Jon KB1QBZ -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K2-and-Rigblaster-plus-II-tp5691806p5693565.html Sent from the [K2] 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 APF Adjustable Q
For some reason you keep thinking that Elecraft's APF is being designed and programmed by Yaesu engineers No, I'm saying that there are significant reasons *not* to do variable Q: 1) there is no available control. The Width control everyone seems to want to use is already used in both the shift/width and LO-CUT-HI modes. I for one, don't want to give up the use of the Width control when APF is active. 2) reducing the Q will make APF much less effective as shown by history with the FT-1000D. The later version of the FT-1000D was ineffective compared to the original circuit in the 1000D and FT-990. 3) The broader peaking (selectivity) of the MP/MK V contour circuit so often cited as a prototype for adjustable Q is already available using the existing Dual PB filter. I'm in favor of having a variable Q on this APF system. It will help improve copy with a tight algorithm that Lyle has written for this one, while at the same time allowing me to open the Q so that I can copy not as weak signals with gain, and less ringing. Ringing is a result of the selectivity and the fact that the APF is implemented as an Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) filter. In order to reduce the ringing you *MUST* reduce the selectivity and that loss of selectivity will destroy the benefit of the APF. There is very little difference in absolute selectivity between 30 Hz in the alpha APF and the 50 Hz minimum selectivity in the standard DSP filters. Since even the 50 Hz DSP filter has a modest but detectable ring, adding the ability to de-Q the APF would provide no benefit that can't already be achieved using either the 50 Hz DSP or Dual PB filters. I believe that Lyle will not destroy his own code by adding a feature that Enhances the operation of what he's already created for us. The whole point is that adding the ability to de-Q the APF will not enhance its operation. It can only decrease its effectiveness and reduce APF performance to something already available using existing capabilities. In other words, if you want a filter with less ringing use the 50 Hz or 100 Hz IIR DSP. If you want broad peaking with a wider background use Dual PB. Use the correct tool for the job: don't try to use graft a scalpel blade to an axe handle. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 11/1/2010 4:24 AM, The Smiths wrote: Joe, For some reason you keep thinking that Elecraft's APF is being designed and programmed by Yaesu engineers Why is it that just because Yaesu made a mistake with their rig that it means Elecraft has to destroy THEIR APF just because they choose to add an adjustable Q control? You have to have confidence that the APF can remain exactly the same as Lyle and the gang has written it while still adding the ability to open it up some? Just because Yaesu programmers weren't talented enough not to destroy what they had built doesn't mean that Elecraft will make the same mistake. Furthermore there are Alpha testers like myself that will make sure that once the variable Q has been put in that when set to the Minimum (narrowest) setting that it will still act and feel like it does now. Of course you too could do the same as an Alfa software tester. This isn't Yaesu where no one listens to the users once they choose to make a change or adjustment to the code... Your say WILL matter if things sound different once the feature has been improved for others. I really don't think that you're giving Elecraft, it's programmers, or the Alpha testers such as myself enough credit. I'm in favor of having a variable Q on this APF system. It will help improve copy with a tight algorithm that Lyle has written for this one, while at the same time allowing me to open the Q so that I can copy not as weak signals with gain, and less ringing. I believe that Lyle will not destroy his own code by adding a feature that Enhances the operation of what he's already created for us. If he does, I will be the first to let him know so he can re-program it. The Dual pass band filter is nice, yes, but if you've used your DPB filter in the K3 you know as well as I do that it acts NOTHING like the APF with a wider Q in suppressing noise and improving gain as we're seeing on this current APF. Again, this is NOT a Yaesu rig... Date: Sun, 31 Oct 2010 10:27:33 -0400 From: li...@subich.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 APF Adjustable Q however the fixed Q has a bit of ring and at times I would like to back it off (widen) it just a tad. This is the same mistake Yaesu made in the FT-1000D; de-Qing the original APF made it useless in later radios. This is the very reason not to add adjustable Q or reduce the Q of the APF currently in field test. If you want a less aggressive filter that is centered on the sidetone, use Dual PB ... that's exactly what it is designed to do (and it does a very good job when used as designed). Adjustable center frequency is very important
Re: [Elecraft] K3 software utility ?
On Sun, 31 Oct 2010 02:42:14 -0700 (PDT), you wrote: All of the things you list are on the rig page of Ham Radio Deluxe, HRD has TOO MANY FEATURES, so I'm writing a control console for my shack that includes some of the items you mentioned. Although it includes rotor control, K3 control for multiple K3s, logging and a DX Spot feature, I might consider writing a simple 'readout' application, but that's a not promised future project ;o) Tom Radio Amateur N5GE I should have also had Subrx Pre, ATT, NB, NR in that list of parameters to display: Parameters: Main RX Width, Shift Sub RX Width, Shift, Ant, Pre, ATT, NB, NR TX Mic Gain, CMP, PWR, Mon 73, Barry N1EU Barry N1EU wrote: Yes, but I don't believe there ARE any applications that display the parameters, let alone run with LP_Bridge. Parameters: Main RX Width, Shift Sub RX Width, Shift, Ant TX Mic Gain, CMP, PWR, Mon (and I'm sure some folks would prefer a few more) __ 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 LINE IN Level Adjustment
When I operate RTTY I find a LINE IN level of 3 gives me 4 ALC bars. When I operate voice and use the WriteLog voice keyer I find a LINE IN level of 10 works best for 5 to 7 ALC bars. When I switch between voice and DATA modes the level stays where it was last set. It doesn't remember the different setting for voice or DATA. Is this correct or is there something I need to configure differently? 73, Mike K2MK -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-LINE-IN-Level-Adjustment-tp5694160p5694160.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 LINE IN Level Adjustment
Line In is not saved by mode, so it is operating as designed. 73, Lyle KK7P ...When I switch between voice and DATA modes the level stays where it was last set. __ 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] Interesting APF Discussion
This relates to the APF in the FT-2000 but has additional useful information on APF in general : http://www.ac0c.com/main/page_ft2k_roofing_filters_ft2000_dsp_filters.html Dale W4OP __ 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 Intermittently loses gain
G'day, Not having any local suppliers here forces mail order shopping for such items as coax fittings. Whilst there is certainly junk aplenty, I have not been let down by the items I've bought from The RF Connection. I have paid 2-3 times as much for Amphenol barrels but not found them any better than good quality imports. My guide is Teflon dielectric, silver plating and mid price. N-type, BNC and PL259. Crimp, clamp and solder types. No disappointments, no failures. I use Ecoflex coax for my main runs and the fittings are special size and pricy, upwards of $8 for a PL259 or N-type. Andrew stuff can be pretty eye watering. Regards, Mike VP8NO - Original Message - From: Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, November 01, 2010 1:48 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Intermittently loses gain On 10/30/2010 2:13 PM, Ron W3ZV wrote: That leaves a couple of coax connectors, a balun and the ladder line feed. Sounds like the next step is a quick and dirty antenna to the RX antenna input. Step #1 -- VERY IMPORTANT. Look at every coax adapter anywhere in your station. If it does not say Amphenol on it, or if it does not have a UG number on it, THROW IT AWAY. I'm talking barrels, Tees, Elbows, UHF to BNC, UHF to N, etc. The unbranded connectors you buy at hamfests and from ham dealers are almost always made very cheaply, often fall apart, often go intermittent, and often overheat and fail. When I got back on the air in 2003 after a long period of inactivity, I restocked with these junk connectors, not knowing any better. Over the next several years, I experienced at nearly a dozen intermittents and failures that I eventually tracked down to one of them. REAL Amphenol connectors and adapters are one of the things I always look for at hamfests flea markets, but I couldn't find enough of them for my station, so a few years ago, I bit the bullet and bought a bunch of the real thing new from Allied. Some examples of the failures. 1) intermittent connections at the coax barrel spacing two lengths of coax feeding an antenna; 2) a Tee connector that came with a stacking harness for 6M antennas fell apart; 3) an elbow connecting coax to my antenna tuner overheated after about one hour of contest operation -- SWR went very high and the connector was VERY hot when I touched it because the wire inside was a tiny spring; 4) I've had at least four BNC to UHF or UHF to N connectors fall apart. In the world of pro audio where I made my living, we see MANY problems with junk audio connectors. The good stuff costs more to make, so they costs more to buy. When they fail, they can cost a lot of time and trouble. Sometimes they only cause an inconvenience, but sometimes they can cause something to break, or cause you to have to climb a tower to replace a bad one. Bottom line -- connectors are a terrible place to play cheap. 73, Jim K9YC __ 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 impressions K3 on the CQWW
Hello friends After a week that i received my K3, jumped into the CQWW SSB contest this weekend. The radio is really tuff and easy to use. Of course i have a long ride between filters and configurations but it´s a start. I´m suffering w/ a strong power line noise here and the k3 fights better w/ that. I´m using the KUSB cable for CAT connection w/ PC. I NEED TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO WORK W/ (KDVR3) THE MACROS FROM THE K3 UTILITY N1MM once they use the same port i cannot open n1mm and utility at same time. All i can say i´m really happy. I told my PRO3 i intend to operate SO2R but he´s afraid of going to another shack :) SetUP K3 w/ Proset Plus Solit State amp 1K-FA Optibeam 11-5 XM240 80m 8wires dipole over 1600qso´s and 36 hours on the air. PY2ADR / ZY2C __ 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 APF will not have adjustable Q, at least not in the first beta release
Thanks, everyone, for all the input on this topic. We've decided to stick with our APF implementation as-is for the next K3 beta firmware release. We'll keep the idea of a Q control (and other ideas) listed for future reference. 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] First impressions K3 on the CQWW
Adriano, You do not need to use the utility - you only need to set up N1MM properly. The info to do so is here: http://www.dseven.org/ar/n1mm-kdvr3 Mine worked great all weekend! 73, Bob W5OV Hello friends After a week that i received my K3, jumped into the CQWW SSB contest this weekend. The radio is really tuff and easy to use. Of course i have a long ride between filters and configurations but it´s a start. I´m suffering w/ a strong power line noise here and the k3 fights better w/ that. I´m using the KUSB cable for CAT connection w/ PC. I NEED TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO WORK W/ (KDVR3) THE MACROS FROM THE K3 UTILITY N1MM once they use the same port i cannot open n1mm and utility at same time. All i can say i´m really happy. I told my PRO3 i intend to operate SO2R but he´s afraid of going to another shack :) SetUP K3 w/ Proset Plus Solit State amp 1K-FA Optibeam 11-5 XM240 80m 8wires dipole over 1600qso´s and 36 hours on the air. PY2ADR / ZY2C __ 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 sensitivity on 10M
I've had a pair of K3's for a couple of years now, but this past weekend in the CQWW SSB was their first serious test on 10 meters. I used the 1.8 filter all weekend, but when I got to 10 meters, I got the distinct feeling that I wasn't hearing enough band noise. I didn't have the time or equipment to do any measurements, but I did change the 1.8 filter gain from zero to four dB, and that seemed to solve the problem, as I perceived it. Maybe I'll go through the filter gain settings again on both radios, listening to background noise on 10 meters. If someone has the equipment to do MDS tests on 10, it would be interesting to see the results. Dave Hachadorian, K6LL Yuma, AZ . __ 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 APF will not have adjustable Q, at least not in the first beta release
Wayne thanks for the update. Very much looking forward to trying out this new feature. When might it be released? 73, Doug VE3MV - Original Message - From: Wayne Burdick n...@elecraft.com To: Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, November 01, 2010 12:58 PM Subject: [Elecraft] K3 APF will not have adjustable Q,at least not in the first beta release Thanks, everyone, for all the input on this topic. We've decided to stick with our APF implementation as-is for the next K3 beta firmware release. We'll keep the idea of a Q control (and other ideas) listed for future reference. 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 __ 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 sensitivity on 10M
Dave Hachadorian wrote: when I got to 10 meters, I got the distinct feeling that I wasn't hearing enough band noise. I've had the same experience and have commented in the past that I thought the K3 needs to dial in a little extra gain on 10M. I've resorted to cranking CONFIG Filter Gain to +8dB but perhaps a more elegant solution could be implemented. 73, Barry N1EU -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-sensitivity-on-10M-tp5694404p5694511.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] [K2] FS: KBT2 and KAF2
I decided not to install the KBT2 and am using the KDSP2, so I have no need for the KAF2. The KBT2 is an unbuilt kit. It does not include the battery (replacement batteries are available directly from Elecraft), so technically this is the KBT2-X. Retail price is $49.95. I'm offering it for $37.50 + shipping. Instruction manual included (of course). http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/93pTJxeI5OtBZl5H41KO5F-eQuSQ3BMD8eX_AkX6CjM?feat=directlink The KAF2 is built (not by me). Instruction manual is included. Retail price is $79.95. I'm offering it for $60 + shipping. http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r1vB0qVsptbEThYsXpNSBl-eQuSQ3BMD8eX_AkX6CjM?feat=directlink http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dkIlIe7PUD3uwQ6khH0IT1-eQuSQ3BMD8eX_AkX6CjM?feat=directlink Please contact me off-list if interested. If you would like both, then I will combine/discount the shipping costs. I prefer money orders (or bank checks) or PayPal [in that order]. If you pay with PayPal, the actual cost will be calculated using http://thefeecalculator.com/. For example, if the total cost is $50, then you would pay $51.80. I only do this so that I don't lose money on PayPal fees. Thanks. -john W4PAH __ 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 LINE IN Level Adjustment
On 11/1/2010 8:54 AM, Mike K2MK wrote: Is this correct or is there something I need to configure differently? The condition you describe suggests that the sound card output level is too high for RTTY, which, depending on the sound card, could increase distortion. If I were you, I would reduce the output drive of the sound card by 3-6 dB. That should be done with the playback volume controls for the sound card. That said, It would be very nice if the K3 firmware could remember different settings for SSB and digital modes. 73, Jim K9YC __ 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 APF Adjustable Q
Maximize the Peak !! I can't see the logic in modifying a circuit designed to peak and reduce the peaking ability so it flattens down and not peak so well with variable Q. Let it be an optimized Audio PEAK Filter like it is supposed to be ! It is a tool for CW guys. Use the DPB filter as suggested for casual CW dxing or maybe you don't need to use the APF at all ! I am not the only one that is using another radio in conjunction with their K3 for weak signal CW work just because of the APF. In the last Stew Perry contest on 160 I had my K3 and several other radios (IC-7600, FT1000, TS-930) in the receive line just for their APF. I could pull signals up out of the mud with these radios and make a contact. With the unassisted K3 I could copy only enough to know the signal was in the noise. The FT1000 has the most effective APF in the bunch. The K3 is an absolutely superb CW rig and an effective APF will make it walk on water !! The APF provides the specific peaking functionality tool needed on CW to dig out the tough ones. Please lets think in terms of optimizing ! ( It is a PEAKing filter) addendum I am overjoyed at the prospect of having an APF in my K3. My hat is off to Elecraft for listening to us and implementing this super functionality! The sad thing for me will be to realize I no longer will need my old friends that I use just for their APF, Yaesu FT1000, Kenwood TS-930S (don't laugh the APF still works great in this oldie) and not so old IC-7600 (APF not as good as FT1000) Thanks Elecraft for listening to us ! Bob K6UJ On Nov 1, 2010, at 6:55 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: For some reason you keep thinking that Elecraft's APF is being designed and programmed by Yaesu engineers No, I'm saying that there are significant reasons *not* to do variable Q: 1) there is no available control. The Width control everyone seems to want to use is already used in both the shift/width and LO-CUT-HI modes. I for one, don't want to give up the use of the Width control when APF is active. 2) reducing the Q will make APF much less effective as shown by history with the FT-1000D. The later version of the FT-1000D was ineffective compared to the original circuit in the 1000D and FT-990. 3) The broader peaking (selectivity) of the MP/MK V contour circuit so often cited as a prototype for adjustable Q is already available using the existing Dual PB filter. I'm in favor of having a variable Q on this APF system. It will help improve copy with a tight algorithm that Lyle has written for this one, while at the same time allowing me to open the Q so that I can copy not as weak signals with gain, and less ringing. Ringing is a result of the selectivity and the fact that the APF is implemented as an Infinite Impulse Response (IIR) filter. In order to reduce the ringing you *MUST* reduce the selectivity and that loss of selectivity will destroy the benefit of the APF. There is very little difference in absolute selectivity between 30 Hz in the alpha APF and the 50 Hz minimum selectivity in the standard DSP filters. Since even the 50 Hz DSP filter has a modest but detectable ring, adding the ability to de-Q the APF would provide no benefit that can't already be achieved using either the 50 Hz DSP or Dual PB filters. I believe that Lyle will not destroy his own code by adding a feature that Enhances the operation of what he's already created for us. The whole point is that adding the ability to de-Q the APF will not enhance its operation. It can only decrease its effectiveness and reduce APF performance to something already available using existing capabilities. In other words, if you want a filter with less ringing use the 50 Hz or 100 Hz IIR DSP. If you want broad peaking with a wider background use Dual PB. Use the correct tool for the job: don't try to use graft a scalpel blade to an axe handle. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 11/1/2010 4:24 AM, The Smiths wrote: Joe, For some reason you keep thinking that Elecraft's APF is being designed and programmed by Yaesu engineers Why is it that just because Yaesu made a mistake with their rig that it means Elecraft has to destroy THEIR APF just because they choose to add an adjustable Q control? You have to have confidence that the APF can remain exactly the same as Lyle and the gang has written it while still adding the ability to open it up some? Just because Yaesu programmers weren't talented enough not to destroy what they had built doesn't mean that Elecraft will make the same mistake. Furthermore there are Alpha testers like myself that will make sure that once the variable Q has been put in that when set to the Minimum (narrowest) setting that it will still act and feel like it does now. Of course you too could do the same as an Alfa software tester. This isn't Yaesu where no one listens to the
Re: [Elecraft] K3 APF will not have adjustable Q, at least not in the first beta release
super ! thanks Wayne Bob K6UJ On Nov 1, 2010, at 9:58 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote: Thanks, everyone, for all the input on this topic. We've decided to stick with our APF implementation as-is for the next K3 beta firmware release. We'll keep the idea of a Q control (and other ideas) listed for future reference. 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 __ 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 APF Adjustable Q [END of Threads]
As per Wayne's last email, we've settled on the initial features of the APF and will be putting up a public Beta of the code this week. Stay tuned! Let's table the discussion of Adjustable Q, and other APF feature pro/cons for now in the interest of reducing list email overload for others :-) We'll reopen this once the beta is out. If you are one of those in the APF alpha test group, feel free to still post comments on your use of APF etc. 73, Eric WA6HHQ Elecraft List Moderator --- Go Giants! http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.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 LINE IN Level Adjustment
I find that when my PC's line out is set to 50 percent, and line in on K3 is set to about 8 or 9, I get 4-5 bars ALC. James K2QI --Original Message-- From: Mike K2MK Sender: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net To: Elecraft Reflector Subject: [Elecraft] K3 LINE IN Level Adjustment Sent: Nov 1, 2010 11:54 When I operate RTTY I find a LINE IN level of 3 gives me 4 ALC bars. When I operate voice and use the WriteLog voice keyer I find a LINE IN level of 10 works best for 5 to 7 ALC bars. When I switch between voice and DATA modes the level stays where it was last set. It doesn't remember the different setting for voice or DATA. Is this correct or is there something I need to configure differently? 73, Mike K2MK -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-LINE-IN-Level-Adjustment-tp5694160p5694160.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 Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile __ 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] APF ringing
Hi, As mentioned elsewhere very narrow bandwidth using the filedtest APF firmware causes some ringing (expected) which really causing problems when receiveing VERY, VERY weak CW signals (where it's most needed) at or below the noise level. If the signals are just a tiny bit stronger the APF works fine, but as said the VERY, VERY weak ones are easier for me to copy using the EQ in combination with the dual PB feature. Perhaps decreased Q factor using the APF feature could decrease the ringing a bit and then the APF would dig out the VERY, VERY weak ones? As this is APF feature still is a pre-release version I assume improvements can be made to the final version. Keep up the good work, guys! 73 de Stefan, SM4OTI __ 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 APF Adjustable Q [END of Threads]
I can't resist this. This weekend I heard a big pileup on 9X0SP but I could barely hear the 9X station. With the APF he was solid copy. I worked him on the second call with my 100w K3, thanks to these two factors: 1) The APF which let me copy him. 2) The P3, which let me see the signal of the last guy he worked, which was in an unexpected place. When I called him, my not-so-strong signal was alone and right where it needed to be! On 11/1/2010 11:12 AM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: If you are one of those in the APF alpha test group, feel free to still post comments on your use of APF etc. -- Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ __ 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 LINE IN Level Adjustment
Based on your recommendations I did reduce the output of the sound card at the PC. It was at 100 and now is at 50. This does provide for an easier adjustment on the RTTY signal. My K3 Line In levels are now 9 for RTTY and 20 for SSB from the WriteLog voice keyer. As Lyle indicated, there is no memory for Line In level per mode so I'll just have to remember to change the K3 level when I switch modes. Alternately I could change the sound card levels when I switch modes. 73, Mike K2MK Mike K2MK wrote: When I operate RTTY I find a LINE IN level of 3 gives me 4 ALC bars. When I operate voice and use the WriteLog voice keyer I find a LINE IN level of 10 works best for 5 to 7 ALC bars. When I switch between voice and DATA modes the level stays where it was last set. It doesn't remember the different setting for voice or DATA. Is this correct or is there something I need to configure differently? 73, Mike K2MK -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-LINE-IN-Level-Adjustment-tp5694160p5694770.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 APF Adjustable Q [END of Threads]
I can't resist this. This weekend I heard a big pileup on 9X0SP but I could barely hear the 9X station. With the APF he was solid copy. I listened to XV2RZ for quite a while last night on 20 meters. He was only an occasional ping in the noise without the APF but perfectly Q5 for well over an hour with the APF engaged. With my 30 foot high Windom and barefoot K3, I did not stand a chance of working him but the benefit of the existing APF is night and day. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 11/1/2010 2:37 PM, Vic K2VCO wrote: I can't resist this. This weekend I heard a big pileup on 9X0SP but I could barely hear the 9X station. With the APF he was solid copy. I worked him on the second call with my 100w K3, thanks to these two factors: 1) The APF which let me copy him. 2) The P3, which let me see the signal of the last guy he worked, which was in an unexpected place. When I called him, my not-so-strong signal was alone and right where it needed to be! On 11/1/2010 11:12 AM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft wrote: If you are one of those in the APF alpha test group, feel free to still post comments on your use of APF etc. __ 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 software utility ?
On 11/1/2010 8:07 AM, Amateur Radio Operator N5GE wrote: HRD has TOO MANY FEATURES, It also takes up WAY too much screen real estate for anything that I would use it for, and for the readouts that Barry is looking for. We'll look forward to the results of your efforts. 73, Jim K9YC __ 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 APF Increases electric bill
While tuning across 80m last night, with APF turned on, I heard a VE6 calling CQ. He wasn't very strong and not discernable on the SDR bandscope but his CW was as clear as a bell in the headphones. So I gave him a call and got no response. He called CQ again so I turned off the APF and his signal became totally unreadable in the noise. I'm guessing but under these conditions I believe I realized a 10db improvement in SNR. For the VE6 to copy me I would need to run at least 1,000 watts but even that would likely not be enough because the K3 alone puts me at a transmit disadvantage. So I demand a refund for this APF thingOh waitI forgotIt's free. Will Elecraft pay my electric bill? Steve N4LQ __ 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 APF Ringing Reduction Trick
If APF seems overly aggressive, try reducing the RX-EQ's 800 and/or 400 Hz bands by a few DB. I'm finding the EQ settings reall affect how APF sounds. Steve N4LQ __ 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 APF Adjustable Q [END of Threads]
This is a real problem. Now I can hear more stations that can't hear me with my PW signal :.( Barry W2UP Joe Subich, W4TV-4 wrote: I listened to XV2RZ for quite a while last night on 20 meters. He was only an occasional ping in the noise without the APF but perfectly Q5 for well over an hour with the APF engaged. With my 30 foot high Windom and barefoot K3, I did not stand a chance of working him but the benefit of the existing APF is night and day. -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-APF-Adjustable-Q-tp5688670p5694971.html Sent from the [K3] 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] # 6936 complete - all FB - in which order to install options now ?
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[Elecraft] APF for K1, K2 and other rigs -
I'm one of those who has been testing the K3 APF implementation. As I mentioned earlier, it reminds me of the analog tunable active filters I've used beginning with a vacuum-tube Select-O-Ject back in the 1950's and right up to the little Elecraft AF1 Audio Filter mini-module kit. So I dug out the AF-1 and hooked it to the K3 phones output, tuned in some stations and switched between the outboard AF1 and the Elecraft APF. I find very little difference in the sound. The AF1 provides the peaking gain with a shape peak and wide skirts and in BP2 position has a very similar sounding bandpass characteristic to the APF. In addition the AF1 offers an optional lower Q filter in BP1 position of its selector switch, plus a separately variable low pass filter to roll off the high frequencies as you wish.. So, if you've got a K1, KX1, K2 or other rig and want to see what the hoopla is all about try an AF1 on your phones output. (And for you frustrated solder jockeys it'll give you an excuse to dig out the old iron and melt solder :-) 73, Ron AC7AC __ 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] # 6936 complete - all FB - in which order to install options now ?
Hi, # 6936 completed tonigh, all FB. Complete flawless build and calibration throughout the whole phase. (Still riding bareback on K2/10 watt, CW only) Now to my question: Before I go ahead and plug in all the options one by one, is there a certain (and smart) order in which to install the different options listed below ? * KSB-2 SSB option * 160m + 2nd Rx option * Audio filter + real time clock option * Noise blanker option * KPA-100, 100 watt + RS-232 option ( and last but not least the K-ATU-100, which Is external and can be done at the end, I assume) Second question: I have calibrated frequency reference, VFO/BFO using my own signal generator + frequency counter at home. I have aligned the filters using the description in the manual and yet not the method using spectrogram software on PC / soundcard. ( I was supposed to have built a GPS-controlled presicion 10 MHz frequency reference (VE2ZAZ) prior to starting the K2, but I managed to kill the VCO with a drill bit and I'm still waiting to find a new good one ) Before I proceed with any of the options, is there any reason to repeat my calibrations to more precise level of performance ? 73' Brian OZ2BRN K2/10 # 6936 __ 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 sensitivity on 10M
Well could be possible to improve it (if necessary) for the upcoming ARRL10 contest in December? I will want to use my K3 in this contest, but with this comments I will try to compare it in 10 mts with my TS850 I used before Thank, Jorge CX6VM/CW5W -Mensaje original- De: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] En nombre de Barry N1EU Enviado el: Lunes, 01 de Noviembre de 2010 03:42 p.m. Para: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Asunto: Re: [Elecraft] K3 sensitivity on 10M Dave Hachadorian wrote: when I got to 10 meters, I got the distinct feeling that I wasn't hearing enough band noise. I've had the same experience and have commented in the past that I thought the K3 needs to dial in a little extra gain on 10M. I've resorted to cranking CONFIG Filter Gain to +8dB but perhaps a more elegant solution could be implemented. 73, Barry N1EU -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-sensitivity-on-10M-tp5694404p5694511 .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 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 APF Increases electric bill
No, I belive that you and others should just demand a free KPA-500 to make up for this amazing APF enhancement. From: n...@carolina.rr.com To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2010 15:52:41 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 APF Increases electric bill While tuning across 80m last night, with APF turned on, I heard a VE6 calling CQ. He wasn't very strong and not discernable on the SDR bandscope but his CW was as clear as a bell in the headphones. So I gave him a call and got no response. He called CQ again so I turned off the APF and his signal became totally unreadable in the noise. I'm guessing but under these conditions I believe I realized a 10db improvement in SNR. For the VE6 to copy me I would need to run at least 1,000 watts but even that would likely not be enough because the K3 alone puts me at a transmit disadvantage. So I demand a refund for this APF thingOh waitI forgotIt's free. Will Elecraft pay my electric bill? Steve N4LQ __ 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] NB/NR Info Request
If possible I'd like to slip a non-APF item into the stream: I'm looking for a reference on how to *use* the NB and NR functions. I've read the archive stuff about how they work, but I'm still not able to get much benefit from either one, and Amazon doesn't seem to carry K3 NB/NR For Dummies. Part of the problem is I don't know what to expect from them. I operate mainly CW with a little RTTY, occasionally SSB. I was stumbling around in the CQ WW SSB this last weekend and found that about all I could do was make reception worse. Of course both 15 and 20 were wall-to-wall zoos, maybe not the best test environment. I have intermittent power line hash, sometimes runs S5 at night on 80m. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2011 Cal QSO Party 1-2 Oct 2011 - www.cqp.org __ 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 APF Increases electric bill
APF is actually a stealth marketing tool for the KPA-500. Now you just gotta' have it.. ;-) 73, Eric --- On 11/1/2010 1:51 PM, The Smiths wrote: No, I belive that you and others should just demand a free KPA-500 to make up for this amazing APF enhancement. From: n...@carolina.rr.com To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2010 15:52:41 -0400 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 APF Increases electric bill While tuning across 80m last night, with APF turned on, I heard a VE6 calling CQ. He wasn't very strong and not discernable on the SDR bandscope but his CW was as clear as a bell in the headphones. So I gave him a call and got no response. He called CQ again so I turned off the APF and his signal became totally unreadable in the noise. I'm guessing but under these conditions I believe I realized a 10db improvement in SNR. For the VE6 to copy me I would need to run at least 1,000 watts but even that would likely not be enough because the K3 alone puts me at a transmit disadvantage. So I demand a refund for this APF thingOh waitI forgotIt's free. Will Elecraft pay my electric bill? __ 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] # 6936 complete - all FB - in which order to install options now ?
Brian, There is no best order for the options. You will want to install the KSB2 and the K160RX before you can say the K2 basic alignment is complete. The K160RX may require changes in the alignment of the 80/160 m bandpass filter and the KSB2 will require changes in the filter alignment. For Dial Calibration and Filter Alignment, I refer you to my website (www.w3fpr.com) article on K2 Dial Calibration. If you have an AM signal of known frequency that you can tune with the K2, then you can do a better job of setting the 4 MHz reference oscillator than can be obtained with even the best of equipment - the VFO frequency minus the BFO frequency is the frequency the K2 is tuned to - just adjust C22 while measuring the VFO and BFO frequencies with the internal counter and you will have negated any other variables. I highly recommend Spectrogram (or similar) for aligning the filters. 73, Don W3FPR On 11/1/2010 4:24 PM, OZ2BRN Brian Lodahl wrote: Hi, # 6936 completed tonigh, all FB. Complete flawless build and calibration throughout the whole phase. (Still riding bareback on K2/10 watt, CW only) Now to my question: Before I go ahead and plug in all the options one by one, is there a certain (and smart) order in which to install the different options listed below ? * KSB-2 SSB option * 160m + 2nd Rx option * Audio filter + real time clock option * Noise blanker option * KPA-100, 100 watt + RS-232 option ( and last but not least the K-ATU-100, which Is external and can be done at the end, I assume) Second question: I have calibrated frequency reference, VFO/BFO using my own signal generator + frequency counter at home. I have aligned the filters using the description in the manual and yet not the method using spectrogram software on PC / soundcard. ( I was supposed to have built a GPS-controlled presicion 10 MHz frequency reference (VE2ZAZ) prior to starting the K2, but I managed to kill the VCO with a drill bit and I'm still waiting to find a new good one ) Before I proceed with any of the options, is there any reason to repeat my calibrations to more precise level of performance ? 73' Brian OZ2BRN K2/10 # 6936 __ 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] NB/NR Info Request
I have a copy of the K3 NB/NR for dummies book, I got it at globalexchange I'll send you the whole thing to your personal email. Enjoy. Date: Mon, 1 Nov 2010 13:55:14 -0700 From: k6...@foothill.net To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] [K3] NB/NR Info Request If possible I'd like to slip a non-APF item into the stream: I'm looking for a reference on how to *use* the NB and NR functions. I've read the archive stuff about how they work, but I'm still not able to get much benefit from either one, and Amazon doesn't seem to carry K3 NB/NR For Dummies. Part of the problem is I don't know what to expect from them. I operate mainly CW with a little RTTY, occasionally SSB. I was stumbling around in the CQ WW SSB this last weekend and found that about all I could do was make reception worse. Of course both 15 and 20 were wall-to-wall zoos, maybe not the best test environment. I have intermittent power line hash, sometimes runs S5 at night on 80m. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2011 Cal QSO Party 1-2 Oct 2011 - www.cqp.org __ 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 APF Increases electric bill
I just knew Eric had something sneaky planned for that new APF feature. After having sold my K2 a couple years ago to help pay for some unforseen medical bills not covered by my wife's insurance, I've been steadily building my K3 fund and I'm almost to the point where I'll be able to order a 100 Watt K3 complete with most of the accessories. I may actually have it by Christmas. The P3 may have to wait a bit, but, that's on the list too. Been a long time coming. I have a fellow ham that lives less than a quarter mile from me that's a CW contester as well as I am and he insists on running his new Alpha amplifier flat out in just about every contest. Right now, my rig is an IC-7000 and I cannot operate the same band he's on without being overloaded, especially 160 meters. I'm really looking forward to getting the K3 so I can at least have a chance at keeping him at bay. Been lurking here since then Jim - W0EB APF is actually a stealth marketing tool for the KPA-500. Now you just gotta' have it.. ;-) 73, Eric __ 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 APF Adjustable Q [END of Threads]
Barry said This is a real problem. Now I can hear more stations that can't hear me with my PW signal :.( Barry W2UP And soon our favorite Toy Store will have a fix for that problem with the KPA-500 :-) Yeay!!! Gary On Mon, Nov 1, 2010 at 8:06 PM, Barry w...@comcast.net wrote: This is a real problem. Now I can hear more stations that can't hear me with my PW signal :.( Barry W2UP Joe Subich, W4TV-4 wrote: I listened to XV2RZ for quite a while last night on 20 meters. He was only an occasional ping in the noise without the APF but perfectly Q5 for well over an hour with the APF engaged. With my 30 foot high Windom and barefoot K3, I did not stand a chance of working him but the benefit of the existing APF is night and day. -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-APF-Adjustable-Q-tp5688670p5694971.html Sent from the [K3] 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 -- Gary VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile http://www.qsl.net/vk4fd/ K3 #679, P3 #546 For everything else there's Mastercard!!! __ 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 sensitivity on 10M
Are you confusing sensitivity with overall gain? Typically the higher frequency bands are much, much quieter than the lower frequency bands but a 0.1 uV signal will produce the same volume from the speaker on 10 (or 6) meters as it will on 80 meters (if you can hear it in the band noise :-) It's normal to turn up the gain (or engage the Preamp) on the higher frequency bands to provide some additional overall gain and, perhaps, improve the receiver noise figure so it's actually a little more sensitive (able to hear weaker signals without their being covered by internal receiver noise) than on the lower bands. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Well could be possible to improve it (if necessary) for the upcoming ARRL10 contest in December? I will want to use my K3 in this contest, but with this comments I will try to compare it in 10 mts with my TS850 I used before Thank, Jorge CX6VM/CW5W __ 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 Intermittently loses gain
On 11/1/2010 9:37 AM, Mike Harris wrote: I have not been let down by the items I've bought from The RF Connection. I have bought some really lousy junk connectors from the RF Connection, and when I tried to get real tech info from them on coax they wanted to sell to a DXpedition, I got nothing but a salesman's bluster. I have paid 2-3 times as much for Amphenol barrels Yes, Amphenol is more expensive than cheap junk. How much does it cost to get someone to climb a tower? How much do you spend to go on a DXpedition? How much time do you lose chasing intermittent problems? but not found them any better than good quality imports. How would you KNOW if they are any good or not? Have you cut one open to see what it looks like? Have you done any serious power tests? Have you done serious loss or reflection measurements? Have you put stress on them to break them mechanically? I used them in my station and nothing blew up (yet)? That isn't a real test, it's luck. 73, Jim K9YC __ 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 APF will not have adjustable Q, at least not in the first beta release
Hi All, I have been privileged to be one of the Alpha testers for the new APF enhancement. If you are a weak signal CW operator, then you are in for a real treat with this feature. In comparison, I spent some time recently with a IC-7600 whose APF is marginally effective IMO. My old FT-901DM circa 1979 had an analog APF that was my benchmark. I have never had a better one until now. I told Wayne that this feature but more especially the way in which it was developed and the speed with which it has evolved is a hallmark of the total Elecraft experience. Exciting times to own a K3. 73 de N1LQ-Dave, K3 #371-P3 #268 __ 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] APF demo on YouTube?
or at least an audio-only comparison... Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? John Harper http://www.ae5x.com/blog __ 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 APF Adjustable Q
On Nov 1, 2010, at 12:53 AM, David Woolley (E.L) wrote: Quote para 2, both points: Reciprocity still applies with respect to gain and off axis effects. My mistake. David is correct on this point. Given a constant signal power across the receiving antenna terminals, the SNR would be constant no matter what the beam patten is (as long as noise is isotropic). The integrated noise power is constant no matter what the beam shape is. No, this does not mean you should not use a more directive antenna :-). A more directive antenna directed towards the signal will increase the signal power while not increasing the noise power. 73 Chen, W7AY __ 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 APF Increases electric bill
Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft. wrote: APF is actually a stealth marketing tool for the KPA-500. Now you just gotta' have it.. ;-) 73, Eric --- Eric - I'd really like one, but: 1. my antenna is only about 15-20 ft from my head 2. my antenna is only 4 ft from a stucco wall full of wire mesh, with a 5:1 SWR at best I think I'm gonna pass, unfortunately... 73, Barry W2UP P.S. I miss my Acom 2000A, too. -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-APF-Increases-electric-bill-tp5694923p5695469.html Sent from the [K3] 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] Cleaning out shack
STILL CLEANING OUT STATION Cleaning out my radio shack. The following stuff for sale. 1. Heil PROLINE Gold mike with Heil stand. $100.00 obo + shipping. 2. Astron SS-30m 30 amp power supply, with meters. $90.00 obo + shipping. 4. MFJ artificial ground MFJ-931 $50.00 obo + shipping. 5. NCG 2050 SWR Power meter 1.6-60Mhz. $35.00 obo + shipping. Buddipole is sold. All items are excellent cond. The Mic. comes with a Kenwood/K3 cord. The Astron with power cord and box. The MFJ-931 comes with box and instructions. Karl Marderian karl...@sbcglobal.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 Intermittently loses gain
G'day, Under what normal operation usage does a coax connector suffer sufficient stress to mechanically break it? I've seen connections fail due to incorrect installation but mechanical breakage due to poor design, never, at least not on the products I have or would use. To imply that Amphenol is the only maker of a quality component is nonsense. I accept that if you buy Amphenol, Suhner, Greenpar, Aircom, Andrew or similar badged products you know it will most likely be quality. However, it's not rocket science and there are undoubtedly many competent manufacturers out there perhaps without the Mil spec or domestic USA labour rate overheads. There will always be junk, unfortunately some folks just might not recognise it as such. My 6m feeder has US, German and unknown origin fittings in its run, nothing has failed or deteriorated or shown any signs of overheating during high power eme operation. My tower is a telescopic/fold over model so regular maintenance checks are easy and something I'm used to doing after a career in the rf business, LF to C-band. Personally, I find the coax terminations within the K3 unappealing but I'm not going to die in a ditch over it. Regards, Mike VP8NO - Original Message - From: Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com Cc: Reflector Elecraft elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, November 01, 2010 6:59 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Intermittently loses gain On 11/1/2010 9:37 AM, Mike Harris wrote: I have not been let down by the items I've bought from The RF Connection. I have bought some really lousy junk connectors from the RF Connection, and when I tried to get real tech info from them on coax they wanted to sell to a DXpedition, I got nothing but a salesman's bluster. I have paid 2-3 times as much for Amphenol barrels Yes, Amphenol is more expensive than cheap junk. How much does it cost to get someone to climb a tower? How much do you spend to go on a DXpedition? How much time do you lose chasing intermittent problems? but not found them any better than good quality imports. How would you KNOW if they are any good or not? Have you cut one open to see what it looks like? Have you done any serious power tests? Have you done serious loss or reflection measurements? Have you put stress on them to break them mechanically? I used them in my station and nothing blew up (yet)? That isn't a real test, it's luck. 73, Jim K9YC __ 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 Intermittently loses gain
Did this problem happen after you connected the amp? I ran into a similar problem. My external Ameritron T/R relay failed and held the amp in transmit. The only way I realized that the amp was stuck in transmit besides the diminished receive was the heat I noticed coming off the amp. I could see the heat rising against the backdrop of the wall. :-) Thank goodness I did not have drive going to the amp that amount of time. I would be buying a brand new pair of 3-500's. I removed the external T/R relay and started using the internal ability of the K3 to trigger the amp. Besides checking the ideas from the other guys, check your T/R circuitry for your amp. 73, Doug KF4VTT K3 #1289 P3 #371 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Intermittently-loses-gain-tp5690101p5695526.html Sent from the [K3] 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 Intermittently loses gain
The most recent experience I've had is with single hole mount SO-239 connectors, Teflon insulation, purchased the The RF Connection. I installed six of them in a batch of Norton preamplifiers Friday and when I plugged a UHF-BNC adapter in to connect some test equipment, I noticed the center pin rotated inside the Teflon insulator. The center conductor broke from the windlass effect. The upshot is that Joel, W3RFC, the owner of The RF Connection determined that a significant fraction of this part had a manufacturing defect. These are imports, presumably from China, although I didn't ask. The defective parts I have will be replaced as soon as the compliant parts arrive. However, I can't recover the two hours it took to install the first set of connectors, then remove them, drill the extra holes to substitute flanged connectors and install flanged connectors. (Which are also imports, silver/Teflon but higher quality.) I've lost track of the number of failures with other Chinese adapters. Some that I remember include a couple of BNC F-F connectors where the center insulator fell out. Same thing happened with a BNC T connector. I have a BNC-UHF adapter where the UHF shell is unthreaded for half the length. Two of the same type of adapter had the shell separate from the body. All the BNC-F adapters I have are extremely tight fitting on the BNC end. In the past I've purchased a quantity of Chinese BNC connectors for kits I sell. While they work, the dimensions are subtlety off someplace so that they have to be fiddled with to connect to a MILSPEC BNC connector. So far, the inexpensive Chinese SMA connectors seem fine, however. I've since switched to Amphenol BNC parts, which are also made in China but with much better dimensional and quality control. I suspect my experience is not unique. Jack K8ZOA On 11/1/2010 7:06 PM, Mike Harris wrote: G'day, Under what normal operation usage does a coax connector suffer sufficient stress to mechanically break it? I've seen connections fail due to incorrect installation but mechanical breakage due to poor design, never, at least not on the products I have or would use. To imply that Amphenol is the only maker of a quality component is nonsense. I accept that if you buy Amphenol, Suhner, Greenpar, Aircom, Andrew or similar badged products you know it will most likely be quality. However, it's not rocket science and there are undoubtedly many competent manufacturers out there perhaps without the Mil spec or domestic USA labour rate overheads. There will always be junk, unfortunately some folks just might not recognise it as such. My 6m feeder has US, German and unknown origin fittings in its run, nothing has failed or deteriorated or shown any signs of overheating during high power eme operation. My tower is a telescopic/fold over model so regular maintenance checks are easy and something I'm used to doing after a career in the rf business, LF to C-band. Personally, I find the coax terminations within the K3 unappealing but I'm not going to die in a ditch over it. Regards, Mike VP8NO - Original Message - From: Jim Brownj...@audiosystemsgroup.com Cc: Reflector Elecraftelecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, November 01, 2010 6:59 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Intermittently loses gain On 11/1/2010 9:37 AM, Mike Harris wrote: I have not been let down by the items I've bought from The RF Connection. I have bought some really lousy junk connectors from the RF Connection, and when I tried to get real tech info from them on coax they wanted to sell to a DXpedition, I got nothing but a salesman's bluster. I have paid 2-3 times as much for Amphenol barrels Yes, Amphenol is more expensive than cheap junk. How much does it cost to get someone to climb a tower? How much do you spend to go on a DXpedition? How much time do you lose chasing intermittent problems? but not found them any better than good quality imports. How would you KNOW if they are any good or not? Have you cut one open to see what it looks like? Have you done any serious power tests? Have you done serious loss or reflection measurements? Have you put stress on them to break them mechanically? I used them in my station and nothing blew up (yet)? That isn't a real test, it's luck. 73, Jim K9YC __ 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
[Elecraft] K3 Utility Locking up
Good evening, I've just started having a problem with the latest K3 Utility. When I run the utility without the rig turned on it tries to connect at each of the baud speeds as usual. If I turn the rig on (or indeed if the rig is already turned on when I launch the utility) the program finds the correct baud rate but then instantly locks up. The only way to exit s via the windows task manager. Tried on multiple ports, multiple baud rates on K3 and USB adapter, nothing other than version of K3 utility changed since I last upgraded the firmware. Windows 7 64-bit happened with the previous version of the utility that was installed (hence downloading the new version). I'm a little perplexed as the rig control works fine with the logger on the same serial port. Any suggestions? 73, Iain M0PCB (patiently awaiting my new KX1 kit to clear customs...) __ 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 APF YouTube Video
Not very good but hopefully gives some idea of what it does. Also, when I said 2.7 mhz, I meant 2.7 Khz!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORhcZrMegz4 Steve __ 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 APF YouTube Video
That's nice Steve. The difference is much more dramatic when the signal is closer to the noise level. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Not very good but hopefully gives some idea of what it does. Also, when I said 2.7 mhz, I meant 2.7 Khz!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORhcZrMegz4 Steve __ 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] KPA 100 glitch
Don, Checked Cal tPA this afternoon. Shack temp was 70F. tPA was set at 5C. Should have been abt 21C. Reset to 21C. This the first time that I have looked at this since I initially set it several years ago when I built the KPA 100. If it happens again when the shack gets cold, I will recheck Cal tPa to see if it has jumped. Thanks for your prompt reply. 73, George -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KPA-100-glitch-tp5692759p5695843.html Sent from the [K2] 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 Intermittently loses gain
I'm reminded of a Field Day a few years ago where tested , tried and true antennas suddenly didn't work anymore ... bad SWR's all over the place, goofy noises, etc. etc. Re-tested with different analyzers and dummy loads ... they checked out fine... so what's going on when connecting extra coax extensions??? Nobody suspected those brand new unbadged double female coax barrels. We didn't bother to dissect them ... just threw them in the lake. Paul WB2ABD (w/ K2ZR Buffalo Light House Group FD ) __ 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] NB/NR info Request...
If there's anyone else that is looking for some reading material when it comes to the K3 filters, NB, NR, Notch, Shift, Width, AGC etc and want to have some bathroom reading material I'll be happy to send them what I have. Believe what you want, reject the rest. But it's all free either way, and Free is always good.. right? __ 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
