Re: [Elecraft] K3: Mods for wide band transmiting?
I got over 11M operation shortly after gaining my amateur licence and it surprises me that 11M operators would want to spend the money on a K3 when there is a plethora of gear around that is still easy to 'open' up at a fraction of the cost of a K3. In VK, 11M operations appear to be concentrated on 27.355 LSB and 27.555USB and I wonder just how many of these operators would even consider a K3 given the price tag. As for any 'double standard' it should be made a compliance rule that ALL amateur gear be made extremely difficult to convert IF that is what the authorities want. The regulator in VK appears to be not interested in CB but rather in upping the cost to become an amateur and licence renewal fees and chasing the commercial dollars. Enforcement activities seem to be off their 'Radar' at the moment. The language you here on CB down under would embarrass even a truck driver. (OH, I was one of the drivers who avoided 11M CB) We have an 'outback' HF service which requires SelCall ID fitted to all radios and NO amateur rig meets with their approval so to open up a K3 to TX on these frequencies is an exercise in futility these days. Each of us has a differing opinion it seems which is OK with me at least. 73's Gary On Sun, Dec 26, 2010 at 4:09 PM, juergen plebia...@yahoo.com wrote: Hi Jeff A weird policy really since the K3 is neither type accepted for MARS, NTIA, aeronautical or the maritime service. Its double standards saying on the one hand that its ok to use the K3 on one particular HF service even though its it illegal, then go onto say that it wont be allowed on the CB service. To me it does not matter since I use a TS480HX and its IMD performance at 100 watts meets spectral purity standards for all HF services at 100 watts of output. The TS480HX is good radio at 100 watts of output. I use my 480HX in both my sailing and flying hobbies and it works great. At least if you wanted to stand on the high moral ground, out of band transmission on any non amateur band on the K3 should not be allowed. You at least would have some credibility on the issue. 73 John --- On Sat, 12/25/10, Jeff Cochrane - VK4BOF vk4bof.elecr...@gmail.com wrote: From: Jeff Cochrane - VK4BOF vk4bof.elecr...@gmail.com Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: Mods for wide band transmiting? To: DM7ZQ 73...@gmx.net, elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Saturday, December 25, 2010, 9:03 PM Benjamin, Speaking from experience, the 'wideband' software 'tool' will indeed allow the K3 to transmit outside of most bands but operation on 27MHz is still recieve only even after the usage of said software 'tool'. Jeff Cochrane - VK4BOF Innisfail, QLD, Australia Elecraft K3# 4257 - Original Message - From: DM7ZQ To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, December 26, 2010 5:18 AM Subject: [Elecraft] K3: Mods for wide band transmiting? Hello Elecrafters, merry christmas, how can i tune my Elecraft K3 to transmit on ´wide band coverage´ e.g. 11m Band? I know, i need an Software plug-in!? How can i get this? Thanks for a short answer, 73 de Benjamin, DM7ZQ -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Mods-for-wide-band-transmiting-tp5866670p5866670.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 __ 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] Windows 7 64bit and USB to RS232 adapter
Joe, At some point the advice was to always load the Microham USB router at boot time. What was the reason for that? Just to make sure that com ports 8 and under weren't gobbled up? 73, Guy. On Sat, Dec 25, 2010 at 11:12 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote: The com ports of Microham devices can be made stable, even though it uses USB to get to the box, by simply loading the USB Device router at boot time. So my COM 7 and COM 8 never change, because those numbers have been set in software before any variable plug and play USB stuff is run because of whatever USB stuff you have plugged in today. The COM ports of microHAM hardware are stable because they use serial numbered devices. Windows will remember a COM assignment if the device contains a serial number because is associates the serial number and port assignment no matter which port that device uses. However, most commodity hardware lacks a serial number and all Windows can do is assign a new COM number to every new device/new port it sees. Like everything else, you get what you pay for ... if you are going to use the lowest cost commodity hardware, you will get commodity level performance. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 12/25/2010 10:22 PM, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote: One of the things that Win 7 does a lot is to rearrange com ports. This may NOT be your trouble, but it certainly happens enough, and is NOT a driver problem, and can still happen and keep you from talking to your K3. After you plug in the USB cable for the USB/serial, bring up the device manager (type device manager in the start menu search bar and click on it in the list of candidate programs it generates). Click on Ports (COM LPT). Look for the com port THAT WAS ASSIGNED BY WINDOWS. Start up the K3 utility, click the Port tab. Set the COM port to match what you just found in device manager. YOU MAY HAVE TO DO THIS EVERY TIME YOU START WINDOWS, particularly if you have a lot of different USB devices you attach and remove from time to time. This is one of the reasons I bought a PCI-Ex Serial Card. It gets registered at bootup and is always in the list. You can then right click on the device and select properties, click the Port Settings tab, and then assign a low COM port number that it will permanently retain. I use COM1 and COM2, and have simply quit having com port troubles of any kind. The com ports of Microham devices can be made stable, even though it uses USB to get to the box, by simply loading the USB Device router at boot time. So my COM 7 and COM 8 never change, because those numbers have been set in software before any variable plug and play USB stuff is run because of whatever USB stuff you have plugged in today. I don't personally know of a way to fix USB com ports in the registry or some such, without the device actually active. I did go looking for that information. Anyone know how to do that? 73, Guy. On Sat, Dec 25, 2010 at 6:26 PM, Robert Redmonk5sm@gmail.com wrote: Dick, I tried the driver on the Elecraft download page first. It loaded okay and windows recognized the adapter when I connected it, but it could not communicate with the K3 using the K3 Utility (latest release version). I will download and try v1.30 of the prolific driver when their download site is up and working properly againIt isn't right now. Bob K5SM On 12/25/2010 5:06 PM, Dick Dievendorff wrote: I think I understand that issue. Sometimes the driver issues a data available signal but when you subsequently ask for the data, none is there. My view is that this boundary condition could have been handled a bit better by the MS VB common communications DLL, but my view doesn't help the poor guy using That DLL. You make a good point, but I'm not sure Prolific is entirely at fault here. Dick, K6KR On Dec 25, 2010, at 14:15, WILLIS COOKEwrco...@yahoo.com mailto:wrco...@yahoo.com wrote: Dick, I had no difficulty with the Elecraft supplied K3 utilities, but could not control the K3 from N1MM and XMLog. These logging programs were complied using Visual Basic and I was told that the Prolific driver and Visual Basic had a register conflict. When I bought the PCIe RS-232 card it cured my problems and I have not worried with it since. I got the latest Prolific drivers from the web site a little over a year ago, but have not updated them since I quit using the Elecraft supplied Prolific converter. Willis 'Cookie' Cooke K5EWJ *From:* Dick Dievendorffdie...@comcast.netmailto:die...@comcast.net *To:* WILLIS COOKEwrco...@yahoo.commailto:wrco...@yahoo.com *Cc:* Robert Redmonk5sm@gmail.commailto:k5sm@gmail.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.netmailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.netmailto:elecraft@mailman.qth.net *Sent:* Sat, December 25, 2010 3:49:16 PM *Subject:* Re: [Elecraft] Windows 7 64bit
[Elecraft] Soldering station
I got an AOYUE 937+ soldering station for Christmas, to build Elecraft kits with, of course. Included (in a plastic bag of its own) was a plastic rod with 4 wires sticking out of it. No mention in the manual, and I can't divine its purpose. It's about 6 long. Anybody know what it is? 73, Mike NF4L __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Mods for wide band transmiting?
- Original Message - From: DM7ZQ Thanks for a short answer, 73 de Benjamin, DM7ZQ Please note that the original poster is not under FCC jusrisdiction. Not even close, so FCC certificated issues and other restrictions do not apply. Merry Christmas. 73, de Nate N0NB -- The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds. The pessimist fears this is true. Ham radio, Linux, bikes, and more: http://n0nb.us/index.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] Soldering station
On 12/26/2010 8:01 AM, Pierfrancesco Caci wrote: Mike == Miken...@nf4l.com writes: Mike I got an AOYUE 937+ soldering station for Christmas, to build Mike Elecraft kits with, of course. Mike Included (in a plastic bag of its own) was a plastic rod with Mike 4 wires sticking out of it. No mention in the manual, and I Mike can't divine its purpose. It's about 6 long. Anybody know Mike what it is? maybe the spare heating element: http://www.aoyue.com/en/ArticleShow.asp?ArticleID=373 Package content: 937 station, B001 Soldering iron, 2630 Soldering iron holder, C001 Soldering iron spare heating element. BINGO, that looks like it. Not a mention in the manual. 73, Mike __ 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] CW Tuning Indicator For Sale
When I purchased my K2 a year ago I also purchased a K6XX CW Tuning Indicator. I built the indicator but never installed it in my radio. Now, after using the K2 for a number of months, I find that I am able to zero-beat by ear without any trouble so I'm not going to use the tuning indicator. This indicator is specifically designed for use in a K1, KX1, or K2, but it can also be used in many other rigs. It can light-up the 10th bar of the K2's bargraph or it can be used with a separate LED (included). It also includes the resistors needed for the false flash mod for the K2. You can find complete details at http://www.n3epa.org/Pages/K6XX/K6XXCWIndicatorKit.htm. I have previous experience with SMD work and believe that my construction was perfect but it has never been installed in a rig for actual testing. If purchased from the Eastern PA QRP Club the unassembled indicator and false-flash mod would cost $29. I will wrap it in some padding, put it in a large envelope, and mail it to a US address for $24. (I'll pay the postage.) If you are interested, please contact me off the list and we can work out the details. 73, Paul - N8XMS Livonia, MI __ 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] Soldering station
Mike, that is the replacement heating element. James K2QI --Original Message-- From: Mike Sender: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net To: Elecraft Reflector ReplyTo: n...@nf4l.com Subject: [Elecraft] Soldering station Sent: Dec 26, 2010 07:38 I got an AOYUE 937+ soldering station for Christmas, to build Elecraft kits with, of course. Included (in a plastic bag of its own) was a plastic rod with 4 wires sticking out of it. No mention in the manual, and I can't divine its purpose. It's about 6 long. Anybody know what it is? 73, Mike NF4L __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html 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] Elecraft OT: Problems with K3 + external PA to specific antenna on 80m
Wishing all of you a Happy New Year. As stated this is off topic but at least the antenna giving me problems is used with my K3 (and the Expert 1K-FA power amplifier). Antenna: Sigma 80 + Tornado drive. This is a center fed shortened vertical dipole with 'top' and 'bottom' loading (horizontal tubes) looking like a H tilted 90 degrees and with the now vertical part being longer in a normal H. See http://www.texasantennas.com/index.php?option=com_contentview=articleid=96 Itemid=108. The Tornado drive is a moveable remote controlled coil placed in the center of the dipole. See http://www.seco-systems.net/. The result is resonance on 40m when the coil is compressed - resonance on different frequencies on 80m as the coil is expanded. Setup K3 with coax to PA (Expert 1K-FA) coax further on to a sensor for PowerMaster (power/SWR meter) and again coax from this sensor to the antenna (the latter link is about 20m (60ft). Problem PA will not work into the antenna on 80m. Strange readings at the coax entering the shack: PowerMaster showing SWR 1.4 and Power e.g. 500 W (for about 15 W input). The PA showing about 500 W output but zero or a very little number of Ampere. This is giving a lot of RFI in my speakers. Running key down for a few moments does NOT heat the PA at all. It seems to me that I am getting very few answers on calling stations. My conclusion The PA does actually NOT output 500 W. Further information Bypassing the PA it seems to me that my K3 is drawing normal amount of current for varying levels of output up to the 100 W. It seems to me that I am getting answers as to be expected on calling stations. The whole setup seems to be working OK on 40m. Measurements with antenna analyzer MFJ-259B say 3.5 MHz: SWR=1.4 R=63 X=17 3.6 MHz: SWR=1.4 R=69 X=13 And changing rapidly with change of frequency if the Tornado drive is not readjusted (this is as expected) 7.087 MHz: SWR=2.5 R=19 X=0 This is a bit high for the SWR but the SWR curve is relatively flat from 7.0 to 7.2 MHz with a dip around 7.020 and never getting over 3.2. Contacts are rolling in - no complaints. My hope That some of you can tell me what is going on - and even better how I can solve the problem. Vy 73 de OZ1CCM Kel PS I am daily enjoying reading the Elecraft reflector and learning as much as I can from all those very knowledgeable fellow hams. __ 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] P3 S/N 937 Simply Amazing
Santa brought a P3 kit to me yesterday; in two hours the kit was assembled and connected to my K3. If you are like me, and have been using your radio “ears” to determine who and what was above and below your operating position, the P3 Panadaptor is a real eye opener :-) (LOL) Visualizing the spectrum around you is incredibly useful. It’s simply more intuitive to have your ears and eyes working together when operating with a P3. Many of the features on a K3 become increasing useful: diversity receive, shift. The P3 is a highly recommended option to any K3! The P3 will definitely improve my operations and contesting. Thank you to the Elecraft design team! 73's N3CAQ - 73's David S. Mulvey N3CAQ K3 #3788 -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/P3-S-N-937-Simply-Amazing-tp586p586.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] [QRP-L] CW Tuning Indicator For Sale
The tuning indicator has been sold. 73, N8XMS __ 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] Cleaning capacitor goop from PC board
Hello Vic, I work in electronics manufacturing so cleaning of PCBAs is something I know a little bit about. Without knowing exactly what the goop is, I would recommend the following: 1) Gently scrape off as much of the material as possible using a soft scraping tool. I recommend a wooden popsicle stick. The key here is to not damage anything. Be GENTLE. 2) Once you have most of the goop cleaned off, I recommend using alcohol to remove any remaining residue. You can use store bought Isopropyl alcohol but the problem is that the stuff you buy in a store is only 70%...with the remaining 30% being water. A much better thing to use is to buy some Ethyl alcohol. Go to your local liquor store and buy a pint of grain alcohol. Brand name around here is Everclear. This is 95% Ethyl alcohol...about as high as you can get outside of a chemistry lab. Alcohol is naturally hygroscopic (absorbs water) so you'll never get 100%. 3) Use the alcohol liberally, flooding the area to be cleaned. If its near the edge of the board, tilt the board so that most of the alcohol runs off into a bowl. What you want to do is wash the alcohol over the goop and let the residue flow off of the board instead of getting trapped under other parts. 4) Use a soft brush, like a clean toothbrush, in a circular motion to get the remaining part of the board really clean. Soak up any remaining alcohol with paper towel, getting as much off as possible. 5) Depending on how much crud you have to remove, you can give a final rinse with some distilled or de-ionized water. i wouldn't use tap water. The water won't hurt most electronics...we use water to clean PC boards all the time. You want to keep the water away, alcohol too, from any parts that are not sealed like switches, connectors and relays. Normal surface mount components are fine. 6) Finally, soak up as much of the remaining liquid with more clean paper towels and gently dry the area of the board with a little warm air. A hair dryer is ideal. Don't go overboard with the heat...you definitely don't want to reflow the solder :)) Once you have the circuit traces exposed you'll be able to assess any corrosion or damage. This part will be another story depending on what repairs you have to make. Finally, you can drink the remaining **unused** Ethyl alcohol...not Isopropyl :)) Just be careful...it's strong!! On 12/26/2010 1:04 AM, Vic K2VCO wrote: I have a board (not an Elecraft product!) which has several SMD electrolytics that have failed, leaking brown, corrosive goop. The board is hard to find and expensive. I am going to try to fix it. Question: how do you clean the brown capacitor goop off the board? Some of the traces may be corroded, but I can't tell without getting this stuff off! And I don't want to damage them by scraping. -- 73, Gary K9GS Check out K9NS on the web: http://www.k9ns.com Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.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] Trans World Antenna
Ha, ha! I can't deal with smartphone keyboards either (make plenty of mistakes on a full sized one). It'll revolutionize our hobby (and the entire radio business) when they finally solve the problem of rf resistance. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: Phil Townsend [mailto:phi...@mac.com] Sent: Saturday, December 25, 2010 7:51 PM To: Ron D'Eau Claire Cc: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Trans World Antenna Yeah I really like that call AC7AC... And speaking of room temp super conductors... There some guys up at the lab (Los Alamos) that are getting there. My old, RIP Elmer W9JWI... Circa 1956 had set up in his shack a super cooled 2 meter antenna As the temp dropped he could shorten the elements and shill have the same swr's, watts out. Sorry for the typos...it a bear typing with an iPad. Sent from my iPad On Dec 25, 2010, at 8:31 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire r...@cobi.biz wrote: Yeah, until we get room temperature superconductors. As you probably know, the losses in small antennas are in the resistive losses in the conductors (including loading coils) compounded by the very high circulating currents that necessarily occur when they are made small in terms of wavelengths. Still, the convenience offered by some of these portable antennas in setting them up and breaking them down quickly is worth a fair bit. And, as many buddipole users have noted, it's hard to find a tree at the seashore... When I moved from California to Oregon I asked the FCC for a new call sign since I have always advocated for calls that represent the area in which we live in the USA. In California back in the 1970's I traded in my call I had had since 1952, W6QAS, for whatever came up in their assignments of 2X1 calls. Their computer coughed up got AC6Y - the 76th FCC assigned call assigned and perfect for CW - and I wondered if it really wanted to give it up when moving to Oregon. But I did and the FCC assigned me a 7 call from their computer database AC7AC. No vanity call, just what came up next. I couldn't argue with that, Hi! Sometimes the FCC computer assigns something as good as you might be tempted to pay for... Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Thank you all... Well I guess the laws of physics are still in full force. There certainly are times when I wish the rules could be bent...just a bit. On the other hand... It's comforting to know that some things simply don't change. So its the same old story... If yu want a big sig... Area, altitude and horsepower. Phil Santa Fe, NM K2 3 Let my ticket expire early in the last cycle... I'll get a new one in the spring. I'm looking for a Sugar Sugar Radio suffix ... Indiana, Fla. Vermont, Ca. And KH land. __ 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] Elecraft OT: Problems with K3 + external PA to specific antenna on 80m
Kjeld, that sounds like rf loose in the system (or shack), based on your report that the Powermaster shows absurd readings and the symptoms change with frequency and power levels. The Powermaster uses a microprocessor to calculate SWR and power. Some rf getting into that logic would produce the weird readings. It's likely rf is getting into the power monitoring circuits for the Expert 1K-FA doing the same thing - making it think you are putting out lots of power so it stays throttled down. Is there anything common to the 1K-FA and Powermaster other than the coax that might be piping rf into them (other than the coax)? It might be rf on the outside of the coax shield leading into the shack. I don't know what sort of protection the Tornado coupler/drive offers, but you probably know that RF can flow on the outside of the coax shield independently of the RF on the inside of the shield. The rf on the outside can then couple into many things in the shack. If you have a separate ground in the shack, you might try connecting it to the OUTSIDE of a coax connector shell at the Powermaster and see if that at least changes the behavior (it might fix it). That would confirm it is RF on the outside the coax causing the problem. Even using the mains safety ground may show you a difference (although you may not want to keep it connected because RF is then being fed back into the house wiring). Depending upon how far the antenna is from the rig, you might be getting some direct radiation pickup from the antenna too, either directly into the house wiring (that then passes it into the shack) or directly into control/power wiring to the 1K-FA or Powermaster. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Kjeld Holm Sent: Sunday, December 26, 2010 7:26 AM To: 'Elecraft Reflector' Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft OT: Problems with K3 + external PA to specific antenna on 80m Wishing all of you a Happy New Year. As stated this is off topic but at least the antenna giving me problems is used with my K3 (and the Expert 1K-FA power amplifier). Antenna: Sigma 80 + Tornado drive. This is a center fed shortened vertical dipole with 'top' and 'bottom' loading (horizontal tubes) looking like a H tilted 90 degrees and with the now vertical part being longer in a normal H. See http://www.texasantennas.com/index.php?option=com_contentview=articleid=96 Itemid=108. The Tornado drive is a moveable remote controlled coil placed in the center of the dipole. See http://www.seco-systems.net/. The result is resonance on 40m when the coil is compressed - resonance on different frequencies on 80m as the coil is expanded. Setup K3 with coax to PA (Expert 1K-FA) coax further on to a sensor for PowerMaster (power/SWR meter) and again coax from this sensor to the antenna (the latter link is about 20m (60ft). Problem PA will not work into the antenna on 80m. Strange readings at the coax entering the shack: PowerMaster showing SWR 1.4 and Power e.g. 500 W (for about 15 W input). The PA showing about 500 W output but zero or a very little number of Ampere. This is giving a lot of RFI in my speakers. Running key down for a few moments does NOT heat the PA at all. It seems to me that I am getting very few answers on calling stations. My conclusion The PA does actually NOT output 500 W. Further information Bypassing the PA it seems to me that my K3 is drawing normal amount of current for varying levels of output up to the 100 W. It seems to me that I am getting answers as to be expected on calling stations. The whole setup seems to be working OK on 40m. Measurements with antenna analyzer MFJ-259B say 3.5 MHz: SWR=1.4 R=63 X=17 3.6 MHz: SWR=1.4 R=69 X=13 And changing rapidly with change of frequency if the Tornado drive is not readjusted (this is as expected) 7.087 MHz: SWR=2.5 R=19 X=0 This is a bit high for the SWR but the SWR curve is relatively flat from 7.0 to 7.2 MHz with a dip around 7.020 and never getting over 3.2. Contacts are rolling in - no complaints. My hope That some of you can tell me what is going on - and even better how I can solve the problem. Vy 73 de OZ1CCM Kel PS I am daily enjoying reading the Elecraft reflector and learning as much as I can from all those very knowledgeable fellow hams. __ 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:
Re: [Elecraft] Cleaning capacitor goop from PC board
I buy 90% isopropyl alcohol at Wal*Mart and use it for PCB cleaning. I think it's a couple dollars for a quart bottle, available in the drug section. I've also found 90% at most drug stores or supermarkets if you look carefully. It's a lot cheaper than Everclear, but you can't consume the excess! Jack K8ZOA On 12/26/2010 11:06 AM, Gary K9GS wrote: [edited to remove non-pertinent parts] 2) Once you have most of the goop cleaned off, I recommend using alcohol to remove any remaining residue. You can use store bought Isopropyl alcohol but the problem is that the stuff you buy in a store is only 70%...with the remaining 30% being water. A much better thing to use is to buy some Ethyl alcohol. Go to your local liquor store and buy a pint of grain alcohol. Brand name around here is Everclear. This is 95% Ethyl alcohol...about as high as you can get outside of a chemistry lab. Alcohol is naturally hygroscopic (absorbs water) so you'll never get 100%. __ 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] Cleaning capacitor goop from PC board
There ya go Jack. I wasn't aware that Walmart sold 90% Isopropyl. I don't buy it that often. That should work great! On 12/26/2010 10:49 AM, Jack Smith wrote: I buy 90% isopropyl alcohol at Wal*Mart and use it for PCB cleaning. I think it's a couple dollars for a quart bottle, available in the drug section. I've also found 90% at most drug stores or supermarkets if you look carefully. It's a lot cheaper than Everclear, but you can't consume the excess! Jack K8ZOA On 12/26/2010 11:06 AM, Gary K9GS wrote: [edited to remove non-pertinent parts] 2) Once you have most of the goop cleaned off, I recommend using alcohol to remove any remaining residue. You can use store bought Isopropyl alcohol but the problem is that the stuff you buy in a store is only 70%...with the remaining 30% being water. A much better thing to use is to buy some Ethyl alcohol. Go to your local liquor store and buy a pint of grain alcohol. Brand name around here is Everclear. This is 95% Ethyl alcohol...about as high as you can get outside of a chemistry lab. Alcohol is naturally hygroscopic (absorbs water) so you'll never get 100%. -- 73, Gary K9GS Check out K9NS on the web: http://www.k9ns.com Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.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] OT; what's too short???
But as I understand it, the quote of the HF DX'rs is, Life is too short for QRP, 500 Watts. this shouldn't turn into any drawn out thread, but let's be clear. I, for one, and I am one of many, have worked: * DXCC with 2 watts on 40 mtrs alone, in a few weeks. * DXCC 10-40 mtrs in one winter, * WAC QRP (five watts with a K2) ... on 160 mtrs * 284 countries, QRP in one winter, rarely am unable to make the QSO with QRP. * Recently calmly worked ZL8X on 160 mtrs running two watts, on the first calling attempt (they had good ears ;-) Not showing off, the fact is, QRO DX'ing is so (very) EZ that there is simply no challenge to it !!! 73, Fred kt5x (aka W5YA/qrp) __ 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] OT; what's too short???
Hello, I also worked ZL8X 21 times , However I was running 80 watts with K3 . That was a blast. They have an on line log. http://www.kermadec.de/ 73 Ken K5DNL - --- On Sun, 12/26/10, Fred Maas just.one.h...@gmail.com wrote: From: Fred Maas just.one.h...@gmail.com Subject: [Elecraft] OT; what's too short??? To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Sunday, December 26, 2010, 11:12 AM But as I understand it, the quote of the HF DX'rs is, Life is too short for QRP, 500 Watts. this shouldn't turn into any drawn out thread, but let's be clear. I, for one, and I am one of many, have worked: * DXCC with 2 watts on 40 mtrs alone, in a few weeks. * DXCC 10-40 mtrs in one winter, * WAC QRP (five watts with a K2) ... on 160 mtrs * 284 countries, QRP in one winter, rarely am unable to make the QSO with QRP. * Recently calmly worked ZL8X on 160 mtrs running two watts, on the first calling attempt (they had good ears ;-) Not showing off, the fact is, QRO DX'ing is so (very) EZ that there is simply no challenge to it !!! 73, Fred kt5x (aka W5YA/qrp) __ 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] Trans World Antenna
This is a knock-off of an antenna offered by Force 12 a few years ago. I had one. It worked okay. It is basically a vertical dipole with feed-point lumped inductance that is tapped by switching a relay box. It is shortened, so the t-bars provide added end capacitance. Unlike the BuddiPole, you don't have to mess with the coil taps, manually. You can sit at the radio and turn the rotary switch. But, it is not as portable as the BuddiPole, either. So, I currently have a BuddiPole which I sometimes take with me and the K3/100 when I travel. I use the BuddiPole in conjunction with a small MFJ transmatch. So, I use maybe two different tap postions on the coils for 10 through 40. Any losses due to high SWR at the feedpoint are more than compensated for by the convenience of not having to play with those flimsy tap gizmos. Rob K6RB __ 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] New K3/P3 is here
Ah, another satisified K3 userENJOY the new rig. and YES, QRP still works! And worksand works HAPPY HOLIDAYS. -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/New-K3-P3-is-here-tp5864403p5867964.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] OT; what's too short???
I enjoy working QRP stations because of the challenge of copying a small signal. I also call anyone with a little chirp because they are usually running an antique glowbug rig. I enjoy chewing the rag with someone who has mastered the art of making a simple vacuum tube rig work. Ham radio is about enjoyment. Different people find enjoyment in different ways. Obviously some find that enjoyment by having the most powerful station possible. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- But as I understand it, the quote of the HF DX'rs is, Life is too short for QRP, 500 Watts. this shouldn't turn into any drawn out thread, but let's be clear. I, for one, and I am one of many, have worked: * DXCC with 2 watts on 40 mtrs alone, in a few weeks. * DXCC 10-40 mtrs in one winter, * WAC QRP (five watts with a K2) ... on 160 mtrs * 284 countries, QRP in one winter, rarely am unable to make the QSO with QRP. * Recently calmly worked ZL8X on 160 mtrs running two watts, on the first calling attempt (they had good ears ;-) Not showing off, the fact is, QRO DX'ing is so (very) EZ that there is simply no challenge to it !!! 73, Fred kt5x (aka W5YA/qrp) __ 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] Reason to NOT buy a K3?
Hello all and Happy Holidays! I've been reading the K3 reflector for the past couple of weeks. I'm in the market for a new radio and have my choices narrowed down to a couple models to replace my TS-850S which has served me very well. First my operating interests: I primarily spend my time contesting, DX contests in particular, and most of my time on 80 and 40M. 99% of the time I operate CW. So, in particular, low band CW performance is important to me. In between contests I spend my time DXing, again primarily on the low bands. Some occasional VHF operating on 6 and 2M. I'd also like to point out that I do interface my radios to a dedicated computer using Win XP pro and use N1MM for contesting and Logger 32 for general operating. Both of these applications are very well supported and the K3 is well represented among users. I've narrowed my choices down to two radios, the FTDX5000 and the K3. There are several things keeping me from falling in love with the FTDX5000: 1) The CW break-in performance is broken in the FTDX5K above ~30 wpm, resulting in chopped characters, and from what I'm told, really bad sounding on the air. 2) The APF filter is also not working correctly. 3) The contour control does not function on CW, I believe only on SSB. Of course, these limitations COULD be fixed by Yaesu in future revisions but I'm apprehensive that Yaesu is going to fix anything. They certainly don't participate in the FTDX5000 user forums although supposedly they do read the posts. Sort of the we know what we're doing, there's no problem attitude with JA radio manufacturers. After all, how many FT-1000XX radios were built with the key click problem? I don't think Yaesu ever admitted there was an issue and the fix was relatively simple to implement in production. At $5K plus one would hope these problems are addressed but one never knows. Certainly Elecraft is much more responsive and is actively involved in post sale issues and solutions. I've never been a fan of ICOM HF radios although the IC-7800 gets good reviews but at $10K per radio??? I've also used Ten-Tec before and never been a big fan plus the Orion II suffers from a poor performing 2nd receiver and I know of several locals that have had there Orions back for service/updates several times. So what else is there and am I missing anything else? Which brings me to the K3. This radio seems, to me, to be exactly what I'm looking for. I really can't think of anything holding me back. I'm looking at the 100W model with the following accessories: a) KAT3 b) KXV3A c) 2.8K 8 pole SSB filter d) 400 hz 8 pole filter e) 250 hz 8 pole filter Future options would be the KRX sub receiver, K144XV-K 2M Module (I do some VHF operating but presently have a rig for 2M SSB anyway), I'm not currently using any receive antennas on 80/40M. I'd like an opinion on this but I don't think I see the advantage to buying the sub receiver UNTIL I have receive antennas available for diversity reception? What am I missing here? I don't operate any of the digital modes but I would like to do so. Is the 2.8K filter adequate for digital modes or do I want something different? I also like the portability of the K3 as I am planning on some future DX-pedition use. I can't see lugging a 43 pound FTDX5000 through airport security either. Sorry for the long post but I wanted to have a sanity check with some experienced K3 users that know the K3 and have similar interests and requirements. I'm on vacation this week and one thing I do plan on doing is dropping by a local in or DX club and using his K3 for a couple of hours. Your thoughts and comments are appreciated. -- 73, Gary K9GS Check out K9NS on the web: http://www.k9ns.com Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.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] Reason to NOT buy a K3?
Gary... Seems to me your already own a K3!!! Phil Santa Fe Sent from my iPad On Dec 26, 2010, at 12:10 PM, Gary K9GS garyk...@wi.rr.com wrote: Hello all and Happy Holidays! I've been reading the K3 reflector for the past couple of weeks. I'm in the market for a new radio and have my choices narrowed down to a couple models to replace my TS-850S which has served me very well. First my operating interests: I primarily spend my time contesting, DX contests in particular, and most of my time on 80 and 40M. 99% of the time I operate CW. So, in particular, low band CW performance is important to me. In between contests I spend my time DXing, again primarily on the low bands. Some occasional VHF operating on 6 and 2M. I'd also like to point out that I do interface my radios to a dedicated computer using Win XP pro and use N1MM for contesting and Logger 32 for general operating. Both of these applications are very well supported and the K3 is well represented among users. I've narrowed my choices down to two radios, the FTDX5000 and the K3. There are several things keeping me from falling in love with the FTDX5000: 1) The CW break-in performance is broken in the FTDX5K above ~30 wpm, resulting in chopped characters, and from what I'm told, really bad sounding on the air. 2) The APF filter is also not working correctly. 3) The contour control does not function on CW, I believe only on SSB. Of course, these limitations COULD be fixed by Yaesu in future revisions but I'm apprehensive that Yaesu is going to fix anything. They certainly don't participate in the FTDX5000 user forums although supposedly they do read the posts. Sort of the we know what we're doing, there's no problem attitude with JA radio manufacturers. After all, how many FT-1000XX radios were built with the key click problem? I don't think Yaesu ever admitted there was an issue and the fix was relatively simple to implement in production. At $5K plus one would hope these problems are addressed but one never knows. Certainly Elecraft is much more responsive and is actively involved in post sale issues and solutions. I've never been a fan of ICOM HF radios although the IC-7800 gets good reviews but at $10K per radio??? I've also used Ten-Tec before and never been a big fan plus the Orion II suffers from a poor performing 2nd receiver and I know of several locals that have had there Orions back for service/updates several times. So what else is there and am I missing anything else? Which brings me to the K3. This radio seems, to me, to be exactly what I'm looking for. I really can't think of anything holding me back. I'm looking at the 100W model with the following accessories: a) KAT3 b) KXV3A c) 2.8K 8 pole SSB filter d) 400 hz 8 pole filter e) 250 hz 8 pole filter Future options would be the KRX sub receiver, K144XV-K 2M Module (I do some VHF operating but presently have a rig for 2M SSB anyway), I'm not currently using any receive antennas on 80/40M. I'd like an opinion on this but I don't think I see the advantage to buying the sub receiver UNTIL I have receive antennas available for diversity reception? What am I missing here? I don't operate any of the digital modes but I would like to do so. Is the 2.8K filter adequate for digital modes or do I want something different? I also like the portability of the K3 as I am planning on some future DX-pedition use. I can't see lugging a 43 pound FTDX5000 through airport security either. Sorry for the long post but I wanted to have a sanity check with some experienced K3 users that know the K3 and have similar interests and requirements. I'm on vacation this week and one thing I do plan on doing is dropping by a local in or DX club and using his K3 for a couple of hours. Your thoughts and comments are appreciated. -- 73, Gary K9GS Check out K9NS on the web: http://www.k9ns.com Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.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] USB sound cards...
On Sat, 25 Dec 2010 14:12:49 -0500, John Ragle tpcj1...@crocker.com wrote: I have used the E-MU 0202 with XP Pro 64 bit without trouble, but beware, there are no 64 bit drivers for Win 7 and there won't be any, according to the web site. 73, Tom Childers Radio Amateur N5GE Licensed since 1976 QCWA Member 35102 ARRL Life Member Retired Professional C# Software developer Jim Sheldon asks: Anybody know if one of the USB sound card devices can co-exist without conflict along with a Sound Blaster Audigy internal card...? I use several USB sound card devices (one on my K3, one on my ICOM 910H), and have used them with Vista, WIN7, and XP Pro, all without any trouble at all. The internal card in the WIN7 box is a SB of some sort... in the XP Pro netbook it is a built-in mongrel of some other sort. I am using both FLDIGI and WSJT this way. The volume panel has all the controls needed, and thee is always device manager for further info... John Ragle -- W1ZI __ 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] Reason to NOT buy a K3?
You will be like... Gadzookes sure am glad I didn't buy that kencomyeatek. Sent from my iPad On Dec 26, 2010, at 12:35 PM, Gary K9GS garyk...@wi.rr.com wrote: Yep...kind of like selling myself a new car :)) Thanks Phil. On 12/26/2010 1:27 PM, Phil Townsend wrote: Gary... Seems to me your already own a K3!!! Phil Santa Fe Sent from my iPad On Dec 26, 2010, at 12:10 PM, Gary K9GSgaryk...@wi.rr.com wrote: Hello all and Happy Holidays! I've been reading the K3 reflector for the past couple of weeks. I'm in the market for a new radio and have my choices narrowed down to a couple models to replace my TS-850S which has served me very well. First my operating interests: I primarily spend my time contesting, DX contests in particular, and most of my time on 80 and 40M. 99% of the time I operate CW. So, in particular, low band CW performance is important to me. In between contests I spend my time DXing, again primarily on the low bands. Some occasional VHF operating on 6 and 2M. I'd also like to point out that I do interface my radios to a dedicated computer using Win XP pro and use N1MM for contesting and Logger 32 for general operating. Both of these applications are very well supported and the K3 is well represented among users. I've narrowed my choices down to two radios, the FTDX5000 and the K3. There are several things keeping me from falling in love with the FTDX5000: 1) The CW break-in performance is broken in the FTDX5K above ~30 wpm, resulting in chopped characters, and from what I'm told, really bad sounding on the air. 2) The APF filter is also not working correctly. 3) The contour control does not function on CW, I believe only on SSB. Of course, these limitations COULD be fixed by Yaesu in future revisions but I'm apprehensive that Yaesu is going to fix anything. They certainly don't participate in the FTDX5000 user forums although supposedly they do read the posts. Sort of the we know what we're doing, there's no problem attitude with JA radio manufacturers. After all, how many FT-1000XX radios were built with the key click problem? I don't think Yaesu ever admitted there was an issue and the fix was relatively simple to implement in production. At $5K plus one would hope these problems are addressed but one never knows. Certainly Elecraft is much more responsive and is actively involved in post sale issues and solutions. I've never been a fan of ICOM HF radios although the IC-7800 gets good reviews but at $10K per radio??? I've also used Ten-Tec before and never been a big fan plus the Orion II suffers from a poor performing 2nd receiver and I know of several locals that have had there Orions back for service/updates several times. So what else is there and am I missing anything else? Which brings me to the K3. This radio seems, to me, to be exactly what I'm looking for. I really can't think of anything holding me back. I'm looking at the 100W model with the following accessories: a) KAT3 b) KXV3A c) 2.8K 8 pole SSB filter d) 400 hz 8 pole filter e) 250 hz 8 pole filter Future options would be the KRX sub receiver, K144XV-K 2M Module (I do some VHF operating but presently have a rig for 2M SSB anyway), I'm not currently using any receive antennas on 80/40M. I'd like an opinion on this but I don't think I see the advantage to buying the sub receiver UNTIL I have receive antennas available for diversity reception? What am I missing here? I don't operate any of the digital modes but I would like to do so. Is the 2.8K filter adequate for digital modes or do I want something different? I also like the portability of the K3 as I am planning on some future DX-pedition use. I can't see lugging a 43 pound FTDX5000 through airport security either. Sorry for the long post but I wanted to have a sanity check with some experienced K3 users that know the K3 and have similar interests and requirements. I'm on vacation this week and one thing I do plan on doing is dropping by a local in or DX club and using his K3 for a couple of hours. Your thoughts and comments are appreciated. -- 73, Gary K9GS Check out K9NS on the web: http://www.k9ns.com Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.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 -- 73, Gary K9GS Check out K9NS on the web: http://www.k9ns.com Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.com
Re: [Elecraft] Reason to NOT buy a K3?
Merry Christmas, Gary! Full disclosure: I'm an Elecraft employee. Before my K3 I was a happy Icom IC-7800 owner. I'd recommend you consider the 5 pole 200 Hz filter rather than the 250 Hz 8-pole filter if your main interest is CW contesting and DX. There are plots of the 8-pole filters on Elecraft's web site at http://www.elecraft.com/K3/K3_8_pole_plots.htm My K3, ordered in first day at Visalia (before I was an employee), had five 8-pole filters, 2.8, 1.8, 1.0, 400, and 250. I have since changed the 250 to a five pole 200 Hz. I don't use it very much. In contests I usually run with 800-1.2 of bandwidth if I can stand it to pick up off-freq callers. The 250 Hz filter may be just right for digital modes, tho. I'd defer to W0YK's judgement there. He has contributed several posts to this topic and these postings are archived and can be found with a search engine like Google. The K3 is mentioned frequently and positively in the new issue of ON4UN's Low Band DXing. All the radios you are considering have some good points, and the differences in equipment will be less than differences in antennas and operator skill. The best contesters could use really old gear and still do very well... What I think sets Elecraft apart, other than great engineering and customer service, is the Hands On Ham Radio engagement of our customers, engineers, and company owners. You csn meet the owners at many amateur conventions. Our CEO moderates the Elecraft forum, reads every post, and they are often forwarded to the right person for action. The equipment often gains new capability, usually through free firmware updates and the occasional hardware modification offered at reasonable prices. One asset we treasure and cultivate is the community of our users. They are our best source of product ideas, criticism, and are our best salesmen. 73 de Dick, K6KR On Dec 26, 2010, at 11:10, Gary K9GS garyk...@wi.rr.com wrote: Hello all and Happy Holidays! I've been reading the K3 reflector for the past couple of weeks. I'm in the market for a new radio and have my choices narrowed down to a couple models to replace my TS-850S which has served me very well. First my operating interests: I primarily spend my time contesting, DX contests in particular, and most of my time on 80 and 40M. 99% of the time I operate CW. So, in particular, low band CW performance is important to me. In between contests I spend my time DXing, again primarily on the low bands. Some occasional VHF operating on 6 and 2M. I'd also like to point out that I do interface my radios to a dedicated computer using Win XP pro and use N1MM for contesting and Logger 32 for general operating. Both of these applications are very well supported and the K3 is well represented among users. I've narrowed my choices down to two radios, the FTDX5000 and the K3. There are several things keeping me from falling in love with the FTDX5000: 1) The CW break-in performance is broken in the FTDX5K above ~30 wpm, resulting in chopped characters, and from what I'm told, really bad sounding on the air. 2) The APF filter is also not working correctly. 3) The contour control does not function on CW, I believe only on SSB. Of course, these limitations COULD be fixed by Yaesu in future revisions but I'm apprehensive that Yaesu is going to fix anything. They certainly don't participate in the FTDX5000 user forums although supposedly they do read the posts. Sort of the we know what we're doing, there's no problem attitude with JA radio manufacturers. After all, how many FT-1000XX radios were built with the key click problem? I don't think Yaesu ever admitted there was an issue and the fix was relatively simple to implement in production. At $5K plus one would hope these problems are addressed but one never knows. Certainly Elecraft is much more responsive and is actively involved in post sale issues and solutions. I've never been a fan of ICOM HF radios although the IC-7800 gets good reviews but at $10K per radio??? I've also used Ten-Tec before and never been a big fan plus the Orion II suffers from a poor performing 2nd receiver and I know of several locals that have had there Orions back for service/updates several times. So what else is there and am I missing anything else? Which brings me to the K3. This radio seems, to me, to be exactly what I'm looking for. I really can't think of anything holding me back. I'm looking at the 100W model with the following accessories: a) KAT3 b) KXV3A c) 2.8K 8 pole SSB filter d) 400 hz 8 pole filter e) 250 hz 8 pole filter Future options would be the KRX sub receiver, K144XV-K 2M Module (I do some VHF operating but presently have a rig for 2M SSB anyway), I'm not currently using any receive antennas on 80/40M. I'd like an opinion on this but I don't think I see the advantage to buying the sub receiver
Re: [Elecraft] Reason to NOT buy a K3?
Gary, Looks like you already made your mind. If you can afford it, for the activities you describe I would suggest second receiver regardless if you have receive antennas or not. During contests I find myself calling CQ on one frequency and listening on both the CQ frequency and frequency of the second receiver on the same band with the same antenna (left ear main, right ear sub). If I find station on second receiver that I want to work, literally by pressing one button I am in position of calling the other station, then another button returns me back to my CQ frequency. When run rate is low, this helps to fill the void. I probably don't need to mention how second receiver helps in rear DX pileup - such a big help! Of course, second receiver and couple CW filters for it will set you back for about $1k - something to think about:-). 73, Igor, N1YX -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Gary K9GS Sent: Sunday, December 26, 2010 2:10 PM To: 'Elecraft' Subject: [Elecraft] Reason to NOT buy a K3? Hello all and Happy Holidays! I've been reading the K3 reflector for the past couple of weeks. I'm in the market for a new radio and have my choices narrowed down to a couple models to replace my TS-850S which has served me very well. First my operating interests: I primarily spend my time contesting, DX contests in particular, and most of my time on 80 and 40M. 99% of the time I operate CW. So, in particular, low band CW performance is important to me. In between contests I spend my time DXing, again primarily on the low bands. Some occasional VHF operating on 6 and 2M. I'd also like to point out that I do interface my radios to a dedicated computer using Win XP pro and use N1MM for contesting and Logger 32 for general operating. Both of these applications are very well supported and the K3 is well represented among users. I've narrowed my choices down to two radios, the FTDX5000 and the K3. There are several things keeping me from falling in love with the FTDX5000: 1) The CW break-in performance is broken in the FTDX5K above ~30 wpm, resulting in chopped characters, and from what I'm told, really bad sounding on the air. 2) The APF filter is also not working correctly. 3) The contour control does not function on CW, I believe only on SSB. Of course, these limitations COULD be fixed by Yaesu in future revisions but I'm apprehensive that Yaesu is going to fix anything. They certainly don't participate in the FTDX5000 user forums although supposedly they do read the posts. Sort of the we know what we're doing, there's no problem attitude with JA radio manufacturers. After all, how many FT-1000XX radios were built with the key click problem? I don't think Yaesu ever admitted there was an issue and the fix was relatively simple to implement in production. At $5K plus one would hope these problems are addressed but one never knows. Certainly Elecraft is much more responsive and is actively involved in post sale issues and solutions. I've never been a fan of ICOM HF radios although the IC-7800 gets good reviews but at $10K per radio??? I've also used Ten-Tec before and never been a big fan plus the Orion II suffers from a poor performing 2nd receiver and I know of several locals that have had there Orions back for service/updates several times. So what else is there and am I missing anything else? Which brings me to the K3. This radio seems, to me, to be exactly what I'm looking for. I really can't think of anything holding me back. I'm looking at the 100W model with the following accessories: a) KAT3 b) KXV3A c) 2.8K 8 pole SSB filter d) 400 hz 8 pole filter e) 250 hz 8 pole filter Future options would be the KRX sub receiver, K144XV-K 2M Module (I do some VHF operating but presently have a rig for 2M SSB anyway), I'm not currently using any receive antennas on 80/40M. I'd like an opinion on this but I don't think I see the advantage to buying the sub receiver UNTIL I have receive antennas available for diversity reception? What am I missing here? I don't operate any of the digital modes but I would like to do so. Is the 2.8K filter adequate for digital modes or do I want something different? I also like the portability of the K3 as I am planning on some future DX-pedition use. I can't see lugging a 43 pound FTDX5000 through airport security either. Sorry for the long post but I wanted to have a sanity check with some experienced K3 users that know the K3 and have similar interests and requirements. I'm on vacation this week and one thing I do plan on doing is dropping by a local in or DX club and using his K3 for a couple of hours. Your thoughts and comments are appreciated. -- 73, Gary K9GS Check out K9NS on the web: http://www.k9ns.com Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.com
Re: [Elecraft] USB sound cards...
I did not write this quote attributed to me. I am, moreover, quite annoyed at the attribution. John Ragle -- W1ZI = On 12/26/2010 2:35 PM, Amateur Radio Operator N5GE wrote: On Sat, 25 Dec 2010 14:12:49 -0500, John Ragletpcj1...@crocker.com wrote: I have used the E-MU 0202 with XP Pro 64 bit without trouble, but beware, there are no 64 bit drivers for Win 7 and there won't be any, according to the web site. __ 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] Reason to NOT buy a K3?
One other observation: I find my 2nd receiver quite useful in DX split freq pileups even without diversity. Having used it, I don't want to be without it. Split in contests is infrequent, tho. The P3 is also quite helpful to pick out successful callers in pileups and to find holes in the pileup. The waterfall display makes it really useful. I had my first taste of true 2nd RX in my IC-7800 and didn't sell it until I had my KRX3 installed. Some radios have Dual Watch which allows you to listen to two freqs together, but this technique combines the signal at the IF, so you listen to a mono mix. Some radios scrimp a bit on 2nd receiver performance. The K3's 2nd receiver is as good as the main. It also needs its own set of filters, although you might be a bit stingier here. 73 de Dick, K6KR On Dec 26, 2010, at 11:10, Gary K9GS garyk...@wi.rr.com wrote: Hello all and Happy Holidays! I've been reading the K3 reflector for the past couple of weeks. I'm in the market for a new radio and have my choices narrowed down to a couple models to replace my TS-850S which has served me very well. First my operating interests: I primarily spend my time contesting, DX contests in particular, and most of my time on 80 and 40M. 99% of the time I operate CW. So, in particular, low band CW performance is important to me. In between contests I spend my time DXing, again primarily on the low bands. Some occasional VHF operating on 6 and 2M. I'd also like to point out that I do interface my radios to a dedicated computer using Win XP pro and use N1MM for contesting and Logger 32 for general operating. Both of these applications are very well supported and the K3 is well represented among users. I've narrowed my choices down to two radios, the FTDX5000 and the K3. There are several things keeping me from falling in love with the FTDX5000: 1) The CW break-in performance is broken in the FTDX5K above ~30 wpm, resulting in chopped characters, and from what I'm told, really bad sounding on the air. 2) The APF filter is also not working correctly. 3) The contour control does not function on CW, I believe only on SSB. Of course, these limitations COULD be fixed by Yaesu in future revisions but I'm apprehensive that Yaesu is going to fix anything. They certainly don't participate in the FTDX5000 user forums although supposedly they do read the posts. Sort of the we know what we're doing, there's no problem attitude with JA radio manufacturers. After all, how many FT-1000XX radios were built with the key click problem? I don't think Yaesu ever admitted there was an issue and the fix was relatively simple to implement in production. At $5K plus one would hope these problems are addressed but one never knows. Certainly Elecraft is much more responsive and is actively involved in post sale issues and solutions. I've never been a fan of ICOM HF radios although the IC-7800 gets good reviews but at $10K per radio??? I've also used Ten-Tec before and never been a big fan plus the Orion II suffers from a poor performing 2nd receiver and I know of several locals that have had there Orions back for service/updates several times. So what else is there and am I missing anything else? Which brings me to the K3. This radio seems, to me, to be exactly what I'm looking for. I really can't think of anything holding me back. I'm looking at the 100W model with the following accessories: a) KAT3 b) KXV3A c) 2.8K 8 pole SSB filter d) 400 hz 8 pole filter e) 250 hz 8 pole filter Future options would be the KRX sub receiver, K144XV-K 2M Module (I do some VHF operating but presently have a rig for 2M SSB anyway), I'm not currently using any receive antennas on 80/40M. I'd like an opinion on this but I don't think I see the advantage to buying the sub receiver UNTIL I have receive antennas available for diversity reception? What am I missing here? I don't operate any of the digital modes but I would like to do so. Is the 2.8K filter adequate for digital modes or do I want something different? I also like the portability of the K3 as I am planning on some future DX-pedition use. I can't see lugging a 43 pound FTDX5000 through airport security either. Sorry for the long post but I wanted to have a sanity check with some experienced K3 users that know the K3 and have similar interests and requirements. I'm on vacation this week and one thing I do plan on doing is dropping by a local in or DX club and using his K3 for a couple of hours. Your thoughts and comments are appreciated. -- 73, Gary K9GS Check out K9NS on the web: http://www.k9ns.com Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.com __ Elecraft
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Mods for wide band transmiting?
Good evening, sorry for my ´lowbrow´ question. I do not want to do anything illegal! Some friends have told them and I wanted to ask the reflector to learn more about this. Please excuse - my english is not very fine. Close this question now, it´s done. Vy 73 and thanks for the many answers. Best regards, 73 de Benjamin, DM7ZQ -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Mods-for-wide-band-transmiting-tp5866670p5868157.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] Reason to NOT buy a K3?
Gary, Since DXing on 80 meters often is similar to DXing on 160 meters, the testimonial from W8JI right after he received his K3 may give you some insight - Tom said something similar to: he wished that he would be the only operator with a K3! Yes that was a backwards compliment to the K3, but if you are familiar with Tom's posts on the Topband reflector and others, you will know that he is very critical about any radio - not so with the K3. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/26/2010 2:10 PM, Gary K9GS wrote: Hello all and Happy Holidays! I've been reading the K3 reflector for the past couple of weeks. I'm in the market for a new radio and have my choices narrowed down to a couple models to replace my TS-850S which has served me very well. First my operating interests: I primarily spend my time contesting, DX contests in particular, and most of my time on 80 and 40M. 99% of the time I operate CW. So, in particular, low band CW performance is important to me. In between contests I spend my time DXing, again primarily on the low bands. Some occasional VHF operating on 6 and 2M. I'd also like to point out that I do interface my radios to a dedicated computer using Win XP pro and use N1MM for contesting and Logger 32 for general operating. Both of these applications are very well supported and the K3 is well represented among users. I've narrowed my choices down to two radios, the FTDX5000 and the K3. There are several things keeping me from falling in love with the FTDX5000: 1) The CW break-in performance is broken in the FTDX5K above ~30 wpm, resulting in chopped characters, and from what I'm told, really bad sounding on the air. 2) The APF filter is also not working correctly. 3) The contour control does not function on CW, I believe only on SSB. Of course, these limitations COULD be fixed by Yaesu in future revisions but I'm apprehensive that Yaesu is going to fix anything. They certainly don't participate in the FTDX5000 user forums although supposedly they do read the posts. Sort of the we know what we're doing, there's no problem attitude with JA radio manufacturers. After all, how many FT-1000XX radios were built with the key click problem? I don't think Yaesu ever admitted there was an issue and the fix was relatively simple to implement in production. At $5K plus one would hope these problems are addressed but one never knows. Certainly Elecraft is much more responsive and is actively involved in post sale issues and solutions. I've never been a fan of ICOM HF radios although the IC-7800 gets good reviews but at $10K per radio??? I've also used Ten-Tec before and never been a big fan plus the Orion II suffers from a poor performing 2nd receiver and I know of several locals that have had there Orions back for service/updates several times. So what else is there and am I missing anything else? Which brings me to the K3. This radio seems, to me, to be exactly what I'm looking for. I really can't think of anything holding me back. I'm looking at the 100W model with the following accessories: a) KAT3 b) KXV3A c) 2.8K 8 pole SSB filter d) 400 hz 8 pole filter e) 250 hz 8 pole filter Future options would be the KRX sub receiver, K144XV-K 2M Module (I do some VHF operating but presently have a rig for 2M SSB anyway), I'm not currently using any receive antennas on 80/40M. I'd like an opinion on this but I don't think I see the advantage to buying the sub receiver UNTIL I have receive antennas available for diversity reception? What am I missing here? I don't operate any of the digital modes but I would like to do so. Is the 2.8K filter adequate for digital modes or do I want something different? I also like the portability of the K3 as I am planning on some future DX-pedition use. I can't see lugging a 43 pound FTDX5000 through airport security either. Sorry for the long post but I wanted to have a sanity check with some experienced K3 users that know the K3 and have similar interests and requirements. I'm on vacation this week and one thing I do plan on doing is dropping by a local in or DX club and using his K3 for a couple of hours. Your thoughts and comments are appreciated. __ 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: Mods for wide band transmiting?
Benjamin, If you are referring to ESSB mode, the K3 already includes it, you only need to 6 kHz filter. That filter will also allow you to transmit AM with the K3. If you want FM too, you need the 15 kHz filter. These are all generated in the K3 DSP, no hardware mods to add these modes. The K3 DSP also controls the transmit bandwidth. If I did not understand your question, please ask again. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/26/2010 3:11 PM, DM7ZQ wrote: Good evening, sorry for my ´lowbrow´ question. I do not want to do anything illegal! Some friends have told them and I wanted to ask the reflector to learn more about this. Please excuse - my english is not very fine. Close this question now, it´s done. Vy 73 and thanks for the many answers. Best regards, 73 de Benjamin, DM7ZQ __ 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] USB sound cards...
John, it's happened to me more than once. When someone clips out the unnecessary parts of a message (per list guidelines) sometimes they get the wrong source for the part kept. And it's *always* an annoying mistake that has me saying something I never thought true - Maybe there are no un-annoying mistakes like that :-) 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of John Ragle I did not write this quote attributed to me. I am, moreover, quite annoyed at the attribution. John Ragle -- W1ZI = On 12/26/2010 2:35 PM, Amateur Radio Operator N5GE wrote: On Sat, 25 Dec 2010 14:12:49 -0500, John Ragletpcj1...@crocker.com wrote: I have used the E-MU 0202 with XP Pro 64 bit without trouble, but beware, there are no 64 bit drivers for Win 7 and there won't be any, according to the web site. __ 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] Reason to NOT buy a K3?
Gary, You may wish to substitute a 500 Hz or 200 Hz five-pole filter for either the 400 Hz or 250 Hz filters. The reason is, the nominal 400 Hz and 250 Hz filters are actually pretty close in terms of performance. I own all of the aforementioned filters, and have gone back and forth a few times, but have settled on the 500, 250, and 200 Hz combo for CW, while I have the 2.7 KHz and 2.1 Khz installed for SSB. I operate lowbands and CW almost exclusively now. Probably 90 pct. of the time I use the 250 Hz 8-pole filter. BTW, I think you will be delighted by the QSK performance, as well as the APF feature of the K3. 73, Chuck Guenther NI0C K2, K3/P3 Gary, K9GS, wrote: I primarily spend my time contesting, DX contests in particular, and most of my time on 80 and 40M. 99% of the time I operate CW. So, in particular, low band CW performance is important to me. ... I'm looking at the 100W model with the following accessories: a) KAT3 b) KXV3A c) 2.8K 8 pole SSB filter d) 400 hz 8 pole filter e) 250 hz 8 pole filter __ 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] Reason to NOT buy a K3?
Gary, Seem like most of the important points have been covered except perhaps one: the P3. The use of the P3 with the second receiver in split operation (contest or DX) is simply awesome! You might want to play with one before you decide. For example, with the second receiver and the P3, you can see the passbands of both receivers (different colors). This makes it simple and fun to see where the other stations are in a pileup and also see the holes in real time. Kind of like shooting fish in a barrel. As far as I know, Yaesu has nothing like the P3 but you have to actually see and use one to be fully convinced. I suspect we will welcome you to the K3 users club very soon. 73 de W6BK On Dec 26, 2010, at 11:10 AM, Gary K9GS wrote: Hello all and Happy Holidays! I've been reading the K3 reflector for the past couple of weeks. I'm in the market for a new radio and have my choices narrowed down to a couple models to replace my TS-850S which has served me very well. First my operating interests: I primarily spend my time contesting, DX contests in particular, and most of my time on 80 and 40M. 99% of the time I operate CW. So, in particular, low band CW performance is important to me. In between contests I spend my time DXing, again primarily on the low bands. Some occasional VHF operating on 6 and 2M. I'd also like to point out that I do interface my radios to a dedicated computer using Win XP pro and use N1MM for contesting and Logger 32 for general operating. Both of these applications are very well supported and the K3 is well represented among users. I've narrowed my choices down to two radios, the FTDX5000 and the K3. There are several things keeping me from falling in love with the FTDX5000: 1) The CW break-in performance is broken in the FTDX5K above ~30 wpm, resulting in chopped characters, and from what I'm told, really bad sounding on the air. 2) The APF filter is also not working correctly. 3) The contour control does not function on CW, I believe only on SSB. Of course, these limitations COULD be fixed by Yaesu in future revisions but I'm apprehensive that Yaesu is going to fix anything. They certainly don't participate in the FTDX5000 user forums although supposedly they do read the posts. Sort of the we know what we're doing, there's no problem attitude with JA radio manufacturers. After all, how many FT-1000XX radios were built with the key click problem? I don't think Yaesu ever admitted there was an issue and the fix was relatively simple to implement in production. At $5K plus one would hope these problems are addressed but one never knows. Certainly Elecraft is much more responsive and is actively involved in post sale issues and solutions. I've never been a fan of ICOM HF radios although the IC-7800 gets good reviews but at $10K per radio??? I've also used Ten-Tec before and never been a big fan plus the Orion II suffers from a poor performing 2nd receiver and I know of several locals that have had there Orions back for service/updates several times. So what else is there and am I missing anything else? Which brings me to the K3. This radio seems, to me, to be exactly what I'm looking for. I really can't think of anything holding me back. I'm looking at the 100W model with the following accessories: a) KAT3 b) KXV3A c) 2.8K 8 pole SSB filter d) 400 hz 8 pole filter e) 250 hz 8 pole filter Future options would be the KRX sub receiver, K144XV-K 2M Module (I do some VHF operating but presently have a rig for 2M SSB anyway), I'm not currently using any receive antennas on 80/40M. I'd like an opinion on this but I don't think I see the advantage to buying the sub receiver UNTIL I have receive antennas available for diversity reception? What am I missing here? I don't operate any of the digital modes but I would like to do so. Is the 2.8K filter adequate for digital modes or do I want something different? I also like the portability of the K3 as I am planning on some future DX-pedition use. I can't see lugging a 43 pound FTDX5000 through airport security either. Sorry for the long post but I wanted to have a sanity check with some experienced K3 users that know the K3 and have similar interests and requirements. I'm on vacation this week and one thing I do plan on doing is dropping by a local in or DX club and using his K3 for a couple of hours. Your thoughts and comments are appreciated. -- 73, Gary K9GS Check out K9NS on the web: http://www.k9ns.com Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post:
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Mods for wide band transmiting?
Here in the US there are few bootleggers on MARS, etc., but it's been an epidemic on the 11 meter CB band since 11 meters was taken from Amateur and given to CB service. It was quite predictable, given the huge number of Amateur rigs on the used market that covered 11 meters when it was a Ham band. As SSB phased into CB, many bootleggers made money modifying newer Ham gear to cover 11 meters. The draconian regulations covering the ability to modify/operate US Ham rigs and amplifiers on the 11 meter band are an attempt to stem that abuse by providing a clear legal basis to prosecute suppliers of that stuff along with the illegal operators. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- ...Its double standards saying on the one hand that its ok to use the K3 on one particular HF service even though its it illegal, then go onto say that it wont be allowed on the CB service. To me it does not matter since I use a TS480HX and its IMD performance at 100 watts meets spectral purity standards for all HF services at 100 watts of output. The TS480HX is good radio at 100 watts of output. I use my 480HX in both my sailing and flying hobbies and it works great. At least if you wanted to stand on the high moral ground, out of band transmission on any non amateur band on the K3 should not be allowed. You at least would have some credibility on the issue. 73 John --- On Sat, 12/25/10, Jeff Cochrane - VK4BOF vk4bof.elecr...@gmail.com wrote: Benjamin, Speaking from experience, the 'wideband' software 'tool' will indeed allow the K3 to transmit outside of most bands but operation on 27MHz is still recieve only even after the usage of said software 'tool'. Jeff Cochrane - VK4BOF Innisfail, QLD, Australia Elecraft K3# 4257 __ 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] Reason to NOT buy a K3?
Gary, I bought my K3 SN# 3132 in June of 2009 to replace my beloved TS-850s that I had owned and used extensively for 19 years. I have the same interests in DXing, contesting and low-band DXing as you, and can say without reservation that my new K3 is an absolute dream. I have the exact lineup of filters that you are thinking about getting. I would also recommend the subRX and the KXV3A for adding the P3 panadaptor. The K3 with the subRX and panadaptor is an unbeatable combination in contests and also big pileups. The new APF function is a recent firmware addition that greatly improves rx capability of weak signals. I use my K3 with N1MM and DX4WIN logging programs and it all works flawlessly. The K3 works great on all digital modes right out of the box. I know that the FT5000 appears to be a very good rig. But it is too big and heavy for portable use and the K3 support and constant upgrading via new hardware and firmware upgrades cannot be beat. Another big plus for a long-time Kenwood user like me is that the K3 has its roots in the Kenwood design and ergonomics. I found it to be a very easy and natural transition going from the 850 to the K3. A fully loaded K3 and P3 is similar in cost to the FT5000, but I believe that you get much more flexibility and long-term growth in the K3. It seems like every month Elecraft is adding a new feature via firmware updates. The rig just keeps getting better. HNY, Dave, N4QS - Original Message - From: Gary K9GS garyk...@wi.rr.com To: 'Elecraft' elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, December 26, 2010 1:10 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Reason to NOT buy a K3? Hello all and Happy Holidays! I've been reading the K3 reflector for the past couple of weeks. I'm in the market for a new radio and have my choices narrowed down to a couple models to replace my TS-850S which has served me very well. First my operating interests: I primarily spend my time contesting, DX contests in particular, and most of my time on 80 and 40M. 99% of the time I operate CW. So, in particular, low band CW performance is important to me. In between contests I spend my time DXing, again primarily on the low bands. Some occasional VHF operating on 6 and 2M. I'd also like to point out that I do interface my radios to a dedicated computer using Win XP pro and use N1MM for contesting and Logger 32 for general operating. Both of these applications are very well supported and the K3 is well represented among users. I've narrowed my choices down to two radios, the FTDX5000 and the K3. There are several things keeping me from falling in love with the FTDX5000: 1) The CW break-in performance is broken in the FTDX5K above ~30 wpm, resulting in chopped characters, and from what I'm told, really bad sounding on the air. 2) The APF filter is also not working correctly. 3) The contour control does not function on CW, I believe only on SSB. Of course, these limitations COULD be fixed by Yaesu in future revisions but I'm apprehensive that Yaesu is going to fix anything. They certainly don't participate in the FTDX5000 user forums although supposedly they do read the posts. Sort of the we know what we're doing, there's no problem attitude with JA radio manufacturers. After all, how many FT-1000XX radios were built with the key click problem? I don't think Yaesu ever admitted there was an issue and the fix was relatively simple to implement in production. At $5K plus one would hope these problems are addressed but one never knows. Certainly Elecraft is much more responsive and is actively involved in post sale issues and solutions. I've never been a fan of ICOM HF radios although the IC-7800 gets good reviews but at $10K per radio??? I've also used Ten-Tec before and never been a big fan plus the Orion II suffers from a poor performing 2nd receiver and I know of several locals that have had there Orions back for service/updates several times. So what else is there and am I missing anything else? Which brings me to the K3. This radio seems, to me, to be exactly what I'm looking for. I really can't think of anything holding me back. I'm looking at the 100W model with the following accessories: a) KAT3 b) KXV3A c) 2.8K 8 pole SSB filter d) 400 hz 8 pole filter e) 250 hz 8 pole filter Future options would be the KRX sub receiver, K144XV-K 2M Module (I do some VHF operating but presently have a rig for 2M SSB anyway), I'm not currently using any receive antennas on 80/40M. I'd like an opinion on this but I don't think I see the advantage to buying the sub receiver UNTIL I have receive antennas available for diversity reception? What am I missing here? I don't operate any of the digital modes but I would like to do so. Is the 2.8K filter adequate for digital modes or do I want something different? I also like the portability of the K3 as I am planning on some future DX-pedition use. I
[Elecraft] F.S. AUDIO-COM HEADSET/MIC
This came with my K3 and I don't use a headset. http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/7726 $35 includes U.P.S. shipping. 73, 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] Reason to NOT buy a K3?
Gary, Regarding your question about digital modes and filters, the 2.8 kHz filter is fine for psk31 (which I operate only occasionally). I do operate a lot of RTTY contests, and I use the 400 Hz filter and then use the DSP filtering to decrease the bandwidth to 300 Hz. BTW, the K3 is far superior to the 850 in RTTY reception due to this ability to use the narrow filters. The P3 makes it even easier tuning in RTTY sigs during busy band conditions. As someone else mentioned, you really have to see the P3 in operation to fully appreciate its utility. It's a game changer as far as I am concerned! 73, Dave, N4QS - Original Message - From: Gary K9GS garyk...@wi.rr.com To: 'Elecraft' elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sunday, December 26, 2010 1:10 PM Subject: [Elecraft] Reason to NOT buy a K3? Hello all and Happy Holidays! I've been reading the K3 reflector for the past couple of weeks. I'm in the market for a new radio and have my choices narrowed down to a couple models to replace my TS-850S which has served me very well. First my operating interests: I primarily spend my time contesting, DX contests in particular, and most of my time on 80 and 40M. 99% of the time I operate CW. So, in particular, low band CW performance is important to me. In between contests I spend my time DXing, again primarily on the low bands. Some occasional VHF operating on 6 and 2M. I'd also like to point out that I do interface my radios to a dedicated computer using Win XP pro and use N1MM for contesting and Logger 32 for general operating. Both of these applications are very well supported and the K3 is well represented among users. I've narrowed my choices down to two radios, the FTDX5000 and the K3. There are several things keeping me from falling in love with the FTDX5000: 1) The CW break-in performance is broken in the FTDX5K above ~30 wpm, resulting in chopped characters, and from what I'm told, really bad sounding on the air. 2) The APF filter is also not working correctly. 3) The contour control does not function on CW, I believe only on SSB. Of course, these limitations COULD be fixed by Yaesu in future revisions but I'm apprehensive that Yaesu is going to fix anything. They certainly don't participate in the FTDX5000 user forums although supposedly they do read the posts. Sort of the we know what we're doing, there's no problem attitude with JA radio manufacturers. After all, how many FT-1000XX radios were built with the key click problem? I don't think Yaesu ever admitted there was an issue and the fix was relatively simple to implement in production. At $5K plus one would hope these problems are addressed but one never knows. Certainly Elecraft is much more responsive and is actively involved in post sale issues and solutions. I've never been a fan of ICOM HF radios although the IC-7800 gets good reviews but at $10K per radio??? I've also used Ten-Tec before and never been a big fan plus the Orion II suffers from a poor performing 2nd receiver and I know of several locals that have had there Orions back for service/updates several times. So what else is there and am I missing anything else? Which brings me to the K3. This radio seems, to me, to be exactly what I'm looking for. I really can't think of anything holding me back. I'm looking at the 100W model with the following accessories: a) KAT3 b) KXV3A c) 2.8K 8 pole SSB filter d) 400 hz 8 pole filter e) 250 hz 8 pole filter Future options would be the KRX sub receiver, K144XV-K 2M Module (I do some VHF operating but presently have a rig for 2M SSB anyway), I'm not currently using any receive antennas on 80/40M. I'd like an opinion on this but I don't think I see the advantage to buying the sub receiver UNTIL I have receive antennas available for diversity reception? What am I missing here? I don't operate any of the digital modes but I would like to do so. Is the 2.8K filter adequate for digital modes or do I want something different? I also like the portability of the K3 as I am planning on some future DX-pedition use. I can't see lugging a 43 pound FTDX5000 through airport security either. Sorry for the long post but I wanted to have a sanity check with some experienced K3 users that know the K3 and have similar interests and requirements. I'm on vacation this week and one thing I do plan on doing is dropping by a local in or DX club and using his K3 for a couple of hours. Your thoughts and comments are appreciated. -- 73, Gary K9GS Check out K9NS on the web: http://www.k9ns.com Greater Milwaukee DX Association: http://www.gmdxa.org Society of Midwest Contesters: http://www.w9smc.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post:
[Elecraft] K3: Filters for sale (200, 400)
Excess to my needs: KFL3A-200 (5-pole, 200 Hz), $70 includes U.S. shipping KFL3A-400 (8-pole, 400 Hz), $110 includes U.S. shipping Flawless condition, bought them new 6 months ago PayPal Thanks, --Andrew, NV1B __ 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: For sale KXV3A (RX ant, IF out, xverter interface)
Originally bought this for use with a planned P3 but no longer needed. KXV3A (rx ant, IF out, xverter interface), $90 shipped Flawless condition, bought PayPal Thanks, --Andrew, NV1B __ 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: Mods for wide band transmiting?
Hmmm, It seems that the OP's question and my answer may have created a bit of a storm in a teacup. If you are offended in some way by my post I appologise. Perhaps I should clarify my original reply. I 'acquired' the out of band TX software via a radio based forum on the internet and tried it out on my K3 and found that it does do as I stated, it will transmit out of band on all bands except 27MHz. (I tested my 'modified' K3 into a dummy load.) The only need I have for transmitting out of band is that I am an Australian Coast Guard Volunteer and the holder of a Marine Radio Operators certificate and as such I monitor (and occasionally transmit on) the HF marine frequencies 'after Coast Guard hours' here at home. (My local Coast Guard holds the appropriate licences for me to operate at my home on both the HF and VHF marine frequencies.) It is nice to be able to do that using the K3 with it's (far) superior reciever in comparison to some (most) of the commercial marine rigs out there. As for the lack of 27MHz transmit capability, that's something that must be taken up with both Elecraft and the FCC as I believe it is due to some of the rather strict rules that are in place re: type approval of any upper HF band transmitter in the US of A. (See Ron AC7AC's rather eloquent reply) BTW, I had a Kenwood TS480SAT before I purchased my K3, it was a pretty good mobile set though it's DSP is woeful. I would not use a 480 at home but in a mobile installation I found that it's hard to beat. (As an aside, my TS480SAT was modified by it's original owner's dealer for continuos coverage TX, including 27MHz though I never used it out of band, apparently it's a quite simple task to do, involving one resistors removal I believe.) 73 de Jeff Cochrane - VK4BOF Innisfail, QLD, Australia Elecraft K3# 4257 - Original Message - From: Ron D'Eau Claire To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, December 27, 2010 6:35 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: Mods for wide band transmiting? Here in the US there are few bootleggers on MARS, etc., but it's been an epidemic on the 11 meter CB band since 11 meters was taken from Amateur and given to CB service. It was quite predictable, given the huge number of Amateur rigs on the used market that covered 11 meters when it was a Ham band. As SSB phased into CB, many bootleggers made money modifying newer Ham gear to cover 11 meters. The draconian regulations covering the ability to modify/operate US Ham rigs and amplifiers on the 11 meter band are an attempt to stem that abuse by providing a clear legal basis to prosecute suppliers of that stuff along with the illegal operators. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- ...Its double standards saying on the one hand that its ok to use the K3 on one particular HF service even though its it illegal, then go onto say that it wont be allowed on the CB service. To me it does not matter since I use a TS480HX and its IMD performance at 100 watts meets spectral purity standards for all HF services at 100 watts of output. The TS480HX is good radio at 100 watts of output. I use my 480HX in both my sailing and flying hobbies and it works great. At least if you wanted to stand on the high moral ground, out of band transmission on any non amateur band on the K3 should not be allowed. You at least would have some credibility on the issue. 73 John --- On Sat, 12/25/10, Jeff Cochrane - VK4BOF vk4bof.elecr...@gmail.com wrote: Benjamin, Speaking from experience, the 'wideband' software 'tool' will indeed allow the K3 to transmit outside of most bands but operation on 27MHz is still recieve only even after the usage of said software 'tool'. Jeff Cochrane - VK4BOF Innisfail, QLD, Australia Elecraft K3# 4257 __ 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: Mods for wide band transmiting?
Firstly, I do not want to get involved in a debate on what is (and isn't) legal - let's leave it at the technical level. You can (or at least, used to be able to) ask Elecraft for the K3 MARS TX unlock software. Here is the information received from Elecraft: Attached is the program to remove the TX Band limits so you can work MARS. Please note that this program removes *all* TX freq. limits, so it is upon you to make sure you are operating legally at the authorized frequencies. We cannot be held liable for any unauthorized operation. Your K3 also requires a KBPF3 option if you need to tune very much away from the US ham band allocations. The current firmware disables transmitting between 7.5 and 9 MHz at high power so the 8.215MHz trap on the KAT3 or KANT3 is not damaged. Also, the CB band is blocked for transmit at high power. --- After unlocking, it will TX on 27MHz, however only at low power (10-12watts). It will not engage the KPA3 on this band. Andy VK4KY -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-Mods-for-wide-band-transmiting-tp5866670p5868279.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] Is P3/K2 marriage feasable?
Wondering what it would take to fully integrate a P3 with a K2? Perhaps its been done ?? Bill K3UJ -Original Message- From: Dave Perry n...@comcast.net To: garyk9gs garyk...@wi.rr.com Cc: 'Elecraft Reflector' elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sun, Dec 26, 2010 3:54 pm Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Reason to NOT buy a K3? Gary, Regarding your question about digital modes and filters, the 2.8 kHz filter s fine for psk31 (which I operate only occasionally). I do operate a lot f RTTY contests, and I use the 400 Hz filter and then use the DSP filtering o decrease the bandwidth to 300 Hz. BTW, the K3 is far superior to the 850 n RTTY reception due to this ability to use the narrow filters. The P3 akes it even easier tuning in RTTY sigs during busy band conditions. As omeone else mentioned, you really have to see the P3 in operation to fully ppreciate its utility. It's a game changer as far as I am concerned! 73, Dave, N4QS - Original Message - rom: Gary K9GS garyk...@wi.rr.com o: 'Elecraft' elecraft@mailman.qth.net ent: Sunday, December 26, 2010 1:10 PM ubject: [Elecraft] Reason to NOT buy a K3? Hello all and Happy Holidays! I've been reading the K3 reflector for the past couple of weeks. I'm in the market for a new radio and have my choices narrowed down to a couple models to replace my TS-850S which has served me very well. First my operating interests: I primarily spend my time contesting, DX contests in particular, and most of my time on 80 and 40M. 99% of the time I operate CW. So, in particular, low band CW performance is important to me. In between contests I spend my time DXing, again primarily on the low bands. Some occasional VHF operating on 6 and 2M. I'd also like to point out that I do interface my radios to a dedicated computer using Win XP pro and use N1MM for contesting and Logger 32 for general operating. Both of these applications are very well supported and the K3 is well represented among users. I've narrowed my choices down to two radios, the FTDX5000 and the K3. There are several things keeping me from falling in love with the FTDX5000: 1) The CW break-in performance is broken in the FTDX5K above ~30 wpm, resulting in chopped characters, and from what I'm told, really bad sounding on the air. 2) The APF filter is also not working correctly. 3) The contour control does not function on CW, I believe only on SSB. Of course, these limitations COULD be fixed by Yaesu in future revisions but I'm apprehensive that Yaesu is going to fix anything. They certainly don't participate in the FTDX5000 user forums although supposedly they do read the posts. Sort of the we know what we're doing, there's no problem attitude with JA radio manufacturers. After all, how many FT-1000XX radios were built with the key click problem? I don't think Yaesu ever admitted there was an issue and the fix was relatively simple to implement in production. At $5K plus one would hope these problems are addressed but one never knows. Certainly Elecraft is much more responsive and is actively involved in post sale issues and solutions. I've never been a fan of ICOM HF radios although the IC-7800 gets good reviews but at $10K per radio??? I've also used Ten-Tec before and never been a big fan plus the Orion II suffers from a poor performing 2nd receiver and I know of several locals that have had there Orions back for service/updates several times. So what else is there and am I missing anything else? Which brings me to the K3. This radio seems, to me, to be exactly what I'm looking for. I really can't think of anything holding me back. I'm looking at the 100W model with the following accessories: a) KAT3 b) KXV3A c) 2.8K 8 pole SSB filter d) 400 hz 8 pole filter e) 250 hz 8 pole filter Future options would be the KRX sub receiver, K144XV-K 2M Module (I do some VHF operating but presently have a rig for 2M SSB anyway), I'm not currently using any receive antennas on 80/40M. I'd like an opinion on this but I don't think I see the advantage to buying the sub receiver UNTIL I have receive antennas available for diversity reception? What am I missing here? I don't operate any of the digital modes but I would like to do so. Is the 2.8K filter adequate for digital modes or do I want something different? I also like the portability of the K3 as I am planning on some future DX-pedition use. I can't see lugging a 43 pound FTDX5000 through airport security either. Sorry for the long post but I wanted to have a sanity check with some experienced K3 users that know the K3 and have similar interests and requirements. I'm on vacation this week and one thing I do plan on doing is dropping by a local in or DX club and using his K3 for a couple of hours. Your thoughts and comments are appreciated. -- 73, Gary K9GS Check out K9NS on the web: http://www.k9ns.com Greater Milwaukee DX Association:
[Elecraft] P3 trouble
Reflector: My P3 Panadpter #888 went together like clockwork in a few hours earlier today. On receive it does as advertised and the display is beautiful. HOWEVER, when I transmit with my K3-100 on SSB, after 2 seconds or less, the power to the K3 and the P3 cuts off; when power to the P3 is off, the K3 transmits A-OK. I have checked to be sure that my cables are properly connected and they are...the P3 is drawing power from the 12VDC jack on the rear of the K3. Any ideas on what might be causing this problemBTW, I used an antistatic mat and was grounded during the assembly process. Any help will be appreciated! 73, H Cary, K4TM __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] P3 trouble
H, What else is connected to the 12 volt jack on the K3?. It should handle the P3 and the PR6, but no more. The K3 turns off because the re-settable fuse has opened. If you have only the P3 connected to that jack, measure the current into the K3 during receive if you can, and also measure the current draw of the P3, then contact support with that information - they should be able to help. You could power the P3 directly from the power supply if this continues to be a problem. On 12/26/2010 5:36 PM, Hunsdon Cary III wrote: Reflector: My P3 Panadpter #888 went together like clockwork in a few hours earlier today. On receive it does as advertised and the display is beautiful. HOWEVER, when I transmit with my K3-100 on SSB, after 2 seconds or less, the power to the K3 and the P3 cuts off; when power to the P3 is off, the K3 transmits A-OK. I have checked to be sure that my cables are properly connected and they are...the P3 is drawing power from the 12VDC jack on the rear of the K3. Any ideas on what might be causing this problemBTW, I used an antistatic mat and was grounded during the assembly process. Any help will be appreciated! 73, H Cary, K4TM __ 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] P3 trouble
The first idea that leaps to mind is that your power supply can't supply the combined load. What are you doing to recycle? Wes N7WS --- On Sun, 12/26/10, Hunsdon Cary III h3c...@gmail.com wrote: From: Hunsdon Cary III h3c...@gmail.com Subject: [Elecraft] P3 trouble To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Sunday, December 26, 2010, 3:36 PM Reflector: My P3 Panadpter #888 went together like clockwork in a few hours earlier today. On receive it does as advertised and the display is beautiful. HOWEVER, when I transmit with my K3-100 on SSB, after 2 seconds or less, the power to the K3 and the P3 cuts off; when power to the P3 is off, the K3 transmits A-OK. I have checked to be sure that my cables are properly connected and they are...the P3 is drawing power from the 12VDC jack on the rear of the K3. Any ideas on what might be causing this problemBTW, I used an antistatic mat and was grounded during the assembly process. Any help will be appreciated! 73, H Cary, K4TM __ 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: Filters for sale (200, 400)
KFL3A-200 and KFL3A-400 have been sold. Andrew, NV1B __ 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: For sale KXV3A (RX ant, IF out, xverter interface)
KXV3A has been sold. --Andrew, NV1B __ 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] Voltage readout low
Just finished building my KX1, and with a supply of 13.0v at the input jack, the KX1 reads out 12.4v. I know there is a .3v drop across the reverse polarity protection diode, but is there a calibration procedure for voltage readout that I haven't found? Thanks, Chip AE5KA -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Voltage-readout-low-tp5868470p5868470.html Sent from the [KX1] 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] P3 trouble
Mark, Don, wes- Well, who knows what caused it! I disconnected everything and then re-connected all cables - for the 3rd time - and now it is working as advertised. Glad Murphy's visit was a short one and hope this problem doesn't return. Happy New Year! H, K4TM On Dec 26, 2010, at 5:44 PM, Mark wrote: Hi H My bet is you have some rf pickup with the extra cables To the p3. Try a dummy load to see if it occurs again. It's also possible that your power supply is right on the Edge of current limiting without the p3 but that's Not as likely. If you need a dummy load, let me Know Mark n2qt Merry Chritmas! Sent from my iPod On Dec 26, 2010, at 5:36 PM, Hunsdon Cary III h3c...@gmail.com wrote: Reflector: My P3 Panadpter #888 went together like clockwork in a few hours earlier today. On receive it does as advertised and the display is beautiful. HOWEVER, when I transmit with my K3-100 on SSB, after 2 seconds or less, the power to the K3 and the P3 cuts off; when power to the P3 is off, the K3 transmits A-OK. I have checked to be sure that my cables are properly connected and they are...the P3 is drawing power from the 12VDC jack on the rear of the K3. Any ideas on what might be causing this problemBTW, I used an antistatic mat and was grounded during the assembly process. Any help will be appreciated! 73, H Cary, K4TM __ 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] Low power output
With 13.0 volts at the input jack (from a bench supply), and 12.7 volts on the circuit board's + bus, I am only reading 1.4 watts maximum power output into a 50 ohm dummy load. I haven't found a problem using the troubleshooting guide, voltages at Q1, Q4, Q5, and Q6 are where they are supposed to be. T1 and L3 look OK to me - but if I'm a sub-par winder can that lead to lower output? I have the resistors for the higher power output mod, but I'm trying to rule out build problems first. Any additional ideas? Thanks, Chip -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Low-power-output-tp5868479p5868479.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] Trans World Antenna
Ron and all-- Actually, this type of antenna might possibly work better than a Buddipole in many situations. A Buddipole can be set up as a vertical dipole like this, but the TW-2020 is also end loaded somewhat, so possibly a bit more efficient. I can say that for sure though, as I've never really tried this exact antenna. In any event, I feel even stronger that it would outperform a Buddipole that was set up in a horizontal configuration. However, I do think vertical dipoles have some merit. I have a Force12 vertical dipole, and it works pretty well. I use it on 40 meters only, although it can be re-adjusted for other bands. That's a pain in the butt though, so I leave it set for just the one band. Mine might work better than the Trans World on 20 meters because it is bigger, and thus relies less on inductance to make up the difference. Still, it has a fairly small footprint, and is easy to assemble/dis-assemble. The big benefit is no radials as it is a balanced antenna. Just getting it up off the ground a bit seems to really help. My biggest problem with antennas like this is the cost. They certainly aren't cheap if you buy them commerically. Most of these could be homebrewed at a substantial savings, and probably are not that difficult to duplicate. Alternatively, maybe you can find one of this type 2nd hand, which is what I did. Anyway, I'd check out the QST reviews, and maybe even model them if you have that capability. Dave W7AQK - AC7AC Said: Phil, there is no magic or anything new in antenna design in nearly a century. That's simply a short, loaded radiator, either a doublet (if fed near the center) or a monopole. It will work nearly as well as the Buddi Pole that Elecraft (and others) sell, which means it will make a lot of contacts under the right conditions. Or you can create your own version by throwing up a low doublet and feeding it through the KAT3 or KAT3 tuners. What you are paying for in these antennas is convenience, not performance. 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] KX1 Low power output
With 13.0 volts at the input jack (from a bench supply), and 12.7 volts on the circuit board's + bus, I am only reading 1.4 watts maximum power output into a 50 ohm dummy load. I haven't found a problem using the troubleshooting guide, voltages at Q1, Q4, Q5, and Q6 are where they are supposed to be. T1 and L3 look OK to me - but if I'm a sub-par winder can that lead to lower output? I have the resistors for the higher power output mod, but I'm trying to rule out build problems first. Any additional ideas? Thanks, Chip __ 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] Is P3/K2 marriage feasable?
Bill, To FULLY integrate the P3 with a K2 will require extensive changes to the P3 firmware. If less than full integration is satisfactory, you can do that today. You need to add an IF output connector and a buffer amplifier to the K2. Then in the P3, go into the Xcvr Sel menu selection and choose the 4915 kHz IF. It works fine, but the P3 doesn't read out the K2 frequency on the display and features like tap-to-QSY are not available. Adding K2 support to the P3 firmware is on my list of future features to add. I have a K2 and have purchased the buffer amplifier kit from Clifton Labs http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/k2_interface.htm , but have not installed it yet. I'm anxious to get to it as soon as I have time. Alan N1AL On Sun, 2010-12-26 at 17:26 -0500, Bill wrote: Wondering what it would take to fully integrate a P3 with a K2? Perhaps its been done ?? Bill K3UJ -Original Message- From: Dave Perry n...@comcast.net To: garyk9gs garyk...@wi.rr.com Cc: 'Elecraft Reflector' elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Sun, Dec 26, 2010 3:54 pm Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Reason to NOT buy a K3? Gary, Regarding your question about digital modes and filters, the 2.8 kHz filter s fine for psk31 (which I operate only occasionally). I do operate a lot f RTTY contests, and I use the 400 Hz filter and then use the DSP filtering o decrease the bandwidth to 300 Hz. BTW, the K3 is far superior to the 850 n RTTY reception due to this ability to use the narrow filters. The P3 akes it even easier tuning in RTTY sigs during busy band conditions. As omeone else mentioned, you really have to see the P3 in operation to fully ppreciate its utility. It's a game changer as far as I am concerned! 73, Dave, N4QS __ 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] Low power output
Chip, What tools do you have available for measuring RF voltage? RF Probe, oscilloscope with 10X probe?, or none. How certain are you that your reference wattmeter is correct? Many can be in error by as much as 20% of the full scale reading. On a 20 watt scale, that is 4 watts - not very good when measuring QRP levels. I am not saying you do not have a problem, but if I am to help, I need to know the details about how you are doing the measurements. Do you have the KXB3080 installed? Please let me know your tools for measuring RF voltage and I can guide you further. If you have none, are you willing to build an RF probe? 73, Don W3FPR On 12/26/2010 6:47 PM, ae5ka wrote: With 13.0 volts at the input jack (from a bench supply), and 12.7 volts on the circuit board's + bus, I am only reading 1.4 watts maximum power output into a 50 ohm dummy load. I haven't found a problem using the troubleshooting guide, voltages at Q1, Q4, Q5, and Q6 are where they are supposed to be. T1 and L3 look OK to me - but if I'm a sub-par winder can that lead to lower output? I have the resistors for the higher power output mod, but I'm trying to rule out build problems first. Any additional ideas? Thanks, Chip __ 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] For Sale: Loaded K2
I've added some pictures: http://www.wa6l.com/K2_4004.html 73, John, WA6L -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/For-Sale-Loaded-K2-tp5862862p5868699.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
[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Reort for December 19th 20th, 2010
Good Evening, Conditions were rough this afternoon and evening. Forty meters was especially so but that may have been due to the snow storm I was in at the time. Very dry snow was falling and producing large amounts of QRN. There was a lot of fading going on too. Stations would check in and be gone before they were done with their report. On to the lists = On 14050.5 kHz at 2300z: WC7S - Dale - WY - K2 - 4360 N0AR - Scott - MN - K2 - 4866 W0RSR - Mike - CO - K2 - 5767 N0TA - John - CO - K3 - 994 K0DTJ - Brian - CA - K3 - 4113 NO8V - John - MI - K3 - 820 KG7MZ - Dean - WA - K3 - 3879 NK6A - Don - CA - K3 - 3569 W6SU - John - CA - K2 - 228 On 7045 kHz at 0100z: N7KRT - Jeff - TX - K2 - 5471 W7AQK - Dave - AZ - K3 - 96 K6PJV - Dale - CA - K3 - 1183 K0DTJ - Brian - CA - K3 - 4113 W0RSR - Mike - CO - K2 - 5767 N0TA - John - CO - K3 - 994 NO8V - John - MI - K3 - 820 Until next week stay well, 73, Kevin. KD5ONS (Net Control Operator 5th Class) - Late but not forgotten net report for last week. -- Using Opera's revolutionary e-mail client: http://www.opera.com/mail/ __ 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] Elecraft CW Net Report for December 26th 27th, 2010
Good Evening, Conditions on both twenty and forty meters were not very good today. It was snowing again today. Forecasts changed radically just before I went to bed Christmas night. All day it had been predicted that we would get a week of rain. The update changed the precipitation type to snow for the next four days. When I awoke it was raining but then came the silence and I saw it had become snow falling heavily. However, I doubt that was causing the same problems I was having last week since this snow was wet and then it was quite dry. I was not hearing static of the same type either. On to the lists = On 14050.5 kHz at 2300z: NO8V - John - MI - K3 - 820 N0AR - Scott - MN - K2 - 4866 AB9V - Mike - IN - K3 - 398 W8OV - Dave - TX - K3 - 3139 K4JPN - Steve - GA - K2 - 1422 K2HYD - Ray - NC - KX1 - 608 On 7045 kHz at 0100z: N0TA - John - CO - K3 - 994 K0DTJ - Brian - CA - K3 - 4113X K1THP - Dave - CT - K3 - 686 KG7MZ - Dean - WA - K3 - 3879 K6PJV - Dale - CA - K3 - 1183 W8OV - Dave - TX - K3 - 3139 N7KRT - Jeff - TX - K2 - 5471 Next Sunday's nets will be the first of 2011. Now that the sun is coming back again the propagation should incrementally improve month by month. Hopefully the sun will also sprout more activity which will ionize our atmosphere more too. Both effects will improve propagation while the lengthening hours of daylight will improve our spirits. Even though winter is a great time to work at the bench I get a little stir crazy with all the grey days of snow and rain. A good hike now and then improves my state of mind. But it has been a mild winter thus far. My wood supply is holding out very well. If this keeps up there will be plenty of wood left over for next year. Until next week stay well, 73, Kevin. KD5ONS (Net Control Operator 5th Class) - __ 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] Reason to NOT buy a K3?
It was asked if there's a Reason to NOT buy a K3? Yes, there is. The list that is dedicated ONLY to the K3 (elecraft@mailman.qth.net), has for several years sometimes (almost one every several hundred K3 postings), been disrupted by a posting about non-K3 topics. How rude! :-) Mike / KK5F __ 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 User
Gary, The K3 is a super rig. I have a 100 watt version, with 2.8 and 400 hz filters. I use the rig on PSK and CW. You might not need a 250 hz filter after you see how well the K3 performs with the 400 hz. Great rig, great support, stable as can be, love the built in digital features, and small size. I lug mine back and forth to Freeport, IL for the summer in a padded carry on cloth case and love that light weight and small size. You won't be sorry! Take the plunge and enjoy a great radio at a super price. Regards, Bob, K9PAG __ 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] Reason to NOT buy a K3?
Yeah, stuff like K1's, K2's, P3's Wes N7WS --- On Sun, 12/26/10, Mike Morrow k...@earthlink.net wrote: From: Mike Morrow k...@earthlink.net Subject: [Elecraft] Reason to NOT buy a K3? To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Sunday, December 26, 2010, 8:28 PM It was asked if there's a Reason to NOT buy a K3? Yes, there is. The list that is dedicated ONLY to the K3 (elecraft@mailman.qth.net), has for several years sometimes (almost one every several hundred K3 postings), been disrupted by a posting about non-K3 topics. How rude! :-) Mike / KK5F __ 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] Reason to NOT buy a K3?
and KPA-500's and KAT-500's and Sheesh...when will it end? :-) Gary On Mon, Dec 27, 2010 at 2:32 PM, Wes Stewart n...@yahoo.com wrote: Yeah, stuff like K1's, K2's, P3's Wes N7WS --- On Sun, 12/26/10, Mike Morrow k...@earthlink.net wrote: From: Mike Morrow k...@earthlink.net Subject: [Elecraft] Reason to NOT buy a K3? To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Date: Sunday, December 26, 2010, 8:28 PM It was asked if there's a Reason to NOT buy a K3? Yes, there is. The list that is dedicated ONLY to the K3 (elecraft@mailman.qth.net), has for several years sometimes (almost one every several hundred K3 postings), been disrupted by a posting about non-K3 topics. How rude! :-) Mike / KK5F __ 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] Reason to NOT buy a K3?
On 12/26/2010 11:10 AM, Gary K9GS wrote: Your thoughts and comments are appreciated. Some observations. You've pretty well hit many of the K3 advantages. One BIG one you left out is the very strong customer-oriented, customer-responsive Elecraft management, and easily accessible support by phone or internet. Users want new features, Elecraft often delivers them in updated versions of operating firmware, all of which are no cost to the user. Users discover problems, Elecraft fixes them, either with hardware fixes that the user buys at a nominal cost, or with updates to firmware that are no cost to the user. The OWNERS of Elecraft read this reflector daily, and respond directly when needed. The design and operating features of the K3 are STRONGLY influenced by users of K3s, many of whom are some of the best operators in the world. . By contrast, Yaesu has a HISTORY of taking a decade to fix major problems (the infamous key clicks of the MP and its decendents that make an MP user 5 kHz wide), to to fix them, you don't upgrade the radio you already own, you must buy the new model. Or you must open it up and do the surgery yourself, on the instructions NOT of Yaesu, but of third parties. Other advantages of Elecraft -- you buy the options YOU need, not the ones you don't. All documentation is on the website, including complete schematics. Manuals aren't perfect, but updates are pdf's, published on the website. As to the 2nd RX -- I owned an MP before buying a K3, and that sold me on the advantages of a 2nd RX for DXing and for contesting. For DXing, you can listen on the split frequency where you're transmitting to help you figure out WHERE you want to transmit. For contesting, you can use the main RX to listen on your run frequency, while you use the sub-RX to search for multipliers to work. VERY useful. Reasons to NOT buy a K3? You have far more money than you'll ever need so that cost is no object, and you want this monster box on your desk with a big screen and lots of knobs. And you've got this insecurity thing about needing something BIG! :) 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] Elecraft SSB Net results (12-26-10)
We had a nice net this morning with 24 participants over a 25 minute period. Weather was again a primary discussion point. Gerry, K4GCJ, reported 7 inches of snow in Raleigh, NC! Thanks to everyone who checked in. It has been a fun year getting to know all of the great Elecrafters who have stopped by the net. May 2011 be a great success to all of us. Here is the list of participants. Station NameQTH Rig S/N W4PFM PaulVA K3 1673 WB6CLZ MikeCA K3 4522 N1EUBarry NY K3 300 W0BUW BoydOK K3 4864 W0IZL Cal NE K3 4685 K6EQRoger CA K3 4629 KO5YKen NM K3 4442 KB0YH Gus CO K3 441 K4TMCaryVA K3 3448 VE3XM Bob ON K3 409 KD1TH PaulNH K3 4882 N7HTS GaryWY K2 6113 K4GCJ Gerry NC K3 1597 K4JRM Tom OK K3 2936 K8EAG Gil MI K3 99 KE5GBC MikeTX IC706 W8YMO Harry OH K3 166 WB8RAE BillNY K3 2389 AC0NM Glenn CA K3 2843 N9EFBob IL K3 4411 W4LTLu FL K3 3192 N2OYP/AGDaveNY W5IAY/m RichNM FT817 (5 watts!) NS7PPhilOR K3 1826 73, Phil, NS7P __ 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
