date:20110511

This is a known issue reported before on this list.   Search the
archives for some fellow sufferers.  73, Guy.

On Tue, May 10, 2011 at 9:56 AM, ab2tc ab...@arrl.net wrote:
 Has anybody experienced this with LP-Bridge inserted between the K3 and HRD?
 That should slow down the polling of the K3 as LP-Bridge will do the polling
 at its own pace and respond to HRD with data from its own database. I have
 never experienced any problems with AGC turning off but I am also using HRD
 v 4.

 AB2TC - Knut


 Stephen  Prior wrote:

 I have just downloaded DXLab.  I don't think I shall be bothering with HRD
 anymore!  In answer to Guy's question, I seem to recall that a serial port
 emulator I have used in the past had a buffer for HRD, but I'm a bit hazy
 on the detail.

 Thanks gents, for all the input.  I'm going to take a good look at DXLab
 and look again at MacLogger and Rumlog for the mac.

 73, Stephen




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 View this message in context: 
 http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/K3-and-HRD-turning-AGC-off-tp6340160p6347915.html
 Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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Re: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data mode

2011-05-11 Thread Lu Romero

I dont know either, Gary... Usually, when I operate PSK31, I
use the computer, and since I dont use that mode too often
either, I have never run into the need to run split.

But it is a valid question... Why cant you set split in
Digital mode PSK on the radio, yet you can set it for RTTY
and AFSK...

Seems to me it should make no difference to the radio. 
Maybe it has something to do with the firmware decoder for
PSK31.

-lu-w4lt-
K3 # 3192

- Original Message Follows -
From: Gary Gregory garyvk...@gmail.com
To: S Kosmetatos s...@bellsouth.net
Cc: lrom...@ij.net, elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data
mode
Date: Wed, 11 May 2011 14:08:16 +1000

I am puzzled as to why split would be used in PSK-31???
Given the mode it is, the band width used etc, etc..

I have not come across stations operating split on PSK-31
but then that is most likely my fault as I don't use that
mode very often nowadays...:-)

73's
Gary

On 11 May 2011 12:36, S Kosmetatos s...@bellsouth.net
wrote:

 Hey guys,

 I was glad to see Luis' question on this as I ran into
 this issue as well using PSK over the weekend, and though
 HRD has a split mode, it wasn't as intuitive or as handy
 as just being able to invoke a split mode using the VFOs.

 Is this working as designed for this particular data mode
 , or am I too missing something in the configuration?

 Thanks,

 Kos, N4NIA



 -Original Message-
 From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
 [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of
 Luis V. Romero Sent: Sunday, May 08, 2011 12:20 PM
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data
mode 
 Hi all:

 A local friend brought this to my attention.

 Seems he is trying to set Split on PSK31 using the radio
 built in PSK31 keyer/decoder and terminal via RS232. 
 When he tries to set Split, the radio
 tells him SPL N/A.

 I tried this, and I can set Split to function normally in
 RTTY, both AFSK and FSK, but I get the same indication
 when I try to set a Split using PSK 31.  Im not a digital
 mode person, but I do understand that you can do this
sort of thing using a computer decoder.  My friend prefers
 not to use a computer, and really enjoys the internal PSK
 transmit/receive feature using the CW paddkes.

 He tells me the manual does not explain the issue.  He's
right! 
 He does not have a second receiver.  I do, and can work
 around the issue this way.  I can also work around the
 issue by using XIT, but it is cumbersome.

 Is this a firmware bug or is this normal?  What's the
 secret to setting split in PSK31?

 Thanks for the input!

 -lu-w4lt-
 K3 # 3192


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-- 

VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile
Elecraft Equipment
K3 #679, KPA-500 #018
Living the dream!!!
 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 - linear power supply

2011-05-11 Thread Lee Buller

A couple of years ago, I looked hard at the THP amps at Dayton.  They were 
using 
linear supplies as well.  If I remember right, the PS voltage was 60 volts no 
load...and 48 volts under full power.

I think there might be a cost issue here as well.  Less parts for a non 
switching power supply...less complexity tooand field repairable as well.

Lee - K0WA


 In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply.  If you 
don't 
have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it.  If you can't find 
any 
Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense.  Is Common 
Sense divine?

Common Sense is the image of the Creator expressing revealed truth in my mind. 
-  John W. (Kansas)







From: Johnny Siu vr2...@yahoo.com.hk
To: F5vjc foxfive@gmail.com; Henk Remijn PA5KT pa...@remijn.net
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Wed, May 11, 2011 8:39:10 AM
Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 - linear power supply

I notice KPA500 is using a linear power supply.  The technology of switching 
power supply is now very mature.  Is there any reason why linear PSU is used 
instead of switching PSU in KPA500?  I just think a switching PSU will make 
KPA500 more lighter and the linearity of the amplifier will not be affected by 
fluctuation in supply voltages.
 
A lighter KPA500 will make it more portable for Dxpedition.  My questions may 
be 
discussed somewhere in the past.
 
Any advice?

TNX  73,


Johnny VR2XMC

從︰ F5vjc foxfive@gmail.com
收件人︰ Henk Remijn PA5KT pa...@remijn.net
副本(CC)︰ elecraft@mailman.qth.net
傳送日期︰ 2011年05月11日 (週三) 9:26 PM
主題︰ Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 - stacking possibilites

As the KPA 500 uses a linear PSU there obviously is a mains
transformer within the cabinet.
I know this is a toroidal type transformer, which is good, but can we
assume that placement of the Amp with respect to the K3 is non
critical, for magnetic hum coupling.

How immune is the K3 to this effect? Has placement of the KPA 500
w.r.t. the K3 been tested  for any ill effects?

73, Deni
F5VJC
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[Elecraft] Dayton and Elecraft

2011-05-11 Thread Lee Buller



Hey guys,

Where are the Elecrafters going to hang out on Saturday night?  I have the Top 
Band Dinner on Friday...but Saturday night is free.  Anything going on with the 
gang?

Lee Buller
Come meet me in Dayton



 In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply.  If you 
don't 
have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it.  If you can't find 
any 
Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense.  Is Common 
Sense divine?

Common Sense is the image of the Creator expressing revealed truth in my mind. 
-  John W. (Kansas)
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Re: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data mode

2011-05-11 Thread Kos

Joe, W4TV may have hit on the answer - both VFOs muct be in DATA A mode; I'll 
have to wait to get home to check this out. This of course wouldn't allow 
cross-mode operation, though I don't see that happening with these particular 
modes.

I've seen two DX stations on PSK in the last two weeks using split mode - the 
latest was an A4 on PSK-63 this past weekend advertising he was listening 1-2 
UP. He had a rather robust pileup going I can see the usefullness of this 
for DXpeditions that would choose to operate on PSK.

Kos, N4NIA





From: Lu Romero lrom...@ij.net
To: Gary Gregory garyvk...@gmail.com; S Kosmetatos s...@bellsouth.net
Cc: lrom...@ij.net; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Wed, May 11, 2011 11:30:16 AM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data mode

I dont know either, Gary... Usually, when I operate PSK31, I
use the computer, and since I dont use that mode too often
either, I have never run into the need to run split.

But it is a valid question... Why cant you set split in
Digital mode PSK on the radio, yet you can set it for RTTY
and AFSK...

Seems to me it should make no difference to the radio. 
Maybe it has something to do with the firmware decoder for
PSK31.

-lu-w4lt-
K3 # 3192

- Original Message Follows -
From: Gary Gregory garyvk...@gmail.com
To: S Kosmetatos s...@bellsouth.net
Cc: lrom...@ij.net, elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data
mode
Date: Wed, 11 May 2011 14:08:16 +1000

I am puzzled as to why split would be used in PSK-31???
Given the mode it is, the band width used etc, etc..

I have not come across stations operating split on PSK-31
but then that is most likely my fault as I don't use that
mode very often nowadays...:-)

73's
Gary

On 11 May 2011 12:36, S Kosmetatos s...@bellsouth.net
wrote:

 Hey guys,

 I was glad to see Luis' question on this as I ran into
 this issue as well using PSK over the weekend, and though
 HRD has a split mode, it wasn't as intuitive or as handy
 as just being able to invoke a split mode using the VFOs.

 Is this working as designed for this particular data mode
 , or am I too missing something in the configuration?

 Thanks,

 Kos, N4NIA



 -Original Message-
 From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
 [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of
 Luis V. Romero Sent: Sunday, May 08, 2011 12:20 PM
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data
mode 
 Hi all:

 A local friend brought this to my attention.

 Seems he is trying to set Split on PSK31 using the radio
 built in PSK31 keyer/decoder and terminal via RS232. 
 When he tries to set Split, the radio
 tells him SPL N/A.

 I tried this, and I can set Split to function normally in
 RTTY, both AFSK and FSK, but I get the same indication
 when I try to set a Split using PSK 31.  Im not a digital
 mode person, but I do understand that you can do this
sort of thing using a computer decoder.  My friend prefers
 not to use a computer, and really enjoys the internal PSK
 transmit/receive feature using the CW paddkes.

 He tells me the manual does not explain the issue.  He's
right! 
 He does not have a second receiver.  I do, and can work
 around the issue this way.  I can also work around the
 issue by using XIT, but it is cumbersome.

 Is this a firmware bug or is this normal?  What's the
 secret to setting split in PSK31?

 Thanks for the input!

 -lu-w4lt-
 K3 # 3192


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 Please help support this email list:
 http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -
 No virus found in this message.
 Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
 Version: 10.0.1325 / Virus Database: 1500/3624 - Release
Date: 05/08/11 

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-- 

VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile
Elecraft Equipment
K3 #679, KPA-500 #018
Living the dream!!!
 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 - linear power supply

One of the inviolable rules in the W6LX shack is: NO SWITCHING POWER SUPPLIES.

Not to make an incendiary statement, but *all* of them generate RFI. Many 
people 
will tell you that they've never heard RFI from their switching power supplies, 
but often it's just because they don't know what it sounds like or they haven't 
tuned across the right frequency. 


Why raise the noise floor by even half a dB if you can help it?

Nothing beats a old-fashioned, big, beefy, and quiet linear power supply.

Al  W6LX
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 - linear power supply

Every switching supply I have ever owned eventually failed, except my
carry-around 18 amp job for porting my K3, and the current power
supply in my PC, one week old after the previous failed.  Most of the
switchers were in PC's.  I have never had a linear supply fail.
Everyone is trying to make switchers light, cheaper, less components,
less fan, less everything that makes one reliable.

A toroid transformer's external flux is WAY down from a standard transformer.

And in the strange case that you actually had it fail, you could
rewind it yourself.  But the weakest point in a transistor amplifier
is ALWAYS going to be the transistors.  Abuse the amp, and the
transistors will be the first to go, if at all, not the power supply.

73, Guy.

On Wed, May 11, 2011 at 11:40 AM, Lee Buller k...@swbell.net wrote:
 A couple of years ago, I looked hard at the THP amps at Dayton.  They were 
 using
 linear supplies as well.  If I remember right, the PS voltage was 60 volts no
 load...and 48 volts under full power.

 I think there might be a cost issue here as well.  Less parts for a non
 switching power supply...less complexity tooand field repairable as well.

 Lee - K0WA


  In our day and age it seems that Common Sense is in short supply.  If you 
 don't
 have any Common Sense - get some Common Sense and use it.  If you can't find 
 any
 Common Sense, ask for help from somebody who has some Common Sense.  Is Common
 Sense divine?

 Common Sense is the image of the Creator expressing revealed truth in my mind.
 -  John W. (Kansas)






 
 From: Johnny Siu vr2...@yahoo.com.hk
 To: F5vjc foxfive@gmail.com; Henk Remijn PA5KT pa...@remijn.net
 Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Wed, May 11, 2011 8:39:10 AM
 Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 - linear power supply

 I notice KPA500 is using a linear power supply.  The technology of switching
 power supply is now very mature.  Is there any reason why linear PSU is used
 instead of switching PSU in KPA500?  I just think a switching PSU will make
 KPA500 more lighter and the linearity of the amplifier will not be affected by
 fluctuation in supply voltages.

 A lighter KPA500 will make it more portable for Dxpedition.  My questions may 
 be
 discussed somewhere in the past.

 Any advice?

 TNX  73,


 Johnny VR2XMC

 從︰ F5vjc foxfive@gmail.com
 收件人︰ Henk Remijn PA5KT pa...@remijn.net
 副本(CC)︰ elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 傳送日期︰ 2011年05月11日 (週三) 9:26 PM
 主題︰ Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 - stacking possibilites

 As the KPA 500 uses a linear PSU there obviously is a mains
 transformer within the cabinet.
 I know this is a toroidal type transformer, which is good, but can we
 assume that placement of the Amp with respect to the K3 is non
 critical, for magnetic hum coupling.

 How immune is the K3 to this effect? Has placement of the KPA 500
 w.r.t. the K3 been tested  for any ill effects?

 73, Deni
 F5VJC
 __
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Re: [Elecraft] Plasma TV Noise any ideas on how to filter it out.

2011-05-11 Thread Phil Kane

On 5/11/2011 7:42 AM, Matt Zilmer wrote:

 With only six FCC enforcement engineers, it's not likely to
 result in another Hatfields vs McCoys relationship.

  You mean only six in one district.  Problems of this sort are
  usually handled by letter before anyone is sent out.  ARRL
  Volunteer Counsels and Consulting Engineers are sometimes asked
  to serve as mediators in those situations (I've done a few).

  When I started at FCC San Francisco in the 1960s we had 10 at
  one time.  We did a lot of marine safety inspections, as well
  as land mobile and broadcast station compliance audits and CB
  and Ham Radio compliance and interference resolution.  The vast
  majority of those activities have been spun off to private
  sector entities for almost 20 years under the deregulation
  banner.

  When I retired as District Director in the 1990s there were
  only two engineers plus myself.  A recent visit to the office
  revealed that there were now four.  This is about one third of
  what is really required but I've been saying that for decades.

  Remember that ham problems are a very small slice of what the
  agency field folks should be dealing with.

--  73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
Elecraft K2/100   s/n 5402

Retired and loving every minute of it
Work was getting in the way of my hobbies

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 - linear power supply

2011-05-11 Thread george fritkin

I can not believe hams who do not want switching mode supplies in their shack.  
This precludes the use of a computer in the shack.  It also means no TVs, 
printers, and a host of other products.  There is also a false notion that so 
called linear supplies do not cause RFI.  Study Dirac's delta function and you 
will understand why they can.
Love my two K3s
George, W6GF



--- On Wed, 5/11/11, Al Lorona alor...@sbcglobal.net wrote:

From: Al Lorona alor...@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 - linear power supply
To: 
Date: Wednesday, May 11, 2011, 9:04 AM

One of the inviolable rules in the W6LX shack is: NO SWITCHING POWER SUPPLIES.

Not to make an incendiary statement, but *all* of them generate RFI. Many 
people 
will tell you that they've never heard RFI from their switching power supplies, 
but often it's just because they don't know what it sounds like or they haven't 
tuned across the right frequency. 


Why raise the noise floor by even half a dB if you can help it?

Nothing beats a old-fashioned, big, beefy, and quiet linear power supply.

Al  W6LX
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 - linear power supply

2011-05-11 Thread ac5p





--- On Wed, 5/11/11, Phil  Debbie Salas dpsa...@tx.rr.com wrote:
 
 The unregulated linear power supply is heavier than a switcher.  However, it 
is also more efficient and less complex.  Everything is a trade-off.
 
Agreed on the heavier and less complex, but as for effieciency, it has been my 
experience that the linear takes more current (to charge the pwr xfmr core, 
regulation system, etc.) in the standby mode than does the switcher.    
 
Agree with others on the switchers being RFI generators.  Not good for 
sensitive receivers.
My supply heavier than most being a 55Ah Optima Yellow top gell cell battery 
with float charger.   Very well filtered!
 
Mike  AC5P
 
 
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[Elecraft] Power Supply For K3?

2011-05-11 Thread Bruce W1UJR

Has anyone settled on a nice power supply for the K3?

Something that:
- Is quiet from a RF standpoint, switching or non-switching.
- Looks cosmetically attractive to sit on the desk next to the K3
- Has adequate power/current abilities.

Thinking that something like the old Collins S Line power supply speaker
would be an ideal addition to the Elecraft K line.

In the meantime, I'd like to hear what folks have found that works, prefer
not to reinvent the wheel.

Thanks!


Cordially,
Bruce J. Howes W1UJR
www.W1UJR.net

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 and SWR above 1.5:1

2011-05-11 Thread Geoffrey Downs

The manual says the bargraph shows green (normal) up to an SWR of 1.5:1, 
yellow (marginal) from 1.5:1 to 2.1:1 and red (excessive) above that. 
Does this mean no inhibition of output  by the protection system (and no 
need for it) up to 1.5:1 but progressive reduction of output above? If so, 
will the amp operate without damage in the yellow zone and what % 
reductions in output might be expected up to 2.1:1? Also in what conditions 
of SWR does the intelligent 2.5db output reduction apply; and at what SWR 
does output shut off altogether - ie the REFL HI fault condition.

Apologies if these questions have already been answered, in which case 
perhaps someone could refer me to where. I have looked at the manual and 
searched back on the reflector without success.

73 to all

Geoff
G3UCK 

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 - linear power supply


In addition, the unregulated analog supplies are potentially 30 to 50%
less expensive than a switcher.  Given standing current for class AB1,
the regulation of an analog supply with a properly sized transformer
supply is not an issue.

73,

... Joe, W4TV


On 5/11/2011 10:00 AM, Phil  Debbie Salas wrote:
 The unregulated linear power supply is heavier than a switcher.  However, it
 is also more efficient and less complex.  Everything is a trade-off.

 Phil - AD5X

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Re: [Elecraft] Plasma TV Noise any ideas on how to filter it out.

2011-05-11 Thread Jim Brown

On 5/10/2011 7:49 PM, Jim Wiley wrote:
 You guys are aware, I suppose, that interference of this level and
 duration clearly qualifies as  the type of interference that merits
 direct FCC intervention.  File a complaint.

Absolutely. We are right and they are wrong.  If we lay down, we have 
only ourselves to blame.

One suggestion though for suppressing the RF trash.  While I (so far) 
have no experience with Plasma TV RFI, MOST RF trash from electronic 
products, especially the stronger part of it)  is radiated as a common 
mode signal by wiring both inside and outside the product. We can't do 
anything about the wiring inside the product, but we can kill the RF 
current on the EXTERNAL cables that connect to it, like the power cable, 
the coax cable(s), and any audio and video cables.

To kill RF current on ANY cable, form a common mode choke by winding 
turns around a ferrite toroid (or clamp-on). 14 turns on a #31 2.4-in 
o.d. toroid is about right for 1-10 MHz, and 8 turns on a 1-in i.d. 
clamp-on.  For the higher HF bands (14-30 MHz), use 8 turns around the 
toroid (either #31 or #43 mix) and 5 turns through the clamp-on. Use a 
separate ferrite core for each choke. If you have trash on all the 
bands, use both chokes on each cable.

This may or may not help, and it certainly won't help the part of the 
trash radiated by internal wiring,  but if I had RFI from a plasma set, 
I sure would try it before throwing up my hands.

Lots of detail, including the technical explanations of why this works, 
is in

http://audiosystemsgroup.com/RFI-Ham.pdf

73, Jim Brown K9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] Plasma TV Noise any ideas on how to filter it out.

2011-05-11 Thread Stewart

On Wed, 11 May 2011 09:34:05 -0700, Jim Brown wrote:
 On 5/10/2011 7:49 PM, Jim Wiley wrote:
 You guys are aware, I suppose, that interference of this level and
 duration clearly qualifies as  the type of interference that merits
 direct FCC intervention.  File a complaint.

 Absolutely. We are right and they are wrong.  If we lay down, we have
 only ourselves to blame.

 One suggestion though for suppressing the RF trash.  While I (so far)
 have no experience with Plasma TV RFI, MOST RF trash from electronic
 products, especially the stronger part of it)  is radiated as a common
 mode signal by wiring both inside and outside the product. We can't do
 anything about the wiring inside the product, but we can kill the RF
 current on the EXTERNAL cables that connect to it, like the power cable,
 the coax cable(s), and any audio and video cables.

 To kill RF current on ANY cable, form a common mode choke by winding
 turns around a ferrite toroid (or clamp-on). 14 turns on a #31 2.4-in
 o.d. toroid is about right for 1-10 MHz, and 8 turns on a 1-in i.d.
 clamp-on.  For the higher HF bands (14-30 MHz), use 8 turns around the
 toroid (either #31 or #43 mix) and 5 turns through the clamp-on. Use a
 separate ferrite core for each choke. If you have trash on all the
 bands, use both chokes on each cable.

 This may or may not help, and it certainly won't help the part of the
 trash radiated by internal wiring,  but if I had RFI from a plasma set,
 I sure would try it before throwing up my hands.

 Lots of detail, including the technical explanations of why this works,
 is in

 http://audiosystemsgroup.com/RFI-Ham.pdf

 73, Jim Brown K9YC

Fine if it's your set. Not so easy if it's an obstinate neighbour...

73
Stewart G3RXQ
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Re: [Elecraft] Power Supply For K3?

2011-05-11 Thread Pete Smith

I am very happy with my SEC 1235M.  The 30-amp capacity gives me lots of 
headroom.  See the review by AD5X on his web site 
http://www.ad5x.com/images/Presentations/SEC1235M%20Review.pdf.

73, Pete N4ZR

The World Contest Station Database, updated daily at www.conteststations.com
The Reverse Beacon Network at http://reversebeacon.net, blog at 
reversebeacon.blogspot.com,
spots at telnet.reversebeacon.net, port 7000



On 5/11/2011 12:22 PM, Bruce W1UJR wrote:
 Has anyone settled on a nice power supply for the K3?

 Something that:
 - Is quiet from a RF standpoint, switching or non-switching.
 - Looks cosmetically attractive to sit on the desk next to the K3
 - Has adequate power/current abilities.

 Thinking that something like the old Collins S Line power supply speaker
 would be an ideal addition to the Elecraft K line.

 In the meantime, I'd like to hear what folks have found that works, prefer
 not to reinvent the wheel.

 Thanks!


 Cordially,
 Bruce J. Howes W1UJR
 www.W1UJR.net

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 with K3 in TUNE mode?

In keeping with Bob's final comment...

My dad, RIP, used to talk about cars with all the new features, and
proposed a new model to his Ford dealership cousin, that included
among a hilarous list, an automatic *ss wiper, and an automatic **rt
filter.  The later would be engaged any time an odor appeared and had
to be strong enough to drive axle deep through a garbage dump, or
shred a skunk in the radiator fan, and not smell anything on the
inside. An automatic version of the former, alas, could not be
trusted, and was invoked with the only button on the dashboard, all
else being automatic, including a mind-reading radio, which would come
on with the door opening and tune to a station matching your mood, or
if in a funk, remain off.

He bought a new '54 Chevy (to spite his cousin), without a heater in
it, and liked it that way.  Said if he wanted to be warm outside the
house, he'd wear a coat.

Good thing he's not still alive, a ham, and reading this reflector.
Eric would have to ban him for all the names he'd drape on certain of
the readership.

73, Guy.

On Wed, May 11, 2011 at 9:01 AM, Bob Naumann w...@w5ov.com wrote:

 While automating this (disable PTT to the amp for the first transmission
 after a band change - just like Tokyo Hy-Power does) should be part of the
 eventual Elecraft tuner /amp implementation, and not just when in tune mode,
 I'm surprised that pressing the OPER/STBY button on the front panel of the
 KPA500 constitutes a lot of ergonomic overhead?

 I think of what was normal with something like a Drake C-line, MN2000
 tuner and L4B amplifier. Now, there's some ergonomic overhead!

 Times and perspectives certainly have changed.

 73,

 Bob W5OV


 -Original Message-
 From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
 [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Randy Farmer
 Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 9:49 PM
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 with K3 in TUNE mode?

 I'm busily preparing for my new KPA500 and working out all the station
 interface details. One of my antennas uses an SGC SG-235 remote tuner,
 which will support the amp's 500W output but must be tuned at lower
 power. I currently just hold the K3's TUNE button to generate about 20W
 to tune the SG-235. Once the tuner has found and memorized a match at a
 given frequency, it only takes a very short burst of low power RF to
 reset on QSY, but it really needs to be done at 100W or less. This is no
 problem with the barefoot K3 -- I can recall the tune setup with a
 couple of dashes from the keyer.  This technique would be disastrous
 once the KPA500 is online, so I'm clearly going to need a way to
 initially transmit at lower power after a band change to wake the tuner
 up. I realize I could select the menu option to drop the amp offline
 after every band change, but since I need to turn the amp off only with
 one of several antennas, this is a lot of ergonomic overhead.

 With the K3 and KPA500 integrated and talking via the AUXBUS will the
 firmware keep the amp  offline when the K3 is in TUNE mode? This would
 be really useful for my particular setup, and for anyone who uses a
 remote tuner. I've looked over the manual for the KPA500 and it says
 nothing about the behavior in this case.

 If the amp stays live in TUNE, perhaps a future revision of the firmware
 could present a menu item to let the user choose whether or not the amp
 will be enabled in TUNE mode.

 73...
 Randy, W8FN
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Re: [Elecraft] Power Supply For K3?

2011-05-11 Thread Matt Zilmer

Astron RS25M.
matt W6NIA

On Wed, 11 May 2011 12:22:56 -0400, you wrote:

Has anyone settled on a nice power supply for the K3?

Cordially,
Bruce J. Howes W1UJR
www.W1UJR.net

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Re: [Elecraft] Power Supply For K3?

2011-05-11 Thread Phil LaMarche

Twenty years ago I purchased a Astron RS-70M.  It powers my entire station
with lots of head room.  Other than power outages, it's been turned on 24/7
with no problems what so ever.

Philip LaMarche
 
LaMarche Enterprises, Inc
p...@lamarcheenterprises.com
www.LaMarcheEnterprises.com 
 
727-944-3226
727-937-8834 Fax
727-510-5038 Cell 
 
www.w9dvm.com
 
K3 #1605
KPA 500 #029
 
CCA 98-00827
CRA 1701
W9DVM
 


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Matt Zilmer
Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2011 12:47 PM
To: Bruce W1UJR
Cc: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Power Supply For K3?

Astron RS25M.
matt W6NIA

On Wed, 11 May 2011 12:22:56 -0400, you wrote:

Has anyone settled on a nice power supply for the K3?

Cordially,
Bruce J. Howes W1UJR
www.W1UJR.net

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Re: [Elecraft] Power Supply For K3?

Wish there was a way for the KPA500 to provide 12V for the K3.  That
would be smokin'.

Another winding on the transformer?  DC to DC downconverter from pulse
width gate to a capacitor?

73, Guy.

On Wed, May 11, 2011 at 12:46 PM, Matt Zilmer mzil...@verizon.net wrote:
 Astron RS25M.
 matt W6NIA

 On Wed, 11 May 2011 12:22:56 -0400, you wrote:

Has anyone settled on a nice power supply for the K3?

Cordially,
Bruce J. Howes W1UJR
www.W1UJR.net

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[Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?

2011-05-11 Thread stan levandowski

The documentation on the Elecraft site says the KPA-500 requires 40 
watts drive for full output.

Nowhere (at least not that I could find) is the minimum drive 
requirement specified nor is there any schedule of output for input 
such as 40 watts = 500 watts; xx watts = 250 watts, etc.

More to the point -- can a K3/10 or a K2/10 be connected to the KPA-500 
and deliver something between 75 and 100 watts output?

??

Thanks,


73, Stan WB2LQF
KX1 #2411K1#2994K2# 6980K3#5244 K9 #1 (Cocoa the 
Chihuahua)
Everything is QRP, even the dog.

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Re: [Elecraft] Power Supply For K3?

2011-05-11 Thread Matt Zilmer

We're of similar mind.  I have a rack-mount RS-50M, RS-35 and RS-25,
and several of the 11 Amp switchers.  Astron makes excellent products,
imho.

Most of my hamming and MARSing is done on solar power, but everyone
needs a back up.

73,
matt W6NIA

On Wed, 11 May 2011 12:53:13 -0400, you wrote:

Twenty years ago I purchased a Astron RS-70M.  It powers my entire station
with lots of head room.  Other than power outages, it's been turned on 24/7
with no problems what so ever.

Philip LaMarche
 
LaMarche Enterprises, Inc
p...@lamarcheenterprises.com
www.LaMarcheEnterprises.com 
 
727-944-3226
727-937-8834 Fax
727-510-5038 Cell 
 
www.w9dvm.com
 
K3 #1605
KPA 500 #029
 
CCA 98-00827
CRA 1701
W9DVM
 


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Matt Zilmer
Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2011 12:47 PM
To: Bruce W1UJR
Cc: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Power Supply For K3?

Astron RS25M.
matt W6NIA

On Wed, 11 May 2011 12:22:56 -0400, you wrote:

Has anyone settled on a nice power supply for the K3?

Cordially,
Bruce J. Howes W1UJR
www.W1UJR.net

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[Elecraft] Power Supply For K3?

2011-05-11 Thread Ken - K0PP


I have had a 35A Astron running under my bench for several
decades.  It's never been off, other than for power outages.

There's a RIGrunner fused distribution box on the wall behind
the equipment that feeds everything that's 12VDC in the station.

Works for me. 

73! Ken Kopp - K0PP
elecraftcov...@gmail.com 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?

  Stan,

Of course it can be driven by lower power.  The KPA500 is a linear 
amplifier.  If 40 watts in produces 500 out, then 20 in will give 250 
out and 10 in will produce 125 watts.  If the relationship is otherwise, 
then it is not acting as a linear amplifier.  The same thing should be 
true for any linear amplifier - that is the definition of linear operation.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/11/2011 1:06 PM, stan levandowski wrote:
 The documentation on the Elecraft site says the KPA-500 requires 40
 watts drive for full output.

 Nowhere (at least not that I could find) is the minimum drive
 requirement specified nor is there any schedule of output for input
 such as 40 watts = 500 watts; xx watts = 250 watts, etc.

 More to the point -- can a K3/10 or a K2/10 be connected to the KPA-500
 and deliver something between 75 and 100 watts output?


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?

2011-05-11 Thread James Maynard

On 2011-05-11 10:16 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
Stan,

 Of course it can be driven by lower power.  The KPA500 is a linear
 amplifier.  If 40 watts in produces 500 out, then 20 in will give 250
 out and 10 in will produce 125 watts.  If the relationship is otherwise,
 then it is not acting as a linear amplifier.  The same thing should be
 true for any linear amplifier - that is the definition of linear operation.

 73,
 Don W3FPR
Um, linear with respect to power, or linear with respect to voltage? 
Assuming a resistive load, P = I*I*R, or E*E/R.  I *think* a linear 
amplifier means linear with respect to voltage (or current).

If I'm wrong, I expect that I will be promptly corrected!

Jim K7KK

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 - linear power supply

2011-05-11 Thread ac5p









I know this is a real long shot, BUT, do any of you fortunate folks who already 
use the KPA500 have the instrument or capability to measure the KVA demand and 
power factor or phase angle of the AC input to the amp under full load 
output?   Just curious about  this and the overall efficiency of the unit.   
Just saw the inside photos yesterday and that big current transformer is a 
beauty.  
 
Mike, AC5P  
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 with K3 in TUNE mode?

2011-05-11 Thread R. Kevin Stover

I agree.

One of these days someone will build the ultimate automatic amateur
radio station. One where all you do is flip the big switch on a
Saturday morning then come back on Sunday evening to see how many DX or
contest contacts you made over the weekend.

Where is the fun in running an auto-pilot station like that?


On Wed, 11 May 2011 12:43:14 -0400
Guy Olinger K2AV olin...@bellsouth.net wrote:
 
 Good thing he's not still alive, a ham, and reading this reflector.
 Eric would have to ban him for all the names he'd drape on certain of
 the readership.
 
 73, Guy.




-- 
R. Kevin Stover
AC0H
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?


 Um, linear with respect to power, or linear with respect to voltage?

Linear with respect to power.  Both the input and output are fixed Z
thus an increase in drive results in increases in both the current
and voltage variation which given a linear amplifier causes increases
in both current and voltage swings at the output.

73,

... Joe, W4TV


On 5/11/2011 1:27 PM, James Maynard wrote:
 On 2011-05-11 10:16 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
 Stan,

 Of course it can be driven by lower power.  The KPA500 is a linear
 amplifier.  If 40 watts in produces 500 out, then 20 in will give 250
 out and 10 in will produce 125 watts.  If the relationship is otherwise,
 then it is not acting as a linear amplifier.  The same thing should be
 true for any linear amplifier - that is the definition of linear operation.

 73,
 Don W3FPR
 Um, linear with respect to power, or linear with respect to voltage?
 Assuming a resistive load, P = I*I*R, or E*E/R.  I *think* a linear
 amplifier means linear with respect to voltage (or current).

 If I'm wrong, I expect that I will be promptly corrected!

 Jim K7KK

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Re: [Elecraft] Power Supply For K3?

2011-05-11 Thread Jim Brown

In the old days, I used an Astron linear supply to run my 12V radios. 
Soon after I got back on the air in 2003 after a long period of 
inactivity, I adopted the practice of using a small regulated supply 
(about 10A) to float-charge a big 12V deep-cycle battery (about 110AH)  
that I bought at Costco for about $70.  The supply regulates to 13.8V, 
which never overcharges the battery, so it lasts a long time and serves 
as a poor man's UPS.  The radio runs very well, and the battery will 
keep it running through a power failure of moderate length. I run 
several accessories, a VHF rig, and the dial lights for several antenna 
tuners from this rig, and it's big enough to keep up with heavy contest 
operation as long as I have AC power. Just last fall,  I replaced the 
battery that I bought in 2006 when I moved to CA. This time it cost $75.

This sort of setup would work just fine with one of the el-crappo 
computer supplies that have been described here. If it's a switching 
supply, be prepared to do some suppression. The PSU I use is a 10A 
switcher that I bought for $10 at a Chicago hamfest around 2004. I added 
caps across the DC line and ferrite chokes on both the DC line and the 
AC cable.

73, Jim Brown K9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 and SWR above 1.5:1

2011-05-11 Thread Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft

The KPA500 bases its SWR protection on reflected power level, not an 
absolute SWR. The KPA500 is happy up to a 2:1 SWR at 500-W out. As long 
as the actual reflected power is below that for a 2:1 SWR at 500W, it 
will not reduce its power. This means you can operate into a higher than 
2:1 SWR load at full amplifier gain if you reduce the amp's output power 
slightly.

The amp soft-faults and reduces output power by about 2.5 dB by 
switching in an input attenuator at the 500W 2:1 reflected power point, 
and it flashes a red LED to alert you to this so you can adjust driver 
power (or SWR via an external tuner) down a bit. Once this is corrected 
below this threshold by the operator, the KPA500 automatically goes back 
to full gain. It also does this for minor overdrive conditions.

Of course, for excessive SWR events (wrong antenna, open antenna etc), 
and severe overdrive, the amp protects itself by immediately hard 
faulting and going into bypass mode. After correcting the fault, just 
push the operate/standby switch to get back on-line. While at Contest 
University, our Italian representative surprised me by demonstrating 
this feature to customers by pulling the coax from the dummy load while 
the amp was transmitting. After I recovered from my surprise, I realized 
the amp was perfectly happy and had protected itself as advertised :-)  
But don't try this at home, as he also received a minor RF burn to help 
him remember this event..

73, Eric   WA6HHQ
www.elecraft.com


On 5/11/2011 9:24 AM, Geoffrey Downs wrote:
 The manual says the bargraph shows green (normal) up to an SWR of 1.5:1,
 yellow (marginal) from 1.5:1 to 2.1:1 and red (excessive) above that.
 Does this mean no inhibition of output  by the protection system (and no
 need for it) up to 1.5:1 but progressive reduction of output above? If so,
 will the amp operate without damage in the yellow zone and what %
 reductions in output might be expected up to 2.1:1? Also in what conditions
 of SWR does the intelligent 2.5db output reduction apply; and at what SWR
 does output shut off altogether - ie the REFL HI fault condition.

 73 to all

 Geoff
 G3UCK
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?

2011-05-11 Thread Julian, G4ILO

Don Wilhelm-4 wrote:

Of course it can be driven by lower power. The KPA500 is a linear
amplifier. If 40 watts in produces 500 out, then 20 in will give 250
out and 10 in will produce 125 watts. If the relationship is otherwise,
then it is not acting as a linear amplifier. The same thing should be
true for any linear amplifier - that is the definition of linear
operation.

If it does that then it will be the first linear amplifier I have ever seen
that actually keeps that relationship across the whole of its range.

Most solid state amplifiers exhibit noticeable compression as you increase
the input power, so you get a lot more than half the rated power out for
half the specified drive power.

Take a look at the figures for this Mirage amp (selected at random as being
the first spec sheet I could find that proved the point.) It is only truly
linear up to half its rated output. 10W in gives the rated 160W output, but
5W gives you 150W 2.5W would give you somewhere around 120W. The VHF amp I
have here has a similar characteristic. Although it is designed to be driven
with 5W input I am actually driving it with the K3/K144XV with less than
half that power and still get virtually full output.

So I think the OP actually asked a very reasonable question.

-
Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222.
* G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com
* KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html
* KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 and SWR above 1.5:1

2011-05-11 Thread Tony Estep

On Wed, May 11, 2011 at 1:10 PM, Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft 
e...@elecraft.com wrote:

 ...As long as the actual reflected power is below that for a 2:1 SWR at
 500W...


Which is quite a bit (62.5 watts), so it's pretty tolerant.

Tony KT0NY
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?

2011-05-11 Thread stan levandowski

Thank you, Don.  I have no experience with any kind of outboard 
amplifier since I've been QRP for nearly my entire ham life, but I do 
seem to recall that in 'the old days' of tube amps, there was always a 
minimum drive requirement and sometimes distortion problems occured at 
the lower drive levels.   At least, this is what I've gathered from 
reading about it.  No first hand experience.

I am asking this question because I've been thinking about which of my 
rigs -the K2 or the K3 - I want to equip with the 100 W PA option.  The 
KPA-500 might give me another option, albeit much more expensive but 
perhaps a wiser economic choice in the longer term (and keep me on the 
path toward a K-line station).

I would much prefer to leave both the K2 and K3 as 'virgin' QRP rigs as 
that is my true love.  If the KPA-500 can give me about 75 to 100 watts 
output as a state-of-the-art outboard amplifier that both K2 and K3 
could share, then it would be a very interesting prospect for me to 
consider.

Especially since there will be no need to modify either K2 or K3.

And ---not to push it --- could my K1 conceivably drive a KPA-500 with 
its 5 or 6 watts also??

What a great concept -- one all-purpose state-of-the-art amp sitting in 
the shack ready to shake hands with any and all of my Elecraft 
transceivers when called upon to do so.

I am on technically solid ground here?

73, Stan WB2LQF
KX1 #2411K1#2994K2# 6980K3#5244 K9 #1 (Cocoa the 
Chihuahua)
Everything is QRP, even the dog.

May 11, 2011 at 1:16 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote:

 Stan,

 Of course it can be driven by lower power.  The KPA500 is a linear 
 amplifier.  If 40 watts in produces 500 out, then 20 in will give 250 
 out and 10 in will produce 125 watts.  If the relationship is 
 otherwise, then it is not acting as a linear amplifier.  The same 
 thing should be true for any linear amplifier - that is the definition 
 of linear operation.

 73,
 Don W3FPR

 On 5/11/2011 1:06 PM, stan levandowski wrote:
 The documentation on the Elecraft site says the KPA-500 requires 40
 watts drive for full output.

 Nowhere (at least not that I could find) is the minimum drive
 requirement specified nor is there any schedule of output for input
 such as 40 watts = 500 watts; xx watts = 250 watts, etc.

 More to the point -- can a K3/10 or a K2/10 be connected to the 
 KPA-500
 and deliver something between 75 and 100 watts output?


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?

That's a linear amp in name only. Amplifying SSB should only be
done on that amp with PEP set below the point at which compression
sets in. This of course does not matter on CW or FM, one of the
common uses of such an amp. I'd be surprised if that amp would do
better than 100 watts PEP cleanly.

Maybe a reasonable question, but your example is far below state of
the art for PEP at 160W. Whether the specs are honest or not is
another issue.

73, Guy.

On Wed, May 11, 2011 at 2:28 PM, Julian, G4ILO julian.g4...@gmail.com wrote:

Don Wilhelm-4 wrote:

If it does that then it will be the first linear amplifier I have ever seen
that actually keeps that relationship across the whole of its range.

Most solid state amplifiers exhibit noticeable compression as you increase
the input power, so you get a lot more than half the rated power out for
half the specified drive power.

So I think the OP actually asked a very reasonable question.

-
Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222.
* G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com
* KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html
* KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?

2011-05-11 Thread Wes Stewart

Then by definition, they aren't linear.

A graph of output power vs. input power should be a straight line.  It it isn't 
then it's non-linear.  The practical question is how much non-linearity is 
acceptable.

--- On Wed, 5/11/11, Julian, G4ILO julian.g4...@gmail.com wrote:

 
 If it does that then it will be the first linear amplifier
 I have ever seen
 that actually keeps that relationship across the whole of
 its range.
 
 Most solid state amplifiers exhibit noticeable compression
 as you increase
 the input power, so you get a lot more than half the rated
 power out for
 half the specified drive power.
 
 Take a look at the figures for this Mirage amp (selected at
 random as being
 the first spec sheet I could find that proved the point.)
 It is only truly
 linear up to half its rated output. 10W in gives the rated
 160W output, but
 5W gives you 150W 2.5W would give you somewhere around
 120W. The VHF amp I
 have here has a similar characteristic. Although it is
 designed to be driven
 with 5W input I am actually driving it with the K3/K144XV
 with less than
 half that power and still get virtually full output.
 
 So I think the OP actually asked a very reasonable
 question.
 
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?

2011-05-11 Thread Peter Wollan

Perhaps that Mirage amp is intended for FM?  Not all amps need to be linear.

 Peter W0LLN


On Wed, May 11, 2011 at 2:02 PM, Wes Stewart n...@yahoo.com wrote:
 Then by definition, they aren't linear.

 A graph of output power vs. input power should be a straight line.  It it 
 isn't then it's non-linear.  The practical question is how much non-linearity 
 is acceptable.

 --- On Wed, 5/11/11, Julian, G4ILO julian.g4...@gmail.com wrote:


 If it does that then it will be the first linear amplifier
 I have ever seen
 that actually keeps that relationship across the whole of
 its range.

 Most solid state amplifiers exhibit noticeable compression
 as you increase
 the input power, so you get a lot more than half the rated
 power out for
 half the specified drive power.

 Take a look at the figures for this Mirage amp (selected at
 random as being
 the first spec sheet I could find that proved the point.)
 It is only truly
 linear up to half its rated output. 10W in gives the rated
 160W output, but
 5W gives you 150W 2.5W would give you somewhere around
 120W. The VHF amp I
 have here has a similar characteristic. Although it is
 designed to be driven
 with 5W input I am actually driving it with the K3/K144XV
 with less than
 half that power and still get virtually full output.

 So I think the OP actually asked a very reasonable
 question.

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[Elecraft] XV432 Oscillates with Amp connected

2011-05-11 Thread Edward R. Cole

Stu,

OK so you are keying the XV432 Tx control line and not applying RF 
drive (not sure how you accomplish this, but not important in this 
discussion).  It oscillated unless there is a 50-ohm RF load on the output.

I think its time to contact Elecraft for help.  I assume you did not 
build the XV432 and it was assembled by Elecraft (what I am saying 
this is not sold as a kit), and should not do this.  Maybe a 
candidate for warranty service.

I had a 1296 transverter (from another mfr) that did a similar thing 
though it took drive to get self-osc. started.  I could remove drive 
and still had a couple watts of RF out, until I unkeyed it from 
Tx.  Unkeying biased the amps off in the transverter.  I measured the 
self-osc. frequency and it was osc. at operating freq.  The mfr had 
it twice to fix and finally we got it tamed at a lower power out (and 
I sold it).

But circuits can self-osc. anywhere from audio to mw.  There are 
design techniques to prevent this: usually RF chokes and bypass 
caps.  In tough cases interstage shielding and parasitic chokes.  But 
I have not heard of this problem being common with the XV432 so time 
to call Elecraft.

Ed - KL7UW
--

Message: 17
Date: Tue, 10 May 2011 19:19:50 -0400
From: Stu2 s...@stu2.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] XV432 Oscillates with Amp connected
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Message-ID: 4dc9c816.6020...@stu2.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Thanks guys!

It's quite weird. When I say key up, I mean activate the XV432 PTT with
the rig (exciter) in CW mode without pressing the CW key.  That is, no
RF goes into the transverter. Just the simple fact of keying the
transverter while it is connected to something other than a 50 Ohm load
seems to set up an oscillation.

Several people have suggested a pad. The output of the XV432 is a low
pass pi circuit. Since I don't want to reduce the RX gain, it would seem
this either needs to be in the amp's TX chain or the XV432's TX chain.
(i.e. before the TR relay)

After I wrote my first message, I installed an SWR meter between the
XV432 and amp so I could adjust the Henry for the best SWR.
Unfortunately, this didn't cure the problem. The XV432 still oscillated.
I have another amp I can try. I also have a TS2000 to try to help set
the amp up.

Thanks again for the ideas.

Stu2





73, Ed - KL7UW, WD2XSH/45
==
BP40IQ   500 KHz - 10-GHz   www.kl7uw.com
EME: 50-1.1kW?, 144-1.4kw, 432-100w, 1296-testing*, 3400-?
DUBUS Magazine USA Rep dubus...@hotmail.com
==
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Re: [Elecraft] Power Supply For K3?

2011-05-11 Thread Dick Dievendorff

Some equipment needs to be in view and some can be on the floor...

I use an Astron RS-70A on the floor, turned on all the time except when I
leave for a vacation, and a Rig Runner 8012 distribution panel that supplies
12 individually fused Anderson Power Pole connectors.

This is for two K3s and assorted 12V station equipment.

When I had one 12V 100-watt radio and assorted station accessories, I used
an Astron RS-35A.

For travel I have a Gamma Research HPS-1a, which it is very attractively
sized and supplies enough for casual use.

Dick, K6KR


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bruce W1UJR
Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2011 9:23 AM
To: Elecraft Reflector
Subject: [Elecraft] Power Supply For K3?

Has anyone settled on a nice power supply for the K3?

Something that:
- Is quiet from a RF standpoint, switching or non-switching.
- Looks cosmetically attractive to sit on the desk next to the K3
- Has adequate power/current abilities.

Thinking that something like the old Collins S Line power supply speaker
would be an ideal addition to the Elecraft K line.

In the meantime, I'd like to hear what folks have found that works, prefer
not to reinvent the wheel.

Thanks!


Cordially,
Bruce J. Howes W1UJR
www.W1UJR.net

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Re: [Elecraft] Power Supply For K3?

2011-05-11 Thread Buck - k4ia

35A Astron linear running for 24/7 10 years at home with no issues.

Samlex 1223 switcher at Field Day for 24 hours of constant CW in 
Virginia-summer heat with no issues.  There is no head room in this 
supply to run any other accessories so it is a bare minimum for 
capacity.  I do not hear any RFI with it but I only operate 40M.  I 
understand Samlex supplies are quiet but, as others have pointed out, 
there is bound to be noise somewhere.


Buck
k4ia



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Re: [Elecraft] Power Supply For K3?

2011-05-11 Thread Eugene Balinski

Astron RS-35M  20 +years

73
Gene K1NR

K2 6kxx


On Wed, 11 May 2011 11:01:10 -0600
 Ken - K0PP kengk...@gmail.com wrote:
 
 I have had a 35A Astron running under my bench for
 several
 decades.  It's never been off, other than for power
 outages.
 
 There's a RIGrunner fused distribution box on the wall
 behind
 the equipment that feeds everything that's 12VDC in the
 station.
 
 Works for me. 
 
 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP
 elecraftcov...@gmail.com 

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?

2011-05-11 Thread Julian, G4ILO

You can read the detailed description at the link I gave. In fact, it claims
to have active bias for improved SSB linearity. So it is definitely
intended for SSB use.

I agree that a graph of output power vs. input power should be a straight
line. But I don't believe there is a linear amplifier out there in the
real world, particularly a solid state one, where that is actually remotely
true. The practical answer may be less how much non-linearity is acceptable
so much as how much linearity the state of the art is capable of within the
acceptable price range.

So I think Stan WB2LQF deserved a better answer to his request for an
output for input schedule than the statement that it was a linear
relationship. If Elecraft is indeed claiming the relationship between input
and output of the KPA500 is perfectly linear then let them say it. Otherwise
I don't believe it.

Peter Wollan-2 wrote:

Perhaps that Mirage amp is intended for FM? Not all amps need to be
linear.

Peter W0LLN

On Wed, May 11, 2011 at 2:02 PM, Wes Stewart lt;n...@yahoo.comgt; wrote:
Then by definition, they aren't linear.

A graph of output power vs. input power should be a straight line. It it
isn't then it's non-linear. The practical question is how much
non-linearity is acceptable.

--- On Wed, 5/11/11, Julian, G4ILO lt;julian.g4...@gmail.comgt; wrote:

If it does that then it will be the first linear amplifier
I have ever seen
that actually keeps that relationship across the whole of
its range.

Most solid state amplifiers exhibit noticeable compression
as you increase
the input power, so you get a lot more than half the rated
power out for
half the specified drive power.

Take a look at the figures for this Mirage amp (selected at
random as being
the first spec sheet I could find that proved the point.)
It is only truly
linear up to half its rated output. 10W in gives the rated
160W output, but
5W gives you 150W 2.5W would give you somewhere around
120W. The VHF amp I
have here has a similar characteristic. Although it is
designed to be driven
with 5W input I am actually driving it with the K3/K144XV
with less than
half that power and still get virtually full output.

So I think the OP actually asked a very reasonable
question.

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Julian, G4ILO. K2 #392 K3 #222.
* G4ILO's Shack - http://www.g4ilo.com
* KComm - http://www.g4ilo.com/kcomm.html
* KTune - http://www.g4ilo.com/ktune.html

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 and SWR above 1.5:1

2011-05-11 Thread Geoffrey Downs

Thank you Eric. That is interesting and impressive. I will be seriously 
considering a kit.

73

Geoff
G3UCK

- Original Message - 
From: Eric Swartz - WA6HHQ, Elecraft e...@elecraft.com
To: Geoffrey Downs geoffre...@madasafish.com
Cc: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2011 7:10 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 and SWR above 1.5:1


 The KPA500 bases its SWR protection on reflected power level, not an 
 absolute SWR. The KPA500 is happy up to a 2:1 SWR at 500-W out. As long as 
 the actual reflected power is below that for a 2:1 SWR at 500W, it will 
 not reduce its power. This means you can operate into a higher than 2:1 
 SWR load at full amplifier gain if you reduce the amp's output power 
 slightly.

 The amp soft-faults and reduces output power by about 2.5 dB by 
 switching in an input attenuator at the 500W 2:1 reflected power point, 
 and it flashes a red LED to alert you to this so you can adjust driver 
 power (or SWR via an external tuner) down a bit. Once this is corrected 
 below this threshold by the operator, the KPA500 automatically goes back 
 to full gain. It also does this for minor overdrive conditions.

 Of course, for excessive SWR events (wrong antenna, open antenna etc), and 
 severe overdrive, the amp protects itself by immediately hard faulting and 
 going into bypass mode. After correcting the fault, just push the 
 operate/standby switch to get back on-line. While at Contest University, 
 our Italian representative surprised me by demonstrating this feature to 
 customers by pulling the coax from the dummy load while the amp was 
 transmitting. After I recovered from my surprise, I realized the amp was 
 perfectly happy and had protected itself as advertised :-)  But don't try 
 this at home, as he also received a minor RF burn to help him remember 
 this event..

 73, Eric   WA6HHQ
 www.elecraft.com
 

 On 5/11/2011 9:24 AM, Geoffrey Downs wrote:
 The manual says the bargraph shows green (normal) up to an SWR of 
 1.5:1,
 yellow (marginal) from 1.5:1 to 2.1:1 and red (excessive) above that.
 Does this mean no inhibition of output  by the protection system (and no
 need for it) up to 1.5:1 but progressive reduction of output above? If 
 so,
 will the amp operate without damage in the yellow zone and what %
 reductions in output might be expected up to 2.1:1? Also in what 
 conditions
 of SWR does the intelligent 2.5db output reduction apply; and at what SWR
 does output shut off altogether - ie the REFL HI fault condition.

 73 to all

 Geoff
 G3UCK

 

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[Elecraft] Power Supply

2011-05-11 Thread David Guernsey

I use an Astron 35M and RIGrunner to power my K3/10 and other equipment in the 
shack.

 73s de Dave KJ6CBS
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?

  Julian,

 From the words of Bob Freiss (the designer) on 9/8/2010 --

The KPA500 requires 30 to 40 watts for full output.  With 10 watts of drive
the output will be around 200 watts or a little less.

Bob, N6CM


If one takes the lower figure of 30 watts for 500 watts out, that could 
indicate a small amount of compression (non-linearity), and I have not 
asked how much less than 200 watts with 10 watts drive, but it seems 
that the KPA500 has a power gain factor near 16.7.  Perhaps someone with 
good wattmeters will measure it over a range of drive levels.

73,
Don W3FPR


On 5/11/2011 3:55 PM, Julian, G4ILO wrote:
 snip

 So I think Stan WB2LQF deserved a better answer to his request for an
 output for input schedule than the statement that it was a linear
 relationship. If Elecraft is indeed claiming the relationship between input
 and output of the KPA500 is perfectly linear then let them say it. Otherwise
 I don't believe it.

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?

It's very easy to measure the 1-tone gain compression characteristics of an 
amplifier. The desired result is a graph of Pout vs. Pin, with Pin on the 
horizontal axis and Pout on the vertical.

So what one needs to do is set Pin to the amp, and measure Pout into a dummy 
load. If you do this for several values of Pin, you'll be able to plot all of 
those measured points on the graph. It will look like a pretty straight line 
toward the lower Pin values, then it will flatten out (become more horizontal) 
as Pin (and Pout) get higher.

The slope of the line is the gain of the amplifier.

Very often the Pin values are 1 dB apart. One dB is about a 25% increase in 
power. Meaning that if you are measuring Pin in Watts, then you can set Pin to 
roughly the following values:

1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 13 Watts, etc.,

and measure the Pout at each value. The values should be converted to dBm 
before 
plotting. That's all there is to it.

This is all done in CW mode. If you want to go further, you can go into SSB 
mode 
and apply two tones to the amp (which a K3 has the ability to do) and then look 
at the output of both the K3 and the KPA500 with a spectrum analyzer... but 
I'll 
leave that explanation for another day... or it can be found on the web.

Al W6LX
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?

Stan,

Allow some variation to antenna variations also.

This on 15M, swr is 1.0:1

2W = 30W out
2.5W = 40W
3w = 50w
3.5w = 60w
4w = 70w
4.5w = 75w out
5w = 80w
5.5w  = 90w
6w = 100w
6.5w = 110w
7w = 120w
7.5w = 130w
8w = 150w
8.5w = 160w
9w = 170w
9.5w = 180w
10w = 190w
11w = 200w
12w = 225w

NOTE to ALL: This was not done with lab equipment or even a dummy load. This
was measured  using a K3 and a tri-band yagi and a cw tone.

Gary

On 12 May 2011 07:13, Al Lorona alor...@sbcglobal.net wrote:

 It's very easy to measure the 1-tone gain compression characteristics of an
 amplifier. The desired result is a graph of Pout vs. Pin, with Pin on the
 horizontal axis and Pout on the vertical.

 So what one needs to do is set Pin to the amp, and measure Pout into a
 dummy
 load. If you do this for several values of Pin, you'll be able to plot all
 of
 those measured points on the graph. It will look like a pretty straight
 line
 toward the lower Pin values, then it will flatten out (become more
 horizontal)
 as Pin (and Pout) get higher.

 The slope of the line is the gain of the amplifier.

 Very often the Pin values are 1 dB apart. One dB is about a 25% increase in
 power. Meaning that if you are measuring Pin in Watts, then you can set Pin
 to
 roughly the following values:

 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 13 Watts, etc.,

 and measure the Pout at each value. The values should be converted to dBm
 before
 plotting. That's all there is to it.

 This is all done in CW mode. If you want to go further, you can go into SSB
 mode
 and apply two tones to the amp (which a K3 has the ability to do) and then
 look
 at the output of both the K3 and the KPA500 with a spectrum analyzer... but
 I'll
 leave that explanation for another day... or it can be found on the web.

 Al W6LX
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VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile
Elecraft Equipment
K3 #679, KPA-500 #018
Living the dream!!!
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 - stacking possibilites

I have operated that way and found no effect at all.

Works here.

Gary

On 11 May 2011 23:26, F5vjc foxfive@gmail.com wrote:

 As the KPA 500 uses a linear PSU there obviously is a mains
 transformer within the cabinet.
 I know this is a toroidal type transformer, which is good, but can we
 assume that placement of the Amp with respect to the K3 is non
 critical, for magnetic hum coupling.

 How immune is the K3 to this effect? Has placement of the KPA 500
 w.r.t. the K3 been tested  for any ill effects?

 73, Deni
 F5VJC

 On 11 May 2011 07:49, Henk Remijn PA5KT pa...@remijn.net wrote:
  Can we see some pictures of your setup?
 
  Henk PA5KT
 
  Op 11-05-2011 4:14, Dick Dievendorff schreef:
  Just for operational convenience I'd consider stacking them the other
 way,
  with the K3 VFO A knob at a convenient height for tuning and the
 amplifier
  above the K3.
 
  I've found some very handy open-shelving bamboo shoe racks at CostCo
 that
  are doing the job for me.  My amplifier is about 2 inches above the K3.
 The
  rack is wide enough for a K3, P3, and another box such as a rotator
  controller or a US Interface Navigator.  The 2nd shelf hosts a second K3
 and
  a KPA500.  The top shelf has two speakers and various junk that I
 gather.
 
  I've found these racks so useful that I have 5 or 6 of them.  I can hold
 QSL
  boxes on them and some plastic shoe boxes that hold various projects.  I
  have a lot of little projects and boxes.
 
  Dick, K6KR
 
 
  -Original Message-
  From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
  [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of ai6ii
  Sent: Tuesday, May 10, 2011 6:59 PM
  To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
  Subject: [Elecraft] KPA500 - stacking possibilites
 
  Now that I have received confirmation of the delivery, I need finalize
 where
  I am going to place my new KPA500. Given a very limited desk size (ony
 34
  inches wide), I wonder if the K3 can be stacked on top of the KPA500. I
  undertand from earlier posts that there needs to be a minimum half inch
  clearance on top of the KPA500 for the air intake grill. Has any FTer
  stacked the two boxes to see if they work without generating too much
 heat?
 
  ..mike AI6II
  __
 
  --
  Henk Remijn PA5KT
  email: pa...@remijn.net
  www: www.pa5kt.com
 
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 --
 73 Deni,

 F5VJC
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VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile
Elecraft Equipment
K3 #679, KPA-500 #018
Living the dream!!!
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Re: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data mode

LU,

Aaaahnow the light bulb has been energised...Grin

Guess I better go listen around some more and yes I see the reason now.

73's
Gary - slow learner

On 12 May 2011 02:03, Kos s...@bellsouth.net wrote:

 Joe, W4TV may have hit on the answer - both VFOs muct be in DATA A mode;
 I'll have to wait to get home to check this out. This of course wouldn't
 allow cross-mode operation, though I don't see that happening with these
 particular modes.

 I've seen two DX stations on PSK in the last two weeks using split mode -
 the latest was an A4 on PSK-63 this past weekend advertising he was
 listening 1-2 UP. He had a rather robust pileup going I can see the
 usefullness of this for DXpeditions that would choose to operate on PSK.

 Kos, N4NIA

  --
 *From:* Lu Romero lrom...@ij.net
 *To:* Gary Gregory garyvk...@gmail.com; S Kosmetatos s...@bellsouth.net
 

 *Cc:* lrom...@ij.net; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 *Sent:* Wed, May 11, 2011 11:30:16 AM

 *Subject:* Re: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data mode

 I dont know either, Gary... Usually, when I operate PSK31, I
 use the computer, and since I dont use that mode too often
 either, I have never run into the need to run split.

 But it is a valid question... Why cant you set split in
 Digital mode PSK on the radio, yet you can set it for RTTY
 and AFSK...

 Seems to me it should make no difference to the radio.
 Maybe it has something to do with the firmware decoder for
 PSK31.

 -lu-w4lt-
 K3 # 3192

 - Original Message Follows -
 From: Gary Gregory garyvk...@gmail.com
 To: S Kosmetatos s...@bellsouth.net
 Cc: lrom...@ij.net, elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data
 mode
 Date: Wed, 11 May 2011 14:08:16 +1000

 I am puzzled as to why split would be used in PSK-31???
 Given the mode it is, the band width used etc, etc..
 
 I have not come across stations operating split on PSK-31
 but then that is most likely my fault as I don't use that
 mode very often nowadays...:-)
 
 73's
 Gary
 
 On 11 May 2011 12:36, S Kosmetatos s...@bellsouth.net
 wrote:
 
  Hey guys,
 
  I was glad to see Luis' question on this as I ran into
  this issue as well using PSK over the weekend, and though
  HRD has a split mode, it wasn't as intuitive or as handy
  as just being able to invoke a split mode using the VFOs.
 
  Is this working as designed for this particular data mode
  , or am I too missing something in the configuration?
 
  Thanks,
 
  Kos, N4NIA
 
 
 
  -Original Message-
  From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
  [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of
  Luis V. Romero Sent: Sunday, May 08, 2011 12:20 PM
  To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
  Subject: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data
 mode
  Hi all:
 
  A local friend brought this to my attention.
 
  Seems he is trying to set Split on PSK31 using the radio
  built in PSK31 keyer/decoder and terminal via RS232.
  When he tries to set Split, the radio
  tells him SPL N/A.
 
  I tried this, and I can set Split to function normally in
  RTTY, both AFSK and FSK, but I get the same indication
  when I try to set a Split using PSK 31.  Im not a digital
  mode person, but I do understand that you can do this
 sort of thing using a computer decoder.  My friend prefers
  not to use a computer, and really enjoys the internal PSK
  transmit/receive feature using the CW paddkes.
 
  He tells me the manual does not explain the issue.  He's
 right!
  He does not have a second receiver.  I do, and can work
  around the issue this way.  I can also work around the
  issue by using XIT, but it is cumbersome.
 
  Is this a firmware bug or is this normal?  What's the
  secret to setting split in PSK31?
 
  Thanks for the input!
 
  -lu-w4lt-
  K3 # 3192
 
 
 ___
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  http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -
  No virus found in this message.
  Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
  Version: 10.0.1325 / Virus Database: 1500/3624 - Release
 Date: 05/08/11
 
 ___
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 http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
 
 
 
 --
 
 VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile
 Elecraft Equipment
 K3 #679, KPA-500 #018
 Living the dream!!!
 




-- 

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K3 #679, KPA-500 #018
Living the dream!!!
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Re: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data mode

2011-05-11 Thread w5ov


At the risk of beating the same old expired equine, this is because the
radio's SPLIT function is disabled unless you already have the other VFO
and mode set in a way that allows you to go SPLIT. This is a bad thing and
a flaw in the K3's operational logic.

I have pointed out that this is a flaw previously, and yours is just
another example that proves the point.

The way it should work is that when you PRESS and HOLD SPLIT,

***AND *ONLY IF* both VFO's are NOT on the same band and mode***

the radio should do a VFOA-VFOB and then enable SPLIT. Otherwise, if both
VFOs are already on the same band and mode, it should only enable SPLIT
without first making the VFOs equal.

The error message that it won't allow SPLIT when the VFO and mode is
different serves no useful purpose and is a waste of time. Talk about
ergonomic overhead!

73,

Bob W5OV



 LU,

 Aaaahnow the light bulb has been energised...Grin

 Guess I better go listen around some more and yes I see the reason now.

 73's
 Gary - slow learner

 On 12 May 2011 02:03, Kos s...@bellsouth.net wrote:

 Joe, W4TV may have hit on the answer - both VFOs muct be in DATA A mode;
 I'll have to wait to get home to check this out. This of course wouldn't
 allow cross-mode operation, though I don't see that happening with these
 particular modes.

 I've seen two DX stations on PSK in the last two weeks using split mode
 -
 the latest was an A4 on PSK-63 this past weekend advertising he was
 listening 1-2 UP. He had a rather robust pileup going I can see the
 usefullness of this for DXpeditions that would choose to operate on PSK.

 Kos, N4NIA

  --
 *From:* Lu Romero lrom...@ij.net
 *To:* Gary Gregory garyvk...@gmail.com; S Kosmetatos
 s...@bellsouth.net
 

 *Cc:* lrom...@ij.net; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 *Sent:* Wed, May 11, 2011 11:30:16 AM

 *Subject:* Re: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data mode

 I dont know either, Gary... Usually, when I operate PSK31, I
 use the computer, and since I dont use that mode too often
 either, I have never run into the need to run split.

 But it is a valid question... Why cant you set split in
 Digital mode PSK on the radio, yet you can set it for RTTY
 and AFSK...

 Seems to me it should make no difference to the radio.
 Maybe it has something to do with the firmware decoder for
 PSK31.

 -lu-w4lt-
 K3 # 3192

 - Original Message Follows -
 From: Gary Gregory garyvk...@gmail.com
 To: S Kosmetatos s...@bellsouth.net
 Cc: lrom...@ij.net, elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data
 mode
 Date: Wed, 11 May 2011 14:08:16 +1000

 I am puzzled as to why split would be used in PSK-31???
 Given the mode it is, the band width used etc, etc..
 
 I have not come across stations operating split on PSK-31
 but then that is most likely my fault as I don't use that
 mode very often nowadays...:-)
 
 73's
 Gary
 
 On 11 May 2011 12:36, S Kosmetatos s...@bellsouth.net
 wrote:
 
  Hey guys,
 
  I was glad to see Luis' question on this as I ran into
  this issue as well using PSK over the weekend, and though
  HRD has a split mode, it wasn't as intuitive or as handy
  as just being able to invoke a split mode using the VFOs.
 
  Is this working as designed for this particular data mode
  , or am I too missing something in the configuration?
 
  Thanks,
 
  Kos, N4NIA
 
 
 
  -Original Message-
  From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
  [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of
  Luis V. Romero Sent: Sunday, May 08, 2011 12:20 PM
  To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
  Subject: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data
 mode
  Hi all:
 
  A local friend brought this to my attention.
 
  Seems he is trying to set Split on PSK31 using the radio
  built in PSK31 keyer/decoder and terminal via RS232.
  When he tries to set Split, the radio
  tells him SPL N/A.
 
  I tried this, and I can set Split to function normally in
  RTTY, both AFSK and FSK, but I get the same indication
  when I try to set a Split using PSK 31.  Im not a digital
  mode person, but I do understand that you can do this
 sort of thing using a computer decoder.  My friend prefers
  not to use a computer, and really enjoys the internal PSK
  transmit/receive feature using the CW paddkes.
 
  He tells me the manual does not explain the issue.  He's
 right!
  He does not have a second receiver.  I do, and can work
  around the issue this way.  I can also work around the
  issue by using XIT, but it is cumbersome.
 
  Is this a firmware bug or is this normal?  What's the
  secret to setting split in PSK31?
 
  Thanks for the input!
 
  -lu-w4lt-
  K3 # 3192
 
 
 ___
  ___ Elecraft mailing list
  Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
  Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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  Please help support this email list:

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?


Adding gain calculation ...


  2W   =  30W   11.8 dB
  2.5W =  40W   12.0 dB
  3w   =  50w   12.2 dB
  3.5w =  60w   12.3 dB
  4w   =  70w   12.4 dB
  4.5w =  75w   12.2 dB
  5w   =  80w   12.0 dB
  5.5w =  90w   12.1 dB
  6w   = 100w   12.2 dB
  6.5w = 110w   12.3 dB
  7w   = 120w   12.3 dB
  7.5w = 130w   12.4 dB
  8w   = 150w   12.7 dB
  8.5w = 160w   12.7 dB
  9w   = 170w   12.8 dB
  9.5w = 180w   12.8 dB
  10w  = 190w   12.8 dB
  11w  = 200w   12.6 dB
  12w  = 225w   12.7 dB

The numbers look about right including the decreased gain at low level 
(as expected).  Using 12.6/12.7 dB would indicate 33W drive for 600W
out.  40W drive for 600W output would indicate ~1 dB of compression.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 5/11/2011 5:28 PM, Gary Gregory wrote:
 Stan,

 Allow some variation to antenna variations also.

 This on 15M, swr is 1.0:1

 2W = 30W out
 2.5W = 40W
 3w = 50w
 3.5w = 60w
 4w = 70w
 4.5w = 75w out
 5w = 80w
 5.5w  = 90w
 6w = 100w
 6.5w = 110w
 7w = 120w
 7.5w = 130w
 8w = 150w
 8.5w = 160w
 9w = 170w
 9.5w = 180w
 10w = 190w
 11w = 200w
 12w = 225w

 NOTE to ALL: This was not done with lab equipment or even a dummy load. This
 was measured  using a K3 and a tri-band yagi and a cw tone.

 Gary

 On 12 May 2011 07:13, Al Loronaalor...@sbcglobal.net  wrote:

 It's very easy to measure the 1-tone gain compression characteristics of an
 amplifier. The desired result is a graph of Pout vs. Pin, with Pin on the
 horizontal axis and Pout on the vertical.

 So what one needs to do is set Pin to the amp, and measure Pout into a
 dummy
 load. If you do this for several values of Pin, you'll be able to plot all
 of
 those measured points on the graph. It will look like a pretty straight
 line
 toward the lower Pin values, then it will flatten out (become more
 horizontal)
 as Pin (and Pout) get higher.

 The slope of the line is the gain of the amplifier.

 Very often the Pin values are 1 dB apart. One dB is about a 25% increase in
 power. Meaning that if you are measuring Pin in Watts, then you can set Pin
 to
 roughly the following values:

 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 13 Watts, etc.,

 and measure the Pout at each value. The values should be converted to dBm
 before
 plotting. That's all there is to it.

 This is all done in CW mode. If you want to go further, you can go into SSB
 mode
 and apply two tones to the amp (which a K3 has the ability to do) and then
 look
 at the output of both the K3 and the KPA500 with a spectrum analyzer... but
 I'll
 leave that explanation for another day... or it can be found on the web.

 Al W6LX
 __
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?

Joe, I believe your hypothesis (extrapolation to high power) will be verified 
once someone makes higher power measurements.

Regards,

Al  W6LX





From: Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com
The numbers look about right including the decreased gain at low level 
(as expected).  Using 12.6/12.7 dB would indicate 33W drive for 600W
out.  40W drive for 600W output would indicate ~1 dB of compression.

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV
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Re: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data mode

2011-05-11 Thread Buck - k4ia

Press 2 times quickly to transfer both frequency and mode to VFO B.  
Then, press and hold to go into Split Operation.

Or, even easier, using a program like WinWarbler that decodes multiple 
traces, you can pick your transmit frequency and watch the receive side 
in a separate frame.  That is the way I would do PSK split.

Buck
k4ia


On 5/11/2011 5:49 PM, w...@w5ov.com wrote:
 At the risk of beating the same old expired equine, this is because the
 radio's SPLIT function is disabled unless you already have the other VFO
 and mode set in a way that allows you to go SPLIT. This is a bad thing and
 a flaw in the K3's operational logic.

 I have pointed out that this is a flaw previously, and yours is just
 another example that proves the point.

 The way it should work is that when you PRESS and HOLD SPLIT,

 ***AND *ONLY IF* both VFO's are NOT on the same band and mode***

 the radio should do a VFOA-VFOB and then enable SPLIT. Otherwise, if both
 VFOs are already on the same band and mode, it should only enable SPLIT
 without first making the VFOs equal.

 The error message that it won't allow SPLIT when the VFO and mode is
 different serves no useful purpose and is a waste of time. Talk about
 ergonomic overhead!

 73,

 Bob W5OV



 LU,

 Aaaahnow the light bulb has been energised...Grin

 Guess I better go listen around some more and yes I see the reason now.

 73's
 Gary - slow learner

 On 12 May 2011 02:03, Koss...@bellsouth.net  wrote:

 Joe, W4TV may have hit on the answer - both VFOs muct be in DATA A mode;
 I'll have to wait to get home to check this out. This of course wouldn't
 allow cross-mode operation, though I don't see that happening with these
 particular modes.

 I've seen two DX stations on PSK in the last two weeks using split mode
 -
 the latest was an A4 on PSK-63 this past weekend advertising he was
 listening 1-2 UP. He had a rather robust pileup going I can see the
 usefullness of this for DXpeditions that would choose to operate on PSK.

 Kos, N4NIA

   --
 *From:* Lu Romerolrom...@ij.net
 *To:* Gary Gregorygaryvk...@gmail.com; S Kosmetatos
 s...@bellsouth.net
 *Cc:* lrom...@ij.net; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 *Sent:* Wed, May 11, 2011 11:30:16 AM

 *Subject:* Re: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data mode

 I dont know either, Gary... Usually, when I operate PSK31, I
 use the computer, and since I dont use that mode too often
 either, I have never run into the need to run split.

 But it is a valid question... Why cant you set split in
 Digital mode PSK on the radio, yet you can set it for RTTY
 and AFSK...

 Seems to me it should make no difference to the radio.
 Maybe it has something to do with the firmware decoder for
 PSK31.

 -lu-w4lt-
 K3 # 3192

 - Original Message Follows -
 From: Gary Gregorygaryvk...@gmail.com
 To: S Kosmetatoss...@bellsouth.net
 Cc: lrom...@ij.net, elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data
 mode
 Date: Wed, 11 May 2011 14:08:16 +1000

 I am puzzled as to why split would be used in PSK-31???
 Given the mode it is, the band width used etc, etc..

 I have not come across stations operating split on PSK-31
 but then that is most likely my fault as I don't use that
 mode very often nowadays...:-)

 73's
 Gary

 On 11 May 2011 12:36, S Kosmetatoss...@bellsouth.net
 wrote:

 Hey guys,

 I was glad to see Luis' question on this as I ran into
 this issue as well using PSK over the weekend, and though
 HRD has a split mode, it wasn't as intuitive or as handy
 as just being able to invoke a split mode using the VFOs.

 Is this working as designed for this particular data mode
 , or am I too missing something in the configuration?

 Thanks,

 Kos, N4NIA



 -Original Message-
 From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
 [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of
 Luis V. Romero Sent: Sunday, May 08, 2011 12:20 PM
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data
 mode
 Hi all:

 A local friend brought this to my attention.

 Seems he is trying to set Split on PSK31 using the radio
 built in PSK31 keyer/decoder and terminal via RS232.
 When he tries to set Split, the radio
 tells him SPL N/A.

 I tried this, and I can set Split to function normally in
 RTTY, both AFSK and FSK, but I get the same indication
 when I try to set a Split using PSK 31.  Im not a digital
 mode person, but I do understand that you can do this
 sort of thing using a computer decoder.  My friend prefers
 not to use a computer, and really enjoys the internal PSK
 transmit/receive feature using the CW paddkes.

 He tells me the manual does not explain the issue.  He's
 right!
 He does not have a second receiver.  I do, and can work
 around the issue this way.  I can also work around the
 issue by using XIT, but it is cumbersome.

 Is this a firmware bug or is this normal?  What's the
 secret to setting split in PSK31?

 Thanks for the input!

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?

Joe,

325W @ 15W drive
410W @ 20W drive
490W @ 25W drive
510W @ 26W drive
530W @ 27W drive
560W @ 28W drive
580W @ 29W drive
600W @ 30W drive
630W @ 31W drive
650W @ 32W drive
675W @ 35W drive
690W @ 37W drive
700W @ 40W drive

Is this still about right for your calculations.

Gary

On 12 May 2011 08:18, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote:


 Adding gain calculation ...


   2W   =  30W   11.8 dB
   2.5W =  40W   12.0 dB
   3w   =  50w   12.2 dB
   3.5w =  60w   12.3 dB
   4w   =  70w   12.4 dB
   4.5w =  75w   12.2 dB
   5w   =  80w   12.0 dB
   5.5w =  90w   12.1 dB
   6w   = 100w   12.2 dB
   6.5w = 110w   12.3 dB
   7w   = 120w   12.3 dB
   7.5w = 130w   12.4 dB
   8w   = 150w   12.7 dB
   8.5w = 160w   12.7 dB
   9w   = 170w   12.8 dB
   9.5w = 180w   12.8 dB
   10w  = 190w   12.8 dB
   11w  = 200w   12.6 dB
   12w  = 225w   12.7 dB

 The numbers look about right including the decreased gain at low level
 (as expected).  Using 12.6/12.7 dB would indicate 33W drive for 600W
 out.  40W drive for 600W output would indicate ~1 dB of compression.

 73,

... Joe, W4TV

 On 5/11/2011 5:28 PM, Gary Gregory wrote:
  Stan,
 
  Allow some variation to antenna variations also.
 
  This on 15M, swr is 1.0:1
 
  2W = 30W out
  2.5W = 40W
  3w = 50w
  3.5w = 60w
  4w = 70w
  4.5w = 75w out
  5w = 80w
  5.5w  = 90w
  6w = 100w
  6.5w = 110w
  7w = 120w
  7.5w = 130w
  8w = 150w
  8.5w = 160w
  9w = 170w
  9.5w = 180w
  10w = 190w
  11w = 200w
  12w = 225w
 
  NOTE to ALL: This was not done with lab equipment or even a dummy load.
 This
  was measured  using a K3 and a tri-band yagi and a cw tone.
 
  Gary
 
  On 12 May 2011 07:13, Al Loronaalor...@sbcglobal.net  wrote:
 
  It's very easy to measure the 1-tone gain compression characteristics of
 an
  amplifier. The desired result is a graph of Pout vs. Pin, with Pin on
 the
  horizontal axis and Pout on the vertical.
 
  So what one needs to do is set Pin to the amp, and measure Pout into a
  dummy
  load. If you do this for several values of Pin, you'll be able to plot
 all
  of
  those measured points on the graph. It will look like a pretty straight
  line
  toward the lower Pin values, then it will flatten out (become more
  horizontal)
  as Pin (and Pout) get higher.
 
  The slope of the line is the gain of the amplifier.
 
  Very often the Pin values are 1 dB apart. One dB is about a 25% increase
 in
  power. Meaning that if you are measuring Pin in Watts, then you can set
 Pin
  to
  roughly the following values:
 
  1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 13 Watts, etc.,
 
  and measure the Pout at each value. The values should be converted to
 dBm
  before
  plotting. That's all there is to it.
 
  This is all done in CW mode. If you want to go further, you can go into
 SSB
  mode
  and apply two tones to the amp (which a K3 has the ability to do) and
 then
  look
  at the output of both the K3 and the KPA500 with a spectrum analyzer...
 but
  I'll
  leave that explanation for another day... or it can be found on the web.
 
  Al W6LX
  __
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-- 

VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile
Elecraft Equipment
K3 #679, KPA-500 #018
Living the dream!!!
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?

Joe,

Just to clarify, the last measurements were on 28.447.44 (a clear frequency
here at the moment), SWR is 1.1:1, tri-band yagi.

On 12 May 2011 08:40, Gary Gregory garyvk...@gmail.com wrote:

 Joe,

 325W @ 15W drive
 410W @ 20W drive
 490W @ 25W drive
 510W @ 26W drive
 530W @ 27W drive
 560W @ 28W drive
 580W @ 29W drive
 600W @ 30W drive
 630W @ 31W drive
 650W @ 32W drive
 675W @ 35W drive
 690W @ 37W drive
 700W @ 40W drive

 Is this still about right for your calculations.

 Gary


 On 12 May 2011 08:18, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote:


 Adding gain calculation ...


   2W   =  30W   11.8 dB
   2.5W =  40W   12.0 dB
   3w   =  50w   12.2 dB
   3.5w =  60w   12.3 dB
   4w   =  70w   12.4 dB
   4.5w =  75w   12.2 dB
   5w   =  80w   12.0 dB
   5.5w =  90w   12.1 dB
   6w   = 100w   12.2 dB
   6.5w = 110w   12.3 dB
   7w   = 120w   12.3 dB
   7.5w = 130w   12.4 dB
   8w   = 150w   12.7 dB
   8.5w = 160w   12.7 dB
   9w   = 170w   12.8 dB
   9.5w = 180w   12.8 dB
   10w  = 190w   12.8 dB
   11w  = 200w   12.6 dB
   12w  = 225w   12.7 dB

 The numbers look about right including the decreased gain at low level
 (as expected).  Using 12.6/12.7 dB would indicate 33W drive for 600W
 out.  40W drive for 600W output would indicate ~1 dB of compression.

 73,

... Joe, W4TV

 On 5/11/2011 5:28 PM, Gary Gregory wrote:
  Stan,
 
  Allow some variation to antenna variations also.
 
  This on 15M, swr is 1.0:1
 
  2W = 30W out
  2.5W = 40W
  3w = 50w
  3.5w = 60w
  4w = 70w
  4.5w = 75w out
  5w = 80w
  5.5w  = 90w
  6w = 100w
  6.5w = 110w
  7w = 120w
  7.5w = 130w
  8w = 150w
  8.5w = 160w
  9w = 170w
  9.5w = 180w
  10w = 190w
  11w = 200w
  12w = 225w
 
  NOTE to ALL: This was not done with lab equipment or even a dummy load.
 This
  was measured  using a K3 and a tri-band yagi and a cw tone.
 
  Gary
 
  On 12 May 2011 07:13, Al Loronaalor...@sbcglobal.net  wrote:
 
  It's very easy to measure the 1-tone gain compression characteristics
 of an
  amplifier. The desired result is a graph of Pout vs. Pin, with Pin on
 the
  horizontal axis and Pout on the vertical.
 
  So what one needs to do is set Pin to the amp, and measure Pout into a
  dummy
  load. If you do this for several values of Pin, you'll be able to plot
 all
  of
  those measured points on the graph. It will look like a pretty straight
  line
  toward the lower Pin values, then it will flatten out (become more
  horizontal)
  as Pin (and Pout) get higher.
 
  The slope of the line is the gain of the amplifier.
 
  Very often the Pin values are 1 dB apart. One dB is about a 25%
 increase in
  power. Meaning that if you are measuring Pin in Watts, then you can set
 Pin
  to
  roughly the following values:
 
  1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 13 Watts, etc.,
 
  and measure the Pout at each value. The values should be converted to
 dBm
  before
  plotting. That's all there is to it.
 
  This is all done in CW mode. If you want to go further, you can go into
 SSB
  mode
  and apply two tones to the amp (which a K3 has the ability to do) and
 then
  look
  at the output of both the K3 and the KPA500 with a spectrum analyzer...
 but
  I'll
  leave that explanation for another day... or it can be found on the
 web.
 
  Al W6LX
  __
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 --

 VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile
 Elecraft Equipment
 K3 #679, KPA-500 #018
 Living the dream!!!




-- 

VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile
Elecraft Equipment
K3 #679, KPA-500 #018
Living the dream!!!
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?

The RFsensing on the K3 is a real trick. The frst 'dit' may suffer a mild
truncation on band change, but this only happens if you don't press a band
button prior to transmitting.

Low power band changing does occur with 1W on CW. Tested it just now with a
band change from 10M to 15M

Maybe this is of help?

Gary

On 12 May 2011 08:41, Gary Gregory garyvk...@gmail.com wrote:

 Joe,

 Just to clarify, the last measurements were on 28.447.44 (a clear frequency
 here at the moment), SWR is 1.1:1, tri-band yagi.


 On 12 May 2011 08:40, Gary Gregory garyvk...@gmail.com wrote:

 Joe,

 325W @ 15W drive
 410W @ 20W drive
 490W @ 25W drive
 510W @ 26W drive
 530W @ 27W drive
 560W @ 28W drive
 580W @ 29W drive
 600W @ 30W drive
 630W @ 31W drive
 650W @ 32W drive
 675W @ 35W drive
 690W @ 37W drive
 700W @ 40W drive

 Is this still about right for your calculations.

 Gary


 On 12 May 2011 08:18, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote:


 Adding gain calculation ...


   2W   =  30W   11.8 dB
   2.5W =  40W   12.0 dB
   3w   =  50w   12.2 dB
   3.5w =  60w   12.3 dB
   4w   =  70w   12.4 dB
   4.5w =  75w   12.2 dB
   5w   =  80w   12.0 dB
   5.5w =  90w   12.1 dB
   6w   = 100w   12.2 dB
   6.5w = 110w   12.3 dB
   7w   = 120w   12.3 dB
   7.5w = 130w   12.4 dB
   8w   = 150w   12.7 dB
   8.5w = 160w   12.7 dB
   9w   = 170w   12.8 dB
   9.5w = 180w   12.8 dB
   10w  = 190w   12.8 dB
   11w  = 200w   12.6 dB
   12w  = 225w   12.7 dB

 The numbers look about right including the decreased gain at low level
 (as expected).  Using 12.6/12.7 dB would indicate 33W drive for 600W
 out.  40W drive for 600W output would indicate ~1 dB of compression.

 73,

... Joe, W4TV

 On 5/11/2011 5:28 PM, Gary Gregory wrote:
  Stan,
 
  Allow some variation to antenna variations also.
 
  This on 15M, swr is 1.0:1
 
  2W = 30W out
  2.5W = 40W
  3w = 50w
  3.5w = 60w
  4w = 70w
  4.5w = 75w out
  5w = 80w
  5.5w  = 90w
  6w = 100w
  6.5w = 110w
  7w = 120w
  7.5w = 130w
  8w = 150w
  8.5w = 160w
  9w = 170w
  9.5w = 180w
  10w = 190w
  11w = 200w
  12w = 225w
 
  NOTE to ALL: This was not done with lab equipment or even a dummy load.
 This
  was measured  using a K3 and a tri-band yagi and a cw tone.
 
  Gary
 
  On 12 May 2011 07:13, Al Loronaalor...@sbcglobal.net  wrote:
 
  It's very easy to measure the 1-tone gain compression characteristics
 of an
  amplifier. The desired result is a graph of Pout vs. Pin, with Pin on
 the
  horizontal axis and Pout on the vertical.
 
  So what one needs to do is set Pin to the amp, and measure Pout into a
  dummy
  load. If you do this for several values of Pin, you'll be able to plot
 all
  of
  those measured points on the graph. It will look like a pretty
 straight
  line
  toward the lower Pin values, then it will flatten out (become more
  horizontal)
  as Pin (and Pout) get higher.
 
  The slope of the line is the gain of the amplifier.
 
  Very often the Pin values are 1 dB apart. One dB is about a 25%
 increase in
  power. Meaning that if you are measuring Pin in Watts, then you can
 set Pin
  to
  roughly the following values:
 
  1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 13 Watts, etc.,
 
  and measure the Pout at each value. The values should be converted to
 dBm
  before
  plotting. That's all there is to it.
 
  This is all done in CW mode. If you want to go further, you can go
 into SSB
  mode
  and apply two tones to the amp (which a K3 has the ability to do) and
 then
  look
  at the output of both the K3 and the KPA500 with a spectrum
 analyzer... but
  I'll
  leave that explanation for another day... or it can be found on the
 web.
 
  Al W6LX
  __
  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
 
 
 
 
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 Elecraft mailing list
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 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




 --

 VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile
 Elecraft Equipment
 K3 #679, KPA-500 #018
 Living the dream!!!




 --

 VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile
 Elecraft Equipment
 K3 #679, KPA-500 #018
 Living the dream!!!




-- 

VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile
Elecraft Equipment
K3 #679, KPA-500 #018
Living the dream!!!
__
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[Elecraft] KPA500 - linear power supply

2011-05-11 Thread Johnny Siu

Hello George,
 
From my reading of all the replies both on and off-the-list, the main reasons 
are:
 
1.  it is cheaper to use linear PSU so that the price of KPA500 should be 
competitive;
2.  maintenance and repair will be easier for a linear PSU;
3.  RFI is so often found in the switching PSU
 
I put this question up in the reflector because I find ICPW-1, VL1000 and TL933 
are all using switching PSU.  I think items 1  2 above have explained the 
reason of using linear PSU in KPA500.
 
Voltage fluctuation in the AC mains will affect the linearity of the PSU in 
KPA500.  However, this will not border me because the reliability of AC power 
supply in Hong Kong is over 99.9%.  We have never suffered from any power 
interruption in the past years.
 
See you all next week in Dayton.  

TNX  73,


Johnny VR2XMC

從︰ george fritkin georgefrit...@yahoo.com
收件人︰ Elecraft Reflector elecraft@mailman.qth.net
傳送日期︰ 2011年05月12日 (週四) 12:16 AM
主題︰ Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 - linear power supply

I can not believe hams who do not want switching mode supplies in their shack.  
This precludes the use of a computer in the shack.  It also means no TVs, 
printers, and a host of other products.  There is also a false notion that so 
called linear supplies do not cause RFI.  Study Dirac's delta function and you 
will understand why they can.
Love my two K3s
George, W6GF



--- On Wed, 5/11/11, Al Lorona alor...@sbcglobal.net wrote:

From: Al Lorona alor...@sbcglobal.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA500 - linear power supply
To: 
Date: Wednesday, May 11, 2011, 9:04 AM

One of the inviolable rules in the W6LX shack is: NO SWITCHING POWER SUPPLIES.

Not to make an incendiary statement, but *all* of them generate RFI. Many 
people 
will tell you that they've never heard RFI from their switching power supplies, 
but often it's just because they don't know what it sounds like or they haven't 
tuned across the right frequency. 


Why raise the noise floor by even half a dB if you can help it?

Nothing beats a old-fashioned, big, beefy, and quiet linear power supply.

Al  W6LX
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Re: [Elecraft] XV432 Oscillates with Amp connected

2011-05-11 Thread Colin VE3MSC


Stu - Three more suggestions:
- remove the paint along the inside edges of the box where the lids 
meet the box sides and the C shaped front/back panels, and remove the 
paint under the screw heads (I used a dremel bit to grind a nice 
circle under the head).
  - try increasing the PA Bias a bit, so that you are reading 30-40mV 
instead of 20mV at the test points TP3/4. Gary S suggested this.
- replace the grey heatsink thermal pads with Thermalcote conductive 
heatsink grease.  In my case, this stabilized the power output over 
time, as well as improved the output instability.

I also had done the PCBoard mod to ground top/bottom sides near the 
relay down in front, suggested by someone else.

I was able to work a handful for the spring sprint - including Steve 
VE3SMA - as a result of these changes.

Good luck
Colin Haig VE3MSC

At 07:19 PM 2011-05-10, Stu2 wrote:
Thanks guys!

It's quite weird. When I say key up, I mean activate the XV432 PTT with
the rig (exciter) in CW mode without pressing the CW key.  That is, no
RF goes into the transverter. Just the simple fact of keying the
transverter while it is connected to something other than a 50 Ohm load
seems to set up an oscillation.

Several people have suggested a pad. The output of the XV432 is a low
pass pi circuit. Since I don't want to reduce the RX gain, it would seem
this either needs to be in the amp's TX chain or the XV432's TX chain.
(i.e. before the TR relay)

After I wrote my first message, I installed an SWR meter between the
XV432 and amp so I could adjust the Henry for the best SWR.
Unfortunately, this didn't cure the problem. The XV432 still oscillated.
I have another amp I can try. I also have a TS2000 to try to help set
the amp up.

Thanks again for the ideas.

Stu2
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Re: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data mode

2011-05-11 Thread Lu Romero

Umm, Bob:

BOTH VFO's *are* in DIGITAL D/PSK31.  The radio still wont
do split in PSK31 mode.

Methinks its in the intrnal PSK31 Decoder DSP functionality,
as Joe W4TV mentions. 

I bet you used to be an Icom user.  :)

-lu-w4lt-
K3 #3192
 



- Original Message Follows -
From: w...@w5ov.com
To: Gary Gregory garyvk...@gmail.com
Cc: Kos s...@bellsouth.net, elecraft@mailman.qth.net,
lrom...@ij.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data
mode
Date: Wed, 11 May 2011 17:49:42 -0400

At the risk of beating the same old expired equine, this is
because the radio's SPLIT function is disabled unless you
already have the other VFO and mode set in a way that
allows you to go SPLIT. This is a bad thing and a flaw in
the K3's operational logic.

I have pointed out that this is a flaw previously, and
yours is just another example that proves the point.

The way it should work is that when you PRESS and HOLD
SPLIT,

***AND *ONLY IF* both VFO's are NOT on the same band and
mode***

the radio should do a VFOA-VFOB and then enable SPLIT.
Otherwise, if both VFOs are already on the same band and
mode, it should only enable SPLIT without first making the
VFOs equal.

The error message that it won't allow SPLIT when the VFO
and mode is different serves no useful purpose and is a
waste of time. Talk about ergonomic overhead!

73,

Bob W5OV



 LU,

 Aaaahnow the light bulb has been energised...Grin

 Guess I better go listen around some more and yes I see
the reason now. 
 73's
 Gary - slow learner

 On 12 May 2011 02:03, Kos s...@bellsouth.net wrote:

 Joe, W4TV may have hit on the answer - both VFOs muct be
 in DATA A mode; I'll have to wait to get home to check
 this out. This of course wouldn't allow cross-mode
 operation, though I don't see that happening with these
particular modes. 
 I've seen two DX stations on PSK in the last two weeks
 using split mode -
 the latest was an A4 on PSK-63 this past weekend
 advertising he was listening 1-2 UP. He had a rather
 robust pileup going I can see the usefullness of
this for DXpeditions that would choose to operate on PSK.
 Kos, N4NIA

  --
 *From:* Lu Romero lrom...@ij.net
 *To:* Gary Gregory garyvk...@gmail.com; S Kosmetatos
 s...@bellsouth.net
 

 *Cc:* lrom...@ij.net; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 *Sent:* Wed, May 11, 2011 11:30:16 AM

 *Subject:* Re: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31
Data mode 
 I dont know either, Gary... Usually, when I operate
 PSK31, I use the computer, and since I dont use that
 mode too often either, I have never run into the need to
run split. 
 But it is a valid question... Why cant you set split in
 Digital mode PSK on the radio, yet you can set it for
 RTTY and AFSK...

 Seems to me it should make no difference to the radio.
 Maybe it has something to do with the firmware decoder
 for PSK31.

 -lu-w4lt-
 K3 # 3192

 - Original Message Follows -
 From: Gary Gregory garyvk...@gmail.com
 To: S Kosmetatos s...@bellsouth.net
 Cc: lrom...@ij.net, elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31
 Data mode
 Date: Wed, 11 May 2011 14:08:16 +1000

 I am puzzled as to why split would be used in PSK-31???
 Given the mode it is, the band width used etc,
 etc.. 
 I have not come across stations operating split on
 PSK-31 but then that is most likely my fault as I don't
 use that mode very often nowadays...:-)
 
 73's
 Gary
 
 On 11 May 2011 12:36, S Kosmetatos s...@bellsouth.net
 wrote:
 
  Hey guys,
 
  I was glad to see Luis' question on this as I ran
  into this issue as well using PSK over the weekend,
  and though HRD has a split mode, it wasn't as
  intuitive or as handy as just being able to invoke a
 split mode using the VFOs. 
  Is this working as designed for this particular data
  mode , or am I too missing something in the
 configuration? 
  Thanks,
 
  Kos, N4NIA
 
 
 
  -Original Message-
  From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net
  [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf
  Of Luis V. Romero Sent: Sunday, May 08, 2011 12:20 PM
  To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
  Subject: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31
 Data mode
  Hi all:
 
  A local friend brought this to my attention.
 
  Seems he is trying to set Split on PSK31 using the
  radio built in PSK31 keyer/decoder and terminal via
  RS232. When he tries to set Split, the radio
  tells him SPL N/A.
 
  I tried this, and I can set Split to function
  normally in RTTY, both AFSK and FSK, but I get the
  same indication when I try to set a Split using PSK
  31.  Im not a digital mode person, but I do
 understand that you can do this sort of thing using a
  computer decoder.  My friend prefers not to use a
  computer, and really enjoys the internal PSK
 transmit/receive feature using the CW paddkes. 
  He tells me the manual does not explain the issue. 
 He's right!
  He does not have a second receiver.  I do, and can
  work around the issue this way.  I can also work

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?


Adding the calculations below ... it's obvious that a lot of
care went into the design - the gain is flat +/- 0.2 dB from
8 to 35W in (150 to 650W out).  The 1 dB compression point
looks to be somewhere above 700W.

I don't think I would make a habit of running the KPA-500 at
less than 150 W or more than 650 W given that IMD tends to
increase significantly at the 1 dB compression limits.

73,

... Joe, W4TV

On 5/11/2011 6:40 PM, Gary Gregory wrote:
 Joe,

 325W @ 15W drive   13.4 dB
 410W @ 20W drive   13.1 dB
 490W @ 25W drive   12.9 dB
 510W @ 26W drive   12.9 dB
 530W @ 27W drive   12.9 dB
 560W @ 28W drive   13.0 dB
 580W @ 29W drive   13.0 dB
 600W @ 30W drive   13.0 dB
 630W @ 31W drive   13.1 dB
 650W @ 32W drive   13.1 dB
 675W @ 35W drive   12.9 dB
 690W @ 37W drive   12.7 dB
 700W @ 40W drive   12.4 dB

 Is this still about right for your calculations.

 Gary

 On 12 May 2011 08:18, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com
 mailto:li...@subich.com wrote:


 Adding gain calculation ...


   2W   =  30W   11.8 dB
   2.5W =  40W   12.0 dB
   3w   =  50w   12.2 dB
   3.5w =  60w   12.3 dB
   4w   =  70w   12.4 dB
   4.5w =  75w   12.2 dB
   5w   =  80w   12.0 dB
   5.5w =  90w   12.1 dB
   6w   = 100w   12.2 dB
   6.5w = 110w   12.3 dB
   7w   = 120w   12.3 dB
   7.5w = 130w   12.4 dB
   8w   = 150w   12.7 dB
   8.5w = 160w   12.7 dB
   9w   = 170w   12.8 dB
   9.5w = 180w   12.8 dB
   10w  = 190w   12.8 dB
   11w  = 200w   12.6 dB
   12w  = 225w   12.7 dB

 The numbers look about right including the decreased gain at low level
 (as expected).  Using 12.6/12.7 dB would indicate 33W drive for 600W
 out.  40W drive for 600W output would indicate ~1 dB of compression.

 73,

 ... Joe, W4TV

 On 5/11/2011 5:28 PM, Gary Gregory wrote:
   Stan,
  
   Allow some variation to antenna variations also.
  
   This on 15M, swr is 1.0:1
  
   2W = 30W out
   2.5W = 40W
   3w = 50w
   3.5w = 60w
   4w = 70w
   4.5w = 75w out
   5w = 80w
   5.5w  = 90w
   6w = 100w
   6.5w = 110w
   7w = 120w
   7.5w = 130w
   8w = 150w
   8.5w = 160w
   9w = 170w
   9.5w = 180w
   10w = 190w
   11w = 200w
   12w = 225w
  
   NOTE to ALL: This was not done with lab equipment or even a dummy
 load. This
   was measured  using a K3 and a tri-band yagi and a cw tone.
  
   Gary
  
   On 12 May 2011 07:13, Al Loronaalor...@sbcglobal.net
 mailto:alor...@sbcglobal.net  wrote:
  
   It's very easy to measure the 1-tone gain compression
 characteristics of an
   amplifier. The desired result is a graph of Pout vs. Pin, with
 Pin on the
   horizontal axis and Pout on the vertical.
  
   So what one needs to do is set Pin to the amp, and measure Pout
 into a
   dummy
   load. If you do this for several values of Pin, you'll be able
 to plot all
   of
   those measured points on the graph. It will look like a pretty
 straight
   line
   toward the lower Pin values, then it will flatten out (become more
   horizontal)
   as Pin (and Pout) get higher.
  
   The slope of the line is the gain of the amplifier.
  
   Very often the Pin values are 1 dB apart. One dB is about a 25%
 increase in
   power. Meaning that if you are measuring Pin in Watts, then you
 can set Pin
   to
   roughly the following values:
  
   1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 13 Watts, etc.,
  
   and measure the Pout at each value. The values should be
 converted to dBm
   before
   plotting. That's all there is to it.
  
   This is all done in CW mode. If you want to go further, you can
 go into SSB
   mode
   and apply two tones to the amp (which a K3 has the ability to
 do) and then
   look
   at the output of both the K3 and the KPA500 with a spectrum
 analyzer... but
   I'll
   leave that explanation for another day... or it can be found on
 the web.
  
   Al W6LX
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 Please help support

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?

I imported Gary's measured data to analyze it. It's a little bit difficult, 
because I'm just using a graphical method (a.k.a. 'eyeballing')  to try and 
find 
the 1 dB compression point, but it is only compressed about 0.6 dB at Gary's 
highest power point. I estimate, if we extrapolate out a little bit, that the 
1dB point is at about 45 W input power (at approx. 700 W output). One of the 
obvious sources of error, if you plot the data, is the linearity of Gary's 
power 
meter, but anyway that's what a first cut at it looks like.

Al  W6LX





From: Gary Gregory garyvk...@gmail.com
To: Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Sent: Wed, May 11, 2011 3:46:57 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?

The RFsensing on the K3 is a real trick. The frst 'dit' may suffer a mild
truncation on band change, but this only happens if you don't press a band
button prior to transmitting.

Low power band changing does occur with 1W on CW. Tested it just now with a
band change from 10M to 15M

Maybe this is of help?

Gary

On 12 May 2011 08:41, Gary Gregory garyvk...@gmail.com wrote:

 Joe,

 Just to clarify, the last measurements were on 28.447.44 (a clear frequency
 here at the moment), SWR is 1.1:1, tri-band yagi.


 On 12 May 2011 08:40, Gary Gregory garyvk...@gmail.com wrote:

 Joe,

 325W @ 15W drive
 410W @ 20W drive
 490W @ 25W drive
 510W @ 26W drive
 530W @ 27W drive
 560W @ 28W drive
 580W @ 29W drive
 600W @ 30W drive
 630W @ 31W drive
 650W @ 32W drive
 675W @ 35W drive
 690W @ 37W drive
 700W @ 40W drive

 Is this still about right for your calculations.

 Gary


 On 12 May 2011 08:18, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote:


 Adding gain calculation ...


   2W  =  30W  11.8 dB
   2.5W =  40W  12.0 dB
   3w  =  50w  12.2 dB
   3.5w =  60w  12.3 dB
   4w  =  70w  12.4 dB
   4.5w =  75w  12.2 dB
   5w  =  80w  12.0 dB
   5.5w =  90w  12.1 dB
   6w  = 100w  12.2 dB
   6.5w = 110w  12.3 dB
   7w  = 120w  12.3 dB
   7.5w = 130w  12.4 dB
   8w  = 150w  12.7 dB
   8.5w = 160w  12.7 dB
   9w  = 170w  12.8 dB
   9.5w = 180w  12.8 dB
   10w  = 190w  12.8 dB
   11w  = 200w  12.6 dB
   12w  = 225w  12.7 dB

 The numbers look about right including the decreased gain at low level
 (as expected).  Using 12.6/12.7 dB would indicate 33W drive for 600W
 out.  40W drive for 600W output would indicate ~1 dB of compression.

 73,

    ... Joe, W4TV

 On 5/11/2011 5:28 PM, Gary Gregory wrote:
  Stan,
 
  Allow some variation to antenna variations also.
 
  This on 15M, swr is 1.0:1
 
  2W = 30W out
  2.5W = 40W
  3w = 50w
  3.5w = 60w
  4w = 70w
  4.5w = 75w out
  5w = 80w
  5.5w  = 90w
  6w = 100w
  6.5w = 110w
  7w = 120w
  7.5w = 130w
  8w = 150w
  8.5w = 160w
  9w = 170w
  9.5w = 180w
  10w = 190w
  11w = 200w
  12w = 225w
 
  NOTE to ALL: This was not done with lab equipment or even a dummy load.
 This
  was measured  using a K3 and a tri-band yagi and a cw tone.
 
  Gary
 
  On 12 May 2011 07:13, Al Loronaalor...@sbcglobal.net  wrote:
 
  It's very easy to measure the 1-tone gain compression characteristics
 of an
  amplifier. The desired result is a graph of Pout vs. Pin, with Pin on
 the
  horizontal axis and Pout on the vertical.
 
  So what one needs to do is set Pin to the amp, and measure Pout into a
  dummy
  load. If you do this for several values of Pin, you'll be able to plot
 all
  of
  those measured points on the graph. It will look like a pretty
 straight
  line
  toward the lower Pin values, then it will flatten out (become more
  horizontal)
  as Pin (and Pout) get higher.
 
  The slope of the line is the gain of the amplifier.
 
  Very often the Pin values are 1 dB apart. One dB is about a 25%
 increase in
  power. Meaning that if you are measuring Pin in Watts, then you can
 set Pin
  to
  roughly the following values:
 
  1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 13 Watts, etc.,
 
  and measure the Pout at each value. The values should be converted to
 dBm
  before
  plotting. That's all there is to it.
 
  This is all done in CW mode. If you want to go further, you can go
 into SSB
  mode
  and apply two tones to the amp (which a K3 has the ability to do) and
 then
  look
  at the output of both the K3 and the KPA500 with a spectrum
 analyzer... but
  I'll
  leave that explanation for another day... or it can be found on the
 web.
 
  Al W6LX
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Re: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data mode

2011-05-11 Thread Wayne Burdick

 BOTH VFO's *are* in DIGITAL D/PSK31.  The radio still won't do split  
 in PSK31 mode.

Hi Luis,

At present the K3 firmware won't allow split in PSK-D mode. It's  
possible for me to add this, but there are several internal  
complications to deal with. Since there have been very few requests  
for PSK-D/Split, it's pretty far down on the task list. Sorry about  
that.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?

Al,

Output was measured using the KPA FW which has proven to be very accurate so
far in FT units.

Gary

On 12 May 2011 10:10, Al Lorona alor...@sbcglobal.net wrote:

 I imported Gary's measured data to analyze it. It's a little bit difficult,
 because I'm just using a graphical method (a.k.a. 'eyeballing')  to try and
 find
 the 1 dB compression point, but it is only compressed about 0.6 dB at
 Gary's
 highest power point. I estimate, if we extrapolate out a little bit, that
 the
 1dB point is at about 45 W input power (at approx. 700 W output). One of
 the
 obvious sources of error, if you plot the data, is the linearity of Gary's
 power
 meter, but anyway that's what a first cut at it looks like.

 Al  W6LX




 
 From: Gary Gregory garyvk...@gmail.com
 To: Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com
 Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Sent: Wed, May 11, 2011 3:46:57 PM
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?

 The RFsensing on the K3 is a real trick. The frst 'dit' may suffer a mild
 truncation on band change, but this only happens if you don't press a band
 button prior to transmitting.

 Low power band changing does occur with 1W on CW. Tested it just now with a
 band change from 10M to 15M

 Maybe this is of help?

 Gary

 On 12 May 2011 08:41, Gary Gregory garyvk...@gmail.com wrote:

  Joe,
 
  Just to clarify, the last measurements were on 28.447.44 (a clear
 frequency
  here at the moment), SWR is 1.1:1, tri-band yagi.
 
 
  On 12 May 2011 08:40, Gary Gregory garyvk...@gmail.com wrote:
 
  Joe,
 
  325W @ 15W drive
  410W @ 20W drive
  490W @ 25W drive
  510W @ 26W drive
  530W @ 27W drive
  560W @ 28W drive
  580W @ 29W drive
  600W @ 30W drive
  630W @ 31W drive
  650W @ 32W drive
  675W @ 35W drive
  690W @ 37W drive
  700W @ 40W drive
 
  Is this still about right for your calculations.
 
  Gary
 
 
  On 12 May 2011 08:18, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote:
 
 
  Adding gain calculation ...
 
 
2W  =  30W  11.8 dB
2.5W =  40W  12.0 dB
3w  =  50w  12.2 dB
3.5w =  60w  12.3 dB
4w  =  70w  12.4 dB
4.5w =  75w  12.2 dB
5w  =  80w  12.0 dB
5.5w =  90w  12.1 dB
6w  = 100w  12.2 dB
6.5w = 110w  12.3 dB
7w  = 120w  12.3 dB
7.5w = 130w  12.4 dB
8w  = 150w  12.7 dB
8.5w = 160w  12.7 dB
9w  = 170w  12.8 dB
9.5w = 180w  12.8 dB
10w  = 190w  12.8 dB
11w  = 200w  12.6 dB
12w  = 225w  12.7 dB
 
  The numbers look about right including the decreased gain at low level
  (as expected).  Using 12.6/12.7 dB would indicate 33W drive for 600W
  out.  40W drive for 600W output would indicate ~1 dB of compression.
 
  73,
 
 ... Joe, W4TV
 
  On 5/11/2011 5:28 PM, Gary Gregory wrote:
   Stan,
  
   Allow some variation to antenna variations also.
  
   This on 15M, swr is 1.0:1
  
   2W = 30W out
   2.5W = 40W
   3w = 50w
   3.5w = 60w
   4w = 70w
   4.5w = 75w out
   5w = 80w
   5.5w  = 90w
   6w = 100w
   6.5w = 110w
   7w = 120w
   7.5w = 130w
   8w = 150w
   8.5w = 160w
   9w = 170w
   9.5w = 180w
   10w = 190w
   11w = 200w
   12w = 225w
  
   NOTE to ALL: This was not done with lab equipment or even a dummy
 load.
  This
   was measured  using a K3 and a tri-band yagi and a cw tone.
  
   Gary
  
   On 12 May 2011 07:13, Al Loronaalor...@sbcglobal.net  wrote:
  
   It's very easy to measure the 1-tone gain compression
 characteristics
  of an
   amplifier. The desired result is a graph of Pout vs. Pin, with Pin
 on
  the
   horizontal axis and Pout on the vertical.
  
   So what one needs to do is set Pin to the amp, and measure Pout into
 a
   dummy
   load. If you do this for several values of Pin, you'll be able to
 plot
  all
   of
   those measured points on the graph. It will look like a pretty
  straight
   line
   toward the lower Pin values, then it will flatten out (become more
   horizontal)
   as Pin (and Pout) get higher.
  
   The slope of the line is the gain of the amplifier.
  
   Very often the Pin values are 1 dB apart. One dB is about a 25%
  increase in
   power. Meaning that if you are measuring Pin in Watts, then you can
  set Pin
   to
   roughly the following values:
  
   1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 13 Watts, etc.,
  
   and measure the Pout at each value. The values should be converted
 to
  dBm
   before
   plotting. That's all there is to it.
  
   This is all done in CW mode. If you want to go further, you can go
  into SSB
   mode
   and apply two tones to the amp (which a K3 has the ability to do)
 and
  then
   look
   at the output of both the K3 and the KPA500 with a spectrum
  analyzer... but
   I'll
   leave that explanation for another day... or it can be found on the
  web.
  
   Al W6LX
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   Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
   Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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Re: [Elecraft] K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data mode

2011-05-11 Thread Luis V. Romero

Thanks, that is what I now surmised.  No problem, dont break anything to fix
this.  I will pass it along to my friend Frank who uses PSK31 Digital D a
lot (I dont).  I served him some KoolAde a year or so ago and coverted him
from TenTec.  :) 

See you in Dayton!

-lu-w4lt-
K3 # 3192

 -Original Message-
 From: Wayne Burdick [mailto:n...@elecraft.com] 
 Sent: Wednesday, May 11, 2011 8:12 PM
 To: lrom...@ij.net
 Cc: w...@w5ov.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: Re: K3: How to set Split in PSK31 Data mode
 
  BOTH VFO's *are* in DIGITAL D/PSK31.  The radio still won't 
 do split 
  in PSK31 mode.
 
 Hi Luis,
 
 At present the K3 firmware won't allow split in PSK-D mode. 
 It's possible for me to add this, but there are several 
 internal complications to deal with. Since there have been 
 very few requests for PSK-D/Split, it's pretty far down on 
 the task list. Sorry about that.
 
 73,
 Wayne
 N6KR
 

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[Elecraft] K3 Interfacing with MFJ-1026 Noise Canceling Unit

2011-05-11 Thread Steve Ellington

Follow this link to how I hooked up the MFJ-1026 to eliminate plasma tv and 
other noise.
Note there are 2 photos. You can enlarge them by clicking Full Size below the 
photo. 
http://n4lq.webs.com/apps/photos/photo?photoid=125573648

Always keep in mindIf your noise pickkup antenna can't pickup the noise 
then you can't phase out the noise! 

Steve
N4LQ
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Re: [Elecraft] Power Supply For K3?

2011-05-11 Thread Phil Kane

On 5/11/2011 12:24 PM, Dick Dievendorff wrote:

 Some equipment needs to be in view and some can be on the
 floor...

  On the floor I have a 60A Precision Dynamics charger/supply
  floating two Trojan 27AGM batteries (~200 AH) installed
  outdoors and connected with 4 AWG cables, a 1500 VA UPS for the
  computer equipment, and a smaller UPS for the telephone system.
  The PD charger/supply comes from the world of RV power, and
  picks up the full load even if the batteries fail.

  On the power panel above the operating desk, there's a
  low-voltage cut-off relay and two battery boosters each
  feeding a bank of 8-12V DC circuit breakers rated for marine
  use.  Digital metering is provided for battery charge/discharge
  current, bus voltage, and output voltage of each battery
  booster.  Internal wiring on the power panel is 8 AWG with all
  connections properly crimped per industry standards.  This
  custom panel was designed by myself with the assistance of our
  firm's communication site DC power distribution specialist, a
  nationally recognized expert in that field.

  In the operating console are my K2/100 plus an assorted
  collection of VHF/UHF transceivers, HF receivers, VHF/UHF
  scanners, TNCs, and assorted accessories.  Works quite well.

--  73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
Elecraft K2/100   s/n 5402

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Re: [Elecraft] Power Supply For K3?

2011-05-11 Thread Phil Kane

On 5/11/2011 12:24 PM, Dick Dievendorff wrote:

 Some equipment needs to be in view and some can be on the
 floor...

  On the floor I have a 60A Precision Dynamics charger/supply
  floating two Trojan 27AGM batteries (~80 AH each) installed
  outdoors and connected with 4 AWG cables, a 1500 VA UPS for the
  computer equipment, and a smaller UPS for the telephone system.
  The PD charger/supply comes from the world of RV power, and
  picks up the full load even if the batteries fail.

  On the power panel above the operating desk, there's a
  low-voltage cut-off relay and two battery boosters each
  feeding a bank of 8-12V DC circuit breakers rated for marine
  use.  Digital metering is provided for battery charge/discharge
  current, bus voltage, and output voltage of each battery
  booster.  Internal wiring on the power panel is 8 AWG with all
  connections properly crimped per industry standards.  This
  custom panel was designed by myself with the assistance of our
  firm's communication site DC power distribution specialist, a
  nationally recognized expert in that field.

  In the operating console are my K2/100 plus an assorted
  collection of VHF/UHF transceivers, HF receivers, VHF/UHF
  scanners, TNCs, and assorted accessories.

  With the exception of the K2/100, all equipment is powered up
  24/7 and the setup runs well with no overheating.  I have
  never detected any RF hash from it.

--  73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
Elecraft K2/100   s/n 5402

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Re: [Elecraft] Power Supply For K3?

PowerWerx SS-30DV...going strong, switcher, is hammered everyday for a
minimum of 12 hours and also runs the 2M Poverty Pack Radio from
Yucksu...:-)

YMMV of course

Gary

On 12 May 2011 12:17, Phil Kane k2...@kanafi.org wrote:

 On 5/11/2011 12:24 PM, Dick Dievendorff wrote:

  Some equipment needs to be in view and some can be on the
  floor...

  On the floor I have a 60A Precision Dynamics charger/supply
   floating two Trojan 27AGM batteries (~80 AH each) installed
   outdoors and connected with 4 AWG cables, a 1500 VA UPS for the
  computer equipment, and a smaller UPS for the telephone system.
  The PD charger/supply comes from the world of RV power, and
  picks up the full load even if the batteries fail.

  On the power panel above the operating desk, there's a
  low-voltage cut-off relay and two battery boosters each
  feeding a bank of 8-12V DC circuit breakers rated for marine
  use.  Digital metering is provided for battery charge/discharge
  current, bus voltage, and output voltage of each battery
  booster.  Internal wiring on the power panel is 8 AWG with all
  connections properly crimped per industry standards.  This
  custom panel was designed by myself with the assistance of our
  firm's communication site DC power distribution specialist, a
  nationally recognized expert in that field.

  In the operating console are my K2/100 plus an assorted
  collection of VHF/UHF transceivers, HF receivers, VHF/UHF
  scanners, TNCs, and assorted accessories.

   With the exception of the K2/100, all equipment is powered up
  24/7 and the setup runs well with no overheating.  I have
  never detected any RF hash from it.

 --  73 de K2ASP - Phil Kane
Elecraft K2/100   s/n 5402

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VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile
Elecraft Equipment
K3 #679, KPA-500 #018
Living the dream!!!
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?

Adding a power gain and rounding to nearest two digit integer,
considering accuracy of measuring device (rarely more than two
significant digits), it is safe to say  that the amplifier keeps its
linearity to 650 watts.  The variability at 325 and 410 is most likely
the measuring instrument's  issues at lower powers.

The linearity at the top PEP level is the most important, as squaring
at that level will produce the most distortion energy.  Really quite
good.

.  Power Ratio

325W @ 15W drive   21.67  22
410W @ 20W drive   20.50  21
490W @ 25W drive   19.67  20
510W @ 26W drive   19.61  20
530W @ 27W drive   19.63  20
560W @ 28W drive   20.00  20
580W @ 29W drive   20.00  20
600W @ 30W drive   20.00  20
630W @ 31W drive   20.32  20
650W @ 32W drive   20.31  20
675W @ 35W drive   19.29  19
690W @ 37W drive   18.65  19
700W @ 40W drive   17.50  18


On Wed, May 11, 2011 at 6:40 PM, Gary Gregory garyvk...@gmail.com wrote:
 Joe,

 325W @ 15W drive
 410W @ 20W drive
 490W @ 25W drive
 510W @ 26W drive
 530W @ 27W drive
 560W @ 28W drive
 580W @ 29W drive
 600W @ 30W drive
 630W @ 31W drive
 650W @ 32W drive
 675W @ 35W drive
 690W @ 37W drive
 700W @ 40W drive

 Is this still about right for your calculations.

 Gary

 On 12 May 2011 08:18, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote:


 Adding gain calculation ...


   2W   =  30W   11.8 dB
   2.5W =  40W   12.0 dB
   3w   =  50w   12.2 dB
   3.5w =  60w   12.3 dB
   4w   =  70w   12.4 dB
   4.5w =  75w   12.2 dB
   5w   =  80w   12.0 dB
   5.5w =  90w   12.1 dB
   6w   = 100w   12.2 dB
   6.5w = 110w   12.3 dB
   7w   = 120w   12.3 dB
   7.5w = 130w   12.4 dB
   8w   = 150w   12.7 dB
   8.5w = 160w   12.7 dB
   9w   = 170w   12.8 dB
   9.5w = 180w   12.8 dB
   10w  = 190w   12.8 dB
   11w  = 200w   12.6 dB
   12w  = 225w   12.7 dB

 The numbers look about right including the decreased gain at low level
 (as expected).  Using 12.6/12.7 dB would indicate 33W drive for 600W
 out.  40W drive for 600W output would indicate ~1 dB of compression.

 73,

    ... Joe, W4TV

 On 5/11/2011 5:28 PM, Gary Gregory wrote:
  Stan,
 
  Allow some variation to antenna variations also.
 
  This on 15M, swr is 1.0:1
 
  2W = 30W out
  2.5W = 40W
  3w = 50w
  3.5w = 60w
  4w = 70w
  4.5w = 75w out
  5w = 80w
  5.5w  = 90w
  6w = 100w
  6.5w = 110w
  7w = 120w
  7.5w = 130w
  8w = 150w
  8.5w = 160w
  9w = 170w
  9.5w = 180w
  10w = 190w
  11w = 200w
  12w = 225w
 
  NOTE to ALL: This was not done with lab equipment or even a dummy load.
 This
  was measured  using a K3 and a tri-band yagi and a cw tone.
 
  Gary
 
  On 12 May 2011 07:13, Al Loronaalor...@sbcglobal.net  wrote:
 
  It's very easy to measure the 1-tone gain compression characteristics of
 an
  amplifier. The desired result is a graph of Pout vs. Pin, with Pin on
 the
  horizontal axis and Pout on the vertical.
 
  So what one needs to do is set Pin to the amp, and measure Pout into a
  dummy
  load. If you do this for several values of Pin, you'll be able to plot
 all
  of
  those measured points on the graph. It will look like a pretty straight
  line
  toward the lower Pin values, then it will flatten out (become more
  horizontal)
  as Pin (and Pout) get higher.
 
  The slope of the line is the gain of the amplifier.
 
  Very often the Pin values are 1 dB apart. One dB is about a 25% increase
 in
  power. Meaning that if you are measuring Pin in Watts, then you can set
 Pin
  to
  roughly the following values:
 
  1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 13 Watts, etc.,
 
  and measure the Pout at each value. The values should be converted to
 dBm
  before
  plotting. That's all there is to it.
 
  This is all done in CW mode. If you want to go further, you can go into
 SSB
  mode
  and apply two tones to the amp (which a K3 has the ability to do) and
 then
  look
  at the output of both the K3 and the KPA500 with a spectrum analyzer...
 but
  I'll
  leave that explanation for another day... or it can be found on the web.
 
  Al W6LX
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 --

 VK4FD - Motorhome Mobile
 Elecraft Equipment
 K3 #679, KPA-500 #018
 Living the dream!!!
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 Post:

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-500 Output for Input schedule?

  While those results are very good, I would like to point out that it 
is from a sample of one KPA500.  I would suggest that an allowance of 
10% be considered over the entire population of KPA500s just due to 
component tolerances giving rise to some unit to unit variation.  Even 
using the 10% variation criteria, the KPA500 is more linear than many 
other available amplifiers.  Elecraft has created another winner.

Those measurements Gary made have substantiated that the KPA500 can be 
useful whether the driving transceiver is a K1, or K2/10, a K2/100 or a 
K3/10 or a K3/100 or some other brand of transceiver from QRP levels to 
100 watt class transceivers.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 5/11/2011 11:05 PM, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote:
 Adding a power gain and rounding to nearest two digit integer,
 considering accuracy of measuring device (rarely more than two
 significant digits), it is safe to say  that the amplifier keeps its
 linearity to 650 watts.  The variability at 325 and 410 is most likely
 the measuring instrument's  issues at lower powers.

 The linearity at the top PEP level is the most important, as squaring
 at that level will produce the most distortion energy.  Really quite
 good.

 .  Power Ratio

 325W @ 15W drive   21.67  22
 410W @ 20W drive   20.50  21
 490W @ 25W drive   19.67  20
 510W @ 26W drive   19.61  20
 530W @ 27W drive   19.63  20
 560W @ 28W drive   20.00  20
 580W @ 29W drive   20.00  20
 600W @ 30W drive   20.00  20
 630W @ 31W drive   20.32  20
 650W @ 32W drive   20.31  20
 675W @ 35W drive   19.29  19
 690W @ 37W drive   18.65  19
 700W @ 40W drive   17.50  18

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Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Remote KPA100 Bias Current Adjustment

2011-05-11 Thread Brian - N5BCN

Hi Don,

Perhaps against my better judgement, I adjusted the bias current of the
KPA100 in the KAT100-2 remoted from the K2.  Now I'm thoroughly confused!
:-(

The current measurements of the KPA100 in the K2 make sense to me:
Power  11 W, Current ~ 380 mA
Power  11 W, Current ~ 520 mA
Power  11 + Fan on Lo, Current ~ 565 mA
Add 400 mA for the bias current, and you get a target of ~965 mA.


The current measurements of the KPA100 in the KAT100-2 remoted from the K2:
Power  11 W, Current ~ 88 mA
Power  11 W, Current ~ 229 mA

This makes sense to me because the KPA100 is providing power to the KAT100-2
now, which apparently draws a lot less current than the K2 plus options.

Here's what doesn't make sense to me:
Turning on the fan now that it's in the KAT100-2 does not increase the
KPA100's current draw at all, but it makes the current draw of the K2 go up!

The only connection between the K2 and the KPA100/KAT100 is the data cable
connecting the RS-232 ports.  Is this data cable providing current to power
the fan?!  If so, how do I factor all this into figuring out a target for
the bias current adjustment?  Do I add 400 mA to the 229 mA value and be
done with it? 

Thanks for straightening me out!!

73

N5BCN - Brian



-
K2 #6800 KPA100/KAT100-2, KSB2, KAT2, KIO2, K160RX, KNB2, KAF2, LP-PAN/K2 w/ 
Pre-amp, SignaLink USB
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Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Remote KPA100 Bias Current Adjustment