Re: [Elecraft] kx3 amp 1.5kw with 10w
Is there a portable version? :-) Gary On 6 November 2012 09:16, paim paimg0...@btinternet.com wrote: Dan yes look on this link http://www.dc9dz.de/en/tsunami40k.html vy 73 E.P g0uut __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html -- *Gary - VK1ZZ Motorhome Portable The Shack* *Elecraft K3 P3 Panadapter KPA500FT KAT500FT** KX3-K * __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KX3: PA options for KX3 mobile
I used mine several times with an ameritron al80B (not a small amp by any means but an amp nonetheless). 10 watts in got about 120w out in cw. Keying line thru acc2 worked flawlessly. Had to take the kx3 out of qsk, however. - Original Message - From: Jack Berry [mailto:we...@yahoo.com] Sent: Monday, November 05, 2012 11:34 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] KX3: PA options for KX3 mobile Is anyone using the KX3 mobile with a small amp? I'm interested to know what amps are suitable for a 10 watt input / 100 watts out. I know Elecraft is planning to offer a KPA100 amp in the future but would like to make the switch on mobile operation now. Thanks! God Bless 73! Jack - WE5ST __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KX3: PA options for KX3 mobile
I have been using the KX3 with a Tokyo HyPower HL50B with 5 watts drive and about 50-65w output without any issues. Ariel NY4G Sent from my iPad On Nov 6, 2012, at 12:15 AM, Jack Berry we...@yahoo.com wrote: Is anyone using the KX3 mobile with a small amp? I'm interested to know what amps are suitable for a 10 watt input / 100 watts out. I know Elecraft is planning to offer a KPA100 amp in the future but would like to make the switch on mobile operation now. Thanks! God Bless 73! Jack - WE5ST __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] FS: K1-4 S/N 2855 plus KAT1, KNB1, K1LCD, etc
Mint condition, fully-loaded Elecraft K1-4 with the antenna tuner, noise blanker, LCD backlight, internal battery option, multi-way stand, N0SS tune LED kit, and finger dimple. The radio is set 80kHz tuning and for 40/30/20/15M bands. Included are magnets mounted inside for attaching Palm Paddles (not included). It can easily be changed to 17M with the included parts. Late S/N 002855. Professionally built, about 40hrs all together. No issues or problems whatsoever. No scratches, chips, scuffs, etc. I have used this radio at our beach house for around 100hrs during two three-week vacations at Sullivan's Island, SC. With the antenna I use (DK9SQ 33ft fiberglass pole and loop) I have logged 91 countries in EU, AF and SA (mostly 15/20M), plus many stateside contacts. The 5W is adequate and the exceptional receiver have been more than gratifying for many QSO's. K1-4, KAT1, KNB1, K1LCD, FDIMP manual for $395 plus shipping. All the above plus: Include KBT1 (internal battery cover), KTS1 (Tilt Stand) and N0SS tune LED kit for $455 plus shipping. 73 es tnx Bill N4LG == Original purchase prices: K1-4 Four-Band 5W CW Xcvr $400 KAT1 Internal ATU for the K1 $120 KNB1 Noise Blanker $50 TKIT-X K1LCD Backlight Mod Kit $20 FDIMP Finger Dimple for K1 K2 $7 KBT1 Internal Battery Adapter $50 KTS1 Wide Range Tilt Stand $40 - Elecraft K-1 $680 N0SS Elecraft K-1 Tuning Indicator kit $20 http://www.n0ss.net/index_k1.htmlhttp://www.n0ss.net/index_k1.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Initial Power Up Test Partial Failure
Ed, That is not something I have seen before, but perhaps the EEPROM contents have become corrupt. Since you so not have refined menu settings entered yet, I would suggest you try a Master Reset - hold the 4, 5 and 6 buttons in while powering the K2 on. The other thing you could try is to do a Direct Frequency Entry for each band. Hold the BAND+ and BAND- buttons together and then enter a frequency within a ham band. Continue for each band. 73, Don W3FPR On 11/6/2012 1:33 AM, Edward Kleckner wrote: I think I need some help. After having a K2 (SN 6280) sitting unmade for 5 years, I finally got started on it and have reached the Alignment and Test, Part 1 stage. When powered up, I get Elecraft and then the frequency display. However, using band+ and band- I can only see 10, 12, 15 meters - 17m tunes but not to the proper freq. 20-80m all just say 15151. for freq. although the number of significant digits can be changed with the tuning Rate pushbutton and the mode change works. the menu button works, as does A, B, rit xit, display of voltage and current is normal. relays click with band changes even when moving through the lower bands when they just display the 15151 reading. All resistance checks for front panel and control boards are normal. Regulated 8 and 5 volts are correct. The 4 mhz oscilator is running. The voltages on the IOC on the rf board are normal. Each time I press band+ (or band-), pin 28 of the IOC dips from the nominal 5v as it should. One other thing: the pre/att switch does not trigger the associated relays and there is no signal on pin 28 of the IOC. (This may be unrelated to the band problem) Voltage checks of the MCU are normal with the exception of: pin 18 is 5v instead of 0v, pin 25 is 5v instead of 0v, pin 33 is 0v instead of 5v. However this may be perfectly normal as the rf board is only minimally built and the table is for a fully built unit. Needless to say, I have checked carefully on the three boards for bad joints, unsoldered joints, or bridged joints, although it is certainly possible i have missed something. At this point I know AUX bus signals are going to the IOC (or at least the voltage is fluctuating when the panel buttons are pressed) so I am left wondering if either 1) the IOC is not working correctly, or 2) the MCU is not sending the proper signals. Or -- some other explanation? Any help someone could provide would be greatly appreciated. Ed Kleckner Hansville, WA ekl...@hotmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K2 amp and tuner wanted
Hi- I have an excellent K2/10 that is a kick, perfect for temporary setup for the next while. After that I'd be interested in adding an outboard KAT-100 auto tuner and KPA100 amplifier in an external matching enclosure. Anyone have a setup like this for sale, or the individual unbuilt or built kits. A nearby swap could include an antique 9.5 Hammarlund HQ-180c and a Multi-Elmac AF-68 including power supply and microphone, or other old stuff or just cash. Or swap around my on ground, never up: Rohn 25G tower, thrust bearing, rare fold over mid section, tilt over base. Also have never used CDR HAM M II rotor and control box. I enjoy the hunt, so if you have part of what I am in search of, that will be a start. Reply off line, please. 73 de Dave in NH __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KX3 KXBC3 Display Backlight State During Charge
Hi - I received and installed my new KXBC3 a week or two ago, and have noticed that the backlight stays on during charge when I turn the radio off. I know I can go into the settings and turn off the backlight then turn the radio off, but I think it would be nice to have an option that does that automatically. Does anyone know a way to disable the backlight only during charge. Thanks, Terry, NS6D __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 KXBC3 Display Backlight State During Charge
In the current firmware, the backlight will follow the state set in the menu. If it's off, it's off during charge. If on, it's on during charge. I kind of like it being on during charge. It reminds me the rig is actively doing something. Perhaps a future version of firmware may provide a user-selectable option. Bruce, N1RX Does anyone know a way to disable the backlight only during charge. Thanks, Terry, NS6D __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [K2] Initial Power Up Test Partial Failure
I think I need some help. After having a K2 (SN 6280) sitting unmade for 5 years, I finally got started on it and have reached the Alignment and Test, Part 1 stage. When powered up, I get Elecraft and then the frequency display. However, using band+ and band- I can only see 10, 12, 15 meters - 17m tunes but not to the proper freq. 20-80m all just say 15151. for freq. although the number of significant digits can be changed with the tuning Rate pushbutton and the mode change works. the menu button works, as does A, B, rit xit, display of voltage and current is normal. relays click with band changes even when moving through the lower bands when they just display the 15151 reading. All resistance checks for front panel and control boards are normal. Regulated 8 and 5 volts are correct. 4mhz osc is running. voltages on the IOC on the rf board are normal. each time I press band+, pin 28 of the IOC dips from nominal 5v as it should. One other thing: the pre/att switch does not trigger the associated relays and no signal on pin 28 of the IOC. Voltage checks of the MCU are normal with the exception of: pin 18 is 5v instead of 0v, pin 25 is 5v instead of 0v, pin 33 is 0v instead of 5v. However this may be perfectly normal as the rf board is only minimally built and the table is for a fully built unit. Needless to say, I have checked carefully on the three boards for bad joints, unsoldered joints, or bridged joints, although it is certainly possible i have missed something. At this point i know AUX bus signals are going to the IOC (or at least the voltage is fluctuating when the panel buttons are pressed) so I am left wondering if either 1) the IOC is not working, or 2) the MCU is not sending the proper signals. Any help someone could provide would be greatly appreciated. Ed Kleckner, N7YQR Hansville, WA ekl...@hotmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Reading CW on the K3
I have enjoyed my K3, S/N 1997, since I got it, and am amazed at how I'm always learning more about it. I occasionally am on CW, and recall at one time that I was able to get the display to read the CW with ~80% of the time. I just tried using it again, went over all the settings in the manual(s) and seem to be having difficulty seeing most of what is being sent. can one of you CW buffs clue me in? maybe let me know which settings work best? 73 Ron AE6RH -- Ron Midwin __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Reading CW on the K3
Lyle and I are testing an improved version of CW decode on the K3. 73, Wayne N6KR On Nov 6, 2012, at 9:25 AM, Ron Midwin wrote: I have enjoyed my K3, S/N 1997, since I got it, and am amazed at how I'm always learning more about it. I occasionally am on CW, and recall at one time that I was able to get the display to read the CW with ~80% of the time. I just tried using it again, went over all the settings in the manual(s) and seem to be having difficulty seeing most of what is being sent. can one of you CW buffs clue me in? maybe let me know which settings work best? 73 Ron AE6RH -- Ron Midwin __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Initial Power Up Test Partial Failure
Don - thank you for your suggestions. It turned out that I couldn't do a Master Reset as the 4 key is the ATT/PRE key as well and that wasn't working. So I resoldered that switch's contacts and was able to do a reset and initialize the eeprom. At that point it passed all part 1 tests. I also want to thank Alan for his suggestion of doing a reset. Onward... This list is the greatest help. 73 Ed Kleckner, N7YQR Hansville, WA ekl...@hotmail.com Date: Tue, 6 Nov 2012 07:39:04 -0500 From: w3...@embarqmail.com To: ekl...@hotmail.com CC: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Initial Power Up Test Partial Failure Ed, That is not something I have seen before, but perhaps the EEPROM contents have become corrupt. Since you so not have refined menu settings entered yet, I would suggest you try a Master Reset - hold the 4, 5 and 6 buttons in while powering the K2 on. The other thing you could try is to do a Direct Frequency Entry for each band. Hold the BAND+ and BAND- buttons together and then enter a frequency within a ham band. Continue for each band. 73, Don W3FPR On 11/6/2012 1:33 AM, Edward Kleckner wrote: I think I need some help. After having a K2 (SN 6280) sitting unmade for 5 years, I finally got started on it and have reached the Alignment and Test, Part 1 stage. When powered up, I get Elecraft and then the frequency display. However, using band+ and band- I can only see 10, 12, 15 meters - 17m tunes but not to the proper freq. 20-80m all just say 15151. for freq. although the number of significant digits can be changed with the tuning Rate pushbutton and the mode change works. the menu button works, as does A, B, rit xit, display of voltage and current is normal. relays click with band changes even when moving through the lower bands when they just display the 15151 reading. All resistance checks for front panel and control boards are normal. Regulated 8 and 5 volts are correct. The 4 mhz oscilator is running. The voltages on the IOC on the rf board are normal. Each time I press band+ (or band-), pin 28 of the IOC dips from the nominal 5v as it should. One other thing: the pre/att switch does not trigger the associated relays and there is no signal on pin 28 of the IOC. (This may be unrelated to the band problem) Voltage checks of the MCU are normal with the exception of: pin 18 is 5v instead of 0v, pin 25 is 5v instead of 0v, pin 33 is 0v instead of 5v. However this may be perfectly normal as the rf board is only minimally built and the table is for a fully built unit. Needless to say, I have checked carefully on the three boards for bad joints, unsoldered joints, or bridged joints, although it is certainly possible i have missed something. At this point I know AUX bus signals are going to the IOC (or at least the voltage is fluctuating when the panel buttons are pressed) so I am left wondering if either 1) the IOC is not working correctly, or 2) the MCU is not sending the proper signals. Or -- some other explanation? Any help someone could provide would be greatly appreciated. Ed Kleckner Hansville, WA ekl...@hotmail.com __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K1 repair
Have a K1 with no power output and looking for a repair person. Car accident left me disabled and very shaky about 3 years ago. Wish I could fix it myself but no go. Reply direct please Thanks George Osier , N2JNZ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order it along with a set of CW filters when I need them. I'm REALLY after recommendations for an external shack speaker, or is any good HiFi speaker good enough? I would assume some RF shielding and good high end sensitivity was more of an issue. Yours. Iain G4SGX. Happy K3 Owner :) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] DSP Noise Reduction and contesting
Hi Pete, The NR of the K3 is not a feature that shines. That's why I never tried it in contests. But in a few weeks there's the CQWW CW again. Maybe I will give it a go. My two cents worth on the NR of the K3. When applying NR I woud expect a better S/N ratio of some kind on a weaker signal (that's why it is called NR). On SSB I never found a setting that increased the S/N ratio or readability of the signal to MY ears (settings F5-1 to F8-4) CW works better (F1-1 to F4-4) but I seldom use it. For good S/N ratio I rely totally on the K3 filtering with APF as last resort. The only time I really loved the NR, was when I worked on 160m in the 9L5MS dx-pedition (in tropic thunderstormy Africa) for the whole night. It kept the fatigue of constant static noise away. 73 Arie PA3A Op 5-11-2012 23:37, Pete Smith N4ZR schreef: I've read Fred Cady's book and the manual, and I'm still at sea - anyone have opinions or recommendations about using NR for CW or phone contesting? I assume the settings are probably different. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] DSP Noise Reduction and contesting
This is pretty much my experience too [except the Africa part :-)]. I'm more or less CW-only and I just can't get NR to make any real improvement in the readability of signals. On the other hand, careful use of the DSP selectivity and passband position works great. The IF Noise Blanker works super on electric fence and ignition noise [although ignition noise seems to be a thing of the past these days], and not-so-bad on power mains noise. Really aggressive settings start to create their own racket, but that's true for any IF blanker ... punch big enough holes in the signal often enough and you start to hear the holes. The DSP NB is sort of in there with the NR for me and I rarely try it. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2013 Cal QSO Party 5-6 Oct 2013 - www.cqp.org On 11/6/2012 12:30 PM, Arie Kleingeld PA3A wrote: Hi Pete, The NR of the K3 is not a feature that shines. That's why I never tried it in contests. But in a few weeks there's the CQWW CW again. Maybe I will give it a go. My two cents worth on the NR of the K3. When applying NR I woud expect a better S/N ratio of some kind on a weaker signal (that's why it is called NR). On SSB I never found a setting that increased the S/N ratio or readability of the signal to MY ears (settings F5-1 to F8-4) CW works better (F1-1 to F4-4) but I seldom use it. For good S/N ratio I rely totally on the K3 filtering with APF as last resort. The only time I really loved the NR, was when I worked on 160m in the 9L5MS dx-pedition (in tropic thunderstormy Africa) for the whole night. It kept the fatigue of constant static noise away. 73 Arie PA3A __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
Hi, Well I've always found that the K3 internal speaker is pretty lousy on CW, OK with SSB. Not a big problem 'cos I always use phones for CW. I remember reading a few years ago about some experiments with enclosing the rear of the speaker to improve the sound. I've done all the factory RX audio mods on #345. Something else I've noticed is the huge variability of the tonal quality of CW on the bands. It's certainly not a receiver fault 'cos checking the same signal with the K2 it sounds the same. Two totally different receive processing architectures. Finally, word in the bazaars is that LoTW has blown up with loss of data and corrupted backups. I hope not! Regards, Mike VP8NO On 06/11/2012 17:18, g4...@justfans.co.uk wrote: Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order it along with a set of CW filters when I need them. I'm REALLY after recommendations for an external shack speaker, or is any good HiFi speaker good enough? I would assume some RF shielding and good high end sensitivity was more of an issue. Yours. Iain G4SGX. Happy K3 Owner :) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KAT500 Automatic Antenna Tuner Serial Command Reference.
When will this document be available? KAT500 Automatic Antenna Tuner Serial Command Reference. Thanks, Amateur Radio Operator N5GE ARRL Lifetime Member QCWA Lifetime Member __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
Hi Iain, Glad someone else can spell the name properly ;) The topic of external speakers has been beaten to death many times already. You could go to http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ and search for K3 speakers for some of the history 73, ~iain / N6ML On Tue, Nov 6, 2012 at 12:18 PM, g4...@justfans.co.uk wrote: Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order it along with a set of CW filters when I need them. I'm REALLY after recommendations for an external shack speaker, or is any good HiFi speaker good enough? I would assume some RF shielding and good high end sensitivity was more of an issue. Yours. Iain G4SGX. Happy K3 Owner :) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
Iain, May I suggest that you find a pair of efficient speakers rather than just one. Even if you do not have the subRX, you can enjoy the enhancement offered by the AFX effects. I am not going to mention any specifics because I just don't know. If you want shortwave listening in addition to ham bands, you will want high fidelity speakers - I would look for a pair of bookshelf speakers. The ones I was fortunate enough to find in a 2nd hand store are old Radio Shack Optimus speakers which are cubes with the height about the same as the K3. Computer speakers will work fine, but most are amplified and can respond with nasty noises in the presence of RF. If you can find a pair of shielded speakers, that effect may not be a problem. So shop the 2nd hand stores in your area, and maybe you can find something suitable at a very low price. BTW, the Elecraft speaker now has a 7 inch wire and connector attached, so replacement is simply a matter of loosening the hardware and attaching the new speaker - no soldering. I have to remove that wire when building a K2, but for the K3, it is a perfect fit. 73, Don W3FPR. On 11/6/2012 3:18 PM, g4...@justfans.co.uk wrote: Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order it along with a set of CW filters when I need them. I'm REALLY after recommendations for an external shack speaker, or is any good HiFi speaker good enough? I would assume some RF shielding and good high end sensitivity was more of an issue. Yours. Iain G4SGX. Happy K3 Owner :) __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
I am using a pair of MFJ-281 Cleartone speakers with my K3. Some say they are fantastic; some say they are junk... But they work well enough for me for CW and SWL. They peak around 600-700 Hz. I would prefer a little lower, 400-500 Hz, but they work ok in that range. And no buzzing anywhere that I have heard. They also look like they were made to match the K3. As for RF, I have had no issues with them. The lead-in of my end fed wire antenna is inches away from them (though I do only operate 10 watts output). 73, Drew AF2Z On Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:18:45 +, Iain G4SGX. wrote: Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order it along with a set of CW filters when I need them. I'm REALLY after recommendations for an external shack speaker, or is any good HiFi speaker good enough? I would assume some RF shielding and good high end sensitivity was more of an issue. Yours. Iain G4SGX. Happy K3 Owner :) __ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KPA 500 Fan Noise
I have had the amp now about a year. The cooling fan is just fine when using SSB, but when on cw and running a while at full output, the fan comes on and sounds like it is going to take off from the table. It is really loud I have the fan speed set to 1, but wonder what others are doing to quieten the fan a little bit, or what fan speed you have the amp set to. OR WHATEVER Toby W4CAK __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] DSP Noise Reduction and contesting
I don't have much experience with contesting but I'll add that one of my favorite uses for the noise reduction (NR) feature is to cut down on ear fatigue from atmospheric noise when I have the rig on in the background all day. I like to listen to the band with a wide filter setting so I can tune to something interesting when I hear it, but that constant background noise is hard on my ears after a while. NR solves it. I often disable NR when I'm tuned to a signal of interest, because it sounds more natural to me. --Andrew, NV1B maineware.net .. On Tue, Nov 6, 2012 at 3:45 PM, Fred Jensen k6...@foothill.net wrote: This is pretty much my experience too [except the Africa part :-)]. I'm more or less CW-only and I just can't get NR to make any real improvement in the readability of signals. ... On 11/6/2012 12:30 PM, Arie Kleingeld PA3A wrote: Hi Pete, The NR of the K3 is not a feature that shines. That's why I never tried it in contests. But in a few weeks there's the CQWW CW again. Maybe I will give it a go. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
IMHO the best bang for the buck are the West Mountain Radio COMspkr for $39 they have no equal. I have speakers in the shack that cost up to $400 ea. and these sound the best on my K3's and Never any RF on them with legal limit ++. 73, Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of drewko Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 3:10 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? I am using a pair of MFJ-281 Cleartone speakers with my K3. Some say they are fantastic; some say they are junk... But they work well enough for me for CW and SWL. They peak around 600-700 Hz. I would prefer a little lower, 400-500 Hz, but they work ok in that range. And no buzzing anywhere that I have heard. They also look like they were made to match the K3. As for RF, I have had no issues with them. The lead-in of my end fed wire antenna is inches away from them (though I do only operate 10 watts output). 73, Drew AF2Z On Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:18:45 +, Iain G4SGX. wrote: Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order it along with a set of CW filters when I need them. I'm REALLY after recommendations for an external shack speaker, or is any good HiFi speaker good enough? I would assume some RF shielding and good high end sensitivity was more of an issue. Yours. Iain G4SGX. Happy K3 Owner :) __ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K2 Fixed Audio Out Board?
I have the parts to build the circuit designed by W3FPR. Before I put it together on perfboard, I thought I would ask on this list if anybody has an unused N0SS (FAR Circuits) PCB for this circuit that they would be willing to sell? If you do I would like to hear from you. 73 -Scott N3SW- __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K2 Fixed Audio Out Board?
Scott, Be aware that there were 2 board designs. The first one can be seen on my website www.w3fpr.com. It has a small footprint, but the resistors and capacitors are mounted vertically. After a couple folks laid all the capacitors and resistors out flat and mounted the board between the front panel and the Control Board (give Jack Brindle the first credit for that idea), Tom and I worked on an alternate layout that was larger in area, but had all components laying flat on the board (and eliminated the variable output level pot) - plus this newer board could be affixed to the Control Board with a screw and a couple nuts. This updated board layout is the one shown on Tom Hammond's (SK) website www.n0ss.net. Both are electrically equal, only the physical implementation is different. 73, Don W3FPR On 11/6/2012 5:03 PM, richardscott w wrote: I have the parts to build the circuit designed by W3FPR. Before I put it together on perfboard, I thought I would ask on this list if anybody has an unused N0SS (FAR Circuits) PCB for this circuit that they would be willing to sell? If you do I would like to hear from you. 73 -Scott N3SW- __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500 Fan Noise
Toby, I am far more sensitive to fan noise than most folks and have spent a lot of time making my KPA500 much quieter by modifying it and by other means. This topic is probably not of interest to most on this list because, compared to most amps, the KPA500 is NOT loud (and many have said it is much quieter). Contact me off list and I will be happy to share my experience with you. Don K7FJ I have had the amp now about a year. The cooling fan is just fine when using SSB, but when on cw and running a while at full output, the fan comes on and sounds like it is going to take off from the table. It is really loud I have the fan speed set to 1, but wonder what others are doing to quieten the fan a little bit, or what fan speed you have the amp set to. OR WHATEVER Toby W4CAK __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500 Fan Noise
Actually, I for one would like to know how you did it. Just because a select few don't care some of us do. Please share with us all. 73, Tim Herrick, KQ8M Charter Member North Coast Contesters k...@kq8m.com AR-Cluster V6 kq8m.no-ip.org User Ports: 23, 7373 with local skimmer, 7374 without local skimmer Server Ports: V6 3607, V4 Active 3605, V4 Passive 3606 -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of donehrl...@q.com Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 5:34 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA 500 Fan Noise Toby, I am far more sensitive to fan noise than most folks and have spent a lot of time making my KPA500 much quieter by modifying it and by other means. This topic is probably not of interest to most on this list because, compared to most amps, the KPA500 is NOT loud (and many have said it is much quieter). Contact me off list and I will be happy to share my experience with you. Don K7FJ I have had the amp now about a year. The cooling fan is just fine when using SSB, but when on cw and running a while at full output, the fan comes on and sounds like it is going to take off from the table. It is really loud I have the fan speed set to 1, but wonder what others are doing to quieten the fan a little bit, or what fan speed you have the amp set to. OR WHATEVER Toby W4CAK __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
The COMSpkr is rated at 3W per channel ... barely better than the 2.5W per channel of the K3. A good pair of bookshelf speakers will provide everything that the COMspkr does with arguably better sound than the small speakers in the COMspkr enclosures. A good technician can probably make a $10 pair of computer speakers as RF proof as the COMspkrs just by installing the RC RFI suppression networks most manufacturers leave off the standard amplifier board! 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 11/6/2012 5:00 PM, Fred Smith wrote: IMHO the best bang for the buck are the West Mountain Radio COMspkr for $39 they have no equal. I have speakers in the shack that cost up to $400 ea. and these sound the best on my K3's and Never any RF on them with legal limit ++. 73, Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of drewko Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 3:10 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? I am using a pair of MFJ-281 Cleartone speakers with my K3. Some say they are fantastic; some say they are junk... But they work well enough for me for CW and SWL. They peak around 600-700 Hz. I would prefer a little lower, 400-500 Hz, but they work ok in that range. And no buzzing anywhere that I have heard. They also look like they were made to match the K3. As for RF, I have had no issues with them. The lead-in of my end fed wire antenna is inches away from them (though I do only operate 10 watts output). 73, Drew AF2Z On Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:18:45 +, Iain G4SGX. wrote: Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order it along with a set of CW filters when I need them. I'm REALLY after recommendations for an external shack speaker, or is any good HiFi speaker good enough? I would assume some RF shielding and good high end sensitivity was more of an issue. Yours. Iain G4SGX. Happy K3 Owner :) __ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
Joe The COMspkr is an ampflied speaker. Hell I have a set of Bose speakers here that were close to $500 and don't sound any better on a radio than the $39 ones and they are as loud as you want. I got to call you on this one just from using as many sets of speakers as I have. Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Joe Subich, W4TV Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 4:43 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? The COMSpkr is rated at 3W per channel ... barely better than the 2.5W per channel of the K3. A good pair of bookshelf speakers will provide everything that the COMspkr does with arguably better sound than the small speakers in the COMspkr enclosures. A good technician can probably make a $10 pair of computer speakers as RF proof as the COMspkrs just by installing the RC RFI suppression networks most manufacturers leave off the standard amplifier board! 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 11/6/2012 5:00 PM, Fred Smith wrote: IMHO the best bang for the buck are the West Mountain Radio COMspkr for $39 they have no equal. I have speakers in the shack that cost up to $400 ea. and these sound the best on my K3's and Never any RF on them with legal limit ++. 73, Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of drewko Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 3:10 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? I am using a pair of MFJ-281 Cleartone speakers with my K3. Some say they are fantastic; some say they are junk... But they work well enough for me for CW and SWL. They peak around 600-700 Hz. I would prefer a little lower, 400-500 Hz, but they work ok in that range. And no buzzing anywhere that I have heard. They also look like they were made to match the K3. As for RF, I have had no issues with them. The lead-in of my end fed wire antenna is inches away from them (though I do only operate 10 watts output). 73, Drew AF2Z On Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:18:45 +, Iain G4SGX. wrote: Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order it along with a set of CW filters when I need them. I'm REALLY after recommendations for an external shack speaker, or is any good HiFi speaker good enough? I would assume some RF shielding and good high end sensitivity was more of an issue. Yours. Iain G4SGX. Happy K3 Owner :) __ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5377 - Release Date: 11/06/12 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] [K3 Remote Rig Testing]
Question for the Group - I'm doing some testing on a new K3 Remoterig system and am trying to troubleshoot some RTTY problems. Can any one suggest some frequencies where I might find some 45 baud RTTY signals to listen to. ARRL has some digital signals at 6 9 PM but its not always RTTY. Thanks 73 Doug VE3MV __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
I use 6x9 car speakers Sent from my iPhone On Nov 6, 2012, at 5:38 PM, Fred Smith m...@mo-net.com wrote: Joe The COMspkr is an ampflied speaker. Hell I have a set of Bose speakers here that were close to $500 and don't sound any better on a radio than the $39 ones and they are as loud as you want. I got to call you on this one just from using as many sets of speakers as I have. Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Joe Subich, W4TV Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 4:43 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? The COMSpkr is rated at 3W per channel ... barely better than the 2.5W per channel of the K3. A good pair of bookshelf speakers will provide everything that the COMspkr does with arguably better sound than the small speakers in the COMspkr enclosures. A good technician can probably make a $10 pair of computer speakers as RF proof as the COMspkrs just by installing the RC RFI suppression networks most manufacturers leave off the standard amplifier board! 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 11/6/2012 5:00 PM, Fred Smith wrote: IMHO the best bang for the buck are the West Mountain Radio COMspkr for $39 they have no equal. I have speakers in the shack that cost up to $400 ea. and these sound the best on my K3's and Never any RF on them with legal limit ++. 73, Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of drewko Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 3:10 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? I am using a pair of MFJ-281 Cleartone speakers with my K3. Some say they are fantastic; some say they are junk... But they work well enough for me for CW and SWL. They peak around 600-700 Hz. I would prefer a little lower, 400-500 Hz, but they work ok in that range. And no buzzing anywhere that I have heard. They also look like they were made to match the K3. As for RF, I have had no issues with them. The lead-in of my end fed wire antenna is inches away from them (though I do only operate 10 watts output). 73, Drew AF2Z On Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:18:45 +, Iain G4SGX. wrote: Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order it along with a set of CW filters when I need them. I'm REALLY after recommendations for an external shack speaker, or is any good HiFi speaker good enough? I would assume some RF shielding and good high end sensitivity was more of an issue. Yours. Iain G4SGX. Happy K3 Owner :) __ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database: 2441/5377 - Release Date: 11/06/12 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home:
Re: [Elecraft] [K3 Remote Rig Testing]
Try WLO on 8473 kHz. They transmit day old news 50% of the time 170 shift. I am not sure of the other mode, but they switch modes every few minutes. Pete Lascell, W4WWQ Forest, VA - Original Message - From: D Joyce d_jo...@sympatico.ca To: Elecraft List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 6:54 PM Subject: [Elecraft] [K3 Remote Rig Testing] Question for the Group - I'm doing some testing on a new K3 Remoterig system and am trying to troubleshoot some RTTY problems. Can any one suggest some frequencies where I might find some 45 baud RTTY signals to listen to. ARRL has some digital signals at 6 9 PM but its not always RTTY. Thanks 73 Doug VE3MV __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 Amp - ALC settings
The tubes in my Alpha 77Sx are the expensive 8877 variety and I would like to setup the ALC connection between my amplifier and K3 to prevent overdriving the amp and to back the K3's power down if there is a drive issue affecting the amp. It appears I will need to get an ACC connector and use pin 15 to connect from the K3 to the amplifier. the amplifier is 30 years old and in the manual it refers to vacuum tube transceivers. I don't want to the damage the K3 by hooking it up incorrectly and perhaps the information in the manual will help answer any questions. The following is taken directly from the manual: - ALC - ALC may be used with suitably-equipped exciter/transceivers to help maintain excitation at a desired maximum level. A negative going ALC control voltage appears at the ALC jack when amplifier grid current exceeds a preset value determined by adjustment of the ALC threshold trimmer potentiometer. This negative-going ALC is compatible with virtually all popular exciter/transceivers using vacuum tube power output stages; some newer all-solid-State transceivers utilize positive-going ALC, but also incorporate their own adjustable-threshold internal ALC which is suitable for excitation control in Lieu of amplifier-generated ALC. In either event, it is necessary that the ALC threshold control be set to provide the desired amplifier plate current meter swing wildly exciter Mike gain control is simultaneously adjusted to yield the degree of exciter ALC action specified by the exciter manufacturer. The two adjustments are somewhat interacting so that several iterative re-adjustments may be necessary to achieve desired results. Excessive mic gain or ALC sensitivity may result in very low power output, ALC Hang-up, and/or distortion. - Is there anything especially salient in the above that I should be aware of before connecting from the ALC RCA connector in the amplifier to pin 15 in the Elecraft's ACC connector? Thanks, Gary KA1J __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
I have a pair of these 2 3/4 x 4 1/2 speakers, got one from a neighbor (he likes them so much he has several and one to spare) and found one at a Swap meet (Pacificon) for $12.00 .I have the AFX going and I like the sound. http://www.gigaparts.com/store.php?action=profilesku=ZJS-JTSP10 73, Hoop K9QJS __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
The COMspkr is an ampflied speaker. That's right and the amplifier is not any stronger than the amplifier in the K3. There is no value to using a set of 3W per channel amplified speakers on a transceiver that provides 2.5W per channel by itself. I've used a pair of $5 speakers from surplus cellphone remote kits on the K3 that sound as good as any amplified computer speakers (and I've used a lot over the years). If one is going to use amplified speakers use speakers capable of significantly more *clean* power than what is essentially a low end commodity product. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 11/6/2012 6:34 PM, Fred Smith wrote: Joe The COMspkr is an ampflied speaker. Hell I have a set of Bose speakers here that were close to $500 and don't sound any better on a radio than the $39 ones and they are as loud as you want. I got to call you on this one just from using as many sets of speakers as I have. Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Joe Subich, W4TV Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 4:43 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? The COMSpkr is rated at 3W per channel ... barely better than the 2.5W per channel of the K3. A good pair of bookshelf speakers will provide everything that the COMspkr does with arguably better sound than the small speakers in the COMspkr enclosures. A good technician can probably make a $10 pair of computer speakers as RF proof as the COMspkrs just by installing the RC RFI suppression networks most manufacturers leave off the standard amplifier board! 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 11/6/2012 5:00 PM, Fred Smith wrote: IMHO the best bang for the buck are the West Mountain Radio COMspkr for $39 they have no equal. I have speakers in the shack that cost up to $400 ea. and these sound the best on my K3's and Never any RF on them with legal limit ++. 73, Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of drewko Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 3:10 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? I am using a pair of MFJ-281 Cleartone speakers with my K3. Some say they are fantastic; some say they are junk... But they work well enough for me for CW and SWL. They peak around 600-700 Hz. I would prefer a little lower, 400-500 Hz, but they work ok in that range. And no buzzing anywhere that I have heard. They also look like they were made to match the K3. As for RF, I have had no issues with them. The lead-in of my end fed wire antenna is inches away from them (though I do only operate 10 watts output). 73, Drew AF2Z On Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:18:45 +, Iain G4SGX. wrote: Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order it along with a set of CW filters when I need them. I'm REALLY after recommendations for an external shack speaker, or is any good HiFi speaker good enough? I would assume some RF shielding and good high end sensitivity was more of an issue. Yours. Iain G4SGX. Happy K3 Owner :) __ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.2221 / Virus Database:
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
That may be true in terms of power gain, but there may be some value in having the speakers front-firing instead of top-firing like the K3's built-in speaker. Another cheap/easy solution might be a PVC pipe 90-degree elbow sitting on top of the rig to redirect the sound (mono only). 73, --Andrew, NV1B maineware.net .. On Tue, Nov 6, 2012 at 8:39 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote: The COMspkr is an ampflied speaker. That's right and the amplifier is not any stronger than the amplifier in the K3. There is no value to using a set of 3W per channel amplified speakers on a transceiver that provides 2.5W per channel by itself. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
Andrew, A right angle elbow might be one solution, but the K3 does have stereo capability. Connect stereo speakers to the rear panel speaker jack and you can enjoy the AFX effects if you do not have the KRX3 installed, and the diversity reception and other stereo effects are available if the KRX3 is installed. 73, Don W3FPR On 11/6/2012 8:57 PM, Andrew Moore wrote: That may be true in terms of power gain, but there may be some value in having the speakers front-firing instead of top-firing like the K3's built-in speaker. Another cheap/easy solution might be a PVC pipe 90-degree elbow sitting on top of the rig to redirect the sound (mono only). 73, --Andrew, NV1B maineware.net .. On Tue, Nov 6, 2012 at 8:39 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote: The COMspkr is an ampflied speaker. That's right and the amplifier is not any stronger than the amplifier in the K3. There is no value to using a set of 3W per channel amplified speakers on a transceiver that provides 2.5W per channel by itself. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KX3 in Sweepstakes
Mine performed very well: 305 QSOs and 72 sections for 10 hours of operating time, using my HF6V vertical antenna. The great dynamic range and no-ring filtering makes a receiver that's easy on the ears: it is much less fatiguing than my old rig. When the clock struck 0300Z, I said What? Time's up already? This rig makes the operating fun--thank you Wayne, and everyone at Elecraft! __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Small HF amp suggestions
Thanks for the responses. Looks like RM Italy is an option for mobiling with the KX3 and a mid range power boost. All others seem to weigh in too heavily in power and cost. Unless a KPA100 is available sooner than expected, will either delay the KX3 or pick up the RM Italy. On Nov 6, 2012, at 11:38 AM, Randy reti...@easystreet.net wrote: Jack: You might take a look at the Tokyo Hy-Power HL-45b. They are really offered for the Yaesu FT-817 but only require a cable to use with just about any other QRP radio. They are only about 50w but are small and portable and might fill the bill for you even if not as much power as you might want. Another possibility might be an RM Italy KL300. They put out 150w and are fairly inexpensive. The RM Italy amps show up on eBay from time-to-time but I think you can also order direct. Also they have a U.S. distributor: http://www.dnjradio.com//product_info.php?products_id=188osCsid=0b4e1927581ecc2d744e5dd8a50bf542 I don’t know much about them but their stuff looks interesting. Randy, W7HR Port Orchard, WA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
I wasn't all that impressed with how the AFX sounded on headphones, so I was surprised how much better it was on speakers, even the small ones I have sitting on top of the rig with that minimal amount of separation. Anyone who is considering getting an external speaker should definitely get a pair of them and hook them up in stereo. 73, Drew AF2Z On Tue, 06 Nov 2012 21:17:18 -0500, Don W3FPR wrote: Andrew, A right angle elbow might be one solution, but the K3 does have stereo capability. Connect stereo speakers to the rear panel speaker jack and you can enjoy the AFX effects if you do not have the KRX3 installed, and the diversity reception and other stereo effects are available if the KRX3 is installed. 73, Don W3FPR __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Small HF amp suggestions
I would be careful with the RM Italy amps. I have not been able to get mine to operate properly with the KX3 in my mobile. Lots of spurious RF issues and we are super well grounded with ferrites/torroids everywhere. For now I am putting in an older Icom mobile until the 100W amp from elecraft comes out. It is a bummer but mega mobile is a little challenged at the moment. I may end up using the KX3 on 6m with the mirage amp so two rigs in the truck. Not optimal but I cannot let my KX3 hang on the shelf. Keith AK6ZZ Sent from my iPhone please excuse typos On Nov 6, 2012, at 7:02 PM, Jack Berry we...@yahoo.com wrote: Thanks for the responses. Looks like RM Italy is an option for mobiling with the KX3 and a mid range power boost. All others seem to weigh in too heavily in power and cost. Unless a KPA100 is available sooner than expected, will either delay the KX3 or pick up the RM Italy. On Nov 6, 2012, at 11:38 AM, Randy reti...@easystreet.net wrote: Jack: You might take a look at the Tokyo Hy-Power HL-45b. They are really offered for the Yaesu FT-817 but only require a cable to use with just about any other QRP radio. They are only about 50w but are small and portable and might fill the bill for you even if not as much power as you might want. Another possibility might be an RM Italy KL300. They put out 150w and are fairly inexpensive. The RM Italy amps show up on eBay from time-to-time but I think you can also order direct. Also they have a U.S. distributor: http://www.dnjradio.com//product_info.php?products_id=188osCsid=0b4e1927581ecc2d744e5dd8a50bf542 I don’t know much about them but their stuff looks interesting. Randy, W7HR Port Orchard, WA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
Sorry Joe, but I'm with Fred on this one, as well. You're speaking from what you believe to be true based on specs you're reading, but it's obvious to me as one who has actually used various speakers on the K3, including the COMSpkr, that you don't have as complete a picture as some of us who have actually tested this. I love the K3 and wouldn't trade it for another rig, but it's not perfect. It's ability to drive external speakers is one of the examples where it does not excel. Compared to other rigs, it basically sucks . Period. I'm young compared to most of you guys and have no hearing loss and have quite a good reputation amongst my friends for having an ear for what *sounds* good. After trying quite a few different external speakers setups with the K3 and not being happy with the overall volume output, I decided that the K3 was probably too finicky with what it needs for speaker impedance and decided to just go with a set of powered external speakers and be done with it. The COMspkr is so damn loud that it practically blasts me out of my den if I turn it up much. I don't like to use headphones if I don't have to, and with the COMspkr, I rarely need to. Regardless of what you think the specs say, you need to try this for yourself and make an informed decision. On Tue, Nov 6, 2012 at 5:39 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote: The COMspkr is an ampflied speaker. That's right and the amplifier is not any stronger than the amplifier in the K3. There is no value to using a set of 3W per channel amplified speakers on a transceiver that provides 2.5W per channel by itself. I've used a pair of $5 speakers from surplus cellphone remote kits on the K3 that sound as good as any amplified computer speakers (and I've used a lot over the years). If one is going to use amplified speakers use speakers capable of significantly more *clean* power than what is essentially a low end commodity product. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 11/6/2012 6:34 PM, Fred Smith wrote: Joe The COMspkr is an ampflied speaker. Hell I have a set of Bose speakers here that were close to $500 and don't sound any better on a radio than the $39 ones and they are as loud as you want. I got to call you on this one just from using as many sets of speakers as I have. Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Joe Subich, W4TV Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 4:43 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? The COMSpkr is rated at 3W per channel ... barely better than the 2.5W per channel of the K3. A good pair of bookshelf speakers will provide everything that the COMspkr does with arguably better sound than the small speakers in the COMspkr enclosures. A good technician can probably make a $10 pair of computer speakers as RF proof as the COMspkrs just by installing the RC RFI suppression networks most manufacturers leave off the standard amplifier board! 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 11/6/2012 5:00 PM, Fred Smith wrote: IMHO the best bang for the buck are the West Mountain Radio COMspkr for $39 they have no equal. I have speakers in the shack that cost up to $400 ea. and these sound the best on my K3's and Never any RF on them with legal limit ++. 73, Fred/N0AZZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of drewko Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2012 3:10 PM To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ? I am using a pair of MFJ-281 Cleartone speakers with my K3. Some say they are fantastic; some say they are junk... But they work well enough for me for CW and SWL. They peak around 600-700 Hz. I would prefer a little lower, 400-500 Hz, but they work ok in that range. And no buzzing anywhere that I have heard. They also look like they were made to match the K3. As for RF, I have had no issues with them. The lead-in of my end fed wire antenna is inches away from them (though I do only operate 10 watts output). 73, Drew AF2Z On Tue, 06 Nov 2012 20:18:45 +, Iain G4SGX. wrote: Hello, Well after 18 months the buzzing of the K3 internal speaker has reached annoying proportions. For a while it faded after switching on for 10 mins but now its a constant resonance at 580 Hz. Great for CW! (not) Because of the above I am sure its because the coil has shifted in the speaker slightly rather than any sympathetic resonances from the case. I'm not complaining, I understand if I contacted Elecraft I am likely to get a replacement speaker sent out, (Its a well documented 'extra feature') but really haven't got round to it, nor am i likely too, well down the list of priorities! Will probably order it
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
Tim, you don't have as complete a picture as some of us who have actually tested this. I *HAVE* used amplified (powered) speakers with the K3 and I've used bookshelf speakers and I've used cheap cellphone hands free kit speakers with the K3. I also have almost 40 years experience in professional audio - from recording studios to radio stations to TV stations and designing broadcast facilities - I'm more than capable of critical audio analysis. The point is that the K3 does not need another 3W per channel external audio amplifier - that simply duplicates the internal amplifier - if it is coupled with reasonably efficient, external, front facing speakers. Even a pair of the MFJ or Jetstream communications speakers are *half* the cost of the COMspkr - they're passive with no chance of RFI and they work just as well with the K3's internal amplifier as the COMspkr or other 3W per channel powered computer speakers. *IF* one feels the need for an external amplifier, bypass the internal amplifier by using the Line Out and high cut filter to drive a better amplifier - something capable of 10W per channel at 0.01% THD instead of 3W per channel at 1% THD like the COMSpkr. Alternatively, set up the external amplifier with a 16 - 32 Ohm input impedance, set the K3 to low AF gain to keep the LM4950 in the cleanest part of its design range and use the external amplifier to provide the power gain. Just like RF power amplifiers, audio amplifiers are all about selecting the right devices, using proper design and bypassing, then matching to the right load. An audio amplifier needs to be able to source enough current to drive the speaker without saturation or clipping. The audio chip used in COMspkr and other 3W per channel computer speakers is simply no better or cleaner than the LM4950 used in the K3 - they all show high THD when operated at maximum output level because they just can not source the current without driving the outputs into saturation. That is nothing more or less than simple physics. The COMspkr is so damn loud that it practically blasts me out of my den if I turn it up much. I can hear the K3 at the opposite end of the house with the internal amplifier and my bookshelf speakers. Again, one does not need just another set of 3W per channel computer speakers. If one wants cleaner audio, use a bigger, cleaner external amplifier for the power gain but with decent, efficient speakers, the 3W/channel amplifier in the K3 is more than sufficient and certainly just as good as 3W/channel computer speakers. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 11/7/2012 12:11 AM, Tim Tucker wrote: Sorry Joe, but I'm with Fred on this one, as well. You're speaking from what you believe to be true based on specs you're reading, but it's obvious to me as one who has actually used various speakers on the K3, including the COMSpkr, that you don't have as complete a picture as some of us who have actually tested this. I love the K3 and wouldn't trade it for another rig, but it's not perfect. It's ability to drive external speakers is one of the examples where it does not excel. Compared to other rigs, it basically sucks . Period. I'm young compared to most of you guys and have no hearing loss and have quite a good reputation amongst my friends for having an ear for what *sounds* good. After trying quite a few different external speakers setups with the K3 and not being happy with the overall volume output, I decided that the K3 was probably too finicky with what it needs for speaker impedance and decided to just go with a set of powered external speakers and be done with it. The COMspkr is so damn loud that it practically blasts me out of my den if I turn it up much. I don't like to use headphones if I don't have to, and with the COMspkr, I rarely need to. Regardless of what you think the specs say, you need to try this for yourself and make an informed decision. On Tue, Nov 6, 2012 at 5:39 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote: The COMspkr is an ampflied speaker. That's right and the amplifier is not any stronger than the amplifier in the K3. There is no value to using a set of 3W per channel amplified speakers on a transceiver that provides 2.5W per channel by itself. I've used a pair of $5 speakers from surplus cellphone remote kits on the K3 that sound as good as any amplified computer speakers (and I've used a lot over the years). If one is going to use amplified speakers use speakers capable of significantly more *clean* power than what is essentially a low end commodity product. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 11/6/2012 6:34 PM, Fred Smith wrote: Joe The COMspkr is an ampflied speaker. Hell I have a set of Bose speakers here that were close to $500 and don't sound any better on a radio than the $39 ones and they are as loud as you want. I got to call you on this one just from using as many sets of speakers as I have. Fred/N0AZZ -Original
Re: [Elecraft] K3 Speaker buzz - But which external speaker ?
Or, one can simply choose to pay an extra $20-$30 and bypass all of the fooling around by trying to find the right combination and just buy something that others have proven that works. Sacrificing the Line Out for external speakers is a pretty lousy solution, IMO. You originally replied that the COMspkr wouldn't work any better than the internal speaker, however I know from personal experience that it does exactly that. Take off your engineer hat and put on your consumer hat. For some of us, spending an extra couple of bucks to just be done with the whole problem (that shouldn't exist in the first place) is worth it. I don't need or want to go execute an algorithm to figure out which speaker will allow me to hear the rig at an acceptable volume. If you like doing that, no one is going to criticize you, however, not all of us feel like going through that exercise. My own experience is that I tried a bunch of external speakers with the K3 and the results sucked - in fact they were worse than other Icom and Yaesu rigs sitting on the bench at the same time using the same speakers. I got tired of fooling around with it and decided to purchase the powered COMspkr and was satisfied. Are there better solutions? Perhaps. Do I care? No. My problem is solved and I spend time enjoying the radio instead of cursing at the volume output of the K3. *IF* one feels the need for an external amplifier, bypass the internal amplifier by using the Line Out and high cut filter to drive a better amplifier - something capable of 10W per channel at 0.01% THD instead of 3W per channel at 1% THD like the COMSpkr. Alternatively, set up the external amplifier with a 16 - 32 Ohm input impedance, set the K3 to low AF gain to keep the LM4950 in the cleanest part of its design range and use the external amplifier to provide the power gain. Just like RF power amplifiers, audio amplifiers are all about selecting the right devices, using proper design and bypassing, then matching to the right load. On Tue, Nov 6, 2012 at 10:31 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com wrote: *IF* one feels the need for an external amplifier, bypass the internal amplifier by using the Line Out and high cut filter to drive a better amplifier - something capable of 10W per channel at 0.01% THD instead of 3W per channel at 1% THD like the COMSpkr. Alternatively, set up the external amplifier with a 16 - 32 Ohm input impedance, set the K3 to low AF gain to keep the LM4950 in the cleanest part of its design range and use the external amplifier to provide the power gain. Just like RF power amplifiers, audio amplifiers are all about selecting the right devices, using proper design and bypassing, then matching to the right load. An audio amplifier needs to be able to source enough current to drive the speaker without saturation or clipping. The audio chip used in COMspkr and other 3W per channel computer speakers is simply no better or cleaner than the LM4950 used in the K3 - they all show high THD when operated at maximum output level because they just can not source the current without driving the outputs into saturation. That is nothing more or less than simple physics. -- --- Owner, worldwidedx.com AE6LX, Amateur Radio NNN0ITA, Navy MARS NNN0GAF FOUR, Southern CA Director Assistant for Training, Navy MARS __ 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
