Re: [Elecraft] Dueling CQ During Mixed Mode 10 Meter Contest
In RTTY contests we can define the 2 receivers as 2 different radios (2 instances of K3 in ports using same com port) I have not heard of anyone doing this in any other mode and certainly not in mixed mode. But it might be possible for the WriteLog code to be updated to allow this. Doesn't happen in too many contests though. It would be waaay cool. Jim K0XU Sent from my Xoom tablet On Dec 24, 2012 12:35 AM, DR kg...@sbcglobal.net wrote: I was hoping that there would be dueling CQ mode in Writelog when operating both CW and Phone during the recent 10 meter contest. During slow times, I wanted Writelog to alternate log entry focus between CW and Phone while alternately transmitting CQ in CW using the K1EL keyer, and then in Phone using a prerecorded wav file. I realize that there is a mode change involved but I thought that it might be possible given that everything occurs on the same band. Is this possible in any of the modern day contest logging programs? 73, Dave KG0US __ 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] Vedr: Re: K3 and HRD
My guess is that there is something in you're bandplan settings in the HRD that causes this behavior. LA8OKA Martin __ 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 is an SDR?
Maybe some light would be shed if those who think the K2 is NOT a SDR would detail why. 73, Mike NF4L On Dec 23, 2012, at 5:55 PM, Rick Tavan N6XI rta...@gmail.com wrote: I dunno, folks, we may be gilding lilies trying to define SDR. If software handles modulation and demodulation, that's SDR to me. The K3 and KX3 both fit fine. /Rick On Sun, Dec 23, 2012 at 10:34 AM, John Lawrence j123...@aol.com wrote: Don As I'd expect, you did a beautiful job summarizing the difference between the K3 and KX3 design architecture. I'd call the K3 a hybrid SDR and the KX3 a true SDR? What's interesting to me comes from looking at the leap forward in component technology to make direct SDR from RF possible. This is the evolution in the chip level devices it takes to gain this single step conversion to baseband. Faster and more agile DSP, A/D and D/A etc ICs are at the heart of the step forward between the K3 and KX3. The companies producing these chips were at my fingertips back in the days 10 to 20 years ago. Then they were only able to make it to lower frequency IF stages with costly designs only found in the top high tech applications such as those found in government surveillance. Back then Burr Brown, Analog Devices, Texas Instruments, Motorola, Lucent/Bell Labs were working hard with competitive designs. Semiconductor foundry geometries were heading for half micron on 4 or 6 silicon back then. The software development tools allowing greater coding efficiencies is another area that has played a major roll to bring us to this point. And, his was all done within our free enterprise environment by private/public capitalized US businesses. Happy Holidays John, W1QS Waldoboro, Maine __ 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 -- Rick Tavan N6XI Truckee, CA __ 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 is an SDR?
The K2 is definitely not an SDR. The K2 uses traditional rf amps, mixers, if amps, crystal filters in the if, and a product detector, followed by an audio amp. Elecraft does offer an add on audio DSP option which works quite well. JIm, W4ATK On Dec 24, 2012, at 7:39 AM, Mike Reublin n...@nf4l.com wrote: Maybe some light would be shed if those who think the K2 is NOT a SDR would detail why. 73, Mike NF4L On Dec 23, 2012, at 5:55 PM, Rick Tavan N6XI rta...@gmail.com wrote: I dunno, folks, we may be gilding lilies trying to define SDR. If software handles modulation and demodulation, that's SDR to me. The K3 and KX3 both fit fine. /Rick On Sun, Dec 23, 2012 at 10:34 AM, John Lawrence j123...@aol.com wrote: Don As I'd expect, you did a beautiful job summarizing the difference between the K3 and KX3 design architecture. I'd call the K3 a hybrid SDR and the KX3 a true SDR? What's interesting to me comes from looking at the leap forward in component technology to make direct SDR from RF possible. This is the evolution in the chip level devices it takes to gain this single step conversion to baseband. Faster and more agile DSP, A/D and D/A etc ICs are at the heart of the step forward between the K3 and KX3. The companies producing these chips were at my fingertips back in the days 10 to 20 years ago. Then they were only able to make it to lower frequency IF stages with costly designs only found in the top high tech applications such as those found in government surveillance. Back then Burr Brown, Analog Devices, Texas Instruments, Motorola, Lucent/Bell Labs were working hard with competitive designs. Semiconductor foundry geometries were heading for half micron on 4 or 6 silicon back then. The software development tools allowing greater coding efficiencies is another area that has played a major roll to bring us to this point. And, his was all done within our free enterprise environment by private/public capitalized US businesses. Happy Holidays John, W1QS Waldoboro, Maine __ 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 -- Rick Tavan N6XI Truckee, CA __ 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 is an SDR?
Perhaps a bit more explanatory The K2 is definitely not an SDR. The K2 uses traditional rf amps, mixers, if amplifier, crystal filters in the if and a product detector, followed by an audio amp, none of which are defined in software. Elecraft does offer an add on audio DSP option which works quite well. Jim, W4ATK __ 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 RF Board Trimmer Caps
My K1 RF board ceramic trimmer capacitors C13 and C20 have an outline shape that differs from either that described in the K1 assembly instructions or on the silkscreen outline on the RF board PCB. This is the same question that Dean asked back on 10/27/12. Don's answer described trimmer capacitors with an angular shape. This description perfectly describes the trimmer capacitors on the KFL1-4 filter board (e.g., figure 1 in KFL1-4 assembly instructions) but does not appear to describe the current crop of RF board trimmer caps. I didn't see any additional clarification associated with that thread. The K1 assembly manual (p. 28) describes C13/20 trimmer caps that have one side that is flattened. The trimmer caps supplied with my K1 have a round profile with a square protrusion on one side of the profile, sort of like the profile of an old-style keyhole. I'm assuming that the square protrusion side of the trimmer cap equates to the flattened side of the PCB outline (i.e., square protrusion pointing to the rear of the PCB) and have installed my trimmer caps based on this assumption. Is this assumption correct? As long as I'm pounding away on the keyboard, here's one other question. The K1 DC voltage check procedure on p. 30 calls for a power supply voltage of 12-14 VDC. However, my trusty old late-70s-vintage Vanco regulated DC power supply has an unloaded DC voltage of 14.5 VDC as measured with a Fluke 115. I also note that the K1 specifications on p. 5 lists a required supply voltage of 8.5-15 VDC. I also suspect that once placed under load, my Vanco PS will drop to something less than 14 VDC. Is it OK to use this power supply for the DC voltage check procedure? Scott N4KTR __ 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 PSK split?
Hola, E51E was running PSK31 the other day on 17m and was sending 'up' for split operations...I tried to do this but the rig would not allow split; yes I had done A=B to get both VFOs in proper mode and then held down the split buttonmy workaround was to put VFO B up 1 kc, monitor the P3 for clear freq and toggle A/B back and forth until I worked him. Is there a config selection I missed or another 'cockpit error' that I did not see? 73 Tom CX7TT __ 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 PSK split?
K3 works split just fine in DATA A mode. It is only PSK from paddles (and FSK from paddles) that do not split. Have you tried XIT? 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 12/24/2012 9:22 AM, cx...@4email.net wrote: Hola, E51E was running PSK31 the other day on 17m and was sending 'up' for split operations...I tried to do this but the rig would not allow split; yes I had done A=B to get both VFOs in proper mode and then held down the split buttonmy workaround was to put VFO B up 1 kc, monitor the P3 for clear freq and toggle A/B back and forth until I worked him. Is there a config selection I missed or another 'cockpit error' that I did not see? 73 Tom CX7TT __ 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] Dueling CQ During Mixed Mode 10 Meter Contest
You know, it might just work. You have 2 entry windows and 2 rigs defined. I am not home till Fri but will try it it then. Have to define 2 sets of messages using only what keys you get. Would be killer if it works. Jim K0XU Sent from my Xoom tablet On Dec 24, 2012 5:01 AM, Jim Rhodes jimk...@gmail.com wrote: In RTTY contests we can define the 2 receivers as 2 different radios (2 instances of K3 in ports using same com port) I have not heard of anyone doing this in any other mode and certainly not in mixed mode. But it might be possible for the WriteLog code to be updated to allow this. Doesn't happen in too many contests though. It would be waaay cool. Jim K0XU Sent from my Xoom tablet On Dec 24, 2012 12:35 AM, DR kg...@sbcglobal.net wrote: I was hoping that there would be dueling CQ mode in Writelog when operating both CW and Phone during the recent 10 meter contest. During slow times, I wanted Writelog to alternate log entry focus between CW and Phone while alternately transmitting CQ in CW using the K1EL keyer, and then in Phone using a prerecorded wav file. I realize that there is a mode change involved but I thought that it might be possible given that everything occurs on the same band. Is this possible in any of the modern day contest logging programs? 73, Dave KG0US __ 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] K1 RF Board Trimmer Caps
My K1 RF board ceramic trimmer capacitors C13 and C20 have an outline shape that differs from either that described in the K1 assembly instructions or on the silkscreen outline on the RF board PCB. This is the same question that Dean asked back on 10/27/12. Don's answer described trimmer capacitors with an angular shape. This description perfectly describes the trimmer capacitors on the KFL1-4 filter board (e.g., figure 1 in KFL1-4 assembly instructions) but does not appear to describe the current crop of RF board trimmer caps. I didn't see any additional clarification associated with that thread. Scott (and others who may be interested or wondering) First, I no longer have my K1, so I don't have the benefit of the board in front of me. However, some thinking, observation and measurement will lead you to the answer you seek. The entire goal of orienting the trimmers in a particular direction is to insure the rotor of the capacitor (the part you turn) is grounded. This way, you will not have hand (or tool) capacitance effects when adjusting them. Take your ohmmeter and measure from the center, where the adjustment tool contacts the capacitor. Measure to each of the two contacts, and find the one that is shorted to the adjustment slot. That is the side you want to be grounded after install. Next, look at the board, and see which hole for either C1, C2, C5, C6, CA, CB, CE, or CH are connected to the ground plane of the board. That is hole that you want the lead that you just identified to end up in. The trimmers are all oriented the same way. This will work for -any- style of trimmer if they change vendors or type. You just need to look physically at the ones you have, and determine how the rotor lead is identified for that particular part. Simple, once you understand the goal. Good luck, Bruce, N1RX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue
Update on my low output issue: I ran the TX Gain Calibration this morning, and everything passed with flying colors. I am seeing about a 4-4.5V drop across the radio when going from rx to tx. Rx voltage sits at 13.8V, but when I transmit, voltage across the rig drops to between 9 and 9.5V. All tests performed while tuned into a 300W dummy load. Before I tear into my rig and start looking for corroded tin pins on the PA board (K3 #281, so unlikely the board was replaced/mod performed), is there anything else I should test while my station is still all together in one piece? Thanks to everyone for the assistance, and Merry Christmas! 73, --Ian Ian Kahn, KM4IK Roswell, GA EM74ua km4ik@gmail.com K3 #281, P3 #688 HRD v5.x/6.0 Test Team On 12/23/2012 5:07 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Chuck, It could - defer decisions on that until after doing the TX Gain Calibration. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/23/2012 5:01 PM, hawley, charles j jr wrote: Could it be/affect a 40% difference? Chuck, KE9UW Lionel Trains, TCA, LCCA, LRRC aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles BMWMOA #224 __ 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] New Output Power Issue
One other thing I forgot to mention in my last post - when I change bands, I get the message GEX on the display of my K3. I can't find a reference to that message in my K3 owner's manual, Fred Cady's book, or the Elecraft web site. Can anyone shed any meaning on what that message means? I'm wondering if it might be pointing me toward solving my issue. Thanks, 73, es Merry Christmas. --Ian Ian Kahn, KM4IK Roswell, GA EM74ua km4ik@gmail.com K3 #281, P3 #688 HRD v5.x/6.0 Test Team On 12/23/2012 5:07 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Chuck, It could - defer decisions on that until after doing the TX Gain Calibration. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/23/2012 5:01 PM, hawley, charles j jr wrote: Could it be/affect a 40% difference? Chuck, KE9UW Lionel Trains, TCA, LCCA, LRRC aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles BMWMOA #224 __ 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] K1 RF Board Trimmer Caps
Scott, I figure you have the blue bodied trimmers and not the older ceramic ones. Look at them carefully - one end is rounded (that will be the wider end with rounded corners) while the 'shorter' end has angular corners and a flat between those corners. That is the 'flat' side and should be aligned to the flat shown in the manual. Be aware that the newer gold looking solder pads do not accept silkscreening, so you must align them like is shown in the manual. The consequence of mounting them backwards is that you will have to use an insulated tool to adjust them. Does that clear up your confusion? 73, Don W3FPR On 12/24/2012 9:14 AM, Scott Krebs wrote: My K1 RF board ceramic trimmer capacitors C13 and C20 have an outline shape that differs from either that described in the K1 assembly instructions or on the silkscreen outline on the RF board PCB. This is the same question that Dean asked back on 10/27/12. Don's answer described trimmer capacitors with an angular shape. This description perfectly describes the trimmer capacitors on the KFL1-4 filter board (e.g., figure 1 in KFL1-4 assembly instructions) but does not appear to describe the current crop of RF board trimmer caps. I didn't see any additional clarification associated with that thread. The K1 assembly manual (p. 28) describes C13/20 trimmer caps that have one side that is flattened. The trimmer caps supplied with my K1 have a round profile with a square protrusion on one side of the profile, sort of like the profile of an old-style keyhole. I'm assuming that the square protrusion side of the trimmer cap equates to the flattened side of the PCB outline (i.e., square protrusion pointing to the rear of the PCB) and have installed my trimmer caps based on this assumption. Is this assumption correct? As long as I'm pounding away on the keyboard, here's one other question. The K1 DC voltage check procedure on p. 30 calls for a power supply voltage of 12-14 VDC. However, my trusty old late-70s-vintage Vanco regulated DC power supply has an unloaded DC voltage of 14.5 VDC as measured with a Fluke 115. I also note that the K1 specifications on p. 5 lists a required supply voltage of 8.5-15 VDC. I also suspect that once placed under load, my Vanco PS will drop to something less than 14 VDC. Is it OK to use this power supply for the DC voltage check procedure? Scott N4KTR __ 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] New Output Power Issue
Using a DVM or other self-contained voltmeter, measure the voltage at the power supply end of the cable during Rx and Tx. Is the voltage drop small (under 1/2 volt)? Measure the voltage at the radio end of the cable (using the same voltmeter) during Tx and Rx. Compare it to the K3 voltmeter. The difference between the two voltages should be almost constant, with perhaps a couple tenths of a volt greater difference when in Tx. Is the excessive voltage drop occuring across the cable? Might it be poorly or improperly mated Anderson power-pole connections? Or loose connections at the power supply? Are you using a power distribution box like a RigRunner? Is the drop occuring there? The most common cause of this sort of problem is the cabling -- including connectors -- between the power supply and the radio. 73, Lyle KK7P Update on my low output issue: I ran the TX Gain Calibration this morning, and everything passed with flying colors. I am seeing about a 4-4.5V drop across the radio when going from rx to tx. Rx voltage sits at 13.8V, but when I transmit, voltage across the rig drops to between 9 and 9.5V. All tests performed while tuned into a 300W dummy load. Before I tear into my rig and start looking for corroded tin pins on the PA board (K3 #281, so unlikely the board was replaced/mod performed), is there anything else I should test while my station is still all together in one piece? Thanks to everyone for the assistance, and Merry Christmas! 73, --Ian Ian Kahn, KM4IK Roswell, GA EM74ua km4ik@gmail.com K3 #281, P3 #688 HRD v5.x/6.0 Test Team On 12/23/2012 5:07 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Chuck, It could - defer decisions on that until after doing the TX Gain Calibration. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/23/2012 5:01 PM, hawley, charles j jr wrote: Could it be/affect a 40% difference? Chuck, KE9UW Lionel Trains, TCA, LCCA, LRRC aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles BMWMOA #224 __ 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] New Output Power Issue
Wow. That will certainly explain the drop in RF power output. I would not suspect corroded pins on the KPA connectors since resistance there will limit the current the PA can draw and actually reduce the voltage drop. Are you looking at the voltage reported by the K3's display? If so, can you check the output of the power supply to confirm that it is not drooping under load. Next, I'd carefully inspect the power cable from the power supply to the K3 - especially the connectors. If your power supply has bolt-on terminals for the power cable, be sure they are tight (I've seen Astrons shake a nut loose through the low level vibration from the power transformer over a period of months when they weren't tightened properly in the first place). At the other end, is there any discoloration in the contacts in the powerpole connecter? Are the contacts fully inserted in the housing? Do you have anything else between the power supply and the K3 - power distribution box or in line fuses, etc? If so, they can introduce the resistance causing the voltage drop through a bad contact. 73, Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ian Kahn - Ham Sent: Monday, December 24, 2012 7:18 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue Update on my low output issue: I ran the TX Gain Calibration this morning, and everything passed with flying colors. I am seeing about a 4-4.5V drop across the radio when going from rx to tx. Rx voltage sits at 13.8V, but when I transmit, voltage across the rig drops to between 9 and 9.5V. All tests performed while tuned into a 300W dummy load. Before I tear into my rig and start looking for corroded tin pins on the PA board (K3 #281, so unlikely the board was replaced/mod performed), is there anything else I should test while my station is still all together in one piece? Thanks to everyone for the assistance, and Merry Christmas! 73, --Ian Ian Kahn, KM4IK Roswell, GA EM74ua km4ik@gmail.com K3 #281, P3 #688 HRD v5.x/6.0 Test Team On 12/23/2012 5:07 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Chuck, It could - defer decisions on that until after doing the TX Gain Calibration. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/23/2012 5:01 PM, hawley, charles j jr wrote: Could it be/affect a 40% difference? Chuck, KE9UW Lionel Trains, TCA, LCCA, LRRC aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles BMWMOA #224 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] IMPORTANT CORRECTION: K1 RF Board Trimmer Caps
IMPORTANT ADDENDUM/CORRECTION TO MY PREVIOUS POST ON THIS. I wrote: Take your ohmmeter and measure from the center, where the adjustment tool contacts the capacitor. Measure to each of the two contacts, and find the one that is shorted to the adjustment slot. That is the side you want to be grounded after install. Next, look at the board, and see which hole for either C1, C2, C5, C6, CA, CB, CE, or CH are connected to the ground plane of the board. That is hole that you want the lead that you just identified to end up in. The trimmers are all oriented the same way. The trimmers DO NOT all mount the same way! You must look at the assembly instructions for the KFL1_4 board, and take note of how the trimmers mount. On my manual, it's page 17. Compare the drawing with the trimmers you have, to determine the proper orientation of each, once you know which side on yours corresponds to the flat side in the drawing. Again, you need to determine which side of the cap is connected to the center adjustment screw. That is the side you want to be grounded. Compare that with the board, and see if that corresponds to the flat side on the original trimmers, or the other side. I don't have a board here to check. Once you know how your trimmers compare to the original ones pictured in the (fig 11), you can then orient all your trimmers accordingly. Sorry for the mis-information in my original reply, and good luck, Bruce, N1RX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue
Ian, With that much voltage drop, I would strongly recommend you look at your power supply and the power cable to the K3. First measure the drop while transmitting right at the power supply. If you have significant sag there, either your power supply is marginal or the output terminals at its output may not be tight (on most power supplies that means the inner nut is loose. Also make sure the cable is tightly clamped at the power supply end. At the K3 end, examine the APP connector. Look into the end and make sure the contact blade is fully latched over the spring finger. If the APP feels like it is not holding to the mating connector on the K3 with adequate pressure, then suspect incorrect assembly of one or the other of the APP connectors (check the APP mounted on the K3 too). The conductors in the power cable should be of an adequate size to carry the current. US wire gauge #12 conductors or larger should be used. That is what is supplied by Elecraft. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/24/2012 10:18 AM, Ian Kahn - Ham wrote: Update on my low output issue: I ran the TX Gain Calibration this morning, and everything passed with flying colors. I am seeing about a 4-4.5V drop across the radio when going from rx to tx. Rx voltage sits at 13.8V, but when I transmit, voltage across the rig drops to between 9 and 9.5V. All tests performed while tuned into a 300W dummy load. Before I tear into my rig and start looking for corroded tin pins on the PA board (K3 #281, so unlikely the board was replaced/mod performed), is there anything else I should test while my station is still all together in one piece? Thanks to everyone for the assistance, and Merry Christmas! 73, --Ian Ian Kahn, KM4IK Roswell, GA EM74ua km4ik@gmail.com K3 #281, P3 #688 HRD v5.x/6.0 Test Team On 12/23/2012 5:07 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Chuck, It could - defer decisions on that until after doing the TX Gain Calibration. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/23/2012 5:01 PM, hawley, charles j jr wrote: Could it be/affect a 40% difference? Chuck, KE9UW Lionel Trains, TCA, LCCA, LRRC aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles BMWMOA #224 __ 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] New Output Power Issue
Ian, Google didn't find anything on the GEX error when I looked. I searched the Nabble archives and didn't find it there either. Elecraft support should have that answer. This is out of my pay grade but I would suspect the power supply rather than the radio. I say that because I don't see that drop on my K3 and you had the edge connector mod done. Do you have another power supply or 12 volt battery you could try or borrow one? God Bless 73! Jack - WE5ST From: Ian Kahn - Ham km4ik@gmail.com To: d...@w3fpr.com Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Monday, December 24, 2012 9:32 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue One other thing I forgot to mention in my last post - when I change bands, I get the message GEX on the display of my K3. I can't find a reference to that message in my K3 owner's manual, Fred Cady's book, or the Elecraft web site. Can anyone shed any meaning on what that message means? I'm wondering if it might be pointing me toward solving my issue. Thanks, 73, es Merry Christmas. --Ian __ 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] IMPORTANT CORRECTION: K1 RF Board Trimmer Caps
The flat side on the board is indeed the grounded side - but as I mentioned, you cannot see the flat on the silkscreen any more, you will have to follow the diagram in the manual. The flat sides are not in the same relative orientation - in each row of 4 there are 2 with the flat to the left and 2 with the flat to the right. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/24/2012 10:43 AM, Bruce Beford wrote: IMPORTANT ADDENDUM/CORRECTION TO MY PREVIOUS POST ON THIS. I wrote: Take your ohmmeter and measure from the center, where the adjustment tool contacts the capacitor. Measure to each of the two contacts, and find the one that is shorted to the adjustment slot. That is the side you want to be grounded after install. Next, look at the board, and see which hole for either C1, C2, C5, C6, CA, CB, CE, or CH are connected to the ground plane of the board. That is hole that you want the lead that you just identified to end up in. The trimmers are all oriented the same way. The trimmers DO NOT all mount the same way! You must look at the assembly instructions for the KFL1_4 board, and take note of how the trimmers mount. On my manual, it's page 17. Compare the drawing with the trimmers you have, to determine the proper orientation of each, once you know which side on yours corresponds to the flat side in the drawing. Again, you need to determine which side of the cap is connected to the center adjustment screw. That is the side you want to be grounded. Compare that with the board, and see if that corresponds to the flat side on the original trimmers, or the other side. I don't have a board here to check. Once you know how your trimmers compare to the original ones pictured in the (fig 11), you can then orient all your trimmers accordingly. Sorry for the mis-information in my original reply, and good luck, Bruce, N1RX __ 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] Dueling CQ During Mixed Mode 10 Meter Contest
This will work in N1MM Logger with two radios (SO2R) Season's Greetings, Ted W4NZ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net]On Behalf Of Jim Rhodes Sent: Monday, December 24, 2012 9:57 AM To: DR Cc: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Dueling CQ During Mixed Mode 10 Meter Contest You know, it might just work. You have 2 entry windows and 2 rigs defined. I am not home till Fri but will try it it then. Have to define 2 sets of messages using only what keys you get. Would be killer if it works. Jim K0XU Sent from my Xoom tablet On Dec 24, 2012 5:01 AM, Jim Rhodes jimk...@gmail.com wrote: In RTTY contests we can define the 2 receivers as 2 different radios (2 instances of K3 in ports using same com port) I have not heard of anyone doing this in any other mode and certainly not in mixed mode. But it might be possible for the WriteLog code to be updated to allow this. Doesn't happen in too many contests though. It would be waaay cool. Jim K0XU Sent from my Xoom tablet On Dec 24, 2012 12:35 AM, DR kg...@sbcglobal.net wrote: I was hoping that there would be dueling CQ mode in Writelog when operating both CW and Phone during the recent 10 meter contest. During slow times, I wanted Writelog to alternate log entry focus between CW and Phone while alternately transmitting CQ in CW using the K1EL keyer, and then in Phone using a prerecorded wav file. I realize that there is a mode change involved but I thought that it might be possible given that everything occurs on the same band. Is this possible in any of the modern day contest logging programs? 73, Dave KG0US __ 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] New Output Power Issue
Don/all, It is highly possible the culprit is my RigRunner, purchased in March of this year. When I took it out of line, the voltage drop went from over 4V on tx to under 2V (13.8V down to about 12V). Current draw is .78 to .82 amps on rx and 19.8 amps on tx. However, while the internal power meter shows 100W, an external meter into a dummy load only shows 70 watts out. The current and voltage readings look normal, according to Rev. D10 of the owner's manual. But I'm still concerned about a 30W drop at the output. Anyone have any other suggestions? Thanks, 73, es Merry Christmas. --Ian Ian Kahn, KM4IK Roswell, GA EM74ua km4ik@gmail.com K3 #281, P3 #688 HRD v5.x/6.0 Test Team On 12/24/2012 10:46 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Ian, With that much voltage drop, I would strongly recommend you look at your power supply and the power cable to the K3. First measure the drop while transmitting right at the power supply. If you have significant sag there, either your power supply is marginal or the output terminals at its output may not be tight (on most power supplies that means the inner nut is loose. Also make sure the cable is tightly clamped at the power supply end. At the K3 end, examine the APP connector. Look into the end and make sure the contact blade is fully latched over the spring finger. If the APP feels like it is not holding to the mating connector on the K3 with adequate pressure, then suspect incorrect assembly of one or the other of the APP connectors (check the APP mounted on the K3 too). The conductors in the power cable should be of an adequate size to carry the current. US wire gauge #12 conductors or larger should be used. That is what is supplied by Elecraft. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/24/2012 10:18 AM, Ian Kahn - Ham wrote: Update on my low output issue: I ran the TX Gain Calibration this morning, and everything passed with flying colors. I am seeing about a 4-4.5V drop across the radio when going from rx to tx. Rx voltage sits at 13.8V, but when I transmit, voltage across the rig drops to between 9 and 9.5V. All tests performed while tuned into a 300W dummy load. Before I tear into my rig and start looking for corroded tin pins on the PA board (K3 #281, so unlikely the board was replaced/mod performed), is there anything else I should test while my station is still all together in one piece? Thanks to everyone for the assistance, and Merry Christmas! 73, --Ian Ian Kahn, KM4IK Roswell, GA EM74ua km4ik@gmail.com K3 #281, P3 #688 HRD v5.x/6.0 Test Team On 12/23/2012 5:07 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Chuck, It could - defer decisions on that until after doing the TX Gain Calibration. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/23/2012 5:01 PM, hawley, charles j jr wrote: Could it be/affect a 40% difference? Chuck, KE9UW Lionel Trains, TCA, LCCA, LRRC aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles BMWMOA #224 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] KAT500 question
Howdy K3' people: I have a KAT500. The Auto green LED is lit. I have previously tuned to the best it could get on 17m. This morning it is drizzling. The 450 ladder can sometimes act up when it is raining. So I begin a JT9, one-minute long, sequence. Next I hear a little chatter and see the Red-LED come on for SWR=3. The Auto LED is now flashing. No tuning is taking place and the one-minute transmission finishes. I press hold the XMIT/TUNE button and the KAT500 finds a nice SWR of 1.1 . Next sequence comes around and the K3 switches to xmit. The KAT500 chatters maybe once and the Red SWR LED comes on again. The Auto LED is now flashing. I can do nothing about this while the K3 is transmitting. Technically I should kill the XMIT and correct the SWR problem. We all know this. Fortunately I was running but 5 watts on the JT9-1 mode so I don't believe I did any damage. When I used my Palstar AT2K tuner, and it was raining, I'd see the VSWR climb, and knowing the cause, would just manually turn a knob and keep the SWR down. Was jut something ya do when it's raining, Is there something I am overlooking with my new automatic-tuner? -- 73 KD7YZ Bob __ 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 Questions
A happy Holiday season and a great and healthy new year to all. I just finished my fully loaded KX3. I am having several issues with it. Elecraft is closed today, so decided to ask other Elecraft users some questions. Here is the first: I am having three issues with my new KX3 serial number 3085. I am unable to align the filter. There is no change in amplitude when I try to find a null. I have attempted the alignment about 7 or 8 times. Second: The second issue is that I can't calibrate the radio. Using my Bird 43 and Bird dummy load, the calibration stops saying the SWR is 99/1, and stops. When I transmit into the same load all is fine with a 1/1 SWR. Third: The third problem is in LSB. In USB I hear signals and it sounds great. When I switch to LSB the radio goes silent. Nothing at all. Any ideas? 73AlanW1HYV __ 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] KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner
On 12/23/2012 11:27 AM, John Shaw wrote: if the KAT500 was passed the operating frequency information from the transceiver instead of just band information that would elevate it from a good tuner to a great tuner. As a beta tester for the KAT500, I can tell you that 1) Elecraft says that this data is NOT available at the output of the K3; and 2) the KAT500 works just fine without that information if you use it intelligently and don't screw up switching the antennas that you connect to it. Like you, I wish that #1 was implemented, but I am told that it is not. I'm using a single KAT500 with two power amps -- a KPA500 and a Ten Tec Titan 425 (35 year old design, 1.5kW output). I use ANT1 and ANT2 in the K3 to switch between the two amp inputs, and a relay to switch the outputs. I also do extensive antenna switching external to the KAT500. I've trained the KAT500 to my antennas for the band segments where I operate, and program the KAT500 (using the KAT Utility) for which KAT output ports to use on which bands. When I change bands, I hit a dit or tap my mic to let the KAT500 read frequency, switches to the desired output port, recalls the tuning, and I'm ready to go. That works great -- EXCEPT when I screw up and don't do the right external switching to the KAT500. I'm working on automating that switching, but it's not done yet. The KAT500 is an excellent tuner. I took the beta unit to our Tehama County expedition for the California QSO Party, and it performed flawlessly switching between aluminum and wire antennas for several bands We used it with a K3 and KPA500, with only the key line cables between K3, KAT500, and KPA500. 73, Jim K9YC __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue
I'd check the accuracy of the meter, with nearly 20A being drawn on TX, I'd expect 100W out of the rig... Best regards, Tim Hague Skype m0afj.Tim Sent on my iPad On 24 Dec 2012, at 16:51, Ian Kahn - Ham km4ik@gmail.com wrote: Don/all, It is highly possible the culprit is my RigRunner, purchased in March of this year. When I took it out of line, the voltage drop went from over 4V on tx to under 2V (13.8V down to about 12V). Current draw is .78 to .82 amps on rx and 19.8 amps on tx. However, while the internal power meter shows 100W, an external meter into a dummy load only shows 70 watts out. The current and voltage readings look normal, according to Rev. D10 of the owner's manual. But I'm still concerned about a 30W drop at the output. Anyone have any other suggestions? Thanks, 73, es Merry Christmas. --Ian Ian Kahn, KM4IK Roswell, GA EM74ua km4ik@gmail.com K3 #281, P3 #688 HRD v5.x/6.0 Test Team On 12/24/2012 10:46 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Ian, With that much voltage drop, I would strongly recommend you look at your power supply and the power cable to the K3. First measure the drop while transmitting right at the power supply. If you have significant sag there, either your power supply is marginal or the output terminals at its output may not be tight (on most power supplies that means the inner nut is loose. Also make sure the cable is tightly clamped at the power supply end. At the K3 end, examine the APP connector. Look into the end and make sure the contact blade is fully latched over the spring finger. If the APP feels like it is not holding to the mating connector on the K3 with adequate pressure, then suspect incorrect assembly of one or the other of the APP connectors (check the APP mounted on the K3 too). The conductors in the power cable should be of an adequate size to carry the current. US wire gauge #12 conductors or larger should be used. That is what is supplied by Elecraft. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/24/2012 10:18 AM, Ian Kahn - Ham wrote: Update on my low output issue: I ran the TX Gain Calibration this morning, and everything passed with flying colors. I am seeing about a 4-4.5V drop across the radio when going from rx to tx. Rx voltage sits at 13.8V, but when I transmit, voltage across the rig drops to between 9 and 9.5V. All tests performed while tuned into a 300W dummy load. Before I tear into my rig and start looking for corroded tin pins on the PA board (K3 #281, so unlikely the board was replaced/mod performed), is there anything else I should test while my station is still all together in one piece? Thanks to everyone for the assistance, and Merry Christmas! 73, --Ian Ian Kahn, KM4IK Roswell, GA EM74ua km4ik@gmail.com K3 #281, P3 #688 HRD v5.x/6.0 Test Team On 12/23/2012 5:07 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: Chuck, It could - defer decisions on that until after doing the TX Gain Calibration. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/23/2012 5:01 PM, hawley, charles j jr wrote: Could it be/affect a 40% difference? Chuck, KE9UW Lionel Trains, TCA, LCCA, LRRC aka Jack, BMW Motorcycles BMWMOA #224 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft 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] KAT500 question
Bob, it sounds like rain is changing the characteristics of that ladder line and so altering the tuning solution required at the KAT500. The blinking MODE light says it's ready to tune once you apply enough RF power. Five watts won't do it. The KAT500 cannot tune with less than 10 watts of RF applied (20 watts is required for the most accurate tuning). 73 Ron AC7AC -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of KD7YZ Bob Sent: Monday, December 24, 2012 8:52 AM To: K3 List Subject: [Elecraft] KAT500 question Howdy K3' people: I have a KAT500. The Auto green LED is lit. I have previously tuned to the best it could get on 17m. This morning it is drizzling. The 450 ladder can sometimes act up when it is raining. So I begin a JT9, one-minute long, sequence. Next I hear a little chatter and see the Red-LED come on for SWR=3. The Auto LED is now flashing. No tuning is taking place and the one-minute transmission finishes. I press hold the XMIT/TUNE button and the KAT500 finds a nice SWR of 1.1 . Next sequence comes around and the K3 switches to xmit. The KAT500 chatters maybe once and the Red SWR LED comes on again. The Auto LED is now flashing. I can do nothing about this while the K3 is transmitting. Technically I should kill the XMIT and correct the SWR problem. We all know this. Fortunately I was running but 5 watts on the JT9-1 mode so I don't believe I did any damage. When I used my Palstar AT2K tuner, and it was raining, I'd see the VSWR climb, and knowing the cause, would just manually turn a knob and keep the SWR down. Was jut something ya do when it's raining, Is there something I am overlooking with my new automatic-tuner? -- 73 KD7YZ Bob __ 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] New Output Power Issue
Might not be a 30W drop, but a matter of calibrations of both the internal wattmeter (there is a menu item to adjust it) and the external wattmeter. If the output power is set to 100W and the internal wattmeter is reporting 100W, then the K3 is happy. If in fact the output power is only 70 W (double check if the ATU is bypassed or in line, antenna wiring and chassis connections are tight int he k3 etc), then the K3 wattmeter may need to be calibrated. If that is the case, you need to go to the menu and adjust it. But only do this if you are CERTAIN your external wattmeter is in fact accurate. Once you are certain the K3 wattmeter is reporting within spec, re-run the Tx calibration. BTW I think a 2V drop is still excessive. Might be long runs or light gauge wire or ? But that is a separate issue from the wattmeter accuracy. 73, Lyle KK7P It is highly possible the culprit is my RigRunner, purchased in March of this year. When I took it out of line, the voltage drop went from over 4V on tx to under 2V (13.8V down to about 12V). Current draw is .78 to .82 amps on rx and 19.8 amps on tx. However, while the internal power meter shows 100W, an external meter into a dummy load only shows 70 watts out. The current and voltage readings look normal, according to Rev. D10 of the owner's manual. But I'm still concerned about a 30W drop at the output. Anyone have any other suggestions? __ 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] Holiday Greetings
Fellow Elecraft Enthusiasts, I would like to take this opportunity to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I hope that you will be blessed with good health, happiness, and that your Elecraft dreams will be fulfilled. 73Bob W7AVK __ 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] K1 RF Board Trimmer Caps
Don, These are definitely not the blue-bodied trim caps. I'm familiar with those as they are used in the KFL1-4, which I've already assembled. No confusion at all as to how to orient the blue-bodied, angular-nosed trim caps. The C13/20 trim caps I've now installed on my RF board appear to have a white, cylindrical, possibly ceramic body. There are no flat sides on the main body. Underneath the slotted adjusting screw is what appears to be a fiber washer, half brown and half white, with a small blob of what appears to be solder applied between the side of the adjusting screw and white half of the washer. One electrical connector is attached to the back side of the cylindrical body while the other electrical connector is attached to the square protrusion from the other side of the cylindrical body. The assumption I made during installation was to match the asymmetrical side (i.e., square protrusion) of the trim cap with the flat side marked on the PCB. Scott On Dec 24, 2012, at 10:34 AM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Scott, I figure you have the blue bodied trimmers and not the older ceramic ones. Look at them carefully - one end is rounded (that will be the wider end with rounded corners) while the 'shorter' end has angular corners and a flat between those corners. That is the 'flat' side and should be aligned to the flat shown in the manual. Be aware that the newer gold looking solder pads do not accept silkscreening, so you must align them like is shown in the manual. The consequence of mounting them backwards is that you will have to use an insulated tool to adjust them. Does that clear up your confusion? 73, Don W3FPR On 12/24/2012 9:14 AM, Scott Krebs wrote: My K1 RF board ceramic trimmer capacitors C13 and C20 have an outline shape that differs from either that described in the K1 assembly instructions or on the silkscreen outline on the RF board PCB. This is the same question that Dean asked back on 10/27/12. Don's answer described trimmer capacitors with an angular shape. This description perfectly describes the trimmer capacitors on the KFL1-4 filter board (e.g., figure 1 in KFL1-4 assembly instructions) but does not appear to describe the current crop of RF board trimmer caps. I didn't see any additional clarification associated with that thread. The K1 assembly manual (p. 28) describes C13/20 trimmer caps that have one side that is flattened. The trimmer caps supplied with my K1 have a round profile with a square protrusion on one side of the profile, sort of like the profile of an old-style keyhole. I'm assuming that the square protrusion side of the trimmer cap equates to the flattened side of the PCB outline (i.e., square protrusion pointing to the rear of the PCB) and have installed my trimmer caps based on this assumption. Is this assumption correct? As long as I'm pounding away on the keyboard, here's one other question. The K1 DC voltage check procedure on p. 30 calls for a power supply voltage of 12-14 VDC. However, my trusty old late-70s-vintage Vanco regulated DC power supply has an unloaded DC voltage of 14.5 VDC as measured with a Fluke 115. I also note that the K1 specifications on p. 5 lists a required supply voltage of 8.5-15 VDC. I also suspect that once placed under load, my Vanco PS will drop to something less than 14 VDC. Is it OK to use this power supply for the DC voltage check procedure? Scott N4KTR __ 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] KAT500 question
On Monday Claire used a Straight-Key to send: -Original Comment--- The blinking MODE light says it's ready to tune once you apply enough RF power. Five watts won't do it. The KAT500 cannot tune with less than 10 watts of RF applied (20 watts is required for the most accurate tuning). I upped the power to 20w to see if it could tune itself during a transmit sequence. It seems that it can, though I only got one chance to see it as the drizzle let off, Keeping such high power though on this mode is not only unnecessary but it also serves to Jam a lot of the other guys who are using this weak signal mode. Usually 1 to 5 watts is sufficient for the continents I have worked. Very occasionally on what seems to be a dead band here, I have used 50 to work the EU area. -- Best regards, Bob KD7YZWin7-64bit + K3 __ 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] KAT500 question
You don't have to keep that power level, Bob. You only need it if the KAT500 needs to retune, and then only for the retune cycle. For that you might QSY a few KHz to a clear spot although between five and twenty watts you are only talking about a one S-unit difference in signal. The next thing is to find out why your antenna is so sensitive to moisture. There are treatments some fellows use on window line that help it repel water and so not detune it so much. Or is there a tree branch that touches the antenna when it's wet with fresh rain. Normally, rain alone won't detune an antenna enough to matter. 73 Ron AC7AC ---Original Message- On Monday Claire used a Straight-Key to send: -Original Comment--- The blinking MODE light says it's ready to tune once you apply enough RF power. Five watts won't do it. The KAT500 cannot tune with less than 10 watts of RF applied (20 watts is required for the most accurate tuning). I upped the power to 20w to see if it could tune itself during a transmit sequence. It seems that it can, though I only got one chance to see it as the drizzle let off, Keeping such high power though on this mode is not only unnecessary but it also serves to Jam a lot of the other guys who are using this weak signal mode. Usually 1 to 5 watts is sufficient for the continents I have worked. Very occasionally on what seems to be a dead band here, I have used 50 to work the EU area. -- Best regards, Bob KD7YZWin7-64bit + K3 __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] Elecraft SSB Net results (12/23/12)
We had a good net today with 31 participants over a 30 minute period. No discussions. Have a very merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season. Here is the list of participants: Station NameQTH Rig S/N K5RHD Randy NM Flex 5000 WB9JNZ EricIL K3 4017 K4GCJ Gerry NC K3 1597 W2RWA DickNY K3 2603 W4RKS Jim AL K3 3618 KA7MAY Calvin UT KX3 2706QRP KM4VX Ron NC K3 3857 N6JWJohnCA K3 936 K4TMCarrie VA K3 3448 WW4JF JohnTN K3 6185 K9QJS HoopWA K3 6885 K7BRR BillAZ KX3 2013 N0MNRichSD K3 4575 KA0NCR Arnie NE K2/310, KX3/161 QRP NJ6LNealKY K3 4601 W8OVDaveTX K3 3139 AB7CE Roy MT KX3 115 QRP K6DSW Don CA K3 3138 WB8RAE BillNY K3 2389 KC5RY George TX K3 5208 W7NMD Palmer AR K3 3779 W4PFM PaulVA K3 1673 KG0KP Jim MO K3 1442 K6XRReggie CA KX3 2369QRP WD5MDavid TX K3 6493 ZL1PWD Peter NZ K3 139 KN5LJohnTX KX3 1658 KL7UW Ed AK KX3 475 QRP KG4LUN Bob VA KX3 2319 K2CPE RichNJ K2 1102QRP K1NDJan MI KX3 2356 WN4SLG DougTN K3 6433 KB0YHL Denny MN K3 5165 AD5XM Wallace LA K3 5956 N0CERichMN K3 5105 NS7PPhilOR K3 1826 73, Phil, NS7P ph...@riousa.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] KX1 has sold!
The KX1 has sold. Thank you. Happy holidays! Mike AC6JA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue
So, it looks like I tracked down my low output issue. The problem appears to be with my West Mountain RigRunner, not my K3. A big thank you to all who offered guidance on getting this thing tested and troubleshot. Thank you, 73, es Merry Christmas! --Ian Ian Kahn, KM4IK Roswell, GA EM74ua km4ik@gmail.com K3 #281, P3 #688 HRD v5.x/6.0 Test Team On 12/24/2012 12:22 PM, Lyle Johnson wrote: Might not be a 30W drop, but a matter of calibrations of both the internal wattmeter (there is a menu item to adjust it) and the external wattmeter. If the output power is set to 100W and the internal wattmeter is reporting 100W, then the K3 is happy. If in fact the output power is only 70 W (double check if the ATU is bypassed or in line, antenna wiring and chassis connections are tight int he k3 etc), then the K3 wattmeter may need to be calibrated. If that is the case, you need to go to the menu and adjust it. But only do this if you are CERTAIN your external wattmeter is in fact accurate. Once you are certain the K3 wattmeter is reporting within spec, re-run the Tx calibration. BTW I think a 2V drop is still excessive. Might be long runs or light gauge wire or ? But that is a separate issue from the wattmeter accuracy. 73, Lyle KK7P It is highly possible the culprit is my RigRunner, purchased in March of this year. When I took it out of line, the voltage drop went from over 4V on tx to under 2V (13.8V down to about 12V). Current draw is .78 to .82 amps on rx and 19.8 amps on tx. However, while the internal power meter shows 100W, an external meter into a dummy load only shows 70 watts out. The current and voltage readings look normal, according to Rev. D10 of the owner's manual. But I'm still concerned about a 30W drop at the output. Anyone have any other suggestions? __ 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] K1 RF Board Trimmer Caps
Scott, Sorry I misread your question. Yes the side protruding is kind-of square which makes it a flat side. The remainder of the body is round. You apparently have them mounted correctly. 73, Don w3FPR On 12/24/2012 12:31 PM, Scott Krebs wrote: Don, These are definitely not the blue-bodied trim caps. I'm familiar with those as they are used in the KFL1-4, which I've already assembled. No confusion at all as to how to orient the blue-bodied, angular-nosed trim caps. The C13/20 trim caps I've now installed on my RF board appear to have a white, cylindrical, possibly ceramic body. There are no flat sides on the main body. Underneath the slotted adjusting screw is what appears to be a fiber washer, half brown and half white, with a small blob of what appears to be solder applied between the side of the adjusting screw and white half of the washer. One electrical connector is attached to the back side of the cylindrical body while the other electrical connector is attached to the square protrusion from the other side of the cylindrical body. The assumption I made during installation was to match the asymmetrical side (i.e., square protrusion) of the trim cap with the flat side marked on the PCB. Scott On Dec 24, 2012, at 10:34 AM, Don Wilhelm w3...@embarqmail.com wrote: Scott, I figure you have the blue bodied trimmers and not the older ceramic ones. Look at them carefully - one end is rounded (that will be the wider end with rounded corners) while the 'shorter' end has angular corners and a flat between those corners. That is the 'flat' side and should be aligned to the flat shown in the manual. Be aware that the newer gold looking solder pads do not accept silkscreening, so you must align them like is shown in the manual. The consequence of mounting them backwards is that you will have to use an insulated tool to adjust them. Does that clear up your confusion? 73, Don W3FPR On 12/24/2012 9:14 AM, Scott Krebs wrote: My K1 RF board ceramic trimmer capacitors C13 and C20 have an outline shape that differs from either that described in the K1 assembly instructions or on the silkscreen outline on the RF board PCB. This is the same question that Dean asked back on 10/27/12. Don's answer described trimmer capacitors with an angular shape. This description perfectly describes the trimmer capacitors on the KFL1-4 filter board (e.g., figure 1 in KFL1-4 assembly instructions) but does not appear to describe the current crop of RF board trimmer caps. I didn't see any additional clarification associated with that thread. The K1 assembly manual (p. 28) describes C13/20 trimmer caps that have one side that is flattened. The trimmer caps supplied with my K1 have a round profile with a square protrusion on one side of the profile, sort of like the profile of an old-style keyhole. I'm assuming that the square protrusion side of the trimmer cap equates to the flattened side of the PCB outline (i.e., square protrusion pointing to the rear of the PCB) and have installed my trimmer caps based on this assumption. Is this assumption correct? As long as I'm pounding away on the keyboard, here's one other question. The K1 DC voltage check procedure on p. 30 calls for a power supply voltage of 12-14 VDC. However, my trusty old late-70s-vintage Vanco regulated DC power supply has an unloaded DC voltage of 14.5 VDC as measured with a Fluke 115. I also note that the K1 specifications on p. 5 lists a required supply voltage of 8.5-15 VDC. I also suspect that once placed under load, my Vanco PS will drop to something less than 14 VDC. Is it OK to use this power supply for the DC voltage check procedure? Scott N4KTR __ 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] KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner
+1) Elecraft says that this data is NOT available at the output of the K3; + The K3 can be polled for this data. Many loggers are doing it. There is even some software that is polling data from the logger at the same time. Keith -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT500-and-OT-Is-a-tuner-using-VNA-feasible-tp7567559p7567626.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue
Ian, Any chance of borrowing another wattmeter for a sanity check on your external meter? It sounds like your external meter may be reading quite low. 19.8 amps on TX would indicate 100 watts or greater output. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/24/2012 11:51 AM, Ian Kahn - Ham wrote: Don/all, It is highly possible the culprit is my RigRunner, purchased in March of this year. When I took it out of line, the voltage drop went from over 4V on tx to under 2V (13.8V down to about 12V). Current draw is .78 to .82 amps on rx and 19.8 amps on tx. However, while the internal power meter shows 100W, an external meter into a dummy load only shows 70 watts out. The current and voltage readings look normal, according to Rev. D10 of the owner's manual. But I'm still concerned about a 30W drop at the output. Anyone have any other suggestions? Thanks, 73, es Merry Christmas. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue
The first rule in troubleshooting is to unplug everything that isn't absolutely necessary to the equipment being diagnosed. In this case all that would be needed is power, ant/dummy load and the K3. Then start plugging things in until you find the offending device. 73 de Brian/K3KO Ian Kahn - Ham wrote: So, it looks like I tracked down my low output issue. The problem appears to be with my West Mountain RigRunner, not my K3. A big thank you to all who offered guidance on getting this thing tested and troubleshot. Thank you, 73, es Merry Christmas! --Ian Ian Kahn, KM4IK Roswell, GA EM74ua km4ik@gmail.com K3 #281, P3 #688 HRD v5.x/6.0 Test Team On 12/24/2012 12:22 PM, Lyle Johnson wrote: Might not be a 30W drop, but a matter of calibrations of both the internal wattmeter (there is a menu item to adjust it) and the external wattmeter. If the output power is set to 100W and the internal wattmeter is reporting 100W, then the K3 is happy. If in fact the output power is only 70 W (double check if the ATU is bypassed or in line, antenna wiring and chassis connections are tight int he k3 etc), then the K3 wattmeter may need to be calibrated. If that is the case, you need to go to the menu and adjust it. But only do this if you are CERTAIN your external wattmeter is in fact accurate. Once you are certain the K3 wattmeter is reporting within spec, re-run the Tx calibration. BTW I think a 2V drop is still excessive. Might be long runs or light gauge wire or ? But that is a separate issue from the wattmeter accuracy. 73, Lyle KK7P It is highly possible the culprit is my RigRunner, purchased in March of this year. When I took it out of line, the voltage drop went from over 4V on tx to under 2V (13.8V down to about 12V). Current draw is .78 to .82 amps on rx and 19.8 amps on tx. However, while the internal power meter shows 100W, an external meter into a dummy load only shows 70 watts out. The current and voltage readings look normal, according to Rev. D10 of the owner's manual. But I'm still concerned about a 30W drop at the output. Anyone have any other suggestions? __ 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] KAT500 question
On Monday Claire used a Straight-Key to send: -Original Comment--- You don't have to keep that power level, Bob. You only need it if the KAT500 needs to retune, and then only for the retune cycle. For that you might QSY a few KHz On CW or SSB I could try that. With some of these WSJT-Like modes, it's pretty important to be on the same freq u were on, within Hertz; And, call me old, but with about 6 to 10 seconds before the other cycle starts, there isn't a lot of time to QSY and retune. to a clear spot although between five and twenty watts you are only talking about a one S-unit difference in signal. thanks. Although I was more worried about damaging the K3 than the signal strength. The next thing is to find out why your antenna is so sensitive to moisture. hmmm, true. Same when there is ice on it or snow. The other night in a 45mph wind, the 160m DP was going up and down about 30 feet it looked to me. I use blocks and pulley to let it float It was graceful to watch but worrisome too. -- Best regards, Bob KD7YZWin7-64bit + K3 __ 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] KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner
I have absolutely no complaints regarding the KAT500. I have two sets of antennae connected to the KAT500. One set is an 8 position switch box and the other is an NVIS loop that covers all frequencies from 2.2MHz to 28MHz used for short distance communications on MARS. The antennae on the switch box are connected to the #2 output and the loop is connected to the #1 antenna. there is no duplication of frequencies between the ports. After I used the tuner on each frequency I use, it immediately switches to the correct antenna port and if the frequency has been tuned in the past the tuner does not re-tune for that frequency unless something has changed at the antenna. I couldn't ask for more. 73, Tom Amateur Radio Operator N5GE ARRL Lifetime Member QCWA Lifetime Member On Mon, 24 Dec 2012 08:27:02 +1300, John Shaw zl1...@nzart.org.nz wrote: Having a KPA500 and been a potential customer for the KAT500 I have been watching reports about the KAT500 operation, unless I misunderstand it seems the KAT500 only has band information available to it so it needs a sniff of RF to make band segment adjustments. I think it can already store settings for band segments from previous training but without the frequency information prior to been sent RF it is unable to make the most efficient use of it. I'm no EE so I do not know what it would take to implement this, how much in extra hardware and software design but in my opinion if the KAT500 was passed the operating frequency information from the transceiver instead of just band information that would elevate it from a good tuner to a great tuner. 73 John ZL1BYZ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html 73, Tom 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] Dueling CQ During Mixed Mode 10 Meter Contest
Sounds cool, and as noted is something we can do at least for RTTY, and might work for other modes and mixed modes. But given that you have to listen between CQs, that's a long time between CQs in each mode: CW-listen-phone-listen-CW-listen-phone... I think you'd be better off just calling a tighter cycle in one mode at a time, or using true SO2R with a second radio/antenna (if possible). Just my opinion. But that said... you would set up Writelog for two radios, and configure the Ports menu as two K3s on the same control port. Then in the entry windows L and R you can select the VFO and mode for each window. At that point you may find that Writelog can handle the mixed mode, but if it can't, you could diddle the mode between CQs (and hopefully don't mess up...) good luck and 73 - jeff wk6i On Sun, Dec 23, 2012 at 10:35 PM, DR kg...@sbcglobal.net wrote: I was hoping that there would be dueling CQ mode in Writelog when operating both CW and Phone during the recent 10 meter contest. During slow times, I wanted Writelog to alternate log entry focus between CW and Phone while alternately transmitting CQ in CW using the K1EL keyer, and then in Phone using a prerecorded wav file. I realize that there is a mode change involved but I thought that it might be possible given that everything occurs on the same band. Is this possible in any of the modern day contest logging programs? 73, Dave KG0US __ 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 -- Jeff Stai ~ wk6i.j...@gmail.com Twisted Oak Winery ~ http://www.twistedoak.com/ Facebook ~ http://www.facebook.com/twistedoak __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue
Bet it's the Power Pole connectors, meaning the installation of the connectors. But if it is the RigRunner, West Mountain will take care of it. Glad you isolated the problem! On Dec 24, 2012, at 12:52 PM, Ian Kahn - Ham km4ik@gmail.com wrote: So, it looks like I tracked down my low output issue. The problem appears to be with my West Mountain RigRunner, not my K3. A big thank you to all who offered guidance on getting this thing tested and troubleshot. Thank you, 73, es Merry Christmas! --Ian Ian Kahn, KM4IK Roswell, GA EM74ua km4ik@gmail.com K3 #281, P3 #688 HRD v5.x/6.0 Test Team On 12/24/2012 12:22 PM, Lyle Johnson wrote: Might not be a 30W drop, but a matter of calibrations of both the internal wattmeter (there is a menu item to adjust it) and the external wattmeter. If the output power is set to 100W and the internal wattmeter is reporting 100W, then the K3 is happy. If in fact the output power is only 70 W (double check if the ATU is bypassed or in line, antenna wiring and chassis connections are tight int he k3 etc), then the K3 wattmeter may need to be calibrated. If that is the case, you need to go to the menu and adjust it. But only do this if you are CERTAIN your external wattmeter is in fact accurate. Once you are certain the K3 wattmeter is reporting within spec, re-run the Tx calibration. BTW I think a 2V drop is still excessive. Might be long runs or light gauge wire or ? But that is a separate issue from the wattmeter accuracy. 73, Lyle KK7P It is highly possible the culprit is my RigRunner, purchased in March of this year. When I took it out of line, the voltage drop went from over 4V on tx to under 2V (13.8V down to about 12V). Current draw is .78 to .82 amps on rx and 19.8 amps on tx. However, while the internal power meter shows 100W, an external meter into a dummy load only shows 70 watts out. The current and voltage readings look normal, according to Rev. D10 of the owner's manual. But I'm still concerned about a 30W drop at the output. Anyone have any other suggestions? __ 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] New Output Power Issue
Bad regulated power supply. I use a MANSON EP-925 (also known with other brand names). This handles 25 amps easy with just a few 0.1 of voltage drop. After some successful mods it is stable within 0.05 V RX/TX 100 Watt at 13.80 Volt. (If interested see my mods at http://pa0fri.home.xs4all.nl/Diversen/EP925/ep925eng.htm) Merry X-mass and a happy new year to you all. Twan - PA0KV K3 -1770 Date: Mon, 24 Dec 2012 10:18:27 -0500 From: Ian Kahn - Hamkm4ik@gmail.com To:elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue Message-ID:50d87243.5030...@gmail.com Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Update on my low output issue: I ran the TX Gain Calibration this morning, and everything passed with flying colors. I am seeing about a 4-4.5V drop across the radio when going from rx to tx. Rx voltage sits at 13.8V, but when I transmit, voltage across the rig drops to between 9 and 9.5V. All tests performed while tuned into a 300W dummy load. Before I tear into my rig and start looking for corroded tin pins on the PA board (K3 #281, so unlikely the board was replaced/mod performed), is there anything else I should test while my station is still all together in one piece? Thanks to everyone for the assistance, and Merry Christmas! 73, --Ian Ian Kahn, KM4IK __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue
Forgot to mention, absolutely run the calibration again with the correct 13.8V supply. Then address the power output - if it still exists. On Dec 24, 2012, at 12:52 PM, Ian Kahn - Ham km4ik@gmail.com wrote: So, it looks like I tracked down my low output issue. The problem appears to be with my West Mountain RigRunner, not my K3. A big thank you to all who offered guidance on getting this thing tested and troubleshot. Thank you, 73, es Merry Christmas! --Ian Ian Kahn, KM4IK Roswell, GA EM74ua km4ik@gmail.com K3 #281, P3 #688 HRD v5.x/6.0 Test Team On 12/24/2012 12:22 PM, Lyle Johnson wrote: Might not be a 30W drop, but a matter of calibrations of both the internal wattmeter (there is a menu item to adjust it) and the external wattmeter. If the output power is set to 100W and the internal wattmeter is reporting 100W, then the K3 is happy. If in fact the output power is only 70 W (double check if the ATU is bypassed or in line, antenna wiring and chassis connections are tight int he k3 etc), then the K3 wattmeter may need to be calibrated. If that is the case, you need to go to the menu and adjust it. But only do this if you are CERTAIN your external wattmeter is in fact accurate. Once you are certain the K3 wattmeter is reporting within spec, re-run the Tx calibration. BTW I think a 2V drop is still excessive. Might be long runs or light gauge wire or ? But that is a separate issue from the wattmeter accuracy. 73, Lyle KK7P It is highly possible the culprit is my RigRunner, purchased in March of this year. When I took it out of line, the voltage drop went from over 4V on tx to under 2V (13.8V down to about 12V). Current draw is .78 to .82 amps on rx and 19.8 amps on tx. However, while the internal power meter shows 100W, an external meter into a dummy load only shows 70 watts out. The current and voltage readings look normal, according to Rev. D10 of the owner's manual. But I'm still concerned about a 30W drop at the output. Anyone have any other suggestions? __ 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] New Output Power Issue
I don't get this. How is the rig runner implicated? The power doesn't go thru it...DC or RF. So are you saying the drive was insufficient? And if so, how is that not easy to diagnose? Sent from my iPad Chuck, KE9UW (Jack for BMW motorcycles) On Dec 24, 2012, at 1:13 PM, Jack Berry we...@yahoo.com wrote: Bet it's the Power Pole connectors, meaning the installation of the connectors. But if it is the RigRunner, West Mountain will take care of it. Glad you isolated the problem! On Dec 24, 2012, at 12:52 PM, Ian Kahn - Ham km4ik@gmail.com wrote: So, it looks like I tracked down my low output issue. The problem appears to be with my West Mountain RigRunner, not my K3. A big thank you to all who offered guidance on getting this thing tested and troubleshot. Thank you, 73, es Merry Christmas! --Ian Ian Kahn, KM4IK Roswell, GA EM74ua km4ik@gmail.com K3 #281, P3 #688 HRD v5.x/6.0 Test Team On 12/24/2012 12:22 PM, Lyle Johnson wrote: Might not be a 30W drop, but a matter of calibrations of both the internal wattmeter (there is a menu item to adjust it) and the external wattmeter. If the output power is set to 100W and the internal wattmeter is reporting 100W, then the K3 is happy. If in fact the output power is only 70 W (double check if the ATU is bypassed or in line, antenna wiring and chassis connections are tight int he k3 etc), then the K3 wattmeter may need to be calibrated. If that is the case, you need to go to the menu and adjust it. But only do this if you are CERTAIN your external wattmeter is in fact accurate. Once you are certain the K3 wattmeter is reporting within spec, re-run the Tx calibration. BTW I think a 2V drop is still excessive. Might be long runs or light gauge wire or ? But that is a separate issue from the wattmeter accuracy. 73, Lyle KK7P It is highly possible the culprit is my RigRunner, purchased in March of this year. When I took it out of line, the voltage drop went from over 4V on tx to under 2V (13.8V down to about 12V). Current draw is .78 to .82 amps on rx and 19.8 amps on tx. However, while the internal power meter shows 100W, an external meter into a dummy load only shows 70 watts out. The current and voltage readings look normal, according to Rev. D10 of the owner's manual. But I'm still concerned about a 30W drop at the output. Anyone have any other suggestions? __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft 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] KAT500 question
Bob, You could easily turn on XIT and move your frequency up or down a bit, then increase power to TUNE (set TUN PWR in the menu) When it has tuned, clear XIT and you should be good. 73, Don w3FPR On 12/24/2012 2:01 PM, KD7YZ Bob wrote: On CW or SSB I could try that. With some of these WSJT-Like modes, it's pretty important to be on the same freq u were on, within Hertz; And, call me old, but with about 6 to 10 seconds before the other cycle starts, there isn't a lot of time to QSY and retune. __ 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] Dueling CQ During Mixed Mode 10 Meter Contest
Thanks Ted. I wanted to do SO2V mixed mode with a single K3 during the 10 meter contest. I had not seriously done a 10 meter contest in a while and I was hoping that this was already perfected in N1MM or Writelog. I played around with it for a little while but I could not get it to work properly. 73, Dave KG0US -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Dueling-CQ-During-Mixed-Mode-10-Meter-Contest-tp7567591p7567636.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue
I don't get this. How is the rig runner implicated? The power doesn't go thru it...DC or RF. Of course it does- the Rig Runner is a DC power distribution panel. -Bruce, N1RX __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue
Oh sorry, I see that. I was thinking of those digital interface boxes. Sent from my iPhone Chuck (Jack) On Dec 24, 2012, at 1:21 PM, Bruce Beford bruce.bef...@myfairpoint.net wrote: I don't get this. How is the rig runner implicated? The power doesn't go thru it...DC or RF. Of course it does- the Rig Runner is a DC power distribution panel. -Bruce, N1RX __ 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] KAT500 question
It seems like I've heard someone suggest that spray-on car wax does a good job of making the ladder line real slippery. I haven't tried it yet, but I have two ladderline pieces on my NVIS loop. Twenty seven feet of feed line and a ten foot stub at the opposite corner that detune a bit in the rain. However when the loop needs to be re-matched I just hit the straight key here and the KAT500 finds a match that works. However I seldom run less than 100 watts. 73, Tom Amateur Radio Operator N5GE ARRL Lifetime Member QCWA Lifetime Member On Mon, 24 Dec 2012 14:01:19 -0500, KD7YZ Bob kd...@denstarfarm.us wrote: On Monday Claire used a Straight-Key to send: -Original Comment--- You don't have to keep that power level, Bob. You only need it if the KAT500 needs to retune, and then only for the retune cycle. For that you might QSY a few KHz On CW or SSB I could try that. With some of these WSJT-Like modes, it's pretty important to be on the same freq u were on, within Hertz; And, call me old, but with about 6 to 10 seconds before the other cycle starts, there isn't a lot of time to QSY and retune. to a clear spot although between five and twenty watts you are only talking about a one S-unit difference in signal. thanks. Although I was more worried about damaging the K3 than the signal strength. The next thing is to find out why your antenna is so sensitive to moisture. hmmm, true. Same when there is ice on it or snow. The other night in a 45mph wind, the 160m DP was going up and down about 30 feet it looked to me. I use blocks and pulley to let it float It was graceful to watch but worrisome too. 73, Tom 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] KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner
That would require taking over the K3's serial port. The KAT500 is not connected to the K3's serial port. Most loggers would prefer to own the serial port rather than relegate it to an ATU. Dick, K6KR -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Keith-K5ENS Sent: Monday, December 24, 2012 10:58 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner +1) Elecraft says that this data is NOT available at the output of +the K3; + The K3 can be polled for this data. Many loggers are doing it. There is even some software that is polling data from the logger at the same time. Keith -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT500-and-OT-Is-a-tuner-using-VNA-feas ible-tp7567559p7567626.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner
Hi, The frequency data is not available on the *AUX* bus. On the serial port this data is of course available but to make it available to KAT500 would involve at least one PC software program. I have in mind to ask Larry Phipps if maybe he could add a feature to LP-Bridge to feed the frequency data out one of the output virtual ports. The utility could then listen to that port and send the data to the KAT500. This is getting rather complicated and involves a number of developers working together. AB2TC - Knut Keith-K5ENS wrote +1) Elecraft says that this data is NOT available at the output of the K3; + The K3 can be polled for this data. Many loggers are doing it. There is even some software that is polling data from the logger at the same time. Keith -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT500-and-OT-Is-a-tuner-using-VNA-feasible-tp7567559p7567641.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner
The KAT500 following the radio by frequency is not going to happen but that would make a GREAT new generation auto tuner. IMHO Keith, XE3/K5ENS -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT500-and-OT-Is-a-tuner-using-VNA-feasible-tp7567559p7567643.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner
Hello again, A simpler way that would only involve changes to the KAT500 utility would to have the utility talk to both the K3 and the KAT500. Even if the K3 is already busy talking to a logging program, LP-Bridge unmodified can fix that conflict. So now we have just created more work for Dick. AB2TC - Knut PS, Merry Christmas to all. ab2tc wrote Hi, The frequency data is not available on the *AUX* bus. On the serial port this data is of course available but to make it available to KAT500 would involve at least one PC software program. I have in mind to ask Larry Phipps if maybe he could add a feature to LP-Bridge to feed the frequency data out one of the output virtual ports. The utility could then listen to that port and send the data to the KAT500. This is getting rather complicated and involves a number of developers working together. AB2TC - Knut snip -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT500-and-OT-Is-a-tuner-using-VNA-feasible-tp7567559p7567644.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner
LP-Bridge alone will not help. While K3 Utility can obtain the frequency information through LP-Bridge, that information would only be sent out the same serial port back to the K3 - nothing gained. Remember that the KAT500 uses a different serial connection than does the K3, so that data would have to be sent to the KAT500 via a different serial port (not connected to the K3). 73, Don W3FPR On 12/24/2012 3:00 PM, ab2tc wrote: Hello again, A simpler way that would only involve changes to the KAT500 utility would to have the utility talk to both the K3 and the KAT500. Even if the K3 is already busy talking to a logging program, LP-Bridge unmodified can fix that conflict. So now we have just created more work for Dick. AB2TC - Knut PS, Merry Christmas to all. __ 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 and HRD
What version of HRD are you using. Pre 6.0 has a lot of CAT control problems. I understand that Elecraft has loaned a K3 to the HRD staff to fix issues and I see significant improvement in the 6.0 beta release after playing with it. Merry Christmas All! ~73 Don KD8NNU -.- -.. ---.. -. -. ..- -Original Message- From: david Moes Sent: Sunday, December 23, 2012 8:05 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and HRD Similar function with logger32 works fine on the K3.The mode will change according to mode definitions in the bands and modes table and sets mode when I click on a spot. HRD uses a similar setup. Is there possibly an error in the HRD band layout definitions as set in the band manager? possibly entries for the 30s segments. Mode is set based on band layouts and HRD the software sets rig mode, so i doubt it has much to do with the K3 firmware. If I am way off here, I must apologies. my answer assumes that this is similar in V6 as in earlier versions. On 12/23/2012 6:27 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: Hard for me to imagine how K3 firmware could cause this. Do you have another program with this capability you could try? You could also try sending FA (VFO A) commands directly to the K3 using the Command Tester screen in K3 Utility. See the Programmer's Reference for details. 73, Wayne N6KR I have a really odd bug going on and I don't know if it is the K3 or Ham Radio Deluxe. Whenever I click on a spot, everything works fine except when it happens to be any frequency in the 30s - that is 3.530 to 3.539, 7.030 to 7.039, etc. Any other frequency in the CW band shows up on the K3 and the mode is correctly changed to CW, except in the 30s, where it always shifts to SSB, even though it is in the CW band. Anyone know if that's an issue in the K3 or in HRD? I suspect it is in HRD. Thanks. __ 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] KAT500 a good tuner or great tuner
Hi, I wish I had better drawing skills - a picture is worth more than a 1000 words. The utility would communicate with the KAT500 as it does now plus an additional connection to the K3 - either directly or through LP-Bridge. Changes would be required to the utility and the KAT500 firmware, none to LP-Bridge. But the question is if it's worth doing to save that one little squirt of RF needed to tell the tuner the exact frequency. AB2TC - Knut Don Wilhelm-4 wrote LP-Bridge alone will not help. While K3 Utility can obtain the frequency information through LP-Bridge, that information would only be sent out the same serial port back to the K3 - nothing gained. Remember that the KAT500 uses a different serial connection than does the K3, so that data would have to be sent to the KAT500 via a different serial port (not connected to the K3). 73, Don W3FPR snip -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT500-and-OT-Is-a-tuner-using-VNA-feasible-tp7567559p7567647.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K3 and HRD
I've logged a few bugs in HRD's bug tracking system about K3 rig control - among them some problems with buttons not properly toggling functions, not being highlighted as to state, the lack of a 6M and 2M band selection button, etc. So far a couple of my bug reports have been modified to read 'Fix Build', which I assume means they are going to fix it in the next build. I doubt if HRD will ever be the 'complete' rig control solution for a K3 or any other transceiver. - 73 de Mike, K6MKF, W6NAG, VP NCDXC, Conway Reef 2012, K3-P3 Addict, Dachshund Rescue, Maui -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of KD8NNU Sent: Monday, December 24, 2012 12:23 PM To: david Moes; elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and HRD What version of HRD are you using. Pre 6.0 has a lot of CAT control problems. I understand that Elecraft has loaned a K3 to the HRD staff to fix issues and I see significant improvement in the 6.0 beta release after playing with it. Merry Christmas All! ~73 Don KD8NNU -.- -.. ---.. -. -. ..- -Original Message- From: david Moes Sent: Sunday, December 23, 2012 8:05 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 and HRD Similar function with logger32 works fine on the K3.The mode will change according to mode definitions in the bands and modes table and sets mode when I click on a spot. HRD uses a similar setup. Is there possibly an error in the HRD band layout definitions as set in the band manager? possibly entries for the 30s segments. Mode is set based on band layouts and HRD the software sets rig mode, so i doubt it has much to do with the K3 firmware. If I am way off here, I must apologies. my answer assumes that this is similar in V6 as in earlier versions. On 12/23/2012 6:27 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: Hard for me to imagine how K3 firmware could cause this. Do you have another program with this capability you could try? You could also try sending FA (VFO A) commands directly to the K3 using the Command Tester screen in K3 Utility. See the Programmer's Reference for details. 73, Wayne N6KR I have a really odd bug going on and I don't know if it is the K3 or Ham Radio Deluxe. Whenever I click on a spot, everything works fine except when it happens to be any frequency in the 30s - that is 3.530 to 3.539, 7.030 to 7.039, etc. Any other frequency in the CW band shows up on the K3 and the mode is correctly changed to CW, except in the 30s, where it always shifts to SSB, even though it is in the CW band. Anyone know if that's an issue in the K3 or in HRD? I suspect it is in HRD. Thanks. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K2 #7340 PreAmp Problem
Hi All I have been building this K2 taking my time and I thought I was soldering carefully. All has gone well so far and I have got as far as the IF amplifier alignment having completed VFO linearization etc with no problems and all readings within spec. I followed the instructions for the IF alignment including putting the PreAmp on but I could not hear the internally generated signal at 7000kHz and there was only a very low audio output. With the PreAmp off (or even with the ATT on!) the audio is much louder and I can then hear that signal and so I adjusted the slug in L34 for best signal strength with low noise. I then carried out the 40 meter band pass filter alignment with no problem so I am about to start the next phase - Assembly, Part111. Clearly there is something wrong with my PreAmp on 40 meters however. Does anyone have any ideas of what I should look at or check? Happy Christmas everyone! 73 Ray, G3XLG __ 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 LC settings recall -- complete explanation (including auxBus tradeoffs)
ab2tc wrote: ...the question is if it's worth doing to save that one little squirt of RF needed to tell the tuner the exact frequency. At present the KAT500 works exactly the same as the KAT3: (1) On any band change or antenna change, the last-used LC settings for that band and antenna are immediately recalled. (2) Every time you transmit, the VFO frequency is determined (using RF sensing in the case of the KAT500). This is then converted to a segment number within the present band. The segment number is used to look up LC settings from the current segment or from the closest one for which LC settings are available. If the LC settings need to be changed, this is accomplished very quickly -- typically in 5 to 10 ms. When we first wrote the KAT3 firmware, we tried having LC settings recalled as you tune, in receive mode. This was extremely distracting. It would be even more so with the KAT500 since it has much larger relays. So what we're talking about now is whether it would be worth sending frequency data from the K3 to the KAT500--at the time of keying--over either the auxBus or the RS232 port. The answer, IMHO, is no. In either case it would take approximately the same amount of time to send the data as it would for the KAT500 to do RF sensing of the VFO frequency. If someone has a better idea or would like to explain their operating scenario further, I'm all ears. 73, Wayne N6KR __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] K3 question, PSK and AM filter option from G4HUE
Happy Xmas guys and a healthy and prosperous New Year to all. I am a recent convert to the K3 with model 6990. I am primarily a data mode operator (PSK31 etc. etc.) and my K3 has the 2.8KHz and 250Hz 8 pole filters fitted and let me say its doing a very fine job too. I use HRD version 5 which appears to force the sound card to sample at 8KHz (in my case it’s the Signalink USB). My question is that I would like to be able to simultaneously decode more than 2.8KHz (HRD is limited to 3.9KHz) of the ham band at once. I have thought about fitting the 6KHz AM filter (there not being a 4KHz filter available). One part of me says that would work just fine and the other part of me says “don’t be silly” there will be 3KHz of LSB and 3KHz of USB and it will all go horribly wrong. I guess someone out there has tried and can tell me which of my premonitions is correct?? As a suplementary will this be limited by any audio filtering in the K3, I seem to recall reading that the K3's audio is limited to a bandwidth of 4.2KHz but of course I can find the reference now!! Thanks in advance guys. Andy __ 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] KAT500 LC settings recall -- complete explanation (including auxBus tradeoffs)
Wayne wrote: So what we're talking about now is whether it would be worth sending frequency data from the K3 to the KAT500--at the time of keying--over either the auxBus or the RS232 port. The answer, IMHO, is no. In either case it would take approximately the same amount of time to send the data as it would for the KAT500 to do RF sensing of the VFO frequency. Well, if at at key time the KAT500 already knew the new frequency it could update the relays immediately without measuring the frequency. If this takes 5-10ms, the normal keytime to RF output time delay should prevent hot switching of the relays. What this means in practice is that operators could go right ahead with full power. AB2TC - Knut -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT500-and-OT-Is-a-tuner-using-VNA-feasible-tp7567559p7567652.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] WT: KAT3
Hi everyone I am looking for Elecraft KAT3 Internal ATU with 2nd Ant. Jack for the K3 Kit. Please let me know if someone have it on sale. Thanks and Merry Xmas! Alfredo Vélez WP3C __ 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] KAT500 LC settings recall -- complete explanation (including auxBus tradeoffs)
During a contest and for many ops with headphones on you wouldn't hear the relays. Make it an option. As for the timing if the KAT500 tunes as the receiver is tuned timing is zero. 73, Keith, XE3/K5ENS -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KAT500-and-OT-Is-a-tuner-using-VNA-feasible-tp7567559p7567654.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] K2 #7340 PreAmp Problem
Ray, Check every component in the Pre-Amp circuit, including the relay. Do you have the leads of T6 well stripped and tinned? If so, check to see that the leads are in the correct holes. After that look critically at the solder pads for those components around the preamp circuit - look at the schematic sheet 2 to identify those components. You should see the solder flow out to an almost invisible edge on both the solder pad and the component lead. It has been said that the esolder connection should look like a mountain, but not a volcano - if there is a ring around the lead or you do not have concave solder fillets, not enough heat was applied to the connection. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/24/2012 3:51 PM, Ray Spreadbury wrote: Hi All I have been building this K2 taking my time and I thought I was soldering carefully. All has gone well so far and I have got as far as the IF amplifier alignment having completed VFO linearization etc with no problems and all readings within spec. I followed the instructions for the IF alignment including putting the PreAmp on but I could not hear the internally generated signal at 7000kHz and there was only a very low audio output. With the PreAmp off (or even with the ATT on!) the audio is much louder and I can then hear that signal and so I adjusted the slug in L34 for best signal strength with low noise. I then carried out the 40 meter band pass filter alignment with no problem so I am about to start the next phase - Assembly, Part111. Clearly there is something wrong with my PreAmp on 40 meters however. Does anyone have any ideas of what I should look at or check? __ 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] KAT500 LC settings recall -- complete explanation (including auxBus tradeoffs)
Keith-K5ENS wrote: During a contest and for many ops with headphones on you wouldn't hear the relays. Make it an option. It's a possibility. I'll look into it. Wayne __ 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 question, PSK and AM filter option from G4HUE
My question is that I would like to be able to simultaneously decode more than 2.8KHz (HRD is limited to 3.9KHz) of the ham band at once. I have thought about fitting the 6KHz AM filter (there not being a 4KHz filter available). One part of me says that would work just fine and the other part of me says “don’t be silly” there will be 3KHz of LSB and 3KHz of USB and it will all go horribly wrong. I guess someone out there has tried and can tell me which of my premonitions is correct?? I don't think your premonitions are correct abut things going terribly wrong. However, my feeling is why bother? The K3 transmit audio in DATA A rolls off significantly below roughly 300 Hz and above 3000 Hz (maybe 200/2900 Hz it's been a while since I tested it) thus any RX bandwidth above 3 KHz would be receive only. The 2800 Hz/8 pole filter is about 2900 Hz or slightly wider at the -6DB points in any case and will have significant response on the filter skirts so you will certainly find response to 3.9 KHz if you set the DSP to allow it (even though the response may be down a fair bit). As a suplementary will this be limited by any audio filtering in the K3, I seem to recall reading that the K3's audio is limited to a bandwidth of 4.2KHz but of course I can find the reference now!! The DSP is limited to approximately 4.2 KHz output. The DAC which feeds the headphone and speaker outputs is followed by a lowpass filter at 4.2 KHz to remove clock leakage and other artifacts. Although the DAC which feeds the Line Out does not also include a LPF, the DSP programming is the same including the 4.2 KHz cutoff. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 12/24/2012 4:19 PM, ANDY NEHAN wrote: Happy Xmas guys and a healthy and prosperous New Year to all. I am a recent convert to the K3 with model 6990. I am primarily a data mode operator (PSK31 etc. etc.) and my K3 has the 2.8KHz and 250Hz 8 pole filters fitted and let me say its doing a very fine job too. I use HRD version 5 which appears to force the sound card to sample at 8KHz (in my case it’s the Signalink USB). My question is that I would like to be able to simultaneously decode more than 2.8KHz (HRD is limited to 3.9KHz) of the ham band at once. I have thought about fitting the 6KHz AM filter (there not being a 4KHz filter available). One part of me says that would work just fine and the other part of me says “don’t be silly” there will be 3KHz of LSB and 3KHz of USB and it will all go horribly wrong. I guess someone out there has tried and can tell me which of my premonitions is correct?? As a suplementary will this be limited by any audio filtering in the K3, I seem to recall reading that the K3's audio is limited to a bandwidth of 4.2KHz but of course I can find the reference now!! Thanks in advance guys. Andy __ 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] KAT500 question
I don't know about spray-on wax. I used to smear it with paste wax. Now I use open-wire line. On 12/24/2012 11:24 AM, Tom H Childers wrote: It seems like I've heard someone suggest that spray-on car wax does a good job of making the ladder line real slippery. I haven't tried it yet, but I have two ladderline pieces on my NVIS loop. Twenty seven feet of feed line and a ten foot stub at the opposite corner that detune a bit in the rain. However when the loop needs to be re-matched I just hit the straight key here and the KAT500 finds a match that works. However I seldom run less than 100 watts. 73, Tom Amateur Radio Operator N5GE ARRL Lifetime Member QCWA Lifetime Member On Mon, 24 Dec 2012 14:01:19 -0500, KD7YZ Bob kd...@denstarfarm.us wrote: On Monday Claire used a Straight-Key to send: -Original Comment--- You don't have to keep that power level, Bob. You only need it if the KAT500 needs to retune, and then only for the retune cycle. For that you might QSY a few KHz On CW or SSB I could try that. With some of these WSJT-Like modes, it's pretty important to be on the same freq u were on, within Hertz; And, call me old, but with about 6 to 10 seconds before the other cycle starts, there isn't a lot of time to QSY and retune. to a clear spot although between five and twenty watts you are only talking about a one S-unit difference in signal. thanks. Although I was more worried about damaging the K3 than the signal strength. The next thing is to find out why your antenna is so sensitive to moisture. hmmm, true. Same when there is ice on it or snow. The other night in a 45mph wind, the 160m DP was going up and down about 30 feet it looked to me. I use blocks and pulley to let it float It was graceful to watch but worrisome too. -- Vic, K2VCO Fresno CA http://www.qsl.net/k2vco/ __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
[Elecraft] OT
I felt I must post some good news after all the negative comments about various US companies. I have been using WSPR for over a year providing a beacon to G3JKF who is developing small loop antennae. It of course ties up my K3 (#194) and my computer. I came across a reference to W5OLF and his WSPR-AXE transmitter kit for 20 metres. I sent him an email and in about 5 minutes I received a reply giving me instructions on how to buy his kit. On to PayPal and that was completed in about the same time. Another email from Jay asking for my call and Maidenhead square. I then received another email with the manual attached. On Christmas eve I received the package. It really can't get better than this can it? Happy Christmas and a good 2013 to all Elecrafters. Vy 73 Max/ZL4VV/G3JJT __ 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] Remote power on/off progress for K3
Hi Group, Been searching the mailing list for a solution to turn on/off my K3 remotely via Ham Radio Deluxe or another means. Looks like there has been some posts on using serial activity as a trigger to turn on the radio. Just wondering if there has been any progress in this area or if someone has a simple solution? I'm not sure how Kenwood does it on their ts-2000 but the remote on/off feature is pretty smooth via HRD. Suggestions? Thanks, Chad N0YK __ 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 with linear amp?
I do not have my K3 yet. I have been reading about it. I would like to use it with an Ameritron AL82 in semi QSK (vox on). I do not see an amp connection mentioned in the manual What is the hook up for a non QSK amp to the K3? Tks very much Gerry __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue
Ian, I would suggest before suspecting anything in between the power supply, check the voltage and the power supply terminals before tearing into anything. You already know the transceiver shows load voltage under load. If the voltage drops low at the supply then you have the culprit. If not, then go to the next connection and then measure it while transmitting. I had a voltage drop that I didn't like with the supplied power supply cable and replaced it with a 10 gauge high quality stranded cable. I took out my ASTRO Flight current/voltage wattage monitor which had lighter wiring, I ran my radio connection to my RigRunner and then measured. Voltage and output much improved. You could start from the rear of the radio, work toward the power supply, but you at least eliminate it. I do see a wiring/connector voltage drop at 20 amps draw from 13.5 volts through my PowerGate battery backup to the RigRunner which shows a voltage on the Astro Flight, which I use to monitor voltage coming off the rig runner itself, of ~12 v. I get CW output at the K3 of 100 watts out as monitored by the W2. It also wouldn't hurt to disconnect reconnect all the Andersons if that is what you are using. Corrosion potential exists for non-soldered connections especially in humid conditions. 73, Bill K9YEQ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ian Kahn - Ham Sent: Monday, December 24, 2012 12:52 PM To: Lyle Johnson Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue So, it looks like I tracked down my low output issue. The problem appears to be with my West Mountain RigRunner, not my K3. A big thank you to all who offered guidance on getting this thing tested and troubleshot. Thank you, 73, es Merry Christmas! --Ian Ian Kahn, KM4IK Roswell, GA EM74ua km4ik@gmail.com K3 #281, P3 #688 HRD v5.x/6.0 Test Team On 12/24/2012 12:22 PM, Lyle Johnson wrote: Might not be a 30W drop, but a matter of calibrations of both the internal wattmeter (there is a menu item to adjust it) and the external wattmeter. If the output power is set to 100W and the internal wattmeter is reporting 100W, then the K3 is happy. If in fact the output power is only 70 W (double check if the ATU is bypassed or in line, antenna wiring and chassis connections are tight int he k3 etc), then the K3 wattmeter may need to be calibrated. If that is the case, you need to go to the menu and adjust it. But only do this if you are CERTAIN your external wattmeter is in fact accurate. Once you are certain the K3 wattmeter is reporting within spec, re-run the Tx calibration. BTW I think a 2V drop is still excessive. Might be long runs or light gauge wire or ? But that is a separate issue from the wattmeter accuracy. 73, Lyle KK7P It is highly possible the culprit is my RigRunner, purchased in March of this year. When I took it out of line, the voltage drop went from over 4V on tx to under 2V (13.8V down to about 12V). Current draw is .78 to .82 amps on rx and 19.8 amps on tx. However, while the internal power meter shows 100W, an external meter into a dummy load only shows 70 watts out. The current and voltage readings look normal, according to Rev. D10 of the owner's manual. But I'm still concerned about a 30W drop at the output. Anyone have any other suggestions? __ 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 with linear amp?
Gerry, As with any amplifier --- Connect the K3 output coax to the AL82 input coax, and connect the K3 KEYOUT to the AL82 PTT IN (or whatever they call it). Forget the ALC cable - instead, adjust the K3 power output to drive the AL82 to its full output (or whatever you want below that level), and use that as the maximum when driving the amplifier. The amplifier instructions may tell you to connect an ALC line too. Be aware that using the amp's ALC to control the drive power is a recipe for distortion no matter what the amplifier may be. If you do choose to connect the ALC line, use it only as an amplifier fault control - adjust the drive power as I stated, and all will work fine. A word on keying the amplifier (yes, even in semi QSK). Ameritron amplifiers are famous for their slow open frame relays (there are QSK mods to change those relays and eliminate the problem), but the K3 semi QSK mode does not increase the time between KEYOUT and the onset of RF. (There is a K3 menu parameter to increase that timing). Semi QSK does extend the cessation of RF keying to the time the K3 goes back to receive mode, and can eliminate relay chatter in the amplifier. If you can extend the K3 TX DLY parameter sufficiently to assure that you will not hot switch the amplifier, then all will be fine, but if the delay time provided is not sufficient, you will be forced to use a footswitch (or other means) to activate keying of the amplifier before you start CW keying or SSB audio. Note that I have not looked up the time from keying the amp to the relay settling, but that time is typically greater than the K3 8 ms. default KEYOUT to onset of RF timing. In other words, semi QSK controls the training edge of the KEYOUT signal, but does not change the leading edge. TX DLY will control the leading edge up to the limit of its range. If you increase TX DLY significantly, listen to your signal to be certain that leading CW elements (or SSB syllables) are not truncated by the delay parameter. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/24/2012 6:21 PM, Scott James wrote: I do not have my K3 yet. I have been reading about it. I would like to use it with an Ameritron AL82 in semi QSK (vox on). I do not see an amp connection mentioned in the manual What is the hook up for a non QSK amp to the K3? Tks very much Gerry __ 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 with linear amp?
Change training below to trailing 73, Don W3FPR On 12/24/2012 7:08 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: In other words, semi QSK controls the training edge of the KEYOUT signal, but does not change the leading edge. TX DLY will control the leading edge up to the limit of its range. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue
Ian, As a bottom up reader, I see you have plenty of advice already. I would also like to point out in addition to what I posted below, I had an extra set of fuses and a Red-Dee connect 45 amp distributor in line with the battery backup/power supply and this alone added 1.5v drop. With those two items out of line, I now see the ~ 12v to my radio and I get out the full 100 watts from the radio under load. Those two items added an additional 4 connections or 16 surfaces. If I wanted almost zero drop, I would take out the RigRunner and put power directly to the radio. This would drop it further. 73, Bill K9YEQ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Bill K9YEQ Sent: Monday, December 24, 2012 5:26 PM To: 'Ian Kahn - Ham' Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue Ian, I would suggest before suspecting anything in between the power supply, check the voltage and the power supply terminals before tearing into anything. You already know the transceiver shows load voltage under load. If the voltage drops low at the supply then you have the culprit. If not, then go to the next connection and then measure it while transmitting. I had a voltage drop that I didn't like with the supplied power supply cable and replaced it with a 10 gauge high quality stranded cable. I took out my ASTRO Flight current/voltage wattage monitor which had lighter wiring, I ran my radio connection to my RigRunner and then measured. Voltage and output much improved. You could start from the rear of the radio, work toward the power supply, but you at least eliminate it. I do see a wiring/connector voltage drop at 20 amps draw from 13.5 volts through my PowerGate battery backup to the RigRunner which shows a voltage on the Astro Flight, which I use to monitor voltage coming off the rig runner itself, of ~12 v. I get CW output at the K3 of 100 watts out as monitored by the W2. It also wouldn't hurt to disconnect reconnect all the Andersons if that is what you are using. Corrosion potential exists for non-soldered connections especially in humid conditions. 73, Bill K9YEQ -Original Message- From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ian Kahn - Ham Sent: Monday, December 24, 2012 12:52 PM To: Lyle Johnson Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] New Output Power Issue So, it looks like I tracked down my low output issue. The problem appears to be with my West Mountain RigRunner, not my K3. A big thank you to all who offered guidance on getting this thing tested and troubleshot. Thank you, 73, es Merry Christmas! --Ian Ian Kahn, KM4IK Roswell, GA EM74ua km4ik@gmail.com K3 #281, P3 #688 HRD v5.x/6.0 Test Team On 12/24/2012 12:22 PM, Lyle Johnson wrote: Might not be a 30W drop, but a matter of calibrations of both the internal wattmeter (there is a menu item to adjust it) and the external wattmeter. If the output power is set to 100W and the internal wattmeter is reporting 100W, then the K3 is happy. If in fact the output power is only 70 W (double check if the ATU is bypassed or in line, antenna wiring and chassis connections are tight int he k3 etc), then the K3 wattmeter may need to be calibrated. If that is the case, you need to go to the menu and adjust it. But only do this if you are CERTAIN your external wattmeter is in fact accurate. Once you are certain the K3 wattmeter is reporting within spec, re-run the Tx calibration. BTW I think a 2V drop is still excessive. Might be long runs or light gauge wire or ? But that is a separate issue from the wattmeter accuracy. 73, Lyle KK7P It is highly possible the culprit is my RigRunner, purchased in March of this year. When I took it out of line, the voltage drop went from over 4V on tx to under 2V (13.8V down to about 12V). Current draw is .78 to .82 amps on rx and 19.8 amps on tx. However, while the internal power meter shows 100W, an external meter into a dummy load only shows 70 watts out. The current and voltage readings look normal, according to Rev. D10 of the owner's manual. But I'm still concerned about a 30W drop at the output. Anyone have any other suggestions? __ 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] New Output Power Issue
Despite the potential for voltage drop, I would not forget the fuse at the power supply end of the wire unless you are certain the power source has adequate overcurrent protection built in. The blade type fuses with tight fitting sockets will cause very little voltage drop. If the connection is not in the milliohm range, connection tightness is to blame. That fuse is not intended to protect the equipment connected, but is instead to protect the wire from a short circuit. Many power supplies do have adequate overcurrent protection - however --- I hear of instances where this was not in place when the power source is a battery. In the event of a short at the end of the power cable (or internal to the cable), a LOT of energy can be available which will have current sufficient to melt copper conductors of any size and spew molten metal all over the place - a personnel and a fire hazard. Low voltage high current power sources can be just as maiming as high voltage supplies. Please be safe! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Keep all hams healthy and free of injury in the coming New Year. 73, Don W3FPR On 12/24/2012 7:21 PM, Bill K9YEQ wrote: Ian, As a bottom up reader, I see you have plenty of advice already. I would also like to point out in addition to what I posted below, I had an extra set of fuses and a Red-Dee connect 45 amp distributor in line with the battery backup/power supply and this alone added 1.5v drop. With those two items out of line, I now see the ~ 12v to my radio and I get out the full 100 watts from the radio under load. Those two items added an additional 4 connections or 16 surfaces. If I wanted almost zero drop, I would take out the RigRunner and put power directly to the radio. This would drop it further. 73, Bill __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Remote power on/off progress for K3
You need to provide a way to ground pin 5 on the aux connector. I do this with a remoterig interface. Any remote relay will work. This turns on the rig then the rig stays on even if the closure is momentary. To turn it off you need to send it the power down command via the command serial port. A macro within HRD will do this easily. The DC out jack on the K3 can then power a relay to turn on accessories. On Mon, Dec 24, 2012 at 4:52 PM, Chad Wasinger chadwasin...@outlook.comwrote: Hi Group, Been searching the mailing list for a solution to turn on/off my K3 remotely via Ham Radio Deluxe or another means. Looks like there has been some posts on using serial activity as a trigger to turn on the radio. Just wondering if there has been any progress in this area or if someone has a simple solution? I'm not sure how Kenwood does it on their ts-2000 but the remote on/off feature is pretty smooth via HRD. Suggestions? Thanks, Chad N0YK __ 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 -- Jim K0XU j...@rhodesend.net __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] Dueling CQ During Mixed Mode 10 Meter Contest
Hi Ted, But given that you have to listen between CQs, that's a long time between CQs in each mode: CW-listen-phone-listen-CW-listen-phone... I think you'd be better off just calling a tighter cycle in one mode at a time, or using true SO2R with a second radio/antenna (if possible). Just my opinion. I would mainly use the dueling CQ on mixed mode during the 10 meter contest when it would be very slow in an attempt to generate some activity. Also, I would like to transmit the wav file first, then immediately transmit the CW using full QSK. Using full QSK, I would hopefully be able to hear a phone station coming back to me in between my CW dots and dashes. If I heard a phone station, I would simply hit the ESC key and work them. I would like a 1.5 second to 2 second pause after the CW transmission before continuing with the phone wav file transmission. This might be totally crazy, and it may cause undesirable interference products, but I would like it if I could transmit both the wav CQ on phone and the CW CQ pseudo simultaneously. I know that the phone operators listening to my CQ would hear the CW gaps but I think that it would still be intelligible. If this where possible then there would only be one gap for listening. Lastly, I did setup my K3 with phone on the main receiver and CW on the 2nd receiver. I was hoping to search up and down the CW portion of the band in the gaps between phone wav CQs. However Writelog would not transmit in CW after I found someone to work in the CW portion of the band. I switched focus to the second call entry window and pressed F4 (my callsign) and nothing happened. 73, Dave KG0US -- View this message in context: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/Dueling-CQ-During-Mixed-Mode-10-Meter-Contest-tp7567591p7567670.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
