Re: [Elecraft] APF (audio peaking filter) on the K3/K3S/KX3

[Nr4c]

Also, you can move the "peak" left/right by rotating the SHIFT knob. You will 
see APF setting appear in the VFO B area and the ref point is denoted by an "*" 
next to 45. 

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill


> On Feb 5, 2016, at 10:27 AM, David Kuechenmeister  wrote:
> 
> Thanks. I'll try again and be very careful this time.
> vy 73,Dave N4KD 
> 
>On Friday, February 5, 2016 10:08 AM, Barry N1EU  
> wrote:
> 
> 
> The receiver has to be tuned precisely to the signal in question for APF to
> work.
> 
> 73, Barry N1EU
> 
> On Fri, Feb 5, 2016 at 9:53 AM, David Kuechenmeister 
> wrote:
> 
>> I tried this the other day with no success. That is, the weak signal that
>> was barely detectable, became so buried in ringing that I couldn't detect
>> it at all. I think I followed the procedure outlined in Wayne's email
>> below...
>> Noise was around S5 on 40m and the K3 was configured with APF active. I
>> had my 500 Hz filter selected and varied the DSP WIDTH from 500 to 300
>> without substantial improvement. FINE tuning selected.
>> What am I forgetting?
>> vy 73,Dave N4KD
>> 
>> On Tuesday, February 2, 2016 9:36 AM, Wayne Burdick 
>> wrote:
>> 
>> 
>>   Hi all,
>> 
>> This morning I was hearing lots of very weak signals in the 40-meter CW
>> band, right at today's noise floor of about S-5. (Among others, I copied
>> BG4GOV in Shanghai.)
>> 
>> Many of the signals were not copyable until I turned on APF (audio peaking
>> filter). This filter's center peak is very narrow (around 30 Hz), but the
>> response broadens out quickly below the 3-dB points in the curve. This
>> brings up the desired signal without allowing noise to cause
>> ringing--something often heard with narrow filters of the "brick-wall"
>> variety. On a noisy band, the effect is just short of magic.
>> 
>> APF is very narrow, so you'll need to tune in 1-Hz increments when it is
>> turned on. Also, APF works best when used with a DSP/crystal filter WIDTH
>> setting of 300-500 Hz.
>> 
>> Use of APF differs for the three transceivers.
>> 
>> KX3: 1-Hz tuning is selected automatically on the when the APF switch is
>> pressed.
>> 
>> K3/K3S: APF is accessed via a hold of the XFIL switch. This function is
>> labeled "APF" on a K3S, or "DUAL PB" on the K3). Use CONFIG:DUAL PB to make
>> sure the selected filter function is APF. See the K3/K3S owner's manual for
>> a description of the alternate setting. 1-Hz tuning can be selected by
>> tapping FINE.
>> 
>> You might want to give APF a try if you haven't already.
>> 
>> 73,
>> Wayne
>> N6KR
>> 
>> __
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Re: [Elecraft] APF (audio peaking filter) on the K3/K3S/KX3

[Barry N1EU]

The receiver has to be tuned precisely to the signal in question for APF to
work.

73, Barry N1EU

On Fri, Feb 5, 2016 at 9:53 AM, David Kuechenmeister 
wrote:

> I tried this the other day with no success. That is, the weak signal that
> was barely detectable, became so buried in ringing that I couldn't detect
> it at all. I think I followed the procedure outlined in Wayne's email
> below...
> Noise was around S5 on 40m and the K3 was configured with APF active. I
> had my 500 Hz filter selected and varied the DSP WIDTH from 500 to 300
> without substantial improvement. FINE tuning selected.
> What am I forgetting?
> vy 73,Dave N4KD
>
> On Tuesday, February 2, 2016 9:36 AM, Wayne Burdick 
> wrote:
>
>
>  Hi all,
>
> This morning I was hearing lots of very weak signals in the 40-meter CW
> band, right at today's noise floor of about S-5. (Among others, I copied
> BG4GOV in Shanghai.)
>
> Many of the signals were not copyable until I turned on APF (audio peaking
> filter). This filter's center peak is very narrow (around 30 Hz), but the
> response broadens out quickly below the 3-dB points in the curve. This
> brings up the desired signal without allowing noise to cause
> ringing--something often heard with narrow filters of the "brick-wall"
> variety. On a noisy band, the effect is just short of magic.
>
> APF is very narrow, so you'll need to tune in 1-Hz increments when it is
> turned on. Also, APF works best when used with a DSP/crystal filter WIDTH
> setting of 300-500 Hz.
>
> Use of APF differs for the three transceivers.
>
> KX3: 1-Hz tuning is selected automatically on the when the APF switch is
> pressed.
>
> K3/K3S: APF is accessed via a hold of the XFIL switch. This function is
> labeled "APF" on a K3S, or "DUAL PB" on the K3). Use CONFIG:DUAL PB to make
> sure the selected filter function is APF. See the K3/K3S owner's manual for
> a description of the alternate setting. 1-Hz tuning can be selected by
> tapping FINE.
>
> You might want to give APF a try if you haven't already.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
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Re: [Elecraft] APF (audio peaking filter) on the K3/K3S/KX3

[dave]

one must also discover the
artful use of the RF Gain control as well


Adjustment of the RF gain control is not mentioned in Wayne's note on 
using APF.


When I tried it here, the RF gain might have made some small 
difference but it still did not allow un-copyable signals to be 
copied. When testing APF I have made all adjustments the I thought 
might affect signal quality. IIRC correctly I also tinkered with the 
AGC parameters. But the APF never produced results any better than 
simply narrowing the filters. Usually the regular narrow filters 
worked better. I know I had not switched APF on for months. I did 
switch it on to recheck before sending my note. But the noise is not 
currently high enough to give it a good test.


I have found, in general, that careful adjustment of the RF gain 
control can be useful. This applies to all receivers I have tried it on.


I'm wondering if the difference is in the type of noise. I have mostly 
tried APF at times of high lightning activity. I think we in the SE 
get more of that than other parts of the country. The higher noise 
level means more weak signals. You need all the help you can get. But 
that noise differs from the usual band noise.


And it may depend on each individual's hearing.

I have always puzzled over why some rave about how great APF is while 
for myself, and obviously others, it is of no help at all.


73 de dave
ab9ca/4



On 2/5/16 10:13 AM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote:

While I find the APF works really nice, one must also discover the
artful use of the RF Gain control as well.   Most hams seem to use
excessive RF Gain which will force noise through the filter and all of
those undesirable artifacts will be heard.  If in doubt, reduce the RF
Gain.

Using this technique, I can tune the band with the APF engaged,
adjusting the RF Gain a bit, and actually hear signals with this
configuration which without the APC no signal could be heard.  I view
this gives one the ability to actually "dig signals out of the noise".

73
Bob, K4TAX

On 2/5/2016 9:56 AM, dave wrote:


I'd agree. My experience with APF is that it will indeed pop a
signal that is already copyable, if a bit weak, out of the noise.
Makes for easier copy. However the ringing is so bad on a really
weak signal that it is of no help. I guess it depends on what you
view as 'weak' and your noise level. I was hoping it would make
previously un-copyable signals copyable, but that does not happen.
Instead it improves the copyability of weak but already copyable
signals.

I find that simply narrowing the filters to 50, 100, or 150 Hz will
give essentially identical results as using the APF and is much
easier to do.

As for the super critical tuning, I do not find it to be all that
critical. The signal can be improved somewhat by going to the 'fine'
tuning, but it makes only a small difference. 10 Hz steps are OK and
much quicker. The APF has a BW of about 30 Hz so tuning cannot be
all that critical. +/- 5 Hz out of 30 is not that big of a deal.

This has been one of my biggest disappointments with the K3. After
reading all the hype about APF I was hoping for a real improvement.
But does not happen. OTOH, the narrow filters of the K3 are
outstanding.

73 de dave
ab9ca/4



On 2/5/16 8:53 AM, David Kuechenmeister wrote:

I tried this the other day with no success. That is, the weak
signal that was barely detectable, became so buried in ringing that
I couldn't detect it at all. I think I followed the procedure
outlined in Wayne's email below... Noise was around S5 on 40m and
the K3 was configured with APF active. I had my 500 Hz filter
selected and varied the DSP WIDTH from 500 to 300 without
substantial improvement. FINE tuning selected. What am I
forgetting? vy 73,Dave N4KD

On Tuesday, February 2, 2016 9:36 AM, Wayne Burdick
 wrote:


Hi all,

This morning I was hearing lots of very weak signals in the
40-meter CW band, right at today's noise floor of about S-5. (Among
others, I copied BG4GOV in Shanghai.)

Many of the signals were not copyable until I turned on APF (audio
peaking filter). This filter's center peak is very narrow (around
30 Hz), but the response broadens out quickly below the 3-dB points
in the curve. This brings up the desired signal without allowing
noise to cause ringing--something often heard with narrow filters
of the "brick-wall" variety. On a noisy band, the effect is just
short of magic.

APF is very narrow, so you'll need to tune in 1-Hz increments when
it is turned on. Also, APF works best when used with a DSP/crystal
filter WIDTH setting of 300-500 Hz.

Use of APF differs for the three transceivers.

KX3: 1-Hz tuning is selected automatically on the when the APF
switch is pressed.

K3/K3S: APF is accessed via a hold of the XFIL switch. This
function is labeled "APF" on a K3S, or "DUAL PB" on the K3). Use
CONFIG:DUAL PB to make sure the selected filter function is APF.
See the K3/K3S owner's manual for a description of the alternate
setting. 1-Hz 

Re: [Elecraft] slightly OT -- acceptable network switch (aka Linksysproduces birdies)

[John Shadle]

Thank, all. I may have to look into that. It may just involve changing out
some runs of the cable. I used either CAT5 or CAT5e in all my runs. Just
odd that the noise is coming from the one location and not the others,
though. Ah well!

-john NE4U

On Fri, Feb 5, 2016 at 8:15 AM, David Ahrendts  wrote:

> John, I’ll concur with Larry. I have several D-Link gigabit switches using
> CAT6 cable with no apparent noise, and I believe their “green” technology
> actually shuts off unused ports when not in use. Amazon.
>
> David A., KK6DA, LA
>
> On Feb 5, 2016, at 1:48 AM, Larry Gauthier (K8UT) 
> wrote:
>
> John,
>
> I had a similar situation here with a LinkSys switch. Tried a NetGear
> switch and the birdies moved - but were still present. Solved the problem
> by moving all networked devices from cat5 10 mb to cat6 1000t gigabit
> ethernet.
>
> -larry (K8UT)
> -Original Message- From: John Shadle
> Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2016 1:07 AM
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] slightly OT -- acceptable network switch (aka
> Linksysproduces birdies)
>
> I just completed my K3S build and initial configuration. Woohoo. I was
> tuning around the bands, and I noticed birdies *everywhere*. Every 20-30Hz
> on 40m there was one -- and it was LOUD. I thought that something was up
> with my build, but then started doing an internet search for "K3 birdies".
> I saw one person (from a 2010 post on this list) note that the birdies
> could be coming from network devices (routers). A-ha!
>
> Initially, I thought it had something to do with my ASUS wireless router
> being extremely close to my operation location. I unplugged it, and the
> noise went away. Then I plugged it back in and removed, one by one, the
> connections to various devices (network storage, my shack computer, and the
> line that runs to my upstairs office). It just so happens that I had
> installed a network switch recently (produced by Linksys, and on sale at
> Best Buy last week). I unplugged the cable going to that switch, and the
> noise went away. I then plugged it back in, and went to the office and
> disconnected the power from the Linksys switch. Noise is gone again.
>
> So, I'm looking for a new network switch. Does anyone have advice on what
> has worked for them?
>
> Alternately, any idea on how to get the network switch from producing these
> awful birdies?
>
> I'm *not* looking for a new router -- but just a switch.
>
> Thanks.
> -john NE4U
> Madison, WI
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>
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] APF (audio peaking filter) on the K3/K3S/KX3

[Ronnie Hull]

I went from a TenTec Orion to my K3 ( whose box I opened almost the very day 
the K3S was announced which is total BS) and I really mis the SAF feature in 
the Orion. The APF in my K3 doesn't touch it.

W5SUM

Sent from Ronnie's IPhone

> On Feb 5, 2016, at 09:56, dave  wrote:
> 
> 
> I'd agree. My experience with APF is that it will indeed pop a signal that is 
> already copyable, if a bit weak, out of the noise. Makes for easier copy. 
> However the ringing is so bad on a really weak signal that it is of no help. 
> I guess it depends on what you view as 'weak' and your noise level. I was 
> hoping it would make previously un-copyable signals copyable, but that does 
> not happen. Instead it improves the copyability of weak but already copyable 
> signals.
> 
> I find that simply narrowing the filters to 50, 100, or 150 Hz will give 
> essentially identical results as using the APF and is much easier to do.
> 
> As for the super critical tuning, I do not find it to be all that critical. 
> The signal can be improved somewhat by going to the 'fine' tuning, but it 
> makes only a small difference. 10 Hz steps are OK and much quicker. The APF 
> has a BW of about 30 Hz so tuning cannot be all that critical. +/- 5 Hz out 
> of 30 is not that big of a deal.
> 
> This has been one of my biggest disappointments with the K3. After reading 
> all the hype about APF I was hoping for a real improvement. But does not 
> happen. OTOH, the narrow filters of the K3 are outstanding.
> 
> 73 de dave
> ab9ca/4
> 
> 
> 
>> On 2/5/16 8:53 AM, David Kuechenmeister wrote:
>> I tried this the other day with no success. That is, the weak
>> signal that was barely detectable, became so buried in ringing that
>> I couldn't detect it at all. I think I followed the procedure
>> outlined in Wayne's email below... Noise was around S5 on 40m and
>> the K3 was configured with APF active. I had my 500 Hz filter
>> selected and varied the DSP WIDTH from 500 to 300 without
>> substantial improvement. FINE tuning selected. What am I
>> forgetting? vy 73,Dave N4KD
>> 
>> On Tuesday, February 2, 2016 9:36 AM, Wayne Burdick
>>  wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> Hi all,
>> 
>> This morning I was hearing lots of very weak signals in the
>> 40-meter CW band, right at today's noise floor of about S-5. (Among
>> others, I copied BG4GOV in Shanghai.)
>> 
>> Many of the signals were not copyable until I turned on APF (audio
>> peaking filter). This filter's center peak is very narrow (around
>> 30 Hz), but the response broadens out quickly below the 3-dB points
>> in the curve. This brings up the desired signal without allowing
>> noise to cause ringing--something often heard with narrow filters
>> of the "brick-wall" variety. On a noisy band, the effect is just
>> short of magic.
>> 
>> APF is very narrow, so you'll need to tune in 1-Hz increments when
>> it is turned on. Also, APF works best when used with a DSP/crystal
>> filter WIDTH setting of 300-500 Hz.
>> 
>> Use of APF differs for the three transceivers.
>> 
>> KX3: 1-Hz tuning is selected automatically on the when the APF
>> switch is pressed.
>> 
>> K3/K3S: APF is accessed via a hold of the XFIL switch. This
>> function is labeled "APF" on a K3S, or "DUAL PB" on the K3). Use
>> CONFIG:DUAL PB to make sure the selected filter function is APF.
>> See the K3/K3S owner's manual for a description of the alternate
>> setting. 1-Hz tuning can be selected by tapping FINE.
>> 
>> You might want to give APF a try if you haven't already.
>> 
>> 73, Wayne N6KR
>> 
>> __
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Re: [Elecraft] K3/K3S noise blanker performance greatly enhanced (at my QTH) -- need testers

[Robert G Strickland]

My widest filter is 2.8MHz [the optional, 8-pole ssb filter]. Is the 
technique that Wayne is describing not applicable in my situation?

...robert

On 02/04/2016 3:03 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote:

Hi all,

If you have...

- really ugly noise sources that neither of the K3/K3S noise blankers 
completely clean up, and

- a 6-kHz crystal filter, and

- a narrow crystal filter (200-1000 Hz)

...then you may want to try an experimental technique I've been using the past 
couple of days. In many cases it produces dramatically improved blanking, at 
least in narrow-band modes (CW, PSK, FSK). I've been able to hear many weak 
signals that I simply couldn't hear before.

It may also work for SSB signals in conjunction with a 15-kHz crystal filter, 
but I haven't tried that yet.

The kind of noise I'm talking about is often quite unstable, with a buzzy sound, possibly 
drifting around a bit in frequency and amplitude. Light dimmers, switching power 
supplies, and various other devices create such noise. The noise may be narrowband: as 
you tune the VFO, you may find there's a "hump" of noise that's anywhere from 2 
kHz to 50 kHz wide. It may also have very complex waveform with multiple noise pulses 
back-to-back in a burst.

These types of noise are difficult to deal with. The IF blanker's signal path 
may be too wide (0.2 to 2 MHz), resulting in too little energy in-band to 
trigger the gating signal. The DSP blanker's RF signal path may be too narrow, 
making it hard for the DSP to distinguish noise from desired signal.

* * *

Setup:

1. Connect the radio to a computer running K3 Utility. Go into the 
Configuration / Configure Crystal Filter setup screen.

2. Find your 6-kHz filter (probably FL1 or FL2). Now the fun part: fake out the 
firmware by entering a bandwidth for this filter that's just 50 Hz wider than 
your narrow CW filter (ideally 250-500 Hz). *Do not* change the filter offset. 
But *do* make sure that the 6-kHz filter's CW and DATA enable boxes are checked.

3. Click "OK" to save this experimental crystal filter configuration setup.

4. You will now find that when the WIDTH control is rotated from, say, 0.40 to 
0.45, the XFIL selection will jump from something like FL4 directly to FL1 or 
FL2 (your 6-kHz filter). That, hopefully, is the boundary where magic may 
occur, below.

* * *

The Experiment:

1. Find one of your most offensive local noise sources. I have them on most low 
bands. The stronger the amplitude the better. Narrowband sources may provide 
the most dramatic results.

2. Back down the AF gain control, then *turn off AGC*. You may need to use the 
RF gain to keep the signal from clipping.

NOTE: The reason for doing this test without AGC is to make sure you can hear 
the full effect of applied noise reduction. AGC flattens out the receiver's 
audio response, making it hard to compare different settings. (If you find that 
the noise-remediation trick works, you can later turn AGC back on, and while 
the effect won't be as obvious, any benefit in signal-to-noise ratio will still 
apply.)

3. Select CW mode and adjust the WIDTH control for your narrow filter's bandwidth 
(example: "BW 0.40").

4. Turn on the noise blanker (tap NB) and hold NB (LEVEL) to access the blanker 
parameters.

5. Set the IF blanker to OFF (VFO B). Then experiment with the DSP blanker 
settings (VFO A) to obtain the best possible reduction in signal.

6. While still the LEVEL parameters are still displayed, adjust the WIDTH control to the 
next step up (example: "BW 0.45"). This should kick in the 6-kHz filter, *but 
the DSP bandwidth and filter graphic will still show a narrow passband*. In other words, 
you're widening out the crystal filter but making very little change in the DSP's 
internal filter bandwidth (15 kHz IF, and AF).

7. Now re-optimize the DSP noise blanker settings for the 6-kHz filter case. 
Did the noise drop? (If you have a signal generator, e.g. an Elecraft XG3, you 
might put an antenna on it and generate a weak signal right in the middle of 
the noise to get more definitive results.)

8. Try it on other noise sources. It may help on some but not others, due to 
the wide variance in noise signals.

Please log your results and report them to the list, at least until Eric shuts 
down the thread :)

* * *

IMPORTANT:

As you can imagine, opening up the crystal filter bandwidth much wider than the 
DSP bandwidth will make the receiver more susceptible to in-band interference. 
If necessary, use RF GAIN, preeamp, and attenuator settings to reduce all 
interfering signals to a manageable level.

I find there are many occasions on which better blanking is really critical, 
even if gain must be reduced in order to take advantage of it.

* * *

If we get enough positive responses from this experiment, we'll provide a 
simply, intuitive way of selecting the 6-kHz filter for noise blanking 
purposes. And maybe the 15 kHz filter for SSB use, if applicable. For example, 
we might add more selections to 

Re: [Elecraft] APF (audio peaking filter) on the K3/K3S/KX3

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

While I find the APF works really nice, one must also discover the 
artful use of the RF Gain control as well.   Most hams seem to use 
excessive RF Gain which will force noise through the filter and all of 
those undesirable artifacts will be heard.  If in doubt, reduce the RF Gain.


Using this technique, I can tune the band with the APF engaged, 
adjusting the RF Gain a bit, and actually hear signals with this 
configuration which without the APC no signal could be heard.  I view 
this gives one the ability to actually "dig signals out of the noise".


73
Bob, K4TAX

On 2/5/2016 9:56 AM, dave wrote:


I'd agree. My experience with APF is that it will indeed pop a signal 
that is already copyable, if a bit weak, out of the noise. Makes for 
easier copy. However the ringing is so bad on a really weak signal 
that it is of no help. I guess it depends on what you view as 'weak' 
and your noise level. I was hoping it would make previously 
un-copyable signals copyable, but that does not happen. Instead it 
improves the copyability of weak but already copyable signals.


I find that simply narrowing the filters to 50, 100, or 150 Hz will 
give essentially identical results as using the APF and is much easier 
to do.


As for the super critical tuning, I do not find it to be all that 
critical. The signal can be improved somewhat by going to the 'fine' 
tuning, but it makes only a small difference. 10 Hz steps are OK and 
much quicker. The APF has a BW of about 30 Hz so tuning cannot be all 
that critical. +/- 5 Hz out of 30 is not that big of a deal.


This has been one of my biggest disappointments with the K3. After 
reading all the hype about APF I was hoping for a real improvement. 
But does not happen. OTOH, the narrow filters of the K3 are outstanding.


73 de dave
ab9ca/4



On 2/5/16 8:53 AM, David Kuechenmeister wrote:

I tried this the other day with no success. That is, the weak
signal that was barely detectable, became so buried in ringing that
I couldn't detect it at all. I think I followed the procedure
outlined in Wayne's email below... Noise was around S5 on 40m and
the K3 was configured with APF active. I had my 500 Hz filter
selected and varied the DSP WIDTH from 500 to 300 without
substantial improvement. FINE tuning selected. What am I
forgetting? vy 73,Dave N4KD

On Tuesday, February 2, 2016 9:36 AM, Wayne Burdick
 wrote:


Hi all,

This morning I was hearing lots of very weak signals in the
40-meter CW band, right at today's noise floor of about S-5. (Among
others, I copied BG4GOV in Shanghai.)

Many of the signals were not copyable until I turned on APF (audio
peaking filter). This filter's center peak is very narrow (around
30 Hz), but the response broadens out quickly below the 3-dB points
in the curve. This brings up the desired signal without allowing
noise to cause ringing--something often heard with narrow filters
of the "brick-wall" variety. On a noisy band, the effect is just
short of magic.

APF is very narrow, so you'll need to tune in 1-Hz increments when
it is turned on. Also, APF works best when used with a DSP/crystal
filter WIDTH setting of 300-500 Hz.

Use of APF differs for the three transceivers.

KX3: 1-Hz tuning is selected automatically on the when the APF
switch is pressed.

K3/K3S: APF is accessed via a hold of the XFIL switch. This
function is labeled "APF" on a K3S, or "DUAL PB" on the K3). Use
CONFIG:DUAL PB to make sure the selected filter function is APF.
See the K3/K3S owner's manual for a description of the alternate
setting. 1-Hz tuning can be selected by tapping FINE.

You might want to give APF a try if you haven't already.

73, Wayne N6KR

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Post: 

Re: [Elecraft] Balun suggestions

[Jim Brown]

On Fri,2/5/2016 5:06 AM, w7aqk wrote:
I don't know what the precise definition for "balanced" will end up 
being (assuming we end up with a consensus),


The laws of physics are not determined by consensus. I am citing the 
definition upon which IEC and AES Standards are based, which are 
established by international bodies of first rate engineers. I'm a 
member of the AES Standards Committee. It may come as a shock to some, 
but almost everything fundamental about electricity, electronics, audio, 
radio, and transmission lines was well understood and documented nearly 
100 years ago, and much of it decades earlier.


There's a slide presentation on RFI on my website that addresses the 
topic of balance. GM3SEK and N7WS clearly understand it.


73, Jim K9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3: ALC on digital issue

[Thorpe, Jeffrey]

I actually noticed the same thing too...the only difference was that I was 
transmitting Contestia 4/250.

Jeff - kg7hdz

> On Feb 5, 2016, at 08:36, Jim Rodenkirch  wrote:
> 
> Hey, guess what I found out.I saw the same thing while operating JT9/65.
> 
> BUT, every time I rotated the pwr control knob, the ALC was exactly where I
> had adjusted it to, SO, I experimented a little and varied
> the pwr out prior to transmitting.guess what The power level bars
> indicate exactly where I set the pwr atlooks to me like the KX3 will
> display then set pwr when you start transmitting in JY9/65 and, if you touch
> the pwr knob after you start transmitting the KX3 display your ALC
> setting.just sayin'!!!
> 
> I don't do any other digital/rtty mode so don't know how the KX3 works wid
> 'dem!!!
> 
> 72 de Jim R. K9JWV 
> 
> 
> 
> --
> View this message in context: 
> http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-ALC-on-digital-issue-tp7613593p7613602.html
> Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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Re: [Elecraft] APF (audio peaking filter) on the K3/K3S/KX3

[Brian Hunt]

The technique I'm using with the APF also involves NR like so:

On an uncrowded band, set the DSP BW to 700 to 1000 Hz. If you have a roofing 
filter in that range stay within it. 

Turn on NR set to mF5-3 or there about. The wide BW helps the NR work well. The 
"mix" mode lets a little unprocessed signal+noise through. This is a good weak 
signal search mode. 

When you find a signal you want to copy, turn on APF and peak it in the filter. 
Fine tuning helps. There is little ringing because NR has reduced the noise 
amplitude. You can decrease the DSP BW a little but the NR is more effective 
with uncorrelated noise. 

This technique has gotten me many pelts in the QRP Fox Hunts. 

73,
Brian, K0DTJ
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Re: [Elecraft] APF (audio peaking filter) on the K3/K3S/KX3

[David Kuechenmeister]

I tried this the other day with no success. That is, the weak signal that was 
barely detectable, became so buried in ringing that I couldn't detect it at 
all. I think I followed the procedure outlined in Wayne's email below...
Noise was around S5 on 40m and the K3 was configured with APF active. I had my 
500 Hz filter selected and varied the DSP WIDTH from 500 to 300 without 
substantial improvement. FINE tuning selected.
What am I forgetting? 
vy 73,Dave N4KD

On Tuesday, February 2, 2016 9:36 AM, Wayne Burdick  
wrote:
 

 Hi all,

This morning I was hearing lots of very weak signals in the 40-meter CW band, 
right at today's noise floor of about S-5. (Among others, I copied BG4GOV in 
Shanghai.)

Many of the signals were not copyable until I turned on APF (audio peaking 
filter). This filter's center peak is very narrow (around 30 Hz), but the 
response broadens out quickly below the 3-dB points in the curve. This brings 
up the desired signal without allowing noise to cause ringing--something often 
heard with narrow filters of the "brick-wall" variety. On a noisy band, the 
effect is just short of magic.

APF is very narrow, so you'll need to tune in 1-Hz increments when it is turned 
on. Also, APF works best when used with a DSP/crystal filter WIDTH setting of 
300-500 Hz.

Use of APF differs for the three transceivers.

KX3: 1-Hz tuning is selected automatically on the when the APF switch is 
pressed. 

K3/K3S: APF is accessed via a hold of the XFIL switch. This function is labeled 
"APF" on a K3S, or "DUAL PB" on the K3). Use CONFIG:DUAL PB to make sure the 
selected filter function is APF. See the K3/K3S owner's manual for a 
description of the alternate setting. 1-Hz tuning can be selected by tapping 
FINE.

You might want to give APF a try if you haven't already.

73,
Wayne
N6KR

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Re: [Elecraft] Balun suggestions

[Wes (N7WS)]

Correct on all points.

On 2/5/2016 6:06 AM, w7aqk wrote:

Jim B. and All,

I don't know what the precise definition for "balanced" will end up being 
(assuming we end up with a consensus), but In Jim B's critique about what was 
said, I think he cut and pasted so as to erroneously attribute comments made 
by Don, W3FPR, as being made by Wes N7WS.  It's getting hard to keep track of 
who said what! Hi.  Interesting debate, however.


Dave W7AQK



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Re: [Elecraft] APF (audio peaking filter) on the K3/K3S/KX3

[dave]

I'd agree. My experience with APF is that it will indeed pop a signal 
that is already copyable, if a bit weak, out of the noise. Makes for 
easier copy. However the ringing is so bad on a really weak signal 
that it is of no help. I guess it depends on what you view as 'weak' 
and your noise level. I was hoping it would make previously 
un-copyable signals copyable, but that does not happen. Instead it 
improves the copyability of weak but already copyable signals.


I find that simply narrowing the filters to 50, 100, or 150 Hz will 
give essentially identical results as using the APF and is much easier 
to do.


As for the super critical tuning, I do not find it to be all that 
critical. The signal can be improved somewhat by going to the 'fine' 
tuning, but it makes only a small difference. 10 Hz steps are OK and 
much quicker. The APF has a BW of about 30 Hz so tuning cannot be all 
that critical. +/- 5 Hz out of 30 is not that big of a deal.


This has been one of my biggest disappointments with the K3. After 
reading all the hype about APF I was hoping for a real improvement. 
But does not happen. OTOH, the narrow filters of the K3 are outstanding.


73 de dave
ab9ca/4



On 2/5/16 8:53 AM, David Kuechenmeister wrote:

I tried this the other day with no success. That is, the weak
signal that was barely detectable, became so buried in ringing that
I couldn't detect it at all. I think I followed the procedure
outlined in Wayne's email below... Noise was around S5 on 40m and
the K3 was configured with APF active. I had my 500 Hz filter
selected and varied the DSP WIDTH from 500 to 300 without
substantial improvement. FINE tuning selected. What am I
forgetting? vy 73,Dave N4KD

On Tuesday, February 2, 2016 9:36 AM, Wayne Burdick
 wrote:


Hi all,

This morning I was hearing lots of very weak signals in the
40-meter CW band, right at today's noise floor of about S-5. (Among
others, I copied BG4GOV in Shanghai.)

Many of the signals were not copyable until I turned on APF (audio
peaking filter). This filter's center peak is very narrow (around
30 Hz), but the response broadens out quickly below the 3-dB points
in the curve. This brings up the desired signal without allowing
noise to cause ringing--something often heard with narrow filters
of the "brick-wall" variety. On a noisy band, the effect is just
short of magic.

APF is very narrow, so you'll need to tune in 1-Hz increments when
it is turned on. Also, APF works best when used with a DSP/crystal
filter WIDTH setting of 300-500 Hz.

Use of APF differs for the three transceivers.

KX3: 1-Hz tuning is selected automatically on the when the APF
switch is pressed.

K3/K3S: APF is accessed via a hold of the XFIL switch. This
function is labeled "APF" on a K3S, or "DUAL PB" on the K3). Use
CONFIG:DUAL PB to make sure the selected filter function is APF.
See the K3/K3S owner's manual for a description of the alternate
setting. 1-Hz tuning can be selected by tapping FINE.

You might want to give APF a try if you haven't already.

73, Wayne N6KR

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Re: [Elecraft] KX3: ALC on digital issue

[Jim Rodenkirch]

Hey, guess what I found out.I saw the same thing while operating JT9/65.

BUT, every time I rotated the pwr control knob, the ALC was exactly where I
had adjusted it to, SO, I experimented a little and varied
the pwr out prior to transmitting.guess what The power level bars
indicate exactly where I set the pwr atlooks to me like the KX3 will
display then set pwr when you start transmitting in JY9/65 and, if you touch
the pwr knob after you start transmitting the KX3 display your ALC
setting.just sayin'!!!

I don't do any other digital/rtty mode so don't know how the KX3 works wid
'dem!!!

72 de Jim R. K9JWV 



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Re: [Elecraft] APF (audio peaking filter) on the K3/K3S/KX3

[David Kuechenmeister]

Thanks. I'll try again and be very careful this time.
vy 73,Dave N4KD 

On Friday, February 5, 2016 10:08 AM, Barry N1EU  
wrote:
 

 The receiver has to be tuned precisely to the signal in question for APF to
work.

73, Barry N1EU

On Fri, Feb 5, 2016 at 9:53 AM, David Kuechenmeister 
wrote:

> I tried this the other day with no success. That is, the weak signal that
> was barely detectable, became so buried in ringing that I couldn't detect
> it at all. I think I followed the procedure outlined in Wayne's email
> below...
> Noise was around S5 on 40m and the K3 was configured with APF active. I
> had my 500 Hz filter selected and varied the DSP WIDTH from 500 to 300
> without substantial improvement. FINE tuning selected.
> What am I forgetting?
> vy 73,Dave N4KD
>
>    On Tuesday, February 2, 2016 9:36 AM, Wayne Burdick 
> wrote:
>
>
>  Hi all,
>
> This morning I was hearing lots of very weak signals in the 40-meter CW
> band, right at today's noise floor of about S-5. (Among others, I copied
> BG4GOV in Shanghai.)
>
> Many of the signals were not copyable until I turned on APF (audio peaking
> filter). This filter's center peak is very narrow (around 30 Hz), but the
> response broadens out quickly below the 3-dB points in the curve. This
> brings up the desired signal without allowing noise to cause
> ringing--something often heard with narrow filters of the "brick-wall"
> variety. On a noisy band, the effect is just short of magic.
>
> APF is very narrow, so you'll need to tune in 1-Hz increments when it is
> turned on. Also, APF works best when used with a DSP/crystal filter WIDTH
> setting of 300-500 Hz.
>
> Use of APF differs for the three transceivers.
>
> KX3: 1-Hz tuning is selected automatically on the when the APF switch is
> pressed.
>
> K3/K3S: APF is accessed via a hold of the XFIL switch. This function is
> labeled "APF" on a K3S, or "DUAL PB" on the K3). Use CONFIG:DUAL PB to make
> sure the selected filter function is APF. See the K3/K3S owner's manual for
> a description of the alternate setting. 1-Hz tuning can be selected by
> tapping FINE.
>
> You might want to give APF a try if you haven't already.
>
> 73,
> Wayne
> N6KR
>
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[Elecraft] re. K3/K3S noise blanker performance greatly enhanced (at my QTH) -- need testers

[g3pqa]

Thanks Wayne, the software blanking improvement on CW using FL1 13kHz filter 
set to 400Hz is remarkable because not only does it suppress strong electric 
fence pulses here for the first time in years but also cleans up the NB 
function when FL1 is enabled. I used the 13kHz filter because it was in my K3. 
DSP 2-3 or 3-3, IF Blanker OFF.
The main improvement is on the DSP blanker, the hardware blanker remains only 
mildly effective on strong electric fence pulses and is little use if any with 
FL1. 
Some overload on strong signals as expected because of wide roofing filter. 
Setting the bandwidth to activate either my 500 and 200 filter each side 
degrades NB performance to previous.
I will try with a 6kHz filter in due course.
John G3PQA
(K3 1123)
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Re: [Elecraft] APF (audio peaking filter) on the K3/K3S/KX3

[Stephen Prior]

I've seen it written that it helps to offset the IF slightly, although to
be honest I have never myself got the APF to work to my satisfaction.
Oddly, and I communicated with Wayne about this at the time, the first beta
(I think) implementation of it was stunning, but a later release lost it
for me.  Wayne told me there had been no change in code, but I have never
understood that.  With my XYL away in London for the weekend, I might
devote some more time to it :-)

73 Stephen G4SJP

On 5 February 2016 at 15:27, David Kuechenmeister 
wrote:

> Thanks. I'll try again and be very careful this time.
> vy 73,Dave N4KD
>
> On Friday, February 5, 2016 10:08 AM, Barry N1EU 
> wrote:
>
>
>  The receiver has to be tuned precisely to the signal in question for APF
> to
> work.
>
> 73, Barry N1EU
>
> On Fri, Feb 5, 2016 at 9:53 AM, David Kuechenmeister 
> wrote:
>
> > I tried this the other day with no success. That is, the weak signal that
> > was barely detectable, became so buried in ringing that I couldn't detect
> > it at all. I think I followed the procedure outlined in Wayne's email
> > below...
> > Noise was around S5 on 40m and the K3 was configured with APF active. I
> > had my 500 Hz filter selected and varied the DSP WIDTH from 500 to 300
> > without substantial improvement. FINE tuning selected.
> > What am I forgetting?
> > vy 73,Dave N4KD
> >
> >On Tuesday, February 2, 2016 9:36 AM, Wayne Burdick <
> n...@elecraft.com>
> > wrote:
> >
> >
> >  Hi all,
> >
> > This morning I was hearing lots of very weak signals in the 40-meter CW
> > band, right at today's noise floor of about S-5. (Among others, I copied
> > BG4GOV in Shanghai.)
> >
> > Many of the signals were not copyable until I turned on APF (audio
> peaking
> > filter). This filter's center peak is very narrow (around 30 Hz), but the
> > response broadens out quickly below the 3-dB points in the curve. This
> > brings up the desired signal without allowing noise to cause
> > ringing--something often heard with narrow filters of the "brick-wall"
> > variety. On a noisy band, the effect is just short of magic.
> >
> > APF is very narrow, so you'll need to tune in 1-Hz increments when it is
> > turned on. Also, APF works best when used with a DSP/crystal filter WIDTH
> > setting of 300-500 Hz.
> >
> > Use of APF differs for the three transceivers.
> >
> > KX3: 1-Hz tuning is selected automatically on the when the APF switch is
> > pressed.
> >
> > K3/K3S: APF is accessed via a hold of the XFIL switch. This function is
> > labeled "APF" on a K3S, or "DUAL PB" on the K3). Use CONFIG:DUAL PB to
> make
> > sure the selected filter function is APF. See the K3/K3S owner's manual
> for
> > a description of the alternate setting. 1-Hz tuning can be selected by
> > tapping FINE.
> >
> > You might want to give APF a try if you haven't already.
> >
> > 73,
> > Wayne
> > N6KR
> >
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Re: [Elecraft] re. K3/K3S noise blanker performance greatly enhanced (at my QTH) -- need testers

[Dave Cole]

That answered a question I took off list, will my 12 KHz filter work,
looks like I will be testing this...
-- 
73's, and thanks,
Dave

For software/hardware reviews see:
http://www.nk7z.net

For MixW support see:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info

For SSTV help see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info



On Fri, 2016-02-05 at 17:00 +, g3...@onetel.com wrote:
> Thanks Wayne, the software blanking improvement on CW using FL1 13kHz
> filter set to 400Hz is remarkable because not only does it suppress
> strong electric fence pulses here for the first time in years but
> also cleans up the NB function when FL1 is enabled. I used the 13kHz
> filter because it was in my K3. DSP 2-3 or 3-3, IF Blanker OFF.
> The main improvement is on the DSP blanker, the hardware blanker
> remains only mildly effective on strong electric fence pulses and is
> little use if any with FL1. 
> Some overload on strong signals as expected because of wide roofing
> filter. Setting the bandwidth to activate either my 500 and 200
> filter each side degrades NB performance to previous.
> I will try with a 6kHz filter in due course.
> John G3PQA
> (K3 1123)
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Re: [Elecraft] K3/K3S noise blanker performance greatly enhanced (at my QTH) -- need testers

[Dave Cole]

Hi Wayne,

On list report as you asked for...

Set up as described, only using a 13KHz filter in F1 position...  

Using a florescent light, which makes a rather ugly wide band noise,
only on 18 MHz., I performed a sort of blind test  

After doing the full setup as you described on a very weak CW station,
I hit the NB button as fast as I could for several seconds while
looking away from the radio...  This confused me as to if it was on or
off...

I then while still looking away from the radio brought the NB on and
off line, and stopped on teh CW that was easiest to copy.  

I did this five times, and after each test, I re-scrambled my memory by
again, hitting the NB switch many times, and looking away from the
radio.  

Five out of five times the NB was off when I stopped, indicating that
the NB made the CW harder to copy.  

Sorry...  I will try later tonight, when all the Horticultural lights
come on line on 40 meters, which has tons of RFI from them.  I will
report again...


-- 
73's, and thanks,
Dave

For software/hardware reviews see:
http://www.nk7z.net

For MixW support see:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info

For SSTV help see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info



On Wed, 2016-02-03 at 19:03 -0800, Wayne Burdick wrote:
> Hi all,
> 
> If you have...
> 
> - really ugly noise sources that neither of the K3/K3S noise blankers
> completely clean up, and 
> 
> - a 6-kHz crystal filter, and
> 
> - a narrow crystal filter (200-1000 Hz)
> 
> ...then you may want to try an experimental technique I've been using
> the past couple of days. In many cases it produces dramatically
> improved blanking, at least in narrow-band modes (CW, PSK, FSK). I've
> been able to hear many weak signals that I simply couldn't hear
> before.
> 
> It may also work for SSB signals in conjunction with a 15-kHz crystal
> filter, but I haven't tried that yet.
> 
> The kind of noise I'm talking about is often quite unstable, with a
> buzzy sound, possibly drifting around a bit in frequency and
> amplitude. Light dimmers, switching power supplies, and various other
> devices create such noise. The noise may be narrowband: as you tune
> the VFO, you may find there's a "hump" of noise that's anywhere from
> 2 kHz to 50 kHz wide. It may also have very complex waveform with
> multiple noise pulses back-to-back in a burst. 
> 
> These types of noise are difficult to deal with. The IF blanker's
> signal path may be too wide (0.2 to 2 MHz), resulting in too little
> energy in-band to trigger the gating signal. The DSP blanker's RF
> signal path may be too narrow, making it hard for the DSP to
> distinguish noise from desired signal.
> 
> * * *
> 
> Setup:
> 
> 1. Connect the radio to a computer running K3 Utility. Go into the
> Configuration / Configure Crystal Filter setup screen.
> 
> 2. Find your 6-kHz filter (probably FL1 or FL2). Now the fun part:
> fake out the firmware by entering a bandwidth for this filter that's
> just 50 Hz wider than your narrow CW filter (ideally 250-500 Hz). *Do
> not* change the filter offset. But *do* make sure that the 6-kHz
> filter's CW and DATA enable boxes are checked.
> 
> 3. Click "OK" to save this experimental crystal filter configuration
> setup. 
> 
> 4. You will now find that when the WIDTH control is rotated from,
> say, 0.40 to 0.45, the XFIL selection will jump from something like
> FL4 directly to FL1 or FL2 (your 6-kHz filter). That, hopefully, is
> the boundary where magic may occur, below.
> 
> * * *
> 
> The Experiment:
> 
> 1. Find one of your most offensive local noise sources. I have them
> on most low bands. The stronger the amplitude the better. Narrowband
> sources may provide the most dramatic results.
> 
> 2. Back down the AF gain control, then *turn off AGC*. You may need
> to use the RF gain to keep the signal from clipping. 
> 
> NOTE: The reason for doing this test without AGC is to make sure you
> can hear the full effect of applied noise reduction. AGC flattens out
> the receiver's audio response, making it hard to compare different
> settings. (If you find that the noise-remediation trick works, you
> can later turn AGC back on, and while the effect won't be as obvious,
> any benefit in signal-to-noise ratio will still apply.)
> 
> 3. Select CW mode and adjust the WIDTH control for your narrow
> filter's bandwidth (example: "BW 0.40"). 
> 
> 4. Turn on the noise blanker (tap NB) and hold NB (LEVEL) to access
> the blanker parameters. 
> 
> 5. Set the IF blanker to OFF (VFO B). Then experiment with the DSP
> blanker settings (VFO A) to obtain the best possible reduction in
> signal.
> 
> 6. While still the LEVEL parameters are still displayed, adjust the
> WIDTH control to the next step up (example: "BW 0.45"). This should
> kick in the 6-kHz filter, *but the DSP bandwidth and filter graphic
> will still show a narrow passband*. In other words, you're widening
> out the crystal filter but making very little change in the DSP's
> internal filter 

[Elecraft] wireless solution

[Charles Yahrling]

One of K9YC's suggestions I took was to eliminate all unintentional cat 5
"antennas" in favor or wireless usb dongles.
I went with linsys AE1200s which were on sale cheap from an Amazon partner.
My only regret is that linksys, oddly,
does not have linux drivers for this dongle.   If you don't plan on using
linux not a problem.

I also put the wireless router, an SMC wireless G,  at the other end of the
house. I gave away an Apple Airport as even
at the other end of the house it spewed all kinds of trash, annoying on 80
and 30M. Switches in the shack are likely to be noisy and their noise may
propagate via the cables if you put them elsewhere.

Wireless G is plenty fast unless you do a lot of file xfer between
computers.

You might also want to lay on a good stock of 31 material toroids with 1.5"
or better IDs so you can wind rig cables
at both ends.  I have found USB cables to be a pipeline for RF into and out
of PC and rigs. So I use a 2 port PCI serial card
from StarTech for rig cat to K3 and IC7000.

Much less cable mess behind the desk.

-- 
73, chuck

de AB1VL

ab1vl.com
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Re: [Elecraft] APF (audio peaking filter) on the K3/K3S/KX3

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

Lightning has dramatic effect on the AGC system of many to most 
receivers.   Rob Sherwood has had a lot to say about this.  Elecraft has 
taken steps to minimize the effect.


Yes different types of noise clearly have different characteristics and 
thus the reason for suggesting reducing the RF Gain, it reduces the 
noise.  Fortunately this time of year in our location in TN the noise is 
quite low, unless a line of thunder storms is located within 500 or so 
miles.


Hear this morning no thunder storms close by, the neighborhood is 
reasonably quiet, and the noise on 40M is about -103 dBm.  With the APF 
a signal at -113 dBm can be easily copied, yet without the APF nothing 
but noise is heard.


My technique is to observe the S meter, no signal, RF Gain at max for 
the given band and antenna.  Then with the antenna disconnected, 
actually by a switch, I adjust the RF Gain until the S meter indicates 
the same value as the noise coming in on the antenna. Then switch the 
antenna back to the receiver.  Also the AUTO SPOT feature is a big aid 
to optimum tuning.  The result is signal present and no noise.


73
Bob, K4TAX



On 2/5/2016 10:49 AM, dave wrote:



one must also discover the
artful use of the RF Gain control as well


Adjustment of the RF gain control is not mentioned in Wayne's note on 
using APF.


When I tried it here, the RF gain might have made some small 
difference but it still did not allow un-copyable signals to be 
copied. When testing APF I have made all adjustments the I thought 
might affect signal quality. IIRC correctly I also tinkered with the 
AGC parameters. But the APF never produced results any better than 
simply narrowing the filters. Usually the regular narrow filters 
worked better. I know I had not switched APF on for months. I did 
switch it on to recheck before sending my note. But the noise is not 
currently high enough to give it a good test.


I have found, in general, that careful adjustment of the RF gain 
control can be useful. This applies to all receivers I have tried it on.


I'm wondering if the difference is in the type of noise. I have mostly 
tried APF at times of high lightning activity. I think we in the SE 
get more of that than other parts of the country. The higher noise 
level means more weak signals. You need all the help you can get. But 
that noise differs from the usual band noise.


And it may depend on each individual's hearing.

I have always puzzled over why some rave about how great APF is while 
for myself, and obviously others, it is of no help at all.


73 de dave
ab9ca/4




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Re: [Elecraft] Balun suggestions

[CUTTER DAVID]

DJ0IP must be one of, if not the post prolific testers of baluns and chokes
*attached to aerials* ever.  He does not measure them in the lab.  His
measurements are practical and done with rigour using modest equipment.  He has
done thousands of measurements for common mode current, only a fraction of which
are on his website.   Some of his results are not complimentary to commercial
balun manufacturers.  Caveat emptor.  I'm glad his work is beginning to be
recognised.

David, G3UNA

> 
> On 04 February 2016 at 23:10 Bob McGraw K4TAX  wrote:
> 
> 
> As one that has personally used a balanced fed antennas for years, I
> suggest you review the info on this site.
> http://www.dj0ip.de/balun-stuff/ 
> 
> Good stuff on evaluating or building a proper balun.
> 
> And for open wire fed antennas:
> http://www.dj0ip.de/open-wire-fed-ant/
> 
> To answer your question, a high power 1:1 current balun is likely best.
> Of course you could built a balanced tuner as I did. Problem solved.
> That's another story.
> 
> Keep in mind that balun power ratings are for "matched" conditions.
> Which in fact is never the case with a center fed wire and open wire or
> a balanced feed line. At a mighty 5 watts it would not be of concern.
> 
> If at all possible, run the balanced feed line from the antenna feed
> point all the way to the operating position. Keep the coax run between
> the tuner output and balun input as short as practical. After all, the
> reason to use balanced feed line is to take advantage of the low loss
> properties.
> 
> Never fear, the use of balanced feed line is not near as critical or
> fussy as the "masses" will so tout. Many hams express fear in using
> balanced feed systems, largely because of what they have heard. Mostly
> because it frankly isn't fact. Mine feeds a 256 ft center fed wire and
> comes down the tower supported on home made 9" PVC stand-offs, through
> the attic eve vent, across the roof rafters, and drops down through the
> ceiling to the tuner on the shelf above the desk. Not bad for a 160M -
> 10M antenna. {see my pix on QRZ.COM that shows a bit of the line
> going up the wall.}
> 
> 73
> Bob, K4TAX
> 
> 
> 
> On 2/4/2016 2:55 PM, Jim Allen wrote:
> > K2/100 and KAT100 here.
> >
> > I am changing around my modest antenna configuration now. I have been
> > using the K2/100 with my AH-4, and now wish to use the KAT100 with
> > balanced feedline antennas.
> >
> > What balun, homebrew or commercial, if any, should I use? I almost
> > always run 5 watts, all CW.
> >
> > 73 de W6OGC Jim Allen
> >
> > Sent from my iPad
> > __
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> >
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] K3/K3S noise blanker performance greatly enhanced (at my QTH) -- need testers

[Wayne Burdick]

2.8 kHz should give some improvement over a narrow filter on some types of 
noise. Worth a try. Just temporarily tell the firmware that it's a little bit 
wider than your narrow filter, then use the WIDTH control to switch between 
narrow and wide. Re-optimize the NB settings each time.

Wayne
N6KR


On Feb 5, 2016, at 8:57 AM, Robert G Strickland  wrote:

> My widest filter is 2.8MHz [the optional, 8-pole ssb filter]. Is the 
> technique that Wayne is describing not applicable in my situation?
> …robert


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Re: [Elecraft] APF (audio peaking filter) on the K3/K3S/KX3

[Scott via Elecraft]

 
In the last month of listening to really weak signals here in 9 land  I've 
found it helpful but not radical.
 
Just for fun I tried tuning some of the same VP8SGI signals on a Drake  
2B/2BQ and found adding the 2BQ in the mix more user friendly and making a  
bigger difference, but hey, the 2B was starting from a worse spot.
 
Still it would be nice if the APF was user adjustable like the 2BQ or  the 
old outbaord audio filters, peak magnitude, and maybe even frequency, within 
 a selected passband.
 
Not sure why Wayne picked only 3 db - I'd like it to be user adustable to  
try a bit more peak if conditions permit.
 
If APF is user adjustable in that way and I missed it somebody please  
point out the page numberor if the experiment's been done and it's not  
workable would like to know that too.
 
73 Scott ka9p

 
 
In a message dated 2/5/2016 11:08:53 A.M. Central Standard Time,  
ho13d...@gmail.com writes:


>  one must also discover the
> artful use of the RF Gain control as  well

Adjustment of the RF gain control is not mentioned in Wayne's note  on 
using APF.

When I tried it here, the RF gain might have made  some small 
difference but it still did not allow un-copyable signals to be  
copied. When testing APF I have made all adjustments the I thought  
might affect signal quality. IIRC correctly I also tinkered with the  
AGC parameters. But the APF never produced results any better than  
simply narrowing the filters. Usually the regular narrow filters  
worked better. I know I had not switched APF on for months. I did  
switch it on to recheck before sending my note. But the noise is not  
currently high enough to give it a good test.

I have found, in  general, that careful adjustment of the RF gain 
control can be useful.  This applies to all receivers I have tried it on.

I'm wondering if the  difference is in the type of noise. I have mostly 
tried APF at times of  high lightning activity. I think we in the SE 
get more of that than other  parts of the country. The higher noise 
level means more weak signals. You  need all the help you can get. But 
that noise differs from the usual band  noise.

And it may depend on each individual's hearing.

I have  always puzzled over why some rave about how great APF is while 
for myself,  and obviously others, it is of no help at all.

73 de  dave
ab9ca/4



On 2/5/16 10:13 AM, Bob McGraw K4TAX  wrote:
> While I find the APF works really nice, one must also discover  the
> artful use of the RF Gain control as well.   Most hams  seem to use
> excessive RF Gain which will force noise through the  filter and all of
> those undesirable artifacts will be heard.  If  in doubt, reduce the RF
> Gain.
>
> Using this technique, I  can tune the band with the APF engaged,
> adjusting the RF Gain a bit,  and actually hear signals with this
> configuration which without the  APC no signal could be heard.  I view
> this gives one the ability  to actually "dig signals out of the noise".
>
> 73
> Bob,  K4TAX
>
> On 2/5/2016 9:56 AM, dave wrote:
>>
>>  I'd agree. My experience with APF is that it will indeed pop a
>>  signal that is already copyable, if a bit weak, out of the noise.
>>  Makes for easier copy. However the ringing is so bad on a really
>>  weak signal that it is of no help. I guess it depends on what you
>>  view as 'weak' and your noise level. I was hoping it would make
>>  previously un-copyable signals copyable, but that does not happen.
>>  Instead it improves the copyability of weak but already copyable
>>  signals.
>>
>> I find that simply narrowing the filters to  50, 100, or 150 Hz will
>> give essentially identical results as  using the APF and is much
>> easier to do.
>>
>> As  for the super critical tuning, I do not find it to be all that
>>  critical. The signal can be improved somewhat by going to the  'fine'
>> tuning, but it makes only a small difference. 10 Hz steps  are OK and
>> much quicker. The APF has a BW of about 30 Hz so tuning  cannot be
>> all that critical. +/- 5 Hz out of 30 is not that big of  a deal.
>>
>> This has been one of my biggest  disappointments with the K3. After
>> reading all the hype about APF  I was hoping for a real improvement.
>> But does not happen. OTOH,  the narrow filters of the K3 are
>>  outstanding.
>>
>> 73 de dave
>>  ab9ca/4
>>
>>
>>
>> On 2/5/16 8:53 AM,  David Kuechenmeister wrote:
>>> I tried this the other day with no  success. That is, the weak
>>> signal that was barely detectable,  became so buried in ringing that
>>> I couldn't detect it at all.  I think I followed the procedure
>>> outlined in Wayne's email  below... Noise was around S5 on 40m and
>>> the K3 was configured  with APF active. I had my 500 Hz filter
>>> selected and varied  the DSP WIDTH from 500 to 300 without
>>> substantial improvement.  FINE tuning selected. What am I
>>> forgetting? vy 73,Dave  N4KD
>>>
>>> On Tuesday, February 2, 2016 9:36 AM,  Wayne Burdick
>>>   wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> Hi  

Re: [Elecraft] APF (audio peaking filter) on the K3/K3S/KX3

[Barry N1EU]

I suspect that when the K3 APF was first engineered, the Yaesu FT-1000D APF
(original hi-Q version) was used as the model because many prominent
dx'ers/topbanders always raved about it.

73, Barry N1EU

On Fri, Feb 5, 2016 at 12:37 PM, Scott via Elecraft <
elecraft@mailman.qth.net> wrote:

>
> In the last month of listening to really weak signals here in 9 land  I've
> found it helpful but not radical.
>
> Just for fun I tried tuning some of the same VP8SGI signals on a Drake
> 2B/2BQ and found adding the 2BQ in the mix more user friendly and making a
> bigger difference, but hey, the 2B was starting from a worse spot.
>
> Still it would be nice if the APF was user adjustable like the 2BQ or  the
> old outbaord audio filters, peak magnitude, and maybe even frequency,
> within
>  a selected passband.
>
> Not sure why Wayne picked only 3 db - I'd like it to be user adustable to
> try a bit more peak if conditions permit.
>
> If APF is user adjustable in that way and I missed it somebody please
> point out the page numberor if the experiment's been done and it's not
> workable would like to know that too.
>
> 73 Scott ka9p
>
>
>
> In a message dated 2/5/2016 11:08:53 A.M. Central Standard Time,
> ho13d...@gmail.com writes:
>
>
> >  one must also discover the
> > artful use of the RF Gain control as  well
>
> Adjustment of the RF gain control is not mentioned in Wayne's note  on
> using APF.
>
> When I tried it here, the RF gain might have made  some small
> difference but it still did not allow un-copyable signals to be
> copied. When testing APF I have made all adjustments the I thought
> might affect signal quality. IIRC correctly I also tinkered with the
> AGC parameters. But the APF never produced results any better than
> simply narrowing the filters. Usually the regular narrow filters
> worked better. I know I had not switched APF on for months. I did
> switch it on to recheck before sending my note. But the noise is not
> currently high enough to give it a good test.
>
> I have found, in  general, that careful adjustment of the RF gain
> control can be useful.  This applies to all receivers I have tried it on.
>
> I'm wondering if the  difference is in the type of noise. I have mostly
> tried APF at times of  high lightning activity. I think we in the SE
> get more of that than other  parts of the country. The higher noise
> level means more weak signals. You  need all the help you can get. But
> that noise differs from the usual band  noise.
>
> And it may depend on each individual's hearing.
>
> I have  always puzzled over why some rave about how great APF is while
> for myself,  and obviously others, it is of no help at all.
>
> 73 de  dave
> ab9ca/4
>
>
>
> On 2/5/16 10:13 AM, Bob McGraw K4TAX  wrote:
> > While I find the APF works really nice, one must also discover  the
> > artful use of the RF Gain control as well.   Most hams  seem to use
> > excessive RF Gain which will force noise through the  filter and all of
> > those undesirable artifacts will be heard.  If  in doubt, reduce the RF
> > Gain.
> >
> > Using this technique, I  can tune the band with the APF engaged,
> > adjusting the RF Gain a bit,  and actually hear signals with this
> > configuration which without the  APC no signal could be heard.  I view
> > this gives one the ability  to actually "dig signals out of the noise".
> >
> > 73
> > Bob,  K4TAX
> >
> > On 2/5/2016 9:56 AM, dave wrote:
> >>
> >>  I'd agree. My experience with APF is that it will indeed pop a
> >>  signal that is already copyable, if a bit weak, out of the noise.
> >>  Makes for easier copy. However the ringing is so bad on a really
> >>  weak signal that it is of no help. I guess it depends on what you
> >>  view as 'weak' and your noise level. I was hoping it would make
> >>  previously un-copyable signals copyable, but that does not happen.
> >>  Instead it improves the copyability of weak but already copyable
> >>  signals.
> >>
> >> I find that simply narrowing the filters to  50, 100, or 150 Hz will
> >> give essentially identical results as  using the APF and is much
> >> easier to do.
> >>
> >> As  for the super critical tuning, I do not find it to be all that
> >>  critical. The signal can be improved somewhat by going to the  'fine'
> >> tuning, but it makes only a small difference. 10 Hz steps  are OK and
> >> much quicker. The APF has a BW of about 30 Hz so tuning  cannot be
> >> all that critical. +/- 5 Hz out of 30 is not that big of  a deal.
> >>
> >> This has been one of my biggest  disappointments with the K3. After
> >> reading all the hype about APF  I was hoping for a real improvement.
> >> But does not happen. OTOH,  the narrow filters of the K3 are
> >>  outstanding.
> >>
> >> 73 de dave
> >>  ab9ca/4
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> On 2/5/16 8:53 AM,  David Kuechenmeister wrote:
> >>> I tried this the other day with no  success. That is, the weak
> >>> signal that was barely detectable,  became so buried in ringing that
> >>> I couldn't detect it 

Re: [Elecraft] KX3: ALC on digital issue

[Jim Rodenkirch]

meant to type, "...looks to me like the set power when you start
transmitting in JY9/65 and, if you touch the pwr control knob after you
start transmitting, the KX3 switches into a "display your ALC
setting.just sayin'



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View this message in context: 
http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/KX3-ALC-on-digital-issue-tp7613593p7613607.html
Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com.
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 beta firmware rev. 2.38: 15 Watts max output on 80-20 m, and PSK63 mode

[Don Lewis (KI4D)]

After uploading the new firmware to my SN#01741 KX-3 yesterday, I tried to
crank the power up to 15 watts on the dial, and found that 12 watts was as
high as it would display on 40 meters.  The unit was being powered by Pro
Audio Engineering PAE-Kx33.  Anyone else have this problem?

Don, KI4D

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Wayne
Burdick
Sent: Saturday, January 9, 2016 12:00 AM
To: Elecraft Reflector
Cc: k...@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 beta firmware rev. 2.38: 15 Watts max output on
80-20 m, and PSK63 mode

KX3 beta firmware rev. 2.38 is now available on our KX3 software page:

http://www.elecraft.com/KX3/KX3_software.htm

See instructions on this page for loading beta releases.

This release includes two new features:

The new 15-watt level applies only to 80-20 meters, and is still considered
somewhat experimental. Several dozen field testers have been using it with
excellent results, but we can't guarantee that every KX3 will actually put
out a full 15 W. Supply voltage is one limiting factor. We strongly
recommend the use of 13.8-14 V whenever possible. This is especially
important when you're driving an external amplifier and using one of the
linear modes (SSB, AM, PSK-D, or audio data modes).

PSK63 is twice as fast as PSK31. Rather than copy it on the KX3's VFO B
display, you may want to use the Terminal function of KX3 Utility, or use a
PX3 with text decode turned on. This data mode is especially popular in
Europe.

Rev. 2.38 also corrects a problem with some KX3-4M (70 MHz) modules that had
lower than normal power output.

73,
Wayne
N6KR


* * *

MCU 2.38 / DSP 1.37, 01-03-2016

. POWER OUT NOW 15 WATTS MAX, 80-20 M: On 80-20 meters, the PWR control can
now be set as high as 15 W (max is still 12 W on other bands). Supply
voltage must be over 12.8 V on key-down as indicated by the KX3's voltage
display (tap DISP, rotate VFO B). Note: The KX3 will automatically reduce
power as required if current, SWR, or temperature is excessive, or if supply
voltage is too low. If a band other than 80-20 m is selected, power output
will be cut back to 12 W max. It must then be manually set above 12 W after
switching to 80-20 m.

. PSK63 MODE ADDED: Tap DATA, rotate VFO B until PSK D is displayed, then
use VFO A to select 31 or 63 baud. The default is PSK31.  

. 4-METER POWER OUTPUT IMPROVED: Changed IF band-pass filter configuration
to increase drive level on 4 meters. This should improve 4-meter power
output in cases where it was marginal due to filter rolloff.


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[Elecraft] K3 - Most desirable form of AK3 to sell

[Gary Smith]

I love my K3, nothing wrong with it in the 
least and it works exactly as I expect it 
to. It is fully loaded except for the 2M 
option.

I have decided to buy a K3s, just because 
I like what Elecraft does and the K3s is 
their new page.

So the decision I have to wrangle with is 
what to leave in my old K3 and what to 
migrate in my K3, over to the K3s. Do I 
want to leave in the 100W or move that to 
the K3s, the internal tuner? leave it or 
migrate? The new synth board... & so on.

It seems like the K3/100 is more desirable 
selling-wise than the K3/10 but what is 
the advantage in selling price if I leave 
the tuner in the K3 as considering the 
selling price?

I had all the factory upgrades performed 
at Aptos back in 2014.

Opinions off list please.

Thanks,
Gary
KA1J


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[Elecraft] Upcoming Hamfest Booth Help

[Lisa Jones - Elecraft Sales]

Elecraft will be attend the following two shows in February.

If you are in either area and would like to help out in the booth 
anytime over the weekend just let me know.


Any amount of time  you are able to offer ( especially on Friday and 
Saturday) is welcome.


You can reply to l...@elecraft.com directly.

Show#1:  Orlando Hamcation Feb. 12, 13 and 14.

Show #2L  YUMA ARRL SW Convention Feb. 19, 20 and 21.

Please let me know if you are available to help.

Lisa


--
Lisa Jones
Elecraft, Inc.
(831) 763-4211

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Re: [Elecraft] APF (audio peaking filter) on the K3/K3S/KX3

[KENT TRIMBLE]

Stephen is correct.

Several of us lobbied for an APF feature shortly after the K3 debuted in 
2007, drawing on our experiences with the FT-1000D. There /were/ two 
firmware versions that Wayne developed, and the consensus among some of 
us was that the first one was better than the second.  As I recall, the 
second version cleaned up some artifacts and unintended consequences, 
but, we felt, at the cost of diminished "peaking."  Wayne was adamant 
that the APF part of the code was not touched.  We eventually chalked up 
the difference between the two versions to subjectivity among the 
testers and left it at that.


Barry, by the way, is also correct in saying there were two versions of 
the APF circuit in the FT-1000D over the years.  It has been the 
consensus of owners that the earlier version was superior to the later 
version.


The APF in both the K3 and KX3 is excellent, in my opinion.

73,

Kent  K9ZTV
K3/KX3  s.n. 21



On 2/5/2016 10:03 AM, Stephen Prior wrote:

I've seen it written that it helps to offset the IF slightly, although to
be honest I have never myself got the APF to work to my satisfaction.
Oddly, and I communicated with Wayne about this at the time, the first beta
(I think) implementation of it was stunning, but a later release lost it
for me.  Wayne told me there had been no change in code, but I have never
understood that.


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Re: [Elecraft] slightly OT -- acceptable network switch (aka Linksysproduces birdies)

[Jim Bolit]

John,

You changed power supplies.

You changed cables.

You changed

No telling what "fixed" the issue.

Jim
W6AIM



-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of David 
Ahrendts
Sent: Friday, February 5, 2016 5:16 AM
To: sha...@katzenfisch.com
Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] slightly OT -- acceptable network switch (aka 
Linksysproduces birdies)

John, I’ll concur with Larry. I have several D-Link gigabit switches using CAT6 
cable with no apparent noise, and I believe their “green” technology actually 
shuts off unused ports when not in use. Amazon.

David A., KK6DA, LA

> On Feb 5, 2016, at 1:48 AM, Larry Gauthier (K8UT)  wrote:
> 
> John,
> 
> I had a similar situation here with a LinkSys switch. Tried a NetGear switch 
> and the birdies moved - but were still present. Solved the problem by moving 
> all networked devices from cat5 10 mb to cat6 1000t gigabit ethernet.
> 
> -larry (K8UT)
> -Original Message- From: John Shadle
> Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2016 1:07 AM
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] slightly OT -- acceptable network switch (aka 
> Linksysproduces birdies)
> 
> I just completed my K3S build and initial configuration. Woohoo. I was 
> tuning around the bands, and I noticed birdies *everywhere*. Every 
> 20-30Hz on 40m there was one -- and it was LOUD. I thought that 
> something was up with my build, but then started doing an internet search for 
> "K3 birdies".
> I saw one person (from a 2010 post on this list) note that the birdies 
> could be coming from network devices (routers). A-ha!
> 
> Initially, I thought it had something to do with my ASUS wireless 
> router being extremely close to my operation location. I unplugged it, 
> and the noise went away. Then I plugged it back in and removed, one by 
> one, the connections to various devices (network storage, my shack 
> computer, and the line that runs to my upstairs office). It just so 
> happens that I had installed a network switch recently (produced by 
> Linksys, and on sale at Best Buy last week). I unplugged the cable 
> going to that switch, and the noise went away. I then plugged it back 
> in, and went to the office and disconnected the power from the Linksys 
> switch. Noise is gone again.
> 
> So, I'm looking for a new network switch. Does anyone have advice on 
> what has worked for them?
> 
> Alternately, any idea on how to get the network switch from producing 
> these awful birdies?
> 
> I'm *not* looking for a new router -- but just a switch.
> 
> Thanks.
> -john NE4U
> Madison, WI
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> davidahren...@me.com




David Ahrendts   davidahren...@me.com   




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Re: [Elecraft] slightly OT -- acceptable network switch (aka Linksysproduces birdies)

[Larry Gauthier (K8UT)]

John,

I had a similar situation here with a LinkSys switch. Tried a NetGear switch 
and the birdies moved - but were still present. Solved the problem by moving 
all networked devices from cat5 10 mb to cat6 1000t gigabit ethernet.


-larry (K8UT)
-Original Message- 
From: John Shadle

Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2016 1:07 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] slightly OT -- acceptable network switch (aka 
Linksysproduces birdies)


I just completed my K3S build and initial configuration. Woohoo. I was
tuning around the bands, and I noticed birdies *everywhere*. Every 20-30Hz
on 40m there was one -- and it was LOUD. I thought that something was up
with my build, but then started doing an internet search for "K3 birdies".
I saw one person (from a 2010 post on this list) note that the birdies
could be coming from network devices (routers). A-ha!

Initially, I thought it had something to do with my ASUS wireless router
being extremely close to my operation location. I unplugged it, and the
noise went away. Then I plugged it back in and removed, one by one, the
connections to various devices (network storage, my shack computer, and the
line that runs to my upstairs office). It just so happens that I had
installed a network switch recently (produced by Linksys, and on sale at
Best Buy last week). I unplugged the cable going to that switch, and the
noise went away. I then plugged it back in, and went to the office and
disconnected the power from the Linksys switch. Noise is gone again.

So, I'm looking for a new network switch. Does anyone have advice on what
has worked for them?

Alternately, any idea on how to get the network switch from producing these
awful birdies?

I'm *not* looking for a new router -- but just a switch.

Thanks.
-john NE4U
Madison, WI
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Re: [Elecraft] K3S Computer Audio Question with Sub RX installed

[Larry Gauthier (K8UT)]

To expand on Rich's comment:

The comments thus far focus in the benefit of receiving two frequencies 
simultaneously. Another benefit for digital modes is being able to receive 
THE SAME signal (frequency) but through two antennas with two receivers, two 
digital programs (can be the same program twice or dissimilar apps), two 
decoder filters - improving your chance of solid signal decoding under 
marginal conditions. See the K3 instructions on Diversity and Link AtoB for 
information on how to automatically track vfoA's frequency on vofB while 
tuning.


-larry (K8UT)
-Original Message- 
From: Richard Ferch

Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2016 8:36 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3S Computer Audio Question with Sub RX installed

Fldigi versions since 3.22.06 have the capability of decoding from
either the left or the right channel of a sound card. You can use a
command-line argument to tell fldigi which configuration files to use
You would run two instances of fldigi with different configuration
files, one configured to use the left channel of a sound card on receive
and the other configured to use the right channel of the same sound
card. With this kind of setup there is no need for two sound cards.

Programs like MMTTY that store their configuration information in a file
in the program directory can also be used for dual receive. Simply set
up two separate copies of the program in different directories, and then
configure them to use the left and right channels of the sound card
respectively.

For basic dual RX receive that's all you need. Rig control and transmit
capability add complications that depend on the specific hardware and
software you are using. Note that if you want to be able to transmit on
the VFO B frequency, both receivers must be in the same band. This is a
transceiver limitation - the K3/K3S will not do cross-band transmit.

73,
Rich VE3KI


AE6JV wrote:


You need a way to separately decode both the left and right
audio channels. I use cocoaModem on the Mac to decode two RTTY
signals. Usually that's the DX and the pileup. I think there are
also some windows programs which will do this dual decode. Are
there any Linux programs which will do it? I can't find out how
to do it with fldigi.

For maximum flexibility, you will need two sound cards assigned
to two separate programs.


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Re: [Elecraft] KAT500 tuning problem

[Bill]

That was my first thought - so I laid out a new coax to the antenna.

That said, this morning everything works just fine. I can only figure 
the KAT500 heard me say that it was leaving and it decided to work. Be 
interesting to see how long this holds.


Bill W2BLC
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[Elecraft] K3s transmit spike?

[Gerry Hull]

​Hi,

J, VY1JA, is reporting that we have a transmit spike on our K3s which is
driving the
Alpha 9500 Grid current to excessive l​evels when initially transmitting.
This is with the drive set to about 10w.

I know there were problems a long time ago (circa 2009) with K3 power
spikes, but I thought this has long been resolved.

Suggestions, thoughts?

73,

Gerry, W1VE
for VY1AAA
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[Elecraft] KX3: ALC on digital issue

[Thorpe, Jeffrey]

I've followed the directions in Fred Cady's book and the steps in the fldigi 
manual for setting receive and transmit levels. (Use the 'tune' button in 
fldigi, adjust computer output to 4 bars on ALC  meter, keep mic setting where 
I use for voice - 5) and all seems ok to this point. When I go to transmit 
however, all bars on the ALC meter come on.
The only thing different is when using 'tune' I have output set to 0 watts. 
When transmitting it's set to 10 watts. Any ideas?

Jeff kg7hdz
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[Elecraft] Wanted: KX3

[Tim Cook]

> If you have one for sale please send details direct to n...@woh.rr.com
> Will pay by PayPal.
> Thanks
> Tim
> NZ8J
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Re: [Elecraft] Balun suggestions

[w7aqk]

Jim B. and All,

I don't know what the precise definition for "balanced" will end up being 
(assuming we end up with a consensus), but In Jim B's critique about what 
was said, I think he cut and pasted so as to erroneously attribute comments 
made by Don, W3FPR, as being made by Wes N7WS.  It's getting hard to keep 
track of who said what!  Hi.  Interesting debate, however.


Dave W7AQK


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Re: [Elecraft] slightly OT -- acceptable network switch (aka Linksysproduces birdies)

[Clay Autery]

If changing the cabling was the solution for your "birdies" then it
would appear the issue was not with the switch hardware, but with poorly
constructed cables.

There are a LOT of CAT-5 and CAT-5e labels on cables out there that
simply aren't.  There's a list of specs involved, fairly lengthy one,
all of which must be met to qualify a cable at a specific grade.
Most cables that fail a check because they missed something in the
termination procedure (not signal routing).

__
Clay Autery
MONTAC Enterprises
(318) 518-1389

On 2/5/2016 3:48 AM, Larry Gauthier (K8UT) wrote:
> John,
>
> I had a similar situation here with a LinkSys switch. Tried a NetGear
> switch and the birdies moved - but were still present. Solved the
> problem by moving all networked devices from cat5 10 mb to cat6 1000t
> gigabit ethernet.
>
> -larry (K8UT)

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Re: [Elecraft] slightly OT -- acceptable network switch (aka Linksysproduces birdies)

[David Ahrendts]

John, I’ll concur with Larry. I have several D-Link gigabit switches using CAT6 
cable with no apparent noise, and I believe their “green” technology actually 
shuts off unused ports when not in use. Amazon.

David A., KK6DA, LA

> On Feb 5, 2016, at 1:48 AM, Larry Gauthier (K8UT)  wrote:
> 
> John,
> 
> I had a similar situation here with a LinkSys switch. Tried a NetGear switch 
> and the birdies moved - but were still present. Solved the problem by moving 
> all networked devices from cat5 10 mb to cat6 1000t gigabit ethernet.
> 
> -larry (K8UT)
> -Original Message- From: John Shadle
> Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2016 1:07 AM
> To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> Subject: [Elecraft] slightly OT -- acceptable network switch (aka 
> Linksysproduces birdies)
> 
> I just completed my K3S build and initial configuration. Woohoo. I was
> tuning around the bands, and I noticed birdies *everywhere*. Every 20-30Hz
> on 40m there was one -- and it was LOUD. I thought that something was up
> with my build, but then started doing an internet search for "K3 birdies".
> I saw one person (from a 2010 post on this list) note that the birdies
> could be coming from network devices (routers). A-ha!
> 
> Initially, I thought it had something to do with my ASUS wireless router
> being extremely close to my operation location. I unplugged it, and the
> noise went away. Then I plugged it back in and removed, one by one, the
> connections to various devices (network storage, my shack computer, and the
> line that runs to my upstairs office). It just so happens that I had
> installed a network switch recently (produced by Linksys, and on sale at
> Best Buy last week). I unplugged the cable going to that switch, and the
> noise went away. I then plugged it back in, and went to the office and
> disconnected the power from the Linksys switch. Noise is gone again.
> 
> So, I'm looking for a new network switch. Does anyone have advice on what
> has worked for them?
> 
> Alternately, any idea on how to get the network switch from producing these
> awful birdies?
> 
> I'm *not* looking for a new router -- but just a switch.
> 
> Thanks.
> -john NE4U
> Madison, WI
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David Ahrendts   davidahren...@me.com   




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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 IQ ADC and IQ DAC specification?

[Lyle Johnson]

Hello John!

The components used are shown in the KX3 schematics available on the 
Elecraft website.  You can get whatever specifications your are 
interested in about those components from the manufacturer's data 
sheets.  The sampling rate currently being used, subject (but unlikely) 
to change is 48 kHz.


73,

Lyle KK7P


I am trying to determine the IQ ADC and IQ DAC specification in the KX3.I'm 
interested in
determinng how many bits and the speed...Bit resolution and samples per second?


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Re: [Elecraft] Balun suggestions

[Ian White]

Wes's point is that twin feeder is not automatically "balanced" - very far
from it! Twin feeder happily supports both differential (equal and opposite,
balanced) currents and common-mode current at the same time.

So, in the real world, there is no such thing as "balanced" feedline unless
YOU actually DID something to FORCE it to be balanced. And the way to do
that is to insert a common-mode choke that enforces equal-and-opposite
currents at that particular location... though even then, it can do nothing
to prevent the regrowth of common-mode current elsewhere along the line.



73 from Ian GM3SEK



-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Wes
(N7WS)
Sent: 05 February 2016 00:18
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Balun suggestions

I just pinched myself; I'm not dreaming and it's not April 1st, so I guess
you're serious.

You are also so wrong on so many points, I'm not going to waste time trying
to refute or correct them.

Jim, please ignore everything said below.

Wes  N7WS



On 2/4/2016 3:05 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
> Your feed line will do the job by itself so no additional "balun" is
needed.
> Keep in mind that a 1:1 balun is really just a length of feed line, 
> usually wound on a toroidal core to make the required length shorter 
> than if it was in open air. The "old-school" baluns were just a pair of
air wound coils.
>
> If your balanced feed line is at least 1/4 wavelength long, the 
> currents will be "balanced" (equal and out of phase) at the antenna. 
> That assumes your antenna is perfectly balanced to provide a perfectly 
> balanced load, which "balanced" antennas almost never do. There are 
> just too many variables. So expect excellent results even with shorter 
> feed lines. The amount of radiation (or pickup) from the feed line 
> even at the rig end is small in any case.
>
> Connect one side of the open wire feed line to the KAT100 SO-239 
> center pin and the other to the KAT100 ground terminal.
>
> 73, Ron AC7AC
>
>
>
> -Original Message-
> K2/100 and KAT100 here.
>
> I am changing around my modest antenna configuration now.  I have been 
> using the K2/100 with my AH-4, and now wish to use the KAT100 with 
> balanced feedline antennas.
>
> What balun, homebrew or commercial, if any, should I use?  I almost 
> always run 5 watts, all CW.
>
> 73 de W6OGC Jim Allen
>
>
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3: ALC on digital issue

[Don Wilhelm]

Jeff,

Connect a dummy load rather than the antenna and try it at 10 watts.  If 
the problem is not present, you can blame it on RF-in-the-shack being 
picked up by the audio input or your computer.
If you do have an RF problem, the cure is in the antenna field. Better 
common mode chokes to keep the common mode current at bay.


73,,
Don W3FPR

On 2/5/2016 9:04 AM, Thorpe, Jeffrey wrote:

I've followed the directions in Fred Cady's book and the steps in the fldigi 
manual for setting receive and transmit levels. (Use the 'tune' button in 
fldigi, adjust computer output to 4 bars on ALC  meter, keep mic setting where 
I use for voice - 5) and all seems ok to this point. When I go to transmit 
however, all bars on the ALC meter come on.
The only thing different is when using 'tune' I have output set to 0 watts. 
When transmitting it's set to 10 watts. Any ideas?



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Re: [Elecraft] KX3: ALC on digital issue

[Thorpe, Jeffrey]

Will do. Thanks Don.

Jeff kg7hdz

> On Feb 5, 2016, at 7:25 AM, Don Wilhelm  wrote:
> 
> Jeff,
> 
> Connect a dummy load rather than the antenna and try it at 10 watts.  If the 
> problem is not present, you can blame it on RF-in-the-shack being picked up 
> by the audio input or your computer.
> If you do have an RF problem, the cure is in the antenna field. Better common 
> mode chokes to keep the common mode current at bay.
> 
> 73,,
> Don W3FPR
> 
>> On 2/5/2016 9:04 AM, Thorpe, Jeffrey wrote:
>> I've followed the directions in Fred Cady's book and the steps in the fldigi 
>> manual for setting receive and transmit levels. (Use the 'tune' button in 
>> fldigi, adjust computer output to 4 bars on ALC  meter, keep mic setting 
>> where I use for voice - 5) and all seems ok to this point. When I go to 
>> transmit however, all bars on the ALC meter come on.
>> The only thing different is when using 'tune' I have output set to 0 watts. 
>> When transmitting it's set to 10 watts. Any ideas?
>> 
> 
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Re: [Elecraft] APF (audio peaking filter) on the K3/K3S/KX3

[Bill Frantz]

I followed my interpretation of Wayne's instructions when trying 
to copy VP8SGI on 80M. I have an inverted V antenna with the 
peak at about 12 meters (44').


When I started, I could barely hear him. When I got the APF 
tuned in, I could hear him clearly, and actually managed to work 
him with 100W. I had to send my call 5 0r 6 times before AA7A, 
the op on the other end got it, but I could easily hear when he 
got it. To pull me out of the muck means he must be really good.


When it worked well for me, there were no signals near the DX, 
and it worked with less ringing than going to a 50 Hz DSP 
bandwidth. I find when the CW gets up above about 25 WPM, the 
ringing makes it more difficult to interpret, although honestly, 
30 WPM is well above my CW speed of competency. 15 is more like 
it for English text (W1AW practice).


On the other hand, if there are nearby signals -- and I am using 
a 2.1KHz roofing filter when I have APF on -- then narrowing the 
DSP to 50 or 100Hz with the 250Hz roofing filter seems to work better.


73 Bill AE6JV

---
Bill Frantz|"Web security is like medicine - trying to 
do good for

408-356-8506   |an evolved body of kludges" - Mark Miller
www.pwpconsult.com |

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Re: [Elecraft] K3/K3S noise blanker performance greatly enhanced (at my QTH) -- need testers

[drewko]

I'm glad that noise solutions are being investigated. I think advances 
in NR/NB would be of more importance to many hams than close-in dynamic 
range, however useful the improvement in those attention-getting figures 
are. On a day to day basis noise is the top culprit for many of us.


73,
Drew
AF2Z


On 02/05/16 12:57, Dave Cole wrote:

Hi Wayne,

On list report as you asked for...

Set up as described, only using a 13KHz filter in F1 position...

Using a florescent light, which makes a rather ugly wide band noise,
only on 18 MHz., I performed a sort of blind test

After doing the full setup as you described on a very weak CW station,
I hit the NB button as fast as I could for several seconds while
looking away from the radio...  This confused me as to if it was on or
off...

I then while still looking away from the radio brought the NB on and
off line, and stopped on teh CW that was easiest to copy.

I did this five times, and after each test, I re-scrambled my memory by
again, hitting the NB switch many times, and looking away from the
radio.

Five out of five times the NB was off when I stopped, indicating that
the NB made the CW harder to copy.

Sorry...  I will try later tonight, when all the Horticultural lights
come on line on 40 meters, which has tons of RFI from them.  I will
report again...



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Re: [Elecraft] Balun suggestions

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Agreed. I thought I made that point clear. And it's not just common-mode
currents. It all depends upon the load. A "dipole" antenna, for example, is
seldom exactly the same distance from surrounding objects on each half,
which will "unbalance" the load and so unbalance the currents on the feed
line. 

As Don points out, the currents emanating from the SO-239 connector are
balanced when you consider the current flowing on the outside of the center
conductor and on the inside of the coax shield (what goes on along the
outside of the shield is a totally different situation - RF flows along the
surface of a conductor so completely different currents can appear on the
inside and outside of the shield, assuming it's a good shield.)

73, Ron AC7AC


-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Ian
White
Sent: Friday, February 5, 2016 2:24 AM
To: 'Wes (N7WS)'; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Balun suggestions

Wes's point is that twin feeder is not automatically "balanced" - very far
from it! Twin feeder happily supports both differential (equal and opposite,
balanced) currents and common-mode current at the same time.

So, in the real world, there is no such thing as "balanced" feedline unless
YOU actually DID something to FORCE it to be balanced. And the way to do
that is to insert a common-mode choke that enforces equal-and-opposite
currents at that particular location... though even then, it can do nothing
to prevent the regrowth of common-mode current elsewhere along the line.



73 from Ian GM3SEK



-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Wes
(N7WS)
Sent: 05 February 2016 00:18
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Balun suggestions

I just pinched myself; I'm not dreaming and it's not April 1st, so I guess
you're serious.

You are also so wrong on so many points, I'm not going to waste time trying
to refute or correct them.

Jim, please ignore everything said below.

Wes  N7WS



On 2/4/2016 3:05 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
> Your feed line will do the job by itself so no additional "balun" is
needed.
> Keep in mind that a 1:1 balun is really just a length of feed line, 
> usually wound on a toroidal core to make the required length shorter 
> than if it was in open air. The "old-school" baluns were just a pair 
> of
air wound coils.
>
> If your balanced feed line is at least 1/4 wavelength long, the 
> currents will be "balanced" (equal and out of phase) at the antenna.
> That assumes your antenna is perfectly balanced to provide a perfectly 
> balanced load, which "balanced" antennas almost never do. There are 
> just too many variables. So expect excellent results even with shorter 
> feed lines. The amount of radiation (or pickup) from the feed line 
> even at the rig end is small in any case.
>
> Connect one side of the open wire feed line to the KAT100 SO-239 
> center pin and the other to the KAT100 ground terminal.
>
> 73, Ron AC7AC
>
>
>
> -Original Message-
> K2/100 and KAT100 here.
>
> I am changing around my modest antenna configuration now.  I have been 
> using the K2/100 with my AH-4, and now wish to use the KAT100 with 
> balanced feedline antennas.
>
> What balun, homebrew or commercial, if any, should I use?  I almost 
> always run 5 watts, all CW.
>
> 73 de W6OGC Jim Allen
>
>
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> w...@triconet.org
>

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Re: [Elecraft] Balun suggestions

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Maxwells' famous equations first published in the 1870's have proven to be
extraordinarily accurate for all practical engineering purposes even after
all of these years: 

http://www.aproged.pt/biblioteca/MaxwellII.pdf

73, Ron AC7AC

 

-Original Message-

It may come as a shock to some, but almost everything fundamental about
electricity, electronics, audio, radio, and transmission lines was well
understood and documented nearly
100 years ago, and much of it decades earlier...


73, Jim K9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] Balun suggestions

[Ron D'Eau Claire]

Gee, Wes. It's only basic RF engineering. 

If you'd care to be specific about any objection, please do so. I'll be glad
to get into details on or off the reflector. 

73, Ron AC7AC

-Original Message-
From: Elecraft [mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Wes
(N7WS)
Sent: Thursday, February 4, 2016 4:18 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Balun suggestions

I just pinched myself; I'm not dreaming and it's not April 1st, so I guess
you're serious.

You are also so wrong on so many points, I'm not going to waste time trying
to refute or correct them.

Jim, please ignore everything said below.

Wes  N7WS



On 2/4/2016 3:05 PM, Ron D'Eau Claire wrote:
> Your feed line will do the job by itself so no additional "balun" is
needed.
> Keep in mind that a 1:1 balun is really just a length of feed line, 
> usually wound on a toroidal core to make the required length shorter 
> than if it was in open air. The "old-school" baluns were just a pair of
air wound coils.
>
> If your balanced feed line is at least 1/4 wavelength long, the 
> currents will be "balanced" (equal and out of phase) at the antenna. 
> That assumes your antenna is perfectly balanced to provide a perfectly 
> balanced load, which "balanced" antennas almost never do. There are 
> just too many variables. So expect excellent results even with shorter 
> feed lines. The amount of radiation (or pickup) from the feed line 
> even at the rig end is small in any case.
>
> Connect one side of the open wire feed line to the KAT100 SO-239 
> center pin and the other to the KAT100 ground terminal.
>
> 73, Ron AC7AC
>
>
>
> -Original Message-
> K2/100 and KAT100 here.
>
> I am changing around my modest antenna configuration now.  I have been 
> using the K2/100 with my AH-4, and now wish to use the KAT100 with 
> balanced feedline antennas.
>
> What balun, homebrew or commercial, if any, should I use?  I almost 
> always run 5 watts, all CW.
>
> 73 de W6OGC Jim Allen
>
>
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> w...@triconet.org
>

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Re: [Elecraft] K3/K3S noise blanker performance greatly enhanced (at my QTH) -- need testers

[Dave Cole]

Wayne,

Second report using Horticultural lights as noise source.

Each evening 40 lights up with grow lights, and the results with them
are much different than the previous results, the grow lights are cut
back to the point I can hear additional stations, but only if I use
headphones...

Did the test much as before, and it does seem that the CW sigs are a
bit better than in previous tests, but it is a close call for me, and I
am not sure how much of this is imagination...  A good chunk of my
noise is not shot type RFI, but broad spectrum hash, with well rounded
peaks, not spikes.  This method seems to remove spiky RFI better than
wide RFI...  More as I test...

My RFI level is low tonight, every so often I get a real hummer of an
RFI signal...  I will test on that...

-- 
73's, and thanks,
Dave

For software/hardware reviews see:
http://www.nk7z.net

For MixW support see:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/mixw/info

For SSTV help see:
http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/MM-SSTV/info



On Fri, 2016-02-05 at 09:57 -0800, Dave Cole wrote:
> Hi Wayne,
> 
> On list report as you asked for...
> 
> Set up as described, only using a 13KHz filter in F1 position...  
> 
> Using a florescent light, which makes a rather ugly wide band noise,
> only on 18 MHz., I performed a sort of blind test  
> 
> After doing the full setup as you described on a very weak CW
> station,
> I hit the NB button as fast as I could for several seconds while
> looking away from the radio...  This confused me as to if it was on
> or
> off...
> 
> I then while still looking away from the radio brought the NB on and
> off line, and stopped on teh CW that was easiest to copy.  
> 
> I did this five times, and after each test, I re-scrambled my memory
> by
> again, hitting the NB switch many times, and looking away from the
> radio.  
> 
> Five out of five times the NB was off when I stopped, indicating that
> the NB made the CW harder to copy.  
> 
> Sorry...  I will try later tonight, when all the Horticultural lights
> come on line on 40 meters, which has tons of RFI from them.  I will
> report again...
> 
> 
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