Re: [Elecraft] K2 KPA100 SWR Bridge Readings Way Too High

2017-10-02 Thread Don Wilhelm 

Dick,

Make certain you have the diodes D16 and D17 mounted the right way around.

Replace the coax jumper to the dummy load - measure your dummy load with 
your ohmmeter to be certain it is a good 50 ohm dummy load (yes, dummy 
loads can fail).


Then balance the wattmeter.  Easiest way is to power the K2 from only 
the coaxial 2.1mm power jack (no power to the KPA100) with power set to 
10 watts and adjust C1 for a voltage as close to zero as possible read 
at TP4 (should be in the low mV range).  If you cannot see a very low 
voltage at TP4. then measure U5 pin 3 and adjust C1 for the lowest voltage.
Next with power off preset R26 to 43k ohms read at U5 pin 5 and R27 to 
43k read at U5 pin 3.


You can do the initial tests of the wattmeter still in low power mode 
(no power to the KPA100).  Set for 10 watts and do a TUNE - do not stay 
in TUNE for more than 30 seconds at a time, allow a 1 minute cooling off 
period between each TUNE.
Check the DC voltage at U5 pin 3.  It should be close to zero.  The 
voltage at U5 pin 6 should also be close to zero.  Also check the 
voltage at U1 pin 3 which should also be near zero, and the K2 display 
should show an SWR of 1.


Connect an external wattmeter between the dummy load and the KPA100 - 
make certain you use known good coax jumpers.


Now do a TUNE and set R26 so the display power is the same as your 
external wattmeter.


Next, with the same TUNE conditions, measure the DC voltage at U5 pin 5.
You should see the same DC voltage at U5 pin 7, and at U1 pin 2.

Those two voltages at U1 will determine the SWR calculated by the KPA100 
firmware and passed along to the base K2 MCU.


If all is well on the DC voltages to this point and the K2 still shows 
an SWR greater than 1.0 or 1.1, you have a KPA100 firmware problem.


If the firmware is showing the correct SWR, then set R26 so the K2 
display shows the same power as on your external wattmeter.  You will 
want to refine that power (R26) adjustment at 100 watts later but the 10 
watt level will be sufficient for the initial setting.


If you are not able to set the power display without deviating 
substantially from the 43k initial setting, then check the DC voltages 
during a TUNE at U6.  The DC voltage at U6 pin 3 should be the same as 
that measured at U5 pin 7, and the DC voltage at U6 pin 6 should be 
about twice that at pin 3.


Take it one step at a time and in the order that I indicated.  If you 
skip around, you will become confused because one thing depends on the 
step before it.


If all those conditions are correct, the KPA100 wattmeter is working 
correctly.  Power the KPA100 and try it at 100 watts (hold TUNE/DISPLAY 
together).  Quickly adjust R26 to display the actual power.  If you have 
to move R26 very far, then you have a problem with the scaling. 
Transistors Q10 and Q11 may not be working properly.


73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/2/2017 10:58 PM, Dick Lamb wrote:

The SWR bridge on my K2/KPA100 had been working perfectly for years, but I
apparently blew something while making comparison measurements with a
friend's K2 I was trying to fix. Now the K2 panel LCD SWR indicator reads
around 5:1 for a near-perfect dummy load.  Adjusting C1 makes almost no
difference.  I can force the SWR to read 1:1 by setting R26 toward one end
of its travel and R27 toward the opposite end of its travel (instead of
both at midpoint), but then every load reads as 1:1 SWR.  Replacing D16 and
D17 didn't help (I tried it twice).  Except for the SWR reading, everything
seems OK.  Perhaps I should try replacing U5 and U6?  Other ideas?   Dick,

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[Elecraft] K2 KPA100 SWR Bridge Readings Way Too High

2017-10-02 Thread Dick Lamb 
The SWR bridge on my K2/KPA100 had been working perfectly for years, but I
apparently blew something while making comparison measurements with a
friend's K2 I was trying to fix. Now the K2 panel LCD SWR indicator reads
around 5:1 for a near-perfect dummy load.  Adjusting C1 makes almost no
difference.  I can force the SWR to read 1:1 by setting R26 toward one end
of its travel and R27 toward the opposite end of its travel (instead of
both at midpoint), but then every load reads as 1:1 SWR.  Replacing D16 and
D17 didn't help (I tried it twice).  Except for the SWR reading, everything
seems OK.  Perhaps I should try replacing U5 and U6?  Other ideas?   Dick,
K0KK
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Re: [Elecraft] FT8 problems on 17 & 30 M

2017-10-02 Thread Joseph Reed 
Interesting question.  But I doubt W0RSR operates SSB on 30 :)  Or I hope he 
does not.  A better question would be what software are you running, and on 
which operating system, e.g., Windows, MacOS or linux?  Since WSJT-X is the 
only software package I know that supports FT-8 I doubt it is a radio issue. Or 
at least I don’t have any issues with FT-8 on any band using WSJT-X RC2.

Have the preferences MacOS/ Windows configuration been updated since the WSJT-X 
upgrade to RC2?  WSJT-X is slightly quirky as I had an issue with pervious 
versions with JT9.  On some bands it worked, and on some it didn’t.  A reset of 
preferences, i.e., a complete reset of preferences brought it back.

I’m on MacOS so your mileage may vary.

Joe N9JR

> On Oct 2, 2017, at 7:02 PM, Nr4c  wrote:
> 
> How much SSB do you do on 30 meters?
> 
> I'd start by re-checking the Data/submode on the two bands. 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> ...nr4c. bill
> 
> 
>> On Oct 2, 2017, at 6:03 PM, Mike Baird  wrote:
>> 
>> Perhaps this is a software problem, but I thought I'd start here.  Using K3
>> (s/n 68xx), SignalLink USB and WSJT-X.  Everything works fine on FT8 on all
>> bands but 17 & 30.  I can decode on those bands, but there is no xmit.  The
>> rig keys OK and goes into xmit but there is no output.  Radio performs
>> normally on CW and SSB on these bands.  I use the same TX Data mode on all
>> bands.  Thought maybe there might be a hidden menu item that I might have
>> screwed up.
>> 
>> Anyway thanks for any help.
>> 
>> Mike, W0RSR
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Re: [Elecraft] FT8 problems on 17 & 30 M

2017-10-02 Thread Nr4c 
How much SSB do you do on 30 meters?

I'd start by re-checking the Data/submode on the two bands. 

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill


> On Oct 2, 2017, at 6:03 PM, Mike Baird  wrote:
> 
> Perhaps this is a software problem, but I thought I'd start here.  Using K3
> (s/n 68xx), SignalLink USB and WSJT-X.  Everything works fine on FT8 on all
> bands but 17 & 30.  I can decode on those bands, but there is no xmit.  The
> rig keys OK and goes into xmit but there is no output.  Radio performs
> normally on CW and SSB on these bands.  I use the same TX Data mode on all
> bands.  Thought maybe there might be a hidden menu item that I might have
> screwed up.
> 
> Anyway thanks for any help.
> 
> Mike, W0RSR
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Re: [Elecraft] Upgrading K3 s/n 11xx to operate on the 472KHz

2017-10-02 Thread Edward R Cole 
I used my K3 on 495-502 KHz as an experimental station.  I got 1mw 
output at the XVT Tx output jack running the TEST mode.


For amplifier, I bought a surplus Southern Avionics NDB (aircraft Non 
Directional Beacon) transmitter.  It is a xtal controlled oscillator 
amplified to 100w into 50-ohm load.  25w and 50w NDB's were also 
made.  Check surplus electronic sales for them.  I suspect the supply 
will be small and quickly disappear once discovered by new 630m hams.


Using with the K3, I removed the oscillator ckts and used a 0.1 mfd 
disc ceramic cap to couple from coax to the bandpass filter (single 
slug-tuned coil which feeds a 2N pre-driver (about 10mw 
output).  I disconnected the internal antenna loading coil and 
switched the multi-tapped output coupling coil to 50-ohms.


You will need to build a base loading coil for using a very-short 
vertical antenna (if you have one for 160m, just substitute the loading coil).


630m is brand new ham radio country so prepared to design, modify, 
and build some of your equipment and antennas.  Or wait a year or so 
as small mfr's will likely show up or start up providing gear.


I should have approval by Oct. 15 to start on 472-479 KHz.  I plan to 
use CW/psk31/FT8 as ham modes and run an APRS beacon on 471-KHz as 
WD2XSH/45 under the old ARRL Experimental License.  Many of us are 
looking to run beacons around 471-KHz just outside the new 630m Ham 
Band (only legal if you hold an experimental license).


73, Ed - KL7UW
  http://www.kl7uw.com
Dubus-NA Business mail:
  dubus...@gmail.com 


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Re: [Elecraft] FT8 problems on 17 & 30 M

2017-10-02 Thread Bob N3MNT 
If split is on, make sure software did not set tx freq out of band.




--
Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
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[Elecraft] FT8 problems on 17 & 30 M

2017-10-02 Thread Mike Baird 
Perhaps this is a software problem, but I thought I'd start here.  Using K3
(s/n 68xx), SignalLink USB and WSJT-X.  Everything works fine on FT8 on all
bands but 17 & 30.  I can decode on those bands, but there is no xmit.  The
rig keys OK and goes into xmit but there is no output.  Radio performs
normally on CW and SSB on these bands.  I use the same TX Data mode on all
bands.  Thought maybe there might be a hidden menu item that I might have
screwed up.

Anyway thanks for any help.

Mike, W0RSR
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[Elecraft] For Sale: One excellent condition, late serial number K3

2017-10-02 Thread Matt NQ6N 
Hello,

Because most of my operation has been remote lately, I am selling one of my
two K3 transceivers. Both are in superb condition.  I only need one and
will be keeping the one that does not sell.

If interested, please contact me off list and I will send you the specs for
both.  The serial numbers are 5530 and 6066.  I am the original purchaser
of both rigs and both are in superb working order.

73,
Matt NQ6N
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Re: [Elecraft] OT: LED Light Bulbs

2017-10-02 Thread Chip Stratton 
How ironic. My two Genie garage door openers sit there and generate a huge
amount of buzz-saw hash on HF as long as they have power. I have to
essentially unplug them to use the radio, and my horizontal loop is 100
feet away from them.

Chip
AE5KA

On Sun, Oct 1, 2017 at 5:30 PM, Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT <
kx...@coldrockshotbrooms.com> wrote:

> Just saw an ad for Genie LED Bulbs.
>
> Apparently some LED light bulbs make enough noise that they desense the
> garage door receiver.
>
> These bulbs are specifically low-RFI.
>
> I have no more information.  For all I know, they fix the garage door RFI
> by moving the noise to 14.300 MHz.
>
> 73 -- Lynn
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Re: [Elecraft] OT: LED Light Bulbs

2017-10-02 Thread Chip Stratton 
On Sun, Oct 1, 2017 at 5:30 PM, Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT <
kx...@coldrockshotbrooms.com> wrote:

> Just saw an ad for Genie LED Bulbs.
>
> Apparently some LED light bulbs make enough noise that they desense the
> garage door receiver.
>
> These bulbs are specifically low-RFI.
>
> I have no more information.  For all I know, they fix the garage door RFI
> by moving the noise to 14.300 MHz.
>
> 73 -- Lynn
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3: slow build to full power on 15 meters only

2017-10-02 Thread Christopher Hoover 
Don's procedure in his doc works great.   But there is a gotcha that I
don't recall being covered.

The ALC meter algorithim "beats" with certain tuning tones and when that
happens, it makes the ALC meter ramp up and down in a fast oscillation.

This has been discussed on this list relatively recently.  I ran into it
last weekend.

The workaround is easy -- move the Tx frequency (shift click in the
waterfall) elsewhere until the ALC reading becomes stable, i.e. only the
last bar is flickering.  Then follow Don's advice.

73 de AI6KG



On Sat, Sep 30, 2017 at 5:30 PM, Don Wilhelm  wrote:

> Bob,
>
> It sounds like your KX3 is "power hunting".  The KX3 (and other Elecraft
> transceivers) control power differently than any other amateur transceiver,
> so you must ignore the common internet (and many data mode instructions) in
> how to set up the KX3 for data modes.
>
> Do you have sufficient audio into the KX3 on 15 meters?  You should drive
> the audio enough to produce 4 bars with the 5th bar flickering on the ALC
> meter.  Since the RF Gain can vary from band to band, you really should
> check the level on each band.
>
> Check out the document on my website www.w3fpr.com.  Scroll down to the
> bottom of the left column for the link to the page.
> Ignore the internet advice and set your KX3 properly for audio, and then
> control the power with the power knob.
>
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
>
> Refer to the document on my wesite
>
> On 9/30/2017 7:48 PM, R Edward wrote:
>
>> I have an odd issue that is only happening on 15 meters, and I notice it
>> most in digital modes because they are 100% duty cycle. My first
>> transmissions on the band are at reduced power from my power setting
>> (usually 5 W), but the indicated output slowly builds over 2 or 3
>> transmission cycles to reach my selected power. The antenna is tuned
>> beforehand with a 1:1 SWR, and my mic gain/ALC settings are all normal.
>>
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Re: [Elecraft] Upgrading K3 s/n 11xx to operate on the 472KHz

2017-10-02 Thread Don Wilhelm 

Jack,

You will need the new synthesizer - two if you have the KRX3.
You will also need the KBPF3A.  If you already have a KBPF3, there is an 
upgrade kit that you can install - the KBPF3MDKT (see K3 Parts and Mod 
Kits).
You will also need the KXV3 (or KXV3A or KXV3B) option in your K3 
because the antenna must connect to the RX ANT IN or XVTR IN.  Transmit 
is on the KXV3 XVTR OUT jack - you will need an amplifier because the 
output is low level (none sold by Elecraft).


73,
Don W3FPR

On 10/1/2017 6:58 PM, Jack Colson wrote:

What needs to be upgraded or added to a stock K3 s/n 11xx to receive/transmit 
on 472KHz?

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