[Elecraft] KPA-1500- occassional high SWR flashes

[Dick via Elecraft]

Noticing the same "occassional flashing of yellow and red in the LED SWR 
string" on KPA-1500 Serial #167 while driving the amp with a K3S.  (actual SWR 
is 1.1:1)  
 
73,
Dick- K9OM
 
 
In a message dated 5/19/2018 10:30:47 PM Central Standard Time, 
elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net writes:

 
"...did notice an occasional flashing of yellow and red in the SWR led
string. I watched my inline meter and it showed nothing during those
bursts so something is going on there. (etc.)"


This is common with the new amp. Elecraft is working on a firmware update 
to correct it -- hopefully. Just ignore flashing LEDs for now.

73, Roy K6XK 
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 S/N 160 delivered today

[Bill Stravinsky via Elecraft]

 Larry
The zero just means that the fans are off (manually).  You can set the fans to 
be on at speeds 1 through 5 regardless of temp.  They will stay on 
continually.That said, the fans will operate automatically according to temp.  
They will ramp up as the temp increases.  I think the first to engage is the 
center fan but youcan easily see this yourself.  I did some CQing in the King 
of Spain contest to get the temp up and test things out.  They indeed came on 
at 60C.  I forgetwhere I stopped, I think at 71C, but the fans will come on 
starting at 60C with the fan speed on zero.
I  will give it a more robust test this Wednesday during the cwts but that is 
only a one hour test.  During WPX at the end of the month I will probably set 
thefan speed to 2 to get more cooling power below 60C.  When the PF1 & PF2 
buttons become programmable I will probably set them to turn the fans on or 
off.For me a fan speed of 2 is acceptable during a major contest situation even 
with headphones off which I really never do normally.

I did find it interesting tonight to see my shack tv get blanked out on xmit.  
I only checked 3 bands.  TV was ok on 80mtrs but blanked the picture and 
soundout on 20 & 40 mtrs, hi.  That never happened with either of my tube amps. 
 I will look into that at a later date.
Good luck with your amp.
BillK3WJV
p.s.  The pwr supply fans run whenever you turn the amp on but fans set at zero 
no amp fans should be on until 60C.

On Friday, May 18, 2018, 6:07:03 PM EDT, Larry (K8UT)  
wrote:  
 
 Bill,

My KPA1500 also defaulted to FAN SPEED MIN = 0, but that is not fans off 
(at least not on my amplifier).

My fans engage at 60c (low), 65c (medium) and 70c (egads).

Is there a menu explanation somewhere about the start/stop temps and 
speeds? I would like a little more hysteresis in the 60c setting: start 
at 60c but continue cooling until temp drops to 50c. That might work a 
little better when running digital modes with long Tx/Rx intervals.

-larry (K8UT)

-- Original Message --
From: "Bill Stravinsky via Elecraft" 
To: "Elecraft Reflector" 
Sent: 2018-05-18 15:41:49
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 S/N 160 delivered today

>After having played with mine extensively last night, I was under the 
>impression that the fans would come on automatically when the temp 
>reached a certain degree.That is not the case. Mine was defaulted at 
>fan speed zero, which is fans off. You have to change the menu item for 
>fans to one of your liking. I had read a few postshere on the reflector 
>about 2 being an acceptable number. I agree.
>If you crank it up to max (5) you might scare the dog, be careful, hi.
>BillK3WJV
>
>On Tuesday, May 15, 2018, 5:59:02 PM EDT, Roy Koeppe  
>wrote:
>
>Works perfectly so far. The fans have never come on during my testing
>periods, including at full power. Power supply fans under the table are
>quiet. Really like! Low drive power. Was ordered 8-25-17 at 0900 CA 
>time.
>
>73, Roy K6XK
>
>
>__
>Elecraft mailing list
>Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>
>This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>Message delivered to k3...@yahoo.com
>
>__
>Elecraft mailing list
>Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>
>This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>Message delivered to k...@charter.net
  
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K4?

[Erik Basilier]

In the process of listening to the receiver I would not want that overlaid with 
voice responses from a UI dialog. Also, a voice response immediately goes away, 
just like a number temporarlily shown in the B display. On a more personal 
note, I also find all artificial voice applications enormously irritating. I 
refuse to speak to my car to ask it to do something, and refuse to use Alexa or 
Siri etc in a voice mode.
73,
Erik K7TV

-Original Message-
From: Gerry leary  
Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2018 5:33 PM
To: Erik Basilier 
Cc: Richard Thorne ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K4?

Make the displays audio readouts instead, then you wouldn’t need so much room, 
nor would it take up as much battery life if it were powered by battery!

Sent from my iPhone this time 

On May 19, 2018, at 6:14 PM, Erik Basilier  wrote:

I know that many people love controlling everything from a PC, but that is for 
me a don't-want, as I don't want the extra box to start up, and using a mouse 
and keyboard is much less convenient than knobs. Of course, using contesting 
software does involve the PC, but even in that situation I want my knobs. 
Controlling the rig from a PC repulses me even more so lately, since Microsoft 
is forcing software updates on us ever more frequently. Very disruptive. I do 
understand that increased vulnerabilities demand it, but then the 
vulnerabilities are caused by Microsoft itself, always adding functionality 
without concern for security (except for Microsoft job security). Some will say 
that Linux is the answer but I have been there, and I would prefer a special 
version of Windows that removes a lot of bells and whistles and doesn't need 
frequent updates. Has anyone investigated which ham software products work or 
don't work with Windows set to protected mode?

On the subject of panadapter features, I can see some utility in using a mouse, 
as pushing the P3 knob does indeed tend to move the whole box. However, unless 
there is software based automatic fine tuning, I find that mouse clicking on a 
signal usually requires fine adjustment with the tuning knob. The advantage of 
the mouse then is the ability to make large jumps without a lot of knob 
spinning. That need is sharply reduced by using the RIT knob as a coarse tuning 
knob. 

Perhaps the K4 packaging should place most of the P3 electronics as an optional 
plug-in board inside the radio, and place a slightly bigger display in a 
separate, P3-size box. The P3 controls would be on the radio. The existing 
controls for the second rx could be kept for those who can stomach them, but a 
new button on the radio would switch the P3 display to show all aspects of 
second rx settings, and allow adjustment. Another press of the new button, or a 
number of actions such as moving the main tuning knob, would go back to normal 
P3 display.

73,
Erik K7TV



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Richard Thorne
Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2018 4:31 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K4?

I was going to make the suggestion for a rig with out knobs.

All of my current equipment is rack mounted.  I operate with software and a 
mouse.  Keeps the desk uncluttered and the monitor below eye level.  The K3 
Remote could be used if one wanted knobs.

Rich - N5ZC


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] Subject: Re: K4

[Bob]

How about we just get the KPOD to talk to the P3 as was stated in Wayne's 
posting of  April 18,2016:


Snipped...


We'll also be able to execute P3 macros directly from K-Pod switches, as well as 
use the K-Pod's knob to control the marker knob on the P3.




73,

Wayne

N6KR


This was a major consideration when the order was placed.  Two years and 
nothing.

73,
Bob
K2TK  ex KN2TKR (1956) & K2TKR




On 5/19/2018 11:33 PM, Michael Murphy wrote:

Mouse control for the P3. Yes please.

Mike Murphy
KI8R


On May 19, 2018, at 6:48 PM, Jim Shepherd  wrote:

I definitely would like to see mouse control for the P3... The current
buttons and especially the rotary encoder are stiff enough so that the unit
moves when they are pushed. With a mouse controlling these features the
unit is not touched. A USB port to allow the use of a wired mouse or a
dongle with a wireless mouse would be ideal.

Also, the addition of a HDMI port in addition to the SVGA. More of the
larger monitors are coming without SVGA inputs. It would also be a way to
send l audio to speakers in the monitor.  HDMI can be used for split
screen video (PIP) allowing several windows  with different displays to be
shown on a single large monitor.

An additional rotary encoder on the front panel of the K4 to allow for
1-5-10-20-50 KHz tuning steps across the band. Currently, the RIT/XIT knob
can be reconfigured for that function.

A small slot on the back of the radio to accept a computer cable lock for
use when the radio will be used at public events like Field Day, etc. This
should be added to the whole line.  It will not stop a determined thief,
but it will deter some.

A couple of more antenna ports on the back to allow several different
antennas with memories for the tuner settings for each.

More programmable memory buttons so that voice recorder is not using the
same ones as CW or Digital.

Backlighting on all the buttons and controls..

50 Amp power pole connecter for incoming power, keyed so that the KPA1500
power cable will not connect. 2 standard size power plugs for aux power out
to P3, etc. Main power cable upgraded to #6 wire.

Jim W6US
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to m...@ki8r.com

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to k...@att.net


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Announcement

[kevinr]

Good evening,

   A cool week with some dense mist.  The ferns are getting taller but 
far from completely unrolled.  The bracken fern is over six feet tall 
while the sword fern is just getting started.  Where the bracken fern 
dies back with the first few frosts the sword fern only dies in the 
early spring when the new growth appears. They only get to about four 
feet tall but they can cut you.  Just one more shade of green in the 
misty forest.


   The sun is blank again.  Space weather says we are in a quiet region 
"between streams of solar wind".  Quiet is good; strong signals are 
better.  I'll probably be off net frequency a bit because with 
conditions like these I can hear well but the other folks on frequency 
cannot hear me (without a scorecard).  Working either 0.5 above or below 
the specified frequency helps me find an open space; hopefully for the 
entire net.



Please join us tomorrow on:

14050 kHz at 2200z Sunday (3 PM PDT Sunday)
  7045 kHz at z Monday (5 PM PDT Sunday)

73,
Kevin. KD5ONS

_

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] Subject: Re: K4

[Michael Murphy]

Mouse control for the P3. Yes please. 

Mike Murphy 
KI8R

> On May 19, 2018, at 6:48 PM, Jim Shepherd  wrote:
> 
> I definitely would like to see mouse control for the P3... The current
> buttons and especially the rotary encoder are stiff enough so that the unit
> moves when they are pushed. With a mouse controlling these features the
> unit is not touched. A USB port to allow the use of a wired mouse or a
> dongle with a wireless mouse would be ideal.
> 
> Also, the addition of a HDMI port in addition to the SVGA. More of the
> larger monitors are coming without SVGA inputs. It would also be a way to
> send l audio to speakers in the monitor.  HDMI can be used for split
> screen video (PIP) allowing several windows  with different displays to be
> shown on a single large monitor.
> 
> An additional rotary encoder on the front panel of the K4 to allow for
> 1-5-10-20-50 KHz tuning steps across the band. Currently, the RIT/XIT knob
> can be reconfigured for that function.
> 
> A small slot on the back of the radio to accept a computer cable lock for
> use when the radio will be used at public events like Field Day, etc. This
> should be added to the whole line.  It will not stop a determined thief,
> but it will deter some.
> 
> A couple of more antenna ports on the back to allow several different
> antennas with memories for the tuner settings for each.
> 
> More programmable memory buttons so that voice recorder is not using the
> same ones as CW or Digital.
> 
> Backlighting on all the buttons and controls..
> 
> 50 Amp power pole connecter for incoming power, keyed so that the KPA1500
> power cable will not connect. 2 standard size power plugs for aux power out
> to P3, etc. Main power cable upgraded to #6 wire.
> 
> Jim W6US
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to m...@ki8r.com
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K4

[Clay Autery]

Yup...  RTFM

I read the Op manual 4 times from cover to cover before the radio even 
arrives (assembly manual 3 times).  Then, after it was built I went 
through it page by page and used EVERY single function and looked at 
EVERY single menu location.  I have binders with every manual with 
changes posted as a manual backup in case the power fails.  I go through 
and check for docs updates monthly on every piece of equipment I own.  I 
read the K3s Op manual cover to cover minimum twice a year and of 
course every time I do something obscure like build a custom K3s, P3, 
3rd Party Amplifier interface cable harness.


RTFM  When I was a young guy, I could read it once and basically 
have it stored like a photo.  Not so much anymore age or experiences 
(I don't know which) somehow broke that feature.


73, Jim

__
Clay Autery, KY5G
(318) 518-1389

On 05/19/18 13:51, Jim Brown wrote:

On 5/19/2018 9:38 AM, Martin Sole wrote:
A better more up to date menu system that either removes or better, 
handles the myriad un-intuitive selections. There are a number of 
menu options which unless you have significant handbook familiarity 
lack explanation about additional keypad presses. There are even some 
for which software updates need to be consulted though that is a 
different matter. Some menu choices could well be better homed as 
front panel controls.


My experience is quite different. From the beginning (in 2008), I 
found the user interface very well thought out. Maybe that's because I 
started by RTFM.  Everything I need while operating is on the front 
panel. The menus are organized so that they are almost never needed 
during operation except to fix a setting that was wrong in the first 
place. I can't remember the last time I needed to go into menus for 
anything but setup with new outboard equipment.


My K3s replaced a pair of FT1000MPs. Everything about the K3 
performance and user interface is far superior. AND the change freed 
up a LOT of space on my operating desk!


73, Jim K9YC


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K4

[Dave Fugleberg]

Clay, the individual signal with many of these digital modes modes is
actually quite narrow, on the order of tens of hertz. It's just that by
convention, everybody uses one SSB frequency for a given mode (such as FT-8
on 14.074). That means there may be dozens of QSOs going on in the
equivalent bandwidth of one SSB conversation. The computer decodes all the
signals in the receiver passband all at once, but you need to pick a spot
within that bandwidth to place your transmit signal.
Obviously if you pick a spot outside the transmitter's audio band pass,
things won't work too well.
That's not really an issue with FT8 if the software is properly configured,
as it will automatically shift the VFO slightly on transmit to keep your
chosen transmit audio frequency in the sweet spot of the transmitter audio
bandpass.
Fortunately, this tends to keep all that FT8 activity within about a 4 kHz
slice of the band, so the rest of us can easily avoid it if we choose to.
On Sat, May 19, 2018 at 10:00 PM Clay Autery  wrote:

> M.  ESSB can transmit with right at 4 kHz bandwidth...
>
> I can't imagine that something can't be done in firmware to make it
> possible in a digital mode
>
> WHY are they allowing digital modes to have such a huge bandwidth?
> Seems counter-intuitive to me, but I am not a digital guy.
>
> 73,
>
> __
> Clay Autery, KY5G
> (318) 518-1389
>
> On 05/19/18 07:07, Ed W0YK wrote:
> > That's  fine for decode, but transmit uses the 2.8 kHz filter.
> > 73,Ed W0YK
> >  Original message From: "Joe Subich, W4TV" <
> li...@subich.com> Date: 5/19/18  8:01 AM  (GMT-05:00) To:
> elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K4
> > Ed,
> >
> >
>
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to dave.w...@gmail.com
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K4

[Clay Autery]

I will NEVER voluntarily give up my K3s  Not saying I won't ever buy 
another radio, but I dang sure don't HAVE to!


I bought Elecraft FIRST for a reason  I didn't want to follow that 
ultimately wasteful path of buying old, sub-standard radios, and buying 
10 radios in a serial fashion while never being happy.


I have not regretted ANY of my Elecraft purchases for a minute ever.

73,

__
Clay Autery, KY5G
(318) 518-1389

On 05/19/18 08:37, Bob Gibson via Elecraft wrote:

WOW..Some people are just not happy no matter what they have!! I have a used K3 
1440 with no upgrades..no tuner..no second receiver.. 400 cw filter, and I'm 
very happy with it and lucky to have it and it works great for me.. Sold my 
5000 to buy this and glad I did.. best CW rig ever..I would be happy with a 
loaded K3!! Do not want to be like Icom and come out with a new rig every year..



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 Delivery Time

[Dauer, Edward]

Great news.  Thanks, Eric.

Hope things go well for you at Dayton.  Safe travels.

Ted, KN1CBR


From: Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft 
Date: Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 7:38 PM
To: "Dauer, Edward" 
Cc: "elecraft@mailman.qth.net" 
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 Delivery Time

KPA lead time for -new- orders was posted at 9 weeks on the shipping status 
page just last week, right before we left  for Dayton. (A drop of 2 weeks from 
our prior estimate.)

We’re shipping at a good clip and have been driving it down steadily. We will 
update it late next week after we tally our new backlog total vs shipping rate.

73,
Eric
elecraft.com
---

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K4

[Clay Autery]

M.  ESSB can transmit with right at 4 kHz bandwidth...

I can't imagine that something can't be done in firmware to make it 
possible in a digital mode


WHY are they allowing digital modes to have such a huge bandwidth?  
Seems counter-intuitive to me, but I am not a digital guy.


73,

__
Clay Autery, KY5G
(318) 518-1389

On 05/19/18 07:07, Ed W0YK wrote:

That's  fine for decode, but transmit uses the 2.8 kHz filter.
73,Ed W0YK
 Original message From: "Joe Subich, W4TV"  
Date: 5/19/18  8:01 AM  (GMT-05:00) To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K4
Ed,

  


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K4

[Clay Autery]

I've been working in the yard all day rather than having ANY fun at my 
bench, so I am a little cranky.  I recognize this, and am consciously 
going to respond inline with the intent of NOT being overly cranky...  



On 05/19/18 05:38, Stefan von Baltz, DL1IAO wrote:

- I would like to see Elecraft revising the NR-function. While you can achieve 
nearly infinite noise attenuation with the K3’s NR it comes at the cost of 
signal intelligibility. At least I have failed to hit a setting for CW which 
works for me. The NR also seems to be dependent on AGC settings. With the 
IC7851’s NR at ca. 9 o’clock the band noise is cut about in half without 
affecting signals, even when they are weak. I do not miss this much in everyday 
operation. But the additional band noise really hurts in my ears when doing 
SO2R causing fatigue and ultimately increased error rate.
I know NOTHING of the "I" radios including their NR or NB capabilities 
or approach.
I DO know that Elecraft's NR system has never failed me.  I failed IT in 
the beginning, but not PROPERLY EDUCATING myself on its operation and 
PRACTICING the task until it become second nature, like tuning the VFO.  
Once you have actually used it and understand it, you will find that you 
can zoom in on the right NR selection in the heat of battle just fine.  




- I continue to be impressed by ICOM’s APF function. Combined with a few dB of 
additional amplification in the APF level menu this sort of has become a great 
„panic button“ for me when a weak station calls or QRM shows up. Elecrafts APF 
is way too sharp for this purpose. Maybe another APF with wider bandwidth could 
be added?
Again, I know nothing of the APF function on the "I" brand.  But I 
absolutely LOVE the APF on my K3s.  Yeah, it's narrow that's the 
point.  The trick is to do things right from the beginning First, 
you need to tune the frequency properly..  Use the FINE setting and dial 
it in to the 1 Hz.  If you get "lost" use SPOT to get in the 
neighborhood again and then tune.  This is ONE of the reasons I have the 
better TXCO, use a good time source, and keep my set calibrated as 
accurately as possible with the tools I have at hand.


You can shift the APF center freq, but that's 5 Hz and a workaround 
for lazy tuning.  Another option is to prepare your presets and set APF 
to be ON on one or the other.  That way you don't even have to reach 
over to that button panel.  You can stay below the screen around the VFO.



- Elecraft should consider adding mouse support for the panadapter.

THIS would be great...  I'd love to have point and click tuning at least.


- Coming from ICOM rigs I noticed that the knob resolution seems slow. This 
sticks out with the filter, RIT and power knobs. Too much knob spinning 
required for my taste. However, this may be subjective and there are 
work-arounds.
"Slow knob resolution"?  You mean high resolution, right?  Because 
that's what they are.  I absolutely love them.  Not twitchy at all and 
give me finer control over settings  Again, the key to making these 
"slow" knobs hum right along is PRACTICE using them.



- I would also like to see Elecraft using higher quality buttons which are more 
responsive. When the K3 came out one of the reasons I never got one was the 
wobbling feel of the A/B (and other) knobs. It simply was not compatible with my 
style of operation which involves constantly switching VFOs when S Yes, 
there are work-arounds, too.
I'm actually 180 degrees out from you on the push buttons. they are 
"wobbly" so you can hit them at larger angles (activation cone).  This 
is awesome for touch tuning mobile contesting et al.  They 
actually remind me of the buttons on a lot of military gear.


Y'all have a great evening!
73,

__
Clay Autery, KY5G
(318) 518-1389



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] Report on KPA-1500 #171 driving with a K3S

[K9MA]

On 5/19/2018 20:03, Ed Gray W0SD wrote:
ATU is great for stations with one antenna per band or less or even 
for more than one antenna such as for DXing.  It does not do the job 
for contesting with multiple antenna's per band if they have some 
SWR.  It is not a problem if the SWR is low then you can just use 
BYP   Wayne says this will eventually be addressed via firmware. Until 
that happens I need to do some antenna work outside so I have low SWR 
for contesting with multiple antenna's per band. This is always better 
anyway.  The ATU will retune on the "FLY" but to me does not seem 
useable for contest switching of antenna's, way to slow,  if there are 
significant SWR differences.   For me It will depend on the firmware 
fixes and how they are implemented.  My solution will be to do some 
antenna work this summer..  I could get by with tube type amplifiers 
but with SS not so much! 


This was my concern, as well, when first considering buying a solid 
state amp.  (KPA-1500 is on the way.)  I want a control input on the amp 
I can connect to the switch that selects antennas so the ATU will switch 
between at least two sets of settings for each band.  As that didn't 
seem to be forthcoming, I built a tri-band tuner box, with 6 L networks 
and relays.  That gets both my tribanders down to close to 1:1 on all 
bands, at least in the CW segments.  It would still be nice if the ATU 
in the amp could follow the antenna selection.


BTW, I use a little toggle switch to select the tribander.  I can switch 
it several times while a station is calling to determine which antenna 
is better.  There's absolutely no way one could do that with a mouse.  
Maybe hot keys would work, but I like the idea that the station can 
function independently of the computer, even though I use one for contests.


73,

Scott K9MA

--
Scott  K9MA

k...@sdellington.us

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 Delivery Time

[Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft]

KPA lead time for -new- orders was posted at 9 weeks on the shipping status 
page just last week, right before we left  for Dayton. (A drop of 2 weeks from 
our prior estimate.) 

We’re shipping at a good clip and have been driving it down steadily. We will 
update it late next week after we tally our new backlog total vs shipping rate. 

73, 
Eric
elecraft.com
---
Sent from my iPhone 6S

> On May 18, 2018, at 9:59 PM, Dauer, Edward  wrote:
> 
> Reading the mail with envy about the arrivals.  With the advice and counsel 
> from a number of people on this reflector, Jim Brown K9YC notably among them 
> for the time he devoted to my follow-up questions, I have worked out how to 
> get the 240 VAC safely where I need it -- and so, last Monday, I put in my 
> order for the amp.  The website says delivery time is nine weeks, but I 
> suspect that's an old estimate.  Any bets on how long it'll take now that 
> shipments have started in earnest?  In time for the November SS?  In time to 
> operate Class D for Field Day would be REALLY nice, Wayne . . . 
> 
> Ted, KN1CBR
> 
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to eric.swa...@elecraft.com
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K4

[Buddy Brannan]

So…you want a new rig for new rig’s sake? Yaecomwoodlinco already do that. … 

> On May 18, 2018, at 3:36 PM, mark roz via Elecraft  
> wrote:
> 
> Wow. No K4 at Dayton?
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to bu...@brannan.name

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K4?

[Eric Swartz WA6HHQ - Elecraft]

Folks, time to close this thread in the interest of limiting email overload for 
others.  

73,
Eric 
List Moderator and cheerleader..

(At Dayton recovering from another very busy day at the Elecraft booth :-)

elecraft.com
---
Sent from my iPhone 6S

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] Report on KPA-1500 #171 driving with a K3S

[Ed Gray W0SD]

Preliminary comments subject to learning more and operator error so FWIW.

First a few of the good things I will comment on which are just of few 
of the many good things.


KPA-1500 drives really easily.  I don't come close to needing 50 watts 
even on 10M and 6M to get 1500 watts out.  I have confirmed this is true 
using a LP-100A watt meter in addition the KPA-1500 LCD reading and LED 
reading.


Fan noise seems plenty low enough.  Of course only on SSB is it going to 
be picked up by the Microphone.  The  highest fan setting will obviously 
be on RTTY.  Using it on SSB I get good reports, ie low back ground 
noise and I see very little power out on the watt meters when not 
talking.  The true test will be in serious contest efforts but it seems 
to be fine to me.  The RF deck fan moves a lot of air in position 1 or 2


The power cord is nice and long for the 240 vac so between it and the DC 
voltage cable being reasonably long it gave me a lot of flexibility.


Instant on, instant power, no tuning, instant band changing just like 
the KPA-500. It will really be nice for higher power when needed plus I 
can use it from AZ in the winter time.


Nice having the PA temperature showing on the LCD.  When I seen 0A on 
the LCD I wondered if it was an error code.  I could not find it in the 
manual although later I did.  Once I put some power out ti was obviously 
amps!


BTW the PF1 macro I had set up in the K3S to turn the KPA500 on and of 
remotely works with the KPA-1500.  It will be pretty amazing to  operate 
the KPA-1500 at high power remotely when needed.


Basically as advertised, well worth the money IMHO.  With the devices in 
it and if the protective circuity works it should last a long, long time.


Some Concerns

SWR LED indicator flaky.(Been reported and I am sure will be fixed with 
firmware)


On SSB key up  there is sometimes power out without talking  In fact 
sometimes 200-300 watts on the LED.  Way. less on the LP-100A watt 
meter so like the SWR LED something seems messed up. However once I say 
something it is much better so I don't think is is the microphone 
picking things up. By much better maybe 1 or 2 watts.   I don't use 
ALC.    More to be learned here but this is what I  believe I see here 
on some on the air checks.


Have what appears to be RF getting into the LCD meter on 12M on CW but 
very little on SSB.  No problem with this on any other bands.  If I turn 
the power down to about 800 watts out on CW it goes away. Things are 
missing and scrambled on the LCD read out. SWR/Reflected power is low on 
12M.  About 1.3 to 1.  It works OK looking at the Utility program so it 
just seems to be RF messing up the LCD meter.


ATU is great for stations with one antenna per band or less or even for 
more than one antenna such as for DXing.  It does not do the job for 
contesting with multiple antenna's per band if they have some SWR.  It 
is not a problem if the SWR is low then you can just use BYP   Wayne 
says this will eventually be addressed via firmware.  Until that happens 
I need to do some antenna work outside so I have low SWR for contesting 
with multiple antenna's per band.  This is always better anyway.  The 
ATU will retune on the "FLY" but to me does not seem useable for contest 
switching of antenna's, way to slow,  if there are significant SWR 
differences.   For me It will depend on the firmware fixes and how they 
are implemented.  My solution will be to do some antenna work this 
summer..  I could get by with tube type amplifiers but with SS not so much!


Ed W0SD




__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Using the K2 above 29 MHz

[Edward R Cole]

Steve - VE3SMA,

I see the same thing on 2m using my K3 with a DEMI transverter.  The 
K3 will tune 28-32 MHz in transverter mode but there is not enough 
drive above 30 MHz.  My 25w transverter drops to 7w at 146.52 (30.52 
MHz IF).  So its not usable at the FM end of 2m band.


Whether this a limitation of the DEMI unit or K3 is 
debatable.  Result is unusable.


Rather than get upset, I just use a 2m-FM radio at frequencies >146 
MHz.  But I see your conundrum as you would like to use a higher 
freq. for IF on mw.


KX3-2M works fine over full band, and the KX3-2M is my mw IF radio.

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


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K4?

[Erik Basilier]

I know that many people love controlling everything from a PC, but that is for 
me a don't-want, as I don't want the extra box to start up, and using a mouse 
and keyboard is much less convenient than knobs. Of course, using contesting 
software does involve the PC, but even in that situation I want my knobs. 
Controlling the rig from a PC repulses me even more so lately, since Microsoft 
is forcing software updates on us ever more frequently. Very disruptive. I do 
understand that increased vulnerabilities demand it, but then the 
vulnerabilities are caused by Microsoft itself, always adding functionality 
without concern for security (except for Microsoft job security). Some will say 
that Linux is the answer but I have been there, and I would prefer a special 
version of Windows that removes a lot of bells and whistles and doesn't need 
frequent updates. Has anyone investigated which ham software products work or 
don't work with Windows set to protected mode?

On the subject of panadapter features, I can see some utility in using a mouse, 
as pushing the P3 knob does indeed tend to move the whole box. However, unless 
there is software based automatic fine tuning, I find that mouse clicking on a 
signal usually requires fine adjustment with the tuning knob. The advantage of 
the mouse then is the ability to make large jumps without a lot of knob 
spinning. That need is sharply reduced by using the RIT knob as a coarse tuning 
knob. 

Perhaps the K4 packaging should place most of the P3 electronics as an optional 
plug-in board inside the radio, and place a slightly bigger display in a 
separate, P3-size box. The P3 controls would be on the radio. The existing 
controls for the second rx could be kept for those who can stomach them, but a 
new button on the radio would switch the P3 display to show all aspects of 
second rx settings, and allow adjustment. Another press of the new button, or a 
number of actions such as moving the main tuning knob, would go back to normal 
P3 display.

73,
Erik K7TV



-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Richard Thorne
Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2018 4:31 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K4?

I was going to make the suggestion for a rig with out knobs.

All of my current equipment is rack mounted.  I operate with software and a 
mouse.  Keeps the desk uncluttered and the monitor below eye level.  The K3 
Remote could be used if one wanted knobs.

Rich - N5ZC

On 5/19/2018 5:36 PM, Dauer, Edward wrote:
>Me too.  After I determined some years ago that my then-new K3 was 
> actually working, I gave my Yaesus away - both of them.  I haven't missed 
> them since.  My backups are now a pair of K2s at one QTH and a KX3/KXPA at 
> another.
>
> I suspect many though not all of the capability changes - as opposed to the 
> ergonomic changes - proposed in this thread could be implemented without 
> changing the box.  If there were one additional item on my list it would be 
> having an internal keyer that would make external logging programs redundant. 
>  And the NR system . . .
>
> Apart from that, and apart from my own ergonomic preferences, I am willing to 
> bet that whatever comes next isn't a bigger box but rather the other way 
> around.  I have heard the K3/S described more than once as an SDR with knobs. 
>  Maybe.  But my bet would be , if there is a K4 or some such, it will be an 
> SDR without knobs.  Any takers?
>
> Ted, KN1CBR
>
>
>
>  Message: 16
>  Date: Sat, 19 May 2018 11:51:50 -0700
>  From: Jim Brown 
>  To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>  Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K4
>  Message-ID:
>   <4a95b31d-0210-d98b-20df-7cf649a4d...@audiosystemsgroup.com>
>  Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
>  
>  
>  My experience is quite different. From the beginning (in 2008), I found
>  the user interface very well thought out. Maybe that's because I started
>  by RTFM.? Everything I need while operating is on the front panel. The
>  menus are organized so that they are almost never needed during
>  operation except to fix a setting that was wrong in the first place. I
>  can't remember the last time I needed to go into menus for anything but
>  setup with new outboard equipment.
>  
>  My K3s replaced a pair of FT1000MPs. Everything about the K3 performance
>  and user interface is far superior. AND the change freed up a LOT of
>  space on my operating desk!
>  
>  73, Jim K9YC
>   
>
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email 
> list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html Message delivered to 
> 

Re: [Elecraft] K4?

[Wes Stewart]

If you watch Rob's presentation here: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owaaT6u4XkY=10=PLRSwUN4qr1LpU_cjWRYvszhDggoqlEQFF

you could note the sales figures for the ICOM 7300, an SDR radio WITH knobs.

Currently available radios without knobs are sold by Flex and Apache.  But now 
Flex has the "M" series with knobs.  Maybe that says something about what the 
market prefers.


Personally, I want knobs.

Wes  N7WS

On 5/19/2018 3:36 PM, Dauer, Edward wrote:

   Me too.  After I determined some years ago that my then-new K3 was actually 
working, I gave my Yaesus away - both of them.  I haven't missed them since.  
My backups are now a pair of K2s at one QTH and a KX3/KXPA at another.

I suspect many though not all of the capability changes - as opposed to the 
ergonomic changes - proposed in this thread could be implemented without 
changing the box.  If there were one additional item on my list it would be 
having an internal keyer that would make external logging programs redundant.  
And the NR system . . .

Apart from that, and apart from my own ergonomic preferences, I am willing to 
bet that whatever comes next isn't a bigger box but rather the other way 
around.  I have heard the K3/S described more than once as an SDR with knobs.  
Maybe.  But my bet would be , if there is a K4 or some such, it will be an SDR 
without knobs.  Any takers?

Ted, KN1CBR




__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K4?

[Richard Thorne]

I was going to make the suggestion for a rig with out knobs.

All of my current equipment is rack mounted.  I operate with software 
and a mouse.  Keeps the desk uncluttered and the monitor below eye 
level.  The K3 Remote could be used if one wanted knobs.


Rich - N5ZC

On 5/19/2018 5:36 PM, Dauer, Edward wrote:

   Me too.  After I determined some years ago that my then-new K3 was actually 
working, I gave my Yaesus away - both of them.  I haven't missed them since.  
My backups are now a pair of K2s at one QTH and a KX3/KXPA at another.

I suspect many though not all of the capability changes - as opposed to the 
ergonomic changes - proposed in this thread could be implemented without 
changing the box.  If there were one additional item on my list it would be 
having an internal keyer that would make external logging programs redundant.  
And the NR system . . .

Apart from that, and apart from my own ergonomic preferences, I am willing to 
bet that whatever comes next isn't a bigger box but rather the other way 
around.  I have heard the K3/S described more than once as an SDR with knobs.  
Maybe.  But my bet would be , if there is a K4 or some such, it will be an SDR 
without knobs.  Any takers?

Ted, KN1CBR



 Message: 16
 Date: Sat, 19 May 2018 11:51:50 -0700
 From: Jim Brown 
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K4
 Message-ID:
<4a95b31d-0210-d98b-20df-7cf649a4d...@audiosystemsgroup.com>
 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed
 
 
 My experience is quite different. From the beginning (in 2008), I found

 the user interface very well thought out. Maybe that's because I started
 by RTFM.? Everything I need while operating is on the front panel. The
 menus are organized so that they are almost never needed during
 operation except to fix a setting that was wrong in the first place. I
 can't remember the last time I needed to go into menus for anything but
 setup with new outboard equipment.
 
 My K3s replaced a pair of FT1000MPs. Everything about the K3 performance

 and user interface is far superior. AND the change freed up a LOT of
 space on my operating desk!
 
 73, Jim K9YC
  


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to rtho...@rthorne.net



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] Subject: Re: K4

[Jim Shepherd]

I definitely would like to see mouse control for the P3... The current
buttons and especially the rotary encoder are stiff enough so that the unit
moves when they are pushed. With a mouse controlling these features the
unit is not touched. A USB port to allow the use of a wired mouse or a
dongle with a wireless mouse would be ideal.

Also, the addition of a HDMI port in addition to the SVGA. More of the
larger monitors are coming without SVGA inputs. It would also be a way to
send l audio to speakers in the monitor.  HDMI can be used for split
screen video (PIP) allowing several windows  with different displays to be
shown on a single large monitor.

An additional rotary encoder on the front panel of the K4 to allow for
1-5-10-20-50 KHz tuning steps across the band. Currently, the RIT/XIT knob
can be reconfigured for that function.

A small slot on the back of the radio to accept a computer cable lock for
use when the radio will be used at public events like Field Day, etc. This
should be added to the whole line.  It will not stop a determined thief,
but it will deter some.

A couple of more antenna ports on the back to allow several different
antennas with memories for the tuner settings for each.

More programmable memory buttons so that voice recorder is not using the
same ones as CW or Digital.

Backlighting on all the buttons and controls..

50 Amp power pole connecter for incoming power, keyed so that the KPA1500
power cable will not connect. 2 standard size power plugs for aux power out
to P3, etc. Main power cable upgraded to #6 wire.

Jim W6US
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] K4?

[Dauer, Edward]

  Me too.  After I determined some years ago that my then-new K3 was actually 
working, I gave my Yaesus away - both of them.  I haven't missed them since.  
My backups are now a pair of K2s at one QTH and a KX3/KXPA at another.

I suspect many though not all of the capability changes - as opposed to the 
ergonomic changes - proposed in this thread could be implemented without 
changing the box.  If there were one additional item on my list it would be 
having an internal keyer that would make external logging programs redundant.  
And the NR system . . . 

Apart from that, and apart from my own ergonomic preferences, I am willing to 
bet that whatever comes next isn't a bigger box but rather the other way 
around.  I have heard the K3/S described more than once as an SDR with knobs.  
Maybe.  But my bet would be , if there is a K4 or some such, it will be an SDR 
without knobs.  Any takers? 

Ted, KN1CBR



Message: 16
Date: Sat, 19 May 2018 11:51:50 -0700
From: Jim Brown 
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K4
Message-ID:
<4a95b31d-0210-d98b-20df-7cf649a4d...@audiosystemsgroup.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed


My experience is quite different. From the beginning (in 2008), I found 
the user interface very well thought out. Maybe that's because I started 
by RTFM.? Everything I need while operating is on the front panel. The 
menus are organized so that they are almost never needed during 
operation except to fix a setting that was wrong in the first place. I 
can't remember the last time I needed to go into menus for anything but 
setup with new outboard equipment.

My K3s replaced a pair of FT1000MPs. Everything about the K3 performance 
and user interface is far superior. AND the change freed up a LOT of 
space on my operating desk!

73, Jim K9YC
 

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Using the K2 above 29 MHz

[Steve Kavanagh via Elecraft]

OK, Dave.  Yes, I am somewhat familiar with DEMI's predecessor of the K60XV.  
It had no Elecraft-style power control, so it wouldn't surprise me if the power 
fell off with frequency above 29 MHz.  I guess I should test the 29+ MHz output 
level of the K60XV in the K2 I have with one installed.

Thanks for your info.

73,
Steve VE3SMA

On Sat, 5/19/18, Dave Sublette  wrote:

 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Using the K2 above 29 MHz
 To: "Steve Kavanagh" 
 Received: Saturday, May 19, 2018, 4:54 PM
 
 Well now
 -- I don't think I was using the K60XV.  When Steve
 Kostro developed the DEMI board, it just was wired into some
 point on the  output chain.  He changed the ON/OFF Power
 switch on the back to select either the HF QRP signal or the
 output of the transverter board at the BNC connector.  The
 output of the transverter was about 22 dBm or 220
 mw.
 Dave
 
 
 On Sat, May
 19, 2018 at 3:39 PM Steve Kavanagh 
 wrote:
 Thanks,
 Dave.  
 
 
 
 Were you using a K60XV transverter interface or the QRP
 antenna jack for transmit output (and if the latter, at what
 power level) ?
 
 
 
 73,
 
 Steve VE3SMA
 
 
 
 On Sat, 5/19/18, Dave Sublette 
 wrote:
 
 
 
  Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Using the K2 above 29 MHz
 
  To: "Steve Kavanagh" 
 
  Cc: "Elecraft Discussion List" 
 
  Received: Saturday, May 19, 2018, 2:12 PM
 
 
 
  I have
 
  used my K2 with a DEMI 2M transverter board in it to
 drive
 
  transverters from 902 through  10368 MHz for many
 years. 
 
  When I used it to drive both 902 and 903 MHz portions
 of
 
  that band, the output was very much lower when 29MHz was
 in
 
  use for 903.  I can't say whether it was due to the
 29
 
  MHz IF or the 144MHz transverter output.  I didn't
 pay
 
  much attention to spurs as 902/903 is a trashy band
 
  anyway.  I have made many nice QSOs with the setup.
 
  73,
 
  Dave, K4TO
 
  On Sat, May 19,
 
  2018 at 1:18 PM Steve Kavanagh via Elecraft 
 
  wrote:
 
  The K2 is specified to operate
 
  on 10m only up to 28.8 MHz.  While contemplating
 possible
 
  future VHF rigs for a multi-operator multi-band
 environment,
 
  I have wondered about using a K2 as an IF for VHF
 
  transverters at around 29-29.4 MHz (to avoid
 interference
 
  with bands using 28 MHz IF).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Both of my K2s seem to operate (VFO synthesizer works) up
 to
 
  30 MHz.  At 29.5 MHz the available transmit power (QRP)
 is
 
  starting to drop off and this is quite noticeable at 30
 
  MHz.  The QRP PA efficiency drops off somewhat as
 well. 
 
  There are a few receive birdies on the 100 watt radio,
 but
 
  the QRP one is pretty quiet - nothing that should be
 
  noticeable under the extra noise coming from a
 
  transverter.  Turning the preamp on makes extra noise as
 it
 
  should (but it is after the bandpass filters so that
 
  doesn't mean a whole lot).  But it seems that it
 should
 
  work ok as long as I don't want more than 4-5 watts
 
  (most likely I'd use a K60XV), perhaps with a bit
 of
 
  bandpass filter tweaking.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Are there any caveats that I am unaware of?  Spurious
 
  emissions, perhaps?  Has anyone tried using their K2
 above
 
  29 MHz?
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  73,
 
 
 
  Steve VE3SMA
 
 
 
  __
 
 
 
  Elecraft mailing list
 
 
 
  Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
 
 
 
  Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
 
 
 
  Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
 
 
 
  Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
 
 
 
  Message delivered to k...@arrl.net
 
 
 
 
 
 
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K4

[Erik Basilier]

I am currently using two K3 radios with various updates including the new 
synthesizers, and see no reason to go the the K3S model. Years ago I added the 
second receiver to my original K3. I liked the diversity capability, but I am 
not much of a DX'er and eventually got rid of the second receiver.

I went to the K3 from an FT-1000D, and found the K3 user interface very well 
thought out. Not at all hard to learn with respect to the most needed controls, 
although more obscure functions still have me looking in the manual. With that 
said, and since we are discussing possible improvements, I can suggest the 
following:

I immediately missed the lack of band and mode buttons. Not a big deal, but 
still noticeable on a frequent basis after many years.

The 4 controls with dual green LED's have a flimsy, cheap feel. The combination 
of multiple functions is perfect, but something used so often should feel super 
solid and expensive.
My short term memory is bad, and I constantly find myself activating one of 
these controls just to see the current power setting and cw speed etc. 
Dedicated display real estate would be an improvement. I am ashamed to say that 
I haven't looked closely at whether one can always display the current setting 
witout changing it, but the reality as of right now is that I frequently go 
through the motions of changing a setting just to get it displayed, and then 
changing it back. This is a lot of wasted effort. 

The pushbuttons can sometimes malfunction if one doesn't push hard enough, and 
the dual functions (good idea in general) should be enough justification for 
buttons with a "Rolls Royce feel". In some cases dedicated buttons would be 
justified as opposed to the dual functions. I got the DVR option for one of the 
radios and expected it to be used a lot for getting a second chance to copy 
something deep in the noise during a contest. I actually never use it because I 
am not consistent enough in achieving the HOLD of the button that is required, 
especially in a busy situation. There were several reasons I sold the 2nd 
receiver. Not involved in DX chasing, I didn't have enough need, and I didn't 
have enough real estate to make the most of the diversity capability. For years 
I didn't have much time to operate, and I often updated the K3 firmware just to 
get on the air for a short period of time. This erased my settings to suppress 
the birdies caused by the second receiver. Being a b
 it of a perfectionist, I would spend an hour entering new settings. Yes, most 
of those birdies were weak enough that they didn't affect my ability to copy 
any given signal, but when tuning around each birdie would cause me to pause 
unnecessarigy for a fraction of a second. Yes, I could have spent some more 
time than I did adjusting the cable positions inside the radio to minimize the 
strength of the birdies, but I did spend time on it, and noone has told me that 
that would eliminate them entirely. I would hope that the K4 will change 
something fundamentally in the design so as to effect complete elimination of 
the birdies. Last but not least, I was never comfortable with the user 
interface for the second receiver. The status of it needs to be more visible 
through dedicated display real estate. 

Although one can argue for additions to the front panel controls and display 
items, I would not want anything like the size of yakencom top-of-the-line 
monsters. For one thing, I want my radios to be easily liftable. Something like 
my old FT-1000D is a nightmare to lift. Also, too much front panel real estate 
is a problem in SO2R operations, where you have to reach everything quickly. I 
think most if not all of what I have asked for above could be achieved in a 
front panel size matching that of the KPA1500. This would be a logical move for 
Elecraft.  Since I have added P3's to both radios, I wouldn't consider being 
without them. I doubt that a P3-size screen could fit in the KPA1500 size front 
panel, but since the P3 takes up the space anyway within the reach of the SO2R 
operator, I would be fine with the KPA1500-sized front panel lengthened by a P3 
width. Surely, the combination of the two units would make possible some 
improvements in panadapter controls and, additional use
 s for panadapter screen display items.

Although I mostly operate cw, I have recently been on 20 ssb a bit. I have 
found that most ssb stations on 20 are effectively channelized. When manually 
scanning the band I save a lot of time by using the RIT knob as a tuning knob 
with 0.5 kHz steps. I sometimes wish that knob were bigger and with better 
feel. The high resolution of the P3 display shows great differences between 
different stations, and the visual differences often correlate with what one 
hears. If a station has inadequate emphasis on the highs (or excessive lows), 
that is easily seen. Also, some stations stand out for having clean smooth 
flanks, while others have ragged flanks. IC-7300 

Re: [Elecraft] My First Report KPA 1500

[Roy Koeppe]

"...did notice an occasional flashing of yellow and red in the SWR led
string.  I watched my inline meter and it showed nothing during those
bursts so something is going on there. (etc.)"


This is common with the new amp.  Elecraft is working on a firmware update 
to correct it -- hopefully. Just ignore flashing LEDs for now.


73,   RoyK6XK 



__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] My First Report KPA 1500

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

On 2018-05-19 4:45 PM, Richard Zalewski wrote:
> I did notice an occasional flashing of yellow and red in the SWR led
> string.  I watched my inline meter and it showed nothing during those
> bursts so something is going on there.

Likely ALC overshoot (momentary overdrive) from the Kenwood rig.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


On 2018-05-19 4:45 PM, Richard Zalewski wrote:

Just finished my first contest with the KPA-1500.  Unit arrived yesterday
in perfect condition.  Packaging very professional.  Putting on a new 220v
AC plug took the longest of anything.  Probably made the first Q less than
an hour after the box was dropped off at the door.

Today was just a short CW contest (King of Spain).  Everything was great.
The fans do come on rather quickly even in a CW contest but with my
headsets noise level wasn't objectionable.  Will see when it comes time for
a RTTY or SSB test.

I did notice an occasional flashing of yellow and red in the SWR led
string.  I watched my inline meter and it showed nothing during those
bursts so something is going on there.  Believe this was noted by others.

I ran the contest with 40w of drive from the TS-990S and produced in the
area of 1400w.

So far quite pleased.

Richard
*W7ZR* ex:5C5Z, CN2ZR, K2JSP, W6SBZ, W7KXR, K9ZIJ, W9KNF, W0KDF, W0MQU,
J68ZR, KC6ZR, PJ4/W7ZR, KH2,W7ZR, KH6/W7ZR, V31ZR, VK4AAZ, XE2DV


*Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer*
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to li...@subich.com


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] To the Icom fans ...

[Bob McGraw K4TAX]

I agree the K3S fills in most all of the shortcomings of the early and even 
later K3's.   That's why I purchased a K3S.  After almost 3 years now of daily 
usage, it is now at Elecraft for updates. 

I'm very satisfied with the excellent performance and the ability to customize 
a radio to my preferences.  I'll pass on the assortment of "cookie cutter" 
radios from other companies. 

73
Bob, K4TAX


Sent from my iPhone

> On May 19, 2018, at 3:31 PM, Stefan von Baltz, DL1IAO  
> wrote:
> 
> Hello Ken & Bob (callsign?),
> 
> I’m very sorry that you and others seem to feel annoyed because of the K4 
> discussion. This was not my intention but I’m a bit disappointed that this 
> quickly drifted off into a 'so why did you buy an Elecraft product' debate 
> instead of discussing things more objectively.
> 
> Someone was asking about a K4 and I just started to think out loud what in my 
> eyes would perfect the K3S or even justify a new model. This was not meant as 
> criticism. However, my points did not come 'out of the blue' as I and others 
> have been collecting notes since the K3 hit the market. Back then and after 
> careful evaluation of an early model we just silently went with another 
> product. Since then many issues have been addressed making the upgraded 
> K3/K3S a mature product, and my list has shrunken to the aforementioned 
> points. It now seemed appropriate to articulate them.
> 
> I’m not expecting at all that someone will build a radio to my personal 
> needs. Most of it is subjective and debatable, anyway. But we all would agree 
> that time moves on and it does make sense to help such a responsive company 
> like Elecraft with new ideas which they might consider for future products. 
> As a long-time reader of this list I understand that it has been this way all 
> the time and hence I don’t feel it is wrong to mention possible improvements.
> 
> It is absolutely fine if you are happy with your early serial number K3. 
> However, there may be issues you are not aware of and for good reason 
> Elecraft has come out with upgrades. One example is the CW timing issue of 
> the K3 with the old synthesizer as mentioned earlier:
> http://lists.f5mzn.org/pipermail/support/2013-November/083384.html
> http://mldxcc.org/n6tv-k3.pdf
> 
> There are still a few CW signals on the bands, even highly respected and 
> successful contesters, which can be recognized by their choppy keying. If you 
> are not into CW faster than about 32 WPM this is not an issue. But an early 
> serial number K3 is not an immaculate radio.
> 
> As stated by others Rob Sherwood measures just some aspects of the rigs 
> performance. These do matter if you are into serious DX-contesting with big 
> antennas. But there are other technical and operational aspects which are not 
> covered and he never intended to do so.
> 
> Getting back to the first two points of my list which unintentionally 
> contained a comparison with newer ICOM rigs:
> 
> - Yes, to me it is amazing how ICOM does it, but the NR really works 
> excellent and everybody else who has operated an IC-7851 will agree. 
> 
> - ICOMs APF is easier to understand: It is basically a DSP audio filter with 
> preselectable bandwidths of 80/160 or 320Hz in context with a 0-6db 
> amplifier. This makes it useful as a quick option to emphasize a weak or 
> disturbed signal. Elecrafts APF in contrast has a fixed 30Hz bandwidth and is 
> more suitable to emphasize a very weak signal when you have the time to tune 
> it in. The ability to select both APF paradigms would be awesome. But again, 
> this is debatable. 
> 
> Having said that, I love my K3S and although it took a few years it has now 
> become my preferred CW rig.
> 
> 
> 73,
> 
> Stefan DL1IAO, SA3CWW/SM9A
> 
> 
> --
> Stefan v. Baltz
> dl1...@contesting.com
> http://www.dl1iao.com
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
>> Am 19.05.2018 um 15:28 schrieb Ken G Kopp :
>> 
>> If you're so happy with Icom's performance, why did you buy an Elecraft
>> product?
>> 
>> 73!
>> 
>> K0PP
>> __
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>> 
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to dl1...@contesting.com
> 
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to rmcg...@blomand.net


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: 

[Elecraft] My First Report KPA 1500

[Richard Zalewski]

Just finished my first contest with the KPA-1500.  Unit arrived yesterday
in perfect condition.  Packaging very professional.  Putting on a new 220v
AC plug took the longest of anything.  Probably made the first Q less than
an hour after the box was dropped off at the door.

Today was just a short CW contest (King of Spain).  Everything was great.
The fans do come on rather quickly even in a CW contest but with my
headsets noise level wasn't objectionable.  Will see when it comes time for
a RTTY or SSB test.

I did notice an occasional flashing of yellow and red in the SWR led
string.  I watched my inline meter and it showed nothing during those
bursts so something is going on there.  Believe this was noted by others.

I ran the contest with 40w of drive from the TS-990S and produced in the
area of 1400w.

So far quite pleased.

Richard
*W7ZR* ex:5C5Z, CN2ZR, K2JSP, W6SBZ, W7KXR, K9ZIJ, W9KNF, W0KDF, W0MQU,
J68ZR, KC6ZR, PJ4/W7ZR, KH2,W7ZR, KH6/W7ZR, V31ZR, VK4AAZ, XE2DV


*Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer*
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] To the Icom fans ...

[Stefan von Baltz, DL1IAO]

Hello Ken & Bob (callsign?),

I’m very sorry that you and others seem to feel annoyed because of the K4 
discussion. This was not my intention but I’m a bit disappointed that this 
quickly drifted off into a 'so why did you buy an Elecraft product' debate 
instead of discussing things more objectively.

Someone was asking about a K4 and I just started to think out loud what in my 
eyes would perfect the K3S or even justify a new model. This was not meant as 
criticism. However, my points did not come 'out of the blue' as I and others 
have been collecting notes since the K3 hit the market. Back then and after 
careful evaluation of an early model we just silently went with another 
product. Since then many issues have been addressed making the upgraded K3/K3S 
a mature product, and my list has shrunken to the aforementioned points. It now 
seemed appropriate to articulate them.

I’m not expecting at all that someone will build a radio to my personal needs. 
Most of it is subjective and debatable, anyway. But we all would agree that 
time moves on and it does make sense to help such a responsive company like 
Elecraft with new ideas which they might consider for future products. As a 
long-time reader of this list I understand that it has been this way all the 
time and hence I don’t feel it is wrong to mention possible improvements.

It is absolutely fine if you are happy with your early serial number K3. 
However, there may be issues you are not aware of and for good reason Elecraft 
has come out with upgrades. One example is the CW timing issue of the K3 with 
the old synthesizer as mentioned earlier:
http://lists.f5mzn.org/pipermail/support/2013-November/083384.html
http://mldxcc.org/n6tv-k3.pdf

There are still a few CW signals on the bands, even highly respected and 
successful contesters, which can be recognized by their choppy keying. If you 
are not into CW faster than about 32 WPM this is not an issue. But an early 
serial number K3 is not an immaculate radio.

As stated by others Rob Sherwood measures just some aspects of the rigs 
performance. These do matter if you are into serious DX-contesting with big 
antennas. But there are other technical and operational aspects which are not 
covered and he never intended to do so.

Getting back to the first two points of my list which unintentionally contained 
a comparison with newer ICOM rigs:

- Yes, to me it is amazing how ICOM does it, but the NR really works excellent 
and everybody else who has operated an IC-7851 will agree. 

- ICOMs APF is easier to understand: It is basically a DSP audio filter with 
preselectable bandwidths of 80/160 or 320Hz in context with a 0-6db amplifier. 
This makes it useful as a quick option to emphasize a weak or disturbed signal. 
Elecrafts APF in contrast has a fixed 30Hz bandwidth and is more suitable to 
emphasize a very weak signal when you have the time to tune it in. The ability 
to select both APF paradigms would be awesome. But again, this is debatable. 

Having said that, I love my K3S and although it took a few years it has now 
become my preferred CW rig.


73,

Stefan DL1IAO, SA3CWW/SM9A


--
Stefan v. Baltz
dl1...@contesting.com
http://www.dl1iao.com





> Am 19.05.2018 um 15:28 schrieb Ken G Kopp :
> 
> If you're so happy with Icom's performance, why did you buy an Elecraft
> product?
> 
> 73!
> 
> K0PP
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to dl1...@contesting.com

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Using the K2 above 29 MHz

[Steve Kavanagh via Elecraft]

Thanks, Dave.  

Were you using a K60XV transverter interface or the QRP antenna jack for 
transmit output (and if the latter, at what power level) ?

73,
Steve VE3SMA

On Sat, 5/19/18, Dave Sublette  wrote:

 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Using the K2 above 29 MHz
 To: "Steve Kavanagh" 
 Cc: "Elecraft Discussion List" 
 Received: Saturday, May 19, 2018, 2:12 PM
 
 I have
 used my K2 with a DEMI 2M transverter board in it to drive
 transverters from 902 through  10368 MHz for many years. 
 When I used it to drive both 902 and 903 MHz portions of
 that band, the output was very much lower when 29MHz was in
 use for 903.  I can't say whether it was due to the 29
 MHz IF or the 144MHz transverter output.  I didn't pay
 much attention to spurs as 902/903 is a trashy band
 anyway.  I have made many nice QSOs with the setup.
 73,
 Dave, K4TO
 On Sat, May 19,
 2018 at 1:18 PM Steve Kavanagh via Elecraft 
 wrote:
 The K2 is specified to operate
 on 10m only up to 28.8 MHz.  While contemplating possible
 future VHF rigs for a multi-operator multi-band environment,
 I have wondered about using a K2 as an IF for VHF
 transverters at around 29-29.4 MHz (to avoid interference
 with bands using 28 MHz IF).
 
 
 
 Both of my K2s seem to operate (VFO synthesizer works) up to
 30 MHz.  At 29.5 MHz the available transmit power (QRP) is
 starting to drop off and this is quite noticeable at 30
 MHz.  The QRP PA efficiency drops off somewhat as well. 
 There are a few receive birdies on the 100 watt radio, but
 the QRP one is pretty quiet - nothing that should be
 noticeable under the extra noise coming from a
 transverter.  Turning the preamp on makes extra noise as it
 should (but it is after the bandpass filters so that
 doesn't mean a whole lot).  But it seems that it should
 work ok as long as I don't want more than 4-5 watts
 (most likely I'd use a K60XV), perhaps with a bit of
 bandpass filter tweaking.
 
 
 
 Are there any caveats that I am unaware of?  Spurious
 emissions, perhaps?  Has anyone tried using their K2 above
 29 MHz?
 
 
 
 73,
 
 Steve VE3SMA
 
 __
 
 Elecraft mailing list
 
 Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
 
 Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
 
 Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 
 
 
 This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
 
 Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
 
 Message delivered to k...@arrl.net
 
 
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K4

[Bill Frantz]

My experience is similar to Jim's. I used an Icom 706MK2G where 
the UI drove me up the wall. I particularly like the way I can 
change between CW, digital, and voice with the K3 without having 
to change plugs like I need to on the KX3.


One improvement I can think of in the K3 UI is in setting the 
noise reduction parameters. They exist on two dimensions, but 
the adjustment is only done with one knob. Perhaps the 
adjustment would be more intuitive if the two bandwidth 
adjustment knobs -- shift/lo and hi/width -- were temporarily 
changed the adjust the two dimensions until leaving NR 
adjustment mode.


73 Bill AE6JV

On 5/19/18 at 11:51 AM, j...@audiosystemsgroup.com (Jim Brown) wrote:

My experience is quite different. From the beginning (in 2008), 
I found the user interface very well thought out. Maybe that's 
because I started by RTFM.  Everything I need while operating 
is on the front panel. The menus are organized so that they are 
almost never needed during operation except to fix a setting 
that was wrong in the first place. I can't remember the last 
time I needed to go into menus for anything but setup with new 
outboard equipment.


---
Bill Frantz| Concurrency is hard. 12 out  | Periwinkle
(408)356-8506  | 10 programmers get it wrong. | 16345 
Englewood Ave
www.pwpconsult.com |- Jeff Frantz | Los Gatos, 
CA 95032


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K4

[Jim Brown]

On 5/19/2018 9:38 AM, Martin Sole wrote:
A better more up to date menu system that either removes or better, 
handles the myriad un-intuitive selections. There are a number of menu 
options which unless you have significant handbook familiarity lack 
explanation about additional keypad presses. There are even some for 
which software updates need to be consulted though that is a different 
matter. Some menu choices could well be better homed as front panel 
controls.


My experience is quite different. From the beginning (in 2008), I found 
the user interface very well thought out. Maybe that's because I started 
by RTFM.  Everything I need while operating is on the front panel. The 
menus are organized so that they are almost never needed during 
operation except to fix a setting that was wrong in the first place. I 
can't remember the last time I needed to go into menus for anything but 
setup with new outboard equipment.


My K3s replaced a pair of FT1000MPs. Everything about the K3 performance 
and user interface is far superior. AND the change freed up a LOT of 
space on my operating desk!


73, Jim K9YC

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3 to K3S Upgrade Opinions

[Jim Brown]

On 5/19/2018 8:25 AM, Wes Stewart wrote:

The old K3 is deaf on 6 and 10 meters, if that matters to you.


Which is why to replace (or add) the newer KXVB board, which includes a 
second preamp that can be selected above 15M.


73, Jim K9YC

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] To the Icom fans ...

[Jim Brown]

On 5/19/2018 6:43 AM, Bill wrote:

My real back up rig is a brand new K3S, sitting on a shelf at the factory.


I upgraded my early production K3s most of the way to K3Ss by installing 
the new synth boards and the new transverter board (for the preamp), and 
I'm a very happy camper.


73, Jim K9YC


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K4

[wb4jfi]

I was thinking along similar lines.  If enough hams find the smaller K3 
front panel difficult, (and are adverse to present computer-based solutions) 
maybe an external box that has LOTs of knobs, etc... that plugs into the K3 
DB9, could be made.  Using any one of several 
microcomputers/microcontrollers, such a box could be designed.  It might be 
somewhat costly, as buttons, knobs, displays, are all physical devices that 
cost $$.  But, this might give some hams the best of both worlds.  A compact 
rig when needed, but lots of buttons, knobs, displays when someone wants 
them.


I've done some limited K3/KX3 remote control with Arduinos (and wifi), I 
doubt a simple Uno would be sufficient.  But some device with more GPIO pins 
and memory could certainly interface to the K3/KX3.  Such as a Due, 
Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone Black, Teensy, or even an Arduino Mega.


Interestingly, I now have three "retro" 8080 CP/M computers that use a Due 
(or Mega) to emulate a whole Altair/IMSAI computer box.  These devices have 
enough I/O pins to support all the switches and LEDs of an original Altair 
front panel and serial I/O - without any multiplexing.  Using encoders 
instead of pots would help reduce analog I/O for a radio interface for 
example.


Is there much interest in such a device?  If so, maybe a group could discuss 
this more, and come up with some specific front panel control/display 
requirements.


Note that I am happy with my K3 as-is.  Also, several computer control 
solutions already exist, so I assume that this would be a very limited 
"market".

73, Terry, N4TLF (formally WB4JFI)


-Original Message- 
From: George Thornton

Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2018 1:49 PM
To: Martin Sole ; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K4

If you are used to working large rigs with lots of buttons, I can see how 
the K3/K3s might be an adjustment.


I have found the K3 controls to be natural and appropriate.  For most of my 
operation the buttons and dials I need to use in action are right at my 
fingertips.  Once set up correctly, I find little need to venture into the 
menu system on a day to day basis.


Sure. It would be nice to have band and mode stacks.  But is it that big a 
deal, worth spending many thousands of dollars to change?


We will gain nothing in performance with a bigger rig.  Already Elecraft 
outperforms ALL of the big boxes on the market, per Sherwood Engineering.


Here is an elegant and simple solution for the K4 that will satisfy the big 
box demand.


Design a modular big front panel that simply plugs into the K3.  Design 
should be relatively easy because you don't have to change the K3s itself, 
just add a command and control interface for the larger front panel.  Can 
you use the accessory port or do you need more connections?  I don't know I 
am not an engineer.  Currently computer radio control programs work with a 
simple DB9 connection.


Then give an option of mounting the K3s in a larger box.  That would have 
the added convenience of making it easier for us klutzes to be able to get 
into the rig to make changes such as adding filters.


So, you would have options:
1. standard K3s
2. Standalone large front panel.  Put your K3s under the table and mount 
your front panel wherever.
3. K3s in a larger box with the larger front panel mounted on the front. 
You can even add options to the large box such as nicer stereo built in 
speakers, even a built in AC to DC power supply.


It will all still be the best HF radio in the world, made right here in the 
US.


-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Martin Sole

Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2018 9:39 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K4

I'll weigh in on this a little before it gets stamped on again as being, 
unfortunately, irrelevant and pointless.


I think there is a big gaping hole in the Elecraft product line. Not in 
performance terms but more in ergonomics. A K3 has been my primary radio for 
a few years now and before that an Orion, before that a TS940,
TS830- etc etc. Performance wise there is no doubt the K3 bests them all, I 
recently built a K2 and think that's scarily good in raw performance terms 
as well. My K3 is pretty much fully kitted out and I have a P3 as well which 
is extremely useful and they're going nowhere.


From the super small super portable super capable K2 and KX3 to the small 
and portable and no less capable K3/K3S their market segments are well 
covered but KenYaeCom have surely sold enough
TS990,FT9000,IC7800/50/51 that shows well the market demand for a quality 
high end desktop sized radio. If the pictures on QRZ are anything to go by 
not everyone operates out of a shoe box with many having dedicated rooms for 
their radio hobbies. If the shoe box is your limitation then the K3 is 
undoubtedly a superb choice but where space is less restricted a bit more in 
the way of panel 

Re: [Elecraft] [K2] Using the K2 above 29 MHz

[Dave Sublette]

I have used my K2 with a DEMI 2M transverter board in it to drive
transverters from 902 through  10368 MHz for many years.  When I used it to
drive both 902 and 903 MHz portions of that band, the output was very much
lower when 29MHz was in use for 903.  I can't say whether it was due to the
29 MHz IF or the 144MHz transverter output.  I didn't pay much attention to
spurs as 902/903 is a trashy band anyway.  I have made many nice QSOs with
the setup.

73,

Dave, K4TO

On Sat, May 19, 2018 at 1:18 PM Steve Kavanagh via Elecraft <
elecraft@mailman.qth.net> wrote:

> The K2 is specified to operate on 10m only up to 28.8 MHz.  While
> contemplating possible future VHF rigs for a multi-operator multi-band
> environment, I have wondered about using a K2 as an IF for VHF transverters
> at around 29-29.4 MHz (to avoid interference with bands using 28 MHz IF).
>
> Both of my K2s seem to operate (VFO synthesizer works) up to 30 MHz.  At
> 29.5 MHz the available transmit power (QRP) is starting to drop off and
> this is quite noticeable at 30 MHz.  The QRP PA efficiency drops off
> somewhat as well.  There are a few receive birdies on the 100 watt radio,
> but the QRP one is pretty quiet - nothing that should be noticeable under
> the extra noise coming from a transverter.  Turning the preamp on makes
> extra noise as it should (but it is after the bandpass filters so that
> doesn't mean a whole lot).  But it seems that it should work ok as long as
> I don't want more than 4-5 watts (most likely I'd use a K60XV), perhaps
> with a bit of bandpass filter tweaking.
>
> Are there any caveats that I am unaware of?  Spurious emissions, perhaps?
> Has anyone tried using their K2 above 29 MHz?
>
> 73,
> Steve VE3SMA
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to k...@arrl.net
>
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] RE; K3 to K3S Upgrade Opinions

[Nr4c]

If buying new, there is NO OPTION!



Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill


> On May 19, 2018, at 1:10 PM, Edward R Cole  wrote:
> 
> Frank,
> 
> I opted to do a few updates:
> New synth boards for both main and sub receiver
> Mod to general coverage bw filter
> 
> I already have plenty USB/RS-232 conversion cables and prefer that line audio 
> go to the computer via external soundcards.  USB I/F would require use of 
> internal soundcard.
> 
> A brand new tailor-made four channel 192-KHz ADC/DAC is being 
> designed/produced specifically for digital modes and will require baseband 
> audio from a receiver.  It will interface the computer via USB.  I'm on the 
> waiting list for it.
> 
> I already have PR6-10 so not needing it to be internal.  I like the bypass 
> feature to connect a remote preamp.
> I already have the EXREF and TCXO-03.
> 
> The rest are frills for my operating (non-HF).
> 
> Cost less than trading up.  If I were buying new, then definitely get the new 
> radio.
> 
> 73, Ed - KL7UW
>  http://www.kl7uw.com
> Dubus-NA Business mail:
>  dubus...@gmail.com 
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to n...@widomaker.com

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K4

[George Thornton]

If you are used to working large rigs with lots of buttons, I can see how the 
K3/K3s might be an adjustment.

I have found the K3 controls to be natural and appropriate.  For most of my 
operation the buttons and dials I need to use in action are right at my 
fingertips.  Once set up correctly, I find little need to venture into the menu 
system on a day to day basis.  

Sure. It would be nice to have band and mode stacks.  But is it that big a 
deal, worth spending many thousands of dollars to change?  

We will gain nothing in performance with a bigger rig.  Already Elecraft 
outperforms ALL of the big boxes on the market, per Sherwood Engineering.

Here is an elegant and simple solution for the K4 that will satisfy the big box 
demand.  

Design a modular big front panel that simply plugs into the K3.  Design should 
be relatively easy because you don't have to change the K3s itself, just add a 
command and control interface for the larger front panel.  Can you use the 
accessory port or do you need more connections?  I don't know I am not an 
engineer.  Currently computer radio control programs work with a simple DB9 
connection.  

Then give an option of mounting the K3s in a larger box.  That would have the 
added convenience of making it easier for us klutzes to be able to get into the 
rig to make changes such as adding filters.

So, you would have options:
1. standard K3s
2. Standalone large front panel.  Put your K3s under the table and mount your 
front panel wherever.
3. K3s in a larger box with the larger front panel mounted on the front.  You 
can even add options to the large box such as nicer stereo built in speakers, 
even a built in AC to DC power supply.

It will all still be the best HF radio in the world, made right here in the US.

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Martin Sole
Sent: Saturday, May 19, 2018 9:39 AM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K4

I'll weigh in on this a little before it gets stamped on again as being, 
unfortunately, irrelevant and pointless.

I think there is a big gaping hole in the Elecraft product line. Not in 
performance terms but more in ergonomics. A K3 has been my primary radio for a 
few years now and before that an Orion, before that a TS940,
TS830- etc etc. Performance wise there is no doubt the K3 bests them all, I 
recently built a K2 and think that's scarily good in raw performance terms as 
well. My K3 is pretty much fully kitted out and I have a P3 as well which is 
extremely useful and they're going nowhere.

 From the super small super portable super capable K2 and KX3 to the small and 
portable and no less capable K3/K3S their market segments are well covered but 
KenYaeCom have surely sold enough
TS990,FT9000,IC7800/50/51 that shows well the market demand for a quality high 
end desktop sized radio. If the pictures on QRZ are anything to go by not 
everyone operates out of a shoe box with many having dedicated rooms for their 
radio hobbies. If the shoe box is your limitation then the K3 is undoubtedly a 
superb choice but where space is less restricted a bit more in the way of panel 
acreage might well sway a lot more FT9000/TS900/IC78xx users I feel, not to 
mention those of us who just feel the K3 package is, for a desktop radio, just 
a bit too much of a compromise.

Key requirements on my end after considerable K3 usage. A better more up to 
date menu system that either removes or better, handles the myriad un-intuitive 
selections. There are a number of menu options which unless you have 
significant handbook familiarity lack explanation about additional keypad 
presses. There are even some for which software updates need to be consulted 
though that is a different matter. Some menu choices could well be better homed 
as front panel controls. The keypad is another area I find seriously lacking 
for a top end product. 
Again, great for the type of product it is but I find it lacking. Band keys, 
mode keys, a proper band stacking register, a better way to deal with the sub 
receiver settings, more, bigger and wider spaced control knobs, yes all of this 
needs panel space but that shouldn't really need to be a problem. It's possible 
the entire form factor could use a rethink, do we need a box 12 inches deep. 
Why not a front panel that is
16 inches by 6 inches on a radio that is just 5 inches deep. Overall it would 
likely be a similar volume and contain just as much under the skin. The Orion 
was probably overkill with the amount of fresh air in every box, some careful 
plug in board stacking could have reduced the box depth by half whilst 
retaining the same front panel space. A good display with all info including 
the somewhat obligatory scope and waterfall properly integrated seems a no 
brainer today I guess, of course with a port for connection of 36 inch full 4k 
displays, ideally with different screen displays.

I like the 

[Elecraft] [K2] Using the K2 above 29 MHz

[Steve Kavanagh via Elecraft]

The K2 is specified to operate on 10m only up to 28.8 MHz.  While contemplating 
possible future VHF rigs for a multi-operator multi-band environment, I have 
wondered about using a K2 as an IF for VHF transverters at around 29-29.4 MHz 
(to avoid interference with bands using 28 MHz IF).

Both of my K2s seem to operate (VFO synthesizer works) up to 30 MHz.  At 29.5 
MHz the available transmit power (QRP) is starting to drop off and this is 
quite noticeable at 30 MHz.  The QRP PA efficiency drops off somewhat as well.  
There are a few receive birdies on the 100 watt radio, but the QRP one is 
pretty quiet - nothing that should be noticeable under the extra noise coming 
from a transverter.  Turning the preamp on makes extra noise as it should (but 
it is after the bandpass filters so that doesn't mean a whole lot).  But it 
seems that it should work ok as long as I don't want more than 4-5 watts (most 
likely I'd use a K60XV), perhaps with a bit of bandpass filter tweaking.

Are there any caveats that I am unaware of?  Spurious emissions, perhaps?  Has 
anyone tried using their K2 above 29 MHz?

73,
Steve VE3SMA
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] RE; K3 to K3S Upgrade Opinions

[Edward R Cole]

Frank,

I opted to do a few updates:
New synth boards for both main and sub receiver
Mod to general coverage bw filter

I already have plenty USB/RS-232 conversion cables and prefer that 
line audio go to the computer via external soundcards.  USB I/F would 
require use of internal soundcard.


A brand new tailor-made four channel 192-KHz ADC/DAC is being 
designed/produced specifically for digital modes and will require 
baseband audio from a receiver.  It will interface the computer via 
USB.  I'm on the waiting list for it.


I already have PR6-10 so not needing it to be internal.  I like the 
bypass feature to connect a remote preamp.

I already have the EXREF and TCXO-03.

The rest are frills for my operating (non-HF).

Cost less than trading up.  If I were buying new, then definitely get 
the new radio.


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


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] K3 to K3S upgrade

[Bill Shanney]

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3 to K3S Upgrade Opinions

[WILLIE BABER]

My experience is similar to Stefan's. In so2r I typically used k3 as the S and 
P radio (but only after getting the the DSP board swap change). I used Orion as 
the run radio (and before that, Omni VI).

Other than on-the-air experience with radio equipment (my own as well as at 
ny4a M/M), the guide for me vis-a-vis radio performance is in two texts: Solid 
State Design for the Radio Amateur (1977, Wes Hayward and Doug DeMaw) and 
Introduction to Radio Frequency Design (1982, Wes Hayward).  On the one hand, 
this dates me (ok, so I am 67 years old, but I am still here and every day 
counts)!  On the other hand, how long does it take to understand and use a 
given level of technological excellence (as noted in the two texts), say in a 
cw contest (answer: far longer than the next "best ever produced" radio)?  BTW, 
after reading the above texts it was easy to understand the superior 
performance of Ten-Tec Omni series of radios compared to imports. Ten-Tec 
radios had later-to-be-named "roofing filters."

I was using Orion (revolution in synthesizer performance), mainly, but with the 
introduction of the new Elecraft synthesizer, I had my 2008 K3 fitted with one 
(plus any other mod that Elecraft wanted to include while they had the radio) 
and I purchased another K3.  So since early 2015? (anyway, right before K3s was 
released), I have been so2r K3, with dynamic range and phase noise second to no 
other radio.  In short, a (late model) K3 with synthesizer board (or an updated 
early K3 like one of mine) is as good as K3s for my purpose.  This perception 
has come from on-the-air experience, guided by the above text, as well as 
integration of the so2r system.

In K3s, the second preamp is not needed on 10m; you may need the preamp on 6m.  
I use K3 160m-10m, HF contest bands only.  Having the ability to disable the K3 
preamp and/or put in 10 db of attenuation works fine 160m through 20m.  K3S has 
10db more blocking (150db!), but 140 db of blocking in K3 is already remarkable 
in that 130 db is outstanding.  The digital mode change of K3s would be 
desirable by digital mode ops, I suspect. 

My so2r system, here and now, is far more integrated and functional compared to 
anything I have used in the past.  One reason I don't want to change anything 
is because everything works as I wish, for the first time (this also includes 
software, tr4w  preferred)!  Of course my purpose is defined by cw only, and 
not by all modes.

I can think of small changes in preferences only (tied to using other radios), 
or different ergonomics. But at this point in time I have been trained by the 
K3 radios.  When I see other radios offering "this or that" function or 
performance, my main thought is "you don't know me that well;" the main part of 
the equation is me and what I have learned over the years.

Excluding so2r cw challenges, then I would find other radios to be just as good 
as K3 and better is some specific way, or another, or certainly more "cutting 
edge" SDR (but for what purpose?).

73, Will, wj9b

CWops #1085
CWA Advisor levels II and III
http://cwops.org/


On Sat, 5/19/18, Stefan von Baltz, DL1IAO  wrote:

 Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3 to K3S Upgrade Opinions
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Date: Saturday, May 19, 2018, 3:49 AM
 
 Hello Frank,
 
 As of recently I have both a K3 (without
 upgrades) and a K3S. The improvements which stick out for me
 are the improved CW timing of the new synthesizer at speeds
 above 32WPM or so, the easiness and ruggedness of the new
 internal soundcard when setting up digital modes, the
 selectable attenuation levels between 0 and 15db per band
 and, yes, the soft-touch VFO A grip. I have not seen the
 need to use preamp 2 but this may be because of my noisy
 environment causing S-meter action even on a dead 10m band.
 Others love it for weak-signal work.
 
 While the new attenuator is not available as an
 upgrade most other things are. It boils down to your
 personal needs. If you have been happy with the rig as it is
 then there is little reason to upgrade. Personally I had
 given up on the K3 early on because of the CW timing issues
 which are explained in great detail by N6TV (see links).
 Now, the K3S is my preferred CW rig.
 
 http://lists.f5mzn.org/pipermail/support/2013-November/083384.html
 http://mldxcc.org/n6tv-k3.pdf
 
 You may consider selling your
 K3 as it is (maybe saving the roofing filters) and get a
 used K3S depending on prices on the second-hand market.
 
 
 
 73,
 
 Stefan
 DL1IAO, SA3CWW/SM9A
 
 
 --
 Stefan v. Baltz
 dl1...@contesting.com
 http://www.dl1iao.com
 
 
 
 
 
 > Am
 19.05.2018 um 07:21 schrieb Frank :
 > 
 > I have a K3 with
 dual receivers that I purchased 5 years ago at Dayton.  It
 is the best radio I have ever owned hands down.  My main
 use for the radio is chasing DX.
 > 
 > I have read all the marketing materials
 about the improvements the K3S 

Re: [Elecraft] K4

[Martin Sole]

I'll weigh in on this a little before it gets stamped on again as being, 
unfortunately, irrelevant and pointless.


I think there is a big gaping hole in the Elecraft product line. Not in 
performance terms but more in ergonomics. A K3 has been my primary radio 
for a few years now and before that an Orion, before that a TS940, 
TS830- etc etc. Performance wise there is no doubt the K3 bests them 
all, I recently built a K2 and think that's scarily good in raw 
performance terms as well. My K3 is pretty much fully kitted out and I 
have a P3 as well which is extremely useful and they're going nowhere.


From the super small super portable super capable K2 and KX3 to the 
small and portable and no less capable K3/K3S their market segments are 
well covered but KenYaeCom have surely sold enough 
TS990,FT9000,IC7800/50/51 that shows well the market demand for a 
quality high end desktop sized radio. If the pictures on QRZ are 
anything to go by not everyone operates out of a shoe box with many 
having dedicated rooms for their radio hobbies. If the shoe box is your 
limitation then the K3 is undoubtedly a superb choice but where space is 
less restricted a bit more in the way of panel acreage might well sway a 
lot more FT9000/TS900/IC78xx users I feel, not to mention those of us 
who just feel the K3 package is, for a desktop radio, just a bit too 
much of a compromise.


Key requirements on my end after considerable K3 usage. A better more up 
to date menu system that either removes or better, handles the myriad 
un-intuitive selections. There are a number of menu options which unless 
you have significant handbook familiarity lack explanation about 
additional keypad presses. There are even some for which software 
updates need to be consulted though that is a different matter. Some 
menu choices could well be better homed as front panel controls. The 
keypad is another area I find seriously lacking for a top end product. 
Again, great for the type of product it is but I find it lacking. Band 
keys, mode keys, a proper band stacking register, a better way to deal 
with the sub receiver settings, more, bigger and wider spaced control 
knobs, yes all of this needs panel space but that shouldn't really need 
to be a problem. It's possible the entire form factor could use a 
rethink, do we need a box 12 inches deep. Why not a front panel that is 
16 inches by 6 inches on a radio that is just 5 inches deep. Overall it 
would likely be a similar volume and contain just as much under the 
skin. The Orion was probably overkill with the amount of fresh air in 
every box, some careful plug in board stacking could have reduced the 
box depth by half whilst retaining the same front panel space. A good 
display with all info including the somewhat obligatory scope and 
waterfall properly integrated seems a no brainer today I guess, of 
course with a port for connection of 36 inch full 4k displays, ideally 
with different screen displays.


I like the PA options today 10 or 100 watts, not sure how many are sold 
as just 10 watt radios though. In a bigger box, something like the 7850, 
16x17x6, it should be possible to integrate the KPA500 allowing for a 
500 watt transceiver in one box.


Where space is a premium the integration of multiple controls carefully 
arranged for maximum apparent efficiency is obviously a good thing 
though I feel it can be overdone, the poor operability of the sub 
receiver is a case in point and I've had heat of the moment run ins with 
the mic gain compressor and monitor controls as well. Great when it 
works as you think of it, less so when you're acting more by feel and 
intuition doing 6 other things at once and get a mis-press.


Much of this is software, packaging and ergonomics/HMI, so far as the 
pure RF side is concerned it's clear that things are evolving still and 
it can't be long before pure wideband direct digital SDR becomes the 
mainstream.


It's hard to fault the K3 on so many levels, it's just such a great 
radio but it's by no means an unflawed or unlimited radio and there are 
areas of the ham radio business Elecraft are yet to tread.


Oh and I'd love them to do a 2-35Mhz 125 watt radio suitable for 
commercial use. So many opportunities where the options today are either 
VK mobiles or US mil spec but that really is another topic.



Martin, HS0ZED


On 19/05/2018 17:38, Stefan von Baltz, DL1IAO wrote:

Now that Eric is at the Hamvention we can not annoy him too much with mail 
overflow on this list ;-)

- I would like to see Elecraft revising the NR-function. While you can achieve 
nearly infinite noise attenuation with the K3’s NR it comes at the cost of 
signal intelligibility. At least I have failed to hit a setting for CW which 
works for me. The NR also seems to be dependent on AGC settings. With the 
IC7851’s NR at ca. 9 o’clock the band noise is cut about in half without 
affecting signals, even when they are weak. I do not miss this much in everyday 

Re: [Elecraft] To the Icom fans ...

[Wes Stewart]

Maybe for the same reason some people have both a Ferrari and a Lamborghini?  
(reminds me I have to buy some Lotto tickets)


Wes  N7WS

 On 5/19/2018 6:28 AM, Ken G Kopp wrote:

If you're so happy with Icom's performance, why did you buy an Elecraft
product?

73!

K0PP


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3 to K3S Upgrade Opinions

[Wes Stewart]

I have both.  I haven't even upgraded the synthesizer in the K3,  which by 
general consensus is a must do.


The old K3 is deaf on 6 and 10 meters, if that matters to you.

The USB and internal sound card are nice in the K3S, but my serial-to-USB 
adapter worked fine and the shack computer sound card was as good on RTTY as 
some highly recommended external boxes like Tascam.  I also had less grief 
getting levels set with the old system.


I actually preferred the old tuning knob. I was able to glue in a larger felt 
washer in the knob and run it against the slick bezel and get reasonably good 
feel out of a primitive system.  The "soft-touch" knob and textured bezel are 
not amenable to this.


Personally, I don't think you're missing anything, but I'm sure the faithful 
will have other ideas.


Wes  N7WS

On 5/18/2018 10:21 PM, Frank wrote:
I have a K3 with dual receivers that I purchased 5 years ago at Dayton. It is 
the best radio I have ever owned hands down.  My main use for the radio is 
chasing DX.


I have read all the marketing materials about the improvements the K3S has 
over the K3.  On paper and in the lab the radio is an upgrade.  But in day to 
day operations at a home station can an operator tell the difference between 
the two radios?


Those who have upgraded what is your opinion?

Would you upgrade the K3 with new parts or buy a K3S and transfer modules?

I am leaning toward NOT upgrading the radio as the K3 seems to work great.  Am 
I missing something?


Thanks for taking time to reply.

73,

Frank

K6FW


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K4

[Wes Stewart]

I bought an RSP2 Pro from HRO.  At my location it folded up like a cheap 
suitcase from BC overload.  The internal BC filter was useless.  To their 
credit, HRO took it back.


Since Elecraft sells an "all band" filter, which I have in my K3S, why wouldn't 
it be reasonable to think of it as a "short-wave" radio?


Wes  N7WS

On 5/18/2018 7:18 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
...If you want a "short wave" RX to listen to broadcast, buy an inexpensive 
SDR that plugs into your USB port and have any bandwidth you like! 
https://www.rtl-sdr.com/roundup-software-defined-radios/


I own both an SDRPlay RSP1A  ($99) and a FunCube Dongle Pro+ ($210). I bought 
them for chasing RFI, but they work very well as receivers.  Many great (and 
free) choices of SDR software, including this by Simon Brown, G4ELI. 


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K4

[Wes Stewart]

Even Rob Sherwood says his list isn't the only way to evaluate radios. And the 
last time I checked, he uses ICOM.


There is a market for a "K4" although Elecraft will deny that one is being 
designed, no doubt.  They said the same about a higher power amp, remember?  Now 
they are shipping KPA1500s.


A desktop radio would have room for some desperately needed ergonomic 
improvements. A tuning knob that doesn't rely on a felt washer to set dial drag 
for example. Fifty-volt finals that have decent TX IMD performance unlike the 
current abysmal IMD. This is a pet peeve of mine.  What good would it do to brag 
about RX third-order IMD performance if all of the signals on the band were from 
other K3(S)?


I have a whole list; when Elecraft is ready for me to beta test a K, I'm 
available.

Wes  N7WS

On 5/18/2018 1:41 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
When your topline rig are is at or near the top of Rob Sherwood's list of the 
best receivers and of the cleanest CW transmitters tested by ARRL, and your 
super-portable rigs give most desktop rigs a run for their money on 
performance, and when you've got first-rate power amps at the 100w, 500W, and 
1,500W level, it's hard to justify the argument for a new transceiver.


73, Jim K9YC

On 5/18/2018 1:07 PM, Peter Pauly wrote:

I asked Eric if there were any new products and he said just the new amp
and the little portable antenna.

On Fri, May 18, 2018 at 3:36 PM, mark roz via Elecraft <
elecraft@mailman.qth.net> wrote:


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] KPA1500 fan speed interrogation

[ANDY DURBIN]

The KPA500 provides a serial interface command ^FS; which returns the fan 
speed.   This command is not included in the KPA500 Programmer's Reference but 
is mentioned in a firmware release note.


The KPA1500 Programming Reference does not mention  the ^FS; command.   Is fan 
speed interrogation available for the KPA1500?


73,

Andy k3wyc
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500

[Richard Zalewski]

Tnx Ricksaw that when I went to another antenna.


Richard
*W7ZR* ex:5C5Z, CN2ZR, K2JSP, W6SBZ, W7KXR, K9ZIJ, W9KNF, W0KDF, W0MQU,
J68ZR, KC6ZR, PJ4/W7ZR, KH2,W7ZR, KH6/W7ZR, V31ZR, VK4AAZ, XE2DV


*Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer*

On Sat, May 19, 2018 at 5:54 AM, Rick Tavan  wrote:

> That means you've enabled the ATU but it deems SWR low enough (settable)
> that Bypass is the appropriate setting.
>
> /Rick N6XI
>
>
> Rick Tavan
> Truckee, CA
>
> On Fri, May 18, 2018 at 4:45 PM, Richard Zalewski 
> wrote:
>
>> First question:  Ant1 selected both the ATU in and ATY ByPass led are on.
>>
>> Richard
>> *W7ZR* ex:5C5Z, CN2ZR, K2JSP, W6SBZ, W7KXR, K9ZIJ, W9KNF, W0KDF, W0MQU,
>> J68ZR, KC6ZR, PJ4/W7ZR, KH2,W7ZR, KH6/W7ZR, V31ZR, VK4AAZ, XE2DV
>>
>>
>> *Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer*
>> __
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
>> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
>> Message delivered to rta...@gmail.com
>>
>
>
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] To the Icom fans ...

[Bill]

You are right on target!

I am curious about the 7300, but am unwilling to buy one, as I know it 
will just sit gathering dust. I know which side of my bread is buttered!


My real back up rig is a brand new K3S, sitting on a shelf at the 
factory. It will be shipped overnight to me when it is needed.


Bill W2BLC K-Line & Genovation
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] K4

[Bob Gibson via Elecraft]

WOW..Some people are just not happy no matter what they have!! I have a used K3 
1440 with no upgrades..no tuner..no second receiver.. 400 cw filter, and I'm 
very happy with it and lucky to have it and it works great for me.. Sold my 
5000 to buy this and glad I did.. best CW rig ever..I would be happy with a 
loaded K3!! Do not want to be like Icom and come out with a new rig every 
year.. 
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] To the Icom fans ...

[Ken G Kopp]

If you're so happy with Icom's performance, why did you buy an Elecraft
product?

73!

K0PP
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K4

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

WSJT-X very elegantly uses split to offset the TX VFO an adjust
the transmit audio tone (subcarrier) to keep the tone frequency
between 1500 - 2000 Hz throughout the entire 4 KHz receive pass-
band.  There is no need (or justification) for a wider transmit
bandwidth.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


On 2018-05-19 8:07 AM, Ed W0YK wrote:

That's  fine for decode, but transmit uses the 2.8 kHz filter.
73,Ed W0YK
 Original message From: "Joe Subich, W4TV"  
Date: 5/19/18  8:01 AM  (GMT-05:00) To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K4
Ed,

  > On 5/18/2018 7:43 PM, Ed W0YK wrote:

There are ham reasons for this request, which I made to Wayne 2
years ago. We need a bit more RX/TX bandwidth for the combined
JT65/9 modes.

With WSJT, the upper end of the JT9 audio range is not available
on the K3.

Absolutely not true.  All it takes is the KFL3B-FM of KFL3A-6K filter.
I regularly decode the entire 4 KHz combined JT65/JT9 segment or more
than 3 KHz of FT8 activity.

73,

     ... Joe, W4TV

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to e...@w0yk.com


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] KPA-1500

[Rick Tavan]

That means you've enabled the ATU but it deems SWR low enough (settable)
that Bypass is the appropriate setting.

/Rick N6XI


Rick Tavan
Truckee, CA

On Fri, May 18, 2018 at 4:45 PM, Richard Zalewski 
wrote:

> First question:  Ant1 selected both the ATU in and ATY ByPass led are on.
>
> Richard
> *W7ZR* ex:5C5Z, CN2ZR, K2JSP, W6SBZ, W7KXR, K9ZIJ, W9KNF, W0KDF, W0MQU,
> J68ZR, KC6ZR, PJ4/W7ZR, KH2,W7ZR, KH6/W7ZR, V31ZR, VK4AAZ, XE2DV
>
>
> *Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer*
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to rta...@gmail.com
>
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

[Elecraft] Hamvention

[Carl Yaffey]

Visited the Elecraft booth Friday. Nice to see the gang in person!
73
Carl Yaffey  K8NU
Recording studio.
cyaffeyno_s...@gmail.com 
614 268 6353, Columbus OH
http://www.carl-yaffey.com
http://www.grassahol.com
http://www.bluesswing.com

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K4

[Richard Lamont]

On 19/05/18 03:18, Jim Brown wrote:
> On 5/18/2018 4:38 PM, Richard Lamont wrote:
>> On 19/05/18 00:15, k...@roadrunner.com wrote:
>>
>>> What features would your K4 have?
>> Compared to the K3S:
>>
>> RX maximum audio bandwidth increased from 4 kHz to 6 kHz.
>
> Why?  It's a ham transceiver.

To be able to decode multiple digital signals at once. Also to diagnose
intruder signals. And yes, occasionally, to listen to AM broadcasts,
without having to buy something else as well when I've just drained my
bank account to buy a K4! There's no inherent reason why this needs to
compromise the performance as a purely ham rig - it just makes it more
useful for one or two other things as well.

>> More macro buttons.
>
> Can't argue with that, but the radio would need to be bigger.  Have you
> studied the manual for the many ways to save presets of frequency, mode,
> etc. ?  Lots of things we want to assign to macros can be solved that way.

Yes thank you. Bigger isn't a problem for me. If it is for you, don't
buy a K4, stick to the K3(S)!

>> Higher resolution S-meter (more bargraph segments).
>
> Why is that important?

Because it's often useful to be able to see small changes in signal
level, which you can't do at 5-6 dB per segment. For example when
rotating an antenna.

>> 1/4" jacks instead of 3.5mm ones.
>
> Why?  Quality of jacks and plugs?  Simply buy good quality plugs
> (Neutrik and Switchcraft are the good brands) and make your own cables.
> And if you want those bigger jacks, the radio would have to be larger.

I always buy Neutrik if I can, but IMHO there is no such thing as a good
quality 3.5mm jack plug. They are just too small and flimsy.

>> Longer 13.8V power cable
>
> Buy a Power Pole connector pair, buy the size of cable you want, pull
> out your soldering iron and make any power cable you want.

Obviously, but if I'm buying a K4 it would nice to have a cable in the
box that is long enough to reach from the rig to the PSU.

>> 24-bit digital audio i/o, without going D-A-D.
>
> To what benefit?

To get the same dynamic range on the audio I/O that already exists on
the 15 kHz IF. I'd like to be able to examine received signals using an
audio spectrum analyser with the maximum available dynamic range.

>> Steeper filter slopes on SSB TX passband to widen audio while staying
>> within 3 kHz occupied bandwidth (cf IC7300).
>
> Buy and plug in a 8-pole 2.8 kHz roofing filter to replace the 2.7 kHz
> filter. If you can tell the difference between that and 3 kHz bandwidth
> you've got better ears than me. Further, any audio content below about
> 400 Hz is wasted in a communications circuit.

I already have the 2.8 kHz filter, and I'm more interested in the slope
at the top end than the bottom. Some other rigs seem to do better by
doing the slope in DSP and using the roofing filter for just that -
roofing. (The 6 kHz filter, if fitted, could be used here.) As for
content below 400 Hz, you're right for DXing, but if you're trying to
have a normal conversation it's much nicer if it goes somewhat lower.

73,
Richard G4DYA
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K4

[Ed W0YK]

That's  fine for decode, but transmit uses the 2.8 kHz filter.
73,Ed W0YK
 Original message From: "Joe Subich, W4TV"  
Date: 5/19/18  8:01 AM  (GMT-05:00) To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: 
[Elecraft] K4 
Ed,

 > On 5/18/2018 7:43 PM, Ed W0YK wrote:
>> There are ham reasons for this request, which I made to Wayne 2
>> years ago. We need a bit more RX/TX bandwidth for the combined
>> JT65/9 modes.
>> 
>> With WSJT, the upper end of the JT9 audio range is not available
>> on the K3.
Absolutely not true.  All it takes is the KFL3B-FM of KFL3A-6K filter.
I regularly decode the entire 4 KHz combined JT65/JT9 segment or more
than 3 KHz of FT8 activity.

73,

    ... Joe, W4TV

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to e...@w0yk.com
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K4

[Joe Subich, W4TV]

Ed,

> On 5/18/2018 7:43 PM, Ed W0YK wrote:

There are ham reasons for this request, which I made to Wayne 2
years ago. We need a bit more RX/TX bandwidth for the combined
JT65/9 modes.

With WSJT, the upper end of the JT9 audio range is not available
on the K3.

Absolutely not true.  All it takes is the KFL3B-FM of KFL3A-6K filter.
I regularly decode the entire 4 KHz combined JT65/JT9 segment or more
than 3 KHz of FT8 activity.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K4

[Stefan von Baltz, DL1IAO]

Now that Eric is at the Hamvention we can not annoy him too much with mail 
overflow on this list ;-)

- I would like to see Elecraft revising the NR-function. While you can achieve 
nearly infinite noise attenuation with the K3’s NR it comes at the cost of 
signal intelligibility. At least I have failed to hit a setting for CW which 
works for me. The NR also seems to be dependent on AGC settings. With the 
IC7851’s NR at ca. 9 o’clock the band noise is cut about in half without 
affecting signals, even when they are weak. I do not miss this much in everyday 
operation. But the additional band noise really hurts in my ears when doing 
SO2R causing fatigue and ultimately increased error rate.

- I continue to be impressed by ICOM’s APF function. Combined with a few dB of 
additional amplification in the APF level menu this sort of has become a great 
„panic button“ for me when a weak station calls or QRM shows up. Elecrafts APF 
is way too sharp for this purpose. Maybe another APF with wider bandwidth could 
be added?

- It might also be helpful to add a simplified NB-menu which selects among some 
of your favourite settings. If you are forced to dig into the NB-menu in the 
middle of the heat the DX will long be gone until you have found the right 
setting to get rid of noise.

- Elecraft should consider adding mouse support for the panadapter.

- Coming from ICOM rigs I noticed that the knob resolution seems slow. This 
sticks out with the filter, RIT and power knobs. Too much knob spinning 
required for my taste. However, this may be subjective and there are 
work-arounds.

- I would also like to see Elecraft using higher quality buttons which are more 
responsive. When the K3 came out one of the reasons I never got one was the 
wobbling feel of the A/B (and other) knobs. It simply was not compatible with 
my style of operation which involves constantly switching VFOs when S Yes, 
there are work-arounds, too.


I just realize that most of it may be another software upgrade. No K4 required! 


73,

Stefan DL1IAO, SA3CWW/SM9A


--
Stefan v. Baltz
dl1...@contesting.com
http://www.dl1iao.com





> Am 19.05.2018 um 06:59 schrieb Jim Brown :
> 
> On 5/18/2018 7:43 PM, Ed W0YK wrote:
>> There are ham reasons for this request,  which I made to Wayne 2 years ago.  
>> We need a bit more RX/TX bandwidth for the combined JT65/9 modes.
>> 
>> With WSJT, the upper end of the JT9 audio range is not available on the K3.
> 
> Hi Ed,
> 
> FWIW, I regularly copied JT9 signals up to at least 3 kHz; remember that, in 
> those days, JT9 typically started around 2 kHz baseband, and it is possible 
> to open up the RX IF bandwidth wider than that 2.8 kHz roofing filter.
> 
> And although the worm will hopefully turn back in favor of JT65/JT9 on 160M, 
> those modes have virtually disappeared since FT8 was introduced. Last season, 
> you, W6GJB, and I all worked SM6 on JT65, and WSJT-X decoder logged several 
> dozen EU stations. This year, I hear east coast stations working (or at least 
> calling) EU, but I've decoded ZERO EU using FT8. (For those reading the mail, 
> all three of us are within about 20 miles of each other, 70 miles S of San 
> Francisco. What I'd love to see is JT9 take over on 160M. If I'm not 
> mistaken, it's good about 10 dB deeper into the noise than FT8.
> 
> And while it's true that any of the slow WSJT modes would benefit from 
> greater IF and audio bandwidth by providing space for more stations, few 
> other rigs offer that.
> 
> 73, Jim K9YC
> 
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to dl1...@contesting.com

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3 to K3S Upgrade Opinions

[Stefan von Baltz, DL1IAO]

Hello Frank,

As of recently I have both a K3 (without upgrades) and a K3S. The improvements 
which stick out for me are the improved CW timing of the new synthesizer at 
speeds above 32WPM or so, the easiness and ruggedness of the new internal 
soundcard when setting up digital modes, the selectable attenuation levels 
between 0 and 15db per band and, yes, the soft-touch VFO A grip. I have not 
seen the need to use preamp 2 but this may be because of my noisy environment 
causing S-meter action even on a dead 10m band. Others love it for weak-signal 
work.

While the new attenuator is not available as an upgrade most other things are. 
It boils down to your personal needs. If you have been happy with the rig as it 
is then there is little reason to upgrade. Personally I had given up on the K3 
early on because of the CW timing issues which are explained in great detail by 
N6TV (see links). Now, the K3S is my preferred CW rig.

http://lists.f5mzn.org/pipermail/support/2013-November/083384.html
http://mldxcc.org/n6tv-k3.pdf

You may consider selling your K3 as it is (maybe saving the roofing filters) 
and get a used K3S depending on prices on the second-hand market.



73,

Stefan DL1IAO, SA3CWW/SM9A


--
Stefan v. Baltz
dl1...@contesting.com
http://www.dl1iao.com





> Am 19.05.2018 um 07:21 schrieb Frank :
> 
> I have a K3 with dual receivers that I purchased 5 years ago at Dayton.  It 
> is the best radio I have ever owned hands down.  My main use for the radio is 
> chasing DX.
> 
> I have read all the marketing materials about the improvements the K3S has 
> over the K3.  On paper and in the lab the radio is an upgrade.  But in day to 
> day operations at a home station can an operator tell the difference between 
> the two radios?
> 
> Those who have upgraded what is your opinion?
> 
> Would you upgrade the K3 with new parts or buy a K3S and transfer modules?
> 
> I am leaning toward NOT upgrading the radio as the K3 seems to work great.  
> Am I missing something?
> 
> Thanks for taking time to reply.
> 
> 73,
> 
> Frank
> 
> K6FW
> 
> __
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net
> 
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to dl1...@contesting.com

__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500 S/N 160 delivered today

[Bill Stravinsky via Elecraft]

 I can only give you a half a "duh".  The preliminary manual supplied with the 
amp only gives you the menu description of fan speed and it doesn't really 
describe the operation.The paragraph in the online manual labelled "Amplifier 
Cooling" is NOT in that preliminary manual.  The half a duh is for the first 
line of the menu description of "fan speed min".It says the speed varies per 
temp but after that sentence there is not much of a description.  It then says 
greater than zero all the way up to all fans running, leaving you in the dark.  
It doesn't explain it like you or Roy explained it.
I really figured it would work like you explained but unless you read the 
online manual you are missing the amplifier cooling paragraph.  Thanks to you 
and Roy for clearing thisup for me.
BillK3WJV



On Friday, May 18, 2018, 7:59:34 PM EDT, Bob McGraw K4TAX 
 wrote:  
 
 Bill:

Per the manual if Fan Speed is set to 0 which is the default, the fans 
are not on until needed.  The values of 1, 2, 3 etc will cause the fans 
to run at the selected minimum speed all of the time, but the fans will 
increment to a higher speed as called for by the internal heat sink 
temperature.    If you use 0 the fans will be off until needed.   This 
is not related to the fans in the power supply.

73

Bob, K4TAX



On 5/18/2018 2:41 PM, Bill Stravinsky via Elecraft wrote:
> After having played with mine extensively last night, I was under the 
> impression that the fans would come on automatically when the temp reached a 
> certain degree.That is not the case.  Mine was defaulted at fan speed zero, 
> which is fans off.  You have to change the menu item for fans to one of your 
> liking.  I had read a few postshere on the reflector about 2 being an 
> acceptable number.  I agree.
> If you crank it up to max (5) you might scare the dog, be careful, hi.
> BillK3WJV


  
__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com

Re: [Elecraft] K3 to K3S Upgrade Opinions

[Bill Frantz]

Frank -

The K3 is a top quality radio as is. The "must have" improvement 
is the new synthesizer, the KSYN3A Synthesizer Upgrade. It will 
improve your ability to hear the pileup while chasing DX. The 
improvement is noticeable in normal operation. It also improves 
CW operation, but my CW isn't good enough to play in those leagues.


I have also installed the KIO3B -- the internal sound card and 
USB <--> RS232, which reduces the number of cables in the shack 
and eliminates the external sound card for digital modes. I also 
have the KXV3B RX Ant., 2nd Pre-Amp which gives more gain in the 
pre-amp. I'm waiting for the sunspots to come back to the the 
maximum use from it, although I did get good value during a 6M 
opening New Years Eve.


I am happy with the upgrades I have.

73 Bill AE6JV

On 5/18/18 at 10:21 PM, k6...@verizon.net (Frank) wrote:

I have a K3 with dual receivers that I purchased 5 years ago at 
Dayton.  It is the best radio I have ever owned hands down.  
My main use for the radio is chasing DX.


I have read all the marketing materials about the improvements 
the K3S has over the K3.  On paper and in the lab the radio is 
an upgrade.  But in day to day operations at a home station 
can an operator tell the difference between the two radios?


Those who have upgraded what is your opinion?

Would you upgrade the K3 with new parts or buy a K3S and transfer modules?

I am leaning toward NOT upgrading the radio as the K3 seems to work great.  Am 
I missing something?

Thanks for taking time to reply.

---
Bill Frantz|Security, like correctness, is| Periwinkle
(408)356-8506  |not an add-on feature. - Attr-| 16345 
Englewood Ave
www.pwpconsult.com |ibuted to Andrew Tanenbaum| Los Gatos, 
CA 95032


__
Elecraft mailing list
Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net

This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Message delivered to arch...@mail-archive.com