[Elecraft] Cheap keyer paddle?

[Alan Bloom]

I am currently "sheltering in place" far from home and would like to set
up a station here.  I'm an 11-hour drive from home so I need to buy all
new accessories. 

I already have a good Vibroplex key paddle at home so I don't need
another high-quality one.  The good ones seem to start at around $175,
which is way more than I want to pay for temporary use.  I once made a
homebrew paddle made out of bent aluminum sheet metal and a pair of
micro switches for the dot and dash contacts. ("A Lightweight Homemade
Keyer Paddle", QST, July 2009).  I was satisfied with that paddle, so
you can see that I am not obsessive about "feel". 

So who makes a decent, inexpensive key paddle?  (By the way, I don't
need the iambic feature, so a single-lever model would be fine.) 

Alan N1AL
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Re: [Elecraft] XV222 RX is Dead, Need Advice

[Don Wilhelm]

Mark,

Replacing those components will normally restore receive.

73
Don W3FPR

On 9/17/2020 8:57 PM, k2qo wrote:

During the recent September VHF contest I could only hear the absolute
strongest local stations on the XV222/K3 in my rover. It worked FB in June.
My XV432 worked just OK as usual. Stations told me I was the loudest signal
on the 222 band so the TX side is fine.

I put it on the bench and connected my Elecraft N-Gen. When turned on I
could barely detect an increase in noise. Tried the same on my XV432 and it
went from S0/1 to a solid S9.

I'm guessing that I somehow blew up U1 (an ERA6) and/or Q3 (an ATF 34143). I
don't have a good scope, RF generator, or RF voltmeter but kinda think
replacing both will fix my XV. A bad relay is an option too.


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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 SWR meter accuracy on 50 MHz?

[Drew Arnett]

Tech support said they saw 1.5 to 1 on 50 MHz with their dummy load.
HF looked great, of course.  They didn't mention if they also used a
microwave load.  :-)

Best regards,

Drew
n7da

On Sun, Sep 13, 2020 at 2:20 AM Drew Arnett  wrote:
>
> I did before shipping in for repair with a directional coupler.  Looked great.
>
> On Sat, Sep 12, 2020 at 7:13 PM Nr4c  wrote:
> >
> > Well, it depends on the “Dummy” load.  Have you swept the load with a good 
> > spectrum analyzer or VNA?  It may not be 50 ohms at 50 MHz
> >
> >
> >
> > Sent from my iPhone
> > ...nr4c. bill
> >
> >
> > > On Sep 12, 2020, at 11:51 AM, Drew Arnett  wrote:
> > >
> > > After getting my KX3 back from repair (before my next planned contest
> > > operation, thanks!), I ran some measurements to both see how great the
> > > repairs were and to get a new baseline for future measurements.  TX
> > > efficiency problem was gone.
> > >
> > > However, I'm left to wonder about the accuracy of the internal SWR
> > > meter for 50 MHz.  Using a microwave dummy load of adequate power
> > > rating and just a coaxial adapter, I measured the following:
> > >
> > > 14 MHz @ 1 W setting
> > > VSWR 1.0 to 1 (per KX3)
> > >
> > > 28 MHz @ 1 W setting
> > > VSWR 1.0 to 1
> > >
> > > 50 MHz @ 1 W setting
> > > VSWR 1.5 to 1
> > >
> > > 50 MHz @ 4 W setting
> > > VSWR 1.6 to 1
> > >
> > > Not horrible.  Not great.
> > >
> > > It's fine if it's not as accurate on 50 MHz.  I just want to know if
> > > this is normal.  Has anyone else looked at that and can share what
> > > they see?
> > >
> > > Thanks and best regards,
> > >
> > > Drew
> > > n7da
> > > __
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> > > Message delivered to n...@widomaker.com
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Re: [Elecraft] XV222 RX is Dead, Need Advice

[Mark Adams]

Thanks Mike. I built this along with the XV432 a LONG time ago :-) The 432 unit 
had loads of issues. My rover partner, a EE grad from 1964 who designed 
military radios and antennas for a living was not impressed with either of 
these transverters, especially the XV432. For a hobby, he checks the math in 
QEX articles. One time he told me that the author mis-applied Maxwell’s 
equation and he ran his own set of differential equations to prove the point. 

On to the my results:


> On Sep 17, 2020, at 9:44 PM, M Cresap  wrote:
> 
> Take off the top cover of the transverter, check the voltage between TP2 and 
> ground (should be between 200 to 275 millivolts). That measures part of the 
> source voltage of Q3, the first receiver amplifier. 


65mV


> 
> Find R16 (a 120 ohm resistor) and measure the voltage to ground on each side 
> of the resistor. One side should be 12 volts, the other should be about 5 
> volts. That measures the series dropping resistor for U1, the second receiver 
> amplifier. R16 will normally be very warm to the touch.


13.8 and 4.9V


> 
> If those measurements are correct, the problem is most likely elsewhere. 
> 
> You can check the condition of the local oscillator by measuring the voltage 
> between TP1 and ground. It should be between 1.0 and 1.5 volts. 


0.92V


Additionally, TP1 is 0.76V, not the minimum 1V.
The output pin of U1 is 0V, not 3.0-6.0V.




> 
> 
> 
> 
> On Thursday, September 17, 2020, 8:58:35 PM EDT, k2qo  
> wrote:
> 
> 
> During the recent September VHF contest I could only hear the absolute
> strongest local stations on the XV222/K3 in my rover. It worked FB in June.
> My XV432 worked just OK as usual. Stations told me I was the loudest signal
> on the 222 band so the TX side is fine. 
> 
> I put it on the bench and connected my Elecraft N-Gen. When turned on I
> could barely detect an increase in noise. Tried the same on my XV432 and it
> went from S0/1 to a solid S9.
> 
> I'm guessing that I somehow blew up U1 (an ERA6) and/or Q3 (an ATF 34143). I
> don't have a good scope, RF generator, or RF voltmeter but kinda think
> replacing both will fix my XV. A bad relay is an option too.
> 
> Thoughts? I'd like to fix it to have for a spare as I plan on moving
> non-BigE transverters for 222 and 432. 
> 
> 73,
> Mark K2QO
> NF2RS/R for the September VHF 
> 
> 
> 
> --
> Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/ 
> 
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> 
> Message delivered to m.cre...@yahoo.com  

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Re: [Elecraft] XV222 RX is Dead, Need Advice

[M Cresap via Elecraft]

 Mark
You can check the performance of your XV222 receiver amplifiers with only a 
common voltmeter. 

Take off the top cover of the transverter, check the voltage between TP2 and 
ground (should be between 200 to 275 millivolts). That measures part of the 
source voltage of Q3, the first receiver amplifier. 

Find R16 (a 120 ohm resistor) and measure the voltage to ground on each side of 
the resistor. One side should be 12 volts, the other should be about 5 volts. 
That measures the series dropping resistor for U1, the second receiver 
amplifier. R16 will normally be very warm to the touch.

If those measurements are correct, the problem is most likely elsewhere. 

You can check the condition of the local oscillator by measuring the voltage 
between TP1 and ground. It should be between 1.0 and 1.5 volts. 

The part and test point locations are shown in the Transverter Owners Manual, 
page A-4, available on the Elecraft web site.
Good luck!
73, Mike, W3IP



On Thursday, September 17, 2020, 8:58:35 PM EDT, k2qo  
wrote:  
 
 During the recent September VHF contest I could only hear the absolute
strongest local stations on the XV222/K3 in my rover. It worked FB in June.
My XV432 worked just OK as usual. Stations told me I was the loudest signal
on the 222 band so the TX side is fine. 

I put it on the bench and connected my Elecraft N-Gen. When turned on I
could barely detect an increase in noise. Tried the same on my XV432 and it
went from S0/1 to a solid S9.

I'm guessing that I somehow blew up U1 (an ERA6) and/or Q3 (an ATF 34143). I
don't have a good scope, RF generator, or RF voltmeter but kinda think
replacing both will fix my XV. A bad relay is an option too.

Thoughts? I'd like to fix it to have for a spare as I plan on moving
non-BigE transverters for 222 and 432. 

73,
Mark K2QO
NF2RS/R for the September VHF 



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[Elecraft] XV222 RX is Dead, Need Advice

[k2qo]

During the recent September VHF contest I could only hear the absolute
strongest local stations on the XV222/K3 in my rover. It worked FB in June.
My XV432 worked just OK as usual. Stations told me I was the loudest signal
on the 222 band so the TX side is fine. 

I put it on the bench and connected my Elecraft N-Gen. When turned on I
could barely detect an increase in noise. Tried the same on my XV432 and it
went from S0/1 to a solid S9.

I'm guessing that I somehow blew up U1 (an ERA6) and/or Q3 (an ATF 34143). I
don't have a good scope, RF generator, or RF voltmeter but kinda think
replacing both will fix my XV. A bad relay is an option too.

Thoughts? I'd like to fix it to have for a spare as I plan on moving
non-BigE transverters for 222 and 432. 

73,
Mark K2QO
NF2RS/R for the September VHF 



--
Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
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Re: [Elecraft] Why predistortion ?

[Jim Borowski]

Hmmm 2 year degree of 45 years. Old farts are kept in Funkenwagnal Jars to keep 
the essence in tack, so when opened the sound can reverb within the nostrils. 
Jim K9TFSent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 Audio from RS232 connection?

[Bill Frantz]

You can use the line in/out connectors in the back of the radio 
and a "sound card" for your computer. USB sound cards are 
available inexpensively from Amazon. I have one for my KX3 which 
I think cost about $5.00. You may need to install a pad to lower 
the signal level between the line out on the radio and the Mic 
in on the sound card.


In an ideal world, you will get the the RJ-45 connector 
repaired, either locally with someone who can re-solder the 
surface mount connector or by getting it repaired by Elecraft.


73 Bill AE6JV

On 9/17/20 at 1:29 PM, kd...@denstarfarm.us (Bob KD7YZ) wrote:


So today I was reaching behind the K3. The board connector that Is/Was
the USB input, came out in my hand.

It came off the KiO3b board.

I was reading the paper that came with the KIO3b install and discovered
I can use the RJ-45. Which I did.

I currently am controlling the K3 with DxLab's 'Commander'. So the RS232
connection is fine.

When I ran up WSJT-X and was attempting to connect, I noticed No Audio.

The 'Commander' IS controlling the K3 and quite well. Just can't do FT8
or MSK144 Meteor-Scatter anymore.


How do I get digital audio? I gather it's NOT thru the KIO3b RJ-45 .
That flimsy connector was SMA soldered and that level I can't do .. or
wouldn't try anyway. Skill level deteriorated for that small stuff.


Any help on the audio?



Bill Frantz| Art is how we decorate space,
408-348-7900   | music is how we decorate time.
www.pwpconsult.com |  -Jean-Michel Basquiat

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Re: [Elecraft] Overlapping K2 upgrades?

[Douglas Hagerman via Elecraft]

Hi Don.

Thanks for the info. I got all the upgrade kits currently listed on the 
Elecraft site, my radio is #875 so pretty old. There are also several lists of 
non-Elecraft “improvements” out there, most of which I am inclined to ignore.  
:-)

Doug.


> On 14Sep, 2020, at 10:43 PM, Don Wilhelm  wrote:
> 
> Doug,
> 
> If you have the most current upgrade kits, there is no overlap.  OTOH if you 
> have older upgrade kits such as the BFO upgrade, there were changes.
> 
> 73,
> Don W3FPR
> 
> On 9/14/2020 7:49 PM, Douglas Hagerman via Elecraft wrote:
>> I am starting to apply the accumulated Elecraft upgrades to an early K2. Do 
>> any of them overlap? Is there a preferred sequence I should follow?

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[Elecraft] Remote control monitors

[Richard Allen]

Can someone please tell me what model pads are used in the Elecraft video from 
the Dayton 2019 show with Eric presiding?  iPads or something else?

Thanks, Richard W5SXD 
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[Elecraft] Big thanks to Eric and Wayne from KV5J

[Keith Ennis via Elecraft]

Big thanks to Eric and Wayne from KV5J!




I want to give thanks to Elecraft for adding my Digital Display Units to their 
"GREAT PRODUCTS FROM OTHER MANUFACTURES" page.


I have been an Elecraft product owner since 2009.  I have owned/own several 
K3/K3s radios, amps, tuners and many pieces of test equipment over the last 11 
years.  Money well spent IMHO.


Now I am happy to be able to give back to the Elecraft community with my 
display units.


Thanks again,73


Keith Ennis, KV5J
http://www.kv5j.com
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[Elecraft] K3 Audio from RS232 connection?

[Bob KD7YZ]

So today I was reaching behind the K3. The board connector that Is/Was
the USB input, came out in my hand.

It came off the KiO3b board.

I was reading the paper that came with the KIO3b install and discovered
I can use the RJ-45. Which I did.

I currently am controlling the K3 with DxLab's 'Commander'. So the RS232
connection is fine.

When I ran up WSJT-X and was attempting to connect, I noticed No Audio.

The 'Commander' IS controlling the K3 and quite well. Just can't do FT8
or MSK144 Meteor-Scatter anymore.


How do I get digital audio? I gather it's NOT thru the KIO3b RJ-45 .
That flimsy connector was SMA soldered and that level I can't do .. or
wouldn't try anyway. Skill level deteriorated for that small stuff.


Any help on the audio?
-- 
73
Bob KD7YZ
AMSAT LM #901
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Re: [Elecraft] K2 issue or is it?

[Don Wilhelm]

Barry,

That can happen if you ran CAL PLL with the bottom cover off.  Try it again.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 9/15/2020 8:38 PM, barry halterman wrote:

Greetings folks. My K2 has a snapping sound when tuning the band regardless
of mode and it seems to happen when I am close to a signal...within 4 khz
or so. The snapping sound can be very strong sending the s meter soaring.
Not only does the s meter go soaring, so do my ears!
At this point I am not sure if this is more or less the nature of the
beast

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[Elecraft] Price for Elecraft K3S-100

[Samir Popaja]

Hello,

 

Is anyone who remember the last price for Elecraft K3S-100 (new) with
standard 2.7kHz filter?

 

What price would ine expect for this one in good used condition these days?

 

Anyone remember the last serial numbers of K3S sold by Elecraft?

 

Thanks 

 

73' Samir, sm7vzx

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