[Elecraft] Elecraft CW Net Announcement

[kevin]

Good Evening,

   Last weekend was hot, it rose into the mid 90s.  Now it is back in 
the low 60s.  Summer came and went, the morning fog has returned.  The 
fir and hemlock have about four inches of new growth on each tip.  I 
would expect to see deer but the thinning puts the new growth well out 
of reach.  The birds like the open space.  I am seeing more small hawks 
flying through, with owls at night.  Four barred owls in concert is loud 
enough to wake me from a sound sleep.


   I installed and removed a number of logging applications for field 
day.  Then I simplified matters.  The K3 has four memories where I 
stored the exchange.  For logging I thought about what I had on hand, 
and what I did not like about the usual suspects. Small font size with 
marginal lighting was the first problem.  I wrote a template for a 
spreadsheet and changed the font size to 21.  Using bold, frozen 
headings helped too.  The spreadsheet was simple to keep updated as I 
scanned the bands.  I could fill in call signs and exchanges on the 
busiest frequencies and revisit them later.  The simplicity made working 
the contest easier. Logging the time was quick: ctl+shift+;  Then find 
the next victim.


   The sun has settled down somewhat, providing a window of opportunity 
for tomorrow's nets.  There are very few sunspots visible today.  The 
auroral oval is weak and the K index is low. I expect less noise and 
lower QSB.  But it is best to test one's hypotheses.



Please join us on (or near):

14050 kHz at 2200z Sunday (3 PM PDT Sunday)
 7047 kHz at z Monday (5 PM PDT Sunday)


73,  Kevin.  KD5ONS



-



Compilers are like drill instructors:
   You know you have done your very best when they say nothing.



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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500/PS SPACING

[jerry]

On 2022-07-02 15:35, Jim Brown wrote:


I bought my first amp in 2004.


*** And I built my first amp in 1971.  It was a Command set transmitter
chassis stuffed with 4 6LQ6's.  The roller coil served as the inductor 
in
the output Pi network.  I remember 15 meters was something like an 8th 
of a turn.


  My mom gave me 25 cents a day to eat lunch in the school cafeteria.  
In 3 years
of high school, I never once set foot in that cafeteria - in fact, I 
never even

learned where it was.  I saved those quarters for electronic parts.

   - Jerry, KF6VB
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[Elecraft] HW-16

[jerry]

On 2022-07-02 15:49, j...@kk9a.com wrote:

It is a Heathkit transceiver - you can own one if you wish:)


I remember the tuning knob had an unpleasant rubbery feel.  Didn't 
matter - at

that time, I could not afford such high class equipment.

  - Jerry, KF6VB




John KK9A


Jim Brown K9YC wrote:

Eric,

I don't know what an HW-16 is. The PSU for my KPA-1500 sits on a shelf
below it. The limitation is the length of the cables that connect the
PSU to the RF deck. I don't remember the length -- check the poop sheet
on the Elecraft website.

73, Jim K9YC

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500/PS SPACING

[Pete Smith N4ZR]

Call you, and raise you an AT-1 (along with an S38D too).

73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the new Reverse Beacon Network
web server at .
For spots, please use your favorite
"retail" DX cluster.

On 7/2/2022 6:35 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

On 7/2/2022 1:58 PM, Wes wrote:

Hard to believe.  A man of your age and experience.


My experience was earlier, with an Apache, and later a TV. And there 
were a DX100 and SX101 that an older ham loaned me because he couldn't 
pass the 13 wpm code test. Before that, it was a couple of Command 
sets and a BC348, and before that, an S38D. No way could I have bought 
that DX100 in my high school days -- it was two summers of work for 
the BC348.


I bought my first amp in 2004.

73, Jim K9YC


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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500/PS SPACING

[john]

It is a Heathkit transceiver - you can own one if you wish:)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/185435021038?hash=item2b2cc9deee:g:wKEAAOSwH8xiiPiy

John KK9A


Jim Brown K9YC wrote:

Eric,

I don't know what an HW-16 is. The PSU for my KPA-1500 sits on a shelf 
below it. The limitation is the length of the cables that connect the 
PSU to the RF deck. I don't remember the length -- check the poop sheet 
on the Elecraft website.

73, Jim K9YC

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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500/PS SPACING

[Jim Brown]

On 7/2/2022 1:58 PM, Wes wrote:

Hard to believe.  A man of your age and experience.


My experience was earlier, with an Apache, and later a TV. And there 
were a DX100 and SX101 that an older ham loaned me because he couldn't 
pass the 13 wpm code test. Before that, it was a couple of Command sets 
and a BC348, and before that, an S38D. No way could I have bought that 
DX100 in my high school days -- it was two summers of work for the BC348.


I bought my first amp in 2004.

73, Jim K9YC


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[Elecraft] Using the Antenna Tuner in the XPA100

[Mister Mike]

Folks……

I found this posting by Wilson Lamb in response to my inquiry about using an 
automatic antenna tuner with a random-length wire antenna to be highly 
offensive in tone.  In my opinion it is rude, insulting and objectionable.  

I am “old school” and still run and maintain a full Collins S-Line station.  I 
understand how my Collins 180S-1 wire tuner works.  I have used one for about 
fifty years.  For those of you who do not know the 180S-1 it is a manual 
version of the military 180L-3 that was designed specifically for tuning random 
length wire antennas in aircraft.  

The 180S-1 consists of an L network which is formed by a variable air-capacitor 
on the input, and a variable roller inductor as the series coil.  It is then 
possible to expand this network (by means of a jumper) with a vacuum capacitor 
on the output of the "PI", in cases where the tuning solution would call for 
this.  The vacuum variable capacitor can be either shunted on the output, or 
placed in series with the inductor. This configuration allows for virtually 
every kind of antenna to be tuned.  

The “automatic” antenna tuner is a completely new concept for me.  They appear 
to be designed to tune unbalanced coaxial feedlines and not an end-fed wire.   
I have one in my K3 but prefer to use the 180S-1 or my B VS1500A which is a 
“transmatch” based on the design by Doug DeMaw, W1CER/W1FB SK in the 1960s.

Thanks to a couple of useful replies from list members I was able to confirm my 
idea of feeding the wire through a balun and/or an unun.  But knowing how 
unforgiving solid state final can be when they see a bad mismatch I wanted to 
exercise some caution before possibly damaging my transmitter.   I am more 
familiar with 6146W finals than whatever transistors are used in the KXA100 
which I am sure are expensive to replace.

Take a good look at what Wilson Lamb wrote and tell me if you agree of my 
assessment of his answer.  It didn’t offer anything constructive at all, just a 
cranky rant drom someone who may have forgotten the concept of what amateur 
radio is all about.  My response to him is that if you can’t offer anything 
constructive then don’t offer anything at all.  

Happy Fourth!

Michael Crestohl, W1RC
Marblehead Mass.

Wilson Lamb via Elecraft wrote on 7/1/2022 11:03 AM:
> This is so far off the wall it can't be answered...there is no answer.
> Please read my rant on Ham Qualifications.
> Then ask yourself why the tuner might have a two wire output connection.
> Then read about what impedance is.
> Then read about what the impedance at the end of your wire might be.
> The answer is that it can be too high for your tuner or too low and anywhere 
> in between.
> Then read about matching networks and what they do.
> Then read about how the end fed wire needs to be used with a ground of some 
> kind.
> You'll soon see, if you do the above, that what you propose is a recipe for 
> getting an RF burn, confusing your internet modem and phone system, or even 
> damaging your radio or tuner.
> 
> The real best answer is to get a manual tuner, connect the antenna AND A 
> GROUND (rod) and learn to use it.
> Yes, the auto tuner "can" work, given a ground, but it pretty surely won't 
> work on all bands.
> The end of the antenna and the tuner "should" be well up above your radio, 
> like at the top of a window, and connected back to your station with coax.
> 
> Someone here may have time to explain all of the above to you, but it's a 
> tall order.
> WL
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500/PS SPACING

[Julia Tuttle]

Wes, don't be like that.

You do that, and people get afraid to ask questions, and we miss an
opportunity to pass on knowledge. Randall Munroe has a good take on this:
https://xkcd.com/1053/

For those who are curious, the HW-16 is a HeathKit CW rig covering (part
of) 80, 40, and 15 meters. I'm unfamiliar with it myself, but this page
seems to have some good info: https://wd8rif.com/hw16.htm

I learned something today. Maybe next time you'll get to teach it.

73,

Julie

On Sat, Jul 2, 2022, 16:59 Wes  wrote:

> Hard to believe.  A man of your age and experience.
>
> On 7/2/2022 12:16 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
> >
> > I don't know what an HW-16 is.
>
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Re: [Elecraft] Heil Pro 7 headset with KX3 - RF feedback?

[Dave Fugleberg]

Jim's comments ring true for me tooHeadphones are a very personal
choice, and simply MUST be tried to see if they work for YOU.  I own a
couple of Heil Pro-sets, and a Heil 'Traveler', plus various others. One of
my favorites has been a relatively inexpensive 'gaming' headset from
Kingston, one of several 'HyperX' models they sell.  It's marked HX-HSCS-BK
Cloud Stinger.  It has 3.5mm plugs for the mic and headphones, similar to
the Pro-set...I can plug them into the rear jacks on my K3 in place of the
Heil Proset-iC, and they just work.  Very comfortable (for me).  About $35
on Amazon right now. I paid a little more than that at Microcenter when I
bought them awhile back, but they had a display with a bunch of gaming
headsets where you could actually examine them.  If you have such a store
in your area, it's worth a trip just to see the variety they have and find
something that works for you.  Computer gamers, like hams, often spend long
hours at their 'rig', and are a much larger market, so there's a lot of
choices for comfortable, quality headsets.
Note that these do have the electret mic element and do require an external
voltage to work, but that's just a matter of turning on the 'mic bias'
setting on the K3 (I imagine your KX3 is similar - I don't own one).  As
with any time you change microphones, you'll want to check and adjust EQ,
mic gain, and compression as needed.  Once dialed in, I doubt anyone could
tell the difference over the air between these and any 'high end' ham
headset.
So, if you're looking to replace your headset, computer gaming headsets are
worth consideration...but again, what is comfortable for one ham is painful
for another, so YMMV.

73 de W0ZF

On Sat, Jul 2, 2022 at 3:08 PM Jim Brown  wrote:

> On 7/2/2022 12:36 PM, Peter Dougherty (W2IRT) wrote:
> > I gave up a long time ago and bought an Arlan
> > Communications radiosport headset. It's more expensive but it's
> absolutely
> > amazing. No clamping on my head,
>
> I had exactly the opposite experience on the two occasions I tried on a
> pair, 3-4 years apart. I found them to be an instrument of torture!
>
> I have a LOT of experience with headphones, have slept wearing Sony and
> Sennheiser headphones tuned to a jazz station for 20+ years, used them
> professionally mixing live recordings, use them now for serious music
> listening. In the shack, I've long used Sony MDR7506 for CW and RTTY,
> Yamaha CM500 for SSB, and find both quite comfortable in weekend-long
> contests.
>
> Headphones are a VERY personal thing, comfort STRONGLY depends on the
> size and shape of our heads and our ears.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500/PS SPACING

[Wes]

Hard to believe.  A man of your age and experience.

On 7/2/2022 12:16 PM, Jim Brown wrote:


I don't know what an HW-16 is.


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Re: [Elecraft] Heil Pro 7 headset with KX3 - RF feedback?

[Jim Brown]

On 7/2/2022 12:36 PM, Peter Dougherty (W2IRT) wrote:

I gave up a long time ago and bought an Arlan
Communications radiosport headset. It's more expensive but it's absolutely
amazing. No clamping on my head,


I had exactly the opposite experience on the two occasions I tried on a 
pair, 3-4 years apart. I found them to be an instrument of torture!


I have a LOT of experience with headphones, have slept wearing Sony and 
Sennheiser headphones tuned to a jazz station for 20+ years, used them 
professionally mixing live recordings, use them now for serious music 
listening. In the shack, I've long used Sony MDR7506 for CW and RTTY, 
Yamaha CM500 for SSB, and find both quite comfortable in weekend-long 
contests.


Headphones are a VERY personal thing, comfort STRONGLY depends on the 
size and shape of our heads and our ears.


73, Jim K9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] Com Port Problems

[Peter Dougherty (W2IRT)]

Yes, that is likely my next step, an in-place reinstall. I do not have the time 
to fully reconfigure the system so I can't do a bare metal install job. It's my 
work computer as well as my ham computer, and work MUST take precedence on it. 

 - pjd

-Original Message-
From: Lyn Norstad  
Sent: Saturday, July 2, 2022 3:01 PM
To: 'Peter Dougherty (W2IRT)' ; 'Wilson Lamb' 
; 'elecraft' 
Subject: RE: [Elecraft] Com Port Problems

Peter -

If you're sure that the problem is not what we addressed, then I suggest you 
reinstall Windows 11.  Presumably you're using the " Pro " edition.  If not, 
switch to that one.  The latest build is # 22000.778 released on 06/23/2022 
(last week).

Instructions here:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/june-23-2022-kb5014668-os-build-22000-778-preview-2b5f1da6-d602-48b4-b443-96b460e3c38d

73
Lyn, W0LEN

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Peter Dougherty (W2IRT)
Sent: Friday, July 01, 2022 5:22 PM
To: 'Wilson Lamb'; 'elecraft'
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Com Port Problems

The problem isn't the Elecraft radio, or the COM ports, it's a defect of some 
nature within Windows 11 that has suddenly manifested itself. I've tried all 
the usual troubleshooting problems and no-go, and even a Microsoft 2nd Level 
guy spent three hours with me on the phone and did it all again and still 
couldn’t' find it. Making things work "once" isnt' too difficult. Making 
everything work 100% reliably *repeatedly*, as it has been for years, is the 
problem.

I really hate the fact that it took SO long for ham radio manufacturers to move 
away from RS-232 to pure USB, and only recently to TCP/IP, which is the correct 
way of doing things in my opinion.

 - pjd

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Wilson Lamb via Elecraft
Sent: Friday, July 1, 2022 2:18 PM
To: elecraft 
Subject: [Elecraft] Com Port Problems


Please read my rant about Ham Qualifications and Technology. 
We are at the mercy of MANY programmers and "software engineers." 
The operating system people have no resistance to making things steadily more 
obscure and complicated. 
They don't know or care what the programmers of our many programs are doing and 
have little incentive to find out. 
The programmers typically have only a nodding acquaintance with what the 
Operating System really does and don't have time/ability to find out. 
WE are way out on a thin limb that gets more and more likely to break or sag 
down to the ground. 
All the people mentioned above are whittling away at the limb, each 
contributing to its weakness/impending breakage, and none have much incentive 
to help US. 
I really hope you find it and I guarantee, if you do, there will be a gotcha 
that someone will tell you should have seen and that will make you feel 
inadequate!  In this area, we are all inadequate! 
I know this doesn't help.  It's meant as sympathy. 
I have been building and using computers since the 50s, when I helped build one 
that used relays and I still have NO interest in software except to say what it 
should do, at which I've been pretty successful. 
Good luck and remember, there are knobs on the radio and they will probably 
work for you, since the software in the radio has likely had a few years to get 
sorted out and the worst bugs found. 
WL
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Re: [Elecraft] Heil Pro 7 headset with KX3 - RF feedback?

[Peter Dougherty (W2IRT)]

I have never owned a Heil that didn't give me problems at some point in its
life. It's always something. I gave up a long time ago and bought an Arlan
Communications radiosport headset. It's more expensive but it's absolutely
amazing. No clamping on my head, no mechanical construction problems, and
dare I say it, mechanically overbuilt for severe duty. I would trust their
products for communicating on a desert island or the southern ocean. It Just
Works.

 - pjd

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On
Behalf Of Drew Arnett
Sent: Saturday, July 2, 2022 2:08 PM
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Heil Pro 7 headset with KX3 - RF feedback?

Ignored this for quite a while, but came back to take a look this morning.
Sharing in case it helps someone else out in the future.

I think the jack on the headset itself has an intermittent and/or faulty
connection.  That's why trying the straight cable (which I never use) as
Heil suggested didn't help me narrow it down before.  (I always used the
curly cable and left the straight one in the box.)

Symptoms I see today:

KX3 on battery.  RF power level set to 0 watts (so no RF feedback of
course).  Mon set to 4.

Gear:  Pro 7 headset.  Heil Y cable (for mic/foot switch) but using the
little hand/button switch Heil includes, a cheap pair of Walkman style
earphones, and a homebrew electret handmic (that also requires 5V bias).

No difference between curly cord that I normally use and the straight cable
that I never took out of the box.

In all cases, I use the Y cable.

Notice the combinations that work and don't work:
* walkman head phones & homebrew handmic - works OK
* walkman head phones & pro 7 mic - works OK
* pro 7 headphones & homebrew handmic - works OK
* pro 7 headphones & pro 7 mic - ***PROBLEM***

I suspect the feedback path is due to wiring fault causing the headphone
audio return to share path with microphone return causing IxR coupling.  (I
hate the term ground loop, but there you go.)

Wiggle testing.  Nothing at the jack/plug interfaces on the radio (mic,
headphone).  Nothing on the jack/plug interfaces on the Y cable.
Ah, the jack/plug on the headset definitely has some sort of mechanical
intermittent at the least.  And it does for both the curly cable and the
straight cable.  So, it's the headset and not the cable.
:-(

So, off to Heil for repair.  (Looks like snap plastic/spudger tool work,
which I'm not really interested in doing.)  Or to perhaps shop for something
more reliable?

Best regards,

Drew
n7da

On Sat, Jul 3, 2021 at 9:05 PM Drew Arnett  wrote:
>
> No luck sorting this out in the field during FD, especially with a 
> workaround available.  (Alternative mic.)  I'd like to resolve it if 
> possible before replacing the Pro 7, the KX3, or both.  :-O  So, now 
> that I'm unpacked at home, I'll try a simple setup for debugging.
>
> Trouble shooting setup now:  KX3 (with new, charged internal NiMH), 
> Pro 7 with Y cable and that little clip on PTT switch they include, 3 
> FT coax to (shielded) dummy load.  Electret mic element.  MIC BIAS on, 
> CMP 0, PWR 5, 14 MHz, SSB.
>
> With MON 0, no RF output indicated while transmitting and speaking or 
> whistling for MIC GAIN 0 to 80.
>
> With MON 3 (a level I like for CW sidetone) and PTT on, doesn't matter 
> if I'm speaking/whistling or not.  The RF output indicates nothing 
> until about MIC GAIN 70 when it abruptly comes up with a harsh sound.
> Other electret microphone sounds fine at MIC GAIN 60.
>
> This is probably something simple.  I just haven't found it, yet.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Drew
> n7da
>
> On Thu, Jun 17, 2021 at 3:36 AM Drew Arnett  wrote:
> >
> > Shield of mic jack goes to bare metal Elecraft thoughtfully left on 
> > the chassis metal.  10 nF shunt to ground.  (Need to see where that 
> > is, but hopefully SMT and with very small loop area.)  Sheet 9:
> > https://ftp.elecraft.com/KX3/Manuals%20Downloads/KX3SchematicDiagram
> > Dec2012.pdf
> >
> > Heil suggests on their tips page generous ferrite choking of all 3 
> > leads of their Y adapter cable:
> > https://heilhamradio.com/support/tips/
> >
> > Drew
> > n7da
> >
> > On Thu, Jun 17, 2021 at 3:23 AM Drew Arnett 
wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi,
> > >
> > > In the KX3 for Field Day department, we plan to use it for the 
> > > GOTA station for phone on HF.  (Yes, will have antennas not on top 
> > > of each other and bandpass filters on ALL radios.)  Would be great 
> > > to setup with a headset and foot switch.
> > >
> > > Last weekend, I used my KX3 barefoot on 6 and with a 
> > > transverters-store.com transverter (also barefoot) for 2.  6m 
> > > antenna was 2 elements about 15 ft above the ground and 2m antenna 
> > > 6 elements at 10 feet above the ground.
> > >
> > > I worked a couple of contacts on 2m phone with the headset.  
> > > Later, when I tried to use the headset for phone on 6, seemed like 
> > > I was having a feedback problem.  Cabling was the stock cabling 
> > > that comes 

Re: [Elecraft] K4D Receiver Question

[Jim Brown]

On 7/2/2022 8:34 AM, Roy Morris, Jr. via Elecraft wrote:

I find my receiver is very noisy.


Those of us who live in civilization are surrounded by dozens of noise 
sources in our own homes, and dozens more in the homes of each of our 
neighbors. Almost anything that plugs into the wall is a noise source. 
This applications note provides advice on how to identify them by type, 
find them, and kill them. It's not a simple process, but it's well worth 
the effort.


http://k9yc.com/KillingReceiveNoise.pdf

And slides for a talk at Visalia.

http://k9yc.com/KillingRXNoiseVisalia.pdf

73, Jim K9YC



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Re: [Elecraft] KPA1500/PS SPACING

[Jim Brown]

On 7/2/2022 3:18 AM, eric norris via Elecraft wrote:

I am considering a new shack layout that would place on a single shelf, in left 
to right order, KPA1500 RF DECK--HW-16--KPA1500 PS.  My question for the brain 
trust is:  How much space is required between components?


Eric,

I don't know what an HW-16 is. The PSU for my KPA-1500 sits on a shelf 
below it. The limitation is the length of the cables that connect the 
PSU to the RF deck. I don't remember the length -- check the poop sheet 
on the Elecraft website.


73, Jim K9YC
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Re: [Elecraft] Com Port Problems

[Lyn Norstad]

Peter -

If you're sure that the problem is not what we addressed, then I suggest you 
reinstall Windows 11.  Presumably you're using the " Pro " edition.  If not, 
switch to that one.  The latest build is # 22000.778 released on 06/23/2022 
(last week).

Instructions here:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/june-23-2022-kb5014668-os-build-22000-778-preview-2b5f1da6-d602-48b4-b443-96b460e3c38d

73
Lyn, W0LEN

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net 
[mailto:elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of Peter Dougherty (W2IRT)
Sent: Friday, July 01, 2022 5:22 PM
To: 'Wilson Lamb'; 'elecraft'
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Com Port Problems

The problem isn't the Elecraft radio, or the COM ports, it's a defect of some 
nature within Windows 11 that has suddenly manifested itself. I've tried all 
the usual troubleshooting problems and no-go, and even a Microsoft 2nd Level 
guy spent three hours with me on the phone and did it all again and still 
couldn’t' find it. Making things work "once" isnt' too difficult. Making 
everything work 100% reliably *repeatedly*, as it has been for years, is the 
problem.

I really hate the fact that it took SO long for ham radio manufacturers to move 
away from RS-232 to pure USB, and only recently to TCP/IP, which is the correct 
way of doing things in my opinion.

 - pjd

-Original Message-
From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net  On 
Behalf Of Wilson Lamb via Elecraft
Sent: Friday, July 1, 2022 2:18 PM
To: elecraft 
Subject: [Elecraft] Com Port Problems


Please read my rant about Ham Qualifications and Technology. 
We are at the mercy of MANY programmers and "software engineers." 
The operating system people have no resistance to making things steadily more 
obscure and complicated. 
They don't know or care what the programmers of our many programs are doing and 
have little incentive to find out. 
The programmers typically have only a nodding acquaintance with what the 
Operating System really does and don't have time/ability to find out. 
WE are way out on a thin limb that gets more and more likely to break or sag 
down to the ground. 
All the people mentioned above are whittling away at the limb, each 
contributing to its weakness/impending breakage, and none have much incentive 
to help US. 
I really hope you find it and I guarantee, if you do, there will be a gotcha 
that someone will tell you should have seen and that will make you feel 
inadequate!  In this area, we are all inadequate! 
I know this doesn't help.  It's meant as sympathy. 
I have been building and using computers since the 50s, when I helped build one 
that used relays and I still have NO interest in software except to say what it 
should do, at which I've been pretty successful. 
Good luck and remember, there are knobs on the radio and they will probably 
work for you, since the software in the radio has likely had a few years to get 
sorted out and the worst bugs found. 
WL
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Re: [Elecraft] Heil Pro 7 headset with KX3 - RF feedback?

[Drew Arnett]

Ignored this for quite a while, but came back to take a look this
morning.  Sharing in case it helps someone else out in the future.

I think the jack on the headset itself has an intermittent and/or
faulty connection.  That's why trying the straight cable (which I
never use) as Heil suggested didn't help me narrow it down before.  (I
always used the curly cable and left the straight one in the box.)

Symptoms I see today:

KX3 on battery.  RF power level set to 0 watts (so no RF feedback of
course).  Mon set to 4.

Gear:  Pro 7 headset.  Heil Y cable (for mic/foot switch) but using
the little hand/button switch Heil includes, a cheap pair of Walkman
style earphones, and a homebrew electret handmic (that also requires
5V bias).

No difference between curly cord that I normally use and the straight
cable that I never took out of the box.

In all cases, I use the Y cable.

Notice the combinations that work and don't work:
* walkman head phones & homebrew handmic - works OK
* walkman head phones & pro 7 mic - works OK
* pro 7 headphones & homebrew handmic - works OK
* pro 7 headphones & pro 7 mic - ***PROBLEM***

I suspect the feedback path is due to wiring fault causing the
headphone audio return to share path with microphone return causing
IxR coupling.  (I hate the term ground loop, but there you go.)

Wiggle testing.  Nothing at the jack/plug interfaces on the radio
(mic, headphone).  Nothing on the jack/plug interfaces on the Y cable.
Ah, the jack/plug on the headset definitely has some sort of
mechanical intermittent at the least.  And it does for both the curly
cable and the straight cable.  So, it's the headset and not the cable.
:-(

So, off to Heil for repair.  (Looks like snap plastic/spudger tool
work, which I'm not really interested in doing.)  Or to perhaps shop
for something more reliable?

Best regards,

Drew
n7da

On Sat, Jul 3, 2021 at 9:05 PM Drew Arnett  wrote:
>
> No luck sorting this out in the field during FD, especially with a
> workaround available.  (Alternative mic.)  I'd like to resolve it if
> possible before replacing the Pro 7, the KX3, or both.  :-O  So, now
> that I'm unpacked at home, I'll try a simple setup for debugging.
>
> Trouble shooting setup now:  KX3 (with new, charged internal NiMH),
> Pro 7 with Y cable and that little clip on PTT switch they include, 3
> FT coax to (shielded) dummy load.  Electret mic element.  MIC BIAS on,
> CMP 0, PWR 5, 14 MHz, SSB.
>
> With MON 0, no RF output indicated while transmitting and speaking or
> whistling for MIC GAIN 0 to 80.
>
> With MON 3 (a level I like for CW sidetone) and PTT on, doesn't matter
> if I'm speaking/whistling or not.  The RF output indicates nothing
> until about MIC GAIN 70 when it abruptly comes up with a harsh sound.
> Other electret microphone sounds fine at MIC GAIN 60.
>
> This is probably something simple.  I just haven't found it, yet.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Drew
> n7da
>
> On Thu, Jun 17, 2021 at 3:36 AM Drew Arnett  wrote:
> >
> > Shield of mic jack goes to bare metal Elecraft thoughtfully left on
> > the chassis metal.  10 nF shunt to ground.  (Need to see where that
> > is, but hopefully SMT and with very small loop area.)  Sheet 9:
> > https://ftp.elecraft.com/KX3/Manuals%20Downloads/KX3SchematicDiagramDec2012.pdf
> >
> > Heil suggests on their tips page generous ferrite choking of all 3
> > leads of their Y adapter cable:
> > https://heilhamradio.com/support/tips/
> >
> > Drew
> > n7da
> >
> > On Thu, Jun 17, 2021 at 3:23 AM Drew Arnett  wrote:
> > >
> > > Hi,
> > >
> > > In the KX3 for Field Day department, we plan to use it for the GOTA
> > > station for phone on HF.  (Yes, will have antennas not on top of each
> > > other and bandpass filters on ALL radios.)  Would be great to setup
> > > with a headset and foot switch.
> > >
> > > Last weekend, I used my KX3 barefoot on 6 and with a
> > > transverters-store.com transverter (also barefoot) for 2.  6m antenna
> > > was 2 elements about 15 ft above the ground and 2m antenna 6 elements
> > > at 10 feet above the ground.
> > >
> > > I worked a couple of contacts on 2m phone with the headset.  Later,
> > > when I tried to use the headset for phone on 6, seemed like I was
> > > having a feedback problem.  Cabling was the stock cabling that comes
> > > with the Heil Pro 7 headset and a footswitch.  Monitor was on and set
> > > to 4.
> > >
> > > So, ALC didn't indicate anything at the normal level (60), and
> > > increasing it very abruptly caused horrible sounding audio.  (Yes,
> > > acts like positive feedback.)
> > >
> > > I have a small electret mic on a 1/8 plug thing I bought some time ago
> > > from the computer store.  (Meant at the time for adding mic to
> > > laptops.)  I have a 1/8" audio extension cable for it.  I plugged that
> > > in instead of the headset mic and it seemed to act normally.
> > >
> > > Is this purely an RF from the TX antenna getting into the mic audio
> > > problem or is it something else?
> > >
> > > Best practice to avoid this 

Re: [Elecraft] COM port problems

[Fred Jensen]

Thank you Mitch!!  The procedure I have been using and wrote about seems 
to work roughly 50% of the time.  Now I think I know why [:=)


73,

Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

Mitch Wolfson wrote on 7/1/2022 9:23 PM:

Peter,

Skip is on to what you need to do, but that method won't show
everything. What you need to do is the following:

- Open up a DOS command window by clicking on the start button, then on
"run" and enter "cmd" and hit the enter button
- Copy and paste the following into the command line:  set
devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1
- Then copy and paste the following, or manually start Device Manager
like Skip says:  \windows\system32\devmgmt.msc
- Now go to the view menu and click on show hidden devices and you will
see everything that you ever installed
- Now you can delete everything that is in conflict and follow Skip's
instructions

I also have a nifty script that nukes all installed COM port drivers at
once as a worst case scenario. If you need that, send me a direct mail.
I don't read these postings all the time.

73,
Mitch  DJ0QN / K7DX

--
Mitch Wolfson DJ0QN / K7DX
1494 Serrano Cir, Naples, FL 34105
USA: Home: +1-239-221-9600 - Mobile: +1-424-288-9171
Germany: Home: +49 89 32152700 - Mobile/WhatsApp: +49 172 8374436

On 01.07.2022 19:07, Fred Jensen wrote:

Peter:

1.  Open Control Panel and click on Hardware/Sound-->Device
Mangler-->Ports

2.  In the View menu, click on Show Hidden Devices

If there are any, they will appear in the Ports display but grayed
out.  Delete them, close everything, reboot, and try again. Windows
will occasionally, and without notice, leave a previous device
enumerated even after it is removed.  It shows up as unavailable, or
in-use to a real device.

May not be your problem, but an easy fix.  Best to remove all USB
cables before the reboot, then insert them one at a time while
watching the Ports display


73,

Fred ["Skip"] K6DGW #142
Sparks NV DM09dn
Washoe County

Peter Dougherty (W2IRT) wrote on 7/1/2022 3:17 PM:

The issue is far deeper than this. None of the COM ports work
normally after
starting the system. Occasionally the radio connects to the software
normally, other times it doesn't. If I have it working with N1MM,
close down
N1MM and try to start Commander (DX Labs) it won't work initially,
but if I
try it 3 or 4 times in a row it will connect normally.

Ditto with my two rotors. Those are the only serial ports in my
system. The
K3s, my 6m rotor (Rotor-EZ board in the controller box) and a Green
Heron
RT-20 (serial-to-USB, not pure USB like the newer RT-21). For whatever
reason, there is *something* holding all the installed/configured COM
ports
open and unavailable. I cannot find that "something."

  - pjd












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Re: [Elecraft] K4D Receiver Question

[Drew AF2Z]

This may not be of much use to you but I have found on the K3 that the 
AFX BIN setting very significantly reduces the perception of noise when 
listening to the external speakers. (But not so much in the headphones). 
The speakers are MFJ-281, 6" separation, about 30" from ears, dead ahead.


If you do a lot of speaker listening you might want to try the binaural 
afx. I have found it to be much more comfortable on noisy bands. I am 
assuming it will work similarly on my K4.


73,
Drew
AF2Z



On 07/02/22 10:34, Roy Morris, Jr. via Elecraft wrote:

I find my receiver is very noisy.  I know this time of the year receiver noise 
can be very high.  I have to use all 21 db of reduction from the PRE/ATTN 
button and around 30 db reduction on the MRF encoder to get the radio quiet 
enough to hear hear signals adequately on the 75, 40 and 20 meter bands on my 
G5RV antenna.  I can significantly decrease the noise with the NR set to a high 
level, but the signal is also degraded and reduced.  The receiver auto 
attenuation is ON in the menu.  All AGC settings are set to factory default. I 
am using the current R30 firmware, and all transmit and receive parameters 
check out OK.  I would like to know if it is normal to have to use the MRF/SRF 
encoder to get the noise down on the receivers. All of the pics I have seen 
show the MRF/SRF set to zero (default). My K4D is equipped with the KAT4, KPA4 
and 2 KSP4 speakers.  This is a wonderful radio, and I want to operate it 
correctly.  I get good reports on my signal.  I have been told the CESSB 
increases my audio by 8db and the bandpass skirts are sharp and clean.Thanks 
for your thoughts on how I am operating this great radio.  Roy Morris  W4WFB
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[Elecraft] K4D Receiver Question

[Roy Morris, Jr. via Elecraft]

I find my receiver is very noisy.  I know this time of the year receiver noise 
can be very high.  I have to use all 21 db of reduction from the PRE/ATTN 
button and around 30 db reduction on the MRF encoder to get the radio quiet 
enough to hear hear signals adequately on the 75, 40 and 20 meter bands on my 
G5RV antenna.  I can significantly decrease the noise with the NR set to a high 
level, but the signal is also degraded and reduced.  The receiver auto 
attenuation is ON in the menu.  All AGC settings are set to factory default. I 
am using the current R30 firmware, and all transmit and receive parameters 
check out OK.  I would like to know if it is normal to have to use the MRF/SRF 
encoder to get the noise down on the receivers. All of the pics I have seen 
show the MRF/SRF set to zero (default). My K4D is equipped with the KAT4, KPA4 
and 2 KSP4 speakers.  This is a wonderful radio, and I want to operate it 
correctly.  I get good reports on my signal.  I have been told the CESSB 
increases my audio by 8db and the bandpass skirts are sharp and clean.Thanks 
for your thoughts on how I am operating this great radio.  Roy Morris  W4WFB
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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 219, Issue 2

[jerry]

On 2022-07-02 04:02, Dave B via Elecraft wrote:

Hi.

At the very least, see if the embedded Linux it uses (what version of
what distro, anyone know?
*** If there is command line access, then "uname -a" can sometimes give 
a hint.


 - jerry, KF6VB



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[Elecraft] CW Skimmer with KX3 Help needed

[Michael Aust via Elecraft]

Anyone using an Elecraft KX3 with CW Skimmer with the DigiRig See offset noise 
on CW decodes no matter what frequency I select in CW Skimmer and hard to 
decode signals and is within 1kHz of desired frequency Need to figure how to 
set it up with a KX3 withCW Skimmer Seems the I/Q output is not that good on 
the KX3Maybe I am missing something here !FYI, WSJX works fine with the KX3 and 
DigiRigMaybe it has to do with the filters in CW but have set this to NORMAL 
via front panel, perhapsI/Q output is too narrow when in CW mode for the KX3 ? 
Also tried with ASUS XONAR U7 sound card with similar results !ThanksMikeWB6DJI

Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
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[Elecraft] K3 and MixW4

[Dave (NK7Z)]

Hi,
Anyone using their K3 with MixW4?  I am having difficulty in setting up 
the software.  CAT appears to work, (band changes etc., work fine), 
however I can not get the K3 to drop into transmit.  Works fine under 
MixW3, same settings...

--
73, and thanks,
Dave (NK7Z)
https://www.nk7z.net
ARRL Volunteer Examiner
ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI
ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources
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[Elecraft] PS: Elecraft Digest, Vol 219, Issue 2

[Dave B via Elecraft]

PS:

As another respondent said.  The "Best" way to get remote access to 
anything (regardless of OS) is a proper VPN.   But, do not underestimate 
the learning needed to "do it right" especially for systems that have an 
embedded OS.


(We are not talking about the "consumer" VN's that hide your internet 
traffic from your ISP, or other websites.  In this case were talking 
about a dedicated point to point VPN.  A totally different beast, though 
behind the facade, the background processes are similar.)


If you use an intermediate Router, between your K4 (and other shack 
stuff) and your home router, then it is the intermediate router that 
needs to have a VPN endpoint running.   Or, have a PC with multiple LAN 
cards, that itself can work as a router/VPN end point.


But, then you also need a VPN on your remote client PC/device to work 
with it, and you need to religiously keep that PC up to date. A 
Raspberry Pi could do the task for example, at both ends.


Yes, it is the "way to go", but as above, do not underestimate what you 
need to learn, so as to do it correctly, else it could be as bad as a 
wide open system.


Look up Wireguard for example (the new shiny easy to deploy custom 
(free*) VPN.   Or, OpenVPN (also free*) but though that is time-served 
and proven, but it is not trivial to configure correctly.


(* Free, as in no $ cost, just time to learn and configure.   There are 
some scripts that can do most of the work for you, but again, you need 
to trust the author of such scripts to have done things correctly, 
including not including any cracks or back-doors!)


Firstly, decide what you want to do now, and perhaps in the future, and 
plan things.


73.

Dave G8KBV(G0WBX)  "NOT" a security expert!  Just a user who knows a 
little more than most.




 Forwarded Message 
Subject:Re: Elecraft Digest, Vol 219, Issue 2
Date:   Sat, 2 Jul 2022 12:02:49 +0100
From:   Dave B 
To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net



Hi.

At the very least, see if the embedded Linux it uses (what version of 
what distro, anyone know?  I've not seen anything re that mentioned...) 
has a firewall facility you can invoke and setup. Even if it is only 
possible from the command line.   They can have full network 
connectivity, but still be invisible to random port pokers, plus rules 
can be setup for what you "Want" to do, and still protect against what 
you don't want to happen.  (Remote file access etc.)


If you setup for remote access via SSH, then read up how to use 
Certificates for authentication, and not rely on passphrases.



A semi instant solution, would be to "hide" the K4 behind a reconfigured 
wired router.  That way, it can reach out for any authorised updates, 
but nothing can "see" it from the rest of your LAN.  (Unless you "need" 
it, in which case, that extra router can be configured to do so.  
Effectively much like a hardware firewall. But make sure that routers 
own OS is all up to date too!)


You could put other Shack connected stuff on the same protected LAN as 
well, if needed.   Else, see if your existing router can create and 
manage an isolated VLAN for the K4.  Preferably on a separate physical 
cable run.


Linux as a whole is less troublesome than "some other" OS re malware, 
but it does exist, also so do vulnerabilities.  It is just that most 
Linux users would spot a behavioural change and go searching for stuff 
to kill off.
(If you think Windows updates too often, you aint' seen nothing yet, 
security updates are issued as needed, not waiting for one batch a 
month!  But with most Linux's, updating, even a kernel update is only a 
few minutes of your time, not hours like that "other" OS)


Because of that, it is less targeted by the usual bad guys, but sadly 
that is beginning to change. :-(  Thankfully though, Linux generally has 
the tools to do manage that and protect itself without needing to 
download other stuff.  But it does need time and learning how to do so.


If you are really concerned, do not connect your K4 to your LAN, except 
when needed (official updates etc.)   Or if you "Need to" (Remote Shack 
working etc) then plan it, and install the needed protective devices 
(dedicated firewall router for example) to hide it behind.


The first thing to find out, is just which embedded Linux is used in the 
K4, and what protective tools are provided as standard.  If there is not 
even a firewall to use, I'd be asking serious questions of Elecraft as 
to why such was left out.


73.

Dave G0WBX(G8KBV)   I gave up with Windoze for my own computing needs 
over 7 years ago now.  Not regretted it one bit.







On 01/07/2022 23:27, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:

Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2022 13:39:51 -0300
From: gordon young
To:elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft K4 Ethernet Vulnerability
Message-ID:<097588cf-06dc-46a8-84ed-459e824af...@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Ladies and gentlemen,

Perhaps this is old news 

Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft Digest, Vol 219, Issue 2

[Dave B via Elecraft]

Hi.

At the very least, see if the embedded Linux it uses (what version of 
what distro, anyone know?  I've not seen anything re that mentioned...) 
has a firewall facility you can invoke and setup. Even if it is only 
possible from the command line.   They can have full network 
connectivity, but still be invisible to random port pokers, plus rules 
can be setup for what you "Want" to do, and still protect against what 
you don't want to happen.  (Remote file access etc.)


If you setup for remote access via SSH, then read up how to use 
Certificates for authentication, and not rely on passphrases.



A semi instant solution, would be to "hide" the K4 behind a reconfigured 
wired router.  That way, it can reach out for any authorised updates, 
but nothing can "see" it from the rest of your LAN.  (Unless you "need" 
it, in which case, that extra router can be configured to do so.  
Effectively much like a hardware firewall. But make sure that routers 
own OS is all up to date too!)


You could put other Shack connected stuff on the same protected LAN as 
well, if needed.   Else, see if your existing router can create and 
manage an isolated VLAN for the K4.  Preferably on a separate physical 
cable run.


Linux as a whole is less troublesome than "some other" OS re malware, 
but it does exist, also so do vulnerabilities.  It is just that most 
Linux users would spot a behavioural change and go searching for stuff 
to kill off.
(If you think Windows updates too often, you aint' seen nothing yet, 
security updates are issued as needed, not waiting for one batch a 
month!  But with most Linux's, updating, even a kernel update is only a 
few minutes of your time, not hours like that "other" OS)


Because of that, it is less targeted by the usual bad guys, but sadly 
that is beginning to change. :-(  Thankfully though, Linux generally has 
the tools to do manage that and protect itself without needing to 
download other stuff.  But it does need time and learning how to do so.


If you are really concerned, do not connect your K4 to your LAN, except 
when needed (official updates etc.)   Or if you "Need to" (Remote Shack 
working etc) then plan it, and install the needed protective devices 
(dedicated firewall router for example) to hide it behind.


The first thing to find out, is just which embedded Linux is used in the 
K4, and what protective tools are provided as standard.  If there is not 
even a firewall to use, I'd be asking serious questions of Elecraft as 
to why such was left out.


73.

Dave G0WBX(G8KBV)   I gave up with Windoze for my own computing needs 
over 7 years ago now.  Not regretted it one bit.







On 01/07/2022 23:27, elecraft-requ...@mailman.qth.net wrote:

Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2022 13:39:51 -0300
From: gordon young
To:elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: [Elecraft] Elecraft K4 Ethernet Vulnerability
Message-ID:<097588cf-06dc-46a8-84ed-459e824af...@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Ladies and gentlemen,

Perhaps this is old news to some however I thought it worth asking before my 
radio arrives.  Given the K4 now has direct Ethernet connectivity, how 
vulnerable is it to malware, bugs, worms and bad internet stuff in general?

What is recommended for the radio itself besides protecting the associated 
computer?  For example, should a VPN be used or is the risk considered low 
enough to disregard?

Thanks in advance

Gord
VE1GVY
K4 wannabee


--
Created on and sent from a Unix like PC running and using free and open source 
software:

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[Elecraft] KPA1500/PS SPACING

[eric norris via Elecraft]

Gangue:
I am considering a new shack layout that would place on a single shelf, in left 
to right order, KPA1500 RF DECK--HW-16--KPA1500 PS.  My question for the brain 
trust is:  How much space is required between components?  The PS cannot go on 
the floor at this point.  The KPA1500 and HW-16 are not being operated at the 
same time, obviously.  The K4 is on a lower level and is not a factor.
The KPA1500 components will not be up on their bails.
Thoughts?  Thanks and

73, Eric WD6DBM

 
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