[Elecraft] [K3] - Possible defect with REV button?
I have two K3s. When I received SN 70xx ten years ago, I operated for two years without the KRX3. I became adept and figuring out split listening frequencies by pressing the REV button and tuning around. When I got the KRX3, things became much easier and I didn’t have to do any of that fancy dance holding the REV button and tuning the knob. In the last year, I brought SN 89xx, and it does not have the KRX3. When I’m using it at my other QTH, I notice that the old trick holding the REV button doesn’t always work. Holding REV swaps VFO A and B temporarily, and they switch back as soon as you let go fo the REV button. It will work at first. But, sometimes, after holding REV for a few seconds, the word “END” will appear on the display, and the radio will sometimes switch VFO A and B back, as if I released the button, but other times it will leave VFO A and B switched. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to it. It just happens “sometimes”. Has anyone else observed this? Is there some obscure configuration setting that is causing this behavior? I couldn’t find one. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@mac.com Quote: "Boot, you transistorized tormentor! Boot!" -- Archibald Asparagus, VeggieTales __ 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] - Possible defect with REV button?
I have two K3s. When I received SN 70xx ten years ago, I operated for two years without the KRX3. I became adept and figuring out split listening frequencies by pressing the REV button and tuning around. When I got the KRX3, things became much easier and I didn’t have to do any of that fancy dance holding the REV button and tuning the knob. In the last year, I brought SN 89xx, and it does not have the KRX3. When I’m using it at my other QTH, I notice that the old trick holding the REV button doesn’t always work. Holding REV swaps VFO A and B temporarily, and they switch back as soon as you let go fo the REV button. It will work at first. But, sometimes, after holding REV for a few seconds, the word “END” will appear on the display, and the radio will sometimes switch VFO A and B back, as if I released the button, but other times it will leave VFO A and B switched. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to it. It just happens “sometimes”. Has anyone else observed this? Is there some obscure configuration setting that is causing this behavior? I couldn’t find one. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@mac.com Quote: "Boot, you transistorized tormentor! Boot!" -- Archibald Asparagus, VeggieTales __ 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] Odd transmit power output behavior on TX DATA
I figured out why it takes so much gain. Somewhere along the line, I switched sounds cards and I was outputting to the wrong channel. Amazing that I was able to get any transmit at all. > On Jan 3, 2023, at 9:55 PM, Bill Coleman via Elecraft > wrote: > > Well, I’ve half-way figured it out. > > I increased the LINE gain to the point where I can get 4-5 ALC bars, and now > I get plenty of power right away. > > Still trying to figure out why it takes so much gain, but I’ll puzzle that > out given time. > > Thanks everyone. > >> On Dec 30, 2022, at 1:24 PM, David Hachadorian wrote: >> >> It could be a momentary high SWR when starting a transmission because of >> some slow switching somewhere in line. In K3 Config, try increasing the >> value of Tx Dly. I have to set mine at 14 because of a slow amp. >> >> Dave Hachadorian, K6LL >> Yuma, AZ >> >> >> On 12/30/2022 8:34 AM, Bill Coleman via Elecraft wrote: >>> I own two K3/100 radios. One is SN70xx, another SN87xx. On one of them, I >>> observe an odd behavior with transmit power output. >>> >>> Even though I have an antenna matched to nearly 1:1 VSWR using the internal >>> tuner, any time I change bands, or adjust the power level, SN70XX does not >>> put out full power right away. Instead, it starts about 40-50 watts, and >>> then slowly creeps up to 100 watts. This takes about 4-6 15 second FT8 >>> transmissions. >>> >>> It doesn’t appear to behave this way on CW or SSB. Only on TX DATA modes. >>> >>> My other radio doesn’t exhibit this behavior. >>> >>> The two radios have different internal options, but many of the >>> configuration parameters are the same. >>> >>> Any suggestions? >>> >>> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail:aa...@mac.com >>> Quote: "We invented personal computing." >>>-- Bill Gates @ TechNet / MSDN 2003 >>> >>> >>> __ >>> 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 tok6ll.d...@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 aa...@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 aa...@mac.com Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@mac.com Quote: "Boot, you transistorized tormentor! Boot!" -- Archibald Asparagus, VeggieTales __ 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 - failing the milliwatt calibration
I just tried it with a brand-spanking new 50ohm BNC terminator. This eliminated the cable and adapters I needed for my 50 watt dummy load. Same result. > On Jan 6, 2023, at 8:42 AM, Chuck Shefflette > wrote: > > Bill, > > I've had similar things happen. Try a different dummy load and/or cable and > make sure all the connectors are tight. A slight mismatch at that power level > will really make a difference. > > 73, > Chuck, AA3CS > > On Fri, Jan 6, 2023, 08:38 Bill Coleman via Elecraft > wrote: > I have two K3s, and both are failing the milliwatt calibration. One fails on > 160m, the other on 6m, both with similar error messages. > > This is an example of the failure: > > Calibrating at 1.900 MHz > IsSamplingComplete: Unexpected response ‘DB 2.08 MW;’ to ‘DB;’. > Calibration power settled at ‘2.08 MW;’ > 1 milliwatt calibration failed. > > > Any ideas? > __ > 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 chuck.shefflette+aa...@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 - failing the milliwatt calibration
I have two K3s, and both are failing the milliwatt calibration. One fails on 160m, the other on 6m, both with similar error messages. This is an example of the failure: Calibrating at 1.900 MHz IsSamplingComplete: Unexpected response ‘DB 2.08 MW;’ to ‘DB;’. Calibration power settled at ‘2.08 MW;’ 1 milliwatt calibration failed. Any ideas? __ 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] Odd transmit power output behavior on TX DATA
Well, I’ve half-way figured it out. I increased the LINE gain to the point where I can get 4-5 ALC bars, and now I get plenty of power right away. Still trying to figure out why it takes so much gain, but I’ll puzzle that out given time. Thanks everyone. > On Dec 30, 2022, at 1:24 PM, David Hachadorian wrote: > > It could be a momentary high SWR when starting a transmission because of some > slow switching somewhere in line. In K3 Config, try increasing the value of > Tx Dly. I have to set mine at 14 because of a slow amp. > > Dave Hachadorian, K6LL > Yuma, AZ > > > On 12/30/2022 8:34 AM, Bill Coleman via Elecraft wrote: >> I own two K3/100 radios. One is SN70xx, another SN87xx. On one of them, I >> observe an odd behavior with transmit power output. >> >> Even though I have an antenna matched to nearly 1:1 VSWR using the internal >> tuner, any time I change bands, or adjust the power level, SN70XX does not >> put out full power right away. Instead, it starts about 40-50 watts, and >> then slowly creeps up to 100 watts. This takes about 4-6 15 second FT8 >> transmissions. >> >> It doesn’t appear to behave this way on CW or SSB. Only on TX DATA modes. >> >> My other radio doesn’t exhibit this behavior. >> >> The two radios have different internal options, but many of the >> configuration parameters are the same. >> >> Any suggestions? >> >> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail:aa...@mac.com >> Quote: "We invented personal computing." >> -- Bill Gates @ TechNet / MSDN 2003 >> >> >> __ >> 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 tok6ll.d...@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 aa...@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] [K3] Odd transmit power output behavior on TX DATA
All bands. Power calibration was done about 9 months ago. > On Dec 30, 2022, at 11:19 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: > > > One band or all bands? > > Have you done the power calibration routine recently? > > 73, > > ... Joe, W4TV > > On 2022-12-30 10:34 AM, Bill Coleman via Elecraft wrote: >> I own two K3/100 radios. One is SN70xx, another SN87xx. On one of them, I >> observe an odd behavior with transmit power output. >> Even though I have an antenna matched to nearly 1:1 VSWR using the internal >> tuner, any time I change bands, or adjust the power level, SN70XX does not >> put out full power right away. Instead, it starts about 40-50 watts, and >> then slowly creeps up to 100 watts. This takes about 4-6 15 second FT8 >> transmissions. >> It doesn’t appear to behave this way on CW or SSB. Only on TX DATA modes. >> My other radio doesn’t exhibit this behavior. >> The two radios have different internal options, but many of the >> configuration parameters are the same. >> Any suggestions? >> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@mac.com >> Quote: "We invented personal computing." >> -- Bill Gates @ TechNet / MSDN 2003 > > __ > 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 aa...@mac.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] Odd transmit power output behavior on TX DATA
All bands. I have done the power calibration routine at least once in the last nine months, on both radios. > On Dec 30, 2022, at 11:19 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote: > > > One band or all bands? > > Have you done the power calibration routine recently? > > 73, > > ... Joe, W4TV > > On 2022-12-30 10:34 AM, Bill Coleman via Elecraft wrote: >> I own two K3/100 radios. One is SN70xx, another SN87xx. On one of them, I >> observe an odd behavior with transmit power output. >> Even though I have an antenna matched to nearly 1:1 VSWR using the internal >> tuner, any time I change bands, or adjust the power level, SN70XX does not >> put out full power right away. Instead, it starts about 40-50 watts, and >> then slowly creeps up to 100 watts. This takes about 4-6 15 second FT8 >> transmissions. >> It doesn’t appear to behave this way on CW or SSB. Only on TX DATA modes. >> My other radio doesn’t exhibit this behavior. >> The two radios have different internal options, but many of the >> configuration parameters are the same. >> Any suggestions? >> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@mac.com >> Quote: "We invented personal computing." >>-- Bill Gates @ TechNet / MSDN 2003 > > __ > 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 aa...@mac.com Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Odd transmit power output behavior on TX DATA
I own two K3/100 radios. One is SN70xx, another SN87xx. On one of them, I observe an odd behavior with transmit power output. Even though I have an antenna matched to nearly 1:1 VSWR using the internal tuner, any time I change bands, or adjust the power level, SN70XX does not put out full power right away. Instead, it starts about 40-50 watts, and then slowly creeps up to 100 watts. This takes about 4-6 15 second FT8 transmissions. It doesn’t appear to behave this way on CW or SSB. Only on TX DATA modes. My other radio doesn’t exhibit this behavior. The two radios have different internal options, but many of the configuration parameters are the same. Any suggestions? Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@mac.com Quote: "We invented personal computing." -- Bill Gates @ TechNet / MSDN 2003 __ 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] D-104 Mic Element Replacement
Heil Sound stopped selling HC4 and HC5 mike elements many years ago. (10 years ago?) I think part of the rationale was that modern rigs have built-in equalizers that eliminated the need for a crystal microphone with a tailored response. > On Feb 22, 2022, at 9:03 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > I have used electric elements in the D104 and they worked quite well. > If you want a dynamic element, I suggest the HC4 or HC5 from Heil Sound. I > don't know if Heil is still selling those mic elements separately, but they > do work well in the D104 (and other mics). Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] RemoteRig distributors in USA?
Would you take $300 (USA) for it? > On Feb 22, 2022, at 11:53 PM, KIRBY NESBITT wrote: > > Hi Bill, > I have a Remote Rig RRC-1258MkIIs for Elecraft K3 Twin setup that I purchased > a little while back for a project that never got off the ground. Everything > still new in the box including the Elecraft accessory cable kit. > Had planned on listing it but saw your post here. Shoot me an email if your > still interested. > > Kirb - VE6IV > > - Original Message - > From: Bill Coleman > To: Elecraft > Sent: Mon, 21 Feb 2022 12:31:27 -0700 (MST) > Subject: [Elecraft] RemoteRig distributors in USA? > > I recently obtained a second K3 and now I’m curious about remote operating my > home station K3. The RemoteRig RRC-1258MkII seems like a good solution, but > I’m having trouble finding anyone who carries it in the USA. > > Elecraft used to sell, as well as HRO, but neither list this product. > > Suggestions? > > > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL Mail: aa...@arrl.net > Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com > Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" > -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 > > __ > 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.nesb...@shaw.ca Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] RemoteRig distributors in USA?
Possibly. An email to RemoteRig indicates they still have distributors in Europe, just none in the USA. > On Feb 21, 2022, at 7:53 PM, Pete Smith N4ZR wrote: > > Is this perhaps another casualty of the supply chain? I note that HRO still > has a lot of Remoterig accessories > > 73, Pete N4ZR > Check out the new Reverse Beacon Network > web server at <http://beta.reversebeacon.net>. > For spots, please use your favorite > "retail" DX cluster. > > On 2/21/2022 6:51 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> Yeah, I got that far all by myself. >> >> On the How to Order page however: >> https://www.remoterig.com/wp/?page_id=22 >> >> The only option listed is HRO, and they don’t carry it, hence my question. >> >>> On Feb 21, 2022, at 5:43 PM, Bill Hammond wrote: >>> >>> www.remoterig.com >>> >>> 73, AK5X-Bill >>> >>> Sent from my iPhone >>> >>>> On Feb 21, 2022, at 2:29 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>>> >>>> I recently obtained a second K3 and now I’m curious about remote >>>> operating my home station K3. The RemoteRig RRC-1258MkII seems like a good >>>> solution, but I’m having trouble finding anyone who carries it in the USA. >>>> >>>> Elecraft used to sell, as well as HRO, but neither list this product. >>>> >>>> Suggestions? >>>> >>>> >>>> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net >>>> Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com >>>> Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" >>>> -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 >>>> >>>> ______ >>>> 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 a...@me.com >> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net >> Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com >> Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" >> -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 >> >> __ >> 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 pete.n...@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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] RemoteRig distributors in USA?
Yeah, I got that far all by myself. On the How to Order page however: https://www.remoterig.com/wp/?page_id=22 The only option listed is HRO, and they don’t carry it, hence my question. > On Feb 21, 2022, at 5:43 PM, Bill Hammond wrote: > > www.remoterig.com > > 73, AK5X-Bill > > Sent from my iPhone > >> On Feb 21, 2022, at 2:29 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> >> I recently obtained a second K3 and now I’m curious about remote operating >> my home station K3. The RemoteRig RRC-1258MkII seems like a good solution, >> but I’m having trouble finding anyone who carries it in the USA. >> >> Elecraft used to sell, as well as HRO, but neither list this product. >> >> Suggestions? >> >> >> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net >> Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com >> Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" >> -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 >> >> __ >> 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 a...@me.com Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] RemoteRig distributors in USA?
I recently obtained a second K3 and now I’m curious about remote operating my home station K3. The RemoteRig RRC-1258MkII seems like a good solution, but I’m having trouble finding anyone who carries it in the USA. Elecraft used to sell, as well as HRO, but neither list this product. Suggestions? Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] 80-meter Antenna Fun
Or, study and upgrade. > On Feb 19, 2022, at 7:30 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft > wrote: > > And it is outside the General Class band limits. If you hold a General > ticket, stay above 3800. > > 73, > Jack, W6FB Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] 80-meter Antenna Fun
Yup. That’s the spot. > On Feb 17, 2022, at 12:51 PM, Ray wrote: > > I think the DX window is 3.790 +/- . > WA6VAB K3 Ray > > > From: Richard > Sent: Thursday, February 17, 2022 9:05 AM > To: Elecraft Mailing List > Subject: [Elecraft] 80-meter Antenna Fun > > I’m in the process of tuning a just-finished 80-meter “triangular loop.” So > far, the early signs are encouraging. > > I will use this for SSB exclusively. Being “new” to 80, I don’t yet know the > territory. > > The antenna has a narrow 2:1 bandwidth, and my main interest is DX. > > What would be a good center frequency for 80-meter SSB DX? > > Thanks. > > Richard — W4KBX > __ > 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 wa6...@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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Spectrogram for MAC?
> On Jan 18, 2022, at 1:32 AM, Dan Presley wrote: > > What’s the current program folks are using for K2 alignment that works on a > Mac? After 22 years my serial #1010 needs a touchup! > Dan Presley N7CQR > n7...@arrl.net I use CocoaModem. I have a write-up here on the blog: https://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com/2010/02/configuring-elecraft-k2-crystal-filters.html Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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/K3S Options
> On Jan 26, 2022, at 11:21 PM, j...@kk9a.com wrote: > > Has anyone received last year's K3/K3S final run options order that is shown > below? > > > K3/K3S OPTIONS QUICK ORDER Yes. I ordered an Elecraft P3, a new unit. What I received was a refurbished unit at a slight discount. The P3 works as expected and has been an excellent addition to my K3. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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 and N1MM+
The N1MM documentation shows a simple circuit for keying via DTR/RTS or parallel port using a 1K resistor and an NPN transistor (2N or equivalent): https://n1mmwp.hamdocs.com/setup/interfacing/ > On Dec 8, 2021, at 9:44 AM, Bill Coleman wrote: > > > >> On Dec 7, 2021, at 4:13 PM, eda...@aya.yale.edu wrote: >> >> I need advice for getting N1MM+ to play well with a K2. > ... >> I know that when using my K3 with N1MM it's necessary to have the K3's menu >> settings for DTR and RTS set properly to CW to match the settings in N1MM . >> . . but I have found no such option in the K2 menus. I have also read that >> it can be done using a W1EL keyer, but having outboard dongles sort of >> defeats my purpose. >> >> Can it be done with just the K2/KIO2, a KUSB cable, and an ordinary >> computer? > > The K2 serial interface does NOT support DTR or RTS. It only supports three > wires - TxD, RxD and Ground. > > One CAN run a K2 with KIO2 or KPA100 on a single serial port and key CW. But > you have to build your own adapter to take the DTR signal and key the rig > through the KEY connector. The adapter consists of a transistor and resistor, > so it can be easily built into a connector housing. > > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net > Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com > Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" > -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 > > __ > 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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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 and N1MM+
Jim, Since the K2 has a positive key voltage, an NPN transistor is necessary. (eg 2N, 2N3904, etc) Alternatively, one could use an enhancement-mode N-channel FET (eg 2N7000, etc). > On Dec 7, 2021, at 5:25 PM, Jim Brown wrote: > > On 12/7/2021 1:13 PM, eda...@aya.yale.edu wrote: >> Can it be done with just the K2/KIO2, a KUSB cable, and an ordinary > > Remember that the DB9 connector on a K2 is NOT a standard RS232 connector. > Study the manual. To send CW via the computer serial port, a "level shifter" > is needed. It's been a while, but I think I remember DTR driving a generic > PNP with 5K in series with the base, and the collector to the K2 key input, > emitter to keying return. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong. > > 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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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 and N1MM+
> On Dec 7, 2021, at 4:13 PM, eda...@aya.yale.edu wrote: > > I need advice for getting N1MM+ to play well with a K2. ... > I know that when using my K3 with N1MM it's necessary to have the K3's menu > settings for DTR and RTS set properly to CW to match the settings in N1MM . > . . but I have found no such option in the K2 menus. I have also read that > it can be done using a W1EL keyer, but having outboard dongles sort of > defeats my purpose. > > Can it be done with just the K2/KIO2, a KUSB cable, and an ordinary > computer? The K2 serial interface does NOT support DTR or RTS. It only supports three wires - TxD, RxD and Ground. One CAN run a K2 with KIO2 or KPA100 on a single serial port and key CW. But you have to build your own adapter to take the DTR signal and key the rig through the KEY connector. The adapter consists of a transistor and resistor, so it can be easily built into a connector housing. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Legal Limit With FT8
How much, power, exactly, is this fellow running? > On Nov 11, 2021, at 8:16 AM, Richard wrote: > > There's a major jerk who lives within about 20 miles of me who runs BIG power > with FT8. When he's on the air, he blots out my K3S so his is the only signal > on the waterfall, the only signal the decoder sees. When his BIG POWER is on > the air, I can't be. And he's made it clear that he doesn't care what he does > to anyone else's enjoyment. Power for power's sake is contagious. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] K2/100 - Serial Port Quit Working
Alright, I have figured this out. I’m not sure why I was seeing Vss of -5 volts. I re-checked the negative supply on the KPA100, flowed the solder on D7 and D8. After that, I was seeing almost -24 volts at the Vss pin, without U4 in place. With U4 connected and everything hooked up, Vss was more like -15 volts. I’m not sure what was causing it to read -5 volts. However, even with all that, it still wasn’t working! I could see the RS-232 data get all the way to the MCU - Control Board U6, pin 26 using the scope, but the K2 would not react to any commands. Also, when using the PORT TEST action on the menu, I saw no data on U6 pin 25. But, then I figured it out. I remembered that the K2 has a setting which changes the origin of the sidetone. Modern K2’s use U8-4 as a default, although early K2s used U6-25 as the default value, as that was the way the sidetone was originally wired. I wondered if something had happened and this setting had somehow gotten switched. Sure enough, I found it was set to U6-25. Changing this to the proper value of U8-4, and the serial port operation was completely restored. I’m not sure how this value got changed. It could have happened if the DISPLAY button had been pressed when the ST L menu was in edit mode. Since ST L is the default, if the user accidentally held the MENU button too long, and then immediately tapped DISPLAY, that would have done it. Sorry for all the trouble. It really is amazing that something so simple could cause so much bother. > On Nov 19, 2021, at 12:01 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: > > Don, > > Managed to do a little diagnosis. > > I pulled the MAX1406 chip KPA100 U4. > > I see proper continuity between pin 12 of U4 and pin 25 of the MCU, and pin > 11 of U4 and pin 26 of the MCU. > > Going back, I checked out the Vdd, Vss an Vcc voltages on U4. > > Vdd is 14 volts > Vcc is 5 volts > Vss is -5 volts > > It looks like, from the specification of the MAX1406 chip, it needs more like > -10 volts to work correctly. > > I measured these on the scope before, so I only got vague responses. > > I guess I’ll be investigating the Vss supply. > >> On Nov 19, 2021, at 11:25 AM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> >> Serial Number 2548. >> >> The current MCU I have is version 2.04P. (latest) >> >> The unit I swapped in earlier was, I think 2.03. I don’t have it with me, >> and I’m not sure. >> >>> On Nov 18, 2021, at 5:14 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >>> >>> Bill, >>> >>> What is the level of the MCU (before you changed it), and what level did >>> you try putting in? >>> And what is the serial number of your K2? Those may help to solve the >>> problem. >>> >>> 73, >>> Don W3FPR >>> >>> On 11/18/2021 3:55 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>>> U6 is kinda expensive to just replace…. >>>> >>>> I do have an older revision of the firmware for U6. I did try before >>>> substituting the KPA100 U4, and it didn’t address the issue. >>>> >>>> I guess this will require more sleuthing. >>>> >>>>> On Nov 16, 2021, at 12:35 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >>>>> >>>>> Bill, >>>>> >>>>> Plug the ribbon cable in and do an end to end continuity test - KPA100 U4 >>>>> pin 12 to Control Board U6 pin 25, >>>>> And KPA100 U4 pin 11 to CB U6 pin 26. That will check the board wiring >>>>> and the ribbon cable. >>>>> >>>>> If all that is OK, try replacing CB U6. >>>>> >>>>> 73, >>>>> Don W3FPR >>>>> >>>>> On 11/15/2021 7:28 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>>>>> Well, I cut out the existing U4 MAX1406 chip on the KPA100 and soldered >>>>>> in a 16-pin socket. Putting in a new MAX1406 chip in the newly installed >>>>>> socket and … same problem as before. The radio does not respond to >>>>>> commands, pressing the PORT TEST does not result in any data output. >>>>>> >>>>>> I haven’t had a chance to put a scope on the pins yet to see what is >>>>>> happening. >>>>>> >>>>>> I do find it odd that the pulse trains were reaching the CPU earlier, >>>>>> but it was not acting on the commands. (eg RT1; would not turn on the >>>>>> RIT, RT0; would not turn off the RIT) >>>>>> >>>>>> Any suggestions or ideas on how to debug this further? >>>>>> >>>>>> >>
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] K2/100 - Serial Port Quit Working
Don, Managed to do a little diagnosis. I pulled the MAX1406 chip KPA100 U4. I see proper continuity between pin 12 of U4 and pin 25 of the MCU, and pin 11 of U4 and pin 26 of the MCU. Going back, I checked out the Vdd, Vss an Vcc voltages on U4. Vdd is 14 volts Vcc is 5 volts Vss is -5 volts It looks like, from the specification of the MAX1406 chip, it needs more like -10 volts to work correctly. I measured these on the scope before, so I only got vague responses. I guess I’ll be investigating the Vss supply. > On Nov 19, 2021, at 11:25 AM, Bill Coleman wrote: > > Serial Number 2548. > > The current MCU I have is version 2.04P. (latest) > > The unit I swapped in earlier was, I think 2.03. I don’t have it with me, and > I’m not sure. > >> On Nov 18, 2021, at 5:14 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> >> Bill, >> >> What is the level of the MCU (before you changed it), and what level did you >> try putting in? >> And what is the serial number of your K2? Those may help to solve the >> problem. >> >> 73, >> Don W3FPR >> >> On 11/18/2021 3:55 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>> U6 is kinda expensive to just replace…. >>> >>> I do have an older revision of the firmware for U6. I did try before >>> substituting the KPA100 U4, and it didn’t address the issue. >>> >>> I guess this will require more sleuthing. >>> >>>> On Nov 16, 2021, at 12:35 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >>>> >>>> Bill, >>>> >>>> Plug the ribbon cable in and do an end to end continuity test - KPA100 U4 >>>> pin 12 to Control Board U6 pin 25, >>>> And KPA100 U4 pin 11 to CB U6 pin 26. That will check the board wiring >>>> and the ribbon cable. >>>> >>>> If all that is OK, try replacing CB U6. >>>> >>>> 73, >>>> Don W3FPR >>>> >>>> On 11/15/2021 7:28 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>>>> Well, I cut out the existing U4 MAX1406 chip on the KPA100 and soldered >>>>> in a 16-pin socket. Putting in a new MAX1406 chip in the newly installed >>>>> socket and … same problem as before. The radio does not respond to >>>>> commands, pressing the PORT TEST does not result in any data output. >>>>> >>>>> I haven’t had a chance to put a scope on the pins yet to see what is >>>>> happening. >>>>> >>>>> I do find it odd that the pulse trains were reaching the CPU earlier, but >>>>> it was not acting on the commands. (eg RT1; would not turn on the RIT, >>>>> RT0; would not turn off the RIT) >>>>> >>>>> Any suggestions or ideas on how to debug this further? >>>>> >>>>> >>>>>> On Nov 5, 2021, at 3:10 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> Yes, Vss Vdd and Vcc all look like appropriate values. >>>>>> >>>>>>> On Nov 4, 2021, at 3:47 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Bill, >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Make certain you have +12 volts on U4 pin 1 and +5 volts on U4 pin 16 >>>>>>> and about -25 volts (-8 to -27 volts) on U4 pin 8. >>>>>>> If those are correct, replace U4 and it should work) >>>>>>> >>>>>>> 73, >>>>>>> Don W3FPR >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 11/4/2021 3:29 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>>>>>>> About 10 days ago, I was having trouble with the K2/100, as it was no >>>>>>>> longer talking to WSJT-X correctly. I could get the audio running, but >>>>>>>> it would never contact the radio. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Trying to set up for CQ WW Phone, I had the same trouble with N1MM. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Tried to use the PORT TEST feature by going to the SEC menu, selecting >>>>>>>> PORT, going into EDIT, and pressing the DISPLAY button. It would say >>>>>>>> TEST, but I’d see no characters transmitted. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Since I use USB serial adapters, I tried two of them, to no avail. >>>>>>>> Can’t get a peep out of the K2/100. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> Opening up the rig and digging out the scope, if I send characters on >>>>>>>> the se
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] K2/100 - Serial Port Quit Working
Serial Number 2548. The current MCU I have is version 2.04P. (latest) The unit I swapped in earlier was, I think 2.03. I don’t have it with me, and I’m not sure. > On Nov 18, 2021, at 5:14 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > Bill, > > What is the level of the MCU (before you changed it), and what level did you > try putting in? > And what is the serial number of your K2? Those may help to solve the > problem. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 11/18/2021 3:55 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> U6 is kinda expensive to just replace…. >> >> I do have an older revision of the firmware for U6. I did try before >> substituting the KPA100 U4, and it didn’t address the issue. >> >> I guess this will require more sleuthing. >> >>> On Nov 16, 2021, at 12:35 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >>> >>> Bill, >>> >>> Plug the ribbon cable in and do an end to end continuity test - KPA100 U4 >>> pin 12 to Control Board U6 pin 25, >>> And KPA100 U4 pin 11 to CB U6 pin 26. That will check the board wiring and >>> the ribbon cable. >>> >>> If all that is OK, try replacing CB U6. >>> >>> 73, >>> Don W3FPR >>> >>> On 11/15/2021 7:28 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>>> Well, I cut out the existing U4 MAX1406 chip on the KPA100 and soldered in >>>> a 16-pin socket. Putting in a new MAX1406 chip in the newly installed >>>> socket and … same problem as before. The radio does not respond to >>>> commands, pressing the PORT TEST does not result in any data output. >>>> >>>> I haven’t had a chance to put a scope on the pins yet to see what is >>>> happening. >>>> >>>> I do find it odd that the pulse trains were reaching the CPU earlier, but >>>> it was not acting on the commands. (eg RT1; would not turn on the RIT, >>>> RT0; would not turn off the RIT) >>>> >>>> Any suggestions or ideas on how to debug this further? >>>> >>>> >>>>> On Nov 5, 2021, at 3:10 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>>>> >>>>> Yes, Vss Vdd and Vcc all look like appropriate values. >>>>> >>>>>> On Nov 4, 2021, at 3:47 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>> Bill, >>>>>> >>>>>> Make certain you have +12 volts on U4 pin 1 and +5 volts on U4 pin 16 >>>>>> and about -25 volts (-8 to -27 volts) on U4 pin 8. >>>>>> If those are correct, replace U4 and it should work) >>>>>> >>>>>> 73, >>>>>> Don W3FPR >>>>>> >>>>>> On 11/4/2021 3:29 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>>>>>> About 10 days ago, I was having trouble with the K2/100, as it was no >>>>>>> longer talking to WSJT-X correctly. I could get the audio running, but >>>>>>> it would never contact the radio. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Trying to set up for CQ WW Phone, I had the same trouble with N1MM. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Tried to use the PORT TEST feature by going to the SEC menu, selecting >>>>>>> PORT, going into EDIT, and pressing the DISPLAY button. It would say >>>>>>> TEST, but I’d see no characters transmitted. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Since I use USB serial adapters, I tried two of them, to no avail. >>>>>>> Can’t get a peep out of the K2/100. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Opening up the rig and digging out the scope, if I send characters on >>>>>>> the serial port, I see pulse trains on KPA100 U4 - the MAX1406 chip - >>>>>>> pin 11 (R3OUT). So, it would appear that characters are reaching the >>>>>>> main CPU. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> If I put the scope probe on pin 12 (T2IN), it remains locked on ground, >>>>>>> never moving, even when I do the PORT TEST. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> If I remove the P1 connector from the control board, and put the scope >>>>>>> probe on pin 1 of that connector, I DO see pulse trains from the PORT >>>>>>> TEST. This indicates to me that the CPU is OK, but something is wrong >>>>>>> at the MAX1406 chip in the KPA100. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> In addition to not getting a response from the K2, it doesn’t appear to >
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] K2/100 - Serial Port Quit Working
Exactly, working one day with WSJT-X, next day, not. > On Nov 18, 2021, at 5:10 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > Matt, > > I Forgot to mention that to Bill. The special cable does not have to be very > long, but it must be present. Only pins 2, 3 and 5 should connect to the > RS232 connector on the USB to serial adapter. Failure to follow this will > cause several "strange happenings" with the K2. The subject line said it > "quit working", so I assumed it had worked just before it quit. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 11/18/2021 4:14 PM, Matt Maguire wrote: >> Don’t forget, you can’t plug in a USB adapter directly into a K2, as the >> wiring is not standard RS232C. You need to make up a special adapter as >> described in the manual. Probably you know this already, but just something >> else to check. >> >> 73, Matt VK2RQ >> >> On Fri, 5 Nov 2021 at 06:31, Bill Coleman wrote: >> >>> About 10 days ago, I was having trouble with the K2/100, as it was no >>> longer talking to WSJT-X correctly. I could get the audio running, but it >>> would never contact the radio. >>> the man eis >>> Trying to set up for CQ WW Phone, I had the same trouble with N1MM. >>> >>> Tried to use the PORT TEST feature by going to the SEC menu, selecting >>> PORT, going into EDIT, and pressing the DISPLAY button. It would say TEST, >>> but I’d see no characters transmitted. >>> >>> Since I use USB serial adapters, I tried two of them, to no avail. Can’t >>> get a peep out of the K2/100. >>> >>> Opening up the rig and digging out the scope, if I send characters on the >>> serial port, I see pulse trains on KPA100 U4 - the MAX1406 chip - pin 11 >>> (R3OUT). So, it would appear that characters are reaching the main CPU. >>> >>> If I put the scope probe on pin 12 (T2IN), it remains locked on ground, >>> never moving, even when I do the PORT TEST. >>> >>> If I remove the P1 connector from the control board, and put the scope >>> probe on pin 1 of that connector, I DO see pulse trains from the PORT TEST. >>> This indicates to me that the CPU is OK, but something is wrong at the >>> MAX1406 chip in the KPA100. >>> >>> In addition to not getting a response from the K2, it doesn’t appear to >>> obey commands. If I send RT1; or XT1; it doesn’t turn RIT or XIT on. >>> >>> I tried using a different main CPU chip (I have one with older firmware), >>> but that doesn’t appear to make a difference. I’m wondering if my problem >>> is a blown MAX1406 chip. >>> >>> Any recommendations or advice? It’s a big pain to remove the KPA100 board, >>> so I want to make sure what I’m replacing before I go after it. >>> >>> >>> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net >>> Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com >>> Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" >>>-- Wilbur Wright, 1901 >>> >>> __ >>> 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 matt.vk...@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 d...@w3fpr.com > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] K2/100 - Serial Port Quit Working
Yes, I know. I’ve been using the cable that I built back in 2002, when I added the KPA100, and later modified when I added the KAT100. > On Nov 18, 2021, at 4:14 PM, Matt Maguire wrote: > > Don’t forget, you can’t plug in a USB adapter directly into a K2, as the > wiring is not standard RS232C. You need to make up a special adapter as > described in the manual. Probably you know this already, but just something > else to check. > > 73, Matt VK2RQ > > On Fri, 5 Nov 2021 at 06:31, Bill Coleman wrote: > About 10 days ago, I was having trouble with the K2/100, as it was no longer > talking to WSJT-X correctly. I could get the audio running, but it would > never contact the radio. > the man eis > Trying to set up for CQ WW Phone, I had the same trouble with N1MM. > > Tried to use the PORT TEST feature by going to the SEC menu, selecting PORT, > going into EDIT, and pressing the DISPLAY button. It would say TEST, but I’d > see no characters transmitted. > > Since I use USB serial adapters, I tried two of them, to no avail. Can’t get > a peep out of the K2/100. > > Opening up the rig and digging out the scope, if I send characters on the > serial port, I see pulse trains on KPA100 U4 - the MAX1406 chip - pin 11 > (R3OUT). So, it would appear that characters are reaching the main CPU. > > If I put the scope probe on pin 12 (T2IN), it remains locked on ground, never > moving, even when I do the PORT TEST. > > If I remove the P1 connector from the control board, and put the scope probe > on pin 1 of that connector, I DO see pulse trains from the PORT TEST. This > indicates to me that the CPU is OK, but something is wrong at the MAX1406 > chip in the KPA100. > > In addition to not getting a response from the K2, it doesn’t appear to obey > commands. If I send RT1; or XT1; it doesn’t turn RIT or XIT on. > > I tried using a different main CPU chip (I have one with older firmware), but > that doesn’t appear to make a difference. I’m wondering if my problem is a > blown MAX1406 chip. > > Any recommendations or advice? It’s a big pain to remove the KPA100 board, so > I want to make sure what I’m replacing before I go after it. > > > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net > Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com > Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" >-- Wilbur Wright, 1901 > > __ > 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 matt.vk...@gmail.com Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] K2/100 - Serial Port Quit Working
U6 is kinda expensive to just replace…. I do have an older revision of the firmware for U6. I did try before substituting the KPA100 U4, and it didn’t address the issue. I guess this will require more sleuthing. > On Nov 16, 2021, at 12:35 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > Bill, > > Plug the ribbon cable in and do an end to end continuity test - KPA100 U4 pin > 12 to Control Board U6 pin 25, > And KPA100 U4 pin 11 to CB U6 pin 26. That will check the board wiring and > the ribbon cable. > > If all that is OK, try replacing CB U6. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 11/15/2021 7:28 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> Well, I cut out the existing U4 MAX1406 chip on the KPA100 and soldered in a >> 16-pin socket. Putting in a new MAX1406 chip in the newly installed socket >> and … same problem as before. The radio does not respond to commands, >> pressing the PORT TEST does not result in any data output. >> >> I haven’t had a chance to put a scope on the pins yet to see what is >> happening. >> >> I do find it odd that the pulse trains were reaching the CPU earlier, but it >> was not acting on the commands. (eg RT1; would not turn on the RIT, RT0; >> would not turn off the RIT) >> >> Any suggestions or ideas on how to debug this further? >> >> >>> On Nov 5, 2021, at 3:10 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>> >>> Yes, Vss Vdd and Vcc all look like appropriate values. >>> >>>> On Nov 4, 2021, at 3:47 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >>>> >>>> Bill, >>>> >>>> Make certain you have +12 volts on U4 pin 1 and +5 volts on U4 pin 16 and >>>> about -25 volts (-8 to -27 volts) on U4 pin 8. >>>> If those are correct, replace U4 and it should work) >>>> >>>> 73, >>>> Don W3FPR >>>> >>>> On 11/4/2021 3:29 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>>>> About 10 days ago, I was having trouble with the K2/100, as it was no >>>>> longer talking to WSJT-X correctly. I could get the audio running, but it >>>>> would never contact the radio. >>>>> >>>>> Trying to set up for CQ WW Phone, I had the same trouble with N1MM. >>>>> >>>>> Tried to use the PORT TEST feature by going to the SEC menu, selecting >>>>> PORT, going into EDIT, and pressing the DISPLAY button. It would say >>>>> TEST, but I’d see no characters transmitted. >>>>> >>>>> Since I use USB serial adapters, I tried two of them, to no avail. Can’t >>>>> get a peep out of the K2/100. >>>>> >>>>> Opening up the rig and digging out the scope, if I send characters on the >>>>> serial port, I see pulse trains on KPA100 U4 - the MAX1406 chip - pin 11 >>>>> (R3OUT). So, it would appear that characters are reaching the main CPU. >>>>> >>>>> If I put the scope probe on pin 12 (T2IN), it remains locked on ground, >>>>> never moving, even when I do the PORT TEST. >>>>> >>>>> If I remove the P1 connector from the control board, and put the scope >>>>> probe on pin 1 of that connector, I DO see pulse trains from the PORT >>>>> TEST. This indicates to me that the CPU is OK, but something is wrong at >>>>> the MAX1406 chip in the KPA100. >>>>> >>>>> In addition to not getting a response from the K2, it doesn’t appear to >>>>> obey commands. If I send RT1; or XT1; it doesn’t turn RIT or XIT on. >>>>> >>>>> I tried using a different main CPU chip (I have one with older firmware), >>>>> but that doesn’t appear to make a difference. I’m wondering if my problem >>>>> is a blown MAX1406 chip. >>>>> >>>>> Any recommendations or advice? It’s a big pain to remove the KPA100 >>>>> board, so I want to make sure what I’m replacing before I go after it. >>>>> >>>>> >>>>> >>> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net >>> Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com >>> Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" >>> -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 >>> >> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net >> Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com >> Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" >> -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 >> > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] K2/100 - Serial Port Quit Working
Well, I cut out the existing U4 MAX1406 chip on the KPA100 and soldered in a 16-pin socket. Putting in a new MAX1406 chip in the newly installed socket and … same problem as before. The radio does not respond to commands, pressing the PORT TEST does not result in any data output. I haven’t had a chance to put a scope on the pins yet to see what is happening. I do find it odd that the pulse trains were reaching the CPU earlier, but it was not acting on the commands. (eg RT1; would not turn on the RIT, RT0; would not turn off the RIT) Any suggestions or ideas on how to debug this further? > On Nov 5, 2021, at 3:10 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: > > Yes, Vss Vdd and Vcc all look like appropriate values. > >> On Nov 4, 2021, at 3:47 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> >> Bill, >> >> Make certain you have +12 volts on U4 pin 1 and +5 volts on U4 pin 16 and >> about -25 volts (-8 to -27 volts) on U4 pin 8. >> If those are correct, replace U4 and it should work) >> >> 73, >> Don W3FPR >> >> On 11/4/2021 3:29 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>> About 10 days ago, I was having trouble with the K2/100, as it was no >>> longer talking to WSJT-X correctly. I could get the audio running, but it >>> would never contact the radio. >>> >>> Trying to set up for CQ WW Phone, I had the same trouble with N1MM. >>> >>> Tried to use the PORT TEST feature by going to the SEC menu, selecting >>> PORT, going into EDIT, and pressing the DISPLAY button. It would say TEST, >>> but I’d see no characters transmitted. >>> >>> Since I use USB serial adapters, I tried two of them, to no avail. Can’t >>> get a peep out of the K2/100. >>> >>> Opening up the rig and digging out the scope, if I send characters on the >>> serial port, I see pulse trains on KPA100 U4 - the MAX1406 chip - pin 11 >>> (R3OUT). So, it would appear that characters are reaching the main CPU. >>> >>> If I put the scope probe on pin 12 (T2IN), it remains locked on ground, >>> never moving, even when I do the PORT TEST. >>> >>> If I remove the P1 connector from the control board, and put the scope >>> probe on pin 1 of that connector, I DO see pulse trains from the PORT TEST. >>> This indicates to me that the CPU is OK, but something is wrong at the >>> MAX1406 chip in the KPA100. >>> >>> In addition to not getting a response from the K2, it doesn’t appear to >>> obey commands. If I send RT1; or XT1; it doesn’t turn RIT or XIT on. >>> >>> I tried using a different main CPU chip (I have one with older firmware), >>> but that doesn’t appear to make a difference. I’m wondering if my problem >>> is a blown MAX1406 chip. >>> >>> Any recommendations or advice? It’s a big pain to remove the KPA100 board, >>> so I want to make sure what I’m replacing before I go after it. >>> >>> >>> >> > > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net > Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com > Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" > -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] K2/100 - Serial Port Quit Working
Yes, Vss Vdd and Vcc all look like appropriate values. > On Nov 4, 2021, at 3:47 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > Bill, > > Make certain you have +12 volts on U4 pin 1 and +5 volts on U4 pin 16 and > about -25 volts (-8 to -27 volts) on U4 pin 8. > If those are correct, replace U4 and it should work) > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 11/4/2021 3:29 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> About 10 days ago, I was having trouble with the K2/100, as it was no longer >> talking to WSJT-X correctly. I could get the audio running, but it would >> never contact the radio. >> >> Trying to set up for CQ WW Phone, I had the same trouble with N1MM. >> >> Tried to use the PORT TEST feature by going to the SEC menu, selecting PORT, >> going into EDIT, and pressing the DISPLAY button. It would say TEST, but I’d >> see no characters transmitted. >> >> Since I use USB serial adapters, I tried two of them, to no avail. Can’t get >> a peep out of the K2/100. >> >> Opening up the rig and digging out the scope, if I send characters on the >> serial port, I see pulse trains on KPA100 U4 - the MAX1406 chip - pin 11 >> (R3OUT). So, it would appear that characters are reaching the main CPU. >> >> If I put the scope probe on pin 12 (T2IN), it remains locked on ground, >> never moving, even when I do the PORT TEST. >> >> If I remove the P1 connector from the control board, and put the scope probe >> on pin 1 of that connector, I DO see pulse trains from the PORT TEST. This >> indicates to me that the CPU is OK, but something is wrong at the MAX1406 >> chip in the KPA100. >> >> In addition to not getting a response from the K2, it doesn’t appear to obey >> commands. If I send RT1; or XT1; it doesn’t turn RIT or XIT on. >> >> I tried using a different main CPU chip (I have one with older firmware), >> but that doesn’t appear to make a difference. I’m wondering if my problem is >> a blown MAX1406 chip. >> >> Any recommendations or advice? It’s a big pain to remove the KPA100 board, >> so I want to make sure what I’m replacing before I go after it. >> >> >> > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] [K2] K2/100 - Serial Port Quit Working
About 10 days ago, I was having trouble with the K2/100, as it was no longer talking to WSJT-X correctly. I could get the audio running, but it would never contact the radio. Trying to set up for CQ WW Phone, I had the same trouble with N1MM. Tried to use the PORT TEST feature by going to the SEC menu, selecting PORT, going into EDIT, and pressing the DISPLAY button. It would say TEST, but I’d see no characters transmitted. Since I use USB serial adapters, I tried two of them, to no avail. Can’t get a peep out of the K2/100. Opening up the rig and digging out the scope, if I send characters on the serial port, I see pulse trains on KPA100 U4 - the MAX1406 chip - pin 11 (R3OUT). So, it would appear that characters are reaching the main CPU. If I put the scope probe on pin 12 (T2IN), it remains locked on ground, never moving, even when I do the PORT TEST. If I remove the P1 connector from the control board, and put the scope probe on pin 1 of that connector, I DO see pulse trains from the PORT TEST. This indicates to me that the CPU is OK, but something is wrong at the MAX1406 chip in the KPA100. In addition to not getting a response from the K2, it doesn’t appear to obey commands. If I send RT1; or XT1; it doesn’t turn RIT or XIT on. I tried using a different main CPU chip (I have one with older firmware), but that doesn’t appear to make a difference. I’m wondering if my problem is a blown MAX1406 chip. Any recommendations or advice? It’s a big pain to remove the KPA100 board, so I want to make sure what I’m replacing before I go after it. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Drift on 6 meters
HA! I use both my K3 and my K2 on FT8. The K3 is pretty rock solid, even on 6m. Yea, a few Hz a few minutes after turning on, especially if you start transmitting from a cold rig. The K2, on the other hand, drifts a LOT more. Start transmitting, and it will eventually shift about 20-50 Hz as it heats up. Yes, I do have the PLL temperature compensation mod installed. Once warmed up, it may drift about 5-10 Hz after that as it heats and cools. Even with this magnitude of drift, FT8 works just fine and it is not a concern. > On Jul 27, 2021, at 10:20 AM, Pete Smith N4ZR wrote: > > I've just started experimenting with WSJT-X on 6M, and notice that on the > waterfall signals seem to drift slightly over the first 3-4 minutes. It's a > matter of just a few Hz, and seems to stop after that - I'm just wondering if > this is normal or reason for any concern. > > -- > 73, Pete N4ZR > Check out the new Reverse Beacon Network > web server at <http://beta.reversebeacon.net>. > For spots, please use your favorite > "retail" DX cluster. > > __ > 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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Connectors
What would you do with them, Jim? Throw them away??? Horrors. Send them to me, I’m not afraid to pry the old coax and wiring out. They re-use just fine. > On Jul 12, 2021, at 2:59 PM, Jim Brown wrote: > > I've installed hundreds of Amphenol UHF connectors, and I can't imagine > re-using one that is PROPERLY installed. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] SDR filter improvement
If you want to understand DSP, the math underlying it and a lot of the capabilities and limitations, I recommend this book: http://www.dspguide.com/pdfbook.htm It is freely available from that link. You’ll have to read it on-line. I did, and found it to be the most readable explanation of DSP I had ever seen. > On Jun 30, 2021, at 10:44 PM, Hal Massey wrote: > > Digital Signal Processing is a field all unto itself. They are definitely > *not* emulating mechanical filters. If they were they would be ringing like a > mechanical filter. A great text is, "Discrete-Time Signal Processing > <https://www.amazon.com/Discrete-Time-Signal-Processing-3rd-Prentice-Hall/dp/0131988425/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8=1489936960=8-1=Discrete-Time+Signal+Processing+by+A.+V.+Oppenheim+and+R.+W.+Schafer=ll1=dspgsm0f-20=9273a86cec7d4d591dbb9d679bd2afb0> > by A. V. Oppenheim and R. W. Schafer. > > This is good news because we have not plumbed the depths of what can and > can’t be done with DSP yet. > > >> On Jun 30, 2021, at 13:05, William Abernathy wrote: >> >> Hi, >> Seems that SDR radios have software emulation of mechanical filters like >> noise reduction. Do you think the future holds new filters written in >> software? I would like a subtraction filter that pulls out the guy 2 KC's >> away. Maybe the 2nd receiver could be tuned in on the station that needs >> to be subtracted from the primary. >> >> What do you think? >> >> Wiliam >> >> -- >> *William Abernathy* >> *aa...@arrl.net * >> *AA8XX* >> __ >> 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 haljr.mas...@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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] A or B?
I recommend choosing B, and use the iambic operation for every possible character (anything that alternates). Your friend will need to practice (a lot) before going on the air. It takes some getting used to. I can’t imagine using anything else. > On Jul 6, 2021, at 10:34 AM, Gary Peterson wrote: > > An old friend, who has been inactive for several years, recently purchased a > used K3. This is the first transceiver that he’s owned that includes a built > in keyer. He has always operated CW with a straight key. He has acquired > Vibroplex paddles and wants to know whether to set the radio’s keyer for mode > A or mode B iambic. He has never used an iambic keyer or a bug, before. > > I learned iambic keying with a WB4VVF circuit board, back in the early 1970s, > so mode B is what I prefer. I know there are a lot of died-in-the-wool CW > people who frequent this list and I would like any opinions as to whether it > is easier for a newbie to learn iambic mode A or mode B. I have no clue. > > Thanks in advance for any advice or opinions that I can pass along. > > Gary > KzeroCX > __ > 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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] SDR filter improvement
If you want to understand DSP, the math underlying it and a lot of the capabilities and limitations, I recommend this book: http://www.dspguide.com/pdfbook.htm It is freely available from that link. You’ll have to read it on-line. I did, and found it to be the most readable explanation of DSP I had ever seen. > On Jun 30, 2021, at 10:44 PM, Hal Massey wrote: > > Digital Signal Processing is a field all unto itself. They are definitely > *not* emulating mechanical filters. If they were they would be ringing like a > mechanical filter. A great text is, "Discrete-Time Signal Processing > <https://www.amazon.com/Discrete-Time-Signal-Processing-3rd-Prentice-Hall/dp/0131988425/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8=1489936960=8-1=Discrete-Time+Signal+Processing+by+A.+V.+Oppenheim+and+R.+W.+Schafer=ll1=dspgsm0f-20=9273a86cec7d4d591dbb9d679bd2afb0> > by A. V. Oppenheim and R. W. Schafer. > > This is good news because we have not plumbed the depths of what can and > can’t be done with DSP yet. > > >> On Jun 30, 2021, at 13:05, William Abernathy wrote: >> >> Hi, >> Seems that SDR radios have software emulation of mechanical filters like >> noise reduction. Do you think the future holds new filters written in >> software? I would like a subtraction filter that pulls out the guy 2 KC's >> away. Maybe the 2nd receiver could be tuned in on the station that needs >> to be subtracted from the primary. >> >> What do you think? >> >> Wiliam >> >> -- >> *William Abernathy* >> *aa...@arrl.net * >> *AA8XX* >> __ >> 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 haljr.mas...@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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] SSB Confirmed
Go with the KPA100. It’s designed and integrated with the K2. Anything else is going to be a maybe-fit or have problems. Plus you get the RS-232 computer interface as well (although you have to use a special cable!) > On Jul 1, 2021, at 9:15 AM, jerry wrote: > > All, > > So the K2 yielded up its first sideband QSO this evening. 10M roundtable of > the local ham club. People gave me good reports. > > The next step is to organize up some power. The KPA100 is a mighty elegant > package, but I'm having trouble getting my head around the price tag. > > An alternative might be one of those Chinese amp > kits off Ebay. I actually have one in hand. It requires a bit of redesign > to work well. Mostly, > going to a bifilar-transformer power feed and verifying/optimizing the input > and output turns ratios. And providing a proper switched LPF. > > - Jerry KF6VB > > > > > > > > On 2021-06-30 19:54, Bill Coleman wrote: >> The K2SB was absolutely the hardest kit to build out of the entire K2. >> There are a lot of parts, and it is a very small board. >>> On Jun 30, 2021, at 10:06 PM, jerry wrote: >>> So I got up at 5:30 this morning and continued stuffing the SSB adapter >>> card. Finished it up this afternoon. >>> Trying it out, the CPU came up... CW still worked... But no SSB transmit, >>> and the SSB receive was very very soft. Had to turn the AF gain up all the >>> way to hear >>> anything at all. >>> My untutored diagnosis - something was wrong with that 7-crystal SSB filter. >>> So I pulled the card out, scrubbed it again with IPA, stuck it under the >>> microscope to look - again - for solder splashes and cold joints. Scraped >>> off a little something here & there. Also, I had doubts about the >>> connections to the input & output transformers. So I hit those again with >>> the soldering iron. >>> Put the card back in the K2 - and ...Wow! Lively SSB receive! RF out on >>> transmit! >>> Still need to align the rig. Piping the output into another ham rig >>> through a big attenuator - it sounds pretty good. One niggle - carrier >>> suppression. If it's nulled out for LSB, it's not for USB. The nulls are >>> in different places on the pot. I guess you set a compromise position, and >>> make sure the carrier is off the skirts of the filter, so that can help. >>> - Jerry KF6VB >>> __ >>> 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 aa...@arrl.net >> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net >> Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com >> Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" >> -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 > __ > 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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] SDR filter improvement
Here: http://www.dspguide.com/pdfbook.htm Good book. > On Jul 1, 2021, at 11:08 AM, jerry wrote: > > On 2021-07-01 05:01, William Abernathy wrote: >> Hal, >> Thanks. I think the book is probably over my head. > *** There is another book, available free over the Internet. It's a detailed > presentation of Signal Processing for engineers - and it keeps the advanced > math to a minimum. > > "The Scientist and Engineers Guide to Digital Signal Processing" by Steven W. > Smith. > > "The goal is to present practical techniques while avoiding the barriers of > detailed mathematics and abstract theory." > > > - Jerry KF6VB > > > __ > 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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] SSB Confirmed
Go with the KPA100. It’s designed and integrated with the K2. Anything else is going to be a maybe-fit or have problems. Plus you get the RS-232 computer interface as well (although you have to use a special cable!) > On Jul 1, 2021, at 9:15 AM, jerry wrote: > > All, > > So the K2 yielded up its first sideband QSO this evening. 10M roundtable > of the local ham club. People gave me good reports. > > The next step is to organize up some power. The KPA100 is a mighty elegant > package, but I'm having trouble getting my head around the price tag. > > An alternative might be one of those Chinese amp > kits off Ebay. I actually have one in hand. It requires a bit of redesign > to work well. Mostly, > going to a bifilar-transformer power feed and verifying/optimizing the input > and output turns ratios. And providing a proper switched LPF. > > - Jerry KF6VB > > > > > > > > On 2021-06-30 19:54, Bill Coleman wrote: >> The K2SB was absolutely the hardest kit to build out of the entire K2. >> There are a lot of parts, and it is a very small board. >>> On Jun 30, 2021, at 10:06 PM, jerry wrote: >>> So I got up at 5:30 this morning and continued stuffing the SSB adapter >>> card. Finished it up this afternoon. >>> Trying it out, the CPU came up... CW still worked... But no SSB transmit, >>> and the SSB receive was very very soft. Had to turn the AF gain up all the >>> way to hear >>> anything at all. >>> My untutored diagnosis - something was wrong with that 7-crystal SSB filter. >>> So I pulled the card out, scrubbed it again with IPA, stuck it under the >>> microscope to look - again - for solder splashes and cold joints. Scraped >>> off a little something here & there. Also, I had doubts about the >>> connections to the input & output transformers. So I hit those again with >>> the soldering iron. >>> Put the card back in the K2 - and ...Wow! Lively SSB receive! RF out on >>> transmit! >>> Still need to align the rig. Piping the output into another ham rig >>> through a big attenuator - it sounds pretty good. One niggle - carrier >>> suppression. If it's nulled out for LSB, it's not for USB. The nulls are >>> in different places on the pot. I guess you set a compromise position, and >>> make sure the carrier is off the skirts of the filter, so that can help. >>> - Jerry KF6VB >>> __ >>> 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 aa...@arrl.net >> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net >> Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com >> Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" >> -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 > __ > 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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Gentlemen, we have SSB! ( I think )
The K2SB was absolutely the hardest kit to build out of the entire K2. There are a lot of parts, and it is a very small board. > On Jun 30, 2021, at 10:06 PM, jerry wrote: > > So I got up at 5:30 this morning and continued stuffing the SSB adapter card. > Finished it up this afternoon. > > Trying it out, the CPU came up... CW still worked... But no SSB transmit, and > the SSB receive was very very soft. Had to turn the AF gain up all the way > to hear > anything at all. > > My untutored diagnosis - something was wrong with that 7-crystal SSB filter. > > So I pulled the card out, scrubbed it again with IPA, stuck it under the > microscope to look - again - for solder splashes and cold joints. Scraped > off a little something here & there. Also, I had doubts about the > connections to the input & output transformers. So I hit those again with > the soldering iron. > > Put the card back in the K2 - and ...Wow! Lively SSB receive! RF out on > transmit! > > Still need to align the rig. Piping the output into another ham rig through > a big attenuator - it sounds pretty good. One niggle - carrier suppression. > If it's nulled out for LSB, it's not for USB. The nulls are in different > places on the pot. I guess you set a compromise position, and make sure the > carrier is off the skirts of the filter, so that can help. > > - Jerry KF6VB > __ > 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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Refurbished? What does that mean exactly?
After Elecraft discontinued the P3, I was alarmed, because I wanted one. So, when they offered to sell a limited number of new units, I ordered a P3 when it was first available. At the time, Elecraft said they were going to order the parts and would send out notices when the units were available. I got a notice today for my ordered P3. But they are sending me a refurbished unit, not a “new” one. They did give me a nice discount on the price for my trouble. (although the price was raised considerably from before the P3 was discontinued, so that may be a wash). Given that the P3 is currently unobtainium, and is likely going to remain so after these orders are done, I paid my balance to complete the order. I’m just wondering what I’m getting, if it isn’t “new.” It’s not exactly what I expected. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Strange behavior of K3 on FT8
You need to Hold down DATA MD and select the right data sub-mode. It is set per-band. DATA A is usually the correct sub-mode for FT8. This uses the USB mode. On 30m, you were likely using the AFSK A mode, which is similar, but uses LSB mode. AFSK A is used for RTTY, generally. > On Jun 19, 2021, at 6:40 PM, Carl-N8VZ wrote: > > Dear OM or YL: Today I did a successful POTA activation using my K3. I > usually use a smaller, lower wattage rig, but decided recently to use the K3 > portable. I've used the K3 for POTA activation three times before this week > -- but all on SSB. Today, I used FT8. I first was on 20M and everything > was quite normal. Then I switched to 30M, and I was hearing nothing and > friend who I was texting who lives fairly close to the park wasn't seeing my > CQs. I had the MODE set to DATA. The friend suggested I switch to USB > mode, and lo and below I started seeing signals on my screen and completed > several QSOs. I had used DATA mode on 20M and it worked FB. I also later > used DATA mode on 40M. Why didn't DATA mode work on 30M? Is there some > setting where I have to declare USB or LSB for each band separately for DATA > mode? All of this seems very strange to me. I used my K3 before for data > modes in the shack, and I don't recall this issue. Any suggestions would be > greatly appreciated. -- 73 de Carl N8VZ > > > > -- > Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] OT: High school drafting class, ~1975
When I started Tech in 1979, those drafting courses were no longer required. And, indeed, they retired the card punches for the FORTRAN courses in 1981-2. I was part of the User Assistance team in the computer center that helped all those EE 1010 students navigate their way to using the interactive terminals…. > On Apr 24, 2021, at 2:55 AM, Mike Morrow wrote: > > In actuality those high school drafting skills prepared me completely for > the year of drafting courses that was mandatory at Geogia Tech in 1970. I'd > finish a lab drafting session in less than 45 minutes while my buddies needed > the full three hours. In those pre-calculator pre-computer days the only > tools that an undergrad student needed were a good slide rule (mine cost $36 > in 1969, about $260 today) and a drafting set. To use the Univac 1108 campus > scientific mainframe for Fortran IV programs, we submitted hollerith cards we > punched using IBM 026 and 029 card punches. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] OT: High school drafting class, ~1975
“Drafting?” No, we didn’t call it that. It was “Industrial Arts”. I remember taking in 7th grade. And a few of us took the second semester Industrial Arts rather than shop due to scheduling issues. That was back in 1973-4. It was one of my favorite classes as well. I still draw up schematics on grid paper with a pencil. Old fashioned in this modern day, but still fun, and just as rewarding for my simple designs. > On Apr 24, 2021, at 1:08 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > > OK, I've really dated myself now. > > Anyone remember "drafting"? A favorite class in high school: blueprints, > mechanical drawings, schematics, straight edges, hand lettering, projections > and elevations. We invented things to draw that weren't real, but looked like > they should be. Did all the math by hand -- on a slide rule, if necessary. > Day-dreamed about what we might one day build. > > 45 years later, we're using tools we couldn't have imagined. Modeling > circuits and objects with millions of parameters and vectors, realizing them > in virtual space, manipulating them in real time. ... > > Here's to those moments, and to that timeless pursuit: turning abstractions > into reality. > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Firesign Theater
“Hey, be broke the President!” … “Would Mister ‘ah, Clem’ please report to the hospitality shelter…" > On Apr 22, 2021, at 6:03 PM, Morgan Bailey wrote: > > We are all bozos on this buss. LOL...The first time I ever heard > Quadrafonic stereo on a record. > > 73, Morgan NJ8M > BS + MS + $2.98 = COFFEE > Real Life Experience = Priceless, says the man who set his back yard on > fire with a breadboard tuner loading a 160 meter inverted L with 1000 > watts. LOL > > > On Thu, Apr 22, 2021 at 1:41 PM Dave Cole wrote: > >> Do you live in an award winning communications trailer? Can you jump >> the hole to the center of the Earth? Is your first name Nick? Do you >> know the Lonesome Beet? If so, then you might be a Bozo... >> >> 73, and thanks, >> Dave (NK7Z) >> https://www.nk7z.net >> ARRL Volunteer Examiner >> ARRL Technical Specialist, RFI >> ARRL Asst. Director, NW Division, Technical Resources >> >> On 4/22/21 8:47 AM, Josh Fiden wrote: >>> I’m not the only Firesign Theater fan! >>> >>> Can’t wait to have some quality time hearing receive audio in the cans >> (not just a hamfest). >>> >>> 73 >>> Josh W6XU >>> >>> Sent from my iPad >>> >>>> On Apr 22, 2021, at 6:49 AM, Henry Pollock - K4TMC >> wrote: >>>> >>>> See Subject Line...Happy Reading! >>> >>> __ >>> 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 d...@nk7z.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 mbaileyc...@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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] March/April NCJ
> On Mar 13, 2021, at 3:48 PM, Dr. William J. Schmidt > wrote: > > I had a similar thing happen after purchasing an antenna switch of well-known > brand. I didn't try the switch before it went to the top of the tower but I > quickly found that one position had a bad relay. I was able to use another > position to get the thing working. I posted on eHam and rated it below > average in quality because I expected a switch... something so simple... to > work out of the box. I quickly received an email from the manufacturer > berating me, suggesting it was my fault for the switch failing for being just > another dumb ham (yes, for a simple 12V switch), and that my review would > "ruin his business". This went on for some time, but I did not bend to such > rude tactics in favor of the truth With this kind of attitude, this person will never have any customers. A real serious businessman would have redoubled their efforts to find out how a faulty switch made it out of QA, contacted the customer and apologized for the difficulty, and offered to replace the faulty switch with a working model. I don’t see how threatening customers is a good business model. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] March/April NCJ
> On Mar 13, 2021, at 1:52 PM, Wes wrote: > > Based on the QC issue I rated it a four stars. I almost immediately got an > email from the company in which I was accused of improperly storing the > antenna and all sorts of other things. It was also claimed that anything > less that five stars would ruin their business, etc. I sent photos of the > tubing and heard back that this was impossible, it's never happened before > and so on and so forth. Based this type of response, I would have revised my rating to three stars and stood firm. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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 filter optimisation
> On Feb 12, 2021, at 3:59 AM, Ian Maude wrote: > > When I originally aligned this (back in 2004) I was able to use Spectrogram > to align the filters well. Is there a modern replacement for this, > preferably for Mac? I use CocoaModem, which has a pretty good spectral display, perfectly adequate for adjusting the filters on the K2. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Different focus
> On Jan 24, 2021, at 1:33 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > >> (Or did we have some other definition of “higher-performance”?) > > Yes: More bits than 16, more monotonicity in the LSBs, general improvement in > SFDR, or lower internal noise. > > Adding more ADC bits does not require more DSP horsepower. The DSP is 32 bit > floating point. Well, that works up to 23-bits! (FP numbers have a 23-bit mantissa) Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Different focus
But wouldn’t a higher performance A/D converter also mean you’d have to bring forth more DSP computing power? Because, whether you increase the sample rate or the number of bits per sample, it’s more data to process every second. Is there that much spare DSP computing power in the K4? Could you double the sample rate and still handle all the bits? (Or did we have some other definition of “higher-performance”?) > On Jan 24, 2021, at 11:59 AM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > > It's also a very modular radio. For example, if a higher-performance A-to-D > converter becomes available in the future, we'll be able to offer an upgraded > digital downconversion module. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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 update path?
FWIW, I managed to put together a K60XV “kit” by ordering some replacement parts from Elecraft, and the rest from the likes of Mouser, etc. For the trimmer caps, I could not obtain the bottom-tuning caps. I successfully used standard top-tuning caps placed on the PC board bottom (which is mounted up-side down, so becomes the upper side of the board). I measured the clearance as being about 2mm between the upper part of the caps and the shield of the KPA100. While I did have some teething problems with my unit installation, it had nothing to do with the caps. > On Jan 4, 2021, at 10:47 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > The K60XV option is currently not available because the trimmer caps required > have been discontinued. There is some effort being put into substituting SMD > trimmers, but that is not complete. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] FT4/8 Transmit Problem
I had a similar problem like this when using a SoundBlaster X G1 sound device. I solved it by only transmitting on one channel. If I use BOTH channels on output, it would do this weirdness. Don’t know if that helps you or not. > On Jan 4, 2021, at 9:58 AM, john wrote: > > Had a transmit problem with both FT4 and FT8 this weekend during the RTTY RU > contest. The data would transmit for a couple seconds (heard it in the > monitor, and saw output power), then the data stops. The K3 stays in transmit > (Red TX light) for the whole TX period, so I think the PTT configuration is > working. I was using it in conjunction with N1MM, but closed N1MM and used > WSJTx standalone, and had the same problem. Appreciate any ideas. > - 73, John, N0TA > > __ > 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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Oscilloscope recs
I could mortgage my house twice over and still not be able to afford that equipment…. > On Dec 17, 2020, at 7:04 PM, John Marvin wrote: > > Well, if budget permits, I would recommend the Keysight DSAZ594A. This would > be especially useful on some of the higher amateur radio bands. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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 mic gain super low on 20 meters
The transmitter gain of the K2 is definitely not uniform, but different on every band. This is problematic when trying to run digital modes, where the audio input needs to be adjusted on every band. I wonder if you have lower gain on 20m because you have a transmitter alignment problem — perhaps one of the 20m tuned circuits needs to be adjusted. Gain seems to fall off on higher bands — I wonder how well you fare on 15 or 10m. You also don’t say which mic you have on your Heil Proset. It it one with the older crystal HC-4 or HC-5 elements? These have pretty low output. I have two headsets (one BM-10 and one Proset) originally with the HC-4 elements. I had to modify my K2 to get acceptable output. (I changed KSB2 R14 from 1k to 3.9k) The element in the BM-10 died, and I replaced it with an electret mic element. I’ve also switched to another headset with an electret mic that has a lot of output (Yamaha CM500) and had to reverse the modification. > On Dec 18, 2020, at 6:14 PM, Mark Newbold wrote: > > Hi all, > > I acquired a secondhand K2/100 with KAT100 ATU a while back. The amp and ATU > are in a separate enclosure. I have used it mostly for CW, but lately I have > been using it for digital with a MicroHam DXP interface. When operating > digital I keep an eye on the transmitter ALC level, where I expect to see 1 > bar. I noticed recently that on 20 meters I can't get even 1 bar on the ALC > meter, even turning the DXP's TX audio level up a lot. The RF output meter > shows very low output power. No similar problem on 80, 40, 30 meters. > > I plugged in a Heil Proset mic and observed the same behavior -- when I speak > into the mic there is plenty of TX audio on 80 and 40 meters (too much in > fact, even speaking very softly). On 20 meters I have to yell into the mic to > get 1 bar of ALC. > > This is with the output power set to 50 watts, Mic gain set to "2" (choices > are "1", "2" and "3"), compression set to "1", ATU disabled (set to CAL). > > Any ideas of why the mic gain would be super low on just one band? > > --Mark K7NEW > > -- > Mark Newbold > Port Angeles, Washington, USA > __ > 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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Odd AGC problem with K60XV installed
Well, it was on receive that the S-meter would pin, and the audio output would be muted, hence AGC…. > On Dec 16, 2020, at 3:19 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > Bill, > > I am glad to hear it has not re-occurred. I think your analysis is correct, > except that it would be ALC and power control that would be affected, not AGC. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 12/16/2020 3:07 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> Don, >> >> Just a quick follow-up. I’m going to close the book on this problem, as it >> has not come up again, despite leaving the K2 on a couple of days. >> >> I think your diagnoses was spot on, I think a 15 MHz oscillation of the >> K60XV VRFDET components was causing the K2 to think the AGC was being >> activated under certain conditions. >> >> I think the oscillation might have been precipitated due to some waxy flux >> left between the pins of the LM368. >> >> Thank you for your assistance, as always. >> >>> On Dec 7, 2020, at 8:35 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>> >>> I’m going to set it up in the damp basement at my other QTH. That’s where I >>> saw the problem originally. Will let you know if it comes back. >>> >>>> On Dec 7, 2020, at 11:43 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >>>> >>>> Bill, >>>> >>>> It does sound like it is fixed. Just be aware that some intermittents do >>>> find their way back, so knowing the symptoms you can recognize it quickly. >>>> >>>> 73, >>>> Don W3FPR >>>> >>>> On 12/6/2020 6:30 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>>>> Don, >>>>> >>>>> I set the K2 up this weekend to try to reproduce this problem. Once again >>>>> I opened it up and re-installed the K60XV board. I put a scope probe on >>>>> P1 pin 6. >>>>> >>>>> I did not see the AGC failure mode right away, but I did find an >>>>> intermittent oscillation on pin 6 at about 15 MHz. It would come and go, >>>>> but no AGC activation. >>>>> >>>>> I removed the board and re-soldered all the components around the LM358. >>>>> Then I inspected the board and scraped away any residual solder flux in >>>>> that area of the board between any pins. >>>>> >>>>> I also re-soldered the 4.0 MHz resonator, although I did not hear or >>>>> detect any relay activation when it failed before. >>>>> >>>>> After that, I put the board back in with the scope probe and ran it on >>>>> the workbench for a day. I saw no AGC failure mode and no more 15 MHz >>>>> oscillation. >>>>> >>>>> So, maybe it is fixed? Fingers crossed. >>>>> >>>>> >>> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net >>> Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com >>> Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" >>>-- Wilbur Wright, 1901 >>> >>> __ >>> 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 aa...@arrl.net >> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net >> Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com >> Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" >> -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 >> > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Odd AGC problem with K60XV installed
Don, Just a quick follow-up. I’m going to close the book on this problem, as it has not come up again, despite leaving the K2 on a couple of days. I think your diagnoses was spot on, I think a 15 MHz oscillation of the K60XV VRFDET components was causing the K2 to think the AGC was being activated under certain conditions. I think the oscillation might have been precipitated due to some waxy flux left between the pins of the LM368. Thank you for your assistance, as always. > On Dec 7, 2020, at 8:35 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: > > I’m going to set it up in the damp basement at my other QTH. That’s where I > saw the problem originally. Will let you know if it comes back. > >> On Dec 7, 2020, at 11:43 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> >> Bill, >> >> It does sound like it is fixed. Just be aware that some intermittents do >> find their way back, so knowing the symptoms you can recognize it quickly. >> >> 73, >> Don W3FPR >> >> On 12/6/2020 6:30 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>> Don, >>> >>> I set the K2 up this weekend to try to reproduce this problem. Once again I >>> opened it up and re-installed the K60XV board. I put a scope probe on P1 >>> pin 6. >>> >>> I did not see the AGC failure mode right away, but I did find an >>> intermittent oscillation on pin 6 at about 15 MHz. It would come and go, >>> but no AGC activation. >>> >>> I removed the board and re-soldered all the components around the LM358. >>> Then I inspected the board and scraped away any residual solder flux in >>> that area of the board between any pins. >>> >>> I also re-soldered the 4.0 MHz resonator, although I did not hear or detect >>> any relay activation when it failed before. >>> >>> After that, I put the board back in with the scope probe and ran it on the >>> workbench for a day. I saw no AGC failure mode and no more 15 MHz >>> oscillation. >>> >>> So, maybe it is fixed? Fingers crossed. >>> >>> >> > > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net > Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com > Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" >-- Wilbur Wright, 1901 > > ______ > 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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Odd AGC problem with K60XV installed
I’m going to set it up in the damp basement at my other QTH. That’s where I saw the problem originally. Will let you know if it comes back. > On Dec 7, 2020, at 11:43 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > Bill, > > It does sound like it is fixed. Just be aware that some intermittents do > find their way back, so knowing the symptoms you can recognize it quickly. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 12/6/2020 6:30 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> Don, >> >> I set the K2 up this weekend to try to reproduce this problem. Once again I >> opened it up and re-installed the K60XV board. I put a scope probe on P1 pin >> 6. >> >> I did not see the AGC failure mode right away, but I did find an >> intermittent oscillation on pin 6 at about 15 MHz. It would come and go, but >> no AGC activation. >> >> I removed the board and re-soldered all the components around the LM358. >> Then I inspected the board and scraped away any residual solder flux in that >> area of the board between any pins. >> >> I also re-soldered the 4.0 MHz resonator, although I did not hear or detect >> any relay activation when it failed before. >> >> After that, I put the board back in with the scope probe and ran it on the >> workbench for a day. I saw no AGC failure mode and no more 15 MHz >> oscillation. >> >> So, maybe it is fixed? Fingers crossed. >> >> > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Odd AGC problem with K60XV installed
Don, I set the K2 up this weekend to try to reproduce this problem. Once again I opened it up and re-installed the K60XV board. I put a scope probe on P1 pin 6. I did not see the AGC failure mode right away, but I did find an intermittent oscillation on pin 6 at about 15 MHz. It would come and go, but no AGC activation. I removed the board and re-soldered all the components around the LM358. Then I inspected the board and scraped away any residual solder flux in that area of the board between any pins. I also re-soldered the 4.0 MHz resonator, although I did not hear or detect any relay activation when it failed before. After that, I put the board back in with the scope probe and ran it on the workbench for a day. I saw no AGC failure mode and no more 15 MHz oscillation. So, maybe it is fixed? Fingers crossed. > On Nov 28, 2020, at 6:19 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > Bill, > > It is also a mystery to me that it is intermittent rather than a solid > failure. That might imply that something is breaking into oscillation and > overwhelming the VRFDET line. That is why I suggested you check the > component placement and the diode orientation. > That intermittent condition can also be caused by a soldering problem that > takes some time to appear. > > For the non-transverter bands, it is only necessary that the 4.7pF capacitor > be in the circuit and that relay K1 be in the reset position. > > If you hear a relay click when this problem starts, then look to the firmware > on the K60XV to make sure all its related components are in place - there are > not many. If you do hear the relay click, one thing you can do is to > arbitrarily replace the resonator. While I have never seen an intermittent > resonator (dead one = yes), it is one possibility. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 11/28/2020 5:59 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> Thanks, Don, I’ll check it out when I have a chance next week. I appreciate >> your suggestions. At the moment, the K60XV and the K2 are about 35 miles >> apart…. >> >> > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Odd AGC problem with K60XV installed
Thanks, Don, I’ll check it out when I have a chance next week. I appreciate your suggestions. At the moment, the K60XV and the K2 are about 35 miles apart…. > On Nov 28, 2020, at 5:53 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > Bill, > > You might want to inspect the K60XV soldering carefully for bridges and > anything unsoldered. > > When this fault condition occurs, what is the voltage on K60XV P1 pin 6. If > VRFDET becomes active during receive, the K2 may behave as you describe > because the firmware 'thinks' the K2 is transmitting. The fact that you do > not see it on the transverter bands further amplifies my thoughts on the > source of the problem being the VRFDET signal. > > I cannot think of a component problem that would create your condition, so > that is why I asked you to review the soldering. Look at the component > placement too - make sure all the components are in the right hole and not in > a nearby via hole. Check D3 and D4 for proper orientation. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 11/28/2020 5:21 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> A few weeks ago, I managed to cobble enough of the parts together to build a >> K60XV. It came together great, and works both on 60m as well as a base for a >> transverter. >> I thought that would have been the happy end of the story, except I’ve had >> some odd trouble with it installed. I saw this briefly the day after the SS >> CW contest, and on the second day of the SS Phone contest. In each case, >> removing the K60XV solved the problem and it did not recur. >> Here’s what I’ve observed. After leaving the K2/100 turned on for several >> hours, the rig is in receive mode, but the AGC is fully activated, with all >> ten bars showing on the S-meter. The receiver audio is entirely blanked. >> This condition is intermittent and random. It tends to last for several >> seconds to many minutes. It happens on all bands at the same time EXCEPT it >> does NOT happen on any TRN band that is configured (I have one configured >> for 50 MHz/28 MHz). This lead me to believe the K60XV was involved. During >> the SS Phone, I removed the K60XV and replaced it with a Re-work eliminator >> and K2/100 and the rig worked just fine for the next 10 hours. >> During the last three days, I opened the K2 up and laid the KPA100 on the >> workbench and left the K2 powered up with the K60XV installed. The problem >> manifested itself within hours. I was able to run a few diagnostics. >> The AGC activation happens in all all AGC modes, SLO, FAST and OFF. I was >> able to get a scope probe on the emitter of Q12 on the Control board. When >> the blanking occurs, I see a train of pulses around 2 mS apart - around 500 >> Hz. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] [K2] Odd AGC problem with K60XV installed
A few weeks ago, I managed to cobble enough of the parts together to build a K60XV. It came together great, and works both on 60m as well as a base for a transverter. I thought that would have been the happy end of the story, except I’ve had some odd trouble with it installed. I saw this briefly the day after the SS CW contest, and on the second day of the SS Phone contest. In each case, removing the K60XV solved the problem and it did not recur. Here’s what I’ve observed. After leaving the K2/100 turned on for several hours, the rig is in receive mode, but the AGC is fully activated, with all ten bars showing on the S-meter. The receiver audio is entirely blanked. This condition is intermittent and random. It tends to last for several seconds to many minutes. It happens on all bands at the same time EXCEPT it does NOT happen on any TRN band that is configured (I have one configured for 50 MHz/28 MHz). This lead me to believe the K60XV was involved. During the SS Phone, I removed the K60XV and replaced it with a Re-work eliminator and K2/100 and the rig worked just fine for the next 10 hours. During the last three days, I opened the K2 up and laid the KPA100 on the workbench and left the K2 powered up with the K60XV installed. The problem manifested itself within hours. I was able to run a few diagnostics. The AGC activation happens in all all AGC modes, SLO, FAST and OFF. I was able to get a scope probe on the emitter of Q12 on the Control board. When the blanking occurs, I see a train of pulses around 2 mS apart - around 500 Hz. I tried poking a finger around various places on the K60XV board to try to exacerbate the problem. I wasn’t able to determine anything conclusive, although a couple of times I thought something in the vicinity of the K2 relay might be involved. I’m completely dumbfounded by this problem. There’s nothing in the K60XV that interconnects with the AGC system in any way. What could possibly be going on here? Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] [OT] Broken boom mic attachment on a CM-500
Jack, I have BOTH the CM-500 and the SB-45, as well as a Heil Proset. I like all three for different reasons. The CM-500 is comfortable, and has the best mic boom, it has an enormous output from the electret mic — nearly too much for my K3. I used it effectively with the K2. The SB-45 is very comfortable but has a flimsy mic boom that tends to wiggle when I move my head. I can wear it for hours. The Heil Proset has the best frequency response in the headphones, and has an HC-4 element, which is unobtanium today. My problem with it is it hurt my ears after wearing it for an hour. I fixed that problem recently by buying some oversize earopads from Brainwavz. It is now just as comfortable as the CM-500 or SB-45. > On Nov 1, 2020, at 5:31 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft > wrote: > > I bought a new CM-500 set on Amazon about two years ago. They feel great on > my head and work wonderfully. > In May I decided to try the Koss SB-45. Price was good (about $30 from > Amazon). They feel very similar to my Heil headset, meaning about the same as > putting my head in a vise. Simply too tight on my head, especially for > wearing them through a 48 hour contest. I went back to the CM-500s. I find it > worth paying the $60 from Amazon to get these instead of something else. > > 73! > Jack, W6FB > > >> On Nov 1, 2020, at 2:20 PM, Jim Brown wrote: >> >> On 11/1/2020 2:12 PM, Bill Frantz wrote: >>> What are the best replacement headsets these days. Someone said that the >>> CM-500 has changed for the worse in the last few years. >> >> Hi Bill, >> >> The only issue I've ever had with the CM500 has been a bad cable, and it's >> happened at least twice. I'm pretty clutzy, so hard on headsets. >> >> This piece I wrote for National Contest Journal several years ago includes >> model numbers a few Koss headsets that hams have liked. They're pretty much >> the same electrically. >> >> http://k9yc.com/ContestAudio.pdf >> >> 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 jackbrin...@me.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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Issue with HI CUR on 12m
In this case, it wasn’t RG-213, but RG-303. The author regrets the error. > On Oct 14, 2020, at 1:45 PM, Alan - G4GNX wrote: > > Not wishing to pick a fight, but he said that he is using a balun rated at > 1KW. > > What you describe is a common mode choke and as I'm sure you know, that is > not a transformer which is what I described. > > I can see Jim's frustration. Folks really need to get to grips and properly > understand the terms they are using, otherwise we get into meaningless > arguments and false advice. > > RG213 is a commonly used co-axial cable: > https://www.awcwire.com/productspec.aspx?id=rg213-coaxial-cable > > 73, > > Alan. G4GNX > > > -- Original Message -- > From: j...@kk9a.com > To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net > Sent: 14/10/2020 18:17:00 > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Issue with HI CUR on 12m > >> AA4LR is using #43 ferrite beads on RG-313 coax. I am not sure what RG-313 >> is however there should be no ohm meter short unless he is using a hairpin >> match. Perhaps there is a flaky connection somewhere in his system. I had >> a lot of RF feedback problems with my K3S when using a corroded station in >> the Caribbean but no current warnings. >> >> John KK9A >> >> >> >> Alan - G4GNX wrote: >> >> >> I presume that you disconnected the feeder from the balun when you did >> the DC Ohms test? If not, there is something wrong because you should >> see almost a dead (DC) short through the primary of the balun. >> >> I must admit I put off replacing my antenna until I was forced to. Might >> be the way to go. :-) >> >> 73, >> >> Alan. G4GNX >> >> >> __ >> 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 g4...@g4gnx.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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Issue with HI CUR on 12m
I’ve had other problems with this antenna when the 17m traps broke down about three years ago. Looking back at my station notes, I’m wrong. It wasn’t RG-313, it was RG-303. Sorry for the error. This is a small diameter (0.170”) coax with a solid teflon dielectric. > On Oct 14, 2020, at 1:17 PM, j...@kk9a.com wrote: > > AA4LR is using #43 ferrite beads on RG-313 coax. I am not sure what RG-313 is > however there should be no ohm meter short unless he is using a hairpin > match. Perhaps there is a flaky connection somewhere in his system. I had a > lot of RF feedback problems with my K3S when using a corroded station in the > Caribbean but no current warnings. > > John KK9A > > > > Alan - G4GNX wrote: > > > I presume that you disconnected the feeder from the balun when you did > the DC Ohms test? If not, there is something wrong because you should > see almost a dead (DC) short through the primary of the balun. > > I must admit I put off replacing my antenna until I was forced to. Might > be the way to go. :-) > > 73, > > Alan. G4GNX > > > __ > 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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Issue with HI CUR on 12m
Isn’t the name apt, though? A feedpoint choke like this does manage the interface from the unbalanced coax to the balanced antenna by inhibiting the flow of common-mode currents. Hence, Bal-Un. Agree that the term is insufficiently descriptive. > On Oct 14, 2020, at 12:57 PM, Jim Brown wrote: > > On 10/14/2020 6:19 AM, Alan - G4GNX wrote: >> I presume that you disconnected the feeder from the balun when you did the >> DC Ohms test? If not, there is something wrong because you should see almost >> a dead (DC) short through the primary of the balun. > > Here's an example of where the word "balun" blows up our thinking about > problem solving. The "balun" you're describing is a transformer, sometimes > called a voltage balun. Other things commonly called a "balun" are a common > mode choke, which should look like an open circuit at both DC and RF. > > The word "balun" should be eliminated from our use. I know of at least ten > very different things that are called a "balun." > > 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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Issue with HI CUR on 12m
It’s a current (choke) 1:1 balun. Ferrite beads over coax. There are no turns, there is no primary. > On Oct 14, 2020, at 9:19 AM, Alan - G4GNX wrote: > > I presume that you disconnected the feeder from the balun when you did the DC > Ohms test? If not, there is something wrong because you should see almost a > dead (DC) short through the primary of the balun. > > I must admit I put off replacing my antenna until I was forced to. Might be > the way to go. :-) > > 73, > > Alan. G4GNX > > > -- Original Message -- > From: "Bill Coleman" > To: "Alan - G4GNX" > Cc: "Elecraft" > Sent: 14/10/2020 13:39:06 > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Issue with HI CUR on 12m > >> I was not seeing any SWR shifts on this antenna. A check with an ohmmeter >> shows no shorts. >> This antenna is currently on the ground due to other work on the tower. I’m >> considering replacing the antenna entirely. It’s been up over 10 years, and >> the traps could use re-work. >> > > __ > 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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Issue with HI CUR on 12m
I was not seeing any SWR shifts on this antenna. A check with an ohmmeter shows no shorts. This antenna is currently on the ground due to other work on the tower. I’m considering replacing the antenna entirely. It’s been up over 10 years, and the traps could use re-work. > On Oct 13, 2020, at 10:47 AM, Alan - G4GNX wrote: > > This happened to me on a multi-band antenna, with SWR changing, but no Hi Cur > warning. > > I would be transmitting for months, using only 100W with no issues. I added > in a KPA500/KAT500 combination and apart from a short test at 400W, I > continued to use it at 200W (SSB) max. > After a month or so, the SWR would change - mid QSO. A quick retune and I was > able to continue. Over a few weeks the occurrence was more frequent. Using a > Rig Expert analyser, no fault or bad SWR was indicated and I (wrongly) > guessed that the 400W Guanella balun was breaking down at power over 100W. In > the meantime I ordered a new 1KW balun made for that antenna, but before it > arrived, during a QSO there was a catastrophic "occurrence" with all kinds of > warnings and the SWR was off the scale. > > A check with a multimeter indicated a dead short somewhere in the feedline > (RG58). I also took the balun apart and found no fault. As I'd ordered a new > balun, I decided to change it anyway. I don't have the power to exceed the > new balun's spec, so it should last forever - RF wise. ;-) > > Obviously I replaced the co-ax feeder - I now use Westflex 103 with much > larger ferrites (to fit the new cable size) as a common mode choke. All now > works as it should and shows no sign of breakdown, even at 400W (max legal > for the UK). > > The old co-ax is a different matter. With both ends disconnected (open) > connecting one end to the analyser showed a short circuit about 15 feet along > its length. I cut out a section either side and the remaining two pieces > showed 'open' as they should. On visual inspection I find that the braid of > the co-ax has migrated through the center insulation and is touching the > inner conductor, indicating that a fair amount of heat has been generated. > The area in question was right where the common mode ferrites had been > fitted, although there were no tell-tale marks on the ferrites or the outer > casing of the co-ax. It's fairly obvious that a high voltage node has caused > an internal flashover which in turn has changed the characteristic which has > resulted in a high current node which has generated the heat. > > You may well be right that your balun is not faulty, but you should check it > anyway as well as checking out all the other aspects of the installation. If > you can, replace the feeder. You may be surprised at what you find. > > 73, > > Alan. G4GNX > > > -- Original Message -- > From: "Bill Coleman" > To: "Don Wilhelm" > Cc: "Elecraft" > Sent: 13/10/2020 01:55:16 > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Issue with HI CUR on 12m > >> SWR on the problem antenna is below 1.2:1. It’s a trap dipole - designed for >> that band. >> >> It is unlikely the balun is “breaking down”. It’s a current balun - #43 >> ferrite beads on RG-313 coax. It can easily handle a kW or more. >> >>> On Oct 12, 2020, at 2:12 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >>> >>> Bill, >>> >>> I would suggest that you check the SWR on the antenna before concluding it >>> is an RF feedback problem. >>> Don't forget that the balun may be breaking down with power and show no >>> problem at lower power (like from an antenna analyzer). >>> >>> Don W3FPR >>> >>> On 10/11/2020 8:53 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>>> Don, >>>> >>>> I finally got around to running my K3 into a dummy load. >>>> >>>> I had no problem running 100w or even 110w with a dummy load. Current draw >>>> from the power supply was 22 A and 23 A, respectively, on the K3 display. >>>> No HI CUR indications. >>>> >>>> External wattmeter validates the output. >>>> >>>> I was getting the HI CUR indication on a trap 30/17/12m inverted V. I had >>>> to take it down, and now I’m using a trap 80/40/20m dipole through the >>>> tuner. No HI CUR indication on that antenna, either. >>>> >>>> Even though I have current baluns on both antennas, I’m thinking that my >>>> HI CUR problem may be related to RF feedback in the shack. >>>> >>>> Do you concur? >>>> >>>> I’m in the process of a number of shack improvements,
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] Issue with HI CUR on 12m
While it may not be a “perfect” material, it was what I had on hand, and I measured over 800 ohms choking impedance on the band of interest. It’s definitely doing something useful. I have your cookbook, and will use it for future projects. > On Oct 12, 2020, at 10:05 PM, Jim Brown wrote: > > On 10/12/2020 5:55 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> It is unlikely the balun is “breaking down”. It’s a current balun - #43 >> ferrite beads on RG-313 coax. It can easily handle a kW or more. > That's a common mode choke, and #43 is a terrible material for the HF bands. > See my "cookbook" at k9yc.com/publish.htm as well as the Ham's RFI tutorial, > which explains things conceptually. > > "handle a kW," perhaps, but only because it's also unlikely to be doing > anything useful. :) > > 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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Issue with HI CUR on 12m
SWR on the problem antenna is below 1.2:1. It’s a trap dipole - designed for that band. It is unlikely the balun is “breaking down”. It’s a current balun - #43 ferrite beads on RG-313 coax. It can easily handle a kW or more. > On Oct 12, 2020, at 2:12 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > Bill, > > I would suggest that you check the SWR on the antenna before concluding it is > an RF feedback problem. > Don't forget that the balun may be breaking down with power and show no > problem at lower power (like from an antenna analyzer). > > Don W3FPR > > On 10/11/2020 8:53 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> Don, >> >> I finally got around to running my K3 into a dummy load. >> >> I had no problem running 100w or even 110w with a dummy load. Current draw >> from the power supply was 22 A and 23 A, respectively, on the K3 display. No >> HI CUR indications. >> >> External wattmeter validates the output. >> >> I was getting the HI CUR indication on a trap 30/17/12m inverted V. I had to >> take it down, and now I’m using a trap 80/40/20m dipole through the tuner. >> No HI CUR indication on that antenna, either. >> >> Even though I have current baluns on both antennas, I’m thinking that my HI >> CUR problem may be related to RF feedback in the shack. >> >> Do you concur? >> >> I’m in the process of a number of shack improvements, including antenna >> replacements and grounding and bonding, so that might take care of it. >> >>> On Jan 11, 2020, at 11:29 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >>> >>> Bill, >>> >>> Is this into a dummy load (bypass the ATU or tune the ATU into the dummy >>> load). >>> If it is into an antenna, there are a whole lot of guesses about how the >>> antenna behaves with higher power levels than your antenna analyzer shows. >>> So check it with a dummy load to eliminate the possibility that the problem >>> is in the antenna. >>> >>> Put an external wattmeter in line with the dummy load to eliminate >>> questions about the calibration on the K3 wattmeter. >>> >>> If you can measure the actual current drawn, that would also be helpful. >>> >>> 73, >>> Don W3FPR >>> >>> On 1/11/2020 11:18 AM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>>> Back in early December, I installed two KSYN3As in my K3 SN 7071. Sometime >>>> after that, I noticed that on 12m, I’m seeing a HI CUR indication when I >>>> set the power level to more than about 80-85 watts. The K3 will back off >>>> on the power level, then slowly ramp back up until it hits HI CUR again. >>>> I don’t remember seeing this before. After the KSYNC3A install, I ran the >>>> transmit gain calibration at both 5 and 50 watts, as specified in the >>>> instructions. Just in case something went awry, I ran it again. >>>> I’m still seeing this problem. What causes HI CUR at 85 watts? The K3 >>>> ought to be able to produce over 110 watts on 12m. >>>> I’m not seeing this issue on other bands. >>>> No issues with calibration >> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net >> Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com >> Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" >> -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 >> > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Issue with HI CUR on 12m
Don, I finally got around to running my K3 into a dummy load. I had no problem running 100w or even 110w with a dummy load. Current draw from the power supply was 22 A and 23 A, respectively, on the K3 display. No HI CUR indications. External wattmeter validates the output. I was getting the HI CUR indication on a trap 30/17/12m inverted V. I had to take it down, and now I’m using a trap 80/40/20m dipole through the tuner. No HI CUR indication on that antenna, either. Even though I have current baluns on both antennas, I’m thinking that my HI CUR problem may be related to RF feedback in the shack. Do you concur? I’m in the process of a number of shack improvements, including antenna replacements and grounding and bonding, so that might take care of it. > On Jan 11, 2020, at 11:29 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > Bill, > > Is this into a dummy load (bypass the ATU or tune the ATU into the dummy > load). > If it is into an antenna, there are a whole lot of guesses about how the > antenna behaves with higher power levels than your antenna analyzer shows. > So check it with a dummy load to eliminate the possibility that the problem > is in the antenna. > > Put an external wattmeter in line with the dummy load to eliminate questions > about the calibration on the K3 wattmeter. > > If you can measure the actual current drawn, that would also be helpful. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 1/11/2020 11:18 AM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> Back in early December, I installed two KSYN3As in my K3 SN 7071. Sometime >> after that, I noticed that on 12m, I’m seeing a HI CUR indication when I set >> the power level to more than about 80-85 watts. The K3 will back off on the >> power level, then slowly ramp back up until it hits HI CUR again. >> I don’t remember seeing this before. After the KSYNC3A install, I ran the >> transmit gain calibration at both 5 and 50 watts, as specified in the >> instructions. Just in case something went awry, I ran it again. >> I’m still seeing this problem. What causes HI CUR at 85 watts? The K3 ought >> to be able to produce over 110 watts on 12m. >> I’m not seeing this issue on other bands. >> No issues with calibration Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Issue with HI CUR on 12m
Curious. I’m doing a lot of antenna work right now. I had to remove my 12/17/30m trap inverted V to get my beam off the tower. In the meantime, I’m making due with a 20/40/80m trap dipole. If I use 12m on the 20/40/80m dipole using a tuner, I’m not having any HI CUR issues, even when running 100 watts. I think what I’m seeing is an RF in the shack issue. The 20/40/80m antenna feed point is about 70 feet further away than the old 12/17/30m antenna. > On Sep 5, 2020, at 10:41 PM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: > > I suggest you perform a TX Gain calibration using the K3 Utility. A known > accurate dummy load is all that is required. > > I’d say that a 1 volt drop is excessive. Check power cable connectors. Also > add a dedicated ground conductor between the ground terminal on the radio and > power supply ground terminal. > > The displayed voltage on the radio should be about 0.5 volt difference > between RX and TX, CW mode key closed.These measurements should be made > using a dummy load. > > 73 > Bob, K4TAX > > > Sent from my iPhone > >> On Sep 5, 2020, at 7:15 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> >> I checked this. Voltage was 13.8 volts no load, dropped about a volt under >> load. >> >> I cranked it up to 14.4 volts no load, and it’s better, but still getting HI >> CUR indication above 90 watts. >> >>> On Jan 11, 2020, at 11:43 AM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: >>> >>> Is the power supply at 14 volts or so? And what does the radio show the >>> voltage to be in key down transmit into a dummy load. Low voltage will >>> demand more current to produce 100 watts. >>> >>> I run my supply at 14.25 V no load and the radio shows 13.8V during 100 >>> watts transmit. Voltage drop should be 0.5 volts or less. >>> >>> Bob, K4TAX >>> >>> >>> Sent from my iPhone >>> >>>>> On Jan 11, 2020, at 10:31 AM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>>> >>>> Back in early December, I installed two KSYN3As in my K3 SN 7071. >>>> Sometime after that, I noticed that on 12m, I’m seeing a HI CUR indication >>>> when I set the power level to more than about 80-85 watts. The K3 will >>>> back off on the power level, then slowly ramp back up until it hits HI CUR >>>> again. >>>> >>>> I don’t remember seeing this before. After the KSYNC3A install, I ran the >>>> transmit gain calibration at both 5 and 50 watts, as specified in the >>>> instructions. Just in case something went awry, I ran it again. >>>> >>>> I’m still seeing this problem. What causes HI CUR at 85 watts? The K3 >>>> ought to be able to produce over 110 watts on 12m. >>>> >>>> I’m not seeing this issue on other bands. >>>> >>>> No issues with calibration >>>> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net >>>> Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com >>>> Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" >>>> -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 >>>> >>>> __ >>>> 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 >>> >>> >> >> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net >> Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com >> Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" >> -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 >> >> > > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] [K2] Intermittent INFO 080 problem.
Over the years, I’ve had a little bit of trouble with my K2 occasionally given INFO 080. The first time it happened, during a Field Day even, I attributed it to condensation building up on the inside overnight. Once it warmed up altering being turned on for a while, it was fine. I’ve used this rig at four different QTHs. When I have had it in an air-conditioned, controlled environment, it has not given me any problems. Currently, though, the shack where it is located is in a basement, and higher humidity can be a problem. Last night, this problem contributed to me missing 4U!UN on 80m CW. It took about 15 minutes for the rig to warm up. Any suggestions on how to diagnose the root cause of this problem? This is a K2/100, with the KNB2, KSB2, KDSP2 and KAT100. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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 remote software question
The word that comes to mind for me is Osborne. But Elecraft didn’t have sales of the K3S halt as soon as they announced the K4. Indeed, the K4 has taken much longer than anticipated to ship, and supply issues have brought an end to much of the K3(S) product line. I’m sure there is much more K3(S) kit they could sell if only they were available. > On Aug 10, 2020, at 2:28 PM, Eric Norris wrote: > > One word: Borland. Local (to Elecraft) techies know their story. > > 73 Eric WD6DBM > > On Mon, Aug 10, 2020, 6:57 AM Dave wrote: > >> Bob >> >> I’ll chime in. >> >> If a company gives a forecasted ship date and misses the mark for any >> reason, including unforeseen circumstances that company would be “burned at >> the stake”. I have seen it before. So with COVID-19 the big wildcard, it >> is virtually impossible to predict any long term forecast. >> >> Some hams treat a projected date as written in stone. >> >> Dave wo2x >> >> Sent from my waxed string and tin cans. >> >>> On Aug 10, 2020, at 2:04 AM, K5WA wrote: >>> >>> After listening to Eric’s EXPO presentation, I thought I heard him say >> Elecraft would have an API for developers to develop remote software for >> the K4. I take that to mean that Elecraft will NOT have their own remote >> software offering so you must buy a K4/0 until software is available from >> 3rd parties. I had understood previously that Elecraft would actually >> have their own software available around the ship date of the K4 so I’ve >> been planning for that in my remote project. I guess I’ll have to switch >> gears and delay my remote project further. I was hoping to have it >> installed this year. >>> >>> >>> >>> On the K4 delivery issue, since the Group 1 purchasers are a known lot, >> it seems that any group that is full and finite should be able to be given >> a number (maybe even the actual/projected S/N) so that, for example, as >> people on this reflector announce that they received S/N 25 and your number >> was 50, you’d have a clue that your rig was getting close. Ideally, with >> supply chains running smoothly, Elecraft could show their production >> projections by S/N or at least an estimated units per week forecast as they >> ramp up. I realize the exact S/N may change due to special circumstances, >> but at least we’d have a ballpark pecking order of when to sit at the >> mailbox looking down the street (longingly) for a delivery truck. I’m not >> aware of a downside to letting folks know their actual or approximate spot >> in line. We all know Gavin Newsome and Dr. Faucci have the largest >> influence on delivery dates but I’d sure like to have a wee bit more >> transparency from Elecraft about our investment. >>> >>> >>> >>> I know there will be folks telling me to sit tight (as I have for the >> last 15+ months), they’re coming, but since late August is still the >> announced best guess for first production shipments, Elecraft surely has >> internal forecasts by now that could be parceled out to folks on the >> waiting list. Heck, I’ll even volunteer to be the body that tabulates the >> list if Elecraft wants to put me to work. (I’m guessing there are 500-1000 >> units in Group 1?) >>> >>> >>> >>> Semi-patiently waiting, >>> >>> >>> >>> Bob K5WA >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> >>> __ >>> 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 rocke...@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 norrislawfi...@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 >
Re: [Elecraft] [K3] KAT3 not functioning on 6m
No, that’s not it. The right is ALREADY in split mode when i attempt to use the auto-tune. You get the N/A flash if VFO A and B aren’t set to the same mode, other than SSB/CW. WSJT-X sets it up correctly, with both VFOs in DATA mode. > On Sep 7, 2020, at 9:50 AM, w4sc wrote: > > Bill, > > The K3 only allows the “split” mode for SSB and/or CW to be enabled, at > least from panel. Trying to enable split in any other mode, the VFO B window > flashes “N/A”. You may have different indications / results if the split > command is sent via the CAT, and a mode other than CW or SSB is selected. > > Ben W4SC > > Sent from Mail for Windows 10 Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] KAT3 not functioning on 6m
This is a feature of WSJT-X. If you have the Split Operation selection set to “Rig”, WSJT-X will always use Split mode. It sets the transmit frequency higher or lower in 500 Hz increments. The main reason for this is to keep the generated audio in the middle of the SSB passband, but high enough to allow harmonics to be outside the passband. So, for example, if you select 400 Hz as your transmit frequency, WSJT-X will set the TX frequency 1.5 kHz lower, and then generate transmission tones around 1900 Hz. If you set the frequency to 2000 Hz, it will set the TX frequency 500 Hz higher, but the tone generated is about 1500 Hz. The net result is the same — the transmitted tones are always between 1500-1999 Hz. And even if you select a transmit frequency between 1500-1999 Hz, WSJT-X will always use split operation. (Although in this case, the RX and TX frequency will be identical) > On Sep 6, 2020, at 4:40 PM, wrote: > > Bill, > > Why are you running split in WSJT? The only time you actually need split is > when operating 2 different frequencies like working JA's on 160 when they > used to be required to transmit on 1908 KHz and we transmitted on 1840 kHZ > (they now can operate on 1840). Unless you are actually needing to receive on > one frequency and transmit on another, set the radio configuration to "Fake > It" instead of "split". That will keep your transmit frequency in the middle > of your transmit bandpass. There is no actual frequency change in WSJT > including DX expedition mode. > > GL > > Mike > K7PI > > -Original Message- > From: elecraft-boun...@mailman.qth.net On > Behalf Of Bill Coleman > Sent: Sunday, September 6, 2020 13:08 > To: w4sc > Cc: Elecraft > Subject: Re: [Elecraft] [K3] KAT3 not functioning on 6m > > OK, I figured this out, sort of. > > Every time I’ve had trouble with the KAT3 not tuning, the K3 has been in > split mode. > > By taking the K3 out of split mode, I’m able to turn on 6m correctly. > > Oddly, though, when I return to split mode, it still works. > > I’m not sure why I see this issue, but I’m glad I can work around it. > > Split mode is often configured due to the WSJT-X settings, depending on the > frequencies used. > >> On Sep 5, 2020, at 9:01 PM, w4sc wrote: >> >> Bill, >> >> I had an issue very similar. The “Automatic TXGain” procedure is performed >> at 52 MHz. I was using a 50 ohm load attached, and at 50.125 the KAT3 have >> trouble matching the load. Also it appears there is not enough power out in >> the lower part of the band for the SWR bridge to function. >> >> Part of the problem is I believe, the f/w switches the KPA3 ON at 8 watts >> instead of the usual 12……….. >> >> Performing a MANUAL TX Gain procedure on 6M may help. >> >> Here is link to post I made several weeks ago. >> >> https://www.mail-archive.com/elecraft@mailman.qth.net/msg241436.html >> >> 73 de Ben W4SC >> >> Sent from Mail for Windows 10 > > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net > Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com > Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" >-- Wilbur Wright, 1901 > > __ > 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 ex...@comcast.net > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] KAT3 not functioning on 6m
OK, I figured this out, sort of. Every time I’ve had trouble with the KAT3 not tuning, the K3 has been in split mode. By taking the K3 out of split mode, I’m able to turn on 6m correctly. Oddly, though, when I return to split mode, it still works. I’m not sure why I see this issue, but I’m glad I can work around it. Split mode is often configured due to the WSJT-X settings, depending on the frequencies used. > On Sep 5, 2020, at 9:01 PM, w4sc wrote: > > Bill, > > I had an issue very similar. The “Automatic TXGain” procedure is performed > at 52 MHz. I was using a 50 ohm load attached, and at 50.125 the KAT3 have > trouble matching the load. Also it appears there is not enough power out in > the lower part of the band for the SWR bridge to function. > > Part of the problem is I believe, the f/w switches the KPA3 ON at 8 watts > instead of the usual 12……….. > > Performing a MANUAL TX Gain procedure on 6M may help. > > Here is link to post I made several weeks ago. > > https://www.mail-archive.com/elecraft@mailman.qth.net/msg241436.html > > 73 de Ben W4SC > > Sent from Mail for Windows 10 Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] KAT3 not functioning on 6m
Update on this - this problem with the KAT3 ATU not working on 6m appears to be intermittent. Sometimes it will tune, sometimes it won’t. Weird. > On May 17, 2020, at 6:38 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: > > I upgraded my K3 to include the new KSYN3A back in November. (I have the > KRX3, so I installed two of them) > > Ever since then, it seems like the Antenna Tuner isn’t doing it’s thing on > 6m. It works fine on the other bands. > > The K3 doesn’t really show any other problems. > > Here’s the symptoms: > > - ATU not in bypass > - ANT1 or ANT2 - doesn’t matter. > - Press ATU Tune > - Unit makes noises like it is working on a match, but the entire time, the > display only shows “- -“ in the right hand side of the display — at no time > does it show an SWR. > - Eventually, unit gives up trying to find a match > > What’s odd is this: > > - Press Tune, unit outputs power, but no SWR is displayed in the right hand > side of the display, only “- -“. > > - However, if I transmit, I do see an SWR indication in the meter face, and > the SWR seems accurate, depending on the antenna I choose. > > I’m running firmware revision 5.67/2.88 — which is the latest, I believe. > > Any ideas? > > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net > Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com > Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" >-- Wilbur Wright, 1901 > > __ > 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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Issue with HI CUR on 12m
I checked this. Voltage was 13.8 volts no load, dropped about a volt under load. I cranked it up to 14.4 volts no load, and it’s better, but still getting HI CUR indication above 90 watts. > On Jan 11, 2020, at 11:43 AM, Bob McGraw K4TAX wrote: > > Is the power supply at 14 volts or so? And what does the radio show the > voltage to be in key down transmit into a dummy load. Low voltage will > demand more current to produce 100 watts. > > I run my supply at 14.25 V no load and the radio shows 13.8V during 100 watts > transmit. Voltage drop should be 0.5 volts or less. > > Bob, K4TAX > > > Sent from my iPhone > >> On Jan 11, 2020, at 10:31 AM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> >> Back in early December, I installed two KSYN3As in my K3 SN 7071. Sometime >> after that, I noticed that on 12m, I’m seeing a HI CUR indication when I set >> the power level to more than about 80-85 watts. The K3 will back off on the >> power level, then slowly ramp back up until it hits HI CUR again. >> >> I don’t remember seeing this before. After the KSYNC3A install, I ran the >> transmit gain calibration at both 5 and 50 watts, as specified in the >> instructions. Just in case something went awry, I ran it again. >> >> I’m still seeing this problem. What causes HI CUR at 85 watts? The K3 ought >> to be able to produce over 110 watts on 12m. >> >> I’m not seeing this issue on other bands. >> >> No issues with calibration >> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net >> Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com >> Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" >> -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 >> >> __ >> 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 > > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] [Bulk] The KSYN3A synth will always be available as a K3 upgrade
Well, I guess now there is an end date. I’m glad I purchased the two I needed last November. > On Oct 1, 2015, at 2:54 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > > Hi all, > > Just to put an end to any unfounded rumors: The KSYN3A will always be > available for K3 upgrades. We use the same synth module in the K3S, and there > is no end date. > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > > > __ > 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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] KAT3 not functioning on 6m
I upgraded my K3 to include the new KSYN3A back in November. (I have the KRX3, so I installed two of them) Ever since then, it seems like the Antenna Tuner isn’t doing it’s thing on 6m. It works fine on the other bands. The K3 doesn’t really show any other problems. Here’s the symptoms: - ATU not in bypass - ANT1 or ANT2 - doesn’t matter. - Press ATU Tune - Unit makes noises like it is working on a match, but the entire time, the display only shows “- -“ in the right hand side of the display — at no time does it show an SWR. - Eventually, unit gives up trying to find a match What’s odd is this: - Press Tune, unit outputs power, but no SWR is displayed in the right hand side of the display, only “- -“. - However, if I transmit, I do see an SWR indication in the meter face, and the SWR seems accurate, depending on the antenna I choose. I’m running firmware revision 5.67/2.88 — which is the latest, I believe. Any ideas? Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Issue with HI CUR on 12m
Back in early December, I installed two KSYN3As in my K3 SN 7071. Sometime after that, I noticed that on 12m, I’m seeing a HI CUR indication when I set the power level to more than about 80-85 watts. The K3 will back off on the power level, then slowly ramp back up until it hits HI CUR again. I don’t remember seeing this before. After the KSYNC3A install, I ran the transmit gain calibration at both 5 and 50 watts, as specified in the instructions. Just in case something went awry, I ran it again. I’m still seeing this problem. What causes HI CUR at 85 watts? The K3 ought to be able to produce over 110 watts on 12m. I’m not seeing this issue on other bands. No issues with calibration Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] K60XV - No longer available?
There’s also another, similar kit, the TIK2: http://01895fa.netsolhost.com/PDF/Manuals/TIK2.pdf > On Sep 12, 2019, at 6:59 PM, Harry Yingst wrote: > > Downeast Microwaver already did that > > Look Here http://01895fa.netsolhost.com/PDF/Manuals/EKTI.pdf > > From this page https://www.downeastmicrowave.com/articles.asp?ID=252 > > > > > > On Thursday, September 12, 2019, 06:56:07 AM EDT, Bill Coleman > wrote: > > > Gwen, > > You missed the point. They DISCONTINUED the K60XV because they could no > longer obtain the bottom-adjustment trimmer caps. > > Wayne suggested someone could design a new board that just had the XV part of > the kit. > > What I’m saying is that the existing board would work just fine for the XV > part of the kit. Since Elecraft CANNOT supply all of the 60m parts, since > some of them are no longer available, why not just sell a re-branded kit that > just has the XV parts. > > There is NO liability concern, since the rebranded kit works just as > advertised. > > I’ve encountered many, many electronic products in my lifetime where a single > board is variously populated with parts, depending on the features present. > > I spent a little bit of time looking at the K60XV schematic, and it looks > like the 60m component is about 10 or so parts > > > On Sep 11, 2019, at 10:02 PM, Gwen Patton wrote: > > > > Bill, > > It's not just a matter of deciding to sell the thing without a few parts. > > Manufacturing and distributing hardware, whether pre-assembled or in kit > > form, takes a LOT of work. > > Check out this video from Dave Jones at the EEVBlog on the economics of > > manufacturing your own hardware: https://youtu.be/UwrkfHadeQQ There's also > > a long thread on his forum: > > https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-887-the-economics-of-selling-hardware/ > > > > I strongly recommend Dave's Youtube channel and his forum for information > > about electronics. If you're in the industry, maybe you've already run into > > it. I hope the video I linked helps clarify why it's not just a matter of > > putting out a kit or product "without the 60m parts". (I wouldn't even want > > to know the product liability side of distributing a product missing some > > parts because they're no longer available. That sounds like a lawsuit > > waiting to happen.) > > > > 73, > > Gwen, NG3P (who in no way works for Elecraft, and is just putting in her 2 > > cents worth) > > > > On Wed, Sep 11, 2019 at 6:21 PM Bill Coleman wrote: > > Here’s a radical idea. Why not just sell the K60XV, minus the 60m parts? > > > > That way, no one has to design a new board. > > > > You could call it the K—XV, where the 60 part has been subtracted. > > > > > On Aug 27, 2019, at 1:32 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > > > > > > The high-value, low-temperature-coefficient trimmer capacitors leveraged > > > in the design are no longer available. Unfortunately we don't have staff > > > available to redesign the board to do it in another way, and demand is > > > low. > > > > > > The transverter interface by itself could live on a smaller board. > > > Schematics are available if someone would like to home-roll a > > > replacement. We could supply small quantities of the programmed PIC16C621 > > > that runs the module (cost TBD). > > > > > > 73, > > > Wayne > > > N6KR > > > > > > > > >> On Aug 27, 2019, at 9:13 AM, Neil Zampella wrote: > > >> > > >> FWIW .. this question is for Wayne or Eric, could the K60XV be > > >> redesigned using currently available components, or perhaps something > > >> that would allow easy use of the transverters? > > >> > > >> Neil, KN3ILZ > > > > > > > > > __ > > > 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 aa...@arrl.net > > > > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net > > Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com > > Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" > >-- Wilbur Wright,
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] K60XV - No longer available?
GOOD TO KNOW. It’s not the K60XV, but it is an option. Thanks! > On Sep 12, 2019, at 6:59 PM, Harry Yingst wrote: > > Downeast Microwaver already did that > > Look Here http://01895fa.netsolhost.com/PDF/Manuals/EKTI.pdf > > From this page https://www.downeastmicrowave.com/articles.asp?ID=252 > > > > > > On Thursday, September 12, 2019, 06:56:07 AM EDT, Bill Coleman > wrote: > > > Gwen, > > You missed the point. They DISCONTINUED the K60XV because they could no > longer obtain the bottom-adjustment trimmer caps. > > Wayne suggested someone could design a new board that just had the XV part of > the kit. > > What I’m saying is that the existing board would work just fine for the XV > part of the kit. Since Elecraft CANNOT supply all of the 60m parts, since > some of them are no longer available, why not just sell a re-branded kit that > just has the XV parts. > > There is NO liability concern, since the rebranded kit works just as > advertised. > > I’ve encountered many, many electronic products in my lifetime where a single > board is variously populated with parts, depending on the features present. > > I spent a little bit of time looking at the K60XV schematic, and it looks > like the 60m component is about 10 or so parts > > > On Sep 11, 2019, at 10:02 PM, Gwen Patton wrote: > > > > Bill, > > It's not just a matter of deciding to sell the thing without a few parts. > > Manufacturing and distributing hardware, whether pre-assembled or in kit > > form, takes a LOT of work. > > Check out this video from Dave Jones at the EEVBlog on the economics of > > manufacturing your own hardware: https://youtu.be/UwrkfHadeQQ There's also > > a long thread on his forum: > > https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-887-the-economics-of-selling-hardware/ > > > > I strongly recommend Dave's Youtube channel and his forum for information > > about electronics. If you're in the industry, maybe you've already run into > > it. I hope the video I linked helps clarify why it's not just a matter of > > putting out a kit or product "without the 60m parts". (I wouldn't even want > > to know the product liability side of distributing a product missing some > > parts because they're no longer available. That sounds like a lawsuit > > waiting to happen.) > > > > 73, > > Gwen, NG3P (who in no way works for Elecraft, and is just putting in her 2 > > cents worth) > > > > On Wed, Sep 11, 2019 at 6:21 PM Bill Coleman wrote: > > Here’s a radical idea. Why not just sell the K60XV, minus the 60m parts? > > > > That way, no one has to design a new board. > > > > You could call it the K—XV, where the 60 part has been subtracted. > > > > > On Aug 27, 2019, at 1:32 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > > > > > > The high-value, low-temperature-coefficient trimmer capacitors leveraged > > > in the design are no longer available. Unfortunately we don't have staff > > > available to redesign the board to do it in another way, and demand is > > > low. > > > > > > The transverter interface by itself could live on a smaller board. > > > Schematics are available if someone would like to home-roll a > > > replacement. We could supply small quantities of the programmed PIC16C621 > > > that runs the module (cost TBD). > > > > > > 73, > > > Wayne > > > N6KR > > > > > > > > >> On Aug 27, 2019, at 9:13 AM, Neil Zampella wrote: > > >> > > >> FWIW .. this question is for Wayne or Eric, could the K60XV be > > >> redesigned using currently available components, or perhaps something > > >> that would allow easy use of the transverters? > > >> > > >> Neil, KN3ILZ > > > > > > > > > __ > > > 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 aa...@arrl.net > > > > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net > > Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com > > Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" > >-- Wilbur Wright, 1901 > > > >
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] K60XV - No longer available?
Gwen, You missed the point. They DISCONTINUED the K60XV because they could no longer obtain the bottom-adjustment trimmer caps. Wayne suggested someone could design a new board that just had the XV part of the kit. What I’m saying is that the existing board would work just fine for the XV part of the kit. Since Elecraft CANNOT supply all of the 60m parts, since some of them are no longer available, why not just sell a re-branded kit that just has the XV parts. There is NO liability concern, since the rebranded kit works just as advertised. I’ve encountered many, many electronic products in my lifetime where a single board is variously populated with parts, depending on the features present. I spent a little bit of time looking at the K60XV schematic, and it looks like the 60m component is about 10 or so parts > On Sep 11, 2019, at 10:02 PM, Gwen Patton wrote: > > Bill, > It's not just a matter of deciding to sell the thing without a few parts. > Manufacturing and distributing hardware, whether pre-assembled or in kit > form, takes a LOT of work. > Check out this video from Dave Jones at the EEVBlog on the economics of > manufacturing your own hardware: https://youtu.be/UwrkfHadeQQ There's also a > long thread on his forum: > https://www.eevblog.com/forum/blog/eevblog-887-the-economics-of-selling-hardware/ > > I strongly recommend Dave's Youtube channel and his forum for information > about electronics. If you're in the industry, maybe you've already run into > it. I hope the video I linked helps clarify why it's not just a matter of > putting out a kit or product "without the 60m parts". (I wouldn't even want > to know the product liability side of distributing a product missing some > parts because they're no longer available. That sounds like a lawsuit waiting > to happen.) > > 73, > Gwen, NG3P (who in no way works for Elecraft, and is just putting in her 2 > cents worth) > > On Wed, Sep 11, 2019 at 6:21 PM Bill Coleman wrote: > Here’s a radical idea. Why not just sell the K60XV, minus the 60m parts? > > That way, no one has to design a new board. > > You could call it the K—XV, where the 60 part has been subtracted. > > > On Aug 27, 2019, at 1:32 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > > > > The high-value, low-temperature-coefficient trimmer capacitors leveraged in > > the design are no longer available. Unfortunately we don't have staff > > available to redesign the board to do it in another way, and demand is low. > > > > The transverter interface by itself could live on a smaller board. > > Schematics are available if someone would like to home-roll a replacement. > > We could supply small quantities of the programmed PIC16C621 that runs the > > module (cost TBD). > > > > 73, > > Wayne > > N6KR > > > > > >> On Aug 27, 2019, at 9:13 AM, Neil Zampella wrote: > >> > >> FWIW .. this question is for Wayne or Eric, could the K60XV be > >> redesigned using currently available components, or perhaps something > >> that would allow easy use of the transverters? > >> > >> Neil, KN3ILZ > > > > > > __ > > 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 aa...@arrl.net > > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net > Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com > Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" > -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 > > __ > 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 ard...@gmail.com > > > -- > > -+-+-+-+- > Jenny Everywhere's Infinite: Quark Time > http://quarktime.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] K60XV - No longer available?
Here’s a radical idea. Why not just sell the K60XV, minus the 60m parts? That way, no one has to design a new board. You could call it the K—XV, where the 60 part has been subtracted. > On Aug 27, 2019, at 1:32 PM, Wayne Burdick wrote: > > The high-value, low-temperature-coefficient trimmer capacitors leveraged in > the design are no longer available. Unfortunately we don't have staff > available to redesign the board to do it in another way, and demand is low. > > The transverter interface by itself could live on a smaller board. Schematics > are available if someone would like to home-roll a replacement. We could > supply small quantities of the programmed PIC16C621 that runs the module > (cost TBD). > > 73, > Wayne > N6KR > > >> On Aug 27, 2019, at 9:13 AM, Neil Zampella wrote: >> >> FWIW .. this question is for Wayne or Eric, could the K60XV be >> redesigned using currently available components, or perhaps something >> that would allow easy use of the transverters? >> >> Neil, KN3ILZ > > > __ > 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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] K60XV - No longer available?
If anyone has a K60XV they’d like to sell, I’d be interested as well. > On Aug 24, 2019, at 1:29 AM, Aaron wrote: > > I was looking to purchase the K60XV 60 Meter option for my K2 this past > week and was informed by Elecraft Customer Support that it had been > discontinued, and I should ask around on this mail list to see if anyone > has one that they are willing to sell. > I am going to try to get the upgrades that I need while they are still > selling them. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] [K2] K60XV - No longer available?
I was recently considering a project which required to update my K2 with what is perhaps the last possible option — the K60XV. However, I was not able to find this product on the re-vamped Elecraft site. I did, however, find the newer K2 back panel that supports the jacks for the K60XV. Did Elecraft discontinue this kit? Or can it still be special ordered? I know there were some complications with firmware revisions in ordering the K60XV. My K2 is mostly up to date - I only need the firmware update for the KPA100, I think. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Low sensitivity with variable-bandwidth filter
Well, I think I finally got it sorted. I replaced D1 and D2 on my KAT100. One of the diodes was good, the other was likely bad since I couldn’t get the SWR bridge to null, but I destroyed it while extracting it from the board. New diodes are in machined socket pins, which will make them easy to replace (or test) later, if need be. SWR bridge calibration went swimmingly. As for the filter problem, I did a CAL FIL and checked OP1 on LSB and USB, All four filters on CW and RTTY. Other than a few minor tweaks, the only thing I ran into was FL1 on CW (which is a 1.0 filter) was about 200 Hz low. FL3 (0.16) was about 30 Hz high. After the CAL FIL, the radio sounds normal again. I don’t believe I’ll do a full alignment. Thanks for your assistance. > On Jun 12, 2019, at 10:09 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > Bill, > > Yes, do the CAL FIL calibration first. If that does not cure anything, then > proceed with the rest of the alignment, but I doubt if that will help much - > the K2 alignment is usually quite stable over time. > The bandpass filter and other alignments are not going to change the > relationship between the SSB filter and the CW filter - only CAL FIL will do > that. > > If you still have a problem after the full CAL FIL, you will usually find a > problem in the CW filter bank - like a bad crystal (but that does not happen > often). Reflowing the soldering on the IF crystals on the RF Board may help. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 6/12/2019 8:23 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> Yeah, this is looking more like a calibration problem. >> >> I’m listening to W1AW code practice on 14.0475. As I cycle through the >> filters the S-units are roughly the same through OP1, 0.4 and 0.16. But on >> the 1.0 bandwidth, it is often 1-2 S-units lower. If I tune about 200 Hz >> lower, I get the same number of bars. >> >> I’ll update you when I have a chance to do the calibration. >> >> > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Low sensitivity with variable-bandwidth filter
Yeah, this is looking more like a calibration problem. I’m listening to W1AW code practice on 14.0475. As I cycle through the filters the S-units are roughly the same through OP1, 0.4 and 0.16. But on the 1.0 bandwidth, it is often 1-2 S-units lower. If I tune about 200 Hz lower, I get the same number of bars. I’ll update you when I have a chance to do the calibration. > On Jun 12, 2019, at 8:07 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: > > Fortunately, I found the Rework Eliminators easily. > > Swapping out the KSB2 for the eliminators didn’t evidence a change in the CW > variable bandwidth filter. > > It’s weird, it appears to be working OK at the moment, but the CW 1.0 filter > sounds weird. LSB and USB sound a little weird, too. > > I wonder if the BFO calibration may be off. Perhaps I should do a CAL FIL and > see where it leads me. Indeed, I probably should re-align the whole rig, it’s > been several years since I’ve last done it. Ah, yes, September 2015 was the > last time. > > I’ve also had an issue with INFO 080 occasionally. When the rig is first > turned on, I’ll get this. Earlier when this happened, I tore into the rig and > removed every module. Still got INFO 080 on power-up. After the rig is on a > while, however, it generally starts behaving. > > >> On Jun 11, 2019, at 5:37 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> >> Bill for receive, you only need the jumpers at J9 and J10 - it is quick and >> easy to do with bent wires if you do not find the rework eliminators is >> short order. >> Those jumper wires will not complete the transmit path - only receive. >> >> 73, >> Don W3FPR >> >> On 6/11/2019 5:03 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>> I own a set of Rework Eliminator modules, so that should be easy. >>> >>> I just have to find them…. >>> >>> >> > > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net > Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com > Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" >-- Wilbur Wright, 1901 > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Low sensitivity with variable-bandwidth filter
Fortunately, I found the Rework Eliminators easily. Swapping out the KSB2 for the eliminators didn’t evidence a change in the CW variable bandwidth filter. It’s weird, it appears to be working OK at the moment, but the CW 1.0 filter sounds weird. LSB and USB sound a little weird, too. I wonder if the BFO calibration may be off. Perhaps I should do a CAL FIL and see where it leads me. Indeed, I probably should re-align the whole rig, it’s been several years since I’ve last done it. Ah, yes, September 2015 was the last time. I’ve also had an issue with INFO 080 occasionally. When the rig is first turned on, I’ll get this. Earlier when this happened, I tore into the rig and removed every module. Still got INFO 080 on power-up. After the rig is on a while, however, it generally starts behaving. > On Jun 11, 2019, at 5:37 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > Bill for receive, you only need the jumpers at J9 and J10 - it is quick and > easy to do with bent wires if you do not find the rework eliminators is short > order. > Those jumper wires will not complete the transmit path - only receive. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 6/11/2019 5:03 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> I own a set of Rework Eliminator modules, so that should be easy. >> >> I just have to find them…. >> >> > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] Low sensitivity with variable-bandwidth filter
I own a set of Rework Eliminator modules, so that should be easy. I just have to find them…. > On Jun 11, 2019, at 3:09 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > Bill, > > First try removing the KSB2 - put bent wire jumpers between pins 1 and 3 of > J9 and J10. Then see if you get a good response in CW. > > Oh BTW, make sure the CW filters are centered at your sidetone pitch first - > use an audio spectrum analyzer and if you have one, a broadband noise > generator (if not, use band noise, but make sure there are on signals on the > band segement used). > > If the CW filters work OK with the KSB2 removed, the troubleshooting should > start with the switching diodes on the KSB2 option. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 6/11/2019 2:53 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> OK, I have a K2/100 w/ KAT100 that may have recently suffered from a static >> discharge event. I had to replace D16 & D17 in the KPA100, and I’m likely to >> do the same to the SWR bridge diodes in the KAT100 (since I can’t get the >> bridge to null properly). >> The other thing I noticed is that the receiver sensitivity is substantially >> lower when using the CW filter. Using OP1, it seems to receive normally. I >> have three filters for CW 1.0, 0.4 and 0.16. When switching to 1.0 from OP1, >> signal levels drop by about 2-3 bars on the S-meter. >> Anything in particular I should troubleshoot? Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] [K2] Low sensitivity with variable-bandwidth filter
OK, I have a K2/100 w/ KAT100 that may have recently suffered from a static discharge event. I had to replace D16 & D17 in the KPA100, and I’m likely to do the same to the SWR bridge diodes in the KAT100 (since I can’t get the bridge to null properly). The other thing I noticed is that the receiver sensitivity is substantially lower when using the CW filter. Using OP1, it seems to receive normally. I have three filters for CW 1.0, 0.4 and 0.16. When switching to 1.0 from OP1, signal levels drop by about 2-3 bars on the S-meter. Anything in particular I should troubleshoot? Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] K2/100 RF power indication not working - Blown D16 & D17?
So, if you turn the KPA100 off via the menu, the KPA100 SWR bridge is still used in any case? I’ll plan to add 50-100 kOhm resistors across the output, as you suggested. I’m also going to re-do the calibration of both SWR meters, just make sure no damage was done to the KAT100. > On May 25, 2019, at 1:52 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > I only partially answered the question about when each wattmeter is used. > If the KAT100 is connected to a QRP K2 (KPA100 physically removed) through a > KIO2, then the KAT100 wattmeter will be used for power control and SWR > display in the K2 display. > > As long as the KPA100 is physically connected, its wattmeter is used for > power control and also display of SWR on the K2. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > > Bill, > > Both wattmeters (KPA100 and KAT100) are in-line at the same time. With the > KPA100 installed the KAT100 wattmeter is only used to calculate the SWR and > use that value to light the SWR bargraph. But otherwise they are electrically > equal. > > Why the KPA100 diodes get zapped while the KAT100 ones are often unscathed is > a question I do not have an answer for - it may have something to do with the > physical placement of the toroid and the diodes. The KAT100 has a greater > groundplane area around the toroid and diodes, and I believe that has > something to do with it. > > I would suggest that you do something like putting a non-inductive resistor > from the KPA100 SO-239 jack to ground to bleed off residual static. I have > used 3 watt 47k resistors successfully for that purpose. > While you are at it, put one across each ANT jack in the KAT100 as well - if > you have the KAT100-1, you can easily solder them on the bottom of the board > - with the KAT100-2, it is not difficult to solder the resistors directly > across the SO-239 jacks. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 5/25/2019 1:24 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> Don, I have one question. >> >> This is the second time my K2/100 has completely toasted D16 and D17. I also >> have a KAT100 connected at the same time, which has virtually identical SWR >> bridge. >> >> How is it that a static discharge can destroy D16 and D17, but the diodes D1 >> and D2 in the KAT100 are unaffected? >> >> With the K2/100 / KAT100 combo, at which time are each of the SWR bridges >> used? >> >> > > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] K2/100 RF power indication not working - Blown D16 & D17?
Don, I have one question. This is the second time my K2/100 has completely toasted D16 and D17. I also have a KAT100 connected at the same time, which has virtually identical SWR bridge. How is it that a static discharge can destroy D16 and D17, but the diodes D1 and D2 in the KAT100 are unaffected? With the K2/100 / KAT100 combo, at which time are each of the SWR bridges used? > On May 24, 2019, at 10:09 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: > > OK, I removed D16 and D17, and on the diode setting of my DVM, they both > measured the same value both forward and backward - 034. Which means they > were totally shorted. > > I replaced them with new diodes (which measured 316 forward, and infinite > backward), and the RF display is once again working. > > Unfortunately, I don’t have a dummy load to do the calibration on page 48 > right now, so it will probably have to wait a few more days before I can > everything in the same place. > > However, I’m declaring this mystery solved. I am very glad I put machined > socket pins in for D16 & D17. Took only a couple of minutes to replace them. > >> On May 15, 2019, at 7:30 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> >> Took me over week to check this, but power is the same whether Tune or >> Tune/Display — 100 watts! >> >> So, the suspects are likely D16 & D17. >> >> Fortunately, the last time I replaced them I put in a couple of pins from a >> machined pin socket, so it should be an easy job. >> >> I’ve had to replace U6 before as well. I think I have a socket there, too. >> >>> On May 4, 2019, at 12:11 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >>> >>> Bill, >>> >>> Set the power at 50 watts and do a TUNE. >>> Is the output power at 20 to 25 watts? If so, so far so good. >>> Now try a TUNE/DISPLAY (hold both buttons at once). Is the power near 50 >>> watts? If so, you have proper power control and the problem is with the >>> LED display. >>> >>> OTOH, if the actual power in both cases above goes to 100 watts or more, >>> then the first step is to replace KPA100 D16 and D17. If that does not fix >>> things, there is likely another problem in the KPA100 wattmeter, likely >>> KPA100 U6 - but get back with the information before replacing it, there >>> are more tests to verify or deny that possibility. >>> >>> 73, >>> Don W3FPR >>> >>> On 5/3/2019 10:25 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>>> I’ve recently seem a problem with my K2/100. It transmits ok, and the >>>> power level out tracks the power control, but the power indication LEDs >>>> remain at zero. >>>> No, I’m not in ALC mode, I’m definitely in RF mode for the meter. >>>> I’m using an external wattmeter (a Kenwood AT-250 in passthrough mode), >>>> and can definitely see 100 watts being transmitted. >>>> I’m thinking that maybe D16 and D17 may have been fried. Is that a good >>>> guess? >> >> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net >> Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com >> Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" >> -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 >> >> __ >> 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 > > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net > Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com > Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" >-- Wilbur Wright, 1901 > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] K2/100 RF power indication not working - Blown D16 & D17?
OK, I removed D16 and D17, and on the diode setting of my DVM, they both measured the same value both forward and backward - 034. Which means they were totally shorted. I replaced them with new diodes (which measured 316 forward, and infinite backward), and the RF display is once again working. Unfortunately, I don’t have a dummy load to do the calibration on page 48 right now, so it will probably have to wait a few more days before I can everything in the same place. However, I’m declaring this mystery solved. I am very glad I put machined socket pins in for D16 & D17. Took only a couple of minutes to replace them. > On May 15, 2019, at 7:30 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: > > Took me over week to check this, but power is the same whether Tune or > Tune/Display — 100 watts! > > So, the suspects are likely D16 & D17. > > Fortunately, the last time I replaced them I put in a couple of pins from a > machined pin socket, so it should be an easy job. > > I’ve had to replace U6 before as well. I think I have a socket there, too. > >> On May 4, 2019, at 12:11 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> >> Bill, >> >> Set the power at 50 watts and do a TUNE. >> Is the output power at 20 to 25 watts? If so, so far so good. >> Now try a TUNE/DISPLAY (hold both buttons at once). Is the power near 50 >> watts? If so, you have proper power control and the problem is with the LED >> display. >> >> OTOH, if the actual power in both cases above goes to 100 watts or more, >> then the first step is to replace KPA100 D16 and D17. If that does not fix >> things, there is likely another problem in the KPA100 wattmeter, likely >> KPA100 U6 - but get back with the information before replacing it, there are >> more tests to verify or deny that possibility. >> >> 73, >> Don W3FPR >> >> On 5/3/2019 10:25 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>> I’ve recently seem a problem with my K2/100. It transmits ok, and the power >>> level out tracks the power control, but the power indication LEDs remain at >>> zero. >>> No, I’m not in ALC mode, I’m definitely in RF mode for the meter. >>> I’m using an external wattmeter (a Kenwood AT-250 in passthrough mode), and >>> can definitely see 100 watts being transmitted. >>> I’m thinking that maybe D16 and D17 may have been fried. Is that a good >>> guess? > > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net > Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com > Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" >-- Wilbur Wright, 1901 > > __ > 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 Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] [K2] K2/100 RF power indication not working - Blown D16 & D17?
Took me over week to check this, but power is the same whether Tune or Tune/Display — 100 watts! So, the suspects are likely D16 & D17. Fortunately, the last time I replaced them I put in a couple of pins from a machined pin socket, so it should be an easy job. I’ve had to replace U6 before as well. I think I have a socket there, too. > On May 4, 2019, at 12:11 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > Bill, > > Set the power at 50 watts and do a TUNE. > Is the output power at 20 to 25 watts? If so, so far so good. > Now try a TUNE/DISPLAY (hold both buttons at once). Is the power near 50 > watts? If so, you have proper power control and the problem is with the LED > display. > > OTOH, if the actual power in both cases above goes to 100 watts or more, then > the first step is to replace KPA100 D16 and D17. If that does not fix > things, there is likely another problem in the KPA100 wattmeter, likely > KPA100 U6 - but get back with the information before replacing it, there are > more tests to verify or deny that possibility. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 5/3/2019 10:25 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> I’ve recently seem a problem with my K2/100. It transmits ok, and the power >> level out tracks the power control, but the power indication LEDs remain at >> zero. >> No, I’m not in ALC mode, I’m definitely in RF mode for the meter. >> I’m using an external wattmeter (a Kenwood AT-250 in passthrough mode), and >> can definitely see 100 watts being transmitted. >> I’m thinking that maybe D16 and D17 may have been fried. Is that a good >> guess? Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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
[Elecraft] [K2] K2/100 RF power indication not working - Blown D16 & D17?
I’ve recently seem a problem with my K2/100. It transmits ok, and the power level out tracks the power control, but the power indication LEDs remain at zero. No, I’m not in ALC mode, I’m definitely in RF mode for the meter. I’m using an external wattmeter (a Kenwood AT-250 in passthrough mode), and can definitely see 100 watts being transmitted. I’m thinking that maybe D16 and D17 may have been fried. Is that a good guess? Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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
Re: [Elecraft] KAT100 - Reluctant to come on, K2 often displays "not inst"
OK, a final follow-up on this. Since the 12CTRL signal resulted in 5V power at the regulator immediately, I racked by brain trying to figure out why The KAT100 would fail to light the LEDs for seconds, sometimes tens of seconds. I decided the problem might have to do with the U1 clock. I put a scope probe on pins 13 and 14 of U1. While the KAT100 fails, these pins would float up to about 1 volt. When it worked, these pins would be at 0 volts, because the chip is sleeping! (the oscillator doesn’t run while the chip sleeps, to save battery power) So, it looked very much like the oscillator wasn’t starting reliably at power-on. I hit the Z1 resonator with a heat gun, with no immediate effect. Later I nudged Z1 with a screwdriver, and the KAT100 suddenly came to life. Not sure if I had a bad device, or just a bad solder connection, I re-flowed the solder connections to Z1 and to pins 12-14 of U1, where they connect. This seemed to work. I let everything cool down overnight, and checked it again in the morning. Oddly, the K2 was giving Info 080 and the KAT100 was failing again! I didn’t have time to diagnose. Today, however, the K2 powered right up, and the KAT100 snapped to attention, both working flawlessly. At the moment, I’m going to declare the mystery as being solved, and ignore the transient Info 080 issue. If it crops up again, I think I will replace Z1 on the KAT100. > On Aug 21, 2018, at 4:23 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > Bill, > > The AUXBUS is NOT at fault. > The parts to concentrate on are shown in the lower left corner of sheet 2 of > the KAT100 manual. Something there is not working reliably. My first guess > would be Q2, but it could be something else associated. > > That entire powering circuit is controlled only by the 12CTRL signal from the > K2. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 8/19/2018 9:32 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> OK. I could use a little more help with this issue. >> >> Let’s re-cap where we are. >> >> Issue: >> >> KAT100 doesn’t always turn on right away. When it does this, it may or may >> not switch low/high power LEDs when the power control is rotated. Pressing >> Ant 1/2 or Tune, the K2 will indicate “not inst”. Sometimes it will power up >> just fine. >> >> Observations: >> >> - If powered on incorrectly, the KAT100 never “recovers” — if the K2 doesn’t >> see the KAT100 at power up, it never discovers it. >> >> - Generally fails when unit is cold / not used in a while, will eventually >> work if turned and left on for several hours, then switched off and back on. >> >> - KAT100 is receiving power before the K2 is switched on. When the K2 is >> switched on the 12CTRL line on J3 pin 8 comes up immediately, and the 5V >> output from U8 does as well. So, power is immediately available when the K2 >> is switched on >> >> - When the KAT100 works, the ANT 1/2 and Low / High Power LEDs light >> immediately on power-on. >> >> - When the KAT100 fails, the ANT 1/2 and Low / High Power LEDs stay dark for >> a second or so, sometimes a few seconds >> >> - AUXBUS transitions are coming in on J3 pin 6 and make it all the way to U1 >> Pin 40. >> >> - I have two different interconnect cables. One is a three-way cable built >> exactly to the KAT100 specs, complete with jackscrews. The other is a simple >> two-way cable that connects Pin 1 and Pin 6-9 straight through with no >> jackscrews. Failure occurs with either cable. >> >> - I have reseated the U1 chip in its socket with no change in behavior. >> >> My current working theory is that there’s something in the KAT100 that >> prevents the U1 chip from resetting quickly. If it comes up immediately, the >> LEDs light and the K2 catches the unit during initialization. If its sleepy >> and doesn’t come up right away, it misses the opportunity to initialize and >> the K2 doesn’t know it is there. I think the antenna tuner and the low/high >> power indication are done in two separate initialization steps, because >> sometimes the KAT100 will respond to turning the power knob, and sometimes >> it won’t when the Ant 1/2 / Tune always responds with “not inst”. >> >> Nothing else in the K2 apparently suffers from any AUXBUS failures, all the >> other units - SSB, NB, DSP, KPA100 always come up right away. This makes me >> think the issue isn’t with the K2, but perhaps with the KAT100 alone. >> >> Anyone have suggestions? I’d really like to make my K2/100 with KAT100 a >> reliable rig again. I don’t want to have to power it up a day before I want >> to use it. >> > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL
Re: [Elecraft] KAT100 - Reluctant to come on, K2 often displays "not inst"
I’ve confirmed that 5V power on the output of U8 comes up IMMEDIATELY when the K2 is switched on. Q2 seems to be doing it’s job. However, the KAT100 will sit there without any LEDs for a while, sometimes seconds. I’m beginning to wonder if Z1 is not oscillating right away. I need to check that. If there’s no clock signal, the chip won’t initialize, and miss the AUXBUS startup window. I really can’t think of many other things that could cause this behavior. > On Aug 21, 2018, at 4:23 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > > Bill, > > The AUXBUS is NOT at fault. > The parts to concentrate on are shown in the lower left corner of sheet 2 of > the KAT100 manual. Something there is not working reliably. My first guess > would be Q2, but it could be something else associated. > > That entire powering circuit is controlled only by the 12CTRL signal from the > K2. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > On 8/19/2018 9:32 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> OK. I could use a little more help with this issue. >> >> Let’s re-cap where we are. >> >> Issue: >> >> KAT100 doesn’t always turn on right away. When it does this, it may or may >> not switch low/high power LEDs when the power control is rotated. Pressing >> Ant 1/2 or Tune, the K2 will indicate “not inst”. Sometimes it will power up >> just fine. >> >> Observations: >> >> - If powered on incorrectly, the KAT100 never “recovers” — if the K2 doesn’t >> see the KAT100 at power up, it never discovers it. >> >> - Generally fails when unit is cold / not used in a while, will eventually >> work if turned and left on for several hours, then switched off and back on. >> >> - KAT100 is receiving power before the K2 is switched on. When the K2 is >> switched on the 12CTRL line on J3 pin 8 comes up immediately, and the 5V >> output from U8 does as well. So, power is immediately available when the K2 >> is switched on >> >> - When the KAT100 works, the ANT 1/2 and Low / High Power LEDs light >> immediately on power-on. >> >> - When the KAT100 fails, the ANT 1/2 and Low / High Power LEDs stay dark for >> a second or so, sometimes a few seconds >> >> - AUXBUS transitions are coming in on J3 pin 6 and make it all the way to U1 >> Pin 40. >> >> - I have two different interconnect cables. One is a three-way cable built >> exactly to the KAT100 specs, complete with jackscrews. The other is a simple >> two-way cable that connects Pin 1 and Pin 6-9 straight through with no >> jackscrews. Failure occurs with either cable. >> >> - I have reseated the U1 chip in its socket with no change in behavior. >> >> My current working theory is that there’s something in the KAT100 that >> prevents the U1 chip from resetting quickly. If it comes up immediately, the >> LEDs light and the K2 catches the unit during initialization. If its sleepy >> and doesn’t come up right away, it misses the opportunity to initialize and >> the K2 doesn’t know it is there. I think the antenna tuner and the low/high >> power indication are done in two separate initialization steps, because >> sometimes the KAT100 will respond to turning the power knob, and sometimes >> it won’t when the Ant 1/2 / Tune always responds with “not inst”. >> >> Nothing else in the K2 apparently suffers from any AUXBUS failures, all the >> other units - SSB, NB, DSP, KPA100 always come up right away. This makes me >> think the issue isn’t with the K2, but perhaps with the KAT100 alone. >> >> Anyone have suggestions? I’d really like to make my K2/100 with KAT100 a >> reliable rig again. I don’t want to have to power it up a day before I want >> to use it. >> > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] KAT100 - Reluctant to come on, K2 often displays "not inst"
OK. I could use a little more help with this issue. Let’s re-cap where we are. Issue: KAT100 doesn’t always turn on right away. When it does this, it may or may not switch low/high power LEDs when the power control is rotated. Pressing Ant 1/2 or Tune, the K2 will indicate “not inst”. Sometimes it will power up just fine. Observations: - If powered on incorrectly, the KAT100 never “recovers” — if the K2 doesn’t see the KAT100 at power up, it never discovers it. - Generally fails when unit is cold / not used in a while, will eventually work if turned and left on for several hours, then switched off and back on. - KAT100 is receiving power before the K2 is switched on. When the K2 is switched on the 12CTRL line on J3 pin 8 comes up immediately, and the 5V output from U8 does as well. So, power is immediately available when the K2 is switched on - When the KAT100 works, the ANT 1/2 and Low / High Power LEDs light immediately on power-on. - When the KAT100 fails, the ANT 1/2 and Low / High Power LEDs stay dark for a second or so, sometimes a few seconds - AUXBUS transitions are coming in on J3 pin 6 and make it all the way to U1 Pin 40. - I have two different interconnect cables. One is a three-way cable built exactly to the KAT100 specs, complete with jackscrews. The other is a simple two-way cable that connects Pin 1 and Pin 6-9 straight through with no jackscrews. Failure occurs with either cable. - I have reseated the U1 chip in its socket with no change in behavior. My current working theory is that there’s something in the KAT100 that prevents the U1 chip from resetting quickly. If it comes up immediately, the LEDs light and the K2 catches the unit during initialization. If its sleepy and doesn’t come up right away, it misses the opportunity to initialize and the K2 doesn’t know it is there. I think the antenna tuner and the low/high power indication are done in two separate initialization steps, because sometimes the KAT100 will respond to turning the power knob, and sometimes it won’t when the Ant 1/2 / Tune always responds with “not inst”. Nothing else in the K2 apparently suffers from any AUXBUS failures, all the other units - SSB, NB, DSP, KPA100 always come up right away. This makes me think the issue isn’t with the K2, but perhaps with the KAT100 alone. Anyone have suggestions? I’d really like to make my K2/100 with KAT100 a reliable rig again. I don’t want to have to power it up a day before I want to use it. > On Aug 7, 2018, at 1:57 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: > > Sadly, I have no old PIC chips for the KAT100 in my inventory. It came out of > the box with the 1.04 firmware (which isn’t the latest, but I don’t have the > K60XV, either.) > > I do have a second DB9 cable I can try, if I can find it. > >> On Aug 6, 2018, at 7:05 AM, Bill Coleman wrote: >> >> I pulled out the KAT100 PIC chip and re-inserted. No change. >> >> I can confirm that transition ARE reaching Pin 40 on the KAT100 PIC chip. I >> see roughly three bursts. Two come shortly after turn-on, the third comes a >> second later. >> >> I think you’d need a storage scope or logic analyzer to reverse engineer the >> AUXBUS. I don’t have that kind of equipment available. >> >> >>> On Aug 5, 2018, at 7:02 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >>> >>> Bill, >>> >>> If it were a bad PIC chip, the results would be consistent. Reseat the >>> KAT100 firmware Ic to clear away oxidation. >>> Look for a flaky connection on the Control cable - at both ends. >>> >>> There is not much that you can diagnose with a 'scope other than to >>> determine that the chip is getting transitions to it. >>> If you want to reverse engineer the K2 AUXBUS, then you could make some >>> determination of the AUXBUS correctness, but that is a difficult exercise >>> in futility IMHO. >>> >>> 73, >>> Don W3FPR >>> >>> On 8/5/2018 5:36 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>>> Jack screws appear to be tight on both ends. >>>> >>>> After I cycle the power 6-12 times, it will eventually come up. I wonder >>>> if I have a bad PIC chip in the KAT100. I may try an older version of the >>>> firmware, I think I have one. That will take a few days. >>>> >>>> I can put a scope on Pin 40 of the PIC chip. I see transitions. Anything I >>>> can diagnose with a scope? >>>> >>>> Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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] KAT100 - Reluctant to come on, K2 often displays "not inst"
Sadly, I have no old PIC chips for the KAT100 in my inventory. It came out of the box with the 1.04 firmware (which isn’t the latest, but I don’t have the K60XV, either.) I do have a second DB9 cable I can try, if I can find it. > On Aug 6, 2018, at 7:05 AM, Bill Coleman wrote: > > I pulled out the KAT100 PIC chip and re-inserted. No change. > > I can confirm that transition ARE reaching Pin 40 on the KAT100 PIC chip. I > see roughly three bursts. Two come shortly after turn-on, the third comes a > second later. > > I think you’d need a storage scope or logic analyzer to reverse engineer the > AUXBUS. I don’t have that kind of equipment available. > > >> On Aug 5, 2018, at 7:02 PM, Don Wilhelm wrote: >> >> Bill, >> >> If it were a bad PIC chip, the results would be consistent. Reseat the >> KAT100 firmware Ic to clear away oxidation. >> Look for a flaky connection on the Control cable - at both ends. >> >> There is not much that you can diagnose with a 'scope other than to >> determine that the chip is getting transitions to it. >> If you want to reverse engineer the K2 AUXBUS, then you could make some >> determination of the AUXBUS correctness, but that is a difficult exercise in >> futility IMHO. >> >> 73, >> Don W3FPR >> >> On 8/5/2018 5:36 PM, Bill Coleman wrote: >>> Jack screws appear to be tight on both ends. >>> >>> After I cycle the power 6-12 times, it will eventually come up. I wonder if >>> I have a bad PIC chip in the KAT100. I may try an older version of the >>> firmware, I think I have one. That will take a few days. >>> >>> I can put a scope on Pin 40 of the PIC chip. I see transitions. Anything I >>> can diagnose with a scope? >>> >>> >> > > Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net > Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com > Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" >-- Wilbur Wright, 1901 > > __ > 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 aa...@arrl.net Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASELMail: aa...@arrl.net Web: http://boringhamradiopart.blogspot.com Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 __ 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
