[Elecraft] K3: Birdie Removal Tools Works!
I finally found my first fast moving birdie at 21272 and had a chance to see what the tool does. It took 3-4 segments to wipe it out, but it completely went away. Very nice!! 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
Re: [Elecraft] K3: Configuring N1MM to send CW
I've got to agree with Randy. While I do use a microHAM MK2R (with WinKey inside) at my contest station for SO2R purposes, my home station setup is a simple Belkin USB/serial adapter between N1MM on an XP Pro box and one K3. I key the DTR/CTS lines in the serial connection of the K3 for CW/PTT and I plug my paddle into the paddle plug of the K3 for manual sending. N1MM sends great CW. I think the only issue is if you try and use the computer's serial or parallel port (if one exists) to plug your paddle into. I forget which pins are needed for that, but it is the same for most contesting programs that allow it. The CW sounds bad with the paddle but fine with the machine sending due to issues previously mentioned. At least that is what I have observed. YMMV Sorry, but I've been using N1MM on Windows for several years now and have never seen this problem! Randy, KS4L WILLIS COOKE wrote: This is a very well known problem. It has been documented by N1MM and many contest publications. It is not a problem with N1MM, it is a problem with WINDOWS. If you change to another version of N1MM or a different logging program, you will have the same trouble. The usual solution is to purchase and use a WinKeyer. Virtually all CW contesters __ 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] K3 in 160 contest
Admittedly, current conditions on 160 are the best I've ever seen, but for us poor cousins in the center of the country to be able to work zone 14, 15 and 16 like 20M was truly fun to hear. The K3 really shines when you are trying to pull a European out of the hoard of East coast callers. MANY U.S. signals were 60 db over 9 here and the K3 was solid as a rock in pulling through DX. I generally stayed below 350 hz BW for most of the weekend. I like my 500 hz filter, but I may actually have talked myself into getting the 250 hz filter to fill my remaining slot. I found 70 countries (a couple may disappear since they were ESP), 56 states/provinces and 1130 QSOs. My sleep schedule was out of whack due to work travel prior to the contest, but got about 20-22 hours in and had a ball. Some day I'm actually going to be able to stay awake for sunrise openings. ;-) I heard several K3 owners that I recognize from this list and was glad to work you on the air again. Thanks Bob K5WA Houston, TX ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 AF Mods
I don't really use my speaker very often, but I just wanted to keep my K3s up to date by installing the AF amp and LINE OUT AF mods. They went in very easily even though I chose the harder installation choices. I even piggy backed the SMT resistors without a problem. They aren't pretty, but they work fine. ;-)I then plugged in a pair of external Yamaha computer speakers I had laying around and the audio sounds very mellow and clear on both SSB an CW. I also adjusted the RX EQ to emphasize the lower ranges more. I really hadn't noticed any distortion previously, but it seems to be more pleasing to the ears now. I feel like a Bose advertisement now when I say I can't believe that GREAT sound comes out of that little bitty box!. 73, Bob K5WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 converts during CQWW
We had a Multi-Single effort in CQWW from K5NA here in south Texas. We used K3s in the 20M and 40M position with FT1000 MK-Vs at the 80/10 and 160/15 stations. We had 2 K3 owners in the group and 2 MK-V owners. By the end of the contest (where we logged almost 3K QSOs, 167 zones and 571 countries), the 2 MK-V owners were ready to jump into K3s. I had actually never owned an FT-1000 of any flavor, so it was very interesting to hear the difference for myself. The MK-V just sounded mushy (very technical term) when compared to the K3s. The K3s REALLY allowed us to essentially play in our own little world as a RUN station and work very weak stations right through the 40 over 9 signals next to us. We also remarked at how none of us were as fatigued as we would normally be after a 48 hour contest. Admittedly, it is much less fatiguing to have a good rate for a majority of the contest rather than a bad rate, but the K3s did us a major favor by offering AFX to ease our listening. One of the MK-V owners had actually just received a new K3 a few days before the contest, but didn't want to install it in place of his trusty old MK-V. After the contest, I think he wouldn't have minded if we had K3s at all 4 positions. I'm sure they will be there next year. K5NA M/S in CQWW Summary: Band QSOs Zones Countries -- 160: 7923 77 80: 25931 113 40: 119638 145 20: 116336 140 15: 20430 86 10: 17 9 10 -- Total: 2918 167 571 Total Score = 5,650,128 73, Bob K5WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 in SS SSB
I really don't like SSB and am not sure I've gotten my settings correct, but I plowed through 1890 QSOs in 24 hours during the ARRL SSB Sweepstakes last weekend. I really enjoyed using the bandpass filters when I had 60 over 9 signal 1-2 KHz away from me. It allowed me to work guys I would have had to give up on without the armor of a great front end. I have the 2.7 and 2.1 filters on SSB and they were perfect for me. I also had a few jammers that thought they could plant a carrier on top of me to slow me down. The Auto Notch beat them EVERY time. I really couldn't believe how well it worked. There was only one jammer that was about 40 over who gave the notch a bit of trouble, but I still got the contact through. I had several unsolicited great audio reports and only one you're splattering report. I'm hoping the not-so-favorable report was a non-Elecraft receiver on his end. ;-) I had a few calls from folks on this list and I appreciated making the K3 to K3 contacts. You guys sounded GREAT! One of these days when I am retired, I'll be able to have enough time to perfectly set up my SSB audio with a scope (and maybe even find out what ESSB means), but for now, I'll continue to have fun. Thanks for the Qs! 73, Bob K5WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 234 and 752 in SS CW
I had a ball in SS CW this past weekend. The K3s are connected with an MK2R and I use N1MM software in full SO2R mode. I had 1260 Qs and 80 sections over 24 hours in the SOHP category. HP for me is 750W from my old Clipperton-Ls until the KPA-1500 comes out ( soon, I hope? hint hint ;-) ) I had no glitches from the K3s and was actually more relaxed and rested than I had ever been after an SS adventure. I used the AFX on both rigs and I think it really helped the fatigue factor. There were very few stations that I had to work hard to pull through and QRP stations were noticeably higher in count that I remember from years past. My biggest thrill was having a VE4 and a VE8 call me consecutively at about 5 PM local on Sunday. I had completely given up on getting a sweep this year, so when my last 2 sections popped up as I was CQing, that made my contest right there. I hope I worked you! See you during the SSB weekend. 73, Bob K5WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: K3 MK2R+ audio hum issue (TOO LONG)
Jim, I am going through the same struggle with my K3s, MK2R and Heil ProSet. I didn't have as much hum as I did a hollow echo effect (RF feedback?), so I hope this addresses your issues. I have spent an incredible amount of time trying to figure out the problems and there are many. I don't know why microHAM doesn't have suggested base configurations that would apply to all implementations, but they don't. They also have never heard of the a picture is worth a thousand words phrase because their manual uses LOTS of words and many of them add to the confusion by not indicating whether they are referring to the sound card, MK2R or rig inputs and outputs. Many of the manual's sentences can be misinterpreted. The manual was not written with ease of use in mind and you are referred to outside experts to get a complete history of ground loops rather than tucking a few good practices into the manual. Anyway, after trying suggestions from several sources, the ones that made the most difference for me and ALMOST (I'm so close) have me running are these: 1) Use a separate ISOLATED power supply for each rig as well as the MK2R. I had been using a common power supply when I first started this adventure. I had to unsolder the AC line cord ground connection from inside my Astron 35 amp supply and my MFJ 25A switching supply to let the 12VDC float. I am currently using my test bench isolated power supply to power the MK2R during this setup phase and will have to acquire another isolated supply when I move things off the test bench. 2) Insert ground loop breakers in the receive audio lines (The DIN plug line on the back of the MK2R that goes to each K3 headphone jack). I used some that I purchased from Radio Shack, but I'm sure a competent person could build their own given enough time. 3) Only use the FRONT panel headphone jack! It makes a big difference whether you use the rear headphone jack or the front panel jack for the MK2R. I had bad feedback when I plugged into the rear headphone jack and it was greatly reduced when I used the front panel jack. 4) Get a bunch of ferrite torroids and wrap everything! Mic line, power supply lines, headphone lines. I'm getting very close to being able to take this setup to my contest station and putting it on the air with big antennas and amplifiers. My home test station is a terrible RF hole (second floor room, no proper ground, antennas in attic over head, etc.) so if I can get it running here, I believe I'll be in good shape when I take this setup to my contest station where conditions are much better. Bottom line, I am not deeply steeped in the engineering arts and don't have enough time to endlessly dig into the pin 1 problem. I am an admitted appliance operator who just likes to enjoy operating with minor excursions into a deeper understanding of theory when it moves up my priority scale. I don't completely understand why the above suggestions worked for me, but they did. Hopefully, my bullet points above can get you going with these 4 steps while others can pontificate about why it worked. I'm just glad Elecraft didn't make me study a DSP engineering manual before I turned on my K3s. ;-) Bob K5WA K3 #234 and #752 K2 #4687 Message: 8 Date: Sat, 30 Aug 2008 17:26:43 -0500 From: Jim Harvey [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Elecraft] K3 MK2R+ audio hum issue To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii I just received my K3 yesterday and have it interfaced to my Microham MK2R+. CW operation is perfect but I have some audio hum and distortion in the monitor on SSB. I'm using a Heil Proset connected to the MK2R+. Joe, W4TV, has given me some good suggestions but the problem is still there. Is there anyone else using this combination that can help? Jim N0AV ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: Microphone connections for K3 #1540
KEEP THE W2IHY Audio Equalizer and Noise Gate! DO NOT SELL IT ON EBAY!!! I'm sure Elecraft will have a Noise Gate built into a K3's firmware some day, but a noise gate is a valuable tool to knock down in-shack background noise (like amps, fans, other ops, etc.). The Audio Equalizer built into the W2IHY unit is less important now that the K3 has one, but it still gives you added flexibility in adjusting levels beyond what the K3's built in equalizer gives you. I use my W2IHY Noise Gate and Equalizer with my K3 and it certainly makes a cleaner signal than one without a noise gate. If your shack is perfectly quite, you never turn on the COMP or you never breathe while in a QSO, you don't need a noise gate and eBay is a good place for it. My two cents from Texas, Bob K5WA will I be prevented from using the W2IHY Audio Equalizer and Noise Gate in front of the K3? Why would you want to? Sell it on EBay! The K3 includes an EXCELLENT audio equalizer that does everything you need and is quite easy to adjust. 73, Jim Brown K9YC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 in NAQP SSB
Both K3s played very well during the NAQP SSB this weekend (675 Qs, 120 Mults, 8 hours). I don't normally play in the SSB tests, but I had to miss the NAQP CW and just needed a radio fix. On 20M, the DSP (with 2.8khz filter) filtering really helped. I played with the high and low passband occasionally to keep things clean. When it got really tough, I moved to the 2.1 khz filter. On 40, 80 and 160 I was able to dig out the weak ones pretty well even with rain and thunder static nearby. I had to shut down for a while when the rain static got so bad on the 20M beam that I could not copy anything. I was not able to find a NR or NB setting to fix that. Unfortunately, I was not able to go full SO2R with my new microHAM MK2R SO2R box and N1MM DVK because of RF feedback getting into the audio lines. I had the same problem with my DXdoubler, so I know it is not the microHAM box, but something in my setup is causing a hollow echo distortion effect in my headphones even though it is not too bad on the air according to reports. When I plug the headset directly into the K3, no problems at all.I've got to figure this problem out so I can use all this fancy gear. ;-) I wish Elecraft would invent and sell a foolproof anti-RF faraday shield cage to mount each component in because this problem is driving me nuts in SO2R mode. 73, Bob K5WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 with MK2R and N1MM on SSB
Does anybody have a .URS file for their MK2R SO2R setup with 2 K3s, a microHAM MK2R and N1MM. I'm having a heck of a time getting the N1MM DVK to reliably come through the MK2R. I have just received the MK2R and am trying to get it set up for NAQP SSB this weekend. The MK2R manual is very detailed, but very confusing to me. Thanks, Bob K5WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 SO2R in IARU
I finally had my first run with both K3s in full SO2R mode as a CW only entry in IARU this past weekend. Very, very nice! I had apparently had previous lightening/surge damage to my KRC2s, which finally fixed before the contest with the help of W3FPR and K3Support, but they work perfectly now and did all the automation of the WX0B 6 Pack antenna switch and ICE band pass filters. The best part of the contest was being able to get in the lower 10 kHz of the band (especially on 40M) and run stations. I always wondered how the big boys could do that, but the 500 hz filters in my K3s made it very pleasant to stay on the low end. One time, I started to hear a station crowding me, then I looked up and had accidentally opened up the DSP to 600 hz, thereby moving to my 1.0 kHz filter. I simply dropped it back to 450 hz and he was GONE! I also reworked my beverage antenna connections so both rigs could share the beverage at the same time. I was worried that K3 #234 (which does not have the RX ant overload mod) would get blown out of the water, but it worked great and I'm probably not going to install the mod any time soon. Unfortunately, I was not up on my sleep for this contest and only got 18 hours of awake time, therefore I only ended up with 1450 Qs and about 610K points, but I had a ball while I was awake. Also, had a quick chat with another K3 owner (I think it was N2WN or KR2Q) and their K3s sounded great too. I had loaded the latest beta FW prior to the contest and everything performed flawlessly. Way to go Elecraft!!! Bob K5WA K3 #234 and #752 K2 #4687 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Almost all K3 FD
We had 2 K3s as our main stations in a 2A effort from K5WA in South Texas. The GOTA station had a K2/100. We had 1650 HF CW QSOs and 1 SSB QSO. (We REALLY don't like SSB in our club ;-) ) We stood up 2 60' Rohn 25 towers and had a 2 element 40M delta loop pointing NE, 2 separate 40M rotatable dipoles @ 60' (a Force 12 and a Cushcraft), a 204BA pointed NE @ 50', a Tribander pointed NW @ 45', a Tennadyne T-6 Tribander @35' pointed NE and an 80M dipole at 50'. We also had a 4 element 6M antenna for about 50 SSB Qs by our GOTA station and some visiting Boy Scouts. The K3s impressed everyone who tried them and were very solid in our 104 degree F South Texas heat. Way to go Elecraft!!! Bob K5WA Houston, Texas ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: Possible K3 2.02 Firmware Bug....
Mike, Every computer I've owned fires pins on the serial, parallel and USB ports as it checks itself out on start up. This has nothing to do with the K3. You can turn off VOX when you start the computer and you won't transmit via your serial/LPT/USB ports. 73, Bob K5WA Has anyone else noticed that when in CW mode and in RX, if you turn on your computer which is connected to the rig or disconnect the USB cable the rig will start sending da's continuously? My conditions are K3 firmware 2.02 Windows XP home edition and a USB/serial converter. This strange operation has been happening also when I wake my laptop from sleep mode. Mike N8XPQ K3 #248 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: K3 Need for compressor
Steve, I think something must be wrong because both of my K3s peak to 100W without compression. When I use the COMP (which I do for contesting), it spanks the out of my amps. Still no distortion in either case. I'm using the Heil #4 and #5 elements in the Pro-Headset Bob K5WA K3 #234 and #752 * Message: 10 Date: Wed, 28 May 2008 23:20:23 -0400 From: n4lq [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Elecraft] K3 Need for compressor To: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1; reply-type=original It seems that without the compressor it is difficult to obtain full SSB output. I'm listening to a guy right now on 160m in QSO. He had is compression on and as can be expected, was picking up plenty of fan noise from his amplifier. He was advised to turn off the compression. This he did and the fan noise went away but he complained about insufficient drive to his amp and his K3 was only putting out 38 watts now. I don't have a decent peak reading wattmeter but I think weak RF output is a common complaint. I just wonder if Elecraft expects everyone to run some degree of compression? Or are we interpreting the PWR meter on the K3 incorrectly? Steve Ellington [EMAIL PROTECTED] ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] K3s in WPX M/S - WOW!
Ken, I just got a note about this from Vic, K2VCO, which I hope he posts to the reflector. This is, apparently, a known bug in the firmware which will be fixed in the future. For the time being, the workaround is to set IIR to ON in the FL:x menu. After Vic mentioned that, I sort of remember it crossing the reflector, but had dropped to the bottom of my priority bucket. ;-) Thanks for the note and I'll do the workaround until the firmware fix arrives. I really don't use anything less than 150 Hz very often, but it will be nice to have it available when I'm playing around. 73, Bob K5WA -Original Message- From: Ken K3IU [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, May 27, 2008 11:51 AM To: Bob Evans Cc: Elecraft Reflector Subject: Re: [Elecraft] K3s in WPX M/S - WOW! Hi Bob: Thanks for the report! Re: your comment regarding the 50 and 100HZ bandwidth. I am surprised to hear what you report. I have the 200Hz filter in FL5. I just put the Elecraft XG-1 on ANT1 and tuned to the 7040 freq. With the bandwidth set to NORM (400 Hz) I show a S9 signal and an audio level (dbV Alternate display) of 31.7. When I narrow the bandwidth to 50 Hz, signal strength stays the same at S9 and the audio level stays the same. I do have 8 dB of gain set into FL5 where the 200 Hz filter lives. Without that additional gain, the S meter drops to S7 and the audio level drops to 30.5 dB when that filter switches in. I found it very usable at the 50 - 100 Hz bandwidths. 73, Ken K3IU K3 #202 ~ Bob Evans wrote: I finally had a chance to put both of my K3s on really good antennas (2 el 40@ 140', 5 el 20 @ 130', 5 el 15 @ 120, 5 el 10 @ 110', 3 el 80 (delta loops) @ 110', 140' shunt fed on 160M, 600' beverage pointed NE). Our main goal was to find out how the K3s interacted and whether I need to put in the overload mod on the KXV3. We ended up with 2002 contacts and 733 multipliers (2.8M points) even though I got sick in mid-contest and had to take 12 hours off. There were only two of us operating, so that was a severe blow to our score. Anyway, the K3s both had I.C.E. multiband band pass filters and we were able to operate without bothering the other op. In most cases, we never knew the other op was on except when we were at a second harmonic. I actually only heard it when we were on ~7020 and ~14040. These 2 antennas were 10 feet apart and both rigs were at 1 KW. Even then, we were able to operate within 10 KHz of the second harmonic. I was amazed. Additionally, from our Texas location, we were routinely able to hear the VERY weak DX station right next to (or under) a loud East Coast station. I never thought I'd be so happy with a 150 Hz filter bandwidth. Honestly, the 100 Hz and 50 Hz bandwidths were useless though as the signal level dropped significantly. It seemed much better a few firmware versions ago, but 150 Hz worked fine for us...I was just getting greedy by trying to use the 100 and 50 Hz BW. The other thing I proved to myself was that I need to put the KXV3 overload mod on my S/N 234. No problem on S/N 752, but #234 indicated a HI PA TEMP when we transmitted on the 160 tower and used our beverage antenna which was only 100' away from the tower. The PA TEMP was not high, but apparently the overload made it appear that way. I believe I remember that the rig dropped itself down to 5 watts when this occurred. I don't want to analyze the failure, I'm just going to install the mod kit (which I've already gotten). This test was simply to make sure I needed to do the mod before I opened things up. ;-) We had 2 amplifiers fail, some computer glitches and the KRC2 wouldn't drive the 6 pack switching arrangement (could be bad wiring on my part or low voltage), but the K3s seemed bulletproof and felt VERY solid throughout the contest. I just keep getting happier and happier with my K3s every time I put them to a new test. Now for Field Day How many insects can a K3 handle before the fan speed goes into overdrive? ;-) Bob K5WA K3 #234 and #752 K2 #4687 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3: SO2R with 2 K3s and a DX Doubler
I am having trouble with ground loops or RF feedback on my DX Doubler and 2 K3 setup. I would like to correspond off the reflector with anyone who has a similar successful implementation to help me figure out what I'm doing wrong. I'm sure it is something very simple and obvious to everybody but me. ;-) Thanks, Bob K5WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] test
test to see if I'm getting through Comcast ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 S/N 752 is here and built; K2 S/N 4687 For Sale
{This message got delayed at Comcast, so I'm resending it 6 days late}
K3 #234 now has the second half of its SO2R configuration in hand. I'll be
building it over the next couple of days and may get a contact or two in
during the Florida QSO Party this weekend.
#752 was ordered on Oct 29th and arrived on April 24th. Katiegram arrived
on April 16. This is a K3/100 with 2.8/2.1/1.0/.5 filters, KAT3 and KXV3.
My remaining K2, S/N #4687 is now up for sale. It was tuned and checked by
W3FPR in Oct '07. It is in great shape and has the CW note centered at
700Hz. I used the Torroid Guy's torroids. I will be listing it on eBay in
a couple of weeks, but I wanted to offer it to the list at a slight discount
so that I might not have to go through the eBay effort again. #4687 is
almost exactly like my other one, #5119, which sold on eBay for $1250 a
couple of months ago. Here is the old link for #5119:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=270204345589
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItemitem=270204345589 and the
pictures/description will look almost identical. #4687 has a prettier heat
sink (#5119 had a few nicks which were painted), but the text embossing on
the back around the key input shows some wear where I apparently missed the
hole while plugging in paddles. I'll gladly provide pictures as soon as I
get the K3 built. I hope you understand my priorities
#4687 additionally has the K60XV transverter with 60M interface which #5119
did not have. I'm offering #4687 at $1150 if I don't have to list it on
eBay. When it hits eBay, I'll have a reserve of $1250. I'll pay UPS Ground
to CONUS. If this one doesn't sell at these prices, I'll just hang on to
it, but I had to tell my wife I tried...just not too hard. ;-)
I'm also selling an XV50 that is set up for #4687.I don't need it with
the K3. It is set up for the 1mV input and single antenna output. It puts
out the full 20-25 watts and works great. I'll sell this for $325. I'll
pay UPS Ground shipping for CONUS.
In case anyone is still reading, I'm also selling the W2IHY Dual Band Audio
Equalizer/Noise Gate and iBox that I used with my K2s. It helped smooth
out level, vox activation and isolation issues I found when hooking up my
DVK and Heil Pro-Set to the K2s in an SO2R configuration. I'll sell both
pieces together for $140 or $100 for the Dual Band Equilizer and $50 for the
iBox. More info can be found on http://w2ihy.com/Default.asp
http://w2ihy.com/Default.asp
Please contact me off the reflector at K5WA at ARRL.net
mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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[Elecraft] Re: K3 and the KRC-2 interface
Lennart, I have a KRC-2 on each of my K3s and they work fine. I have not found an elegant way to connect them to the ACC connector though, so I simply tied into the AUXBUS lines with a pigtail coming off the ACC plug. Looks funny, but works fine. Bob K5WA K3 #234 and #752 K2 #4687 Message: 7 Date: Thu, 1 May 2008 06:08:20 +0200 From: Lennart Michaelsson[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and the KRC-2 interface To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii GM all, Anyone having experience of using the KRC-2 together with the K3? I need an interface to control my remote TX antenna switch but maybe the KRC-2 is overkill? SM7BIC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] re: K3 sidetone
Jim, Something must be wrong because I have mine set to 2 or 3 for normal (and comfortable) operation and 8-10 if I'm doing a group demo. Bob K5WA K3/100 #234 and #752 K2/100 #4687 Message: 23 Date: Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:22:32 -0700 (PDT) From: Jim_w7zq [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: [Elecraft] K3 sidetone volume To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Just a few dB would help tremendously. My ears require a pitch around 500Hz so using a higher pitch will only make it worse. I quess old age is my problem--hi. Jim, w7zq. Darwin, Keith wrote: 60? Wow, I've not even brought mine above 20 as it becomes too loud. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] RE: Received K3 Katie Gram
Roland, I sure hope I grab your open spot. I ordered my second one on Oct 29th and I'm hoping Katie finds my invoice in her pile soon. It will be Christmas again and I can complete my SO2R setup! Cheers, Bob K5WA * Message: 4 Date: Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:49:46 -0500 From: Roland Guidry [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Elecraft] Received K3 Katie Gram To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Someone just got lucky. I received my Katie Gram for an order place October 31, 2007 with shipping 3 weeks later. Backordered items were KRX3, DVR3 and KFL3A - 1.8K filter. I would have accepted delivery if only the KDVR3 and KFLA-1.8K were backordered for my own personal reasons. So, someone is going to take my place. In the meantime, I continue to use my reliable Icom 756Pro 3, until my unit is ready. Bands are not so hot anyway. Good Luck, 73 Roland NA5Q ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Firmware 1.75...WOW!
I don't know why I get pleasantly surprised by all the neat little goodies tucked into these revisions, but it is so nice to see improvements and new features showing up on the K3 hardware platform through firmware revisions. Even though I like to think of myself as a CW only op, the SSB TX adjustments sure help. I like the fact that my DSP filter now goes in 100kHz steps rather than 200kHz steps above 2000kHz. I'm still trying to find a use for Alt1/Alt2, but at least it is there when I think of a good use. And the rig just sounds better (that's a qualitative technical term) too. Thanks Elecraft!! Bob K5WA K3 #234 K2 #4687 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 Firmware update process is so cool!
For the first time in my radio career, I have a fast internet connection co-located with my rig. I just used the K3 updater to install the current firmware and the process was amazingly smooth and fast. The software checked for an update, found one, downloaded it and then sent it to the rig. The rig display switches from its normal information (freq./status/etc.) to simply MCU Loading (or something like that) while it is loading. Then the rig automatically shuts down and powers back up again to load the DSP update. The normal rig information is displayed, but DSP Loading is in the DSP configuration window. When that finishes, it powers down and back up again so that you have a brand new rig again, new features and all! I guess I'm lucky in that I have a real RS232 port to lessen complications with COMM lines, but this is ANOTHER impressive piece of the entire package you get with a K3. Now back to the learning curve. ;-) Bob K5WA K3 #234 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3/100 NAQP SSB performance
Since I don't have my own station (towers and such) at the moment, I put up 3 quarter wave vertical wires in a pair of pine trees in my front yard. (Visible antennas are not allowed in my neighborhood, so these are tucked away out of sight) I have one for 80, 40 and 20, each with a single 1/4 wave radial running through the bushes. They are ground mounted and I switch between them with a remote coax switch. I use the K3s internal tuner to allow me to use the 40M on 15M and the 80M on 10M and 160M. I got my K3 on Thursday and just HAD to play around a bit in a contest (which is my primary interest in radio), so the NAQP was the one I picked for this weekend. I'm having a ball and finding the rig is making my terrible antenna situation almost bearable. I won't pretend to know the math and electronics as to why, but SSB signals are jumping out of the K3 very clearly. Apparently, I even got near (within 1.5 kHz) the Slow Scan TV boys on 14230 and was still blazing away calling CQ with a good rate. They finally had enough of me and moved right on top of me, but I was so impressed that the K3 handled it all VERY well and the SSTV signal were transparent to me. I'm finding the front panel ergonomics and screen interface reactions to be fantastic. The needed information is popped on the screen and then goes back to the primary information as it is supposed to. My old Heil headset with the HC-4 (or 5, I forget which one is for contesting) plugged directly into the rig and I tailored the TX audio to my liking. It apparently is a big hit on the other end too as I am getting many unsolicited great audio comments during the contest. I'm watching the PA temp just because I'm curious to see the differences between K3 and K2 heat sink temps during contests, but the temp is moving up only 5-10 degs C on long transmits. Sure, this is low duty cycle SSB, but I'm hitting it pretty hard (COMP and Audio Gain are aggressive) into marginal antennas with 45 minutes of straight CQing before I switch to hunt pounce mode for a while. The VOX is so smooth and I'm doing all this without a voice keyer, so the rig is handling all my various coughs and spurts very well. I gotten a chance to play with the NB and NR features and finally learned to set the parameter that keeps them both on as I move through the bands. I've adjusted the DSP and hardware settings to see how things react, but I can always find a way to clean up noise. I'm VERY impressed and can't wait to get this rig on REAL antennas in a CW contest in the near future. Bob K5WA K3 #234 K2 #5119 (listed on eBay) K2 #4687 (about to be listed on eBay) K3 #xxx (unknown, but coming in a couple of months) ;-) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 #234 assembled and had its first QSO
I got the K3/100 together in about 9 hours after it arrived at noon yesterday. I guess the options added more time than I thought it would, but everything went perfectly. Even if this rig never got powered up, it is truly a work of art. When I powered it up, everything tested out perfectly. It took me a couple of reads through the manual to figure out how to activate the KPA3, but that came up perfectly after I chose the correct menu setting. I love the sound of the side tone and the variable pass band is fantastic even with 1.0 kHz being my narrowest filter until the backordered 500 Hz arrives. The most startling thing though was when I hit the AFX button just to see what that meant...WOW, truly awesome. I was in the middle of my first QSO (40M CW) and the guy was very weak, but after I narrowed the bandwidth and hit the AFX button, he jumped out of the noise. What a pleasure. This rig may make a rag chewer out of a contester. (Naw, probably not ;-) ) I have only scratched 1% of what this rig will do so far, but it will be a pleasure to read the manual with an actual K3 in front of me as I learn this radio. I tried reading the manual before the rig arrived and it just didn't sink in very well, but now I can put the word, feel, look and sound together. Thanks Elecraft!!! Bob K5WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K3 #234 is under construction
Fedex got here 3 hours early so I have a good chance of getting #234 on the air tonight. May 7th order, arrived 1/17/2008, deposit order. See you in 8 hours or so. Bob K5WA Houston, TX ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] May 7th order is on its way
For those of you tracking, I can FINALLY make a K3 (kit version) report from Houston. I placed my order with 50% deposit on May 7th. I later sent in the second 50% during the summer when I thought K3s were about to ship. It left Aptos today and I will be building it tomorrow. I'll let you know the serial number when the shipment arrives...assuming I get up from assembly long enough to send an email. Watching the Fedex Tracking update website is like watching grass grow at this point. I may be able to have it ready for the NAQP SSB contest this weekend. I hate SSB, but I'm dieing to put the K3 in a contest. Besides, the 500 Hz filters were backordered, so I'm not quite ready for battle on CW yet. ;-) See you on the bands soon...if I don't fumble finger something! Bob K5WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Maybe not quite yet
Chris, You may want to recalibrate your shipping estimate by a few days. I have just received notice that my K3/100 kit (100% prepaid- 50% deposit with order and the second 50% paid in August upon original shipping estimate) will ship in 7-10 days. I am extremely happy to have finally bubbled up to the top of the shipping list and am counting the minutes now. ;-) Hopefully, my second K3/100 (ordered on Oct 29th) will show up in March/April and I will have completed the replacement of my SO2R contest station from K2s to K3s. Best of luck in these exciting times! Bob K5WA Now that shipment of orders placed up to 9 May has been made I am waiting excitedly to hear from Aptos of the impending shipment of my K3 Exciting times Chris G3SJJ ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2: Very strange power problem has cropped up
My K2/100 has been working great for the year and a half (except for a bad power cord once) since I built it, but it just recently presented me with a perplexing problem. Since I don't get on SSB very often, I don't know how long this has been an issue, but the symptom is that when I start transmitting in SSB, power is OK for about 3-4 seconds and then power shuts down to zero on both SSB and CW. When I remove the SSB board and install bypass jumpers (and recommended capacitor), the rig works perfectly in CW. When I reinstall the SSB board, same problem; i.e. 3-4 seconds of good SSB power and then power shuts down to zero. Thinking that the problem must be on the SSB board, I took voltage measurements on all the SSB board ICs. The only voltages from the IC voltage table that were off were these: U2-5 RX and TX was .47V rather than .6 (probably not significant?) U2-2 TX was 5.63V rather than 5.9V U2-8 TX was 3.1V rather than 5.4V U3-5 RX was .25V rather than .4V U3-6 TX was .64 rather than .8-1.2V U4-3 RX was .47V rather than .6V Anybody care to venture a guess on what these symptoms could mean? I'm not really an electronics guy so I'm just using the process of elimination to try and track this down, but I can't imagine that there is something on the SSB board that can shut the power down completely at both the QRP and 100W level. However, I have accidentally discovered that if I leave the jumper capacitor out of the jumpered condition (SSB board removed), there is no power, so maybe Q3, C39, D3 or C42 on the SSB board are the culprits with either a failure or bad solder joint. That where I will start looking tomorrow and hopefully you guys will have a suggestion or two to limit my random hunting process. ;-) By the way, for the guys asking about the value of used rigs, I was amazed that my other K2/100 (loaded) went at the Buy-it-Now price on eBay within 12 hours of being listed last Saturday. I got slightly more than I paid for the original rig and options, but a couple of bucks less than the current new pricing. I was very pleased. I'm expecting my first K3 within two weeks and the second one should show up in March/April. I'll be selling this second K2/100 at that time, but only after I track down this recently discovered problem. Thanks, Bob K5WA K2/100 #4687 K2/100 #5119 (just sold) K3/100 #2XX??? K3/100 #4XX??? maybe? ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Audio recording with a K3
I'm wanting to record both sides of a CW qso through my new (about to be shipped) K3. Is there a line out audio connection or will my headphones need to share volume control with the recorder? Bob, K5WA Houston, Texas ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Buying into the first run
Anybody wanting to sell their deposit/space in the first K3 production line, please contact me directly. I was planning on eventually getting a second K3 for my SO2R setup, but might as well do it now if anyone can't stand the delay. tnx, Bob K5WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] KPA100 Amplifier Keying
I've just installed the KPA100UPKT to bring #4687 up to date. Apparently, I messed up the amp keying circuit somehow. It now keys and unkeys with each dot and dash. Changing the TR time has no effect on the amp keying. Even when I set the TR to 1 second, the rig holds in transmit, but the amp unkeys between elements. I plug the amp into my other K2/100, and things work perfectly, so I know it isn't the amp. I've put an ohm meter on the amp key line and it shows the keyed line to be performing correctly, i.e. holding zero ohms until the TR releases. Any ideas? Have I damaged Q9 so that it won't handle the current/voltage of my AL-80B anymore, yet it gives good readings on my VOM? Thanks, Bob Evans, K5WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] PTT fix in K3
My only complaint in both my K2s was the ability to have my contesting software key the PTT line while on CW. I understand the K2 was built with the backpacker in mind that might want to send CW with his MIC, but I hope this idea was not carried over into the K3 (or at least make it optional). Can the K3 use the PTT line on CW without going key down? i.e. simply placing the rig in transmit before a CW character is sent? I can't wait to get my hands on one...I'm just hoping eBay won't be flooded with K2s going up for sale. ;-) Bob K5WA Houston, Texas ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2 and RX Beverage antenna
Gary, I have the RX antenna on both of my K2s. I actually share the beverage antenna between the 2 rigs. If I have both RX antennas turned on, I lose about 3db on each, but that is no big deal since the signal is way down anyway and you are simply looking for better signal to noise ration with a beverage. I have had no damage to either rig and I have run a KW on 160 and 80 while listening on the alternate radio. Have fun with it! Bob K5WA Message: 24 Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2006 22:50:08 -0500 From: Gary Marks [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: [Elecraft] K2 and RX Beverage antenna ? To: Elecraft Reflector Elecraft@mailman.qth.net Message-ID: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 I've been thinking of running a Beverage receive antenna to use with my K2 for 160-80m. I've heard that some rigs front end have been ruined using these because the radio's receiver isn't turned-off during transmit. I was wondering if my K2 (#5609) turns off the receiver during transmit ? Gary WD8ICX ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: CW Sweepstakes Contest
Craig, CW Sweepstakes is my favorite contests and one of the few that I make a full bore effort to compete in. I'll be running both my K2/100s at the 100W level in a SO2R (single operator, 2 radio) configuration. I use the old DOS based TRlog contesting software which essentially lets both rigs operate as one...as long as your head can handle hearing one radio in your left ear and another radio in your right ear. I will be all bands with a 2 element 40M beam at 80'; stacked triband 3 element quads(75' and 40') on 20,15 and 10; 80M 4 square and 80M full size delta loop. 80M is not very productive from South Texas (STX section) during SS, so most of my time will be on 40 and 20 with stints on 15 and 10 to see if they open up. I will especially be looking for Elecrafters! I hope you have fun in the contest. Bob K5WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Nothing new to Elecraft owners...
I know this isn't anything new to Elecraft owners, but I just had to say it anyway. Last week, I built and added the DSP unit to my second K2/100 a year after completing my last Elecraft kit. And it was darned fun! I am still amazed that Elecraft has designed kits that even I can not screw up. I am still 100% consistent at having never made a parts inventory check AND getting the kit built with NO issues on the first try. I am not overly detail oriented, but Elecraft has, somehow, managed to make a product that compensates for every shortcoming I can throw at them. Now that I can compare the default de-noiser settings in the DSP unit to my first one, which I have adjusted, I'll be correcting my adjusted one back to the default settings since it sounds better than what I had done. ;-) 73, Bob K5WA K2/100 4689 and 5119 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] PTT options in K2 firmware?
Has anyone heard of any movement by Elecraft to modify the K2's firmware to allow PTT use on CW? I'd really like to stay away from a hardware mod if at possible, but I'm getting desperate to have PTT on code. Thanks es 73, Bob K5WA K2/100 #4684 and #5119 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] PTT options in K2 firmware?
Has anyone heard of any movement by Elecraft to modify the K2's firmware to allow PTT use on CW? I'd really like to stay away from a hardware mod if at possible, but I'm getting desperate to have PTT on code. Thanks es 73, Bob K5WA K2/100 #4684 and #5119 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] My Noise Blanker REALLY works!
I have had my K2s for several months now and have never had occasion to see the NB really do a number on any of the noises I have run across on HF. It wasn't much of a problem because I was always able to work through any particular noise and I assumed the noise was more atmospheric than anything else. Well, the other night, I was playing around at 2AM on 40M and an S9 intermittent noise popped up that probably was a neighbor's outside halogen yard light arcing over in the thick morning fog. I pushed the NB button and the noise absolutely disappeared. I couldn't believe my ears until I turned the NB off and the noise was S9 again. Man, that was impressive! I had thought the NB in the K2 was just a novelty until I saw this particular noise get erased so completely. I continue to be more and more impressed with these radios. Bob K5WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] R14 Change on SSB board
I made the 1K to 10K resistor change on my K2's SSB board because I use a Heil element and seemed to have to talk louder than I preferred in order to get the VOX to work well. After the change, I really haven't noticed much of a change in the Gain and Compression settings, but the VOX sensitivity is greatly improved and is very smooth now. I can speak much more naturally without having to worry about the rig dropping out of transmit. This will make my contesting hours much less stressful on my voice. Thanks to the person who came up with the mod! Bob K5WA K2/100 #4687 #5119 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Optimum AGC threshold setting
W3FPR's answer (below) to S-meter settings triggered a question: The manual says to set the AGC to 3.80 V, which I have done, but if I wanted to set it for optimum receiver performance, as Don suggests, which way and how far do I go? I usually use the XG1 and check the S-meter with the preamp off on 40 meters - if the AGC Threshold is set for optimum receiver performance, and CAL S Hi and Lo are set the S-meter usually comes right in at S-9 with the preamp off. Thanks, Bob K5WA K2/100s #4687 #5119 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: K2 Twins software
FWIW, I use two K2/100s in my SO2R contest station. I use TRlog contest software. TRlog has a command called EXCHANGERADIOS that immediately swaps the frequencies in the two rigs (i.e. frequency on rig A replaces freq on rig B and vice-versa). I find this useful if I'm tuning on one band while CQing on the other and then decide to start CQing on the opposite band. Even though I've got my station set up to have either rig as the prime rig, I prefer my left rig as my run rig. I've also used my two K2s to tune on the same band as I'm CQing. This requires a separate antenna as far away from my transmitting antenna as possible. I use an old vertical for same band tuning. It isn't the greatest antenna, but that is OK since I have the ability to quickly swap frequencies with the EXCHANGERADIOS command. I can realistically get within 15 KHz of my transmitted signal without too much of a problem copying stations. My same band vertical is only 100 feet from my transmitting quads because that is all the room I have. I could never have done this with my old IC-765s. The K2s are THAT good at close in rejection! There is also a SWAPRADIOS command that swaps the key, mic, headphones and logged frequency to the other radio. The swapping is controlled by a pin in the parallel port changing state. That pin can be use with Top-Ten Devices DXDoubler, your own interface (as I use) or several other manufacturers SO2R boxes. The downside to TRlog for some people is that TRlog is a DOS program and probably will never be ported over to Windows, but it handles all the packet interfacing, rig interfacing and contest logging I will ever use. Bob K5WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2s in SO2R mode for SS CW
I had my first full bore outing with my pair of K2/100s in SO2R mode. They did an amazing job of not bothering each other when transmitting on adjacent bands. I augment band separation with a pair of I.C.E. 419 automatic band filters, but the K2s do most of the work themselves. It is particularly impressive when you look at my antenna system which consists of phased tri-band quads at 75 and 40 feet, a 2 element 40M yagi at 80 feet, a 2 element 40M quad at 60' fixed northwest and an 80M dipole at 70'. The K2s allow me to transmit (CQing) on one band of my quads while listening (search pouncing) on adjacent bands of the same quad.at the same time. I've even cranked up an amp to test putting 1KW on 20M with no interaction, except for the direct harmonic, on 15M or 10M in any combination. This was particularly useful on Sunday in ARRL SS CW when pickings are slim. When transmitting on 40M, I can hear hash on 20M plus or minus the second harmonic, but signals are still copyable. I just CQ high on 40M (7030 or higher) and tune below 14060. Anyway, Elecraft has moved me up a level in the competition or at least help me stay even with the newer technology flooding the market. Being able to ignore high power stations planting themselves within 200 Hz or less of my CQ frequency really makes the stress much lower over the 30 hours when you are dead tired. In the low power category (150W), I managed 1025 QSOs in all 80 sections (if the North Dakota wasn't a pirate) in a rough year for SS. The K2s performed great. I did find an intermittent power fluctuation that I'll need to fix before SSB weekend. Oh well, gotta have something to play with, right? CUL, Bob K5WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] VCO Shielding Mod Success!
Wow, I just finished putting the shielding modification (#K2VCOSHLDKT) in both my K2s and it completely stopped the problem of my Ham II and Ham IV rotator boxes getting into the K2s and causing me a nasty transmitted signal. For some reason, I never had a speck of a problem with any of my big amplifiers, but those rotator boxes were tearing me up. It is sure nice to be able to transmit while turning my antennas. Now, if the PTT arrangement can ever get a firmware fix, I'd be in heaven. Thanks Elecraft!! Bob K5WA P.S. I never put our 1A Field Day results on the reflector, but we ended up 8th (about 1600 QSOs, 70% CW) in that category using a single K2/100. Next year, we'll try to get a few bonus points more than the ZERO we got this year. We were having too much fun making Qs and forgot to plan! ;-) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] 5119 is alive!
My second K2 is working great after occupying my free time during hurricane Rita (I'm in Houston, Texas). I ordered the pre-built coils this time around and that sure helped speed things up for me. I'm actually going to order another set of coils and retrofit my first K2 because it seems like 5119 is hearing about 10db better than 4687 and I didn't think was possible. I'll go through the troubleshooting process first to see if I have a problem, but I never would have thought I had a problem if I didn't have a second K2 to compare with. I also felt like everything fit (hardware, case, etc.) better this time around. I thought it was great on the first one, so I was very surprised to find things even better on the second one. Maybe it was just the familiarity from building the first one. Now I can finish building out my SO2R station in preparation for November's Sweepstakes contest. The only possible weakness I have found is in the chassis screw/ 2-D fastener interface. My shack is literally a cubbyhole room built in my garage. It is only climate controlled when I'm operating, so it sees high humidity and heat regularly (100F at 100% humidity.yes, Houstonians have gills). After 6 months, I'm finding the chassis screws are getting stuck in the 2-D mounts from corrosion or galling between the aluminum mounts and the steel (I guess) screws. I now have 2 screws that I've not been able to remove before striping out the heads. Any suggestions (both for screw removal and long term protection)? See you all on the bands! Bob K5WA K2s 4687 and 5119 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] FD Report from K5WA in STX
K2 #4687 made its maiden voyage in a FD this year and came through with flying colors in the 1A category from Columbus, Texas. We ran 100 watts to a 3 element tribander on 60' of Rohn 25 we pulled up with a pulley and a 40' tree. We also hung a 2 element 40M quad strung between a pipe 10' above the tribander and another tree to the northeast of the tower. The bands were great and the location was extremely quiet...or was it just the K2. Naw, it was mostly the location, but the K2 squeezed about 900 CW QSOs and 700 SSB QSOs out of the 24 hour period. There were only 2 operators, KD5GTB on SSB and me on CW, so we were pretty tired after standing up the tower and stringing up the 40M quad, but we lasted the entire contest and still had energy to lower the tower without damaging anything. We had an FT-100 as a backup, but never needed it. The Honda generator purred very nicely all weekend too. The highlight of the weekend was working N0SS on 2 different bands and knowing we were working K2 to K2. Your 5W sounded mighty good in Texas Tom! Bob K5WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] XV144 works great
I don't know why I'm always amazed when an Elecraft kit goes together flawlessly and works the first time, but my latest Elecraft addition, the XV144, followed the same pattern as the rest of my 100% Elecraft station. I am very pleased with the performance and only sad that I finished the XV144 one week after the ARRL VHF contest. Since I've now got the XV50 and XV144, it would sure be nice to see the XV432 announced as being ready for shipment. Thanks again for keeping up such great kitting standards Elecraft! Bob K5WA K2/100 #4687 ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] XV50 is now on the air
Well, I can't believe it, but Elecraft has continued its perfect record with me. My new XV50 and transverter/60M interface worked perfectly the first time with NO problems. The reason that this amazes me is that I still have never done an inventory prior to starting an Elecraft kit and I always jump into the manual to start building because, to me, operating is the point, not building. I only build because I'm getting great specs at a savings...and I'm pretty cheap. I am careful and have gotten all the right soldering equipment to do my work, but I zoom through things pretty quickly. I finished the XV50 and interface over the weekend and completed alignment/testing last night. Everything worked perfectly and tuned up as predicted. I know I'm living on the edge, but Elecraft has got this art down to where even a non-techie type like me can build the product to spec in a short period of time. CU on the air, Bob K5WA K2/100 #4687, KSB2, K160RX, K60XV,KNB2, KDSP2, XV50, (XV144 coming soon!) ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] 2 k2
David, I've been an SO2R operator for several years with a pair of IC-765s and completely agree with other's SO2R sentiments. I sold those 765s with the idea of replacing them with the much better receiver specs in 2 K2/100s. I just built my first K2 (#4687) and gave it a good work out in the 160M contest this past weekend (475 Qs and 62 Mults). I WILL be getting another one in the next few months to complete my SO2R station. Once you get used to hearing one band in your left ear and another band in your right ear, the SO2R concept is that you can effectively increase your score by calling CQ on one band while hunting and pouncing on a second band. You can be your own multiplier or added QSO hunter. I have another idea that may be possible with 2 K2s; diversity reception and panoramic reception. Admittedly, both of these concepts caught my interest in the TenTec Orion, but you can buy 2 K2s and still have enough change left over for a weekend vacation. I really am fascinated by these Orion features and I think it might be possible to achieve with 2 K2s, however, I am not technically competent enough to go much farther than concept with this idea. My understanding is that the PLLs would need to be exactly synced or both rigs would need to run off a single PLL before either of these could be correctly implemented. Maybe someone technically oriented has a thought on this. Bob K5WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] DSP key click solved in KPA100
I think most of you know this, but I couldn't track it down in the archives, so I thought I'd post it now. When I finished installing the DSP board on #4687, I noticed a slight pop/click/annoying noise upon key up. Gary, AB7MY, saved me a lot of time and trouble by suggesting I change C71 on the KPA100 to a .1uF. As throughout this entire project, Elecraft was always a couple of steps ahead of me and they just happened to have included a spare 104 capacitor. I popped it in and everything is perfect. I really can't believe my luck, but now I'm ready to tackle the 160M contest tonight and give the K2/100 a good workout. One other note. After first assembly of the KPA100 and playing around into a dummy load at 100W for a couple of hours, I noticed what others have pointed out; the mounting screws for the finals needed to be tightened again. I tightened each screw about a quarter turn. It may be my imagination, but the rig seemed to run cooler after tightening those screws, so I'll probably tighten them up a couple more times as the rig gets thermally broken in. I'm getting a new muffin fan to put on top of the rig anyway because I'm going to be banging away pretty hard on the CQ button. Oh yes, and I have to express my excitement about the computer interface. The contest software I've used for years, TRlog, has always had the ability to tune the VFO of a Kenwood via the shift keys; left shift goes down in freq and right shift key goes up. FINALLY, with the K2, I can use that feature. The computer interface worked flawlessly and is rock solid. My old IC-765 never could use the shift keys and the interface needed serious tweaking to work properly. TNX, Bob K5WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] Re: Which Mods are applicable?
Jim, I have just finished K2 #4687 with KPA100, DSP, 160M, SSB and NB. My kit came with all required mods already in the parts package. All I needed to do was to update the construction manual with written notes found on the included Errata sheets. Elecraft included one Mod bag of parts for either the DSP or KPA100 (I don't remember which one) which I THOUGHT needed to be installed, but after realizing I was replacing a capacitor with the exact same capacitor (I'm slow sometimes), I realized the corrected parts were already incorporated into the regular parts inventory. The only part I had to replace which can be called a mod, was C71 in the KPA100. As luck (or incredible planning on Elecraft's part) would have it, the .1uF capacitor needed for C71 was a spare left over from one of the other accessories. My point is: I wouldn't worry about those optional mods until you get the rig together. Elecraft has done a great job of getting an up-to-date kit in your hands so that you don't have to worry. Have fun! Bob K5WA * How does one determine which should/need be purchased? If needed why are they not included with the appropriate kit? It appears I could spend a hundred dollars or more on modifications to make a new radio work. That could wreck my radio budget. Thanks for the help, Jim, AB0UK ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] #4687 is now a K2/100
Well, it has been 2 weeks since all these Elecraft boxes hit the door and everything is assembled, tested and ready for the 160 contest this weekend. The K2, K160RX, KDSP2, KNB2,KPA100, KSB2 and KRC2 went together flawlessly. I can't say enough about the organized assembly instructions and quality of the boards, parts and inventory. I didn't do ANY inventory count prior to construction and everything worked out perfectly. I realize I'm living dangerously, but that's the kind of guy I am. In this case, it all worked out perfectly...even the computer interface. NOW I just need to spend some quality time learning how to operate this rig. ;-) Bob K5WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
[Elecraft] K2 #4687 is on the air
Wow, I can't believe all those parts really turn into a radio. The electronic design of the radio may be pretty good, but Christine (This subassembly packed by: Christine) did an absolutely PERFECT job of packing every single part correctly. Amazing. Anyway, lessons learned that may help someone later: 1) L31 was shipped to me as a 10uH shielded Inductor, but my PLL Reference Oscillator Range would not go higher than 9.45 kHz until Lisa (in Parts) shipped me a 12uH replacement. The range is now over 12 kHz as I remember. 2) Take a nap before installing T4. I managed to install it BACKWARDS as I went past midnight in my assembly excitement. The rig still put out 8-10W, but the current was at 4A. Lucky I didn't smoke anything in the rig! After fixing T4, the rig puts out 18W at just under 3A. Lastly, a big thanks to Gary, AB7MY. He helped me find the answers to these issues very quickly and I really appreciate his advice. Now on to the KPA100 and DSP units. See you on the air. Bob K5WA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
