Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft] KX3 - easiest way to panadapt?

[Chris Rutkowski]

It is an alternative to lp-bridge.

 And you're right: Such programs are not "needed"  for the panadapter per se. 
Rather, they are needed to integrate multiple pieces of software sharing a 
single serial port on your computer, which is hooked to the KX3 (or other rig). 
And that is a very common requirement.

for example, I almost always open my Amateur Contact Log and NaP3 for every-day 
operating.

For another example, during a recent contest I had NaP3, cw-skimmer, and N1MM+ 
open at once.

All use the same serial port to control the rig. 

Chris NW6V

-Original Message-
From: Ed
Sent: 10/17/2015 5:13 PM
To: 'Chris Rutkowski'; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: RE: Elecraft] KX3 - easiest way to panadapt?


What is " comocon "  and why would I need it with NaP3 and my KX3 just to view 
the spectrum?

 

Ed

 

 



From: Chris Rutkowski [mailto:chrisr...@gmail.com] 
Sent: Saturday, October 17, 2015 4:53 PM
To: k7...@yahoo.com; elecraft@mailman.qth.net
Subject: Re: Elecraft] KX3 - easiest way to panadapt?

 



Hi Ed. 

When the other fellow (sorry, just went blank on his name) said u need a good 
sound card, he was right, mostly. The better the soundcard the better nap3 will 
work. However, when I first started - say, the first 3 months or so, I used the 
soundcard built into my Old Dell D620 laptop (W7), and it worked plenty well 
enough to get me hooked on panadapters. Biggest limitation is that the maximum 
bandwidth with the old dell (based on the bandwidth of the soundcard) was 48khz 
- where's my pricy external soundcard allows 192Khz. .  That may sound like a 
big deal, but truth be known since im a cw and rtty guy, I don't find much more 
than 50khz to be all that useful. Point is, as long as whatever MIC input u use 
is STEREO, you can  use it and gain experience with it. 

Should mention that according to the author of NaP3, comocon works  with NaP3. 
In fact he stated he prefers it because it loads faster. 

Detail: if u use lp-bridge, be sure to put NaP3 on the "set port."

As for what's easiest and best... It depends on you. I own Win4k3. It is an 
interesting program, that brings lots to the table. However, for me, the only 
piece that was (is) of real interest is the panadaptor.  You can download a 
trial and test for yourself.  Personally, so far, I strongly prefer NaP3 as a 
panadapter.. But of course, there is no right or wrong regarding taste.

what do I like? I LOVE that NaP3 can put spots right on the spectrum. Worth its 
weight in gold. I also love working Rtty and CW: positioning yourself in a 
pileup is incredibly easy. I just got a feature working called the data/text 
window, which displays decoded data or CW in one window and allows u to type in 
the other. 

For now, I count nap3 as second to my rig and antenna in importance to my 
enjoyment of the hobby. 

After all, I can still use a paper log if I have to...

73, Chris NW6V




: "Ed" <k7...@yahoo.com>
To: <elecraft@mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 - easiest way to panadapt?
Message-ID: <0ed701d10861$7230b660$56922320$@com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"


I have a KX3.  I would like to use my computer and laptop ( Windows 7 and
Windows 8 ) to display a spectrum from my KX3, using the RX I/Q output.
What is the simplest and recommended easiest way to do this?  NaP3 ?  

I use my KX3 mostly on digital modes  with SignaLink USB interface and
sometimes with just the laptop soundcard interface.
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Re: [Elecraft] Elecraft] KX3 - easiest way to panadapt?

[Chris Rutkowski]

Hi Ed. 

When the other fellow (sorry, just went blank on his name) said u need a good 
sound card, he was right, mostly. The better the soundcard the better nap3 will 
work. However, when I first started - say, the first 3 months or so, I used the 
soundcard built into my Old Dell D620 laptop (W7), and it worked plenty well 
enough to get me hooked on panadapters. Biggest limitation is that the maximum 
bandwidth with the old dell (based on the bandwidth of the soundcard) was 48khz 
- where's my pricy external soundcard allows 192Khz. .  That may sound like a 
big deal, but truth be known since im a cw and rtty guy, I don't find much more 
than 50khz to be all that useful. Point is, as long as whatever MIC input u use 
is STEREO, you can  use it and gain experience with it. 

Should mention that according to the author of NaP3, comocon works  with NaP3. 
In fact he stated he prefers it because it loads faster. 

Detail: if u use lp-bridge, be sure to put NaP3 on the "set port."

As for what's easiest and best... It depends on you. I own Win4k3. It is an 
interesting program, that brings lots to the table. However, for me, the only 
piece that was (is) of real interest is the panadaptor.  You can download a 
trial and test for yourself.  Personally, so far, I strongly prefer NaP3 as a 
panadapter.. But of course, there is no right or wrong regarding taste.

 what do I like? I LOVE that NaP3 can put spots right on the spectrum. Worth 
its weight in gold. I also love working Rtty and CW: positioning yourself in a 
pileup is incredibly easy. I just got a feature working called the data/text 
window, which displays decoded data or CW in one window and allows u to type in 
the other. 

For now, I count nap3 as second to my rig and antenna in importance to my 
enjoyment of the hobby. 

 After all, I can still use a paper log if I have to...

73, Chris NW6V




: "Ed" 
To: 
Subject: [Elecraft] KX3 - easiest way to panadapt?
Message-ID: <0ed701d10861$7230b660$56922320$@com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"


I have a KX3.  I would like to use my computer and laptop ( Windows 7 and
Windows 8 ) to display a spectrum from my KX3, using the RX I/Q output.
What is the simplest and recommended easiest way to do this?  NaP3 ?  

I use my KX3 mostly on digital modes  with SignaLink USB interface and
sometimes with just the laptop soundcard interface.
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Re: [Elecraft] K3 and a timewave Dsp 599zx

[Chris Rutkowski]

Dave,

Haven't used a Timewave 599zx with a K3, and only for a half hour or
so with my KX3.

However, I did use the 599zx with an older non-DSP radio for over a
year and it made a tremendous difference in CW (don't operate phone
much, so no comment). But my urban QTH is -very- noisy.

After I got the KX3 I tried it - and it made a slight difference,
maybe. But not enough to bother, so I put it in a box and there it has
stayed. Been planning to sell it one of these days, but, you know...

Note that on the KX3, using CW, I have the bandwidth down to 400Hz or
less, as well as using the NB, Notch, and other tricks. The old radio
had a narrow crystal filter, but the ringing was so bad I could barely
stand listening to it. So it was rarely used. In that situation the
Timewave Audio DSP was very effective.

As to Jim K9YC's comment, I won't argue because I've never used it
with a K3. I would just add that when you live in noise hell, audio
distortion is so far down the problem list as to not be relevant.

73 Chris NW6V


 --

 Message: 7
 Date: Thu, 5 Dec 2013 07:35:25 -0500
 From: Dave Wank dhw...@hotmail.com
 To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net elecraft@mailman.qth.net
 Subject: [Elecraft] K3 and a timewave Dsp 599zx
 Message-ID: col125-w25ac6197d658d8009b06eed0...@phx.gbl
 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

 Hi to all.Just wondered if anyone has used a Dsp 599 zx filter with a K3, and 
 what were the results.Thanks for any info...73  NK8A...Dave

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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 and KPA-500

[Chris Rutkowski]

 Bob,

Of course, you're right. I knew that - somewhere in my head. :-)  I'm
sure I read it in a post or in the manual.

Guess it's a case of old habits dying hard; I find a low-key,
low-power dit to make sure everything is on the green -before- I need
it in a pile-up, reassuring. Largely unnecessary, it's true; but
reassuring none-the-less. It's not a big deal to me one way or the
other.

But thanks for the reminder.

73 Chris NW6V



On Fri, Nov 29, 2013 at 1:58 PM, Robert Friess rfri...@usa.net wrote:
 Chris,

 You don't have to go to STBY and send a dit for a band change to avoid hot
 switching.  When the need to bandswitch is detected, the KPA500
 automatically goes to BYPASS, performs the band change, and then switches
 itself back in line all within a small fraction of a second.

 Bob, N6CM


 On Fri, Nov 29, 2013 at 1:41 PM, Chris Rutkowski chrisr...@gmail.com
 wrote:

 Hi George.

 I use a KX3 with a KPA500 as my everyday rig.

 With the KX3 set for maximum output (12W) into resonant antennas (SWRs
 1.5:1) in the CW portions of the band I see from 160W on 20M up to
 about 220W on 10M. I don't use SSB often enough to recall, but they in
 a similar range.

 Thus the real-world and the math agree.

 Operationally, the auto-band changing of the amp allows me to QSY and
 transmit without thinking about the amp - it just tracks nicely.
 However, I -do- usually give the amp a single dit in STBY mode to get
 the band right. No sense hot-switching everything needlessly.

 73 Chris NW6V

  On Thu, Nov 28, 2013 at 12:34 PM, George Rebong ke6t...@gmail.com
  wrote:
 
  I would like to try this combination and wonder how many watts will I
  get
  out in the KPA-500.
  Happy Thanks Giving
 
  73
  George
 
  Sent from my iPad 3G
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Re: [Elecraft] KX3 and KPA-500

[Chris Rutkowski]

Hi George.

I use a KX3 with a KPA500 as my everyday rig.

With the KX3 set for maximum output (12W) into resonant antennas (SWRs
1.5:1) in the CW portions of the band I see from 160W on 20M up to
about 220W on 10M. I don't use SSB often enough to recall, but they in
a similar range.

Thus the real-world and the math agree.

Operationally, the auto-band changing of the amp allows me to QSY and
transmit without thinking about the amp - it just tracks nicely.
However, I -do- usually give the amp a single dit in STBY mode to get
the band right. No sense hot-switching everything needlessly.

73 Chris NW6V

 On Thu, Nov 28, 2013 at 12:34 PM, George Rebong ke6t...@gmail.com wrote:

 I would like to try this combination and wonder how many watts will I get
 out in the KPA-500.
 Happy Thanks Giving

 73
 George

 Sent from my iPad 3G
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Re: [Elecraft] Semi-OT: Traveling by air with KX3

[Chris Rutkowski]

Hi Nick.

I've traveled with my KX3 and various accessories on a dozen or more
flights, both domestic (around the USA) and into several European
countries.

Here's a synopsis of the results and best practices derived therefrom.

1. No one has ever shown the slightest interest in the KX3 (with
internal NiMH batteries), coiled antenna wires, coils of coax, or
small bits and pieces and wires.

2. The only items that have drawn attention (once each) have been:

a. A separate battery pack (Buddistick in my case)
b. Needle nose pliers close to 7 inches.
c. A barrel connector joining the PL259s on either end of a coil of
coax (they said they couldn't see it well enough).

The seven inch tool item is a tough one because longer tools are
specifically prohibited. So measure the tool first. However, the tool
that drew attention was only six inches long, but they wanted to
measure it to make sure.

A TSA agent made a suggestion which both makes sense and has so far worked:

If in doubt, unpack it and put it in plain view.

In other words, I now organize my packing so that the battery pack,
that suspect tool, and such are easily removed for inspection (along
with my laptop and the little bag full of liquids), and rather than
waiting for the TSA to ask, I put them in the examaination tray along
with my shoes.

Haven't raised an eyebrow since. On my last flight (3 weeks ago from
MSP to PDX) a TSA agent actually -thanked- me for putting out the
battery pack!

However, you never know about the next guy, so remember that they're
doing a job, and thank them for being careful :-)

73, Chris NW6V


On Oct 8, 2013, at 16:27 , Nicklas Johnson n...@n6ol.us wrote:

 After my last trip, when I got hassled by the TSA about my wire stripper
 (no tools longer than 7 inches, even ones that couldn't possibly hurt
 anyone), I thought this time I should probably ask around first...

 Has anyone traveled with a KX3 and a Buddistick in carry-on luggage? I've
 got NiMH batteries installed in the KX3, and in the Buddistick bag there's
 the antenna itself and a couple spools of 25' of coax.

 It seems like it SHOULD be okay, unless they mistake segments of the
 Buddistick for Billy Clubs, which aren't allowed in carry-on (but are okay
 in checked luggage).

 But you never know these days... has anyone tried it, either successfully
 or unsuccessfully and can share experiences?

 ? Nick?
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[Elecraft] KX3 SWR issues when running through powered-off KPA500

[Chris Rutkowski]

I drive my KPA500 with a KX3. The KPA 500 has the January release firmware
(sorry I don't have the number and I'm not at my QTH).

I generally have the tuner in the KX3 disabled because it should be when
running throught the KPA500, and isn't needed when operating directly into
my resonant fan dipoles.

In normal operation I see about the same SWR in both modes: say 1.3:1 on
the low end of 20.

However, if I've been using the KPA 500, then turn both it and the KX3 off,
then turn the KX3 on to use it without the amp, I'll see a very high SWR at
the KX3.

Power cyclking the KPA500 via the front panel switch does not clear the
issue (I don't think I've tried it by turning off the master power switch
onthe rear and I'm 3000 niles from the home QTH as I write this). To clear
it, I need to set the KPA500 to operate and briefly transmit - even a
single dit is enough. At that point the KX3 sees a normal SWR and I can
turn the KPA 500 off and continue to see a normal SWR.

This behavior is mildly annoying and doesn't seem right.

Can anyone shed some light on this?

73, Chris NW6V
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Re: [Elecraft] KXPA100 AMP and KXAT100 ATU pics and info

[Chris Rutkowski]

On Thu, 25 Apr 2013 08:03:19 -0700 K6WRU wrote:

I'm sure this list will be the first to know the price when they can tell
us. Posting that much info without a price is a big hint that they are not
releasing the price yet. Patience.

I believe suggesting even a ballpark price could/would be construed as
selling the product prior to receiving FCC approval.

So, yes, patience. Or as my dad put it: Patience is a virtue preached by
many and practiced by few.

73, Chris NW6V
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